Hindi
Government backs film production through DCDFC, co-production push
Scheme funds cinema, WAVES 2025 boosts global ties and industry growth.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… policy action. As India’s screens glow brighter at home and abroad, the government is quietly scripting a bigger role behind the scenes funding films, fuelling collaborations and nudging the country closer to its “create for the world” ambition. At the centre of this effort is the Development, Communication & Dissemination of Filmic Content (DCDFC) scheme, a 100 per cent centrally funded initiative designed to support film production across the country. Through this scheme, the government provides direct financial backing to projects, aiming to strengthen both mainstream and alternative storytelling ecosystems while encouraging cinematic excellence.
The implementation runs through the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), which plays a key role in facilitating film production, including regional cinema and documentaries. Beyond the screen, the scheme also feeds into the broader economy creating jobs for local technicians, artists and service providers, and strengthening grassroots production networks across states.
The push, however, is not limited to funding alone. India’s ambition to position itself as a global content powerhouse was on display at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit 2025 held in Mumbai, which brought together creators, producers, startups and global stakeholders from over 100 countries. The summit acted as a convergence point for Indian storytelling and international capital, with OTT platforms, investors and technology leaders exploring partnerships in a rapidly evolving content economy.
Complementing this is the government’s focus on audio-visual co-production agreements, which effectively operate on a public-private partnership model. By enabling Indian and international producers to collaborate, these agreements are designed to bring in investment, global expertise and advanced filmmaking practices while also giving Indian stories a wider global footprint.
Support also extends to film culture and preservation. Grants are provided for domestic film festivals recommended by state governments, alongside curated film packages, masterclasses and workshops to nurture talent and audience engagement. The NFDC further collaborates with State Film Development Corporations, offering technical expertise across the filmmaking value chain and supporting the preservation of local film heritage.
Many states, in parallel, are encouraging the development of film infrastructure including production studios often through public-private partnership models, signalling a coordinated push to build a more robust audiovisual ecosystem.
The update was shared in Parliament by Ashwini Vaishnaw in response to a query from Thirumaavalavan Tholkappiyan, outlining a multi-layered approach that blends funding, infrastructure, policy and global outreach.
Taken together, the message is clear: India is not just telling more stories, it is building the machinery to tell them bigger, better and to the world.
Hindi
Kayhan Entertainment shifts focus to original IP creation
New studio founded by VFX veterans aims to build globally scalable Indian stories.
MUMBAI: India’s VFX talent has long helped Hollywood create blockbusters now a new studio wants to write the stories as well as the special effects. Kayhan Entertainment Private Limited is entering its next phase of growth as a next-generation storytelling studio focused on creating original intellectual property for global audiences. Founded by Dalbir Singh and Arushi Govil, the studio blends strong storytelling with world-class VFX and CGI across films, television, advertising and digital platforms.
While India has established itself as a global hub for VFX and animation services, Kayhan is making a strategic shift from pure execution to IP ownership. The studio aims to move beyond project-based work and develop culturally rooted content designed to travel internationally, while remaining open to strategic collaborations.
Dalbir Singh, with over 15 years of experience in VFX and filmmaking, has contributed to major global productions including Avengers: Endgame, Zack Snyder’s Justice League and Venom. He leads creative direction at Kayhan. Arushi Govil brings deep production expertise from leading studios such as MPC, Framestore and DNEG, having worked on Tenet, Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Brahmastra.
A key milestone for the studio was the launch of its first IP, Chote Tara Ka Bada Gadar, on Kids Zee in 2025. Kayhan is now expanding its slate with FAB 5, an original animated series that combines action, humour and emotional storytelling while promoting teamwork, courage and kindness. The fast-paced episodic format is positioned for long-term franchise potential across platforms.
Dalbir Singh, Co-Founder, said the studio’s primary focus is building an IP-led creative enterprise, while remaining open to the right collaborations. Arushi Govil, Co-Founder, added: “As we scale, our focus is on building the right mix of talent and capability… At Kayhan, we are investing in people as much as we are in IP, bringing together global experience and emerging creators to build stories that can compete at an international level.”
Looking ahead, Kayhan plans to evolve into a broader IP-led ecosystem spanning media, consumer products, education, talent development and immersive experiences such as AR and VR. The studio also intends to establish an IP incubator and develop transmedia storytelling formats.
From blockbuster VFX credits to building its own story universe, Kayhan Entertainment is stepping into the spotlight with a clear ambition, to create Indian IP that doesn’t just shine on screen, it travels the world.
