The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) on Saturday expressed concern over Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, saying it would create direct competition and an economic threat to India’s theatres and the wider film industry.
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The acquisition of Warner Bros., one of the world’s leading studios, by a major streaming platform that has historically not prioritized theatrical releases, poses a direct economic threat to India’s broader film economy, MAI said in a statement.
On Friday, Netflix said it had struck a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to buy the Hollywood giant’s studio and streaming business for 72 billion dollars.
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The cash-and-stock deal also includes its namesake television and motion picture division, Warner’s owner of the HBO Max streaming service, and DC Studios. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 after Warner separates Discovery Global into a new, publicly traded company.
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MAI President Kamal Gianchandani said the Indian theatrical market is based on choice, scale, and diverse cultures. However, “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 goes ahead, the risk is twofold: high-quality content for cinemas and the potential for reduced or non-existent screen time in cinemas.”
Warner Bros. has historically been a key partner of Indian cinemas, consistently contributing to our release calendar with successful global and local titles. Gianchandani said the proposed acquisition would inevitably impact revenues, limit consumer choice, and weaken the broader ecosystem of film production, distribution, and exhibition in India. He further stated that “an integration of this scale requires careful scrutiny.”
MAI raises concerns in Netflix-Warner Bros deal
He further stated that MAI will continue to raise these concerns with regulatory authorities in India and internationally. According to Gianchandani, cinemas in India are not just entertainment venues. They are also cultural centers and significant economic contributors. They support the livelihoods of millions through production, distribution, exhibition, food and beverage (F&B), and ancillary services.
What is the Multiplex Association of India?
MAI is a nationwide group of cinema operators that works closely with regulatory bodies and industry partners to elevate the value of cinema, highlight opportunities, and address various challenges facing the cinema exhibition sector. Established in 2002 under the aegis of industry body FICCI, MAI represents over 11 cinema chains that operate over 550 multiplexes with approximately 3,000 screens across the country.
