Warner Music India Makes Big Move Into South Indian Music Industry

COLOMBO (News 1st); Warner Music India has announced a major expansion of its presence in South India's music industry through a series of catalogue acquisitions and strategic partnerships spanning the Tamil and Malayalam entertainment sectors.

The expansion, includes the acquisition of the Gemini Music catalogue, an exclusive long-term music partnership with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon, and a new collaboration with leading Malayalam production and distribution company Magic Frames.

The move is aimed at significantly expanding Warner Music India's regional repertoire while strengthening its pipeline of upcoming releases and increasing the global reach of South Indian music.

The latest developments build on Warner Music India's majority investment in Divo in 2023. Led by founder and director Shahir Muneer, Divo brings extensive experience across South India's film and music sectors, including distribution, publishing, label management and digital media operations.

Together, Warner Music India and Divo are focusing on long-term creative partnerships, established music catalogues and new releases across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada music markets.

One of the key developments is the acquisition of the Gemini Music catalogue, which adds a collection of well-known Tamil film soundtracks to Warner Music India's portfolio. Among the titles included are soundtracks from Nanban and Thuppakki starring Vijay, Mayakkam Enna featuring Dhanush, Singam 2 starring Suriya, and Paradesi directed by Bala.

The catalogue also features music composed by leading names including Harris Jayaraj, G. V. Prakash Kumar and Devi Sri Prasad.

Warner Music India has also entered into an exclusive long-term agreement with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon, covering both his past and future musical releases.

The agreement includes film soundtracks, independent music projects and future productions. Among the notable tracks covered by the partnership are Maruvaarthai from Enai Noki Paayum Thota and Thalli Pogathey composed by Academy Award and Grammy Award winner A. R. Rahman for Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada.

The agreement also includes independent releases such as Bodhai Kodhai and Ulaviravu, while covering future projects featuring music by Harris Jayaraj and A. R. Rahman.

Meanwhile, Warner Music India has strengthened its position in the Malayalam music sector through an exclusive long-term partnership with Magic Frames, led by producer Listin Stephen.

The agreement brings a catalogue of more than 500 tracks under the partnership and includes a slate of future releases. Among the films represented in the catalogue are Kaduva, Jana Gana Mana, Driving Licence, Gold and Vilayath Buddha.

Under the agreement, Warner Music India will act as the global release partner for future soundtrack albums and music videos from films produced, acquired or distributed by Magic Frames.

Alongside its catalogue expansion strategy, Warner Music India is also investing heavily in new releases. Recent successes include Mutta Kalaki by G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ken Karunas, which reached the Top 3 on the YouTube India Charts.

Upcoming projects include Dhanush's OM featuring music by Sai Abhyankkar, the Malayalam film 40 Days of House Party scored by Bibin Ashok, and Oru Startup Kadha featuring music by Paal Dabba.

The company is also building on recent releases such as Mandaadi, starring Soori with music by G. V. Prakash Kumar, and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, featuring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju with music by Vishnu Vijay.