Mumbai: The Multiplex Association of India (MAI), the apex body representing multiplex operators across the country, has raised significant concerns over streaming giant Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. MAI stated that the mega consolidation could pose a substantial threat to India’s theatrical ecosystem, consumer choice, and the overall film economy.
Warner Bros. has been one of the world’s most influential studios and a longstanding contributor to India’s cinema landscape, delivering a steady pipeline of blockbusters and culturally resonant titles. According to MAI, the acquisition by a streaming platform that has historically deprioritised theatrical releases could lead to major disruption in content availability for cinemas across India.
Kamal Gianchandani, President of the Multiplex Association of India, said, “The Indian theatrical market thrives on choice, scale, and cultural diversity. Warner Bros. has historically been a key partner to Indian cinemas, contributing consistently to our release calendar with successful global and local titles.”
He further emphasised the economic significance of the theatrical sector, noting, “Cinemas in India are more than entertainment venues. They are cultural hubs and significant economic contributors. They support millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, F&B, and ancillary services.”
MAI expressed particular concern about Netflix’s long-standing stance on theatrical releases. The association highlighted that the platform’s limited theatrical strategy could translate into reduced content availability and shorter—or entirely absent—theatrical windows if the acquisition goes through.
As Gianchandani warned, “Netflix has consistently made it clear through its limited and highly restrictive approach to theatrical releases that it does not believe in the cinema-first model. If this acquisition proceeds, the risk is two-fold, a meaningful reduction in high-quality content for cinemas, and the potential for shortened or non-existent theatrical windows.
This would inevitably impact revenues, limit consumer choice, and weaken the broader ecosystem of film production, distribution, and exhibition in India. A consolidation of this magnitude warrants careful scrutiny. MAI will continue to highlight these concerns to regulatory authorities both in India and internationally.”
