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Aamir Khan’s More-Screens Pitch Meets Pushback From Exhibitors

An exhibitor argues that costly new cinemas need consistent mass-market content to be viable, challenging Khan’s 15,000-screen scenario.

Overview

  • In a Variety India interview, Aamir Khan said India needs many more cinema halls and argued that Dhurandhar could have earned far more if released on 15,000 screens.
  • Khan contrasted India’s roughly 9,000 screens with China’s near 100,000, saying broader access would expand box office at the grassroots.
  • Exhibitor-distributor Akshaye Rathi responded on X, calling the idea “cute theoretical jargon” and questioning which of Khan’s recent films warranted ultra-wide releases.
  • Rathi said thousands of new screens require a steady flow of broad-appeal films, warning cinemas cannot be sustained by 3–4 blockbusters a year given capex and operating costs.
  • The back-and-forth has drawn wide coverage as Dhurandhar’s reported ~₹1,000 crore domestic haul and ~4 crore tickets keep the franchise in focus before a March sequel.