Multiplex Association of India sounds alarm over | Indian Movie News
The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has issued a strong assertion expressing “deep concern” over Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, calling the development a potential setback for India’s theatrical panorama. The industry physique, which represents multiplex chains across the nation, cautioned that the merger may disrupt the provision of major studio movies to cinemas — a key driver for footfalls, revenues and industry stability.
On December 5, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery announced a landmark settlement valued at an enterprise price of $82.7 billion, marking one of the most important leisure mergers to date. The deal, anticipated to close after the separation of WBD’s Global Networks division in Q3 2026, would carry Warner Bros.’ storied movie studios, HBO and HBO Max under Netflix’s umbrella. While Netflix has said it is going to keep Warner Bros.’ theatrical operations, MAI believes the streaming platform’s historic strategy to cinema releases raises purple flags.
Kamal Gianchandani, President of MAI, underscored the gravity of the state of affairs in a detailed assertion. “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 said.
Highlighting the in depth financial footprint of cinemas, Gianchandani added, “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 pressured that Netflix’s long-standing choice for restricted theatrical releases may severely have an effect on the circulation of studio content to cinemas. “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,” the assertion read.
“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,” Gianchandani warned.
The affiliation additional said that a consolidation of this scale “warrants careful scrutiny,” including that it is going to continue to current its considerations to regulatory authorities in India and overseas.
As the Netflix–Warner Bros. deal continues to generate worldwide debate, MAI’s strong stance highlights the growing rigidity between streaming-first methods and the normal theatrical business — a battle that may reshape how audiences in India expertise global cinema in the years forward.
Also Read: Netflix set to purchase Warner Bros. in groundbreaking $82.7 billion deal
Multiplex Association of India sounds alarm over | Watch Online Free
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