India Multiplex Association Objects to Netflix-Warner Bros. Deal: 'A Significant Decrease in High-Quality Content for Theaters'

The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has expressed serious reservations regarding Netflixs planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, cautioning that the deal could significantly reduce the availability of theatrical releases and pose a threat to the local cinema sector.

In an official statement, the organization representing multiplex operators nationwide highlighted that combining a major film studio with a streaming service may introduce both competitive and financial risks to Indias theatrical market.

The success of the Indian cinema industry relies on a wide selection of films, scale, and cultural variety, explained Kamal Gianchandani, president of MAI. Warner Bros. has traditionally been an important partner for Indian theaters, consistently providing both international and local hits that populate our release schedules.

The association stressed that cinemas in India are not only entertainment venues but also critical economic drivers, supporting millions of jobs in film production, distribution, exhibition, as well as in food, beverage, and related services.

MAI also criticized Netflix for its historical approach to theatrical releases, noting the streaming giants limited support for cinema-first strategies. The organization warned that the merger could result in fewer films being available in theaters and potentially shortened or eliminated theatrical windows for major releases.

Netflix has demonstrated through its past practices that it does not prioritize cinema-first releases, Gianchandani added. If this merger goes ahead, we face two main risks: a significant drop in high-quality content for theaters and the possibility of greatly reduced or nonexistent theatrical windows.

The association highlighted that such changes would negatively affect theater revenues, limit audience choices, and undermine the broader Indian film industry infrastructure. MAI intends to present these concerns to both domestic and international regulatory authorities.

Founded in 2002 under the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, MAI represents over 11 cinema chains, operating more than 550 multiplexes with roughly 3,000 screens across India.

Author: Harper Simmons