Warner Music India is expanding its presence across South India through catalogue acquisitions and strategic partnerships spanning the Tamil and Malayalam music industries. The latest moves include acquiring the Gemini Music catalogue, signing an exclusive long-term agreement with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon, and partnering with Malayalam production and distribution house Magic Frames.
The expansion builds on Warner Music India’s majority investment in Divo in 2023. Led by founder and director Shahir Muneer, Divo has developed relationships across the region’s film and music industries, supported by capabilities in distribution, publishing, label operations and digital media.
Through these arrangements, Warner Music India and Divo aim to broaden their repertoire across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada music, combining regional expertise with Warner Music’s global network to bring South Indian music to wider international audiences.
The acquisition of Gemini Music adds a catalogue of Tamil film soundtracks, including Nanban and Thuppakki, starring Thalapathy Vijay; Dhanush’s Mayakkam Enna; Suriya’s Singam 2; and Bala’s Paradesi. The collection features music by composers such as Harris Jayaraj, G. V. Prakash Kumar and Devi Sri Prasad.
The agreement with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon covers his existing film soundtrack and independent music catalogue, along with upcoming releases. The repertoire includes “Maruvaarthai” from Enai Noki Paayum Thota and A. R. Rahman’s “Thalli Pogathey” from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, alongside independent releases such as “Bodhai Kodhai” and “Ulaviravu”. The deal also extends to upcoming titles featuring music by Harris Jayaraj and Academy and Grammy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman.
In Malayalam music, Warner Music India has entered an exclusive long-term partnership with Magic Frames, founded by Listin Stephen. The agreement brings together a catalogue of more than 500 tracks and a pipeline of upcoming releases, including music from films such as Kaduva, Jana Gana Mana, Driving Licence, Gold and Vilayath Buddha. Warner Music will serve as the global release partner for future soundtrack and music video releases from films produced, acquired or distributed by Magic Frames.
Jay Mehta, Managing Director, Recorded Music and Publishing, India and SAARC, Warner Music India, said, “South India’s vibrant regional markets are central to building a sustainable, future-forward music business in India. By combining marquee catalogue acquisitions with long-term creative partnerships, we’re strengthening our regional foundation while leveraging Warner Music’s global network to take these incredible soundtracks and artists to the world.”
Ashok Parwani, Head of Music for South India, Warner Music India, added, “South Indian film music has a lasting cultural impact, with soundtracks that continue to find new audiences well beyond their original release. These partnerships allow us to build on that enduring appeal while investing in the next generation of releases, creating a stronger and more expansive repertoire across the region.”
Alongside its catalogue investments, Warner Music India is building its pipeline of new regional releases. “Mutta Kalaki” by G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ken Karunas peaked in the Top 3 on YouTube Charts India. Upcoming projects include the Dhanush-starrer 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.
Recent releases include Mandaadi, starring Soori with music by G. V. Prakash Kumar, and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, featuring music by Vishnu Vijay and produced by Bhavana Studios.
Through these acquisitions and partnerships, Warner Music India is strengthening its regional repertoire while expanding opportunities for South Indian film music to reach audiences across India and international markets.
