Cinema VinesThe Big Cine Expo 2026, scheduled for August 18 and 19 in Chennai, will bring together a wide spectrum of cinema professionals, from theatre owners and design consultants to equipment manufacturers and system integrators. The event is a staple in the exhibition calendar, offering a platform for stakeholders to celebrate cinema and the exhibition industry.
A headline attraction for this year’s expo is a screening of exclusive footage from the highly anticipated period epic “Ramayana.” The preview, slated for the first day of the expo, will feature stars Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sunny Deol, Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, among others. Attendees will be prohibited from using mobile phones or recording any part of the presentation, and security personnel will be stationed inside the screening area to prevent any unauthorized filming or photography.
The film’s director, Nitesh Tiwari, and producer, Namit Malhotra, will not attend the event. Instead, Parminder Chadda, Technical Head at Prime Focus, will present the exclusive footage on behalf of the production team.
In addition to the “Ramayana” screening, the expo will host the IMAX Big Cine Awards on August 18. Blockbuster filmmaker Rakesh Roshan will receive a Special Achievement Award for his contributions to cinema. The awards will also honor the Best Single‑Screen Theatre of the Year, a title awarded to Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, run by Vishek Chauhan. The theatre will share the accolade with Mukta A2 Bharatmata in Lalbaug, Mumbai. Mukta A2, a heritage single‑screen venue that reopened on March 24 after a period of closure, now boasts Dolby Surround Sound, 2K laser projection, and upgraded seating including recliners and sofas.
Other cinema chains such as AMB Cinemas, City Pride, Roongta Cinemas, Rajhans Cinemas, Connplex Cinemas, and Starline Cinemas will also be recognized across various award categories, underscoring the event’s role in celebrating excellence throughout India’s film exhibition landscape.
