Amazon’s $8.5 billion takeover of MGM did not attract similar pushback because the studio, though modest, was operational at the time, and Amazon has since focussed on increasing its theatrical output. Amazon MGM Studios plans to release three to four films annually in India. Netflix, by contrast, has maintained a limited and selective approach to cinemas.
Netflix’s $83 billion deal for Warner Bros Discovery, following the spinoff of the linear TV networks and Discovery+ into Discovery Global, is among the largest entertainment mergers in recent years. Its scale mirrors Disney’s $71 billion purchase of 21st Century Fox in 2019.
MAI said Indian cinemas rely on a steady and diverse film slate to sustain a vibrant theatrical ecosystem. The takeover of a major Hollywood studio by a streaming company that has deprioritised theatrical releases poses a competitive and economic threat.
Kamal Gianchandani, president, MAI, said the Indian theatrical market thrives on choice, scale and cultural diversity and highlighted Warner Bros’ longstanding contribution to release calendars.
“Cinemas in India are more than entertainment venues. They are cultural hubs and major economic engines. They support millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, food and beverage and ancillary services,” he said.
Warner Bros has a longstanding contribution to movie release calendars: MAI
He added that Netflix has made its stance clear through its restrictive approach to theatrical releases. “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 impact revenues, limit consumer choice and weaken the broader film ecosystem. A consolidation of this size requires careful scrutiny and MAI will continue to raise its concerns with regulators in India and abroad,” he said.
Netflix said on Friday it expects to maintain Warner Bros’ current operations and build on its strengths, including theatrical releases.
Multiplex executives privately admit the deal may have limited short-term impact in India because Hindi and regional films dominate the box office. Ormax Media data shows the 2025 box office reached ₹11,077 crore by October, up 24% from last year. Hollywood contributed 10% of the total, with Indian films accounting for the rest.
Hollywood remains a strong double-digit contributor for chains such as PVR Inox and Cinepolis, though Warner Bros Discovery’s share is in low single digits. “While WBD’s contribution in India is not very large, this merger will shake up global cinema in the years ahead. There is already strong opposition to the deal in the US,” said a senior multiplex executive.
