For over two decades, BookMyShow has been the go-to app for booking movie tickets in India. But that hold is now under serious pressure. Zomato’s District app is growing fast, and the latest numbers show it is giving BookMyShow its toughest fight yet.
61% Growth vs No Change
The biggest signal comes from India’s largest multiplex chain. According to figures derived from PVR INOX’s Q2 FY27 results, District’s online ticket sales at PVR INOX grew by 61% year-on-year in the first half of FY2027 (April to September).
In the same period, BookMyShow’s ticket sales at PVR INOX saw no change.
That’s a big gap. While BookMyShow stayed flat, District added a large chunk of new bookings, which means a growing share of moviegoers is now choosing District at the country’s biggest cinema chain.
District vs BookMyShow at PVR INOX (H1 FY2027, YoY)
- District: +61%
- BookMyShow: No change
From Zero to Real Rival in Two Years
What makes this growth stand out is how new District is. Eternal, Zomato’s parent company, launched the app in 2024 after buying Paytm’s movie and events ticketing business.
In its first full financial year, FY26, District crossed ₹970 Cr in revenue, around four times what the Paytm ticketing business made when Zomato bought it. Its weekly active users have also reached over 60% of BookMyShow’s, according to The Ken, a gap that took BookMyShow over 20 years to build.
More Than Just Movies
District isn’t only fighting on movies. It has also taken on BookMyShow in live events and sports. This IPL season, District became the exclusive ticketing partner for five of the 10 teams, selling tickets for nearly half of the league matches, compared to 25 for BookMyShow.
The app also combines movies, dining and events in one place, and its link with Zomato’s huge user base gives it an easy way to reach new customers.
Why Moviegoers Are Switching
Offers, discounts and a simple booking experience have helped District pull in users quickly. With Zomato’s backing, the company has been willing to spend heavily to grow, even while the business is still running at a loss.
BookMyShow Still on Top, but Under Pressure
BookMyShow, backed by Reliance, remains the biggest player in movie ticketing across India, and it still has a strong grip on big concerts and events. But the PVR INOX numbers show the gap is closing faster than many expected.
Other players are also entering the space. Swiggy has launched its own going-out platform, and Flipkart is said to be planning movie and event ticket sales. That makes the competition even tighter.
The Battle for the Top Slot
For now, BookMyShow still holds the crown. But if District keeps growing at this pace, the fight for the No.1 spot in India’s movie ticketing market could get very interesting in the coming months.
For moviegoers, more competition usually means better offers and lower booking fees, and that’s good news for everyone heading to the theatres.