Prosenjit Chatterjee affirms cinema's enduring relevance in Kolkata

Kolkata: Actor and producer Prosenjit Chatterjee addressed the challenges faced by the film industry at the CII Purbo Bharat Big Picture Summit. He stated, "Times have changed, but cinema will never die." The event took place in Kolkata, focusing on creative cultural expressions while several notable figures from Tollywood were present. C V Ananda Bose, the governor, spoke about the creative economy, emphasizing the potential of east and north-east India. He mentioned various traditional artisans, from sculptors to weavers, and how their work defines India's cultural identity. A major announcement at the summit was the launch of the CII Media & Entertainment Sector Report 2025, which covered the current state of the creative economy. Goutam Ghose, the director and summit co-chair, stressed the importance of supporting cultural initiatives in the region. Prosenjit Chatterjee highlighted the evolving nature of cinema. He noted audiences now have access to films in many languages worldwide. He stated that while stars still hold influence, the focus is shifting towards content. Shashwat Goenka, the summit chair, pointed out the creative economy's growth, estimating a compound annual growth rate of 10%-12%. He called for support for young entrepreneurs who will drive future innovation in the industry.