This photograph taken on August 20, 2026 shows the interior view of the iconic single-screen Liberty Cinema in Mumbai. India's single-screen cinemas have been steadily squeezed by multiplexes, streaming, rising property costs and the expense of maintaining ageing buildings and equipment. Researchers estimate that India had around 14,000 single-screen halls in the 1980s. Only around 2,000 remain today. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP via Getty Images)

This photograph taken on September 8, 2026 shows the interior view of the single-screen Anuradha Cineplex in Guwahati. India's single-screen cinemas have been steadily squeezed by multiplexes, streaming, rising property costs and the expense of maintaining ageing buildings and equipment. Researchers estimate that India had around 14,000 single-screen halls in the 1980s. Only around 2,000 remain today. (Photo by Biju BORO / AFP via Getty Images)

This photograph taken on September 17, 2026 shows the interior view of the single-screen Pratibha theatre in Lucknow. India's single-screen cinemas have been steadily squeezed by multiplexes, streaming, rising property costs and the expense of maintaining ageing buildings and equipment. Researchers estimate that India had around 14,000 single-screen halls in the 1980s. Only around 2,000 remain today. (Photo by Niharika KULKARNI / AFP via Getty Images)

This photograph taken on August 25, 2026 shows the interior view of the iconic single-screen Regal Cinema Hall in Mumbai. India's single-screen cinemas have been steadily squeezed by multiplexes, streaming, rising property costs and the expense of maintaining ageing buildings and equipment. Researchers estimate that India had around 14,000 single-screen halls in the 1980s. Only around 2,000 remain today. (Photo by Punit PARANJPE / AFP via Getty Images)

This photograph taken on August 20, 2026 shows the interior view of the iconic single-screen Liberty Cinema in Mumbai. India's single-screen cinemas have been steadily squeezed by multiplexes, streaming, rising property costs and the expense of maintaining ageing buildings and equipment. Researchers estimate that India had around 14,000 single-screen halls in the 1980s. Only around 2,000 remain today. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP via Getty Images)

AFP presents a visual story of 20 photographs taken between August 20 and September 17, 2026 featuring India's single-screen cinemas from different parts of the country. India's single-screen cinemas have been steadily squeezed by multiplexes, streaming, rising property costs and the expense of maintaining ageing buildings and equipment. Researchers estimate that India had around 14,000 single-screen halls in the 1980s. Only around 2,000 remain today. Search for all these reportage images using: INDIA-ENTERTAINMENT-CINEMA-ARCHITECTURE Search "VISUAL STORY" to source all feature, magazine and visual stories. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)

This photograph taken on August 27, 2026 shows the interior view of the iconic single-screen Raj Mandir movie theater in Jaipur. India's single-screen cinemas have been steadily squeezed by multiplexes, streaming, rising property costs and the expense of maintaining ageing buildings and equipment. Researchers estimate that India had around 14,000 single-screen halls in the 1980s. Only around 2,000 remain today. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA / AFP via Getty Images)

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 26: Victor Holstein, Mariea Luisa Macavei, Caroline Ohlson, Thomas Murphy Molony, Deacon Phillippe, Forrest Weber, Jesse Behrenwald, Kroydell Galima and Isaac Ukwu attend the 57th Nashville Film Festival - "Brother Save Us" World Premiere at Hooky Entertainment Nashville on September 26, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)