Tanushree Basuroy
Research expert covering India
Film production in India - statistics & facts
With thousands of films released and billions of rupees spent annually, India features among the heavyweights of the film production industry worldwide. Beyond the bright lights and glamor, filmmaking in India contributes significantly to the country's economy. Producing a film in India touches the lives of many not only through storytelling but also the creation of job opportunities. Moreover, the myriad scenic filming locations attract foreign filmmakers, stimulating foreign direct investment and boosting the tourism and hospitality sectors. The availability of affordable, skilled professionals and technicians also results in the outsourcing of post-production projects to India.
Among numerous production and distribution companies, only some have attained global renown like T-Series and Dharma Entertainment. The two led the market in terms of box office collections and film count. India also houses prominent film cities such as the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari in Mumbai and the world’s largest film studio complex, Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, that earn revenue not only as working studios but also as theme parks. The continued development of film infrastructure in the country has resulted in cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Bengaluru emerging as major film centers apart from Mumbai.
For smaller budget films or documentaries, other options include crowdfunding and government incentives. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting set up the India Cine Hub to support film production in India. It offers various incentives at the state and federal levels to filmmakers worldwide, especially for projects focusing on Indian content. Besides this, government initiatives have been set up to improve film education and technology, with many industry stakeholders looking to leverage AI for production.
Catchy songs are not just integral to films but are major revenue drivers and make for great marketing. Companies such as Yash Raj Films and T-Series are sustained by their iconic soundtracks raking in cinema attendance, online views, and revenue.
The Indian film sector is not only a rapidly evolving segment of the entertainment sector but continues to be a key contributor to economizing key industries that pillar the Indian economy.
Lights, camera, action
The bulk of a movie’s budget is related to production, including ancillary costs. Apart from celebrity actors drawing big checks, filming, equipment, the crew, location, and post-production contribute to a significant chunk of the cost of production. Most mainstream Bollywood movies lie on the higher end of the spectrum. However, some of the biggest budget films the country has ever seen were South Indian films 2.0 and RRR, featuring not only stellar casts but extensive VFX work.Among numerous production and distribution companies, only some have attained global renown like T-Series and Dharma Entertainment. The two led the market in terms of box office collections and film count. India also houses prominent film cities such as the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari in Mumbai and the world’s largest film studio complex, Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, that earn revenue not only as working studios but also as theme parks. The continued development of film infrastructure in the country has resulted in cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi, and Bengaluru emerging as major film centers apart from Mumbai.
Film financing
Most mainstream films see hefty private investments from producers, actors, and other high-net-worth individuals. In fact, many actors turned into producers, popular examples being Aamir Khan and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and set up their own production companies.For smaller budget films or documentaries, other options include crowdfunding and government incentives. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting set up the India Cine Hub to support film production in India. It offers various incentives at the state and federal levels to filmmakers worldwide, especially for projects focusing on Indian content. Besides this, government initiatives have been set up to improve film education and technology, with many industry stakeholders looking to leverage AI for production.
Digital and music rights lead the way
Despite the film industry facing headwinds due to rampant digitalization, theatrical releases remain the sector’s chief source of revenue. However, digital releases follow close behind as streaming trends resulted in a decline in pay TV viewership and film revenues from broadcast rights. Video streaming platforms, including YouTube, also present an opportunity for non-mainstream movies to reach wider audiences. The past few years have seen an increase in direct-to-OTT releases.Catchy songs are not just integral to films but are major revenue drivers and make for great marketing. Companies such as Yash Raj Films and T-Series are sustained by their iconic soundtracks raking in cinema attendance, online views, and revenue.
The Indian film sector is not only a rapidly evolving segment of the entertainment sector but continues to be a key contributor to economizing key industries that pillar the Indian economy.
