iWorld
Lionsgate and PVR Pictures partner for 2023 theatrical slate in India
Mumbai: Following the announcement of its largest theatrical slate for 2023, Lionsgate has partnered with PVR Pictures for a massive roll-out of blockbuster content in India. This collaboration will provide moviegoers with an exceptional cinematic experience, with titles such as ‘Plane’, ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’, and many more.
The first film to be released under this arrangement will be the action-packed blockbuster ‘Plane’, starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter, in January 2023. That’s just the start; the 2023 film lineup also includes highly regarded titles including Francis Lawrence’s ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes’, ‘White Bird: A Wonder Story’ starring Gillian Anderson and Helen Mirren, the comedy-drama ‘About My Father’, and the action-thriller ‘Bricklayer’.
Commenting on the collaboration, Lionsgate India managing director of emerging markets Asia Rohit Jain said, “We are delighted to partner with PVR Pictures for all our theatrical releases in 2023. With movie aficionados returning to theatres, and the growing popularity of Hollywood films in India – we believe this collaboration will offer the best viewing experience of quality blockbuster content to all. With billion-dollar franchise titles and critically acclaimed cinema that will hit the screen this year – we are certain this is the biggest year for Lionsgate in India from a theatrical standpoint, and we are looking forward to it.”
Speaking about the association, PVR Pictures CEO Kamal Gianchandani said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Jain and his team. At a time when our industry has faced possibly its biggest crisis, we are excited to be partnering with one of the greatest film corporations in the world! The creative excellence, diversity, and quality of films that Lionsgate has presented to the global entertainment industry are invaluable. As India’s leading theatrical distribution company, we are committed to keep elevating the gold standards of cinema experience for movie enthusiasts. We are certain that Lionsgate’s 2023 film slate will be an absolute treat for the Indian audiences to watch.”
iWorld
Warner Chappell Music launches India ops, Jay Mehta to lead unit
WMG shifts to direct model, unifying publishing and recorded music
MUMBAI: Warner Chappell Music has officially launched direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift by parent Warner Music Group to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
The move replaces the company’s earlier sub-publishing model with a full-fledged, on-ground operation, aimed at giving Indian songwriters stronger access to global networks, rights management tools, and creative infrastructure.
To lead the push, Jay Mehta has been handed an expanded mandate. Already serving as managing director of Warner Music India, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing across India and neighbouring South Asian markets, effectively bringing the two sides of the business under one roof.
The unified structure is designed to streamline how artists and songwriters work with the company, offering a more integrated ecosystem that spans compositions, recordings, and global distribution.
Warner Music Group managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC Jay Mehta said, “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity.”
The timing is no coincidence. According to CISAC, creator collections in India jumped 42 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7 billion in 2024, while IFPI ranks India as the 15th largest recorded music market globally. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift, with independent and non-film music gaining ground over traditional Bollywood soundtracks.
Warner’s bet is that a direct presence will help it capture this changing dynamic. The company is also offering India-based creators access to its proprietary tools, including AI-powered royalty matching systems and real-time analytics platforms, aimed at improving transparency and earnings visibility.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot said the move is about shaping a publishing ecosystem that “works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl underlined India’s importance to the company’s global strategy, noting that the new structure creates a “unified powerhouse” for both creators and audiences.
With local studios, global reach, and tighter integration across its business lines, Warner is clearly doubling down on India. And as streaming habits evolve and independent music rises, the company is positioning itself to be not just a participant, but a key architect of the country’s next music chapter.
