MIB invites industry suggestions as Prasoon Joshi-led panel charts cinema roadmap

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has sought recommendations from filmmakers, producers, OTT platforms, exhibitors and other industry stakeholders on financing, distribution, exhibition infrastructure, box-office data, international collaborations and emerging technologies.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited suggestions and recommendations from stakeholders across the Indian film industry as the government steps up efforts to examine the sector's challenges and identify measures to strengthen its long-term growth and global competitiveness.

In a notice dated November 3, 2026, the ministry called upon film producers, directors, artists, technicians, industry associations, exhibitors, distributors, OTT platforms, experts and other interested individuals and organisations to submit their views to a High-Level Study Group constituted to examine opportunities and challenges facing Indian cinema.

The study group is chaired by Prasoon Joshi, Chairman of Prasar Bharati. It was initially constituted on July 29, 2026, with members drawn from the film industry, technology sector and other relevant fields. Its tenure and composition were subsequently revised through an order dated October 29, 2026.

The government's move comes amid the need to examine various structural and operational aspects of the Indian film industry, with the study group tasked with deliberating on issues that could influence the sector's future development and its ability to compete in international markets.

According to the ministry's notice, the study group's areas of examination include film financing and funding models, exhibition infrastructure, distribution and market access, film festivals, box-office data, incentives, international co-productions, promotion of Indian cinema in global markets, skill development and emerging technologies.

Financing, distribution and exhibition infrastructure in focus

Film financing and funding models have been identified as one of the key areas for examination. The inclusion of this subject in the group's deliberations signals an effort to gather industry perspectives on the financial structures supporting film production and the broader ecosystem.

The study group will also examine film exhibition infrastructure, distribution and market access. These areas form an important part of the industry's value chain, connecting film production with theatrical audiences and other distribution channels.

The reference to box-office data and film festivals further expands the scope of the group's deliberations. The ministry has also identified incentives and international co-productions as areas requiring examination, alongside strategies for promoting Indian cinema in overseas markets.

Emerging technologies and skill development are among the other subjects included in the study group's agenda, reflecting the wider technological and workforce-related considerations that the government intends to examine.

Government seeks actionable recommendations from industry

The ministry has asked stakeholders to submit specific and actionable recommendations, accompanied by supporting information wherever available.

The ministry has also made available a brief on the High-Level Study Group, including its terms of reference and the order constituting the group, to help stakeholders frame their submissions.

The inputs received will be placed before the study group for consideration as it formulates recommendations aimed at the long-term growth, development and global competitiveness of the Indian film industry.

By opening the exercise to a broad cross-section of stakeholders, the ministry is seeking inputs from across the film value chain rather than limiting the consultation to producers or filmmakers. The inclusion of OTT platforms, exhibitors, distributors, technicians, industry associations and technology experts also provides an opportunity for different segments of the ecosystem to present their perspectives.

The recommendations emerging from the exercise are expected to inform the group's assessment of the opportunities and challenges before Indian cinema and the measures required to support its sustained development.