Multiplexes losing out as malls cut screen numbers and size

Space for theatres in malls could fall by 30-50% over 2-5 years, estimated real estate experts

- Suneera Tandon & Lata Jha

Movie theatres may not be dying, but their existential crisis is real as they lose ground to smaller screens—literally!

As over-the-top (OTT) apps continue to succeed in keeping consumers indoors, consistently empty theatres are pushing mall developers to reassess the space they allocate to multiplexes.

The intent is to build fewer but high-quality screens and save space for expanded dining, alternative entertainment avenues, and emerging categories such as jewellery and direct-to-consumer brands.

Unless the movie industry, which is still recovering from the pandemic-induced lethargy, scripts a dramatic comeback, space marked for theatres within malls could fall by 30-50% over two to five years, estimated real estate consultants.