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About 10 per cent of the leasable space — roughly 300,000 sq ft — has been earmarked for a global entertainment park.
The planned venue for the amusement park would be part of Bharti’s upcoming 3-million-sq-ft mall near Delhi airport, expected to open by mid-2027.
India may soon welcome one of the world’s biggest entertainment brands — Universal Studios — as the company is reportedly in advanced talks with Bharti Real Estate to set up its first indoor amusement park in the country, according to a report by The Economic Times. The planned venue would be part of Bharti’s upcoming 3-million-sq-ft mall near Delhi airport, expected to open by mid-2027.
About 10 per cent of the leasable space — roughly 300,000 sq ft — has been earmarked for a global entertainment park, Bharti Real Estate CEO S K Sayal confirmed.
While Sayal didn’t explicitly name Universal Studios, he acknowledged that discussions with international players are in progress.
If finalised, the project would mark a significant milestone in India’s fast-growing indoor entertainment segment.
India’s Largest Mall in the Making
The proposed mall is part of Bharti’s 17-million-sq-ft Aerocity development, which aims to become the largest in India. Currently, 6.5 million sq ft of development is underway, backed by investments exceeding Rs 6,595 crore. Once fully operational, the project is expected to generate more than Rs 5,000 crore in annual rental income.
India’s Indoor Entertainment Space Is Booming
According to data from JLL, India currently has around 6.6 million sq ft of indoor entertainment space spread across 523 operational centres. This is expected to scale up to 11 million sq ft by 2028, thanks to the rapid growth of organized retail and large-format malls.
Despite the expansion, the sector remains fragmented and dominated by unorganised domestic players. Global chains like Timezone, Funcity, and Funtura currently account for just 28% of the market share. Most existing centres focus on gaming zones, but new formats like trampoline parks and immersive experiences are gaining traction.
Universal Studios Eyes India
Universal Studios, a major player in global theme parks with locations in the US, Japan, Singapore, and Beijing, has long been scouting for expansion opportunities. A debut in India, one of the world’s largest untapped entertainment markets, would mark a significant step in its global footprint.
If confirmed, the deal could redefine India’s entertainment landscape and elevate the experience in premium malls and mixed-use spaces.
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