KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has raised serious concerns over the current state of Indian cinema infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for more theatres across the country. Speaking at the second day of the first World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) held in Mumbai, Khan remarked that while India is a film-loving nation, a vast majority of Indians do not have access to theatres.
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He emphasized that only 2% of India’s population watches films in cinemas, leaving 98% of viewers dependent on alternate formats such as television, streaming platforms, or pirated content.
A Nation That Loves Cinema, But Lacks Screens
“India loves films more than any other country. But only a tiny fraction of the population can actually watch them in theatres,” Aamir Khan said during a session titled “Future Studios: Placing India on the Global Studio Map.”
Khan stressed that the lack of theatre infrastructure in many parts of India—especially remote districts and regions like Konkan—has long been ignored by successive governments. “There are districts in India that don’t even have a single screen,” he said.
“Even our biggest blockbuster films are seen by only 2% of Indians in theatres. What about the remaining 98%?”
India’s Cinema Infrastructure Lags Behind China and the US
According to Aamir Khan, India currently has around 10,000 cinema screens, which is drastically low given its population of over 1.4 billion. In comparison:
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China has approximately 90,000 screens
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United States has about 40,000 screens, despite having just one-third of India’s population
Khan noted that of India’s 10,000 screens, nearly 50% are concentrated in the southern states, leaving only 5,000 for the rest of the country, primarily serving Hindi-language films.
“We need major investment in building more screens across the country. It’s the only way to truly democratize cinema in India.”
A Missed Opportunity for Theatrical Revenue
Khan also addressed the shrinking window between theatrical and streaming releases, a trend he believes is harming the cinema business.
“In earlier years, a film would release in theatres and then arrive on satellite TV after 12 months. Gradually, the gap reduced to 8 months, then 6, and now, sometimes it’s just a few weeks,” he explained.
“This trend is eating into our own revenue. When viewers know a film will be online in a few weeks, why would they pay to watch it in theatres?”
🇮🇳 India’s Entertainment Sector Needs Policy Support
The Bollywood icon praised the current administration for taking initial steps to recognize the media and entertainment industry as a key sector. According to him, this is the first time a government has seriously considered creating infrastructure and policies to position India as a global media hub.
“This is a welcome move. But we need more than intent—we need actionable policy and infrastructure on the ground,” he added.
The Way Forward: Distribution Networks Beyond India
In a joint panel discussion with producer Dinesh Vijan, Aamir Khan emphasized the importance of building international distribution networks for Indian cinema.
“We must start thinking beyond India. Our films can do well abroad, but we lack proper marketing and distribution in foreign territories.”
The session also featured industry veterans such as:
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Ritesh Sidhwani (Excel Entertainment)
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Ajay Bijli (PVR INOX Chairman)
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Charles Roven (Veteran Hollywood Producer)
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Namit Malhotra (CEO of VFX firm DNEG)
Together, they discussed the challenges and opportunities of taking Indian cinema global.
Aamir Khan Advocates Collaboration with Chinese Film Industry
Drawing from his own success in China with films like Dangal and 3 Idiots, Aamir Khan called for stronger creative partnerships between Indian and Chinese film communities.
He made these comments during a separate WAVES session titled “Indian Cinema with an Oriental Lens”, where he shared the stage with Chinese filmmakers such as:
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Peter Ho-Sun Chan
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Stanley Tong
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Prasad Shetty (Indian-origin producer based in China)
“I’ve visited China many times over the past decade, and I’ve noticed that their emotional and cultural response to cinema is very similar to Indian audiences.”
🇨🇳 Chinese Audiences React Like Indian Viewers
Aamir Khan shared anecdotes about watching Dangal in Chinese theatres and observing that audience reactions mirrored those in India.
“They laughed, cried, and clapped just like Indian audiences. This shows our stories have universal appeal.”
He believes such emotional and narrative synergy presents a huge opportunity for bilateral cooperation.
“Collaboration Will Benefit Both India and China”
According to Khan, there is immense potential for creative, emotional, and commercial collaboration between the two nations.
“It would be a win-win situation. We can share technical know-how, co-produce films, and gain access to wider markets.”
Khan mentioned that he has been in talks with Chinese industry friends and is hopeful that the WAVES summit will accelerate collaborative efforts in this direction.
Key Takeaways from Aamir Khan’s Address
India’s Cinema Screen Shortage
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Only 2% of Indians can access theatres
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India has ~10,000 screens vs. 90,000 in China
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Uneven screen distribution (South vs. North)
Impact on Box Office Revenue
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Shorter window between theatrical and OTT release
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Reduces incentive for cinema-goers
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Threatens viability of theatrical model
Need for Government and Private Investment
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Investment in cinema infrastructure
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Policies to support the entertainment industry
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Government-industry collaboration
Going Global
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Build overseas distribution networks
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Market Indian films internationally
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Collaborate with countries like China
Aamir Khan’s detailed insights at the WAVES summit reflect the growing consensus that India’s film industry needs structural support to sustain its growth. While content quality has improved and global reach is within grasp, infrastructure and policy remain critical gaps.
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