MAM
LTIMindtree, IFFI script India’s first AI film fest
MUMBAI: Cinema is getting a digital rewrite. LTIMindtree has partnered with the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to launch India’s first-ever AI Film Festival and Hackathon, set to take place during IFFI 2025 in Goa from November 20 to 28.
The initiative, powered by LTIMindtree’s Blueverse Craftstudio, aims to explore how artificial intelligence can reshape the way stories are written, filmed, and experienced. From AI-generated films to creative tech experiments, the festival promises to be a melting pot of imagination and innovation.
Speaking about the initiative, festival director of IFFI and jury chair of the IFFI AI film festival Shekhar Kapur said, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express.”
Adding to that, LTIMindtree executive vice president and global head of interactive services Sujay Sen said, “The future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. We’re proud to help bring that future to life.”
NFDC managing director Prakash Magdum noted that this partnership extends IFFI’s legacy of celebrating emerging voices and technologies into “the world of AI: responsibly, inclusively, and with global collaboration.”
The event will feature an AI film showcase, a 48-hour hackathon, and workshops on creative technology, offering filmmakers, developers, and dreamers alike a front-row seat to the next big evolution in storytelling.
As cinema meets code in Goa, IFFI 2025 might just prove that the next great filmmaker could be part human, part algorithm.
MAM
Indian soft drink bottlers forecast revenue recovery this fiscal
Hotter summer and deeper penetration expected to drive 15 per cent growth.
MUMBAI: India’s soft drink bottlers are set to fizz back to life thanks to a scorching summer that could turn up the heat on sales. After a subdued performance last year, revenues for the sector are projected to return to their long-term trajectory of around 15 per cent growth this fiscal, according to a report by Crisil Ratings. Summer months, which typically account for nearly 40 per cent of annual sales, are expected to provide a major boost, supported by above-normal temperatures forecast by the India Meteorological Department and the possible influence of El Niño conditions.
The analysis of 13 bottlers across carbonated drinks, juices, and packaged water points to a strong rebound in volumes, driven by both favourable weather and expanded distribution networks. Players have increased bottling capacities by 30–35 per cent over the past two fiscals while also strengthening cold chain infrastructure.
“Players have increased their bottling capacities by 30–35 per cent over the past two fiscals while also expanding distribution and cold chain infrastructure,” said Shounak Chakravarty of Crisil Ratings. “This, along with modest price hikes, should help drive double-digit volume growth and restore revenue momentum.”
However, the outlook is not without challenges. New entrants are gaining ground with products priced at popular points such as Rs 10 and Rs 20, along with indigenous flavours. Their market share has risen to an estimated 6–7 per cent in the last fiscal, up from around 2 per cent a year earlier.
Incumbents are expected to respond by increasing spending on marketing, distribution, and capacity expansion to protect their share. Profitability is also likely to face pressure from rising input costs, particularly packaging, which accounts for 20–22 per cent of total expenses due to higher crude oil prices amid West Asia tensions.
“Intensifying competition and reduced pricing flexibility, along with higher packaging costs, will moderate profitability this fiscal,” said Rucha Narkar of Crisil Ratings. Margins may decline by 200–250 basis points but are still expected to remain healthy at 15–16 per cent, supported by modest price hikes and a growing focus on zero-sugar variants.
Larger bottlers with pan-India presence are better positioned to weather these pressures, benefiting from stronger pricing power and economies of scale. Despite margin compression, cash flows are projected to remain stable, supporting continued investments in capacity and distribution, including visi-coolers at retail outlets.
Capital expenditure intensity is expected to ease slightly this fiscal after a surge last year driven by acquisitions. As a result, key credit metrics such as debt-to-Ebitda and interest coverage ratios are likely to improve, pointing to stable credit profiles for the industry.
In a sector where weather can make or break the season, this year’s hotter summer could be the perfect ingredient for a refreshing rebound in revenues. For India’s soft drink bottlers, the forecast is finally looking fizzy again.
