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By Pickle February 10, 2026

We are delighted to present the latest edition of Pickle on the vibrant occasion of Berlinale and the European Film Market 2026. This marks the 17th consecutive year that Pickle has participated in the Berlinale, highlighting the ever-growing presence and accomplishments of India in the global film industry.

This year, Berlinale continues its tradition of discovery, with four Indian films featured in the official selection, two Indian representatives serving on international juries, and significant strides made in the restoration of Indian cinematic heritage. India’s creativity, diversity, and technical prowess remain a focal point for the festival, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a wellspring of fresh narratives and talent.

In this edition, we are proud to showcase a cover feature on Jyoti Deshpande, President of Jio Studios. Jyoti has been instrumental in architecting the phenomenal success of “Dhurandhar,” working closely with the talented team led by director Aditya Dhar. A veteran with over three decades of experience in the Indian film industry, Jyoti exemplifies the resilience and vision that continue to propel Indian cinema onto the global stage. Our congratulations to her, one of the most successful global producers India has produced.

The India advantage is clearly visible this year through the WAVES Bazaar initiative, which is supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation. WAVES Bazaar at Berlinale EFM 2026 is a curated platform, spotlighting Indian film projects, pioneering media-tech startups, and emerging creative voices, all aiming to foster international sales, co-productions, and strategic investment partnerships.

This issue also brings you insightful columns from Ashish and Biren on IICT, and Prof. Raghunath’s perspectives on scaling India’s creative and technical talent pool. We also highlight the CII Big Picture Summit’s exploration of artificial intelligence through the lens of media and entertainment, underscoring India’s openness to technological innovation.

India’s media and entertainment sector is at an exciting inflection point, offering immense opportunities for domestic growth and international collaboration. Recognized as a champion sector by the Government of India, the policies encourage an enabling environment and reduced barriers to market entry.

We invite your thoughts and suggestions, and encourage you to reach out. We’re only a few clicks away (www.pickle.co.in), ready to help you connect and collaborate with India’s vibrant media and entertainment ecosystem.