In a major boost for moviegoers and Telugu cinema fans, IMAX Corporation has announced a new partnership with Asian Cinemas to launch three new IMAX with Laser screens in India under the AMB Cinemas brand. The first location will open at AMB Classic in Hyderabad, the luxury multiplex co-owned by superstar Mahesh Babu.
The development is particularly significant because the venue is expected to open before the release of Varanasi, the much-anticipated film directed by S. S. Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu.
IMAX Returns To Hyderabad After More Than A Decade
The announcement marks the return of IMAX to Hyderabad for the first time since the closure of the iconic Prasads IMAX in 2015.
Prasads IMAX was one of India’s earliest IMAX locations and played a major role in introducing premium large-format cinema experiences to Indian audiences.
According to IMAX Chief Commercial Officer Giovanni Dolci, Hyderabad had long remained a priority market for the company.
He noted that the absence of an IMAX screen in one of India’s biggest film cities was something the company had been eager to address for years.
Opening Timed Ahead Of Rajamouli’s Varanasi
The timing of the launch appears to be carefully planned.
The first IMAX with Laser screen at AMB Classic is expected to become operational before the end of 2026, allowing audiences to experience Varanasi in the premium format when it releases in 2027.
The film is reportedly being shot using IMAX-certified digital cameras, making it one of the format’s biggest upcoming Indian releases.
Rajamouli’s previous blockbusters, RRR and Baahubali: The Conclusion, remain among the highest-grossing Indian films in IMAX history worldwide.
Industry observers believe Varanasi could become another landmark title for the format.
Two More IMAX Screens Planned
Apart from AMB Classic, two additional IMAX with Laser locations are planned under the AMB Cinemas banner.
Both screens are expected to come up in Hyderabad, with the remaining venues targeted for completion by 2028.
The expansion further strengthens Hyderabad’s position as one of India’s most important cinema markets and the home of Telugu-language filmmaking.
India’s IMAX Growth Continues
India has emerged as one of IMAX’s fastest-growing international markets.
The country currently has 34 operational IMAX commercial locations, representing nearly 60 percent growth since 2020.
According to company figures, India delivered its highest-ever IMAX box office performance in 2025, generating approximately $25.6 million.
The year also saw a record number of Indian-language films released in the format.
Reports suggest the momentum has continued into 2026, with same-store IMAX revenues significantly ahead of the previous year.
Premium Cinema Becoming Bigger Than Ever
IMAX executives believe the growing popularity of premium formats is being driven by changing audience expectations.
As home entertainment systems continue to improve, moviegoers increasingly seek experiences that cannot be replicated at home.
The new AMB Cinemas locations will feature IMAX with Laser technology, offering 4K projection, enhanced audio systems, and a custom optical engine designed to deliver the company’s highest-quality presentation format.
AMB Cinemas Strengthens Premium Experience
AMB Cinemas has built a strong reputation among moviegoers for luxury viewing experiences.
The venture is jointly backed by Asian Cinemas and several prominent names from the Telugu film industry, including Mahesh Babu, Venkatesh Daggubati, Suresh Babu, and Rana Daggubati.
The addition of IMAX is expected to further elevate the brand’s premium cinema offerings.
With Varanasi, The Odyssey, Dune: Part Three, and several major releases on the horizon, Hyderabad moviegoers are set to witness the return of one of cinema’s most celebrated formats after more than a decade.
