Growing audience for Oscar-nominated films in India: PVR INOX executive director Sanjeev Bijli

New Delhi, Feb 26: The appetite for Oscar-nominated films among Indian audiences has been steadily increasing, with improved access to theatrical releases, according to Sanjeev Bijli, Executive Director of PVR INOX Ltd.

As the 97th Academy Awards approach, India's largest multiplex chain has revived its annual Oscars Film Festival, bringing a curated selection of critically acclaimed and award-winning films to audiences across 22 cities and 54 cinemas over a three-week period.

Audience Interest on the Rise​

"We've been hosting this festival for years now, and the audience response has always been phenomenal," said Bijli. He emphasized that access to Oscar-worthy films has improved significantly, making it easier for cinephiles to enjoy them on the big screen.

The festival, which began on February 21, features an impressive lineup including Dune: Part Two, Wicked, Inside Out 2, The Brutalist, and Emilia Pérez.

The Role of Film Distribution in Expanding Access​

PVR INOX Pictures, the company's distribution arm, has played a crucial role in acquiring international festival hits and ensuring their theatrical release in India. Bijli acknowledged that other industry players have also contributed to making independent films more accessible, further broadening the audience base.

"Earlier, getting these films to Indian cinemas was a challenge. But now, with constant exposure to award season updates on social media and news platforms, audiences are eager to experience them in theaters," he explained.

The Impact of Award Season Buzz​

Highlighting the success of Conclave, a papal mystery thriller directed by Edward Berger and nominated for eight Academy Awards, Bijli shared how its momentum built up over months, leading to strong box office performance in India.

"We are optimistic about the response to all the nominated films in our festival lineup," he added.

Evolving Audience Demographics for Global Cinema​

The profile of Indian audiences engaging with international films has also evolved. According to Bijli, film enthusiasts across all age groups now show interest in these movies, though viewership remains concentrated in select urban centers.

"The festival is niche because most films are in English, with exceptions like Emilia Pérez, a foreign-language film. Last year, Anatomy of a Fall—another foreign-language film—performed exceptionally well," he noted.

Shift Towards Independent Films​

This year’s Oscars lineup largely features independent productions, with fewer big studio titles. Unlike last year, which saw the release of blockbuster contenders like Oppenheimer and Barbie, the 2025 Academy Awards have a strong indie presence, with Dune: Part Two being one of the few major studio-backed entries.

Despite the niche nature of the films, Bijli remains confident in their appeal. "There is a definite audience for such cinema," he affirmed.

The Oscars Film Festival will conclude on March 13, offering Indian audiences a chance to catch some of the most talked-about films of the year before the Academy Awards ceremony.