Hyderabad’s IMAX in Hakimpet in 2027: Worst Possible Location

After years of waiting, Hyderabad is finally set to welcome back an IMAX screen. Asian Group’s Suniel Narang recently confirmed that plans are underway to bring IMAX back to the city by 2027.

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The proposed location: Hakimpet.

While the news has thrilled cinephiles, the choice of location has raised significant concerns.

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Hakimpet is situated around 25 to 30 kilometers from the city center, meaning most residents would need nearly an hour to reach it.

This makes it impractical for casual or frequent moviegoers. The absence of a nearby metro station further adds to the inconvenience.

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Unlike areas such as Banjara Hills, Ameerpet, or Hitech City, Hakimpet lacks robust public transport infrastructure. Cab and bus services are limited, especially late at night.

IMAX screenings often include midnight shows and exclusive releases. Traveling to Hakimpet during those hours may not be feasible—or safe—for many. This could limit turnout, especially on weekdays.

Premium formats like IMAX rely heavily on consistent footfall to remain viable. A theater located so far from the city’s residential and commercial hubs may struggle to draw crowds.

Even weekends might only see good occupancy if a high-budget visual spectacle is playing. This creates a long-term risk of underperformance and potential shutdown.

Many believe a smarter move would be to repurpose one of the currently shuttered or underperforming single-screen theaters in central Hyderabad.

These theaters already have strong road access, parking, and a built-in connection with local audiences. Their proximity to densely populated areas makes them ideal for sustained foot traffic.

Other Indian cities offer better examples: Bengaluru’s IMAX screens are inside malls with easy access. Chennai and Delhi have placed theirs in central multiplexes, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and profitability. Hyderabad should aim to do the same.

The return of IMAX is undoubtedly a welcome step for a city that loves cinema. But placing it in Hakimpet may limit its impact. For IMAX to thrive in Hyderabad, it needs to be centrally located, easily accessible, and commercially sustainable.

As of now, Hakimpet doesn’t quite tick those boxes.