New Delhi, Nov. 2 -- As Marvel's upcoming superhero feature Avengers: Doomsday opens advance ticket sales nearly three months ahead of release and generates $125 million worldwide, entertainment industry experts highlight a stark contrast with the Indian theatrical market.

Indian movies seldom offer advance booking for more than two weeks. Even a high-profile release like Pathaan, starring Shah Rukh Khan, limited advance sales to five days prior to release as a calculated strategy to build concentrated buzz.

The difference stems largely from the mechanics of Indian exhibition and distribution, where release dates are not always treated as sacrosanct, and delays in production or censorship are common. Additionally, multiplex screens are ...