The New Movie Culture: Cinemas as dining, social and lifestyle escapes
New Delhi: Indian cinema has long been known for grabbing a favourite seat for the latest movie with popcorn and drinks while enjoying storytelling for hours. With the people and culture shifting, Indian cinema is seeing the rise of the Luxury lifestyle entering the space. Not just a movie experience, people are now looking at an all-in-one escape to relax and rejuvenate and feel at most comfort. With food areas, nail bars, perfumery or kids’ play zone and spa salons, cinemas are changing the way people want to experience leisure time.
Audience lacking time while juggling work and personal life balance, has been more attracted towards such a shift by seeking meaningful breaks that combine entertainment and comfort without changing places for one stop to another.
How Indian cinema is changing way people relax
Cinema today is no longer a single-purpose outing centred only around watching a film. It is evolving into a holistic leisure and lifestyle experience. Modern audiences are looking for spaces where they can relax, socialise, dine, and unwind all in one place, says Aamer Bijli, Lead Specialist Innovation, Film Marketing, and Digital Programming, PVR INOX Ltd.
Introducing thoughtfully curated local flavours elevates the cinema experience from passive viewing to a multi-sensory engagement. At Cinemagic, food is not an add-on; it is an integral part of the experience. With separate lounges for premium formats, chef-curated menus, and handcrafted beverages, guests can enjoy a wholesome experience where they can dine, relax and step out for food all in one place.
Rise of luxury cinema and need to feel pampered
There is a growing desire among urban audiences to step out and indulge in moments of comfort, especially after years of staying in or relying heavily on home entertainment. Luxury cinemas—with plush seating, high-end design, soothing ambience, and premium service—tap into this urge to feel pampered.
People seek environments that feel different from home, where every touchpoint—from seating to sound to service—elevates the outing. Lounges, curated spaces, gaming zones, beauty corners, and concierge-style services only enhance this sense of escape, turning a regular outing into a treat.
Several macro trends are driving this shift. Consumers today prioritise experience-led dining, quality over quantity, and socially friendly spaces. There is also a growing preference for curated menus, premium ingredients, and experiential consumption. Additionally, urban lifestyles are becoming more time-conscious, encouraging formats that combine multiple experiences under one roof.
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