Chennai: Arjun Nohwar, Co-Chair of the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee and SVP & Country GM – India & South Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, delivered a compelling address at FICCI MEBC South Connect 2025, emphasizing India’s growing global influence in entertainment. Speaking to a vibrant gathering of industry leaders, creators, and media stakeholders, Nohwar outlined India’s potential to become a global powerhouse in content creation and media innovation.
Addressing the audience, Nohwar highlighted the unprecedented transformation in India’s content landscape, where local stories are reaching international audiences like never before.
“Indian stories are no longer confined by geography, language, or platform. We are creating stories and content that not only resonate across diverse audiences but are also capturing global imagination,” he stated.
He pointed to examples like Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Light, which made history at Cannes, and the explosive rise of Indian hip-hop through artists like Hanuman K ai, reinforcing the immense global appetite for Indian narratives.
“These are not exceptions. Rather, they are proof points that reinforce the immense global appetite and appreciation for authentic, profound local narratives,” Nohwar added.
He stressed that as India continues to be a voracious consumer of content—leading digital platforms like Meta and YouTube in terms of monthly active users—it must now position itself as a major global exporter of entertainment.
Nohwar acknowledged the dominance of South Indian cinema in reshaping India’s media landscape.
“It is no longer a surprise that Bollywood, which once held a dominant 44% share of the Indian box office, has now conceded its leadership position to southern cinema, which accounts for nearly 50% of the market,” he said.
Regional films, particularly from Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada industries, are leading the charge with strong storytelling, cultural depth, and global appeal.
As India’s content industry continues to expand, Nohwar stressed the need for sustained investment across the M&E value chain—from talent development and world-class post-production capabilities to advanced distribution platforms.
“We recognize that the future of entertainment depends on how well we make the most, not just of creative storytelling, but of technology, talent, and of course, storytelling craft, to stay ahead of the global scene,” he explained.
He highlighted Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to this vision, noting its strategic investments in technology hubs in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, which are advancing AI capabilities and global video advertising innovations.
Nohwar strongly advocated for deep integration between academia and industry, fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives. He emphasized that partnerships between traditional studios, digital platforms, independent creators, and technology enablers* will pave the way for India’s success in the global entertainment industry.
“The blending of traditional studios, digital platforms, independent creators, and technology enablers is spawning new models of storytelling. It needs to be encouraged,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of strategic co-productions and international collaborations, he added, “Co-productions with international studios, strategic partnerships with global networks, and investment in grassroots talent is the way forward. These are crucial steps for us to emerge as a dominant force in global storytelling.”
Closing his speech with an inspiring call to action, Nohwar urged industry leaders, content creators, and audiences to contribute to India’s rise as a global entertainment leader. “To my fellow industry leaders, let’s collaborate to ensure Indian stories and storytellers shine globally. To the creators in the room, your voice, your vision, and your narratives have the power to shape perception and inspire the world. And to the audience, keep celebrating content in all its forms, because your choices are shaping the future of storytelling.”
Ending on a powerful note, he declared, “India’s time is now. Let’s make the world listen. Let’s make the world watch. Thank you.”
Nohwar’s address at FICCI MEBC South Connect 2025 underscored India’s growing influence in the global entertainment space, its technological advancements, and its cultural storytelling power. With a strategic focus on innovation, collaboration, and global outreach, the Indian media and entertainment industry stands at the cusp of unprecedented global recognition.
