On March 27, 2025, Mumbai’s Hotel Sofitel became the epicenter of India’s creative industry as it hosted the prestigious Best Animated Frames (BAF) Awards. Organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), the event honored excellence across Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (XR), collectively known as the AVGC-XR sectors.
This year’s ceremony featured 33 award categories, recognizing outstanding contributions from both seasoned professionals and emerging talents. Notable winners included:
Best Animated Feature: Legend of Hanuman by Graphic India
Best VFX in Films: Chandu Champion by Redchillies.VFX and Do It Creative
Best Game Design: Bloom – A Puzzle Adventure by Lucid Labs
Best XR Experience in Education: Mathease by Zoync Technologies
Best Comics/Graphic Novel: Parashuram Blood and Dharma by Arnav Anand of Advarohi Private Limited
The event also marked the unveiling of the Annual FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment (M&E) Report – “Shaping the Future.” According to the report, India’s M&E sector grew by 3.3% in 2024, reaching INR 2.5 trillion (US$29.4 billion). Digital media emerged as the largest segment, growing by 17% to INR 802 billion, while advertising revenues saw an 8.1% rise, driven by digital platforms, live events, and Out-of-Home (OOH) media. However, a 2% decline in subscription revenues impacted traditional media segments, highlighting the need for strategic policy support. The sector is projected to grow 7.2% in 2025 and reach INR 3.1 trillion by 2027, driven by digital expansion, strategic alliances, and AI-driven advancements.
Munjal Shroff, Chair of the FICCI AVGC-XR Forum, emphasized the significance of the awards, stating, “The FICCI BAF Awards 2025 celebrate the ingenuity, passion, and dedication of India’s AVGC-XR industry. As technology and storytelling evolve, India is emerging as a powerhouse in content creation for global audiences.”
The BAF Awards continue to serve as a catalyst for innovation, offering a global platform for creators to showcase their work and facilitating invaluable networking opportunities with investors, producers, and industry leaders. As India cements its position in the global creative landscape, events like the BAF Awards play a pivotal role in nurturing talent and fostering growth within the AVGC-XR sectors.