Netflix’s $83-billion Warner Bros Discovery deal sparks alarm among multiplexes

Mumbai: The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) has raised concerns over Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming assets, warning that the growing trend of streaming platforms buying major studios does not bode well for the theatrical business.

Amazon’s $8.5 billion takeover of MGM did not attract similar pushback because the studio, though modest, was operational at the time, and Amazon has since focussed on increasing its theatrical output. Amazon MGM Studios plans to release three to four films annually in India. Netflix, by contrast, has maintained a limited and selective approach to cinemas.