Key Operational Details

  • PVR INOX Limited opened its first SMART Cinema property at ICON Plaza Mall in Muzaffarpur, Bihar on September 4, 2026.
  • The property consists of 4 screens with a total seating capacity of 644 seats.
  • The cinema features Christie's 4K RGB laser projection system, high-fidelity 7.1 surround sound, and last-row recliner seating.
  • This opening increases PVR INOX's screen presence in Bihar to 11 screens across the state.

Strategic Context and Expansion Plans

  • This opening marks the first step in PVR INOX's strategy to expand its presence across India's emerging growth markets, specifically targeting Tier III cities.
  • The SMART Cinemas concept combines the PVR INOX experience with a capital-efficient, asset-light model designed for smaller markets.
  • The company identified Muzaffarpur as a strategic location due to its status as a prominent commercial and educational center in North Bihar with evolving retail landscape and rising consumer aspirations.

Partnership Structure

  • The Muzaffarpur property has been developed in partnership with ICON Plaza Mall, creating a new entertainment anchor for the destination.
  • The partnership model allows PVR INOX to work with local developers and entrepreneurs, combining their market understanding with PVR INOX's operating expertise.

Management Commentary

  • Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, stated: "With SMART Cinemas, we are taking the next step by bringing our experience to a new generation of audiences in India's growth markets."
  • Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, emphasized: "The asset light model allows us to work closely with local developers and entrepreneurs... giving us the ability to build a wider network in a capital-efficient manner."
  • Mr. Amar Nath Pandey and Mr. Raghav Pandey, Directors of ICON Plaza Mall, expressed confidence in the partnership and indicated they are "actively working with PVR Inox to identify and evaluate more opportunities to expand such cinemas in other cities in the state."

Updated Network Statistics

With this launch, PVR INOX now operates:

  • 1,785 screens
  • Across 356 properties
  • In 114 cities (including India and Sri Lanka)

Operational Status

The PVR INOX Muzaffarpur property is now open to the public, with show timings and ticket bookings available through:

  • PVR INOX website and mobile application
  • Traditional online aggregator platforms