Canada's Imax Adds to India Footprint With PVR Cinemas Deal

The Indian multiplex pioneer is to install a fifth large format theater in Bangalore, after an earlier four-theater agreement.

TORONTO – Indian cinema chain and multiplex pioneer PVR Cinemas has purchased an Imax theater for Bangalore, to add to an earlier four-screen deal with the Canadian giant screen exhibitor.

New Delhi-based PVR, which is currently expanding its cinema circuit overall, will open the fifth Imax screen in March 2013 in Bangalore’s Vega Mall.

The latest agreement follows an earlier March 2011 deal with Imax for four theaters.

PVR plans to open two Imax theaters in existing multiplexes in Bangalore and Mumbai in 2012, with the other two super-sized screens set to open as part of new constructions in Delhi and Noida by 2014.

The PVR deal comes as Imax continues to build out its footprint in India as part of an international diversification beyond North America.