Imax is making a significant return to Hyderabad, India, through a new partnership with Asian Cinemas, focusing on an expansion that promises to redefine the cinematic landscape of the region. This strategic collaboration includes the introduction of three state-of-the-art Imax with Laser facilities, marking a pivotal moment for both companies and Indian cinema enthusiasts. The move is particularly significant given Hyderabad's burgeoning film industry and its historical connection to Imax technology.
IMAX's Grand Re-entry into Hyderabad's Cinematic Arena
In a landmark agreement sealed on June 1, 2026, Imax Corporation and Asian Cinemas officially announced their collaboration to establish three cutting-edge Imax with Laser locations across India. The inaugural venue is slated to open at AMB Classic in Hyderabad, a luxurious cinema co-owned by the revered Telugu actor Mahesh Babu, before the close of 2026. This eagerly anticipated launch is strategically timed to coincide with the premiere of "Varanasi," a major film directed by the celebrated S.S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu. The remaining two Imax locations are projected to open their doors in 2028, further solidifying Imax's presence in the region. Hyderabad's previous Imax venue, Prasads Imax, which was a significant international milestone for the company, ceased operations in 2015, leaving a void that Imax has long sought to fill. Giovanni Dolci, Chief Commercial Officer of Imax, emphasized the critical importance of Hyderabad as a market where Imax had been eager to re-establish its footprint. This expansion is a testament to the surging demand for premium cinematic experiences in India, a market that has consistently ranked among Imax's top 10 globally over the past decade. The timing of the AMB Classic opening is meticulously planned, as "Varanasi," filmed with Imax-certified digital cameras, is poised to be one of the company's marquee releases for 2027. S.S. Rajamouli's previous works, including the Academy Award-winning "RRR" and "Baahubali: The Conclusion," have achieved unprecedented success in Imax history, underscoring his pivotal role in Imax's global strategy beyond India. Sunil Narang and Bharat Narang, managing directors of AMB Cinemas, expressed immense pride in reintroducing the prestigious Imax format to Hyderabad, highlighting AMB Cinemas' commitment to quality and cinematic excellence. India's Imax network has witnessed remarkable growth, expanding by nearly 60% since 2020 to encompass 34 commercial locations, with at least four additional openings expected this year. The market recorded its most successful box office year in 2025, reaching $25.6 million, including a substantial contribution from international content and supporting a record 11 Indian-language Imax releases. This upward trajectory continued into 2026, with same-store locations reporting a 44% year-on-year increase through April. Rich Gelfond, CEO of Imax, attributed this success to a dynamic mix of Hollywood and Indian films, driving increased demand from exhibition partners. The 2026 slate features notable titles like "Dhurandhar 2" and "Project Hail Mary," alongside upcoming blockbusters such as "The Odyssey" and "Dune: Part Three," all contributing to Imax's momentum. Dolci believes that Imax is nearing an inflection point in India, envisioning a future where the market, despite its current 34 locations and 10 in backlog, is capable of supporting significantly more Imax venues, drawing parallels to Japan's 60-plus and China's over 800 locations. This growth is fueled by a multiplier effect among exhibitors, who are increasingly recognizing the viability of Imax across a broader spectrum of their venues. In the broader context, premium formats like Imax offer a compelling reason for theatrical attendance in an era of enhanced home entertainment. Dolci asserts that Imax guarantees a consistent, high-quality experience, involving its meticulous selection of films, specialized shooting techniques, post-production, and marketing, all integrated with advanced auditorium technology. Filmmakers and studios are now proactively securing Imax commitments up to two years in advance, indicating a fundamental shift in how they envision their projects. Looking ahead, Dolci anticipates India will steadily climb in the global Imax rankings, driven by both network expansion and the escalating international appeal of Indian content. The influence of visionary filmmakers like Rajamouli extends beyond their individual projects, inspiring new generations of talent. All three new AMB Cinemas locations will feature Imax with Laser technology, offering 4K resolution, proprietary audio, and a custom optical engine. The AMB Classic venture is a joint partnership between Asian Cinemas—managed by Sunil Narang, Bharat Narang, Jyesth Narang, and Simran Narang—and notable figures such as Mahesh Babu Ghattamaneni, Venkatesh Daggubatti, Suresh Daggubatti, and Rana Daggubatti.
The return of Imax to Hyderabad signifies more than just a business expansion; it represents a renewed commitment to elevating the cinematic experience in one of India's most vibrant film hubs. The partnership with AMB Cinemas, spearheaded by Mahesh Babu, demonstrates the growing synergy between global entertainment technology and regional film industries. This development not only promises audiences unparalleled visual and audio immersion but also signals a bright future for Indian cinema on the international stage, encouraging innovation and inspiring new generations of filmmakers to create content that resonates globally.
