Latest news with #WAVES
The Hindu
5 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
'India well poised to become global hub for production, export of professional audio, lighting, AV solutions'
India's fast growing urbanising population—expected to exceed 600 million by 2030—is reshaping demand for smart, immersive, and integrated audio visual (AV) solutions across sectors. As digital-first consumption deepens and user expectations evolve, the Coldplay convert organised in Ahmedabad in January at Narendra Modi Stadium and the recently held World Audio Visuals Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister has highlighted the importance of the gig economy powered by events and entertainment professionals. The entertainment and OTT boom, growth in premium real estate, and a rapidly evolving event and hospitality industry has created a base for the adoption of advanced audio, video, and lighting technologies in the country said industry executives and experts. Moreover, the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) into AV workflows—powering automation, personalised content, and predictive maintenance—is transforming how experiences are delivered, they added. 'From a global perspective, India's growth in the professional AV and entertainment technology space over the last few years has been remarkable, often surpassing the momentum seen in more mature markets,' Jaime Albros, Senior VP, Global Sales, Harman International said while speaking at the industry event PALM AV-ICN Expo, organised by Informa Markets in India in Mumbai. His colleague Amar Subhash, Vice President & General Manager, Harman Professional Solutions, India & APAC, added 'India remains one of the fastest-growing and most strategic markets for Harman Professional.' 'Today, AV forms the backbone of key sectors—including hospitality, retail, education, transportation, and smart infrastructure—driving seamless communication, engagement, and operational efficiency,' he said. 'With strong government investments in digital infrastructure and AV-led transformation, the country is well-positioned as a global leader in this space,' he said. According to industry offices the Indian Pro AV market is projected to reach $17.3 billion by 2031 from $6.5 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 12%. The LED segment estimated at $5 billion in 2024 is projected to reach $26.7 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 19.35%, further highlights the rising demand across interconnected sectors, they added. Anil Chopra - Founding Director, PALM Expo, said 'There is immense growth potential of India's professional entertainment technology industry. We are at a transformative juncture where the integration of IT, AI, and broadband is revolutionizing product development across these domains.' He said India was strategically positioned to lead this evolution, not just through innovation but through large-scale manufacturing — a key focus of the government's industrial agenda. 'Recent reforms in the MSME sector, particularly the redefinition of size thresholds, have enabled numerous AV rental companies to access institutional funding under the CGTMSC scheme. This has significantly boosted investment in advanced equipment and infrastructure,' he said. 'While we remain reliant on imported components for now and exports are still at a nascent stage, the strength and scale of India's domestic demand are driving rapid expansion. India is well on its way to becoming a global hub for the manufacturing and export of professional audio, lighting, and AV solutions,' he emphasised. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India, the organisers of the show said 'India's professional audio, AV, and lighting industries are going through a transformative phase, driven by a growing demand for immersive experiences and the country's commitment to smart and sustainable infrastructure.' 'Strategic programs like the Smart Cities Mission, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and various urban renewal initiatives are propelling the adoption of advanced lighting and integration technologies across sectors,' he said. 'As India moves towards becoming a $5 trillion economy, the rising urban population and expanding entertainment, hospitality, and live event ecosystems present immense opportunities for growth,' he added. Harshal Kothari, VP West, Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) India said 'With AV becoming an essential part of sectors like education, hospitality, retail, and infrastructure, the need for skilled professionals and unified industry representation is more important than ever.' With increasing demand from Gen Z and millennials aged 25–35, the demand for immersive AV experiences—from LED walls and curved screens to high-end sound systems —has grown exponentially, even for private events.
NDTV
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
No Points For Guessing Who Formed Kareena Kapoor's "Own Band People" After She Missed Guns N Roses Show
New Delhi: Kareena Kapoor might have missed Guns N Roses but her own "Band people" made it up. On Monday morning, Kareena Kapoor shared two pictures on her Instagram Stories, setting the Internet on fire. In the pictures, Saif Ali Khan and his elder son Taimur can be seen jamming. While Saif faces the camera, Taimur is seen seated with his back to the camera. In the first picture, Kareena Kapoor wrote, "Might have missed Guns N Roses." In the second one, "But I Got My Own Band People." For the unversed, Guns N Roses performed in India after a 12-year hiatus and in Mumbai on May 17, 2025 at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse. Kareena referred to the concert, implying she has missed the show. Earlier this month, Kareena Kapoor took part at the inaugural edition of the WAVES ( World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit). During a conversation with Karan Johar and Vijay Deverakonda, Kareena Kapoor shared an anecdote when the Lincoln director recognised her and complimented her. "I was actually in a restaurant, I am travelling somewhere. Steven Spielberg was eating at the same restaurant. This was many moons ago, when 3 Idiots had just released. He actually came up to me and told me that, "Are you that girl who was in that very famous Indian film about three students?" I said, "Yes, that's me." He said, "My god. I loved that movie." "I didn't need to act in an English film for him to see me. He watched 3 Idiots. That's a moment for us," Kareena Kapoor said while beaming with pride. On the work front, Kareena Kapoor was last seen in the multi-starrer Singham Again. She was also seen in Crew last year.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Broadcasters look to tune into a brighter FY26 after static year
Broadcasters are hopeful of a recovery in FY26 after a sluggish FY25, which was weighed down by weak advertising revenues, muted subscription growth and customer reports noted that churn has started to ease, aided by marquee live cricket content moving behind digital to Media Partners Asia, the industry added 3.5 million new pay-TV subscribers in calendar year 2025 so far, including 1.5 million during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) industry consolidation is also expected to boost ad revenues, as broadcasters seek to extract higher yields from their advertising inventory. The re-launch of free-to-air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) on DD Free Dish is also projected to drive incremental ad revenue from FY26 onward. DD Free Dish continues to offer broadcasters and advertisers access to a vast rural audience, with an estimated reach of 40-50 million homes. Linear TV is witnessing green shoots due to strong consumption across entertainment and sports, industry leaders told ET. Halt in free cricket streaming and removal of content from YouTube could also boost pay-TV subscriptions while the relaunch of FTA Hindi GECs on DD Free Dish could bring in incremental revenue, they said. During its Q4 earnings call, Zee Entertainment 's management said the linear television landscape remains robust, with weekly impressions exceeding 27 billion and a weekly reach above 740 million viewers. "The fiscal proved to be a mixed bag for the industry at large," said Zee Entertainment CEO Punit Goenka, adding the industry displayed "immense resilience" by taking cautious steps forward and pivoting strategies to enhance revenue generation across segments. For FY25, ZEE subscription revenue grew 7% to '3,926 crore. Goenka further noted that consolidation in the industry would benefit all stakeholders on both revenue and cost fronts. "On the advertising front, it's still very early days. But I do expect that eventually it will have a positive impact on the overall industry," he said, adding that the sector is already seeing "a lot of benefit flowing in on the acquisition of content." In its latest media and entertainment report, Ficci-EY observed that-barring any unforeseen disruptions-all segments are expected to grow or remain flat, with the exception of linear television, assuming India's real GDP grows at 5% or more. Speaking at the recent WAVES summit, JioStar vice-chairman Uday Shankar said, "TV remains pretty healthy although there is room for making it better". The only concern for the industry is that ad revenue remains under pressure due to macroeconomic issues.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
City students bag prize for short film in nat'l contest
Ludhiana: Young filmmakers Mahi Saluja and Rabbya Wadhwa , both from Ludhiana and students of Class IX, have won the second prize in the WAVES Young Filmmakers Challenge in the junior category. It was organised by the information and broadcasting ministry, GoI. The competition formed a key highlight of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Mahi and Rabbya's thought-provoking short film on the theme of humanity and technology earned national acclaim, making it to the top 10 finalists and winning them a coveted spot in the grand finale. Jubilant on return after receiving the award in Mumbai, Mahi and Rabbya said they were surprised that the film was selected among the top 10 from entries from across the country. The award was conferred upon the finalists by L Murugan, MoS (information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs), and veteran actor Anupam Kher. The summit was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi, who described WAVES as "a wave of culture, creativity, and universal connectivity." Commending the young talents, Anuja Kaushal, principal of their school, BCM Arya Model School, stated, "This remarkable accomplishment showcases the creativity, expression, and innovation that our students bring to life when provided with the right opportunities. We are incredibly proud of Mahi and Rabbya for bringing national recognition and inspiring their peers.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
The big cost of watching a film on the large screen in Bengaluru
Harish Mallya, an ardent film buff from Bengaluru, concedes that his theatre visits have come down post the COVID-19 pandemic period. An engineer and a curator of world cinema for the Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes), Harish had the habit of watching a film every Friday without fail for decades. In the current situation, he highlights a development that reflects the falling demand for theatre viewing. 'Earlier, I would book my seat in advance, thanks to the mad rush for tickets for marquee movies in the opening weekend. However, in the last couple of years, I have been able to get tickets at the box office of multiplexes even for the highly anticipated films across languages,' he says. There is no denying that theatres are facing their biggest test today. Factors such as the advent of streaming platforms and high-priced tickets have changed the viewing habits of the average movie-goer. In 2024, PVR Inox Ltd. shut down 85 underperforming screens. The following year, the multiplex chain decided to close 70 more properties. Similarly, single screens continue to suffer, with the total count in Karnataka coming down to 500 active screens post pandemic from 650 earlier. Bollywood star Aamir Khan delved into the issue at the recently held World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai. Aamir, one of the canniest box-office minds, suffered a failure with his previous film Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). As he awaits his next, Sitaare Zameen Par, the actor sounded alarmed about the prospect of theatrical releases in the coming days. 'For the size of the country and the number of people living here, we have few theatres. I think we have 10,000 screens. Only 2% of the nation's population watches movies in theatres. In the U.S., which has one-third of India's population, there are 40,000 screens. China is ahead with 90,000 screens. There are districts and vast areas in India which don't have single-screen theatres. Whatever issues we have faced over the decades are about having more screens. According to me, this is what we should be investing in,' Aamir said at the event. Karnataka government proposes a cap Movie-watching, especially in multiplexes, is a costly experience. Bengaluru has remained infamous for the high-priced tickets. In this context, the State government's proposal to cap the film ticket price at ₹200 came as a ray of hope for film buffs. The March 7, 2025, announcement reminded people of a similar call from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his previous term, in 2017. The Multiplex Association of India (MAI) appealed against the government's decision in court and brought a stay on the order at the time. The government seems to have kept the issue in 'suspended animation', says author and film critic S. Shyam Prasad. 'The Chief Minister has aligned with the public sentiment, but I don't think market forces will allow him to implement the price cap. He has just made a populist statement,' he says. Incidentally, just two months after proposing the price cap in 2017, Siddaramaiah spent ₹1,050 to watch Baahubali 2: The Conclusion at a multiplex. An executive from a popular multiplex chain, on condition of anonymity, reveals that tickets for big films range from ₹700-₹800 in the opening weekend. The price may go up to ₹1,500 in premium screens such as Gold Class or Insignia. Bengaluru multiplexes had grabbed the eyeballs for exorbitant rates for big-star films such as KGF: Chapter 2 (maximum rate of ₹2,500), RRR (₹2,000), and Ponniyin Selvan (₹1,200). Dynamic ticket pricing The makers of such magnum opuses vouch for the special pricing of tickets as seen in the case of Pushpa 2: The December 2024, actorAllu Arjun thanked the Andhra Pradesh government for approving the ticket price hike and called it a 'progressive decision'. The Andhra Pradesh government permitted theatre owners to revise ticket rates for the first 10 days for other films, such as S.S. Rajamouli's RRR (2022) and the Ram Charan-S. Shankar film Game Changer (2025). 'Producers want to recover the money in four days or so. The opening figures matter a lot to them. They want to earn ₹100 crore to ₹150 crore on the first day. Nobody is interested in running a movie for the long term,' Gautam Dutta, CEO, revenue and Operations, PVR INOX, had said during the release of Pushpa 2: The Rule. While Tamil Nadu and Kerala have fixed ticket rates not exceeding ₹200, the Andhra Pradesh government has catered to the requests of makers of big-budget films to alter the ticket prices in the first week. This move could be problematic, as not all big films elicit positive reactions. The interest in a movie might fizzle out due to poor buzz, as family audiences might hesitate to come to cinemas unless the movie is worth experiencing on the big screen. In such cases, producers and distributors suffer losses, says M.R. Rajaram, vice-president, Karnataka Film Exhibitors Federation. 'Multiplexes, which deal in the percentage sharing system with the makers, are the biggest gainers from the price hike of tickets. They play a strong role in altering the costs,' he says, adding that single screens do not raise the ticket fare by more than ₹100 for A-lister films. Kannada filmmaker Karthik Gowda, founder of the production house KRG Studios, has been pushing for dynamic ticket pricing for the last two years. 'A film will open with a specific price, and if it gets a good response, the ticket price will increase. We at KRG Studios are discussing this with the exhibitors,' Karthik had proposed in 2023. Yogi G. Raj, co-founder of KRG Studios, says it is the way forward. 'We distributed Daredevil Musthafa,a content-oriented Kannada film from newcomers. We charged just ₹1 for the premiere. Those who came to the show loved the film and spread the word. You should treat each film differently and increase the price based on people's response,' he says. To please a price-sensitive audience, the Multiplex Association of India organises National Cinema Day frequently. On that day, tickets are priced at ₹99 for all shows. PVR INOX has also introduced a movie pass called PVR Passport, with which you can watch four films a month for ₹349. The OTT challenge Despite these changes, many people continue to watch their favourite films in the comfort of their homes as they find OTT subscriptions affordable. Amazon Prime Video offers an annual subscription at ₹1,499, while Netflix provides a monthly subscription at ₹649 with an option to share the account with four people. JioHotstar offers an ad-free annual subscription at ₹1,499. The amount is much lower for mobile subscriptions across platforms. Expensive refreshments Apart from the ticket rates, the steep prices of popcorn and other food and beverages at multiplexes have often angered the public. 'Multiplexes are selling social status instead of promoting cinema,' says Rajaram of the Karnataka Film Exhibitors Federation. A regular-sized popcorn tub costs ₹350 to ₹400, while the maximum price is around ₹600 at a multiplex. PVR Inox Ltd. continues to face the heat from audiences over the pricing of refreshments. Journalist Tridip K. Mandal posted on X (formerly Twitter) explaining why people prefer OTT platforms over theatres. '₹460 for 55 gm of cheese popcorn, ₹360 for 600 ml of Pepsi. Total ₹820 at PVR Cinemas, Noida. The expenditure is equal to the annual subscription of OTT platforms. No wonder people don't go to the cinemas anymore. Movie watching with family has just become unaffordable,' he wrote. His post went viral on social media in 2023, forcing PVR Inox to introduce the 'Bestsellar@99' offer, through which people can buy refreshments at ₹99 from Monday to Thursday for shows till 6 p.m. However, the offer comes with restrictions that vary from city to city. On the opening weekend of a big film, a family of four might spend ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 at a multiplex, including for snacks. In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that 'multiplexes are private properties, and the owners can set the terms and conditions for entry', leading to a ban on people carrying food to theatres. 'Consumers are a small fish against big sharks like the multiplexes. The MAI makes crores annually. It's impossible to go against it in court,' notes Shyam. 'Many from the State government and MLAs are stakeholders in multiplex properties. If the revenue from multiplexes comes down, it will affect them. So, I doubt the ticket price-capping proposal will get official in Karnataka,' says Rajaram. Recently, Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar reopened the debate by speaking about people staying away from theatres. 'Since a movie outing costs as much as ₹10,000, families do not spend that much on films, reducing their trips to the theatre,' he said at an interaction. In a public statement, MAI president Kamal Gianchandani countered Karan's observations. 'In 2023, the average ticket price (ATP) across all cinemas in India was ₹130. The country's largest cinema chain, PVR INOX, reported an ATP of ₹258 for the fiscal year 2023-24. Additionally, the average spend per head on F&B at PVR INOX during this period stood at ₹132. So, the total average expenditure for a family of four adds up to ₹1,560, significantly different from the ₹10,000 figure carried in the media reports.' He added that a film's fate depends on 'content and appeal' rather than pricing. 'Any evaluation of pricing in the cinema industry must account for the broader economics of the movie business, which involves multiple stakeholders, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors. Each of these players contributes to the final cost to consumers, with prices ultimately shaped by the market forces of demand and supply. If lowering prices could optimise revenue for everyone involved, cinema operators would naturally make those adjustments without needing to be told,' his statement read. The exorbitant rates do not matter to people who watch films occasionally, says Rajaram. 'For them, it's just an outing, and they will be willing to spend. The regular cinegoer feels he is getting ripped off by the theatres. It's a daylight robbery of film buffs,' he says. (Edited by Giridhar Narayan)
