EntertainmentPosted at: Feb 7 2026 5:55PM


Aamir Khan calls for more cinema halls in India to compete with China

New Delhi, Feb 7 (UNI) India has been the world’s largest producer of films for several years, yet despite being the second-oldest film industry globally, the country still lags far behind China and the USA in terms of the number of cinema screens.
While Bollywood dominates the industry, the limited number of screens restricts the reach of films across the nation.
In an exclusive interview with Variety India, Aamir Khan highlighted the urgent need to expand India’s exhibition infrastructure.
“India's a huge country; it's like a continent, it's massive and each state has its own language, its own culture, its own films. So, I really feel that in a country like India, we need many more cinema halls. More outlets, so that we can reach a lot more people. If you want to compete with China, for example, they have, I think, one lakh screens,” Khan explained.
He pointed out the stark contrast between India and China, where big films rake in staggering revenues. “We are at 9,000 screens. What is the comparison? We are one-tenth their size in outlets. Which is why one big film when in China does huge business; it does two billion US dollars. Just in China, not in the rest of the world. Just in China, big films do that kind of business. The big films over there do business worth billions of dollars. I am talking of US dollars. So, when we increase our number of screens, you'll see the business expand at the grassroots level. The base of your pyramid will go wide.”
Khan also cited Bollywood’s recent record-breaker, Dhurandhar, to emphasize his point. “Let's take the example of Dhurandhar, which has done around Rs 1,000 crore. Now, imagine if it had been released in not 5,000 screens but in 15,000 screens. Massive! So, this is what I'm trying to say. The real change will come when the number of screens goes up. Because there are so many districts in India right now that don't have a single screen,” he said.
Khan’s observations underline the potential for massive growth in India’s film industry if more cinema halls are established, expanding access to films for audiences nationwide, according to Variety India.
UNI MI RKM
Please log in to get detailed story.
Tags: #Aamir Khan calls for more cinema halls in India to compete with China
More News

Patricia Riggen and Gabriel Ripstein to helm drama on Frida Kahlo

12 Mar 2026 | 9:22 PM

Los Angeles, March 12 (UNI) Filmmakers Patricia Riggen and Gabriel Ripstein will share directing duties for the upcoming yet-to-be-titled film centred on the lives of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and her husband, renowned muralist Diego Rivera.

see more..

Billie Eilish considered for lead role in film version of 'The Bell Jar'

12 Mar 2026 | 9:21 PM

Los Angeles, March 22 (UNI) Grammy-winning music icon Billie Eilish is reportedly being considered for the lead role in a forthcoming cinematic adaptation of "The Bell Jar", potentially marking her first major appearance as a lead actor in a feature film.

see more..

Maya Rudolph to make Broadway debut with 'Oh Mary!'

12 Mar 2026 | 9:20 PM

New York, March 12 (UNI) Six-time Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Maya Rudolph is poised to make her long-awaited Broadway debut this spring, stepping into the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the acclaimed comedy "Oh, Mary!", created by playwright and performer Cole Escola.

see more..

I don't want to risk doing a sequel to a hit film: director Priyadarshan

12 Mar 2026 | 9:09 PM

Mumbai, March 12 (UNI) Acclaimed filmmaker Priyadarshan, who is reuniting with Akshay Kumar after 14 years with "Bhooth Bangla",has candidly opined that he stays away from making sequels to his popular films, keeping in mind the pressure it puts on him to create the same impact on the box office numbers, if not less than the original one.

see more..

UP State Women's Commission demands ban on singer Badshah's concerts

12 Mar 2026 | 7:44 PM

Lucknow, March 12 (UNI) Taking a strong stance on singer Badshah's controversial song "Tettiri", the Uttar Pradesh State Women's Commission Vice President, Aparna Yadav, has written to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding a ban on the singer's concerts in the state.

see more..