The struggle for IMAX screen space in India has entered a new phase as Project Hail Mary moves into its second week. Despite a successful opening that saw theaters like Eros Cinema running sold-out shows as early as 3:45 AM, Sony Pictures is once again locked in negotiations with exhibitors. The film, which was specifically shot for the IMAX format, is facing stiff competition from the ongoing success of Dhurandhar: The Revenge and the high-profile debut of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Distributors for all three films are currently fighting for prime time slots starting Friday, April 3. While Project Hail Mary has proven its worth with nearly full occupancy across the country, theater owners are under pressure to balance these shows with Dhurandhar, which continues to perform exceptionally well. The situation is further complicated by Universal Pictures’ The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which saw encouraging numbers during its limited paid previews and is now demanding its own share of the premium format.
As of Thursday afternoon, booking plans remain largely unconfirmed, with only 5 out of 34 IMAX cinemas across India opening their schedules for the weekend. In Mumbai, Miraj IMAX Wadala has split its daily shows between all three films, while other major properties have yet to finalize their lineups. Industry insiders have expressed frustration, noting that even though Project Hail Mary has demonstrated massive audience demand, it is still struggling to secure a consistent presence on the very screens it was designed for.
The regional distribution also shows a mixed picture. In the South, some theaters have shifted entirely toward Project Hail Mary and Super Mario, dropping Dhurandhar from their IMAX rotations. However, with many major chains still holding back on ticket sales, the final distribution of shows is expected to be a last-minute resolution. Stay tuned to know more about it and others
