MUMBAI: JioStar chief executive officer -entertainment business TV & digital and chairperson of the Ficci media and entertainment committee Kevin Vaz, kicked off the Ficci Frames curtain raiser with a bullish assessment of the nation's entertainment sector, predicting it will be the third largest globally by 2028. He unveiled the 25th edition of the Ficci IEY M&E Report 2025, the industry's official bible, amidst a flurry of industry heavyweights.

"We are not an 'OR' market, but an 'AND' market," Vaz declared, emphasising the co-existence of television and digital platforms. "Television will grow from 190 million households in 2024 to 214 million households by 2026, while digital platforms continue to soar." A rather tidy bit of growth, one might say.

He highlighted India's global clout, citing Cannes and Oscar wins, and its emergence as a VFX powerhouse. Southern cinema, he noted, has reached "unprecedented heights," showcasing some rather grand storytelling.

Sports, particularly the IPL, is driving content consumption like a runaway train. "IPL 2025...it will be exciting to see how it reaches new heights and break records across both TV and digital platforms once again," Vaz quipped, clearly anticipating a right royal viewership bonanza. He reported the 2024 IPL reached 525 million viewers on TV and a staggering 550-600 million on streaming platforms.

OTT, he asserted, is set to become a "major force," while television remains the "bedrock," commanding over 30 per cent of the market. A rather sturdy foundation, then.

Vaz welcomed industry luminaries including Sylvie Forbin, Gaurav Dwivedi, Ashish Pherwani, Arjun Nohwar and Munjal Shroff. He also plugged the Best Animated Frames (BAF) Awards, adding a touch of animated flair to the proceedings.

"Let's celebrate our achievements and the exciting opportunities ahead," Vaz concluded, urging attendees to engage in discussions that would "propel the Indian M&E sector to the global stage."