Brands
PVR Inox reports higher Q3 revenue, profit jumps
MUMBAI: It appears PVR Inox is finally enjoying its “happily ever after” on the balance sheet, as the multiplex giant’s latest financial script reads more like a blockbuster than a flop. For the quarter ending 31 December 2025, the company reported consolidated revenue of Rs. 18,798 million, a healthy increase from Rs. 17,173 million in the same period last year. With footfalls steady and concession counters busy, the company’s total income for the quarter stood at Rs. 19,196 million, suggesting that the appeal of the big screen remains intact.
While the top-line growth offers a feel-good headline, the deeper narrative is more layered. Consolidated net profit for the quarter came in at Rs. 957 million, a strong jump from Rs. 359 million a year earlier. However, for the nine-month period ending December 2025, the company still reported a consolidated net loss of Rs. 1,546 million, indicating that the broader financial journey is not entirely out of the woods.
Across business segments, movie exhibition continued to be the primary revenue engine, generating Rs. 18,153 million during the quarter. The production and distribution segment contributed Rs. 1,178 million, while other segments added Rs. 395 million to the overall performance. Together, these divisions underscored the company’s reliance on theatrical operations while maintaining support from allied businesses.
The quarter also featured an exceptional item of Rs. 446 million on a consolidated basis, and Rs. 423 million on a standalone basis. This was largely attributed to the incremental impact of India’s new Labour Codes, which have consolidated 29 existing laws into four new frameworks. The adjustment reflects the company’s effort to align with the updated regulatory environment.
In a notable post-quarter development, PVR Inox disposed of its entire 93.27 per cent stake in subsidiary Zea Maize Private Limited for Rs. 2,268 million. The transaction was completed after the reporting period, meaning it did not affect the quarter’s adjustments, but it signals a move toward a leaner and more focused corporate structure.
Key financial ratios pointed to improving efficiency. The debt-to-equity ratio dropped to 0.15 from 0.23 a year earlier, indicating reduced reliance on borrowing. Interest service coverage rose sharply to 18.58 from 12.08, suggesting stronger capacity to meet interest obligations. Meanwhile, the operating margin for the quarter held steady at 32.36 per cent.
As the final credits roll on 2025, PVR Inox appears to be regaining its footing. With consolidated total expenses for the nine-month period at Rs. 50,436 million, management’s focus remains on balancing costs while sustaining audience momentum. The trading window is set to reopen on 7 February 2026, and investors will be watching closely to see whether the next quarter delivers another hit.
Brands
DeVANS sparks buzz with self-chilling beer can April Fools campaign
Godfather stunt racks up 7 million impressions, blending humour with hype
NEW DELHI: DeVANS Modern Breweries has stirred up the marketing pot with a playful yet high-impact campaign teasing a futuristic “self-chilling beer can” under its flagship Godfather label.
What began as a seemingly bold product innovation quickly turned into one of the most talked-about brand moments online, before being revealed as an April Fools’ Day prank. The reveal, however, did little to cool the buzz.
The campaign clocked over 7 million organic impressions across platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X, with users debating whether the concept was a genuine breakthrough or clever marketing theatre. Thousands of shares and comments turned the idea into a full-blown conversation, drawing in both consumers and industry insiders.
The hook was simple but effective. A self-chilling can positioned as an on-the-go convenience product tapped into the imagination of younger, urban audiences. Add the timing around April Fools’ Day, and the campaign struck the perfect balance between curiosity and scepticism, keeping audiences guessing.
Marketing experts have pointed to the campaign as a case study in leveraging cultural moments. By leaving just enough ambiguity, the brand invited audiences to participate rather than simply observe, turning passive viewers into active contributors to the narrative.
“Godfather has always been an iconic brand, but iconicity must evolve to stay meaningful,” said DeVANS Modern Breweries chairman and managing director Prem Dewan. “The ‘Self-Chilling Can’ was our way of showing up in a cultural moment with confidence and a sense of humour.”
Beyond the numbers, the campaign signals a broader repositioning for Godfather. Long seen as a legacy beer brand, it is now leaning into youth culture, digital-first storytelling and topical engagement to stay relevant in a crowded alcobev market.
In a space where attention is fleeting, DeVANS has shown that sometimes the coolest idea is the one that keeps people guessing.
