FICCI Frames, marking its silver jubilee, has evolved alongside the industry since the government formally granted media and entertainment industry status in 2001. “I have regularly been attending FICCI for over 2 decades and this year I am amazed that 450 writers and directors are here for pitching their stories to over 100 Bollywood film producers and directors,” remarked renowned filmmaker Shoojit Sircar at the 25th edition of FICCI FRAMES held in Mumbai.
Transforming passive movie-watching into an immersive outing
About the pleasures of watching movies in cinema halls, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar recalled his early college days when certain theatres in Kolkata has resto-bars in their lobby or have a separate zone within the complex
“That’s a bold and intriguing concept – combining resto-bars with cinema halls could redefine the entertainment experience entirely. Imagine turning a movie outing into a full-fledged social event, where storytelling meets culinary indulgence,” Shoojit Sarkar suggested stating that the final call ought to be taken by the Government authorities.
Here’s a breakdown of how this could play out – It provides an elevated experience, transforms passive movie-watching into an immersive outing that appeals to urban youth and professionals seeking more than just popcorn. There is a pre and post-movie engagement where the guests can grab cocktails or dine before the film starts. Post-screening discussions over drinks could become a cultural ritual.
Shoojit Sircar and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari were among the panelists at Ficci Frames 2025
M & E industry now at ₹2.5 lakh crore
Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), emphasized the need for balanced regulation and innovation to drive the next phase of growth in India’s broadcasting and media industry. He noted that India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector contributed ₹2.5 trillion to the economy in 2024 and is projected to cross ₹3 trillion by 2027. The television and broadcasting segment alone generated nearly ₹680 billion last year.
He highlighted the sector’s transformation from analog to digital and now 4K broadcasting, complemented by the growth of Smart TVs, 5G, and OTT platforms serving over 600 million users. Despite this surge, linear television remains the primary medium across 190 million TV households.
Lahoti concluded by reaffirming TRAI’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an “Orange Economy” powered by content, creativity, and culture.
Film City to be converted into a world-class film ecosystem
Speaking during a fireside chat at the 25th edition of FICCI Frames, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, announced an ambitious four-year timeline to transform Mumbai’s Film City in Goregaon into a world-class film ecosystem, signalling the state’s determination to cement India’s position as a global content production hub.
The fireside chat with Renowned Actor & Producer, Padma Shri Akshay Kumar, saw CM Fadnavis acknowledging that the project had remained unexecuted during his previous tenure between 2014 and 2019 despite extensive planning. ‘This time I have decided that we will convert Film City into a world-class film ecosystem,’ he told Akshay Kumar, who directly requested the chief minister to prioritise the transformation. The chief minister added that the transformation would begin within a year.
The announcement comes as India’s creative economy reaches an inflection point, with the media and entertainment sector expanding tenfold over the past quarter century. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, revealed that the industry has grown from ₹25,000 crore in 2000 to about ₹2.5 lakh crore today.
Bollywood Star and FICCI Framed Ambassador, Ayushmann Khurrana said, “Indian stories and talents are bringing us global recognition, with FICCI at the forefront acting as a catalyst for change…We have more than a billion stories to tell and today is our time.”
The Film City redevelopment will incorporate state-of-the-art studios designed to accommodate emerging technologies including virtual production, artificial intelligence and advanced visual effects capabilities. The site already houses the Indian Institute of Creative Technology, a unique institution owned 52 per cent by industry bodies, such as FICCI, with the remainder held by the governments of Maharashtra and India.
Anant Goenka, Senior Vice President, FICCI and Vice Chairman of RPG Group, said the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology represents a milestone for the industry. The institution, conceived as an industry-led platform, addresses critical needs including workforce skilling, research and development, innovation and policy alignment whilst supporting states in framing animation, visual effects, gaming and extended reality policies.
Advocate Ashish Babaji Shelar, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Government of Maharashtra, said the state’s media and entertainment sector contributes over ₹2 lakh crore to the regional GDP. The government is rolling out a comprehensive film policy and developing new film cities across Maharashtra to accommodate growing demand.
