Rajesh Mishra, the CEO of UFO Moviez India Limited, joined Sampath Iyengar on the 77th episode of Jam With Sam to discuss his journey, the evolution of cinema distribution in India, and the future of the movie industry. Rajesh’s story is an inspiring blend of passion and innovation from his humble beginnings in Mumbai to revolutionising digital cinema.
From CA Aspirations to a Career in Media
Born and raised in Mumbai, Rajesh completed his schooling at Centralized High School and graduated from MMK College. Although he pursued Chartered Accountancy (CA), his heart was always in the media field. Rajesh began his career managing film productions for notable movies like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar before venturing into television production. His projects included the TV serial Samandar, starring Kabir Bedi. However, as television became more corporate-driven, he transitioned into roles at organizations like Zee TV and Times of India, eventually joining UFO Moviez in its early stages.
Revolutionizing Cinema Distribution with UFO Moviez
UFO Moviez, co-founded by Sanjay Gaikwad, Narendra Heta, and the late MB Jadhav, has transformed the way films are distributed in India. Rajesh explains that films were distributed on costly polyester reels before digital cinema, limiting the number of screens they could reach. This delay often resulted in piracy eating into revenues.
UFO Moviez changed the game by digitizing films and delivering them via satellite to cinemas across India. This innovation drastically reduced costs, expanded reach, and curtailed piracy. Today, even regional films enjoy wide releases, with some reaching over 300 screens simultaneously. “A movie like 2.0 was released on 4,000 screens simultaneously, something unimaginable in the pre-digital era,” Rajesh shares.
The name UFO symbolizes the unique delivery method—movies coming from the skies via satellite. This pioneering technology has made UFO Moviez a leader, servicing over 5,300 screens across India.
The Future of Cinema in the OTT Era
Rajesh acknowledges the rise of OTT platforms like Netflix and their potential impact on traditional cinema. However, he believes that both mediums will coexist. “OTT platforms create a love for content and media, which can ultimately drive audiences back to cinemas,” he explains. He predicts that as audience appetites for diverse content grow, the industry will evolve to accommodate both short films and blockbuster hits.
When asked about the challenges posed by OTT exclusivity, Rajesh emphasizes that the expanding content ecosystem is beneficial for the industry as a whole. He also points out that the cinema-going experience offers a premium quality that audiences are willing to pay for, despite concerns about high ticket and snack prices.
Building a Positive Work Culture
Under Rajesh’s leadership, UFO Moviez has cultivated a professional and inclusive work environment. The company enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and has comprehensive Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) protocols in place. Rajesh stresses the importance of integrity and creating a workplace that supports women, reflecting the ethos of an evolving corporate culture.
Beyond Business: Rajesh’s Personal Life and Hobbies
Rajesh is supported by his wife Sudha, who is a Kathak enthusiast, and their two children—a daughter studying in the US and a son pursuing engineering in Mumbai. An admirer of architecture and nature, Rajesh enjoys travelling to destinations like Italy for its artistic beauty. His passion for movies and antiques adds a creative flair to his life beyond work.
The Road Ahead for UFO Moviez
Having recently merged with its closest competitor, UFO Moviez is poised for growth. The merger brings cost optimizations and new business opportunities, further solidifying its position as a leader in digital cinema technology. Rajesh envisions the company expanding into adjacent industries while continuing to innovate within the film exhibition space.
About Rajesh Mishra:
Rajesh Mishra is the CEO of UFO Moviez India Limited, a pioneer in digital cinema distribution. With over 14 years of experience at UFO Moviez, Rajesh has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian film industry. A media enthusiast and family man, Rajesh is passionate about cinema, architecture, and creating impactful technological solutions.