I&B Ministry sets up panel to boost Indian cinema’s global reach

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday announced two measures aimed at strengthening the Indian film industry, citing concerns over its limited global influence.

The first is a study group led by Prasar Bharati chairperson Prasoon Joshi to examine the “opportunities and challenges before Indian cinema”. Joshi is the longest-serving chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification.

The second measure is a model cinema regulation that the Ministry has circulated to State governments for consideration.

The study group is expected to look into Indian cinema’s lackluster global soft power. While films in multiple Indian languages see worldwide releases, their audiences remain largely confined to the diaspora.

There have been exceptions. RRR benefited from a re-release in North America that performed strongly and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023.

The Ministry said the steps are part of efforts to expand the industry’s international footprint and modernize exhibition norms. Details of the model regulation and the study group’s timeline were not disclosed in Monday’s announcement.