IMAX Reinforces Its Presence in India with Exciting New Locations in Hyderabad
In a significant move that underscores the rapid growth of Bollywood and Indian cinema’s global reach, IMAX Corporation (NYSE: IMAX) has announced a strategic partnership with Asian Cinemas, one of India’s foremost cinema chains. On June 1, 2026, the two industry leaders revealed plans to inaugurate three cutting-edge IMAX® with Laser theatres across India under the renowned AMB Cinemas brand. This initiative marks a major milestone in the evolution of moviegoing experiences in India’s vibrant film industry, especially in the cultural and cinematic hub of Hyderabad.
Hyderabad: The Heartbeat of Telugu Cinema Gets an IMAX Makeover
The first of these new IMAX locations will be situated at the prestigious AMB Classic in Hyderabad, with an anticipated opening before the end of 2026. The remaining two IMAX theatres are slated to launch in 2028, further solidifying Hyderabad’s status as a key destination for the latest in cinematic technology. Known as the capital of Telangana and a flourishing centre for Telugu-language films, Hyderabad has long been a hub of Bollywood and regional Indian cinema. The return of IMAX to this iconic city comes after a hiatus since the closure of the original Prasads IMAX in 2015, one of India’s pioneering IMAX venues and a symbol of the country’s international cinema ambitions.
A Pride for Bollywood and Indian Cinema Enthusiasts
Sunil Narang and Bharat Narang, Managing Directors of AMB Cinemas, expressed their enthusiasm about this collaboration, emphasizing the cultural significance of bringing IMAX back to Hyderabad. “Hyderabad’s love for cinema is unparalleled, and reintroducing the prestigious IMAX format to our city is a matter of great pride and honor,” they stated. “Our partnership with IMAX aligns perfectly with our commitment to cinematic excellence and providing our audiences with the very best experience. This collaboration signifies a new chapter for Bollywood and regional Indian films, offering fans a more immersive way to enjoy their favorite stars and stories.”
IMAX’s Continued Growth in India: A Booming Market for Bollywood Films
India’s cinema landscape is booming, and IMAX’s expansion reflects its strategic focus on this dynamic market. In 2025, IMAX India recorded its best-ever box office performance, grossing a remarkable $25.6 million—a figure driven by a diverse slate of Indian and Hollywood productions. This year, the company’s footprint in India has grown by nearly 60%, with 34 IMAX locations currently operational across the country. The Indian market is now among IMAX’s top ten worldwide, further highlighting its importance in the company’s global strategy.
The burgeoning popularity of Bollywood blockbusters and regional films alike has fueled this growth. Films like “Dhurundhar 2,” the highest-grossing Indian film for IMAX in the country, and international hits like “Project Hail Mary” (filmed in IMAX) have demonstrated the market’s appetite for immersive cinema experiences. Notably, Indian-language releases accounted for a record 11 titles in 2025, showcasing the increasing diversity and regional appeal of Bollywood and Indian cinema on IMAX screens.
Why Bollywood Fans Are Excited About the Return of IMAX in Hyderabad
The return of IMAX to Hyderabad is more than a technological upgrade; it’s a cultural event for Bollywood fans and cinephiles alike. Hyderabad’s film industry, particularly Telugu cinema, has gained international acclaim with blockbuster hits and critically acclaimed films. The city’s audiences are known for their passionate engagement with films, and the reintroduction of IMAX will elevate their viewing experience to new heights.
Upcoming Bollywood and Indian films are expected to benefit immensely from IMAX’s advanced technology. The highly anticipated release of “Varanasi,” directed by the acclaimed S.S. Rajamouli, is expected to be among the first Indian films to be showcased in the new IMAX theatres. Rajamouli’s previous films, “RRR” and “Baahubali: The Conclusion,” are among the highest-grossing Indian films ever in IMAX, underscoring the format’s significance for Bollywood’s blockbuster reach.
What Makes IMAX with Laser the Gold Standard in Cinema Technology
The new IMAX theatres in India will be equipped with IMAX with Laser, IMAX’s most advanced cinema system designed to deliver unparalleled visual and audio quality. This technology features a revolutionary optical engine, custom-designed lenses, and proprietary IMAX innovations that provide brighter images, deeper contrast, and a broader spectrum of colors. The result is an immersive experience that enhances the storytelling of Bollywood films, allowing audiences to feel as if they are part of the action.
IMAX with Laser offers crystal-clear 4K images combined with immersive, precise audio, creating a sensory environment that complements the grandeur of Bollywood’s largest productions. For fans, this means witnessing the vibrant dance sequences, intricate set designs, and emotional performances with unprecedented clarity and depth—making every film a blockbuster event.
Bollywood’s Rising Global Profile and the Role of IMAX
The strategic expansion of IMAX in India aligns with Bollywood’s increasing global footprint. With Indian films gaining recognition on international festivals and markets, the immersive experience provided by IMAX is vital for amplifying Bollywood’s storytelling power on the world stage. The success of Indian-language films in IMAX, combined with the technological advancements, ensures that Bollywood’s future releases will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Furthermore, IMAX’s focus on local-language content and regional cinema has created new avenues for Bollywood stars and filmmakers to showcase their stories on a grand scale. The partnership with Asian Cinemas and the upcoming Hyderabad IMAX theatres are poised to become central venues for premiere screenings, film festivals, and special events that celebrate Bollywood’s rich tradition of storytelling and innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cinema in India
The opening of these new IMAX locations is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative decade for Indian cinema, especially Bollywood. As audiences seek more immersive and engaging ways to experience their favorite films, the combination of cutting-edge technology and regional storytelling will redefine moviegoing in India.
With Hyderabad once again hosting an IMAX theatre that promises to deliver the best cinematic experience, Bollywood fans can look forward to witnessing their favorite stars in spectacular scale and clarity. From the grandeur of period dramas to the high-octane action of contemporary blockbusters, IMAX is set to elevate Bollywood’s storytelling to new heights.
Conclusion
The return of IMAX to Hyderabad signifies a pivotal moment for Bollywood and Indian cinema, blending technological innovation with cultural passion. As IMAX continues to expand its footprint across India, it will empower filmmakers to push creative boundaries and offer audiences an unparalleled cinematic experience. For Bollywood fans, this development promises more memorable moments on the big screen—larger, brighter, and more immersive than ever before.
Stay tuned for more updates on IMAX’s ongoing expansion in India and how it will shape the future of Bollywood’s global presence.
