The Indian film exhibition industry has expressed significant apprehension following a landmark announcement in the global entertainment sector. On Friday, December 6, 2025, streaming behemoth Netflix revealed it has struck a monumental deal to acquire the studio and streaming business of legacy Hollywood giant Warner Bros Discovery. The proposed acquisition is valued at a staggering USD 72 billion.
Multiplex Association of India Voices Apprehension
In response to this seismic shift, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI), the collective body representing the country's major cinema chains, has formally raised concerns. The association fears that the consolidation of such vast content creation and distribution power under one streaming-focused entity could have long-term implications for the traditional theatrical window model. This model is crucial for the revenue and viability of physical multiplexes across India.
Details of the Blockbuster Deal
The deal, announced on December 6, 2025, marks one of the largest media mergers in history. Netflix is set to take over Warner Bros Discovery's iconic studio operations, which include a legendary film and television library, along with its direct-to-consumer streaming business. This move is seen as a strategic play by Netflix to secure an unparalleled vault of existing intellectual property (IP) and bolster its own production capabilities against competitors in the fiercely contested global streaming wars.
The transaction underscores the accelerating convergence between traditional Hollywood studios and digital-native platforms. For Netflix, gaining control of Warner Bros' assets provides immediate access to franchises and characters with generations of fan loyalty, potentially locking in subscribers for years to come.
Potential Impact on the Indian Market
The concerns from the Indian multiplex body are not unfounded. The Indian market presents a unique scenario where theatrical releases for big-budget Hollywood films are major revenue drivers for cinema halls. Key potential impacts include:
- Exclusive Streaming Releases: A heightened risk that major Warner Bros films could bypass theatres entirely for a direct-to-streaming premiere on Netflix, especially for mid-budget projects.
- Shortened Theatrical Windows: Increased pressure to reduce the exclusive period a film plays in cinemas before moving to the streaming platform.
- Bargaining Power Imbalance: With control over a massive content library, a combined Netflix-Warner entity could negotiate from a position of overwhelming strength with exhibitors over revenue sharing.
While the deal is subject to regulatory approvals globally, its completion would fundamentally reshape the media landscape. The Multiplex Association of India's statement highlights the growing tension between the rise of digital entertainment hubs and the established physical cinema ecosystem. The industry will be watching closely to see how this USD 72 billion deal influences content flow and release strategies in one of the world's most vibrant film markets.
