Warner Music India Expands South India Reach With Strategic Music Partnerships

Warner Music India is strengthening its presence across South India through major catalogue acquisitions and strategic partnerships spanning Tamil and Malayalam music.

The expansion includes the acquisition of the Gemini Music catalogue, an exclusive long-term music deal with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon covering past and future releases, and a partnership with Malayalam film production and distribution house Magic Frames.

The move builds on Warner Music India’s majority investment in Divo in 2023. Led by Founder and Director Shahir Muneer, Divo brings regional expertise across music distribution, publishing, label operations and digital media.

The Gemini Music acquisition adds a catalogue of popular Tamil film soundtracks, including Nanban, Thuppakki, Mayakkam Enna, Singam 2 and Paradesi. The repertoire features music by composers such as Harris Jayaraj, G. V. Prakash Kumar and Devi Sri Prasad.

The agreement with Gautham Vasudev Menon covers his existing film soundtracks, independent music and upcoming releases. It includes popular tracks such as “Maruvaarthai” from Enai Noki Paayum Thota and A. R. Rahman’s “Thalli Pogathey” from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, alongside independent releases “Bodhai Kodhai” and “Ulaviravu”. Upcoming titles featuring music by Harris Jayaraj and A. R. Rahman are also part of the deal.

In Malayalam music, Warner Music India has entered an exclusive long-term partnership with Magic Frames, founded by Listin Stephen. The agreement covers a catalogue of more than 500 tracks and future releases. Titles include 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 regional markets were central to building a sustainable music business. He added that the acquisitions and partnerships would strengthen the company’s regional presence while using Warner Music’s global network to take Indian soundtracks and artists to international audiences.

Ashok Parwani, Head of Music for South India, Warner Music India, said the partnerships would help build on the enduring appeal of South Indian film music while expanding the pipeline of new releases.

The company is also scaling its regional release slate. “Mutta Kalaki” by G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ken Karunas reached the Top 3 on YouTube Charts India. Upcoming projects include Dhanush-starrer OM, featuring music by Sai Abhyankkar; Malayalam film 40 Days of House Party, scored by Bibin Ashok; and Oru Startup Kadha, featuring music by Paal Dabba.

Recent projects include Mandaadi, starring Soori with music by G. V. Prakash Kumar, and Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju, with music by Vishnu Vijay and production by Bhavana Studios.

Through these investments and partnerships, Warner Music India is expanding its regional repertoire across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada music, combining established catalogues with new releases to connect South Indian music with wider audiences in India and overseas.