Project Hail Mary Creates IMAX Frenzy in India with 3 AM Shows Sold Out
Hyderabad: The much-anticipated sci-fi film Project Hail Mary starring Ryan Gosling finally hit Indian theatres on March 26, 2026—six days later than its expected release. The delay was mainly to avoid a box office clash with Dhurandhar 2, which was already dominating theatres.
However, the bigger challenge wasn’t the delay—it was the shortage of IMAX screens. Despite being designed as a visually immersive IMAX experience, the film initially secured only five IMAX screens across India, as most premium screens were occupied by Dhurandhar 2. This left many fans disappointed.
Cities like Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kochi, and Chandigarh initially had no IMAX screenings at all. Ticket availability was also limited, with platforms like BookMyShow showing bookings for just one day at first, creating confusion about the film’s theatrical run.
Sudden Surge in Demand
Despite a slow start, the film witnessed a surprising surge in demand. To accommodate audiences, theatres introduced early morning and late-night shows. In cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, screenings began as early as 3:45 AM and 6:30 AM.
Interestingly, these unusual timings did not deter viewers. In fact, several of these shows sold out quickly, indicating strong audience interest driven by content rather than just star power.
IMAX Screens Increased
Following rising demand and strong online buzz, more IMAX screens were added. The number of shows jumped from just 13 per day to over 60. Eventually, the film secured screenings across all 34 IMAX theatres in India.
However, many viewers noted that a majority of these shows were scheduled at odd hours, making it inconvenient for some audiences.
Strong Global Performance
Globally, Project Hail Mary has already crossed $250 million, emerging as one of the biggest standalone film openings in recent years. The film’s success highlights how compelling storytelling continues to attract audiences worldwide.
