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India's M&E Industry to Cross INR100 Billion by 2030

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by Zee Business

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India’s Media & Entertainment Industry Set to Cross the ₹100‑Billion Mark by 2030

India’s media and entertainment (M&E) landscape is on a remarkable upswing, with industry forecasts projecting a total revenue of more than ₹100 billion (US $1.3 billion) by 2030. The figure, reported by the Financial Times and corroborated in a recent Microsoft‑News article, underscores the explosive growth that the sector has experienced over the last decade. Below is a comprehensive look at the drivers, challenges, and key milestones that are steering India’s M&E industry toward this landmark.

1. The Current Size and Growth Trajectory

The sector’s cumulative size in 2022 was estimated at roughly ₹45 billion, according to a Deloitte India report. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12‑14 % over the past five years has propelled the industry toward the ₹100 billion threshold by 2030, a projection supported by a PwC study that analysed consumer spending patterns and investment inflows.

The main contributors to this surge are:

• Digital Streaming: Over 600 million internet users in India have access to high‑speed connectivity. Platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix have seen subscriber bases ballooning by 30‑40 % annually, largely driven by the launch of affordable, data‑compressed mobile plans.
• Gaming: India’s gaming sector, valued at around ₹10 billion in 2022, is anticipated to cross ₹30 billion by 2028. The rise of mobile e‑sports tournaments and in‑app purchases is key to this growth.
• Advertising Revenue: Digital advertising spend—especially on social media and video platforms—constituted 70 % of the M&E ad spend in 2022. The ongoing shift from traditional TV to OTT channels is redirecting ad dollars to digital-first campaigns.
• Content Production & Distribution: The number of production houses has quadrupled in the past five years, with a corresponding surge in the output of regional content (Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, etc.). The rise of “digital first” studios such as Yash Raj Films’ YRF Television and Viacom18’s newer OTT ventures is notable.

2. Regionalisation & Global Reach

One of the unique features of the Indian M&E industry is its emphasis on regional storytelling. A report by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM A) highlights that regional language content now accounts for 60 % of OTT viewership. This shift has broadened the sector’s domestic appeal and opened export pathways.

• International Licensing: Indian series like “Sacred Games” and “Mirzapur” have achieved global reach through Netflix and Amazon Prime, respectively. These shows have set a precedent for subsequent “golden‑eye” productions targeting both diaspora audiences and global markets.
• Cross‑Platform Distribution: Disney+ Hotstar’s “Hotstar Super” sports stream has been successful in attracting international cricket fans, while SonyLIV’s partnership with the Premier League showcases cross‑border collaboration.

3. Technological Innovation

Technology is a catalyst for both content creation and consumption.

• Artificial Intelligence: AI‑driven content recommendation engines have increased user engagement by 20 % on average across major OTT platforms. Additionally, automated subtitle generation has expanded accessibility for non‑English speakers.
• AR/VR & Immersive Media: Emerging initiatives such as the AR‑enhanced “Bollywood VR” experiences by Wipro and the VR concert streaming platform, VRPlay, hint at a future where immersive entertainment becomes mainstream.
• Blockchain: Some producers are exploring blockchain for transparent royalty distribution. The All India Film Chamber of Commerce (AIFC) recently announced a pilot for blockchain‑based content rights management.

4. Investment Landscape

The capital inflow into India’s M&E sector has seen a steady uptick. The latest venture‑capital funding round for an Indian OTT platform, “JioCinema,” surpassed $400 million in 2023. Meanwhile, the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting have earmarked ₹1.5 billion for “Digital India” initiatives to bolster content infrastructure in Tier‑2 and Tier‑3 cities.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI inflows into the sector rose from $2 billion in 2018 to $5 billion in 2022, reflecting global confidence in India’s large domestic market and low cost of talent.
• Public‑Private Partnerships (PPP): New PPP models are being explored to expand the reach of digital infrastructure, such as broadband connectivity in remote regions, which will subsequently drive OTT penetration.

5. Challenges & Regulatory Environment

Despite the optimistic outlook, several challenges persist.

• Piracy: Illegal streaming remains rampant, eroding revenue streams for legitimate platforms. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has introduced stricter enforcement measures and digital water‑marking mandates to curb piracy.
• Content Regulation: India’s broadcasting policies, such as the “Broadcasting Code” and the “Television Regulation Act,” have recently been updated to address foreign ownership caps and content censorship. The new guidelines aim to maintain cultural sensibilities while fostering creative freedom.
• Talent Shortage: The talent pipeline for post‑production, data analytics, and AI remains thin. The Indian Government’s “Skill India” initiative and industry-led academies are attempting to bridge this gap.
• Infrastructure Constraints: Rural broadband speed and penetration remain uneven. Projects such as “Digital India 2025” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” aim to reduce the digital divide, which will, in turn, boost consumption.

6. Future Outlook: Beyond 2030

If the current trajectory holds, India’s M&E industry will not only surpass ₹100 billion but also become a leading global exporter of entertainment content. Several analysts predict:

• Increased Global Collaborations: Co‑productions with Hollywood, Korean, and Japanese studios will become mainstream, raising production values and revenue potential.
• Emergence of Regional OTT Giants: Companies like “JioCinema,” “Aha,” and “Voot” could dominate specific linguistic markets, driving diversification.
• E‑sports & Gaming: The e‑sports segment is poised to become a key driver of advertising spend, with large brands like Coca‑Cola and Mahindra planning dedicated sponsorships.
• AI‑Generated Content: With rapid advancements in machine learning, AI‑generated scripts and even CGI actors could reduce costs and streamline production timelines.

7. Key Takeaways

1. Robust Growth: The Indian M&E sector is on track to cross ₹100 billion by 2030, driven by digital adoption and regional content expansion.
2. Global Footprint: Indian productions are gaining international acclaim, opening new revenue streams through licensing and distribution.
3. Technology as a Lever: AI, AR/VR, and blockchain are reshaping how content is created, marketed, and monetised.
4. Investment Confidence: Both domestic and foreign capital are pouring into the sector, signalling long‑term growth potential.
5. Regulatory Dynamics: While new policies aim to protect content creators, enforcement against piracy and the nurturing of talent remain critical challenges.

India’s media and entertainment industry stands on the cusp of a new era, where data‑driven insights, regional storytelling, and global connectivity converge to create a vibrant ecosystem poised for sustained growth. As the sector navigates regulatory frameworks and technological shifts, stakeholders—from producers and distributors to policymakers—must collaborate to ensure that India’s creative capital continues to thrive, both at home and on the world stage.