The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has constituted a high-level Study Group chaired by Prasoon Joshi to examine opportunities and challenges facing the Indian film industry and recommend measures to strengthen its global competitiveness. The decision has been taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi.
The ministry has also approved Model State Cinema Regulations and has circulated them to all state governments for adoption. The move has aimed to simplify the regulatory framework governing cinemas and theatres, which has varied across states and has been identified as a key challenge in expanding cinema infrastructure, particularly in small towns and rural areas.
The Study Group has included industry experts and technology partners and has been tasked with submitting its report to the ministry within three months after consulting stakeholders across the country.
The panel has been mandated to recommend measures to improve the global competitiveness of Indian films, assess the impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and virtual production, and suggest ways for filmmakers to adopt these technologies.
It has also been asked to examine institutional financing options for film production, identify challenges in raising funds for production and distribution, and recommend new financing mechanisms. In addition, the group has been tasked with working alongside state governments and other stakeholders to identify best practices and propose a long-term policy framework for the growth of Indian cinema.
Separately, the ministry has prepared the Model State Cinema Regulations following consultations with stakeholders. These regulations have been shared with state governments to encourage uniformity in cinema-related permissions and approvals. The ministry has also offered support to states for implementing the proposed framework.
The two decisions have been announced as part of the ministry’s efforts to support film production, distribution, technological adoption and cinema infrastructure across India.
