PVR Cinemas is a popular Indian cinema chain that has become a household name in the country. The brand has come a long way since its inception, and its story is one of innovation, perseverance, and a passion for cinema.
The story of PVR Cinemas began in 1995, when Ajay Bijli, the founder, saw an opportunity to bring a new level of entertainment to India. At the time, the cinema industry in India was largely stagnant, and the movie-going experience was often uncomfortable and lacking in amenities. Bijli saw an opportunity to change that, and he set out to create a cinema chain that would offer a world-class movie-watching experience.
Bijli joined hands with an Australian company named Village Roadshow, a company that is one the largest exhibition companies in the world with more than 1,000 screens under operation. This 60:40 joint venture between Priya Exhibitors (The name "Priya" in the original name referred to a cinema hall in Delhi that was owned by Ajay Bijli's family,)and Village Roadshow formed Priya Village Roadshow (PVR) which was first to introduce the concept of multiplexes in India.
Bijli's journey started with the renovation of a single-screen cinema in Delhi namely PVR Anupam Saket. He transformed the theatre, adding comfortable seats, air conditioning, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The renovation was a success, and the theatre quickly became a popular destination for movie-goers.
From there, Bijli continued to expand his cinema chain, opening new locations across India and incorporating new technologies and amenities. In 1997, PVR Cinemas opened its first multiplex, which offered multiple screens, a range of food and beverage options, and a more immersive movie-watching experience.
In November 2002, Village Roadshow sold all of its holdings to Priya Exhibitors in order to liquidate its investment. The name was later changed to PVR Cinemas, but the acronym PVR was retained as the brand name, as an ode to the Australian cinema and entertainment company that partnered with PVR Cinemas in its early days.
Since its inception, PVR has pioneered a number of industry-changing innovations, including the introduction of Gold Class Cinema and the country's largest 11-screen multiplex, which opened in Bangalore in 2004. The corporation now holds the title of the biggest cinema chain in India. Its geographically diverse cinema circuit in India consists of 800+ screens spread over 179 different cities covering major markets across the length and breadth of the country: Delhi, Faridabad, Gurgaon, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Ghaziabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow, Indore, Aurangabad, Baroda, Allahabad, Ahmedabad, Udaipur, Chandigarh, Surat, Latur, Nanded, Ujjain, Nagpur and Raipur. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, and it continues to push the boundaries of what a cinema experience can be. The brand has also expanded beyond India, opening locations in countries such as Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.
The story of PVR Cinemas is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. Through his passion for cinema and his willingness to take risks and embrace new technologies, Ajay Bijli has transformed the movie-going experience in India and created a brand that is beloved by movie-goers across the country.
