Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Announces Two Major Decisions to Boost Indian Film Industry

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced two key decisions on 29th June 2026, in New Delhi, to support the growth of India's film industry and expand cinema screens nationwide. The call was made during a high-level review meeting led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, where senior ministry officials were directed to push structural changes covering production, distribution, and tech adoption in the sector. Together, a study group and model state aim to give Indian cinema a stronger, more modern footing, keeping it competitive on the world stage while staying rooted as a vehicle for culture and creativity.

Decision 1 - A Study Group has been Set Up

A high-level study group is being formed under the chairmanship of Prasoon Joshi, bringing together industry veterans and technology partners to examine the road ahead for Indian cinema. The study group will look into the following issues: 

1. It will look at ways Indian films can compete better internationally.
2. Explore how emerging tech like AI and virtual production can be put to use by filmmakers, and dig into funding gaps, including both institutional finance access and the broader struggle producers face in raising money for films and their distribution. 
3. The group is also tasked with engaging state governments to map out best practices and eventually propose a long-term policy roadmap for the sector.
4. Stakeholders across the country will be consulted before the group submits its findings, with a three-month deadline set for the final report.

Decision 2- Model State Cinema Regulations for Adoption by States

Since cinema regulation falls under the state list, rules around permissions vary widely from state to state—something that's long slowed down theater growth, particularly in smaller towns and rural pockets.

To fix this, the Ministry has drafted a uniform set of Model State Cinema Regulations after consulting various stakeholders and has now circulated them to all states, urging adoption. The Ministry has also committed to assisting states with implementation.