In another example of how people’s voices matter, Ryan Gosling’s latest film Project Hail Mary has secured over 60 IMAX screens. The sci-fi film was released in the country on Thursday, March 26. However, until hours before its release, there were no IMAX screens allocated to the film. Fans did not take kindly to this lack of screens and expressed their anger on social media. The result? On the day of its India release, Project Hail Mary found limited IMAX shows in India—13 to be precise. However, thanks to the power of netizens, IMAX has allotted more screens to the film starting March 27.
Project Hail Mary finally secures IMAX screens
On Thursday night, movie ticket-booking platforms reflected the additional IMAX screens allotted to Project Hail Mary in different parts of the country. The film`s distributors, Sony Pictures India, which pushed for the film`s IMAX release, confirmed the same through their social media handles.
Bookings for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday have now been opened across more than 60 IMAX shows nationwide. India currently has a total of 34 IMAX screens and most theatres will be having two shows each day this weekend. The bookings were opened on Thursday night, and the reception has been positive so far, with theatres looking to sell out tickets for the much-hyped and critically acclaimed gobal film.
Fans express anger over no IMAX screens for PHM
Why is it a big deal? Project Hail Mary is among the few films shot specifically for IMAX and is reportedly a visual spectacle best experienced in that format. As of the evening of March 25, no IMAX screens in India had listed the film which led infuriated fans to express themselves on social media. Several users tagged theatre chains while voicing disappointment over the lack of IMAX screenings. The distributors, Sony Pictures India, heard the voices of the people and played an instrumental role in securing IMAX screens for the film.
Sources suggest the film was unable to secure IMAX screens due to the tremendous box office performance of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2. Interestingly, Project Hail Mary`s release in India was deferred by a week to avoid a direct clash with Dhurandhar 2. Globally, Gosling`s film was released on March 18 to glowing reviews.
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More about Project Hail Mary
Based on the bestselling novel by Andy Weir (author of The Martian), the film follows Ryland Grace (played by Ryan Gosling), a lone astronaut who wakes up aboard a mysterious spacecraft with no memory of who he is or the mission that brought him there. The much-awaited film released in cinemas across India on March 26, 2026.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, sources close to the unit say Project Hail Mary promises a thrilling blend of science, spectacle, and heartfelt storytelling.
Speaking about the film, Gosling recently said, “It’s an insanely ambitious story that’s massive in scope, and it seemed really hard to make, and that’s kind of our bag.” He added, “This is why we go to the movies. And I’m not just saying it because I’m in it—I’m also saying it because I’m a producer on the film.”
Featuring a strong supporting cast including Sandra Hüller, Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub, the film combines scale, emotion, and gripping adventure in a cinematic experience designed for the big screen.
