Warner Music India has acquired the Gemini Music catalogue and signed long-term agreements with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon and Malayalam film company Magic Frames, adding Tamil and Malayalam repertoire and securing future releases.
The agreements extend an expansion that began with Warner Music India’s majority investment in Divo in 2023.
Divo supports regional expansion
Led by founder and director Shahir Muneer, Divo works across South Indian film and music, with operations spanning distribution, publishing, label services and digital media.
Warner Music India and Divo are acquiring catalogues and developing long-term partnerships across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada music, using Warner Music’s international network to reach audiences abroad.
Gemini acquisition and Menon agreement
The Gemini Music acquisition adds Tamil film soundtracks featuring scores by Harris Jayaraj, G. V. Prakash Kumar and Devi Sri Prasad. Titles include:
- Nanban and Thuppakki, starring Thalapathy Vijay.
- Mayakkam Enna, starring Dhanush.
- Singam 2, starring Suriya.
- Paradesi, by Bala.
The exclusive, long-term agreement with Menon covers past and future releases, including film soundtracks and independent music. The repertoire includes:
- “Maruvaarthai” from Enai Noki Paayum Thota.
- “Thalli Pogathey” by A.R. Rahman, from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada.
- The independent releases “Bodhai Kodhai” and “Ulaviravu.”
Upcoming titles covered by the deal feature music by Harris Jayaraj and Rahman, whose awards include Academy Awards and Grammys.
Magic Frames deal covers future soundtracks
The exclusive, long-term partnership with Listin Stephen’s Magic Frames, a Malayalam film production and distribution company, covers a catalogue of more than 500 tracks and new releases.
Its repertoire includes music from Kaduva, Jana Gana Mana, Driving Licence, Gold and Vilayath Buddha.
Warner Music will act as the global release partner for all future soundtrack and music video releases from films Magic Frames produces, acquires or distributes.
Jay Mehta, managing director of recorded music and publishing for India and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), said regional markets are central to the company’s business in India.
He said the catalogue acquisitions and creative partnerships would strengthen its regional operations and support international distribution.
Ashok Parwani, Warner Music India’s head of music for South India, said film soundtracks continue to attract audiences after release, and the agreements support both existing repertoire and new music.
New releases and film slate
Warner Music India is also expanding its regional release pipeline. “Mutta Kalaki,” from G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ken Karunas, peaked in the Top 3 on YouTube Charts India.
Its upcoming film releases include:
- OM, starring Dhanush, with music by Sai Abhyankkar.
- The Malayalam feature 40 Days of House Party, scored by Bibin Ashok.
- Oru Startup Kadha, featuring music by Paal Dabba.
Recently released 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.
