Prioritising movies and creative content production: FUJILFIM India MD

“To support this, we have introduced enhanced movie functions, simplified editing capabilities, and advanced scene selection features. Additionally, we have integrated cutting-edge AI technology to make shooting, moving content easier and more efficient. These advancements aim to empower users to create high-quality, dynamic content with greater ease.” He added that the XM5 camera, when paired with the Instax printer, allows users to capture images and print them directly. “This is one of the key integrations and technological advancements we’re implementing.”

Without going into details, Wada said FUJIFILM plans to introduce more such products in 2025. “As smartphones continue to dominate, we are focusing on new functions and ways to enhance the experience of photo and video shooting. We will be launching some exciting models this year.” He added that this year the company will also introduce new products that include a variety of additional film simulation modes, enhancing their capabilities significantly.

Instax range now headed to smaller towns

On the popular Instax range, Wada promised that the company will “consistently launch new products” in the analog, mobile printer, hybrid segments. “The instax cameras are in a completely different segment. That said, at the higher end, some instax models resemble traditional cameras in design and even include functions similar to advanced digital cameras. Of course, certain unique features are specifically tailored to their category but are very close in functionality to higher-end variants.”

Wada said the campaigns launched with brand ambassadors Kartik Aryan & Kriti Sanon last year focused on the top eight to nine cities in India. “The response from the market was very positive and we were able to increase our brand awareness rapidly. However, moving forward, we plan to launch much larger campaigns to expand our reach into Tier II and Tier III cities, which are now our target areas.” Incidentally, the Instax range has recorded the maximum growth among all segments of the company’s business last year. FUJIFILM is planning to launch a new flagship model in Mumbai on February 4.

GFX Eterna coming for cinema segment

FUJIFILM is also entering the high-end cinema segment in a big way with the GFX Eterna specifically designed for movie shooting later this year. “This camera features a large format sensor, making it the first of its kind with this sensor size. This will be one of our completely new products in the lineup,” Wada said. With a base in the broadcast segment with its lenses, FUJIFILM is also a leader in the cine lens market, though they require specific mounts. With the introduction of the GFX Eterna, the company will be able to offer complete solutions. Prototypes of the model have been showcased and further R&D is on.

Helping India’s semiconductor companies

With India’s movement towards Semiconductor manufacturing, the company also sees an opportunity to provide specialty chemicals essential for semiconductor manufacturing, for which FUJIFILM is among the leading global suppliers. “We are not targeting a specific segment at this stage, but initially, we may begin to support manufacturers who will do semiconductor production at a beta scale. Since the Indian semiconductor industry is at a nascent stage, the first segments would be common sizes followed by high-end semiconductors at a later stage,” Wada explained.

The company already supplies to manufacturers in Taiwan, the UK, the Netherlands, and the US. Since many Indian semiconductor players collaborate with foreign technology partners, FUJIFILM’s involvement here will be a seamless and organic progression.

Wada said FUJIFILM could invest in manufacturing here in the near future. “I believe it’s a good timing, and it might be really great. These days so many good suppliers are available in India, and now the whole transportation customs clearance is also improving. So definitely we can start making in India and the study is on.”

Wada said FUJIFILM India aims to achieve over 10% growth each year. “Our businesses have very strong fundamentals and our healthcare business in dominating the volumes, however from a YoY growth perspective, we have been experiencing over 60% growth annually for our instax business and we are bullish on this business to plan to maintain at least 50% to 60% growth every year moving forward.” In the healthcare space, FUJIFILM is focusing on radiology, and has some endoscopy products as well. Established in 2007, FUJIFILM India Pvt. Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo.