The WAVES 2025 summit kicked off on May 1, drawing big names from the Indian film industry. Actors like Mohanlal, Hema Malini, Chiranjeevi, and Akshay Kumar were all present on the first day. Akshay took on the role of moderator, asking questions to the other actors. He chose to play the role of a student, seeking insights from the legends on stage.
Akshay asked Mohanlal about Malayalam cinema, known for its blend of entertainment and art. Mohanlal explained the balance between art-house and commercial success. He said Malayalam cinema has always managed to bring these elements together. Many acclaimed directors have worked on projects that blended entertainment with artistic value.
Mohanlal highlighted Malayalam cinema’s focus on content. He has worked with directors specializing in both entertainment and art-house films. The industry has seen a shift, with new directors now making art-house films. The summit is expected to showcase India’s rich cinematic diversity to a global audience.
Big Stars at WAVES Summit
The summit saw a host of big stars from the Indian film industry. Some of the prominent attendees included Rajinikanth, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Naga Chaitanya, Shobitha Dhulipala, Sara Ali Khan, and Vicky Kaushal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, which will run for four days.
The event is part of an effort to promote Indian cinema globally. The presence of such a diverse and accomplished group of actors reflects the industry’s talent and creativity. The WAVES summit is an opportunity for industry professionals to come together and explore new opportunities.