IPL 2025 matches to light up PVR Inox screens across India [Source: @ImTanujSingh/x.com]
The IPL fever is back and this time, it is not just limited to your TV screens or OTT apps. PVR Inox is stepping up to the crease, ready to knock it out of the park by screening live IPL matches every weekend across 30+ cities.
Yes, cinema halls are turning into mini stadiums and fans are in for a real treat. Starting with two heavyweight battles: Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 29 and Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 30, PVR Inox is bringing cricket to the big screen.
PVR Inox Taps Into IPL Craze With Live Match Screenings
The IPL isn’t just cricket anymore. It is a full-blown festival, a billion-dollar beast that’s taken over summer. According to the 17th Brand Finance IPL 2024 Valuation Report, the tourney’s brand value stands at a whopping $12 billion.
And it’s not just raking in cash, it’s creating over 1.25 million jobs (both direct and indirect). The top five franchises alone are worth a combined USD 551 million.
So, it’s no surprise that PVR Inox wants a slice of this juicy pie. When the whole country is glued to their screens, why not give them a bigger, louder and crazier way to watch?
Cinemas Not Just For Movies Anymore
Over the past year, PVR Inox has been mixing it up. They are not just playing the movie game, they havve screened Taylor Swift concerts, hosted film festivals and dabbled in live sports.
Basically, they are doing whatever it takes to get people back in theatres. And this IPL move looks like a calculated gamble with big rewards on the cards.
Gautam Dutta, CEO of Revenue & Ops at PVR Inox, summed it up perfectly:
“The overwhelming response to live sports screenings has reinforced our belief that cinemas are evolving into multi-faceted entertainment destinations. With IPL 2025, we are pushing the boundaries of alternative content, bringing fans together for an unforgettable shared experience. Whether it's cricket, concerts, or gaming events, we continue to diversify our offerings, ensuring every visit to PVR INOX is a unique and immersive event”
And honestly, he is not wrong. The energy of a live match, the screams, the gasps, the edge-of-the-seat moments, it is all next-level when you’re watching with a crowd, Dolby sound blasting around you and popcorn in hand.
Post-COVID, Theatres Had To Rethink The Game
It is worth mentioning that COVID hit theatres hard. Viewers have taken their sweet time to bounce back. So PVR Inox isn’t just waiting for Bollywood blockbusters to do the heavy lifting. They are shaking things up, keeping things fresh and betting big on alternative content.
The move seems to be paying off too. The company posted a solid Rs 35.9 crore profit in Q3 FY25, up 180% YoY. Compared to the Rs 11.8 crore loss in the previous quarter, that’s a proper comeback.