For years, accessible cinema in India meant rare, specially-arranged screenings — if it was available at all. Phone-based companion apps have changed that. Today a blind or Deaf filmgoer can bring their own phone to an ordinary screening and follow the film in step with everyone else, with no special equipment in the room.
What these apps do
A cinema accessibility app delivers an accessibility track to the device already in your pocket. You choose your film, pick the track you need — audio description, closed captions or a sign language interpretation — and press play as the film begins. The track then stays in time with the screening for the whole feature, privately, on your own phone.
What to look for
- All three tracks — audio description, closed captions and sign language — not just one
- A track that stays in sync for the entire film, not just the opening
- Works in any cinema, with no extra hardware to borrow or charge
- Personalisation: description volume, caption size and contrast, signer position
- Indian-language support, including Indian Sign Language (ISL)
- Free to download, and simple enough to use in a dark auditorium
How KinoSync fits in
India already has pioneers in this space — apps such as XL Cinema have helped show that phone-based access works in Indian theatres. KinoSync builds on that idea with all three accessibility tracks in a single app — audio description, closed captions and sign language, including ISL — kept in perfect sync with the film, in any cinema, free on iOS and Android. You simply press play.
If you'd like to try it, browse the films available with each track on our movies page, or read how it works for blind and visually impaired audiences and for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.