Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 3: The inaugural edition of ‘WAVES Bazaar’, the flagship market platform of the WAVES 2025 Summit, has made a significant impact, clocking over Rs 250 crore in confirmed deals across the media and entertainment sectors in just the first 36 hours, with projections to cross Rs 400 crore.
The government hailed the initiative as a "powerful catalyst for international collaboration", especially in film, music, animation, VFX, and radio.
According to Sanjay Jaju, Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, WAVES Bazaar is designed to connect content creators with global investors, buyers, and collaborators, positioning India as a strategic hub for content commerce.
The event attracted delegates from over 22 countries, including South Korea, Japan, the US, Germany, Russia, Netherlands, and New Zealand, and saw participation from 95 global buyers and 224 content sellers.
Major platforms and studios involved included:
• Netflix
• Amazon Prime Video
• Meta
• Disney Star
• Zee Entertainment
• Banijay Asia
• Warner Bros. Discovery
• Sony LIV
• YRF, Dharma Productions
• Jio Studios
• Rotterdam Film Festival, and
• Rushlake Media
Out of 115 completed film submissions, 15 were named 'Top Selects' and showcased live, with casting director Mukesh Chhabra felicitating the filmmakers and actor Tiger Shroff making a special appearance in support of a selected title.
In addition, 16 curated projects were selected from 104 early-stage submissions to pitch live during the summit.
A first for India, the event also introduced dedicated B2B buyer-seller meetings in partnership with FICCI, aimed at streamlining industry deal-making.
WAVES Bazaar is being seen as a game-changer for India's global positioning in the creative economy.