Netflix’s growth in India is now entering a new phase, and it is starting to create serious discussion within the film industry. After setting up a large 41,000 sq. ft. office in Hyderabad, the streaming giant is now reportedly planning something bigger, entering the theatre business, especially in Telugu states.
As per industry buzz, Netflix is looking to invest in building theatres, particularly in smaller towns. The plan is not just to screen regular films, but also to distribute movies and even showcase its own original content on the big screen. If this actually happens, it would be a major shift because OTT platforms have so far stayed away from owning theatres in India.
To understand why this is a big deal, it helps to look at how Netflix has been operating over the years. In the beginning, it attracted filmmakers by paying high prices for digital rights. This made many producers depend heavily on OTT deals. Later, Netflix and other platforms started pushing for shorter gaps between theatre release and OTT release. Over time, a four-week window became common, which many believe reduced theatre audiences.
Recently, Netflix has also become more careful. It now evaluates content more strictly and is offering lower prices compared to before. With plans to step into theatre ownership, it looks like the company wants control over the entire process, from making films to releasing and showing them.
This has led to panic among not just audience but also industry circles, distributors, and exhibitors. Some feel this could improve theatre access in smaller towns. Others are worried that too much control in one hand could affect how films are made and released.
Whether this becomes a positive change or creates new problems is still unclear. But one thing is certain. The way theatres and OTT platforms work together is changing fast, and the industry could be heading towards a completely new system.
