The much-anticipated FICCI Frames 2025 kicked off with a powerful opening address by Kevin Vaz, Chairman of FICCI’s Media and Entertainment Committee and CEO – Entertainment at JioStar. As a platform that has consistently united the best minds in media and entertainment worldwide, this year’s edition was marked by the unveiling of the highly anticipated FICCI EY M&E Report 2025, a document that has come to be recognized as India’s definitive guide to the sector’s progress.
Reflecting on the journey of this landmark report, Vaz stated, “Twenty-five years ago, FICCI took a bold step in launching a dedicated report on the M&E industry in our country. Today, it gives me immense pleasure to stand before you, alongside my esteemed colleagues from the fraternity, to present the 25th edition of the FICCI M&E Industry Report.”
2024: A Defining Year for Indian M&E
The past year proved to be a watershed moment for India’s media and entertainment sector, cementing its global footprint. Vaz highlighted India’s remarkable achievements on the world stage, saying, “From global recognition at Cannes and the Oscars to our rise as a VFX powerhouse, India is firmly on the world stage.”
Domestically, the South Indian film industry has reached new heights, captivating audiences with exceptional storytelling and visual grandeur. “Southern cinema has showcased unprecedented success, bringing Indian storytelling to a global audience,” Vaz remarked.
An “AND” Market: Television and Digital Thrive Together
India’s media ecosystem is unique in its ability to embrace both tradition and innovation. Dispelling the notion of a competition between television and digital media, Vaz affirmed, “We are not an ‘OR’ market but an ‘AND’ market—television and digital media are thriving together.” He pointed to impressive growth figures, revealing that television households are set to expand from 190 million in 2024 to 214 million by 2026, while digital platforms continue their meteoric rise.
Sports remains a crucial driver of content consumption, with the IPL leading the charge. “With IPL 2025 underway in full fervor, it will be exciting to see how it reaches new heights and breaks records across both TV and digital platforms once again,” he predicted. The numbers back this up, as IPL 2024 reached 525 million viewers on TV and 550-600 million on streaming platforms.
The Road Ahead: India’s Ascent to the Global M&E Stage
Looking to the future, Vaz expressed confidence in India’s trajectory, stating, “OTT is set to become a major force in digital entertainment, while television remains the bedrock of our industry, commanding over 30% of the market.”
As he concluded his address, Vaz painted a vision of an even brighter future for India’s media and entertainment industry. “India is on track to become the third-largest media and entertainment market by 2028, duly reflecting the amount of content being produced and consumed in this country.”
With the launch of this year’s FICCI EY M&E Report and a lineup of insightful discussions ahead, the industry stands poised for transformation and continued global recognition. As Vaz aptly put it, “Let’s celebrate our achievements and the exciting opportunities ahead.”
