Sat Sep 13 09:17:48 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Subpar Cinema Experiences Plague Indian Moviegoers, Sparking Demand for Better Projection Quality**
**Chennai, September 13, 2025** – Despite India’s fervent love affair with cinema, a concerning trend is emerging: subpar projection quality in theaters is leaving moviegoers disappointed and demanding better. Following the conclusion of prestigious film festivals in Venice and Toronto, the stark contrast between the cinematic experience abroad and the often dim, dull, and washed-out visuals in Indian cinemas is becoming increasingly apparent.
“I often find that a movie I’ve seen in the hall looks much better on OTT — the colours, the light and shadow, the details,” says acclaimed film critic Baradwaj Rangan. “People talk about the big screen experience but why will you go for the big screen when the quality is so poor? I can get a much better picture at home!”
The issue stems from a variety of factors, including aging lamp projectors, cost-cutting measures by exhibitors, and a lack of standardization across theaters. The majority of Indian cinemas still rely on older lamp-based projectors, which gradually lose brightness and require expensive replacements every few months. To save money, some exhibitors resort to dimming the projectors, further compromising the viewing experience.
Cinematographers are also feeling the effect. “It’s a nightmare for many cinematographers to see their film in the theatres. The brightness is low, the contrast is not there, sometimes the frame itself is cropped. It’s mainly at film festivals that we get to see it the way we intended.” says Shehnad Jalal, the cinematographer of Bramayugam.
While exhibitors are investing in luxury amenities such as recliner seats and gourmet food, the core aspect of the cinematic experience – the quality of projection – is often overlooked.
However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Newer laser projectors, while more expensive upfront, offer significantly longer lifespans and maintain consistent brightness, eliminating the need for dimming. Additionally, premium large format screens like IMAX Laser and Qube’s EPIQ are gaining traction, delivering a more immersive and visually impressive experience.
Cutting-edge technologies such as Dolby Cinema and LED-based systems like Samsung’s Onyx and Qube’s EPIQ Luxon are also making their way into select Indian theaters, promising unprecedented levels of picture quality. One example is HDR by Barco, recently installed in Visakhapatnam, which is drawing crowds for its bright image and high dynamic range.
“Now, when any movie releases in the city, our screen fills up first because people know that there is something special about the experience.” Dasari Gowri Shankar, manager of Sri Melody, says.
Experts are calling for standardization and regular checks of projection and sound quality in theaters. As moviegoers become more discerning and actively seek out venues with superior projection, it is hoped that exhibitors will be compelled to prioritize this essential aspect of the cinematic experience.
First Piper 