Gen Z fuels multiplex revival in India, contributes 57% of Hindi box office collections

India's multiplex industry is witnessing a resurgence as Gen Z audiences increasingly return to cinemas, helping boost footfalls and box office collections after a prolonged period of sluggish attendance.

According to industry reports quoted by Zee Business, moviegoers under the age of 30 contribute nearly 57 per cent of Hindi box office collections. Their influence is even stronger during opening weekends, with Gen Z accounting for around 70 per cent of first-day movie revenues.

“Online fatigue” pushing Gen Z back to theatres: PVR INOX

Speaking about the trend, Sanjeev Bijli, Executive Director of PVR INOX, said Gen Z audiences are returning to cinemas and showing signs of fatigue with the online world. He noted that younger viewers are increasingly seeking real-world experiences and social outings, making movie theatres an attractive destination once again.

Why is Gen Z preferring theatres over OTT and mainstream cinema?

Industry observers say Gen Z is watching more films in theatres each year compared with other generations. Apart from mainstream Bollywood releases, the segment is also showing growing interest in regional cinema, Hollywood titles and sleeper hits.

Original storytelling and fresh narratives seem to be going well with the youth. The movies that have been released recently, like 'Obsession' and 'Backrooms', have apparently received positive reviews from moviegoers.

Big upcoming releases expected to draw Gen Z crowds

There are also some upcoming movies, such as Governor, Cocktail 2, Toy Story 5, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, that are likely to garner a lot of attention from the generation.

Higher spending on food & beverages adds to growth

The trend is benefiting multiplex operators beyond ticket sales. PVR INOX has seen higher spending on food and beverages among Gen Z customers.

Experiential push with FIFA World Cup tie-up

In order to draw in more audiences, PVR Inox has collaborated with Zee Entertainment for exclusive screenings tied in with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd ('Z') had made a landmark partnership with Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to air 39 significant global football matches in India during the coming years, making it one of the biggest broadcasting deals in its history for such a sporting event.

As per the terms of the contract, 'Z' will telecast FIFA events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™, FIFA Women's World Cup 2027™ and the FIFA World Cup 2030™. Along with these, the company will also telecast various youth and developmental tournaments and documentaries until 2034.

The company will cover FIFA events across 8 years, from 2026 until 2034, thus establishing itself as the go-to destination in India for global football matches.

The revival comes as an opportune time for multiplexes, which have faced tough times with their occupancy rates falling along with increased competition from OTT platforms. Despite a lack of optimism among some experts regarding investments in this sector, Gen Z cinema goers seem set to be a crucial component in determining the success of the industry.