Mumbai: Academy Award-winning filmmaker SS Rajamouli participated in a keynote session at Lumikai Insignia, India's top interactive media and gaming summit. He shared the stage with global tech leaders, including Cevat Yerli, Raja Koduri, and Abdullah Alorainy of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Reflecting on his journey from Magadheera to Baahubali and RRR, Rajamouli discussed his focus on high-quality storytelling, blending technology and talent to realize his vision. He stated, “Belief finds believers. With faith that it can be done, we find people who help us achieve it.” Through films like Magadheera and Eega, he pioneered the use of VFX and graphics to enhance storytelling in Indian cinema.
The success of Baahubali and RRR set new quality standards, bringing Indian cinema to global audiences and achieving both critical and commercial success.
Rajamouli highlighted the importance of cultural authenticity and quality in his work, explaining, “When we created Baahubali or RRR, every bit was made for Indian viewers with an Indian psyche embedded within. And once audiences taste quality, they demand it. With access to incredible content on their mobile devices, they are expecting even better. Quality in entertainment is non-negotiable.”
The panel also discussed the growth opportunities in India's interactive media sector, driven by the country's young, digitally native audience. They explored the expanding role of AI in entertainment, noting its rapid development.
Commenting on the evolving audience palate for immersive entertainment, Lumikai founding general partner Salone Sehgal said, "With a young, increasingly affluent audience and a consumer base exposed to global best, the need for entertainment that is high quality and culturally resonant has never been higher. Visionaries like SS Rajamouli have paved the way for fusing storytelling with technology successfully taking Indian films global. It was our privilege to learn from him at Lumikai Insignia. His unique insights fuelled founders in interactive media gaming who have similar aspirations."
Capitalising on this one-of-a-kind congregation of industry leaders, Lumikai, an Indian interactive media and gaming VC fund, unveiled its highly anticipated ‘The Lumikai State of India Interactive Media and Gaming Report’ for 2024. This seminal research series has established itself as the authoritative resource for understanding India's gaming landscape. It has been consistently referenced by government bodies guiding policy decisions and industry planning.
