Superstar Wants 15,000 Screens But What’s Reality?

One of the biggest superstar in Indian cinema, Aamir Khan has made an interesting comment with regard to the theatrical screen share that is expected for big hero films. He pointed out that the upcoming Dhurandhar film needs 15,000 screens in India to do full justice.

Aamir Khan’s recent remark that Dhurandhar should have released on 15000 screens appears somewhat disconnected from the current reality of the Indian theatrical business.

The industry is already facing a difficult phase, with hundreds of screens shutting down every year. Rising operational costs, changing audience habits, and strong competition from streaming platforms have made survival challenging for many theatre owners.

At a time like this, the priority should not be expanding the number of screens but protecting the ones that already exist.

Many theatres remain underutilized because there is no steady flow of mainstream films capable of drawing large crowds. Long gaps between major releases often leave exhibitors struggling to cover expenses, forcing some to close permanently.

What the industry truly needs is consistency in commercial cinema. Well made, engaging films that appeal to a broad audience can encourage people to return to theatres and restore the culture of the big screen experience. When audiences feel confident that they will regularly get quality entertainment, footfalls will naturally improve.

Expansion can only make sense after stability is achieved. Strengthening content and supporting existing theatres should come first. Without that foundation, talking about massive screen counts risks sounding more aspirational than practical.