Year 2026 will be the turning point for those content creators
Aarti Tiwari, New Delhi. This year, many content creators are moving from smartphones to the big screen. How will the Orange Economy of Budget 2026 change the grammar of Hindi cinema in this new era of digital superstars?
2026 became a turning point in the history of Indian cinema
Till yesterday, the faces which used to scroll on the six-inch screen of our mobile, today are in front of big stars on a 70 mm screen. The year 2026 is being recorded as a turning point in the history of Indian cinema. The boost given by the government to the Orange Economy (Creative Sector) in Budget 2026 has not only opened the doors of the entertainment world for content creators, but has also spread the red carpet for them.
Also read- Youth Budget: Content Creator Lab in schools and colleges, emphasis on skill development... What was announced for the youth in Budget 2026?
Digital superstars not influencers
Now the word influencer has become old, now is the era of digital superstars. In 2026, the entertainment world is at such a juncture where the line between creator economy and cinema is becoming blurred. Now the big screen is not only of film dynasties or struggling theater artists, but also of those who have the power to keep the public engaged with their content.
Digital explosion on the big screen
This year, the portfolio of Hindi cinema is incomplete without internet sensitivity. Today, film directors are looking at the engagement rate and virality along with the script. This is the reason why these 60-second reel-like faces are gradually becoming the new pillars of the industry on the big screen through web series. Bhuvan Bam, who played 10 characters alone on 'Bibi Ki Vines' YouTube channel, will now be seen as a solo lead in Dharma Productions' film Kuku Ki Kundli. This is not just a casting, but it is proof that making talent go viral is now the biggest qualification in the cinema world.
Parul Gulati, a perfect blend of business and glamour, is playing an intense character in Tu Ya Main releasing on February 13, 2026. The teaser of Prajakta Koli's (Mostlysane) recently released Mismatched has created a stir on the internet. She is continuously seen in films also.
Digital creators moving from side roles to mainstream roles
Recently, Netflix announced its upcoming films and series for the year 2026. In this episode, the teaser of the film Maa Behen has also been released, in which along with Madhuri Dixit and Trupti Dimri, content creator Dharana Durga is also seen. Dharana has debuted with Durga Dharma Productions' film Sunny Sanskari's Tulsi Kumari. Not only this, influencer Kusha Kapila, who started with small budget films, is now becoming the new mainstream heroine by becoming an actress who leads the story and not a side kick in big banner films.
Along with this, Viraj Ghelani, who made millions laugh with his comic timing on Instagram, is now proving his acting prowess on the big screen. Their transition shows there is no alternative to organic reach.
The one who has the public is the real Alexander
This change is not a creative compulsion, but smart business. Today, crores are spent on marketing a medium budget film, but when you cast a creator who has an active community of 20-30 million, the trailer of your film becomes a blockbuster on the very first day. Cinema is no longer just a game of faces but of connections. Audiences now want to see on screen the people they interact with every day on internet media. The Hindi cinema world of 2026 has now accepted the reality that 'the one who has the public, is the real Alexander.'
Budget is a boon for content creators
The government has announced Digital Talent Incentive and Orange Economy Grant for creators in this year's budget. With this, filmmakers are getting subsidy on those projects in which digital talent is being brought into the mainstream. It has taken content creation from a hobby to a powerful industry.
Creator Grant: The government has allocated a special fund of Rs 5,000 crore for digital content creators. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, its aim is to make India a global content hub.
Tax incentives: Tax exemption of up to 15 percent to production houses that cast more than 30 percent digital native talent. Skilling Centres: Establishment of 100 new Content Creation Excellence Centers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities under the Orange Economy.
Also read- What did Bollywood get from Budget 2026? Cinema will earn Rs 13000 crore in 2025, YouTubers and content creators will also become rich
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