The traditional popcorn-and-soda combo is evolving, as gourmet meals now complement cinematic experiences across India. Luxury dine-in cinemas and curated food pairings are enriching movie-going, offering multi-sensory indulgence through elaborate, location-inspired menus and chef-curated delights timed perfectly with film scenes.
Movie-going in India is undergoing a delicious transformation with the rise of gourmet meals enhancing the cinematic experience. The classic trio of popcorn, soft drinks, and sandwiches is giving way to thoughtfully curated menus and luxurious in-seat dining options at major multiplexes like PVR INOX, Sunset Cinema Club, and more.
Key Highlights:
Dining Meets Storytelling: Gourmet cinema events like Sunset Cinema Club’s collaboration with The Piano Man New Delhi serve multi-course meals inspired by film locations and narratives, creating a synchronized gastronomic and visual journey.
Luxurious Dine-In Cinemas: PVR INOX’s luxury dine-in concept features chef-crafted meals, revolving lounge seats, and live kitchen counters, promoting relaxed social interactions alongside film viewing.
Expansive Menus: Audiences enjoy everything from artisanal pizzas, biryanis, and shawarmas to innovative street food like Masala Sabudana Risotto and plant-based barbecues, highlighting regional and international cuisines.
Experience Over Function: The focus is on comfort, ambience, and taste—offering café-style lounges, VR zones, and gourmet food delivery directly to seats, enhancing the sensory appeal of the cinema.
Industry Impact: Upscale food offerings contribute significantly to multiplex revenues, with food and beverage sales reaching nearly 30% of total earnings, reflecting changing consumer expectations and entertainment habits.
Food and Film Fusion: Timing food courses to iconic film scenes connects audiences emotionally with stories, elevating both the taste and cinematic experience.
As Indian cinema culture evolves, gourmet meals are poised to become as iconic as the movies themselves, reshaping nights out into holistic celebrations of taste, storytelling, and social connection.
Sources: Sunset Cinema Club, PVR INOX, Mumbai Mirror, Good Housekeeping, Forbes, Cosmopolitan.