Warner Music India strengthens presence with catalogue acquisition and strategic partnerships in South India

BusinessManasi Praharaj16 Oct 2026

Mumbai, 16 October 2026: Warner Music India is significantly expanding its footprint across South India through a series of major catalogue acquisitions and strategic partnerships across the Tamil and Malayalam music repertoire.  

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

This expansion builds on Warner Music India’s majority investment in Divo in 2023, a pivotal move in establishing the company’s presence in the region. Under the leadership of Shahir Muneer, Founder and Director, Divo brings deep roots across the South Indian film and music industries, alongside extensive capabilities in distribution, publishing, label operations, and digital media, playing a central role in driving Warner Music India’s growth strategy. 

Together, Warner Music India and Divo are investing in established catalogues, securing long-term partnerships, and expanding their repertoire across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada music. By pairing strong regional foundations with Warner Music’s global network, the combined forces are propelling South Indian music onto the international stage. 

The acquisition of Gemini Music brings a catalog of iconic Tamil film soundtracks into the Warner Music folder, including massive hits like Thalapathy Vijay’sNanbanandThuppakki, Dhanush’sMayakkam Enna, Suriya’sSingam 2, and Bala’sParadesi. The collection features celebrated scores from leading composers including Harris Jayaraj, G. V. Prakash Kumar, and Devi Sri Prasad. 

The catalogue of acclaimed filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon, encompasses celebrated film soundtracks, independent music, and upcoming releases. Key highlights include chart-topping tracks such as "Maruvaarthai" (Enai Noki Paayum Thota) and A.R. Rahman’s "Thalli Pogathey" (Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada), alongside popular original independent releases such as

"Bodhai Kodhai" and "Ulaviravu."The deal also includes upcoming titles featuring music by Harris Jayaraj and Academy and Grammy award winning composer A.R. Rahman. 

Expanding its footprint in Malayalam music, Warner Music’s exclusive long-term partnership with Listin Stephen’s Magic Frames combines a rich catalogue of more than 500 tracks with an ongoing pipeline of new releases. The repertoire features music from hit films such asKaduva,Jana Gana Mana,Driving Licence,Gold,andVilayath Buddha. Under the agreement, Warner Music will serve as the global release partner for all 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,says: “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, adds:“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.”

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 initaitives across film, pop and catalogue offerings across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada languages.”

In parallel, Warner Music India is rapidly scaling its regional new-release pipeline across the region. The momentum is led by the viral sensation "Mutta Kalaki" from G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ken Karunas, which peaked in the Top 3 on YouTube Charts India. Its upcoming film slate includes the Dhanush starrerOM,with music by breakout composer Sai Abhyankkar, Malayalam feature40 Days of House Party,scored by Bibin Ashok, andOru Startup Kadhafeaturing music by Paal Dabba, in addition to recently released blockbuster projectsincluding Mandaadi starring Soori with music by GV Prakash, andBethlehem Kudumba Unit starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju with music by Vishnu Vijay and produced by Bhavana Studios 

Through these strategic investments and partnerships, Warner Music India is solidifying its position across South India by championing both timeless catalogues and fresh releases. By deepening its engagement with the regional film and music ecosystem, the company continues to bridge South Indian repertoire with broader audiences across India and around the globe.