Jaaved Jaaferi Demands More Screens, Says India Lags Far Behind China

Actor Jaaved Jaaferi has voiced strong concern over India's severely limited number of cinema screens compared to China's vast count of over a lakh. He argues that the shortage of screens restricts the release and reach of good films within the country. Jaaferi made these remarks while promoting his upcoming thriller 'Mayasabha', where he plays a reclusive producer living in an abandoned theatre. The film itself delves into themes of obsession and paranoia during a treasure hunt.

Key Points: Jaaved Jaaferi on India's Screen Shortage vs. China

  • India has only ~15,000 screens
  • China boasts 1.25-2 lakh screens
  • Jaaferi stresses need for more cinemas
  • Limited screens hinder good film releases
  • Upcoming film 'Mayasabha' explores obsession in a theatre
2 min read

Jaaved Jaaferi says India deserves better screen count, compares to China's astonishing numbers

Actor Jaaved Jaaferi highlights India's severe lack of cinema screens compared to China's lakhs, stressing the need for growth ahead of 'Mayasabha'.

"In China, there are 1.25 lakh or 2 lakh screens... We have only 15,000. - Jaaved Jaaferi"

Mumbai, Jan 29

Actor Jaaved Jaaferi, who is gearing up for his upcoming film 'Mayasabha', has spoken up on the issue of limited screen count in India.

The actor compared the screen count of India with China, and said that India is seriously lagging behind in terms of number of screens.

The actor told IANS, "We need more cinemas. In India. It is very important. We have a lot of land. People have to come and settle at the same place. We have a lot of land. People don't have to stay there. People have to stay here".

He further mentioned, "They are going vertically. That is a different thing. But, the point is, in China, there are 1.25 lakh or 2 lakh screens. Yes. We have only 15, 000. If you want to make a good film. You are not getting a screen. Yes. You should have an option. I think we should focus more because our cinema is going out. We love cinema. It is not like that. But, if it is not there. There is no option. So, the option of good cinema should be available".

Meanwhile, 'Mayasabha' centres on Parmeshwar Khanna (played by Jaaved Jaaferi), who is a disgraced, reclusive producer who lives inside a crumbling, abandoned theatre with his mentally unstable son. Local lore claims that 40 kg of 24-carat gold biscuits were hidden within the building decades ago and never recovered. When two outsiders enter the theatre to verify the rumour and hunt for the treasure, they find themselves trapped in a claustrophobic maze of secrets.

What follows is a tense cat-and-mouse pursuit, where paranoia and fixation steadily replace reason, and the search for wealth turns into an exploration of obsession and existential despair. The film features a background score by Sagar Desai, with Kuldeep Mamania handling cinematography and Aasif Pathan overseeing editing.

The film is set to release on January 30, 2026.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I agree we need more screens, comparing directly with China isn't fair. Their population density and urban planning are different. Our focus should be on making cinema affordable again. Ticket prices in multiplexes are too high for the average family.
V
Vikram M
True point sir! So many single-screen theatres have shut down. We need a policy to revive them or build new affordable complexes. More screens mean more opportunities for regional and indie films too, not just Bollywood.
S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective. The numbers are staggering. 15,000 vs 125,000+ is a huge gap. This isn't just about entertainment; it's about infrastructure and economic opportunity. Building more cinemas could create so many jobs.
R
Rohit P
With OTT platforms booming, is the focus on physical screens still the right priority? Maybe investment should go into better digital distribution and home theatre experiences. The world is changing.
K
Kavya N
Nothing beats the magic of watching a film on the big screen with an audience! We definitely need more. Hope his film 'Mayasabha' does well. The plot sounds intriguing! All the best to the team. 👍

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