At the heart of the WAVES 2025 Summit in Mumbai, a compelling panel discussion titled “The Changing Face of Indian Cinema” brought together creative voices from across the film industry. Acclaimed filmmaker Om Raut, celebrated actors Vikrant Massey and Raavi Mohan, and veteran actress Sonali Kulkarni came together to examine how storytelling, technology, and audience expectations are reshaping the cinematic experience in India.
The discussion touched on the shift from traditional big-screen spectacles to content-first narratives, with Vikrant Massey noting the rise of “emotionally intelligent cinema” that resonates beyond commercial formulas. Raavi Mohan emphasized the increasing role of authenticity in film, saying, “Audiences today are smarter and more connected—they want stories that reflect who they are, not who we imagine them to be.”
Filmmaker Om Raut, known for his visually ambitious projects, spoke about how technological innovation is opening new creative frontiers. “The integration of VFX, virtual production, and AI in filmmaking isn’t the future—it’s the present. But we must balance this with cultural depth and emotional resonance,” Raut stated. Meanwhile, Sonali Kulkarni reflected on the expanding space for women in Indian cinema, both in front of and behind the camera, calling it “a slow but inspiring transformation.”
As the WAVES Summit continues to spotlight India’s media and entertainment landscape, this panel served as a reminder of the industry's dynamic journey—from formulaic entertainment to boundary-breaking storytelling. The discussion made one thing clear: Indian cinema is no longer just evolving; it’s redefining itself, one bold story at a time.