MP S. Niranjan Reddy has raised serious concerns in the Rajya Sabha about the rapid decline of single-screen cinemas across India, calling it an “unprecedented crisis” that now demands national-level discussion and action. His statement reflects the growing fear that the country’s once-vibrant single-screen culture is on the verge of collapse.
India had nearly 25,000 single-screen theatres in 1990, but by 2025 the number has dropped to around 6,000. The fall is even more alarming in Telangana, where nearly 450 single-screen theatres have shut down over the years, leaving many towns without a traditional cinema hall.
The crisis is driven by several key factors. A massive drop in footfalls is making it difficult for these theatres to survive financially. The rapid expansion of multiplexes has also pulled away audiences by offering premium seating, modern technology, and luxury amenities. Rising ticket rates have further pushed away middle- and lower-income viewers, who were once the backbone of single-screen theatres.
Increasing production and distribution costs have added more pressure, making it harder for small theatres to acquire films. The post-pandemic shift toward OTT platforms has also changed viewing habits permanently, reducing dependency on theatres. Additionally, the 18% GST on movie tickets has created a heavy burden on exhibitors and audiences alike.
Even factors like expensive food and beverages at multiplexes influence cinema-going habits, as many families discourage theatre outings altogether, reducing the overall footfall for all formats, including single screens.
With thousands of theatres already shut down and many more on the edge of closure, industry experts believe that immediate policy support is needed to save India’s single-screen culture. Niranjan Reddy’s call in Parliament is expected to spark a wider debate on protecting cinema heritage and supporting small exhibitors across the country.