Too Many Films, Too Few Screens? Inside the Debate Shaping the Future of Indian Theatres
India makes more films than any other country in the world, yet its theatrical ecosystem is facing a paradox: a shortage of viable screens and an overcrowded release calendar. Recent industry conversations—sparked by remarks from distributor and exhibitor voices and earlier theories popularized by stars like —have brought this issue back into focus.
At the heart of the debate lies a fundamental question: Can Indian cinemas survive on just a handful of big films every year, or does the country need thousands of additional screens to support its massive film output? This explainer unpacks the background, causes, impacts, and possible futures of this complex issue in a clear, first-time-reader-friendly way.
Understanding the Core Issue: What Is the Screen Shortage Debate?
The Indian film industry releases 1,500–2,000 films annually across languages. However, India has roughly 9,500–10,000 operational cinema screens, far fewer than markets like the United States or China when adjusted for population.
Aamir Khan has long argued that India needs 15,000 or more screens to allow films to reach their audience fairly and profitably. More recently, trade analyst and exhibitor echoed a more cautionary view: that theatres cannot economically survive if only three or four big films per year do all the business, leaving the rest of the calendar underperforming.
This tension—between expansion and sustainability—is shaping how films are produced, released, and even written.
Why This Problem Exists: A Look at the Roots
1. Historical Dependence on Single Screens
For decades, Indian cinema thrived on single-screen theatres, often family-owned, serving local communities. These venues ran films for weeks, sometimes months, allowing word-of-mouth to build organically.
However, many single screens:
- Shut down due to poor infrastructure
- Could not afford digitization
- Lost audiences to malls and streaming platforms
As a result, multiplexes became dominant—but they came with higher costs and stricter commercial expectations.
2. Multiplex Economics Changed the Game
Multiplexes depend on:
- High ticket prices
- Fast audience turnover
- Strong opening weekends
This model works for event films, often starring major actors, but struggles with:
- Mid-budget dramas
- Content-driven films
- Regional or experimental cinema
If a film doesn’t perform in its first 3–4 days, it risks being replaced—regardless of quality.
3. The Rise of Event Films and Star-Centric Economics
Modern Bollywood increasingly revolves around:
- Big stars
- Franchise films
- Holiday releases
- Heavy marketing spends
This has created a winner-takes-most scenario, where:
- A few films earn massive box office numbers
- Many releases fail to recover costs
This imbalance reinforces the idea that only a handful of films can “save” theatres each year.
How the Screen Crunch Affects Film Releases
Crowded Fridays and Short Theatrical Windows
With limited screens:
- Multiple films release on the same day
- Screens are divided unevenly
- Smaller films get inconvenient showtimes
This leads to:
- Low occupancy
- Poor visibility
- Early removal from theatres
For audiences, it means less choice. For filmmakers, it often means financial loss, regardless of creative merit.
Who Is Impacted—and How
1. Film Producers
Mid- and small-budget producers face:
- Difficulty securing screens
- Dependence on opening-day numbers
- Increased risk of losses
Many now pre-sell films to streaming platforms, reducing theatrical diversity.
2. Theatre Owners
Exhibitors struggle with:
- High real estate costs
- Maintenance and staffing expenses
- Inconsistent footfalls
When only a few films perform annually, theatres remain underutilized for months.
3. Audiences
Viewers experience:
- Higher ticket prices
- Fewer genres in theatres
- Limited access to non-star-driven cinema
Ironically, a content-rich industry results in narrower theatrical choice.
4. Creative Talent
Writers, directors, and actors outside the superstar ecosystem face:
- Reduced theatrical exposure
- Pressure to tailor content for OTT
- Fewer chances to build long-term audience loyalty in cinemas
India vs Other Film Markets: A Quick Comparison
| Country | Population (Approx.) | Screens | Screens per 1M People |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1.4 Billion | ~10,000 | ~7 |
| USA | 330 Million | ~40,000 | ~121 |
| China | 1.4 Billion | ~82,000 | ~58 |
| UK | 67 Million | ~4,500 | ~67 |
This table highlights why many argue India is underscreened, even though it produces the most films globally.
Is Adding More Screens the Solution?
The Case for Expansion
Supporters of expansion argue:
- More screens = more films can coexist
- Longer theatrical runs become viable
- Ticket prices could stabilize
- Regional and niche cinema gets breathing space
Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, in particular, remain underserved despite strong moviegoing culture.
The Case for Caution
Skeptics point out:
- Building theatres is capital-intensive
- Footfalls are inconsistent
- OTT platforms have changed viewing habits permanently
- Empty screens may worsen exhibitor losses
In this view, quality and scheduling, not quantity, are the real issues.
The Role of Streaming Platforms
Streaming has reshaped audience expectations:
- Comfort over crowds
- Variety over spectacle
- On-demand viewing
While OTT platforms have saved many films from obscurity, they also:
- Reduce urgency to visit theatres
- Shorten theatrical windows
- Influence storytelling styles
Theatrical cinema is increasingly reserved for spectacle-driven experiences, narrowing its cultural role.
What This Means for the Future of Indian Cinema
1. Hybrid Release Models
Films may increasingly:
- Release theatrically in select cities
- Move quickly to OTT
- Use cinemas for branding rather than revenue alone
2. Smarter Release Calendars
Industry coordination could:
- Reduce clashes
- Allow smaller films exclusive windows
- Spread releases evenly across the year
3. Reinventing Single Screens
Reviving affordable, community-focused cinemas—possibly with government incentives—could:
- Increase screen count organically
- Lower operational costs
- Expand access beyond malls
4. Redefining Success Metrics
Instead of judging films solely by opening weekend numbers, the industry may need to:
- Value longevity
- Consider audience reach across platforms
- Measure cultural impact, not just box office totals
The Bigger Picture
The debate around screens and survival is not just about infrastructure—it reflects a deeper shift in how Indians consume stories. Cinema halls are no longer the default destination for every film, but they remain irreplaceable for collective, immersive experiences.
Whether India builds more screens or reimagines how existing ones are used, the solution will likely lie in balance, not extremes.
The future of Indian theatres depends not only on blockbusters, but on diverse storytelling, fair access, and an ecosystem that allows films of all sizes to breathe.
And as the industry navigates this transition, one thing is clear: the question is no longer just how many screens India needs, but what kind of cinema those screens are meant to serve.