In this Industry Spotlight with Creative First, Ashish Kulkarni, Founder Punnaryug Artvision and AVGC industry veteran joined Lohita Sujith, Sr. Director, Copyright & Digital Economy, Motion Picture Association, to discuss AVGC and technology in India.

As a pioneering force in India’s animation and AVGC sector, Ashish reflected on his journey and the sector’s transformative potential. Having founded Punnaryug Artvision Private Limited and key proponent of initiatives like the AVGC-XR Forum, Ashish has played a pivotal role in setting up world-class animation studios and promoting careers in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC).

During the discussion, Ashish delved into the genesis of the AVGC-XR sector, which he coined in 2000, and discusses its integral role in India’s creative economy. He highlighted the evolution of the digital content ecosystem, emphasizing how AVGC has become a cornerstone of storytelling across mediums, from education to gaming to immersive XR experiences. He also shed light on the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC in Mumbai, a landmark collaboration between the government and industry, which aims to position India as a global content hub through cutting-edge training and infrastructure.

Ashish underscored the importance of merging creative arts with sciences, advocating for foundational education reforms and skill development. From the introduction of creative arts in school curriculums under the National Education Policy to the pioneering of innovative programs like a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Sciences, he shared his vision of a future where India leads in both outsourcing and original intellectual property (IP) creation.

For aspiring creators, he emphasizes resilience, interdisciplinary learning, and the significance of responsible content creation, particularly in gaming and immersive storytelling. Reflecting on the global attention India’s AVGC sector has garnered, he asserted a clear potential to drive innovation, create jobs, and redefine storytelling for a global audience.

The conversation then touched upon the role of the Central and State government and how they are planning to develop various related industries through concentrated outreach programs. In particular, he mentioned the government’s support for the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit that will happen in New Delhi. Ashish shared the importance of this becoming a must-attend event for international media companies and professionals for the sake of exposure to Indian stories and capabilities. He lastly mentioned multiple states focusing on inviting foreign studios to local events to see their professional offerings in film, technology and AVGC as well as developing policies to foster better programs and markets.