The Multiplex Association of India (MAI), a body representing multiplex operators across India, has expressed its opposition to the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by streaming platform Netflix.
In a statement, MAI said the acquisition "poses a direct competition and economic threat to India's theatrical and broader film economy," considering the history of the "dominant streaming platform" giving less priority to theatrical releases.
The news of the $83 billion deal, which broke a day ago, has sent shockwaves through movie industries across the globe, triggering intense debates on the future of movies, theatrical revenue, and streaming in general.
In an official statement, 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."
Emphasising that Indian cinemas are "cultural hubs and significant economic contributors" supporting "millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, F&B, and ancillary services," he observed that the move would "inevitably impact revenues, limit consumer choice, and weaken the broader ecosystem of film production, distribution, and exhibition in India."
Gianchandani added that the risk associated with a deal of this magnitude is "two-fold" and "warrants careful scrutiny."
"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," he further added.