MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s media and entertainment industry took centre stage as deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and cinematic legend Kamal Haasan inaugurated the FICCI MEBC South Conclave in Chennai. The two-day event, aimed at exploring the evolution of films, television, OTT, gaming, and digital media, saw an array of industry stalwarts mapping out the future of India’s creative economy.
Stalin unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art film city in Chennai spanning 152 acres. The ambitious project will feature cutting-edge post-production studios, animation and VFX facilities, virtual production tech, LED walls, and even a five-star hotel for industry professionals.
Further honouring Kalaignar’s (M. Karunanidhi) vision, Stalin announced that 90 acres near Kelambakkam, previously allocated for industry housing, would now be reinstated for its original purpose following a revised government order.
A highlight of the event was Haasan’s appointment as chairman of the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, south. Speaking at the conclave, Haasan emphasised the need for progressive regulations that integrate, rather than hinder, emerging technologies in cinema.
“Indian cinema is our cultural ambassador, and we need a long-term vision for it. Both state and central governments must frame policies that encourage technology adoption without stifling existing markets,” said Haasan. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to reform entertainment tax policies, ensuring greater ease of doing business for filmmakers.
The conclave featured key insights from JioStar chairman of FICCI media and entertainment committee and CEO - entertainment Kevin Vaz, who celebrated south Indian cinema’s meteoric rise from regional to global prominence, thanks to blockbusters like RRR and KGF-2.
“With digital media’s rapid expansion, India is an ‘AND’ market where TV and digital will continue to coexist. The industry is primed for a global breakthrough,” Vaz stated.
The event will feature workshops, masterclasses, and exhibitions on key industry trends, including the global rise of Indian cinema, OTT and television’s transformation, and AI-driven innovations in broadcasting and music. With gaming, animation, and VFX booming, discussions will also focus on regulatory policies shaping the sector. PlayNext – Developer’s Day will spotlight India’s growing esports and interactive entertainment industry, reinforcing its leadership in AVGC-XR.
The inaugural session saw participation from Meta India's Sandhya Devanathan, Warner Bros. Discovery's Arjun Nohwar, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council's G.S.K. Velu, and a stellar line-up of media executives including Ashish Pherwani, Sanjay A. Wadhwa, Ankur Vaish, Krishnan Kutty, Ravikant Sabnavis, Munjal Shroff, Vaibhav Chavan, Jakes Bejoy, and Bejoy Arputharaj.
