This photograph taken on August 30, 2026 shows the interior view of the single-screen Phul Cinema in Patiala. 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 Narinder NANU / 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 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)