Unleashing indian Cinema’s Powers

india is a cinematic powerhouse, and when combined with the growing strength of india’s economy, the possibilities for filmed entertainment are immense, says Veteran indian film industry leader ravi Kottarakara, Producer Ganesh Pictures, President, film federation of india and South indian film Chamber of Commerce, as he highlights the dynamic nature of the indian film industry and the direction of its growth

India as a cinema nation is occupying a significant space in the domestic and global mind. Not only is India’s economy growing strong, the filmed entertainment space is exciting. The Indian film industry is a key target on the government’s radar for increasing its soft power internationally. This year, India’s theme at the Cannes Film Festival and Market is showcasing the country’s creative economy.

For the first time in our recent history, we have recognised Indian cinema as a separate genre with a national audience. There are many cinemas of India, made in filmmaking centres across the country.

Our films have received recognition and acclaim not only in India but also among audiences worldwide. Films such as RRR, KGF, Kantara, Baahubali, PS1,2, and, most recently, Pathan are clear examples. Our regional films are not only the new national, but also a global phenomenon.

This is the changing face of Indian cinema and it is clearly visible. This would not only assist Indian cinema grow its global footprint and increase its international film business, but it would also benefit Indian businesses and the Indian brand globally. The Indian film industry has effectively recovered from the COVID pandemic and is strategically positioned to assist India’s economy in reaching $5 trillion by 2025.

This was our thought when the Film Federation of India and the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Spanish Film Commission. To link and expand collaboration between Indian and Spanish producers, filmmakers, talents, and professionals. We would be the connecting point for filmmakers and producers to meet, greet, network, and do business. India has inked co-production treaties with 16 nations, and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FFI, SIFCCI, and the Spanish Film Commission is the first step in expanding our footprint in new areas and enabling ease of doing business. The country of focus for Cannes Film Market 2023 is Spain. We will deepen our engagement with Spain

at Cannes this year.

On all major streaming services, Indian programming reaches over 100 nations. This is only the top of the iceberg, which is expected to grow in the coming years. After Hollywood, Indian cinema has the greatest worldwide reach (in terms of film distribution), reaching over 100 territories. India’s strength is emotional content: conveying human stories that resonate around the world, regardless of language barrier. In the world, the Indian cinema business is fairly unusual. Along with America and China, the country is one of the few that can support its industry domestically.

What is unique is that you can make a film just for India, or even one region within India and still make it successful everywhere.

(Ravi Kottarakara, film industry veteran of 40-years, is a champion for the growth and development of the Indian film industry. He is President of India’s leading film industry body Film Federation of India (FFI) and also President, South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce (SIFCCI).