Indian Cinema at a Turning Point: Centre Announces Major Reforms to Boost Film Industry and Expand Screen Infrastructure

By G. Subramanian | Forever News

India’s film industry could be heading towards a significant transformation, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announcing two important initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s cinematic ecosystem, encouraging technological innovation and accelerating the expansion of cinema infrastructure, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas.

The decisions were taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi. The meeting focused on introducing structural reforms to strengthen film production, distribution and the adoption of emerging technologies.

The two initiatives — the constitution of a high-level Study Group under noted filmmaker and lyricist Prasoon Joshi, and the introduction of Model State Cinema Regulations — are expected to address some of the longstanding challenges confronting the Indian film industry.

Prasoon Joshi to Lead High-Level Study Group

Recognising the changing dynamics of global cinema, the Ministry has constituted a high-level Study Group chaired by Prasoon Joshi, with participation from industry experts and technology partners.

The Group will undertake a comprehensive assessment of opportunities and challenges facing Indian cinema and recommend measures to enhance its competitiveness in international markets.

A key area of focus will be the growing influence of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence and virtual production. As technology reshapes filmmaking, the Group will explore how Indian filmmakers can effectively adopt these innovations to improve production quality, efficiency and global reach.

Equally important will be the financial dimension of filmmaking. The Group will examine ways to improve access to institutional finance, explore alternative funding mechanisms and address the difficulties faced by filmmakers in securing capital for production and distribution.

It will also engage with State Governments and other stakeholders to identify successful practices and develop a comprehensive policy framework for the sustainable growth of the Indian film industry.

The Study Group has been asked to consult stakeholders across the country and submit its recommendations to the Ministry within three months.

Model Cinema Regulations to Address Infrastructure Bottlenecks

The second major initiative addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect of the film business — the availability and expansion of cinema screens.

Since cinema and theatre regulations fall under the State List, individual states follow different procedures and permission requirements. This regulatory diversity has often created hurdles for investors and cinema operators, particularly those seeking to establish theatres in smaller towns and rural markets.

To address these bottlenecks, the Ministry has prepared a set of Model State Cinema Regulations after consultations with stakeholders. These have now been circulated to all State Governments, with a request to adopt the proposed framework.

The Centre will also extend assistance to states in implementing the model regulations.

A more uniform and streamlined regulatory environment could encourage fresh investments in cinema infrastructure, reduce procedural complexities and improve access to theatrical entertainment beyond metropolitan centres.

Building a Globally Competitive Indian Cinema

The twin initiatives come at a time when Indian cinema is witnessing growing international recognition, while simultaneously navigating major changes in technology, financing, distribution and audience behaviour.

India possesses an enormous creative talent pool, a diverse storytelling tradition and a vast domestic audience. However, unlocking its full potential requires a supportive policy environment, easier access to finance, modern production capabilities and stronger exhibition infrastructure.

The proposed reforms recognise that the future of Indian cinema cannot depend on creative excellence alone. It must also be supported by technological advancement, financial accessibility and an enabling business ecosystem.

If implemented effectively, these measures could open new avenues for filmmakers, encourage entrepreneurship, attract investment and bring cinema closer to audiences in underserved regions.

Ultimately, the objective must be to transform India’s cinematic strength into a globally competitive creative industry — one that preserves its cultural identity while embracing innovation and new opportunities.