Cinema and audiovisuals, 240 thousand new hires

Cinema and Audiovisuals Sector in India to Create 240,000 New Jobs by 2025

Mumbai, August 25, 2025 – The Indian cinema and audiovisual industry, a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural and economic landscape, is poised for significant growth, with projections estimating the creation of 240,000 new jobs by the end of 2025. This surge in employment opportunities reflects the sector’s robust recovery post-pandemic, driven by technological advancements, growing demand for diverse content, and the expansion of cinema infrastructure across the country.

Industry Growth and Job Creation

According to industry reports, the Indian cinema market, already the largest in the world in terms of admissions, is expected to see a 4.94% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market volume of US$104.40 billion by 2029. This growth is fueled by increasing audience demand for immersive experiences, the rise of multiplexes, and the proliferation of digital platforms. The job opportunities span a wide range of roles, including:

• Production and Post-Production: Roles such as cinematographers, editors, sound designers, and VFX artists are in high demand due to the increasing production of films, web series, and short-form content.
• Exhibition and Distribution: The expansion of multiplex chains like PVR Inox and Cinepolis, alongside boutique cinemas, is creating jobs for theater managers, ticketing staff, and marketing professionals.
• Technology and Innovation: The adoption of AI for scriptwriting, visual effects, and personalized marketing, along with immersive technologies like 4DX and haptic feedback systems, is driving demand for tech-savvy professionals.
• Content Creation for Digital Platforms: The rise of vertical content for mobile-first viewing, as seen in initiatives like Mexico’s Blood Window Vertical program, is inspiring similar trends in India, creating roles for content creators, editors, and digital marketers.

A recent report highlights that the Indian box office recorded a gross collection of Rs 11,833 crore in 2024, making it the second-highest-grossing year for the industry, trailing only 2023’s Rs 12,226 crore. This financial buoyancy, coupled with the success of local productions in Bollywood and regional cinema, underscores the sector’s capacity to generate employment.

Key Drivers of Job Growth

1. Multiplex Boom: Despite the decline of single-screen theaters, the multiplex sector is thriving. Chains like Omniplex, Vue, and Everyman are expanding, with plans to open new venues in 2025. This growth is creating jobs in urban and tier-2 cities, where cinema infrastructure remains underserved given India’s population and appetite for movie-going.
2. Immersive Technologies: By 2025, cinemas are expected to adopt advanced technologies like 4DX, personalized audio, and even experimental sensory systems like smell-o-vision. These innovations require skilled technicians, engineers, and content creators to design and maintain such experiences.
3. Regional and Diverse Content: The dominance of Bollywood is complemented by the rise of regional cinema in languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. This diversity is creating opportunities for local talent, from actors and directors to crew members specializing in regional storytelling.
4. Digital Platforms: The shift toward streaming services and mobile-first content is reshaping the industry. With platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar investing heavily in Indian content, roles in content creation, localization, and digital distribution are surging.
5. Government Support: Initiatives like the Film Facilitation Office and relaxed regulations for foreign productions are attracting global players, boosting job creation in production and post-production. Additionally, shorter review cycles for content distribution are enabling faster project turnarounds, further driving employment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the optimistic outlook, the industry faces challenges, including high ticket prices, which deter 50% of consumers from visiting cinemas, and competition from streaming services. However, cinema operators are countering this by enhancing the theatrical experience through fandom culture and premium offerings like Odeon Luxe venues. These efforts are creating niche roles in event management and customer experience.

The industry’s resilience is evident in its recovery from the 2023 Hollywood strikes, which temporarily disrupted global production. India’s independent production sector is gaining traction, supported by discussions around enhanced tax credits, which could further boost job creation.

Regional Impact

The job growth is expected to be distributed across India, with major hubs in:

• Mumbai: The heart of Bollywood, driving roles in production, direction, and post-production.
• Chennai and Hyderabad: Centers for Tamil and Telugu cinema, with opportunities in regional content creation and technical roles.
• Tier-2 Cities: The expansion of multiplexes in cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, and Bhubaneswar is creating jobs in cinema operations and marketing.

How to Prepare for These Opportunities

Aspiring professionals can prepare for these roles by:

• Upskilling: Enroll in courses for digital skills like VFX, AI-driven content creation, or sound design. Platforms like MZed offer filmmaking workshops.
• Networking: Participate in film festivals and markets like the Marché du Film or the Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Festival to connect with industry professionals.
• Certifications: Pursue certifications in emerging technologies like 4DX or immersive audio systems to stay competitive.
• Freelancing: Many roles, especially in digital content creation, are project-based, making freelancing a viable entry point.

Conclusion

The Indian cinema and audiovisual sector’s projected creation of 240,000 new jobs by 2025 reflects its dynamic evolution and enduring appeal. From traditional filmmaking to cutting-edge technologies, the industry offers diverse opportunities for engineers, creatives, and business professionals. As India retains its position as the world’s largest cinema market, this recruitment drive signals a bright future for both job seekers and the industry at large. For the latest updates on job openings, candidates can monitor industry platforms like Screen International or the websites of major cinema chains and production houses.

Sources: Industry reports, Ormax Media, Screen International, and posts on X