For movie lovers in Hyderabad, this is the kind of announcement many have been waiting more than a decade to hear. Ever since the iconic Prasad’s IMAX stopped screening films in the format years ago, fans have been forced to settle for other premium screens while watching major Hollywood and Indian releases. Now, that long wait is finally coming to an end, with Mahesh Babu-backed AMB Cinemas officially confirming the return of IMAX to the city.
The announcement instantly sparked excitement across social media. Hyderabad has always been known as one of India’s most passionate movie markets, where major releases often feel like city-wide celebrations. Because of that reputation, many fans felt it was surprising that a city with such a strong cinema culture had gone so long without an active IMAX screen. That situation is now set to change before the end of 2026.
AMB Cinemas Brings the Premium Format Back to the City
AMB Cinemas revealed the news through an official announcement that promised “Max Picture, Max Sound, Max Immersion” for audiences. The company stated that IMAX will be introduced at AMB Classic Victory, marking the format’s return to Hyderabad after an absence of more than 11 years. The promotional campaign highlighted Hyderabad’s deep connection with cinema and described IMAX as the format the city always deserved.
Asian Group Executive Director Jyesth Narang later confirmed the development on social media, sharing his excitement about bringing the premium large-format experience back to local audiences. The move is part of a broader agreement between IMAX Corporation and Asian Cinemas that covers three new IMAX locations. While Hyderabad fans are understandably focused on their own city, the partnership signals growing confidence in India’s premium theatrical market as demand for immersive cinema experiences continues to increase.
The announcement also gained attention because of SS Rajamouli’s upcoming mega-budget film Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu. The film’s official social media accounts quickly highlighted that audiences in Hyderabad will be able to experience the movie in IMAX when it releases worldwide on April 7, 2027. That detail alone was enough to send fans into celebration mode, with many saying they had previously considered traveling abroad for the best possible viewing experience.
What It Means for Varanasi, Peddi and Future Blockbusters
Some confusion emerged online after promotional material for Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor’s Peddi mentioned IMAX screenings. However, it has now been clarified that the new Hyderabad IMAX location will not be operational in time for the film’s June release. Those promotional materials were intended to highlight IMAX availability in other markets rather than confirm screenings at the upcoming Hyderabad venue.
Interestingly, the return of IMAX fulfills a wish that Rajamouli publicly expressed last year. When details emerged that Varanasi would feature sequences specially filmed for IMAX presentation, the filmmaker had openly hoped that Hyderabad would once again have an IMAX screen by the time the movie arrived. With construction and planning now moving forward, that hope appears to be becoming reality.
AMB Cinemas Managing Directors Suniel Narang and Bharat Narang described the development as a matter of pride for both the company and the city. IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond also pointed to India’s strong theatrical performance in recent years, saying the growing success of both Hollywood and Indian films is driving demand for more premium-format screens. If everything stays on schedule, Hyderabad moviegoers will soon have access to one of the most sought-after cinema experiences in the world, bringing a long chapter of waiting to an end.
