Resurfacing an August forecast: PwC projects India’s media and entertainment market will reach $36.7bn by 2030

The PwC India projection, first issued on 27 August 2026, sees the market growing from $25.7bn in 2025 to $36.7bn by 2030. Internet advertising is forecast to expand at a 13.9% CAGR, while premium cinema ticketing and hospitality offer additional revenue opportunities.

— Source publishedThu, 27 Aug, 2026, 20:54 IST·First seen Wed, 30 Sept, 2026, 09:35 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

The development

PwC India projects India’s media and entertainment market to reach $36.7 billion by 2030, from $25.7 billion in 2025. Internet advertising is forecast to grow at 13.9% CAGR, while premium cinema ticketing and hospitality create additional revenue opportunities.

The numbers

  • $36.7 billion
  • 2030
  • $25.7 billion
  • 2025
  • 13.9%

Why it matters to operators and investors

Reassess India marketing budgets toward measurable digital channels and pilot premium cinema or hospitality partnerships as PwC forecasts 13.9% annual growth in internet advertising.

What to watch next

  • Internet advertising growth relative to PwC's projected 13.9% CAGR, separating inventory expansion from rising ad prices.
  • Retail media launches, repeat advertiser spending and independently measured incremental sales.
  • Premium cinema occupancy and spending per visitor, not ticket-price increases alone.
  • Dining and retail conversion around entertainment venues versus comparable locations without them.
  • Brand acquisition costs and conversion rates moving in opposite directions.