PVR Inox's popcorn power: Despite ticket sales dropping Rs. 316 cr, F&B spends rise 1.5%

Despite a sharper-than-expected decline in moviegoers during FY25, PVR Inox — India’s largest multiplex chain — managed to keep revenues afloat by leaning into its Food & Beverage (F&B) offerings, according to company filings and annual reports. The cinemas business faced headwinds from a fallout of the 2023 Hollywood strikes and a softer line-up of mainstream Indian films. Footfalls dropped significantly — ticket sales earnings plunged from Rs. 3,258 crore in FY24 to approximately Rs. 2,942 crore last year, accounting for a Rs. 316 crore fall. Admissions fell nearly 10%, shrinking from 15.14 crore to 13.69 crore overall.

Yet the silver lining came from concessions. Not only did the average ticket price remain stable at Rs. 259, but the average spend per customer on F&B rose 1.5% — from Rs. 132 to Rs. 134. This helped F&B income decline at a lower rate of around Rs. 153 crore, compared to the sharper drop in ticketing revenue. Overall, cinema food revenues dropped from Rs. 1,886 crore to Rs. 1,733 crore. The company clearly doubled down on its F&B business as a growth lever. It launched its first proprietary brand, ‘Dog Father’ hot dogs and rolled out non-vegetarian menus across 116 Inox screens. In a strategic pivot beyond cinemas, PVR Inox entered a joint venture with Devyani International to operate food courts in malls — one has launched in Kota, Rajasthan, with 7 to 9 more planned in FY26.

The home delivery and outdoor catering segments too showed momentum, with aggregator-led deliveries increasing 20% to an average Rs. 2 crore per month in sales. A standout success came from a key snack investor, Zea Maize, which owns the premium popcorn brand ‘4700 BC.’ Its revenues surged nearly 35%, reaching Rs. 102 crore in FY25. With expansion plans into retail and modern trade, the brand is tapping into India’s rapidly growing snacks sector, projected to double from Rs. 45,000 crore in FY23 to Rs. 85,000 crore by 2030. Premium offerings in the segment are forecast to grow even faster.

To facilitate this boost, PVR Inox invested Rs. 44.7 crore in Zea Maize during FY25, earmarking funds for production scale-up as well as hiring leadership for sales and marketing.

Amid the cinema slowdown, PVR Inox’s adaptive strategy underscores the shift toward an integrated entertainment experience — one where popcorn and concessions play a key role in driving business even when ticket sales dip.

Also Read: PVR INOX ignites screens with fiery Kantara-themed logo ahead of Chapter 1 release

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Karan Johar teases big comeback in 2026: “It almost feels like the onset of the 2.0 version of my life”

Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar recently shared an introspective note with fans, teasing his upcoming projects and giving a glimpse into his mindset ahead of 2026. The director, known for shaping some of Bollywood’s most iconic dramas, reflected on the past year, describing it as one of “internal revaluations, revelations and resolutions.”

In his candid social media post, Johar wrote, “The Sun … the Sea…. The Clarity … The last year has been a year of internal revaluations, revelations and resolutions…. It almost feels like the onset of the 2.0 version of my life… where you value what you truly have and feel for and the rest you slowly dissolve into emotional oblivion… 2026 is the year I will be back on set.. a promise I have made to myself… because that is not only my happy space and place but also my only calling in life… to tell stories with all the prerequisites of good old fashioned Hindi cinema… it’s in my DNA so why run away from it …( or try to please a bunch of people I don’t know ) The above may sound like a melange of random thoughts but it comes with so much clarity!!!! Seizing the moment not just the day… Love you all …”

Johar’s message signals a rejuvenated focus on filmmaking, promising audiences a return to the storytelling style that has defined his career. The filmmaker’s reflection resonates with many in the industry, as he highlights the importance of valuing genuine passions and letting go of distractions or external pressures.

 

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This year, Dharma Productions remained active across multiple platforms. The production house released a series of dramas for OTT audiences, including Nadaaniyan, Aap Jaisa Koi, and Sarzameen, while also delivering theatrical films like Kesari Chapter 2 and Dhadak 2. Despite the busy slate, Johar’s note suggests that he is looking forward to personally stepping back onto the set in 2026, reclaiming his creative space and immersing himself in hands-on storytelling once again.

KJo’s post, full of introspection and emotional honesty, reflects a man eager to embrace a “2.0” version of his life while staying true to his cinematic roots. As Karan Johar gears up for the next phase of his career, industry watchers are eager to see what projects he unveils and how he continues to shape Bollywood’s landscape in the coming year.

Also Read: Karan Johar opens up about Saiyaara defying industry expectations; says, “Suddenly, every logic, academia, information you have to trade goes out of the window”

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Vivek Agnihotri faces FIR over alleged misrepresentation of Freedom Fighter Gopal Mukherjee in new film trailer

Vivek Agnihotri directorial The Bengal Files witnessed a fresh controversy as Shantanu Mukherjee, grandson of celebrated Bengali freedom fighter Gopal Mukherjee, filed a police complaint against the filmmaker. The grievance comes in response to the trailer of Agnihotri's upcoming political drama, unveiled on August 16, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the "Great Calcutta Killings," also known as 'Direct Action Day.'

According to Shantanu Mukherjee, the film inaccurately portrays his grandfather, calling him “Kashai” (meaning butcher) and “Patha” (meaning goat), terms he describes as deeply disrespectful. "My grandfather was an important figure in the freedom movement, working alongside prominent leaders, with his ideology aligned with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. To label him in such derogatory terms is not only historically inaccurate but also offensive to our family and the community," Shantanu stated in a statement reported by India Today.

In protest, Shantanu has sent a legal notice to Vivek Agnihotri and lodged a formal FIR demanding a public apology. He expressed frustration that the filmmakers failed to consult the family or verify historical facts before the release of the trailer. "I think Vivek Agnihotri should research more on this. From where did they get this wrong information? He has not contacted us either. That's why we are protesting and will continue to do so," he said.

The film, which is the third installment in Agnihotri’s "Files Trilogy" following The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022), revolves around the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings and the Noakhali riots. It seeks to depict the events as genocide and highlights how these historical atrocities were allegedly silenced or ignored in mainstream narratives. The trailer's release on the anniversary of the tragedy has added emotional weight and intensified public scrutiny.

Film analysts note that Agnihotri’s projects often stir debate for their portrayal of historical events, and this latest controversy underscores the sensitivity surrounding depictions of real-life freedom fighters. Historians and community leaders have echoed Shantanu’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of responsible storytelling when representing figures who played pivotal roles in India’s independence movement.

The dispute raises critical questions about the responsibility of filmmakers to consult families and historians before dramatizing historical events. Whether the controversy will lead to edits in the film or a formal apology remains to be seen, but the FIR and legal notice signal that the debate is only just beginning.

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files trailer stopped in West Bengal; says, “Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land”

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Vivek Agnihotri’s The Bengal Files trailer stopped in West Bengal; says, “Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land”

On Saturday, the trailer launch of Vivek Agnihotri’s upcoming and much-debated film The Bengal Files, which depicts the 1946 Calcutta communal riots, was halted at a luxury hotel in Kolkata. The move was met with little surprise, given the sensitive subject matter and the expected backlash. The ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal is known for its strong stance on protecting the state’s minority community.

A senior Trinamool leader, who is also a veteran actor, told this writer on condition of anonymity, “It is unlikely Agnihotri’s film will be released in West Bengal. He has a reputation for being a troublemaker. The Kashmir Files stirred up disturbing anti-Muslim sentiments. That won’t be allowed to happen here.”

Responding to the incident, Vivek Agnihotri took to social media, tweeting, “With anguish I inform you: Today West Bengal police, on orders of ‘top authorities’, illegally stopped the trailer of #TheBengalFiles. First theatres, now even a private hotel.”

Later, speaking further on the controversy, Agnihotri remarked, “Who fears the truth of Hindu genocide? And why? Democracy is dead in Tagore and Vivekananda’s land. The trailer is now being seen all over the country, but since it is based in Bengal, we wanted its launch here. They don’t want the atrocities on Bengali Hindus in 1946 and the fightback of people like Gopal Mukherjee to be shown in cinema. If it is a part of history, do you want to change history? There can be only one reason behind such a move — to ignore the conspiracy to divide Bengal again.”

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who essays the role of Mahatma Gandhi in The Bengal Files, also came forward in support of the film. Speaking exclusively to this writer, Kher said, “The Bengal Files tells only the truth. Why fear the truth?”

Also Read: Vivek Agnihotri launches The Bengal Files trailer on Direct Action Day in Kolkata – Here’s why the date matters

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Aryan Khan turns storyteller as Netflix unveils first glimpse of The Ba***ds of Bollywood

Netflix, in collaboration with Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., has unveiled the much-anticipated first look of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, marking Aryan Khan’s official directorial debut. The streaming giant shared a teaser across its social media platforms, giving audiences a first taste of what promises to be an unconventional, high-energy series.

The teaser opens with a voiceover reminiscent of the romantic tone from his father Shah Rukh Khan starrer classic Mohabbatein, evoking nostalgia for Bollywood’s golden era. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts, landing a biting punchline that signals a departure from convention. While the voice might faintly remind audiences of Shah Rukh Khan, the delivery, intent, and freshness is introduced by none other than Aryan showcasing his uniqueness.

With this teaser, Aryan Khan steps into the limelight as a storyteller in his own right. His opening words in the video encapsulate the essence of the show: “Bollywood – jisse aapne saalon se pyaar bhi kiya aur vaar bhi kiya, main bhi wohi karunga, bohot saara pyaar… aur thoda sa vaar.” The line suggests that the series will celebrate Bollywood’s charm while also critiquing its clichés, blending reverence with rebellion.

Described as “fun, filmy, aur thoda zyaada,” the show aims to straddle the line between homage and satire. It promises to be provocative yet rooted, stylised yet chaotic, bringing forward a voice that represents a generational shift in how Bollywood stories are told and consumed.

 

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The series features an ensemble cast including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Raghav Juyal, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, and Gautami Kapoor. With such a diverse lineup, expectations are high for a multi-layered narrative packed with drama, humour, and self-awareness.

Behind the scenes, The Ba***ds of Bollywood has heavyweight backing. Gauri Khan serves as the producer, while Bonnie Jain and Akshat Verma take on the role of executive producers. Aryan Khan co-created the series along with Bilal Siddiqi and Manav Chauhan, with the trio also credited as writers.

The teaser concludes with Netflix’s announcement that a detailed preview of the series will be released on August 20, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about debuts in recent memory.

As anticipation builds, Aryan Khan’s first project signals not only a personal milestone but also the arrival of a new narrative voice - one that dares to playfully dissect the very industry it was born into.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan treats fans to a surprise; announces the teaser drop of the directorial debut of his son Aryan Khan on August 17

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Vivek Agnihotri launches The Bengal Files trailer on Direct Action Day in Kolkata - Here’s why the date matters

Filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri, best known for The Kashmir Files, has announced that the trailer of his upcoming film The Bengal Files will be launched in Kolkata on August 16, 2025. The choice of date is no coincidence — it marks the anniversary of Direct Action Day, a turning point in India’s pre-independence history.

On August 16, 1946, the Muslim League called for a protest to demand a separate Muslim homeland, Pakistan. What began as a demonstration in Calcutta soon spiraled into large-scale communal violence between Hindus and Muslims, leading to mass killings and destruction. Among the figures remembered from that day is Gopal Mukherjee, who, despite lacking political authority, mobilized local youth to defend Hindu communities against attacks.

Agnihotri explained the significance of choosing this date, saying, “We have chosen this day for the trailer launch, considering what happened on 16th August 1946 in Calcutta. While the protest by the Muslim League for a separate Muslim homeland escalated massively and led to the genocide of many Hindus, Gopal Mukherjee stood as a wall in defense of Hindus. So, as a tribute to them and to highlight the current scenario in Kolkata, we have decided this.”

Speaking about The Bengal Files, formerly titled The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter, the film is the third and final part of Agnihotri’s Files Trilogy after The Tashkent Files (2019) and The Kashmir Files (2022). The series explores events from modern Indian history that Agnihotri believes have been overlooked or misrepresented.

The Bengal Files focuses on the communal violence that shook undivided Bengal during the 1940s. It specifically portrays Direct Action Day and the Noakhali riots of 1946, which have been described as a Hindu genocide. The film will be released in two parts. The first installment, titled The Bengal Files: Right to Life, is scheduled for release on September 5, 2025, coinciding with Teachers’ Day in India.

Agnihotri has said in the past that the film was initially called The Delhi Files to emphasise his belief that “the destiny of India is written in Delhi and not in Bengal.” However, with the shift in focus, the project now directly engages with Bengal’s turbulent history.

 

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With its trailer launch planned on the very day that history unfolded, The Bengal Files aims to revive conversations around one of the most violent chapters in India’s independence struggle, while drawing parallels with present-day concerns.

Also Read: The Bengal Files trailer to be launched with War 2 and Coolie in theatres

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Aamir Khan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Abhishek Bachchan shine at IFFM 2025 Awards; deets inside

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025 turned into a star-studded celebration as Indian cinema’s finest talents were honoured at the prestigious Awards Night. Applause, emotion, and pride filled the air as filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan’s poignant drama Homebound emerged as the evening’s biggest winner, bagging both Best Film and Best Director.

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan was conferred with the coveted Excellence in Cinema Award, recognising his unparalleled legacy and contribution to Indian cinema. Speaking about his win, Aamir Khan said, “I have been attracted to telling stories from a very young age. Filmmaking is a collaborative art and this award and recognition wouldn’t have been possible without my writers, directors, co-stars, and the audiences who have given me the opportunity to tell the stories and be part of the many stories I have been part of.”

Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan delivered an emotional moment on stage as he won Best Actor (Male) – Film for I Want to Talk. Abhishek Bachchan, visibly moved after his Best Actor win, added, “Life has come a full circle for me. I came here in 2022 where I was feted with the excellence in cinema award for my body of work. But this is an emotional moment for me to get the best actor on this very stage and be recognised for my role in a film that’s extremely special to me. It was 3 years back in Melbourne at this same festival where Shoojit Da offered me this role in I Want To Talk. It was Shoojit Da who believed in me that I could pull off this role and this role is an ode to my father and my daughter because it’s about caring and raising a parent.”

The festival’s winners reflected the incredible diversity and depth of Indian storytelling across formats. Homebound was declared Best Film, while Neeraj Ghaywan won Best Director for the same. Angammal earned the title of Best Indie Film with Gugun Kigpen receiving a Special Mention for Boong. Geetha Kailasam won Best Actor (Female) – Film for her performance in Angammal.

The television segment saw Black Warrant win Best Series, with Jaideep Ahlawat taking home Best Actor (Male) – Series for Paatal Lok Season 2, and Nimisha Sajayan winning Best Actor (Female) – Series for Dabba Cartel. Reflecting on the journey, Jaideep said "This award is truly overwhelming. To be recognized on an international platform like the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is an honor I will cherish forever. Hathiram Chaudhary's journey has been an extraordinary one, and this award belongs to the entire team who poured their heart and soul into making Paatal Lok what it is today. I’m deeply grateful to the jury and, most importantly, to the audience for their love and support. This is for all of you."

Among the honorary recognitions, Arvind Swamy was celebrated with the Leadership in Cinema Award, Vir Das was honoured with the Disruptor Award, Aditi Rao Hydari was recognised for Diversity in Cinema, and Baksho Bondi won the Equality in Cinema Award. Arvind Swamy shared his happiness over the award and stated, “I’m still a student of cinema even though I have been given leadership in cinema for my work. If anyone offers me role even today that’s in my comfort zone, I wouldn’t do it, I always want roles that challenge me. I’m grateful for the recognition to be given the Leadership in Cinema award at IFFM 2025.”

Other categories included the short film  where Kalar Pencils by Dhananjay Santosh Goregaonkar won Best Short Film (India), while Drifters by David Liu was awarded Best Short Film (Australia).

Now in its 16th edition, IFFM has once again reaffirmed its status as the largest Indian film festival outside of India, bringing together filmmakers, stars, and audiences in a grand celebration of cinema. The festival continues until August 24, with Homebound serving as the closing film.

Also Read: Aamir Khan inaugurates Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025 with Gauri Spratt; unveils opening night film Baksho Bondi

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