Here is how PVR INOX plans to expand to tier-2 and tier-3 cities in India

Multiplex giant PVR INOX is looking beyond metros. The owner of the famous cinema-hall brand is all set to expand its footprint in tier-2 and tier-3 locations in the country, PVR INOX CEO Pramod Arora recently told agencies.

To this effect, the company looks to explore more avenues through the franchise-owned company-operated (FOCO) model. In FOCO, the franchisee owners invest and own the property, but all operations are done by the franchiser (here, PVR INOX).

Arora also believes that expanding cinema hall infrastructure across the nation would help local filmmakers and artists, as well.

PVR INOX, through FOCO, will oversee the design, development, execution, and day-to-day operations of properties. Recently, it opened a 5-screen multiplex in Raipur under the model.

According to Arora, the entertainment giant began exploring the FOCO model in Gwalior in 2024. It took PVR INOX more than three years to iron out the operational hiccups before successfully perfecting the model. This helped them cut the execution time by 50 per cent, Arora said.

The FOCO model is expected to be a hit in tier-2 and tier-3 locations, with its asset-light model.

PVR INOX so far has signed 31 screens across eight cinemas in FOCO, and 69 screens across 14 cinemas in the asset-light model. According to the company, more FOCO screens are expected to come up in Shillong, Gangtok, and Siliguri.

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