Ranchi, Jharkhand | June 2026
India’s cinema industry is witnessing a quiet revolution—one that is moving from the neon-lit corridors of metropolitan multiplexes into the hearts of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where entertainment-hungry audiences are growing faster than infrastructure can keep up. At the forefront of this shift stands Eylex Cinemas, a pioneering multiplex chain that has now formalized an ambitious cinema franchise programme, inviting entrepreneurs and investors to become part of one of the most compelling entertainment businesses in the country.
A Legacy Rooted in Eastern India
Few cinema brands carry the kind of regional credibility that Eylex Cinemas has built over nearly two decades. Founded by Akash Jalan, Eylex broke new ground in 2007 when it launched the first multiplex in Ranchi—a transformative moment not just for Jharkhand but for the broader Belt of Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and West Bengal. At a time when quality cinema infrastructure was scarce outside metropolitan India, Eylex Cinemas brought state-of-the-art screens and a premium movie-going experience to audiences who had been underserved for years.
Today, the company operates 24 screens across eight cities, including Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Deoghar, Muzaffarpur, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Asansol, and Silchar. This network makes Eylex Cinemas one of the most geographically diverse cinema chains operating outside India’s Top 10 urban centres—a distinction that carries significant strategic weight as the country’s entertainment consumption continues its rapid decentralisation.
The Franchise Opportunity: Scalable, Supported, and Market-Ready
What differentiates the Eylex franchise model is its deliberate flexibility. The company has structured its offering around three distinct cinema formats—designed to serve investors entering different market tiers. The Eylex Siwan format, engineered for budget-conscious deployments in Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, offers a proven pathway to profitability in markets where ticket price sensitivity is high but footfall demand is consistent. The Eylex Ranchi format caters to premium large-format cinema requirements in Tier 1 and mid-size Tier 2 cities, while the Eylex Jamshedpur format represents the brand’s luxury segment, designed for investors targeting discerning urban audiences.
Franchise partners can enter with a single-screen setup and scale incrementally, or launch a full four-screen multiplex from day one. This tiered approach means entrepreneurs are not forced into a one-size-fits-all investment structure—an important differentiator in a franchise sector often criticised for its rigidity. Eylex provides end-to-end support across theatre design, audiovisual technology installation, staff training, marketing systems, and ongoing operational guidance. The company’s message to prospective partners is clear: the infrastructure, brand equity, and operational know-how are already in place; franchisees are being invited to leverage it.
Why Cinema Franchising Is a Compelling Investment Class in 2026
The macro tailwinds supporting cinema investment in India are formidable. Box office revenues have been recovering strongly post-pandemic, driven by a consistent pipeline of high-performing Bollywood and regional content, as well as the growing appetite for premium cinema experiences among younger, aspirational consumers. Analysts have observed that while OTT platforms have altered viewing habits, theatrical releases continue to draw audiences in large numbers, particularly for event films and regional blockbusters.
More critically for franchise investors, the underserved nature of Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets represents an untapped commercial frontier. These cities are witnessing rapid urbanisation, rising per-capita income, and a youth demographic actively seeking quality entertainment outside the home. For an investor looking to build a recurring-revenue, footfall-driven business in their local market, a cinema franchise presents a rare combination of community impact and financial return.
A Brand Built on Audience Trust
Beyond financial metrics, Eylex Cinemas brings something that newer entrants cannot manufacture overnight: audience trust. The brand has cultivated loyalty across multiple states by maintaining consistent standards—comfortable seating, reliable air-conditioning, good sound quality, and importantly, affordable ticket pricing. In markets where disposable incomes are growing but remain price-conscious, Eylex’s positioning as a premium-yet-accessible cinema experience has proven to be a durable competitive advantage.
The company also offers multiple show timings and flexible seating configurations, enabling franchise locations to maximise seat occupancy across different viewer segments—families, students, and working professionals—throughout the day. This operational approach has translated into strong daily viewer numbers across Eylex’s existing network and provides a validated blueprint for franchise partners entering new markets.
Looking Ahead
With its franchise programme now formally open, Eylex Cinemas has articulated an expansionary vision that extends well beyond its current eastern India stronghold. The company is actively seeking partners in markets across the country, offering exclusive territorial rights in locations with demonstrated or emerging demand for quality cinema infrastructure. Limited territories are available, and the company has indicated that franchise applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis.
For entrepreneurs who have long considered the entertainment sector but been deterred by the complexity of building a cinema brand from scratch, the Eylex franchise model offers an unusually compelling alternative: the operational depth of an 18-year-old cinema brand, combined with the growth potential of India’s next wave of multiplex expansion.
About Eylex Cinemas
Eylex Cinemas (Eylex Films Pvt. Ltd.) is a leading multiplex and single-screen cinema chain headquartered in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Founded by Akash Jalan, the company pioneered the multiplex model in Eastern India and currently operates 24 screens across Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam. Eylex Cinemas is actively expanding its footprint through a structured franchise programme. For franchise enquiries, visit eylex.com/franchise.
Media Contact
Website: eylex.com/franchise
Mail: franchise@eylex.com
