From Retro Vibes to Legacy Battles: Nostalgia and AI Thrills Shape This Week’s Big-Screen Experience at PVR INOX
The late-January programming slate at PVR INOX reflects a powerful convergence of nostalgia, innovation and cultural storytelling, as audiences increasingly seek shared theatrical experiences that go beyond pure entertainment. From legacy war epics and retro-styled comedies to indie romances and AI-driven thrillers, this week’s releases underline how cinema continues to serve as a communal space for both reflection and debate.
Commenting on the trend, Mr. Aamer Bijli, Lead Specialist – Innovation, Film Marketing, and Digital Programming at PVR INOX Ltd, said, “The upcoming slate highlights a fascinating shift in audience behaviour where global aesthetic trends and local legacy stories are converging. Whether it’s the debate around AI in thrillers like Mercy, the cross-generational appeal of a legacy sequel like Border 2, or the indie-cool pull of films such as Marty Supreme, viewers today are seeking cultural touchpoints that resonate with their digital-first lifestyles and personal values. Cinema remains a vital hub for both nostalgic reflection and future-forward conversation.”
Film Highlights & Audience Trends
Marty Supreme
Directed by Josh Safdie and starring Timothée Chalamet alongside Gwyneth Paltrow and Tyler, the Creator, this retro-styled sports comedy explores the quirky world of 1950s professional ping pong. The film has sparked strong online buzz, with its vintage aesthetic driving fashion and pop-culture trends among Gen Z audiences.
Chatha Pacha: The Ring of Rowdies
Releasing January 22, this Malayalam action-comedy directed by Adhvaith Nayar brings the spirit of Fort Kochi to the screen. Featuring Roshan Mathew and Arjun Ashokan, the film’s portrayal of friendship, rivalry and local wrestling culture has generated strong interest, particularly in South Indian markets.
Primate
Johannes Roberts’ survival-horror thriller taps into the renewed appeal of creature features. Centered on a family vacation gone wrong, the film is drawing attention from horror enthusiasts eager for an intense, communal big-screen experience.
Border 2
Arriving on January 23, nearly three decades after the original, Border 2 rekindles patriotic sentiment with Sunny Deol leading a new ensemble cast including Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty. The film has prompted cross-generational cinema outings, reinforcing the emotional legacy of India’s war cinema.
The History of Sound
Directed by Oliver Hermanus and starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, this WWI-era romantic drama offers a quiet, emotionally resonant alternative to spectacle-driven cinema. The film has found a dedicated following among art-house audiences drawn to its intimacy and musical storytelling.
Mercy
A near-future sci-fi thriller starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson, Mercy explores justice in the age of artificial intelligence. Its premise has ignited online debate, positioning the film as a timely cultural conversation starter while driving interest in premium large-format screenings.
This week’s PVR INOX lineup underscores cinema’s enduring power to bring together diverse audiences, whether through mass-scale patriotic fervour, edge-of-the-seat thrillers, or intimate indie narratives.
