Kamal Haasan appointed as head of FICCI's Media-Entertainment Committee South
What's the story
Renowned Indian actor Kamal Haasan has been appointed as the chairperson of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry's (FICCI) Media and Entertainment Committee South, reported Variety.
The announcement was made during FICCI's Media & Entertainment Business Conclave South Connect 2025 in Chennai.
The conference was inaugurated by Haasan and Udhayanidhi Stalin, actor-producer turned Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Film city proposal
Tamil Nadu's ambitious plans for film city unveiled
During the conference, Stalin announced plans for a 152-acre film city in Chennai.
The proposed film city will have state-of-the-art facilities such as virtual production technologies, VFX studios, LED walls, and a five-star hotel.
He also announced the revival of a 2010 land lease initiative by former Chief Minister Karunanidhi to build residential complexes for film industry professionals on a 90-acre plot near Kelambakkam.
Industry appeal
Haasan's call for regulatory reforms and tax review
In his new role, Haasan pushed for regulatory frameworks that support emerging technologies instead of hindering them.
He also appealed to Stalin to "relook and reform the state entertainment tax on cinema."
Meanwhile, in his address at the conclave, JioStar Entertainment CEO and FICCI's Media chairperson Kevin Vaz highlighted South India's evolution from a regional player to a global powerhouse.
He pointed to recent box office hits such as RRR and KGF as evidence of the industry's growing impact.