Movies
Multiplex giants PVR, Inox announce merger to combat OTT onslaught
Mumbai: Top multiplex chains PVR Ltd and Inox Leisure Ltd have announced a merger following a meeting of their board of directors on Sunday. The combined entity, called PVR Inox Ltd, will become the largest film exhibition company in India operating 1546 screens.
“The merged entity would be able to strongly counter the advent of various OTT platforms and the after effects of the pandemic,” the two companies said in an exchange filing.
The merger will be an all-stock amalgamation subject to approval of the shareholders of PVR and Inox respectively, stock exchanges, Sebi and such other regulatory as may be required.
Post the merger, the promoters of Inox will become the co-promoters in the merged entity along with existing promoters of PVR. The board of directors of the merged company will be reconstituted with a total board strength of ten members and both the promoter families having equal representation on the board with two seats each. PVR promoters will have 10.62 per cent stake while Inox promoters will have 16.66 per cent stake in the combined entity.
When the merger becomes effective, shareholders of Inox will receive shares of PVR in exchange of shares in Inox at the approved share swap ratio. Inox shareholders will receive three shares in PVR for ten shares of Inox.
It was also decided that PVR chairman Ajay Bijli will lead the combined entity as managing director and Sanjeev Kumar will be the executive director.
Inox Group chairman Pavan Kumar Jain will be named as non-executive chairman of the board, and Siddharth Jain will serve as non-executive non-independent director in the combined entity.
“This is a momentous occasion that brings together two companies with significantly complementary strengths,” said PVR’s Ajay Bijli. “The partnership of these two brands will put consumers at the center of its vision and deliver an unparalleled movie going experience to them. The film exhibition sector has been one of the worst impacted sectors on account of the pandemic and creating scale to achieve efficiencies is critical for the long-term survival of the business and fight the onslaught of digital OTT platforms.”
“Coming together of two iconic cinema brands, which are driven by passion, is certainly the most historic moment in the Indian cinema exhibition industry,” stated Inox Leisure director Siddharth Jain. “Both companies have set high service benchmarks in an endeavour to offer the best cinema experience in the world, to the most passionate moviegoers, and would continue to do so as a unified entity. As we head into the industry’s revival amidst headwinds, this decisive partnership would bring in enhanced productivity through scale, a deeper reach in newer markets and numerous cost optimisation opportunities, and continue to delight cinema fans with world-class experiences and landmark innovations.”
Hindi
MIFF 2026 to return to Mumbai; film entries open till April 12
19th edition to host WAVES Doc Bazaar, spotlighting global documentary talent
MUMBAI: The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 is set to take place from June 15 to 21 at the NFDC Complex, with film submissions currently open and the deadline fast approaching on April 12.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the biennial festival remains one of South Asia’s most prominent platforms for documentary, short fiction and animation films.
Filmmakers, producers and content creators from across the globe have been invited to submit entries via the Film Freeway platform for the Competition Section. Offline submissions will not be accepted, reinforcing a fully digital entry process.
MIFF 2026 continues to sweeten the deal with a robust awards pool of Rs 55 lakh. The coveted Golden Conch for Best Documentary carries a top prize of Rs 10 lakh, alongside multiple awards across categories, making it one of the most lucrative non-feature film festivals in the region.
A key highlight this year will be the second edition of the WAVES Doc Bazaar, scheduled from June 16 to 18 alongside the festival. Designed as a hub for collaboration, the Doc Bazaar will feature a co-production market, viewing rooms and a work-in-progress lab, bringing together global buyers, sellers and creators under one roof.
Since its inception in 1990, MIFF has built a reputation as a serious showcase for non-feature cinema, drawing participation from filmmakers worldwide. The previous edition saw over 350 films from more than 30 countries, underlining its growing international footprint.
With submissions closing soon and preparations underway, MIFF 2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant meeting point for storytelling, collaboration and cinematic craft, offering filmmakers both a stage and a springboard.
