In an announcement dated October 16, 2026 in Mumbai, Warner Music India unveiled three South Indian deals at once: it has acquired the catalog of Tamil label Gemini Music, signed an exclusive long-term deal with filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon covering past and future releases, and partnered with Malayalam film producer and distributor Magic Frames. Together they put a stack of hit film soundtracks, and a pipeline of new ones, under the major label’s roof.
What Warner is getting
Gemini Music, the label run by Chennai-based production house Gemini Film Circuit, is best known for Tamil soundtracks including G. V. Prakash Kumar’s Mayakkam Enna (2011) and Paradesi (2012), Harris Jayaraj’s Nanban and Thuppakki (both 2012), and Devi Sri Prasad’s Singam II (2013), Music Ally reported. Warner’s announcement highlights the films’ stars, from Thalapathy Vijay to Dhanush and Suriya.
The Menon catalog spans film soundtracks, independent music and upcoming releases. It includes “Maruvaarthai” from Enai Noki Paayum Thota and A. R. Rahman’s “Thalli Pogathey” from Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada, plus independent singles “Bodhai Kodhai” and “Ulaviravu.” Warner says the deal also covers upcoming titles with music by Harris Jayaraj and Rahman.
The Magic Frames partnership, with producer Listin Stephen’s Kochi-based company, brings a catalog of more than 500 tracks from films including Kaduva, Jana Gana Mana, Driving Licence, Gold and Vilayath Buddha. Under the agreement, Warner becomes the global release partner for all future soundtracks and music videos from films Magic Frames produces, acquires or distributes. The announcements did not disclose financial terms.
Building on Divo
The deals extend Warner Music India’s majority investment in Divo in 2023, which the company calls a pivotal move in establishing itself in the region. Divo, led by founder and director Shahir Muneer, handles distribution, publishing, label operations and digital media, and Warner says the two are investing together across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada music. Music Ally noted that those four languages are among the ten most streamed in India on streaming services, and that Warner’s previous Indian partnership, in June, was with Bengali media company SVF Entertainment.
“South India’s vibrant regional markets are central to building a sustainable, future-forward music business in India,” said Jay Mehta, Warner’s managing director of recorded music and publishing for India and SAARC. Ashok Parwani, head of music for South India, added that South Indian film soundtracks “continue to find new audiences well beyond their original release.”
New releases too
Warner is also pointing to its new-release slate in the region, led by “Mutta Kalaki” from G. V. Prakash Kumar and Ken Karunas, which it says peaked in the Top 3 of YouTube Charts India. Upcoming projects include the Dhanush film OM, with music by Sai Abhyankkar. Warner’s bet, in Parwani’s words, is to build on that enduring appeal “while investing in the next generation of releases.”