Decoding the boom in the VFX industry in India

Authored by Merzin Tavaria, President, Global Production and Operations, DNEG.

Indian Film Industry Embraces VFX and Animation

The Indian film industry is proactively adapting to the use of VFX and animation, driven by a strong desire from audiences to experience visually stunning and diverse content. The transformation towards advanced production techniques has fueled the growth of the VFX sector, with a shift away from traditional methods leading to high demand for VFX in film production. The love for genres such as mythological, sci-fi, superhero, and fantasy among Indian audiences have made VFX a flourishing industry.

The Covid-19 pandemic has only further amplified this trend with the increased use of VFX in film production. The pandemic has changed how Indians consume media, with audiences becoming increasingly discerning about the content they choose to watch. With an all-time high desire for immersive media, Indian filmmakers are incorporating impressive VFX capabilities into their productions. Recent releases such as ‘RRR’ and ‘Brahmastra’ have highlighted the capabilities of the Indian film industry and become talking points in the industry.

VFX and Animation Enhance Storytelling Experience

VFX and animation bring stories to life, actively engaging and immersing audiences in fantastical worlds and creatures. Through VFX, filmmakers can create special effects that would be impossible to achieve in live-action filming, elevating the visual impact of their stories. With animation, storytellers have the flexibility to bring their imaginations to life, adding another dimension to the storytelling experience. Animation is also crucial in storytelling, enabling filmmakers to bring their imaginative ideas to life in a way that live-action filming cannot match. Whether it’s creating fantastical creatures, complex worlds, or breath-taking action sequences, animation gives writers and directors a limitless canvas to tell their stories.

With the use of VFX and animation, studios can meet the rising demand for visually appealing content and deliver truly unforgettable experiences to audiences. Whether it’s a blockbuster film, a popular TV show, or a cutting-edge video game, VFX and animation are essential components of modern storytelling that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. The combination of VFX and animation assertively enriches storytelling, making the audience feel more invested and captivated by the story. Simply put, VFX and animation are powerful tools for enhancing the storytelling experience, bringing new levels of excitement and wonder to audiences.

Growth of the Indian VFX Industry

The Indian film industry is confidently embracing the power of VFX and animation to create visually stunning content that captivates audiences. Indian VFX artists are driving this trend, garnering recognition and momentum through their participation in successful Hollywood productions. With blockbuster hits like ‘Brahmastra’, showcasing 4,500 VFX shots, surpassing even the mighty ‘Avengers’ with its 2,500 shots, it is clear that the Indian movie industry is not holding back when it comes to incorporating cutting-edge VFX into its productions.

The integration of VFX into Indian cinema has also elevated production standards and allowed filmmakers to bring their visions to life. Furthermore, India’s massive market of 780 million Internet users and high daily screen time has resulted in a thriving film industry that heavily relies on high-quality productions and state-of-the-art VFX. The growth of the VFX industry in India is visible in big-ticket projects and the increasing number of individuals choosing VFX as a career. As the film industry continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled VFX professionals.

The Indian VFX industry is also flourishing due to firms growing in both size and experience. These companies are partnering with foreign studios, elevating the profile of Indian talent on the global stage and showcasing the country’s potential as a hub for VFX and animation. With VFX accounting for a significant portion of a film’s budget and projected to increase even further in the coming years, it is clear that the Indian movie industry is committed to using VFX and animation to enhance its storytelling and deliver visually stunning experiences to audiences.

The Indian film industry is actively and assertively utilising VFX and animation to create visually appealing content that captivates audiences. With talented VFX artists and expanding VFX firms, the Indian movie industry is poised to play a significant role in the global film industry in the coming years.

Indian Government Supporting the Growth of the VFX Industry

The Indian government is taking action to foster the growth of the VFX industry through the launch of the AVGC Task Force. The task force is responsible for creating a national AVGC strategy, developing a curriculum framework for educational programs, and promoting job opportunities and skill-building initiatives in partnership with schools, training centres, and industry groups. Additionally, the task force will drive marketing and market development efforts to expand the industry’s global reach. The worldwide VFX and animation industry is experiencing robust growth, fueled by the exponential rise in online video viewers. The accessibility of low-cost Internet services and heightened mobile device use drive the desire for immersive experiences. At the same time, consumers expect high-calibre animation and VFX that deliver realistic visuals. Furthermore, the task force will work with education institutions, vocational training centres, and industry associations to build skills and create job opportunities in the AVGC sector. With these initiatives in place, the Indian VFX industry will be well-positioned to expand its reach globally and make a strong impact worldwide.

In Conclusion

VFX and animation in India have great potential for growth beyond the entertainment industry, with exciting opportunities emerging in fields such as gaming, education, branding, and marketing. With the Indian animation and VFX industry poised for significant growth, it is expected to reach new heights of success by 2023. This is a thrilling time for the industry, and the future looks bright for animation and VFX in India as the demand continues to surge.