Box office collections at multiplexes rise 21% in H1 2026: MAI

New Delhi: Box office collections across Indian multiplexes grew 21 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in the first half of 2026, helped by a positive momentum created by a number of high-performing film releases, said the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) said on Thursday.

This double digit growth reflects the continued strength of the theatrical experience and the sustained confidence of audiences in cinemas, driven by a diverse slate of compelling films across languages and genres, MAI said in a statement.

The growth was driven by a diverse slate of successful films across Hindi, regional and international cinema, along with sustained footfalls in metropolitan as well as Tier-II and Tier-III markets, the association said which claims to represent 11 cinema chains, operating more than 550 multiplexes across the country, with over 3,000 screens.


"A number of high-performing releases contributed to this positive momentum, including Border 2, Dhurandhar 2, Project Hail Mary, Michael, Bhoot Bangla, Obsession, Raja Shivaji, Karuppu, Mein Vaapas Aaunga, Cocktail 2, and Welcome to the Jungle, among several other successful titles that drew audiences back to theatres across the country," it said.

MAI President Kamal Gianchandani said a healthy mix of blockbuster franchises, original stories, regional cinema, and international releases has resonated with audiences across India.

"The 21 per cent year-on-year growth is a strong indicator that consumers continue to value the immersive, communal experience that cinemas uniquely offer," he said.

MAI said the success of films across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and international cinema highlighted the growing diversity of audience preferences and the strength of India's theatrical exhibition ecosystem.

Expressing optimism for the remainder of the year, MAI said a strong pipeline of upcoming releases is expected to support admissions and box office collections in the second half of 2026.