NEW DELHI, June 29: The Centre on Monday announced two major policy measures aimed at strengthening the Indian film industry, including the constitution of a high-level study group under lyricist and CBFC Chairman Prasoon Joshi and the rollout of model cinema regulations for states to accelerate the growth of cinema infrastructure.
The decisions were taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi, where he directed immediate structural measures to boost film production, distribution and technological integration.
The newly constituted study group, headed by Prasoon Joshi, will comprise industry experts and technology partners. It has been tasked with examining the opportunities and challenges facing Indian cinema and recommending measures to make the sector more globally competitive. The panel has been asked to submit its report within three months after consulting stakeholders across the country.
According to the Ministry, the group will explore ways to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian films, assess the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual production, and recommend strategies for integrating these technologies into filmmaking.
The panel will also examine issues related to institutional finance, alternative funding models for film production and distribution, and the challenges faced by filmmakers in raising capital. In addition, it will identify best practices in collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders and propose a comprehensive policy framework for the long-term growth of the film industry.
In the second major decision, the Ministry has circulated Model State Cinema Regulations to all state governments to promote uniformity in rules governing cinemas and theatres. Since cinema regulation falls under the State List, varying approval processes across states have been cited as a major obstacle to expanding cinema infrastructure, particularly in small towns and rural areas.
The Ministry said the model regulations were prepared after extensive consultations with stakeholders and urged states to adopt them. It also offered assistance in implementing the framework to facilitate faster establishment of cinema halls across the country.
The Ministry said the two initiatives are aimed at creating a stronger, technologically advanced and globally competitive Indian film industry while improving access to cinema infrastructure and supporting long-term sectoral growth.
