Written By: Yukta Palekar

Entertainment franchises in India have managed to remain afloat despite lockdowns and limitations. The industry has grown due to increasing income and lifestyle changes, with international franchises making a significant impact. Indian entertainment franchises offer a variety of services, including kids' entertainment centres, pre-school football academies, virtual reality entertainment, adventure sports clubs, and family entertainment centres.

The best franchisors assist franchisees in staff recruitment, marketing, management, and training, ensuring their success in the Indian market.

If you want to start an entertainment franchise in India, check out The DD Cinemas Best Opportunities.

About DD Cinemas Entertainment Franchise

DD Cinemas, founded in 2015 by Pavan Agarwal, aims to provide affordable movie theatres in Tier 2 and 3 cities across India. The global movie theatre market is valued at $68 billion in 2021, with an anticipated revenue increase of 4.7% from 2022 to 2029.

High-quality movies, 3D screens, and technological advancements in visual effects drive growth. The company operates under the FOCO model, with franchisees owning the theatre and the company managing it.

Investment range of DD Cinemas Entertainment Franchise

Investment is ₹1.5 Crore, with a payback period of 3-5 years. Franchisees receive a percentage of turnover and are expected to open more theatres under this model. Space requirements range from 3000 to 15000 sq. Ft.

Eligibility criteria of DD Cinemas Franchise

Eligibility criteria include investment potential, access to suitable commercial properties, dedicated professionals, a customer-oriented approach, and team management skills.

Roles and responsibilities include brand usage, customized solutions, training, trademark and copyright protection, and adherence to franchise agreements.

Indian Entertainment Sector Overview

1. Growth Factors: Widespread access to affordable high-speed internet. Increasing disposable incomes. Surge in consumer durables purchases.
2. Industry Scale and Revenue: Industry is expected to reach Rs. 2.34 trillion with a CAGR of 10% by 2025. Projected growth to Rs. 2.83 trillion by 2025.
3. Advertising Revenue: Expected to reach Rs. 394 billion by 2024.
4. Digital Segment Growth: Digital segment is set to increase by 29% to Rs. 35,809 crore by 2023. Expected to contribute 38% to India's overall advertising industry.
5. Global VFX Market Presence: Growing presence in the global VFX market.
6. Over-The-Top (OTT) Sector: Projected CAGR of 14.1% to reach Rs. 21,032 crore by 2026. Subscription services to account for 95% of revenue by 2026.
7. Investments and Funding: PE/VC investments lead 77% off deals in 2022. PE/VC contributions to total funding at 57%.
8. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI inflows in the information and broadcasting sector reached USD 10.04 billion by December 2022.
9. Subscription Video-On-Demand (SVOD) Services: The SVOD audience reached 130.2 million in 2022.
10. Music Industry Projection: The music industry is expected to double its revenue by 2025.

Entertainment Franchise Business in India: Segments and Trends

1. Water Parks and Theme Parks: Significant growth with global expansions by companies like Disney, Universal Studios, and KidZania. Offer diverse rides, shows, and engaging activities for families and fans.
2. E-sports Arcades: Rising popularity driven by the success of digital gaming platforms. Provide gaming events, and leagues, and support eSports organizations.
3. Gaming Arcades: Safe, controlled environment attracting families for shared experiences. Extend beyond individual gamers, appealing to a broader customer base.
4. Indoor and Soft Play Zones: Focus on children's physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. Popular for birthday parties, offering complete packages with playtime, decorations, food, and entertainment.
5. Virtual Reality Arcades: Offer realistic gaming experiences with new technology and unique gameplay. Provide social aspects, ease of use, access to a wide range of games, and expert assistance.
6. Multiplexes: Offer an exciting and interactive cinematic experience. Compared to older single-screen theatres, multiplexes provide a more engaging movie-watching environment.
7. Resilience During the Pandemic: Despite pandemic challenges, the entertainment franchise business in India continues to grow. Companies adapt by introducing new services to remain competitive.
8. Need for Innovation: Ongoing growth requires constant innovation. Companies are compelled to introduce new services and experiences to meet evolving customer expectations.
9. Diverse Customer Offerings: Entertainment franchises in India cater to a wide range of customer tastes. Various segments provide options for families, gamers, children, and movie enthusiasts.
10. Global Expansion: Notable entertainment franchises expand globally through franchise agreements. Demonstrates the international appeal and success of Indian entertainment concepts.
11. Holistic Entertainment Experiences: Franchise segments aim to provide holistic entertainment experiences. A blend of rides, games, virtual reality, and cinematic offerings for diverse customer satisfaction.
12. Emphasis on Family Engagement: Family-friendly environments are emphasized across multiple segments. Indoor play zones and gaming arcades are designed to attract families for shared recreational activities.

Why Investing in the Entertainment Franchise Industry?

• Evolution of the Entertainment Industry: Multifaceted business covering films, music, books, and video games. Evolution over time, with digital advancements challenging traditional sectors like print and music.
• Perceived Challenges: The digital world economy poses challenges for traditional entertainment sectors. Some argue the industry is dead, but it's still evolving and presents profit opportunities.
• Risk and Research: Investing in entertainment carries risks. Essential to conduct thorough research and follow industry trends.
• Consumer Preferences Impact: The industry is heavily reliant on consumer preferences. Investors must navigate unpredictable public reactions, critical reviews, and studio interference.
• Success Stories Mitigate Risks: Hit franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe showcase success. Successful ventures reduce the perceived risk of investing in the industry.
• Diverse Investment Avenues: Range of investment opportunities from large studios to independent film productions. Small investors can participate in small theatre productions or support emerging musical artists.
• Online Trading Platforms: Accessibility through online trading platforms. Investors can engage in speculation or spread betting without buying physical stocks.
• Sustained Returns: Companies like Marvel Studios demonstrate sustained growth and success. Success stories from film franchises, bestselling books, music artists, or Broadway plays attract investors.
• Diversification Opportunities: Diverse sectors within entertainment offer opportunities for investors. Potential for diversification by investing in various entertainment segments.
• Accessible to Small Investors: While large investors may have a significant role, small investors can participate. Opportunities in independent productions or supporting emerging talents.
• Long-Term Potential: Sustained returns are possible with successful and enduring entertainment products. Examples include ongoing success in film franchises or long-running Broadway plays.
• Worthwhile Endeavor: Despite challenges, investing in the entertainment industry is deemed worthwhile. Offers a broad range of opportunities and returns for both large and small investors

Other Top Entertainment Franchises to Consider in India in 2024

Chhotu Maharaj Cine Restaurant

Chhotu Maharaj Cine Restaurant is a one-of-a-kind concept that combines a 7-course dinner with free theatrical entertainment. This new concept attempts to cater to the Indian family entertainment sector, as Indian consumers frequently prefer to spend leisure time and special events watching movies at restaurants.

The restaurant provides a revolutionary service in which clients pay only for what they eat and receive free access to the latest cinema screenings.

Customers can now reserve a table or the full Chhotu Maharaj cine restaurant for any events or special occasions. Investment range: Rs. 20 lakhs to Rs. 30 lakhs.

Cine Square Entertainment

Cine Square Entertainment Pt. Ltd is a film and entertainment company with over 2 decades of experience in distribution and exhibition. Based in Indore, they cater to theatre owners, builders, and developers who request a cinema company to manage their cinema possessions.

They believe in aligning with each proprietor, ensuring no one is less important than the next. Their investment range is between Rs. 1 crore and 2 crore.

MaplePods

MaplePods is a global firm that manufactures hospitality and entertainment pods out of scrap vehicle shells, with 35 themed categories including NapPods, Cinema Pods, Gaming Pods, Dine-In Pods, WorkPods, and LeisurePods.

These pods are being developed for a variety of settings, including tourist attractions, cafes, airports, stations, hospitals, colleges, freeways, and public spaces. With a 30-inch entertainment screen and audio system, MaplePods prioritizes 100% privacy, free Wi-Fi, comfort, affordability, and entertainment.

Food and drinks are currently only provided in dine-in Pods with partners. Maple is providing franchising opportunities to eager entrepreneurs and business seekers, to turn the Pod concept into a lucrative business by supplying numerous themed pods in various places.  Range of investment: Rs. 15Lakhs to Rs. 20Lakhs.

Dream House Entertainment

Dream House Entertainment Film Institute provides professional acting, film directing, and modelling courses, as well as a Master of Art certificate. The institute was founded on a solid foundation and is dedicated to leading students to success in the film, cinema, and television industries.

The institute employs a creative and scientific learning process that allows students to recognize and correct their weaknesses. The courses are aimed at people of all ages and are available both full-time and on weekends.

Dream House is open to franchise expansion in India and is looking for suitable franchisees or partners to build their institute in India. Investment range: Rs. 5 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs

Soundkraft  

Soundkraft, established in 2009, offers a comprehensive music training and performing platform in Hyderabad. With a globally recognized curriculum, Soundkraft has expanded its reach to three branches in Madhapur, Gachibowli, and Kondapur.

The company offers various courses, including music instruments, pro courses, music production, radio Jackey, and photography. Soundcraft is a top choice for franchise opportunities, offering a strong brand promotion, franchise training programs, low investment, high returns, nationwide franchises, and ongoing operational success.

Franchises require 1000-2000 sq. ft of space and an investment range of 10Lakh-15Lakhs.

Conclusion

When choosing an entertainment franchise, consider factors such as brand reputation, training and support, and success rates. A comparison flowchart of the best entertainment franchises in India can help you determine the difference in financial requirements and choose the best fit.

With the global entertainment market worth 2.2 trillion U.S. dollars, the entertainment industry is in 2021. Many businessmen are exploring gaming zone business plans and family entertainment franchises in India.

FranchiseBazar offers a variety of entertainment franchises for sale, including a game parlour and play zone franchises. The entertainment industry caters to all types of people, including amusement parks and zoos, and caters to all ages.

Learn how to take a franchise in this or any other segment of your choice.Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.