Single Screens vs Multiplexes

Why India's single-screen cinemas have been closing while multiplexes grew, and what this means for ticket prices and audiences.

India’s cinema halls have changed dramatically.

The decline of single screens

India once had many thousands of single-screen theatres. Their number has fallen significantly over the past two decades, as many closed or turned into malls.

Why they closed

Old buildings needing costly upgrades.
Low ticket prices, sometimes capped by state rules.
Land values making other uses more profitable.
Piracy and TV reducing footfall.

The rise of multiplexes

PVR and INOX, which merged in 2023 to form PVR INOX, and others expanded.
Multiplexes offer comfort, choice of films and food, but charge higher prices.

Low screen density

India has relatively few screens per person compared with the US or China. Many towns lack a modern cinema, limiting box-office potential.

What it means

Cinema-going became more urban and middle-class.
Mass films that thrived in single screens lost some audiences.
Affordable new-format cinemas and small-town screens are being tried.

The town cinema

A small town's only single screen closes and becomes a shopping complex. Residents must travel to the district city's multiplex to watch a new release.

Thinking India has plenty of cinema screens

India has relatively few screens per person.

Key takeaways

Single-screen theatres have declined significantly.
Old buildings, low prices and land values drove closures.
Multiplexes grew, with PVR and INOX merging in 2023.
India's low screen density limits box-office potential.