India is witnessing a rapid mall boom, with significant investments but rising warning signs such as falling rentals and tenant exits. High construction costs and long break-even periods mean malls must be planned for long-term sustainability. Success depends on five strategic imperatives. First, strong design and aesthetics are critical; excessive focus on maximizing leasable area often harms openness, accessibility and customer experience, leading to vacancies. Second, malls need a clear positioning strategy aligned to target segments, avoiding unfocused multi-anchor formats. Third, a sustainable anchor strategy is vital, as anchors drive footfalls and support in-line stores, even though they pay lower rents. Fourth, a balanced tenant mix across retail, food and entertainment is essential to extend visit duration and build destination appeal, especially for families. Finally, adequate parking is crucial, as insufficient capacity can undermine all other efforts. While competition is intensifying, malls that plan holistically and execute well can still achieve long-term success.