Deputy Chief Minister Inaugurated ‘FICCI Media & Entertainment Business Conclave (MEBC)–South Connect 2025’ in Chennai
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, February 22, 2025: Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with legendary actor-filmmaker Mr Kamal Haasan, inaugurated the two-day media and entertainment conclave ‘FICCI MEBC South’. Mr Haasan was also announced as the Chairman of FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, South.
Mr Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu emphasized the importance of regional industries in driving global recognition. He expressed his commitment to realize the dream of Dr. Kalaignar (Dr. Karunanidhi) to make Tamil Nadu an entertainment epicenter. “A key initiative is the establishment of a state-of-the-art film city spread across 152 acres in Chennai. This world-class facility will include advanced post-production studios, virtual production technologies, animation and VFX studios, LED walls, and even a 5-star hotel for industry professionals,” he added.
He also made an important announcement towards fulfilling the dream of Dr. Karunanidhi, saying, “In 2010, during Dr. Kalaignar (Dr. Karunanidhi) a 90-acre land near Kelambakkam was allocated for a 99-year lease to film industry organizations for building residential complexes. The construction was to be completed within three years, but the beneficiaries couldn't finish it, rendering the order invalid. In response to a request from the associations, our Chief Minister decided to revise the order, allowing the land to be used for the intended construction. The revised order was issued recently,” Mr Stalin highlighted.
Mr Kamal Haasan while sharing his insights into the evolving media landscape said, “Indian cinema can become true ambassador for Indian culture. We need a long-term vision for Indian cinema, for which the government, both the state and the centre, will have to come up with regulations to not contain emerging technologies, but include emerging technologies without it impeding the existing market. Also, a request since the Deputy CM is here that we need to relook and reform the state entertainment tax on cinema.”
Mr Kevin Vaz, Chairman, FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee and CEO - Entertainment, JioStar said, “The South's media landscape has evolved from regional to national and now global, exemplified by icons like Mr. Kamal Haasan, whose films have broken boundaries for decades. The post-pandemic revival of the box office, driven by films like RRR and KGF-2, and Tamil cinema’s storytelling, continue to shape India’s entertainment sector. As digital media grows rapidly, I believe India is an “AND” market, where both TV and digital coexist, unlocking immense potential. With upcoming forums like WAVES and continued innovation, India’s media industry is poised to take the global stage.”
The event aims to serve as a pivotal platform for exploring the future of films, television, OTT, gaming, animation, and digital entertainment, setting the stage for innovation, collaboration, and strategic growth within India’s creative economy
The two-day conclave will feature a dynamic blend of knowledge sessions, masterclasses, workshops, content markets, and exhibitions, exploring critical aspects of India’s evolving media and entertainment landscape. Key focus areas will include the global influence of Indian cinema, the transformation of television and OTT, innovations redefining broadcasting and music consumption, and India’s rise as a powerhouse in gaming, animation, and VFX. Additionally, discussions on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in M&E will address regulatory frameworks and policies, fostering a seamless, growth-driven industry ecosystem.
A special segment, PlayNext – Developer’s Day, will delve into gaming, esports, and interactive entertainment, highlighting India’s emergence as a global leader in the AVGC-XR ecosystem.
Sandhya Devanathan, Co-Chair, FICCI M&E Committee & VP, Country Head - India, Meta; Arjun Nohwar, Co-Chair, FICCI Media & Entertainment Committee and SVP & Country GM - India & South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery; and Dr. G.S.K. Velu, Chairman, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council were the other dignitaries at the inaugural event. Other distinguished industry leaders included Ashish Pherwani, Ravi Kottarakara, Kaarthekeyen Santhanam, Sanjay A. Wadhwa, Ankur Vaish, Shweta Bajpai, Mahesh Shetty, Krishnan Kutty, Ravikant Sabnavis, Munjal Shroff, Vaibhav Chavan, Jakes Bejoy, Bejoy Arputharaj, Ashish Kulkarni, among others.
