Anil Kapoor Reflects on the Evolution of Indian Cinema at FICCI Frames 2025

Celebrating 25 years of storytelling, innovation, and industry dialogue, FICCI Frames 2025 hosted a landmark event on October 8 at The Fairmont in Mumbai. Among the headlining speakers was veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who participated in a dynamic fireside chat with journalist Padmaja Joshi, titled "From Masala to Multiplex to OTT." The conversation offered a sweeping reflection on the ever-evolving Indian film industry — from the era of formulaic blockbusters to today’s streaming-led storytelling.

Kapoor, whose career spans over four decades, brought a unique vantage point to the discussion. Reflecting on the transformation of audience tastes, storytelling formats, and global exposure, he noted that while the "masala" era delivered larger-than-life experiences, the multiplex wave redefined narratives with realism and nuance. Now, with OTT platforms breaking traditional molds, Kapoor emphasized that content is truly king — and versatility is no longer optional, but essential.

The session was one of the highlights of the two-day conclave, which also featured major industry figures including Akshay Kumar, Smriti Irani, and Ayushmann Khurrana. Kapoor’s insights resonated with an audience that included producers, distributors, digital creators, and policymakers, all gathered to discuss the future of Indian media and entertainment.

On the professional front, Kapoor is gearing up for the release of Alpha, the seventh installment in a high-profile shared cinematic universe. The film, directed by Shiv Rawail, marks a significant milestone — the first female-led entry in the franchise, headlined by Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, with Bobby Deol and Kapoor in pivotal roles. Blending action and emotion, Alpha is scheduled for a Christmas Day release on December 25, 2025, and is expected to set new benchmarks in genre cinema.

As both a seasoned actor and an astute observer of the industry's arc, Anil Kapoor’s appearance at FICCI Frames 2025 reaffirmed his place not just in front of the camera, but also as a voice shaping the cultural conversation around Indian cinema’s past, present, and bold future.