Key Details
The Ministry has launched two complementary initiatives to strengthen India’s film ecosystem. The first focuses on regulatory reform to expand cinema infrastructure, while the second focuses on developing a long-term policy roadmap for the industry’s future growth.
Initiative | Key Measures | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
1. Model State Cinema Regulations | • Model regulatory framework circulated to States. • Promotes single-window approvals for cinema projects. • Standardises licensing and regulatory processes while respecting State jurisdiction. | To reduce approval delays, improve the ease of establishing cinemas and increase screen density, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3 and rural areas. |
2. High-Level Committee on the Film Industry | Chaired by Prasoon Joshi with a three-month mandate to recommend reforms on: • AI and virtual production technologies. • Film financing and institutional credit. • Global distribution and exports. • Coordination with States and industry. | To prepare a long-term policy roadmap that improves the competitiveness, technological capability and global reach of India’s film industry. |
Summary
A Dual Strategy for India’s Film Industry
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced two parallel initiatives aimed at modernising India’s film ecosystem. The first seeks to simplify the regulatory environment for cinema infrastructure by issuing Model State Cinema Regulations, while the second establishes a high-level committee chaired by Prasoon Joshi to recommend long-term reforms for film production, financing, technology adoption and international market expansion.
Together, the initiatives address both the physical infrastructure needed to expand cinema access and the institutional reforms required to strengthen the industry’s future competitiveness.
Simplifying Cinema Regulation Across States
Since cinema regulation falls under the State List of the Constitution, licensing and approval processes differ significantly across States, often leading to delays in establishing new theatres and multiplexes.
To address this, the Ministry has prepared Model State Cinema Regulations, which States can adopt or adapt to streamline approval processes, encourage single-window clearances and create a more predictable regulatory environment for cinema infrastructure. The broader objective is to increase screen density, particularly in Tier-2, Tier-3 and rural markets where cinema access remains limited.
Preparing the Industry for the Next Phase of Growth
Alongside regulatory reforms, the Ministry has constituted a committee chaired by Prasoon Joshi to examine the structural challenges facing India’s film industry. The committee has been given three months to recommend measures covering artificial intelligence, virtual production technologies, film financing, global distribution, exports and collaboration with States.
The exercise recognises that the future competitiveness of Indian cinema will depend not only on creative talent but also on access to modern production technologies, institutional finance and international markets.
What are Model State Cinema Regulations?
Model State Cinema Regulations are a template regulatory framework prepared by the Union Government for voluntary adoption by States. Since cinema licensing is a State subject, the model code provides a common framework to simplify approvals, improve regulatory consistency and reduce compliance burden while allowing States to adapt the provisions to local requirements.
Policy Relevance
Addresses one of the structural constraints facing India’s exhibition sector by encouraging States to simplify cinema licensing and expand screen density, particularly beyond metropolitan areas.
Signals a shift from regulating films alone to strengthening the broader film industry ecosystem, including production, financing, technology and distribution.
Recognises that AI, virtual production and other emerging technologies are becoming central to the future competitiveness of India’s creative industries.
Encourages greater access to institutional finance, reducing reliance on informal funding channels and supporting more sustainable film production.
Strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy by explicitly linking film policy with global distribution and export opportunities.
Demonstrates a cooperative federal approach, with the Centre providing model regulations while States retain legislative authority over cinema regulation.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: As States consider adopting the Model State Cinema Regulations, how can regulatory simplification be balanced with local planning, public safety and cultural priorities while creating a more predictable environment for cinema investment?
Follow the Full Release Here: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Announces Two Major Decisions to Boost Indian Film Industry