The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has voiced serious concerns over Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, warning that the move could undermine India's theatrical sector and the country's wider film economy.

In a statement on Saturday, MAI said the takeover of a major global studio by a streaming platform that has "historically deprioritised" theatrical releases poses a direct competitive and economic threat.

Netflix on Friday announced a USD 72 billion cash-and-stock deal to acquire Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming businesses, including HBO Max and DC Studios. The transaction is expected to close after Warner spins off Discovery Global into a new publicly traded company in the third quarter of 2026.

MAI President Kamal Gianchandani noted that India's theatrical market depends on scale, choice and cultural diversity. However, Netflix's limited and "highly restrictive" approach to theatrical releases raises fears of reduced high-quality content for cinemas and the possibility of shortened—or even absent—theatrical windows.

He added that Warner Bros has long been a valuable partner for Indian exhibitors, contributing regularly to the release calendar with strong global and local titles. A consolidation of this scale, Gianchandani warned, could constrain revenues, limit audience choice and weaken the broader ecosystem of production, distribution and exhibition.

MAI said it will continue raising these concerns with regulators in India and abroad. The association stressed that cinemas remain vital cultural spaces and major economic contributors, supporting millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, F&B and ancillary industries.

Founded in 2002 under FICCI, MAI represents more than 11 cinema chains operating over 550 multiplexes and around 3,000 screens nationwide.