Hollywood
BookMyShow sells over 3.5 million tickets for Avengers: Infinity War; contributes close to 45% to its opening weekend collection in India
MUMBAI: Avengers: Infinity War set new records on BookMyShow as it became the first Hollywood film to sell an unprecedented 12 tickets a second when the bookings were at its peak on the weekend. BookMyShow has so far sold over 3.5 million tickets for this mega blockbuster and has contributed close to 45% to the film’s opening weekend collection in India.
The advance sales of the film were driven majorly by its English version given the high decibel buzz surrounding it. However, once the film released on April 27, 2018, BookMyShow witnessed a huge spike in the tickets sales for regional language versions of the film. 74% sales for its Hindi version happened post the release of the film indicating the massive role played by strong word of mouth.
BookMyShow, VP- Marketing and Business Intelligence, Marzdi Kalianiwala said, “BookMyShow has received an overwhelming response for Avengers: Infinity War and combining forces with Disney India went a long way in achieving such phenomenal results. The film, with its strong fan following and powerful content and storytelling has created new records on BookMyShow. By contributing close to 45% to the film’s opening weekend Net collections, we are thrilled to have been the default movie ticketing platform for millions of Avengers fans across the country.”
“The performance of the movie is a testament to the strength of the Marvel brand in India. Epic storytelling combined with our localization efforts has resulted in Marvel movies rewriting the box office records year-on-year. We always strive to work with the best-in class partners like BookMyShow whose efforts have enabled us to extend the experience to cinema-goers across the country,” said Bikram Duggal – Head, Studio Entertainment, Disney India.
Avengers: Infinity War also earlier created the record for highest ever advance sales on BookMyShow among Hollywood films. It sold over 1 million tickets even before the film’s release. BookMyShow also joined forces with Disney India to combine their digital efforts for this film and together developed a deeper understanding of consumer buying behaviour and purchase patterns.
Hollywood
Disney to cut 1,000 jobs in major restructuring drive
Layoffs span ESPN, studios and tech as company pivots to growth
MUMBAI: The magic isn’t disappearing but it is being reorganised. The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to cut around 1,000 jobs as part of a sweeping restructuring effort aimed at sharpening its edge in an increasingly unpredictable entertainment landscape. The move, led by CEO Josh D’Amaro, reflects a broader internal reset as the company rethinks how it operates, allocates resources and competes in a fast-evolving industry. In a memo to employees, D’Amaro acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but framed it as a necessary step to ensure Disney remains “efficient, innovative, and responsive” to rapid shifts in consumer behaviour and technology.
The layoffs will span multiple divisions, including marketing, film and television studios, ESPN, technology teams and corporate functions. Notifications have already begun, signalling that the restructuring is not a distant plan but an active transition underway.
Importantly, the company has clarified that the cuts are not performance-driven. Instead, they form part of a wider transformation strategy aimed at building a leaner, more agile organisation, one better equipped to respond to streaming dynamics, digital disruption and evolving audience expectations.
The timing is telling. The global entertainment industry is in the middle of a structural shift, with traditional television revenues under pressure and box office returns becoming increasingly volatile. Meanwhile, streaming platforms and digital-first competitors continue to redraw the rules of engagement, forcing legacy players to rethink scale, speed and storytelling formats.
For Disney, long synonymous with blockbuster franchises and timeless storytelling, the pivot is both strategic and symbolic. The company is doubling down on technology, direct-to-consumer services and content ecosystems that align with modern viewing habits, where audiences expect immediacy, personalisation and cross-platform experiences.
Even as the restructuring unfolds, D’Amaro struck a note of optimism, reiterating Disney’s commitment to creativity and long-term growth. Support measures for affected employees are expected as part of the transition, though details remain limited.
In essence, this is less about cutting back and more about reshaping forward. As Disney redraws its organisational map, the message is clear, in today’s entertainment world, even the most magical kingdoms must evolve or risk being left behind.
