WAVES Summit: Oppenheimer producer Charles on theatres losing ground to OTT

The Indian movie business is struggling, with fewer people going to theatres to watch films. Instead, audiences often choose to wait for a movie to release on an OTT platform. And then come films like Oppenheimer, which break all records and force theatre chains to run extra midnight shows. Given that even the stocks of AMC have dropped significantly over time, it was only fitting to question the man behind one of the biggest hits in recent times.

During the WAVES Summit 2025, Mayank Shekhar moderated a session where he questioned one of Hollywood’s GOAT producers and the man who backed Oppenheimer, Charles Roven, about the declining theatre market.

Charles Roven on fewer people going to theatres

In response, Roven asserted that he usually doesn’t make films based on whether they will be released in theatres or go directly to an OTT streaming platform. Addressing the issue, he stated: “This is probably obvious, but your business is so just inside India, and my business is so around the world that the model is completely different. All of you make movies or content and decide how you`re going to get it exhibited—sometimes as you`re financing it, and sometimes after you`ve financed it. Everything I do starts out with the intention that I want to show it around the world. I don`t think that`s where you guys come from.”

Aamir Khan was quick to jump into the conversation and agree, “No, we don’t. You`re absolutely right.”

Charles further added that he believes India should be looking at the world and figuring out a way forward.

About Charles Roven ‘Oppenheimer’

Charles Roven produced Oppenheimer, which was not only a huge box-office success but also a critics’ favourite. The gripping tale of hard work, determination, and ambition—directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., and more—earned widespread acclaim.

It won eight awards at the Golden Globes, including Best Drama Motion Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture. At the BAFTA Film Awards, Oppenheimer secured seven wins, including Best Film and Best Director. Additionally, it triumphed across eight categories at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2024.

This article first appeared on Mid Day