Prasoon Joshi To Lead I&B Ministry Cinema Panel As Centre Announces Major Film Industry Reforms

Prasoon Joshi, lyricist and screenplay writer, will head a high-level study group that will chart the future of Indian cinema. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) announced the decision on June 29 which is aimed at charting the future of Indian cinema and is indicative of a major policy review of the Indian film industry. The appointment followed a review meeting chaired by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi. This is part of a bigger government push to upgrade the country's cinema ecosystem, upgrade infrastructure and tackle the challenges faced by filmmakers.The panel, which will be chaired by Prasoon Joshi, will consist of industry professionals, experts and technology partners who will look

into the problems and possibilities that Indian cinema is facing at the moment. The committee has been given three months to forward its recommendations to the ministry. Joshi, who serves as Prasar Bharati chairperson, previously headed the Censor Board too.

What will the Cinema Panel look into?

The panel has been asked to chalk out a growth roadmap for Indian cinema in a fast-changing entertainment landscape. The key focus areas will be to improve the global competitiveness of Indian films. The panel will discuss ways to help Indian filmmakers reach larger global audiences and raise India’s profile in the international film industry.They will also look at the use of new technologies such as AI and virtual production in film-making. As technology revolutionizes the filmmaking landscape across the globe, the panel will discuss how Indian filmmakers can leverage new tools without compromising efficiency and creativity.

Improve funding matters for production

Film finance is another important subject to be discussed. The committee will explore ways to improve access to institutional funding, develop alternative investment models and deal with the difficulties faced by filmmakers in securing funds for production and distribution. The panel will seek inputs from film makers, producers, exhibitors, state governments and other stake holders before making its recommendations on a long term cinema policy framework.

New steps to boost number of cinema screens in India

The government has also brought in Model State Cinema Regulations to increase the number of cinema screens across the country with the panel. Since cinema regulation is on the State List, every state government has a different set of rules and approval procedures to open theatres. These differences, the ministry said, have stifled the development of cinema infrastructure in smaller cities and rural areas. The new model regulations are aimed at streamlining the approval process, promoting investment in new theatres and creating a more uniform system across the states. The initiative is said to be a boon for tier-2 and tier-3 cities where limited screen availability has held back the growth of the theatrical business and access to audiences. The government's latest moves come at a time when the Indian film industry is facing both opportunities and challenges. Indian films have found global recognition but filmmakers are still grappling with issues of funding, adoption of technology and exhibition infrastructure.