Indian expat unveils $10 billion plan for Indian film industry

Dubai-based non-resident Indian (NRI) filmmaker and businessman, Sohan Roy, has unveiled a $10 billion project to bring comprehensive and innovative changes in the production, screening and marketing strategies as well as the business model of Indian cinema. The venture named Project Indywood, is expected to "elevate Indian film industry to be at par or above its peers in the world", Roy told Khaleej Times.
Roy, a marine engineer turned film director and producer, has been working on Project Indywood to bring the Indian cinema standards up to the global level by bridging the language and regional barriers. He is working to bring more international investment into the Indian film industry in tune with Prime Minister Modi's Make in India project.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Roy, a familiar name in the NRI film fraternity said his grand plans will be channeled through a consortium comprising 2,000 corporate and multi millionaires. The project aims at initiating 10,000 new 4K projection multiplex screens, 100,000 2K projection home cinemas, film studios, animation/ VFX studios and film schools conforming to international standards.
The NRI who has directed English movie Dam 999, which was produced for an international audience, also visualises formation of India-based 'World Film Society' to operate as the integration hub of the world film industry and its associations. His movie Dam 999 created some political upheaval in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where it was banned due to the contentious issue of Mullapperiyar dam safety, the main theme of the movie.
However, this has not deterred Roy to dream about doing his film projects back home."Even after achieving 40% of market share on theatre admissions and the total number of movies being produced, Indians never get a chance to make or experience 4K movies in its original quality due to the substandard condition of studios and theatres," he says.
" This $10 billion project is expected to elevate Indian film industry to be at par or above its peers in the world," the film enthusiast claims. "Innovative technology applications, world class infrastructure and new business models to rejuvenate the industry are also envisaged."
The Indian entrepreneur told Khaleej Times that he is also planning to establish the world's largest film school, animation school and media school in India. Moreover, he aims at introducing the concept of CSR in movies in India to support the debutante directors and producers and many more. He also intends to establish copyright protection and antipiracy measures in India to protect film and music industries, and
Sohan Roy announced the project details on January 18 at the Jaipur Rajastan film Festival and invited everyone to come together and realize the dream of a unified film industry of India, with a mission to upgrade Indian film industry to the worlds top level. "Other features of the project include promoting film tourism by bringing in international film projects, industrial delegates and tourists to India, launching international co-production projects from India using Indian talents," he said.
Designed truly in line with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' policy, Indywood aims at integrating the fragmented Indian film industry by exploring new avenues of market for Indian cinema and promoting regional contents in international market. He also aims at exchanging local technologies and man power, initiating global networking of major production houses and introducing collaborative ventures by making use of local talent 'Project Indywood', .
sathish@khaleejtimes.com