Entertainment Unlimited: Universal Studios plans potential India debut with major indoor park
Entertainment Unlimited: Universal Studios plans potential India debut with major indoor park
Bharti’s upcoming 3-million-sq-ft mall set to host global entertainment brand, opening expected by mid-2027
Universal Studios is reportedly in advanced talks to launch its first indoor amusement park in India, as part of Bharti Real Estate’s large-scale retail project near the Delhi airport. The entertainment facility is expected to occupy 300,000 sq ft within Bharti’s upcoming 3-million-sq-ft mall, which is projected to open by mid-2027.
While Bharti Real Estate CEO SK Sayal did not confirm Universal Studios by name, he acknowledged that discussions are ongoing with several international players for the entertainment component of the development. Universal Studios has not issued an official comment on the matter.
The new mall is part of Bharti’s wider Aerocity development, which spans 17 million sq ft. Once completed, the project is expected to be India’s largest mall, generating over ₹5,000 crore in annual rental income. Already, 6.5 million sq ft is under development, backed by investments surpassing ₹6,595 crore.
In November, the Delhi government granted approval for restaurants and bars in the Aerocity to operate 24/7. “As a major tourist destination, Delhi has immense potential for revenue growth, and with this decision, an increase in revenue through licensing fees is expected,” the government said in a statement.
If the deal is finalised, this would mark a major milestone for India’s indoor entertainment market, which currently covers 6.6 million sq ft across 523 locations. This figure is projected to reach 11 million sq ft by 2028, driven by a wave of large-format retail expansions.
Currently, the indoor amusement sector in India remains largely fragmented, with domestic operators leading the space. International brands such as Timezone, Funcity, and Funtura account for around 28% of market share. Gaming zones dominate the segment, though experiential and trampoline-based formats are increasingly popular.
Universal Studios, which already runs major parks in the United States, Singapore, Japan, and Beijing, has been steadily exploring opportunities for global expansion.
