IMAX Corporation and PVR Ltd, the largest exhibition chain in India, announced a sales agreement for five IMAX theatres to be located in Delhi and other major metropolitan markets in India. The theatres will be in a combination of new and existing complexes that are slated to begin opening this year, with all theatres expected to launch by the end of 2019. The agreement brings to 10 PVR’s total IMAX commitment and positions the exhibitor as the Company’s largest partner in India.

PVR Cinemas currently operates a cinema circuit of 579 screens at 126 properties in 50 cities with four IMAX screens in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Noida. Since April 2016, IMAX has signed 10 theatre agreements in India, marking the Company’s highest number of signings in India in a single year. Today’s agreement, which is tied as the largest single theatre signing for IMAX in the country, brings the total number of IMAX theatres in India to 26, with 11 currently open and 15 contracted to open.

“We are really pleased to continue to develop the IMAX footprint in India – the fifth-largest film market in the world – with PVR,” said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “We’ve been trying to develop the Indian market for 15 years, and now finally have the momentum to build out our brand nationwide and release Bollywood films. Our 26 theatres in India, signed or open, and our 10 signings in the last year show that India is becoming a very important market for us.”

“The tremendous success of our existing four IMAX theatres, along with the upcoming slate of differentiated and exclusive IMAX content, provided us the confidence to double our commitment and continue to leverage IMAX as a strategic part of our business,” said Mr. Ajay Bijli, Chairman & Managing Director, PVR Limited. “With IMAX anchoring our most important locations, we look forward to further strengthening our presence in India by offering our patrons the most technologically advanced moviegoing experience available.”