In a nation where cinema is not merely entertainment but a living, breathing part of its cultural soul, two names resonate with an almost mythical reverence—Amitabh Bachchan and PVR Cinemas. One, the towering colossus of Indian film; the other, the architect of India’s multiplex revolution. Their journey—parallel yet complementary—has helped script the modern Indian movie-going experience. And in recent years, their alliance has become a testament to cinematic legacy, innovation, and enduring stardom.
The Star Who Became a Galaxy
Long before digital screens and luxury recliners, there was the boom of a baritone that echoed through single-screen theatres, reverberating in the hearts of millions. Amitabh Bachchan, the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, began his journey in the 1970s as the “angry young man” and quickly became more than just a star—he became the face of Indian cinema itself. From Zanjeer to Deewaar, from Sholay to Piku, his filmography is a mirror of India’s evolving storytelling.
Bachchan’s legacy is not just about box-office numbers or Filmfare awards; it’s about cultural impact. He is the actor who transformed screen presence into national discourse, whose voice became the sound of India’s moral compass, and whose aura elevated cinema to an almost spiritual level.
The Multiplex Revolution
While Bachchan was dominating the silver screen, PVR Cinemas was quietly rewriting the rulebook for how Indians watched movies. Founded in 1997 with the opening of the country’s first multiplex in Saket, Delhi, PVR (Priya Village Roadshow) started as a joint venture and soon took off under the visionary leadership of Ajay Bijli.
In a country that had long associated movie-watching with crumbling, chaotic single screens, PVR introduced air-conditioning, Dolby sound, plush seating—and eventually gourmet popcorn. It wasn’t just a movie theatre; it was an experience. Over the years, PVR would become the largest cinema chain in India, boasting over 800 screens across the nation.
A Meeting of Icons
It was only a matter of time before these two cinematic giants—one human, the other corporate—would find synergy. In 2022, PVR Cinemas took the bold step of naming its premium property in Juhu, Mumbai as PVR Maison: The Amitabh Bachchan Experience. The name wasn’t a marketing gimmick; it was an ode. A homage.
Imagine walking into a theatre that doesn’t just screen films but celebrates the essence of Amitabh Bachchan himself. From specially curated memorabilia and personal voiceovers to themed interiors, the venue is both theatre and temple. The collaboration reflected PVR’s vision of fusing nostalgia with the future—a museum of moments intertwined with modern viewing pleasure.
Bachchan, gracious and grounded as ever, attended the inauguration with heartfelt gratitude. In his blog post, he wrote, “To have a cinema theatre named after you is a moment of immense pride and emotion… this is more than just an honour. It is a reaffirmation that a life spent in cinema has touched hearts.”
Legacy in Technicolor
The union of Amitabh Bachchan and PVR Cinemas is more than a business arrangement—it is a metaphor. Both emerged from modest beginnings. Both faced existential challenges—Bachchan with his career dips and near-fatal injuries; PVR with the pandemic-induced closures and financial recalibrations. Yet, both have reinvented themselves time and again, standing today not just as survivors, but as legends.
Bachchan embraced television (Kaun Banega Crorepati), social media, and even Netflix with an open mind. Similarly, PVR adapted to changing times with luxury formats (PVR Gold, Luxe), new technology (IMAX, 4DX), and a commitment to safety and hygiene that helped revive footfalls post-COVID.
When PVR merged with INOX in 2023, forming the largest cinema exhibition company in India, Bachchan was among the first to congratulate the leadership. His voice, often symbolic of change, also became a harbinger of hope for the future of Indian cinemas.
More Than Just a Name
It is important to note that Amitabh Bachchan’s association with PVR isn’t just ceremonial. His endorsement adds gravitas. In a world awash with influencers and fleeting celebrity tie-ups, Bachchan brings credibility and emotion. He isn’t just “brand ambassador”—he’s cinema personified. When he lends his name to PVR, it elevates the brand from a business to a bastion of film heritage.
This relationship also speaks volumes about Bachchan’s relevance across generations. While the audiences that first saw him in Anand are now retired, new-age cinephiles are discovering him in Gulabo Sitabo and Jhund. That timeless appeal fits beautifully with PVR’s mission to blend legacy with luxury, nostalgia with next-gen.
Curtains, But Never Closed
In a poignant twist, both Amitabh Bachchan and PVR Cinemas represent something vanishing in the digital age: collective experience. Where OTT platforms promise privacy and convenience, PVR promises immersion. And where algorithms recommend content, Amitabh Bachchan offers the magic of storytelling that transcends code.
Their collaboration is, therefore, more than strategic—it’s poetic. It’s a reminder that cinema is best experienced not alone on a couch but in the darkened hush of a hall, with strangers laughing and gasping together. And at the heart of that experience are legends like Bachchan, whose very name can fill seats and hearts alike.
Final Frame
So here we are, in the 2020s, where a multiplex can bear the name of a man who once walked into theatres unseen to hear the raw, unfiltered reactions of his fans. Where the world may stream content at home, but PVR—and Bachchan—invite you to something sacred: the cinema ritual.
Amitabh Bachchan and PVR Cinemas are not just icons of Indian film—they are its pillars. One embodies the face, the other the place. Together, they are a standing ovation to everything we hold dear about cinema.
