Chennai, Dec 13 (IANS)

Bollywood heartthrob Aamir Khan, who attended the opening ceremony of the 11th Chennai International Film Festival (CIFF) Thursday, said that he wishes to see a chain of theatres in India which will screen films from across the globe.

"I sometimes wish in India we had a chain of theatres which would throughout the year showcase films from different parts of the world. Even films from different parts of our country, films from different languages which we could all get to watch..." he told reporters here.

"These films may not be released on a big scale but there are so many wonderful films that deserve to be watched. I really miss the fact that India doesn't have a dedicated chain of theatres which programs just for art-house films," he added.

Aamir said that these films do attract considerable audience.

"There might not be large audience for these international films but I think there is significant audience and I hope with a chain like this even the audience will grow. I think it's because of these festivals we get to watch these wonderful films from all over," he said.

The 48-year old actor-filmmaker, who is awaiting the release of "Dhoom 3", congratulated everybody associated with the festival, which was also graced by southern superstar Kamal Haasan.

"I want to congratulate all the volunteers who are part of this festival as well as the viewers. I would also like to wish all the filmmakers who have travelled from other countries a pleasant stay in India and I wish their films are received well," added Aamir.

The opening ceremony was concluded by the screening of Japanese drama "Like Father, Like Son".

The festival, scheduled to go on till Dec 19, will screen 163 films from 58 countries.