Hyderabad is all set to get its first Dolby Cinema experience with the launch of Allu Cinemas at Kokapet. The multiplex has been a topic of conversation among cinephiles on social media since its soft launch earlier this week, in the presence of prominent Telugu film personalities. The multiplex, which is expected to officially launch soon, is another step forward in the growing theatre ecosystem in the city.
In 2025, Asian Cinemas expanded its portfolio with the launch of ART Cinemas in Vanasthalipuram, in partnership with actor Ravi Teja. This follows their earlier ventures — AMB Cinemas in association with actor Mahesh Babu at Sarath City Mall and AAA Cinemas in collaboration with actor Allu Arjun at Ameerpet. In mid 2026, the group plans to open AMB Classic, a new multiplex at RTC X Roads.
In December 2025, PVR Inox group revamped its six-screen multiplex at Inorbit Mall into a 11-screen Superplex. This includes a Premium Extra Large format 55-feet wide screen, PVR’s first in Telangana, and three Luxe screens equipped with recliners, and an in-house chef-led menu. The property will also have the third 4DX screen in the city, with motion seats and effects such as wind, fog, scent, water, and snow that add to the viewing experience.
The group is eyeing further expansions in the city. Meanwhile, a few single screens have also upgraded their facilities. A case in point is Mythri Theatres’ Vimal 70mm at Balanagar.
The formats
Dolby Cinema: This format offers Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos sound in an all-black auditorium, to offer increased depth and contrast in visuals, and enhanced sound clarity. The Dolby Cinema launching at Allu Cineplex, Kokapet, is expected to have a 75-feet wide screen.
EPIQ: Launched by Qube Cinema, this PLF (premium large format) concept uses Barco high contrast RGB laser projection on a screen with a 1.89 aspect ratio and immersive sound. Available at ART Cinemas, Vanasthalipuram
PXL: A Premium Extra Larger format screen by PVR. The Inorbit Mall screen features a 55-foot-wide screen, RGB laser projection, and Dolby Atmos sound.
PCX: Prasads multiplex in Hyderabad boasts of a premium large format screen of 101.6 feet length and 64foot height with dual 4K laser projection, Dolby Atmos sound and Dolby 3D technology.
Pramod Arora, CEO Growth and Investment, PVR INOX Limited, confirms that the group is in the midst of expansion. “Several new properties are under development: HSR Arc, Odeon Mall at RTC X Roads, Lake Shore Mall at Kukatpally Y Junction that includes a Playhouse and PXL format screen, HSR Mall at LB Nagar, and League Mall at Bandlaguda are set to open soon. We are exploring other areas in the city that are underserved from a multiplex perspective.”
The recently-inaugurated PXL screen at PVR INOX, Inorbit Mall, Hyderabad
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Special Arrangement
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation comprises an area of 2,053 square kilometres and an estimated population of over 1.3 crore. In recent years, the city has witnessed an expansion particularly in the West Zone, fuelled by multinational IT companies and a corresponding boom in housing projects.
Producer Suniel Narang of Asian Cinemas observes the increased scope for new multiplexes in areas beyond Hitec City and Gachibowli, extending to Nallagandla and Kokapet. “With new housing projects, the cream of Hyderabad is settling down in these pockets.”
Asian Cinemas has also been tapping into other pockets of the city through its cineplexes and multiplexes. The group has 54 screens in GHMC, which includes 40 multiplex screens in eight properties, and the remaining are single screens.
A view of ART Cinemas in Vanasthalipuram, Hyderabad
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Special Arrangement
Assessing the reception to ART, AAA and AMB Cinemas, Narang states that what began as love for the stars backing these projects eventually translated into repeat visits to the movie halls thanks to the technically superior movie-watching experience and competitive food and beverage prices: “Technical aspects are upgraded from time to time to offer the best audio visual quality. All our food is prepared in-house, without third party involvement, and this helps keep the pricing competitive. The breads, buns and pizza bases used for sandwiches, burgers and pizzas are made in-house.”
Talking about venturing into RTC X Roads, a zone dominated by single screens where the euphoria decides the fate of new releases, he says, “Traditional single screens are increasingly giving way to multiplexes and we felt that this location also requires a multiplex.”
When asked about the surge in new theatres at a time when filmmakers are struggling to draw audience away from digital platforms and from short-form content on mobile phones, Narang draws from his long-standing experience as a producer and says, “Watching a film at home might be convenient, but it cannot replace the joy of communal viewing in cinema halls. Even earlier, there were doubts if theatres would survive television and the digital wave. Theatres only emerged stronger. It is clear that people want quality films and as producers, it is our responsibility to offer that. As theatre owners, it is important to offer them a holistic experience with good amenities.”
Multiplexes in the city price their tickets as per the diktats of the State government, ranging from ₹200 to ₹300, with the rates going up when big-budget releases secure government permission to escalate ticket rates for the opening week.
Pramod Arora observes that Hyderabad is not just a major box office territory, “it is a city that embraces innovation, scale, and the magic of the big screen.” As the city grows, moviegoers in different pockets want cinematic experiences that are bigger and bolder.
Published – January 08, 2026 04:03 pm IST
