India's Media & Entertainment Industry is Set to Dominate the Global Platform

Today’s digital first age is hyper connected, there is constant communication, instant access to information. High speed internet and cheap smart devices are enabling this new revolution. In the Media and Entertainment industry, there are now two major cornerstones - content and audience, however the rules of the game are changing fast and the the power now lies with the audience rather than the content producers.

Indian media and entertainment industry has to rapidly adopt fearless and innovative storytelling that reflects rich Indian culture and diversity. People are more welcoming about the indigenous stories that strike a cord with their hearts and minds. The old stereotyped content which portrayed India as a third world nation, poverty, hunger, population, Taj Mahal, patriarchy is no longer acceptable.

The M&E industry in India is transcending geographical and linguistic boundaries. Bollywood or larger screen cinema no longer defines the entertainment industry. The definition today is that of Indian Entertainment Industry and not just Bollywood. India's 1.4 billion people are no longer viewing content according to language or geography—now they demand high-quality, emotionally engaging stories that cut across these dichotomies. A screen- and language-free audience is no longer an idea—it is our reality.

The new media and entertainment industry transition has opened up the potential to craft closer to life engaging stories with wider audiences. The time of hyper-local tales resonating globally is now, and India is ready to capture the moment. Content’s budget and screen size is no longer relevant. Some small budget series or shows have done very well on OTT platforms than big budget movies in theatres. This new trend has opened up opportunities for new comers with talent in the industry.

The Indian entertainment industry has become a creator’s economy and has expanded manifold in recent years. It is not just a business driver but a force multiplier for societal impact and cultural diplomacy. While individual brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit is driving it, it also requires support of a policy and regulation system. Reforms in regulations, smoother ease of doing business, simpler access to credit, and investment in training the next generation of creators, technicians, and performers are necessary. With this support ecosystem, India can easily reach the global leadership position it is aiming for.

Technology will be at the forefront of M&E industry’s growth. India's strength in animation, visual effects (VFX), and advanced production technology has already made international waves. With continued investment in intellectual property (IP) and talent, India is well placed to become a world content production leader.

Silos between regions, languages, and cultures need to be broken down as a good business sense. An inclusive, representative industry will be more robust, more innovative, and better able to engage diverse audiences domestically and internationally. Efforts that bridge knowledge gaps and map out clear roadmaps for expansion are critical in framing the agenda for Indian media and entertainment industry’s ambitious future.

If India's M&E industry is to evolve from a $28 billion business to a $100 billion industry of global positioning and influence, it has to think big, move faster, and collaborate better than ever before. It is time to lead not only with size, but with tales that resonate in the deepest possible way to reach a billion hearts in India and millions more outside.