Previously, an analogue print of the film cost anything between Rs. 50000 to 60000. This cost has been brought down by digitisation to Rs. 10000 to 12000 per screen, a reduction by 1/5th. This itself is an incentive to a producer to release his films in more theatres. Accordingg to FICCI_KPMG Indian Media and Entertainment Industry Report, 2014, approximately 95 percent of commercially viable screens have been digitised.

An analogue print was heavy — it used to weigh 40-50 kg. and was different to transport. These days an entire film can be stored in a pen-drive or downloaded directly into cinema hall’s projection room through satellite. Even storage rooms and trunks are not necessary.

In 2004, Veer Zara was released in 625 screens. Dhoom2 in 2006 was released in 1000 screens. By 2008, Ghajini was released in 1550 screens.In 2011, Ra.One was released in 2900 screens. Dhoom 3 had a release on 3800 screens in 2013. Kick was released in 2014 on 5000 screens. Its a huge rise in the number of screens since 2004 — almost 9 times.

Screens are released across the metros and smaller towns at the same time. It reduces the scope of piracy. It enables a producer to exploit a territory commercially immediately. Previously it took several months to do so.

The role of audience feed back has also reduced along with the simultaneous release.

The digital format made a debut in 2007-08. Dhoom3 in 2013 was not released in analogue format at all.