The Multiplex Association of India has flagged serious concerns after Netflix announced plans to acquire Warner Bros Discovery for 82.7 billion dollars. When news broke on December 5, 2025, it sent a clear message across the theatre business. Your local cinema industry senses real danger.
One of the biggest worries centres on content supply. Warner Bros has long delivered steady global and Indian releases to cinemas. Under Netflix’s control, that flow may change. You may see fewer major films reaching theatres if streaming takes priority over widescreen launches.
Netflix already limits theatrical runs and pushes direct streaming releases. That strategy threatens box office collections. It also narrows audience choice. If premium titles move online, your theatre options shrink and weekend footfalls drop hard.
The association also points to jobs at risk. Cinemas support thousands across printing, distribution, staff operations, and support services. Any cut in releases hits income streams. Your ticket directly supports more livelihoods than just the staff inside a hall.
With HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros studios set to sit under one company, MAI wants strict regulation. Authorities in India and abroad are urged to step in. Until clarity arrives, uncertainty continues to hang over your movie-going future.
