Actor-backed multiplexes gain ground as AMB targets 50 screens by 2028
Telugu film stars are partnering Asian Cinemas to expand multiplex ownership in Hyderabad and Telangana. AMB Cinemas, with 16 screens across Hyderabad and Bengaluru, is targeting 50 by 2028 as actor-backed venues report stronger occupancy than Asian Cinemas’ own theatres.
What happened
Telugu actors are partnering Asian Cinemas to invest in multiplexes across Hyderabad and Telangana. Actor-backed venues are delivering higher occupancy, while
Key facts
- AMB and AAA cinemas report about 60% occupancy versus about 40% at Asian Cinemas' own theatres
- PVR INOX reported 26% occupancy in FY26
- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh screens declined from about 3,000 to roughly 1,800-1,900
- AMB Cinemas has 16 screens across Hyderabad and Bengaluru and targets 50 by 2028
- PVR INOX has about 33 cinemas and 176 screens across the two Telugu states
What changed
Telugu actors are partnering Asian Cinemas to invest in multiplexes across Hyderabad and Telangana. Actor-backed venues are delivering higher occupancy, while AMB targets 50 screens by 2028 and PVR INOX plans further south India expansion.
Why this matters
Actor-backed multiplexes are proving a higher-occupancy format in Telangana, making local celebrity partnerships a compelling lever for cinema operators expanding in south India.
What to watch
- AMB Cinemas announcements of new Hyderabad, Telangana or Bengaluru locations, screen counts, and financing structure.
- Occupancy and average ticket price comparisons between actor-backed sites and conventional Asian Cinemas/PVR INOX locations.
- The pace of Telugu film releases with major stars, especially the gap between tentpole weekends and midweek admissions.
- New celebrity equity partnerships, co-branding agreements, or preferential programming arrangements with distributors.
- Mall lease terms, cinema closures, and evidence of discounting in Hyderabad and tier-2 Telangana markets.
Also reported by
- ET Brand Equity — Same time