Warner Music India is expanding its presence in South India through the acquisition of the Gemini Music catalogue and long-term music partnerships with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon and Malayalam production and distribution company Magic Frames.
Announced on October 16, the deals cover Tamil and Malayalam music catalogues, as well as upcoming releases, strengthening the company’s repertoire across regional film music.
The acquisition of Gemini Music brings soundtracks from films including Nanban, Thuppakki, Mayakkam Enna, Singam 2 and Paradesi into Warner Music India’s catalogue. The collection features compositions by Harris Jayaraj, G. V. Prakash Kumar and Devi Sri Prasad.
The agreement with Menon covers his existing and future releases, including film soundtracks, independent music and upcoming projects. The repertoire includes “Maruvaarthai” from Enai Noki Paayum Thota, A. R. Rahman’s “Thalli Pogathey” from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, and independent releases such as “Bodhai Kodhai” and “Ulaviravu”. The deal also includes forthcoming titles featuring music by Harris Jayaraj and A. R. Rahman.
In Malayalam music, Warner Music India has entered into a long-term partnership with Magic Frames, founded by Listin Stephen. The agreement covers a catalogue of more than 500 tracks from films including 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.
The expansion builds on Warner Music India’s majority investment in Divo in 2023. Led by founder and director Shahir Muneer, Divo operates across distribution, publishing, label operations and digital media, with a focus on South Indian film and music.
Jay Mehta, managing director of recorded music and publishing for India and SAARC at Warner Music, 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 at Warner Music India, said the partnerships would help the company build on the enduring appeal of regional film soundtracks while investing in future releases.
Shahir Muneer, Founder and CEO, Divo said, “As we work together to strengthen the regional music market in South, we look forward to bringing in more initiatives across film, pop and catalogue offerings across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.”
Warner Music India is also expanding its new-release pipeline across the region. Its recent releases include “Mutta Kalaki” by G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ken Karunas, which the company said reached the top three on YouTube Charts India.
Upcoming projects include the Dhanush-starrer OM, with 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.