MAM
FICCI MEBC south kicks off with star power
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s media and entertainment industry took centre stage as deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and cinematic legend Kamal Haasan inaugurated the FICCI MEBC South Conclave in Chennai. The two-day event, aimed at exploring the evolution of films, television, OTT, gaming, and digital media, saw an array of industry stalwarts mapping out the future of India’s creative economy.
Stalin unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art film city in Chennai spanning 152 acres. The ambitious project will feature cutting-edge post-production studios, animation and VFX facilities, virtual production tech, LED walls, and even a five-star hotel for industry professionals.
Further honouring Kalaignar’s (M. Karunanidhi) vision, Stalin announced that 90 acres near Kelambakkam, previously allocated for industry housing, would now be reinstated for its original purpose following a revised government order.
A highlight of the event was Haasan’s appointment as chairman of the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, south. Speaking at the conclave, Haasan emphasised the need for progressive regulations that integrate, rather than hinder, emerging technologies in cinema.
“Indian cinema is our cultural ambassador, and we need a long-term vision for it. Both state and central governments must frame policies that encourage technology adoption without stifling existing markets,” said Haasan. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to reform entertainment tax policies, ensuring greater ease of doing business for filmmakers.
The conclave featured key insights from JioStar chairman of FICCI media and entertainment committee and CEO – entertainment Kevin Vaz, who celebrated south Indian cinema’s meteoric rise from regional to global prominence, thanks to blockbusters like RRR and KGF-2.
“With digital media’s rapid expansion, India is an ‘AND’ market where TV and digital will continue to coexist. The industry is primed for a global breakthrough,” Vaz stated.
The event will feature workshops, masterclasses, and exhibitions on key industry trends, including the global rise of Indian cinema, OTT and television’s transformation, and AI-driven innovations in broadcasting and music. With gaming, animation, and VFX booming, discussions will also focus on regulatory policies shaping the sector. PlayNext – Developer’s Day will spotlight India’s growing esports and interactive entertainment industry, reinforcing its leadership in AVGC-XR.
The inaugural session saw participation from Meta India’s Sandhya Devanathan, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Arjun Nohwar, FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council’s G.S.K. Velu, and a stellar line-up of media executives including Ashish Pherwani, Sanjay A. Wadhwa, Ankur Vaish, Krishnan Kutty, Ravikant Sabnavis, Munjal Shroff, Vaibhav Chavan, Jakes Bejoy, and Bejoy Arputharaj.
Brands
Mother Dairy unveils 30 plus products for summer portfolio push
Ice creams, regional dairy and high-protein range drive 30 per cent growth plans
MUMBAI: If summer had a flavour, Mother Dairy is making sure it comes in at least 30. As temperatures climb, Mother Dairy is turning up the chill with an expansive product blitz, announcing a pipeline of over 30 new offerings across its value-added dairy portfolio. Rolled out in phases through the season, the line-up spans indulgence, health, convenience and regional tastes, an attempt to meet India’s increasingly diverse consumption patterns head-on.
Ice creams take centre stage, accounting for around 20 of the new launches. The brand is introducing formats such as a Two-in-One Matka and Tub, alongside a premium ‘Crafted’ range and flavours like Cream Cheese Pistachio Cone and Kulfi Cassata. There is also a clear nod to calorie-conscious consumers, with the debut of a ‘Go-Low’ range featuring variants such as Choco Almond, Shahi Mewa and Kesar Pista Tilla Kulfi.
Beyond indulgence, the company is sharpening its regional play. Products like Jamun Yoghurt and Bhuna Jeera Raita aim to tap into local flavour preferences, while Shrikhand offered in three variants targets western markets. For northern consumers, Meethi Dahi joins the mix, reinforcing a localisation strategy that goes beyond one-size-fits-all offerings.
Convenience is another key lever. Mother Dairy is expanding its UHT milk portfolio with Cow Milk and Standardised Milk in markets such as Jammu and Kashmir, catering to demand for longer shelf-life products without compromising accessibility.
On the nutrition front, the brand is doubling down on protein. Its ‘Pro’ range is being strengthened with Procurd and Propaneer high-protein curd and paneer variants positioning itself within the growing health-conscious segment while retaining its core taste proposition.
The scale of the rollout signals more than just seasonal experimentation. With expectations of over 30 per cent growth across key categories, the company is betting on innovation as a primary growth engine, supported by a mix of traditional and new-age distribution channels.
Marketing, too, is set to match the ambition. High-impact campaigns across ice creams and flavoured milk are in the pipeline, aimed particularly at younger consumers and designed to amplify summer consumption moments.
In a market where heat often dictates demand, Mother Dairy is not just responding to the season, it is trying to own it, one scoop, sip and spoonful at a time.
