Devika Prabhu Joins Sony Pictures Networks India as Business Head for Hindi Movies

Devika Prabhu has been appointed Business Head – Hindi Movies at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), marking a return to the network where she earlier spent several years in strategic planning and research roles. The leadership move comes as the broadcaster looks to strengthen its Hindi movie portfolio in an increasingly competitive media landscape shaped by streaming platforms and evolving viewer habits.

Prabhu shared the update through a LinkedIn post, describing the move as a “homecoming.” In her new role, she will oversee the business strategy and growth of Sony’s Hindi Movies vertical, with a focus on expanding the network’s cinematic offering and enhancing audience engagement across multiple platforms.

Her appointment comes after a 16-year stint at Disney Star, where she most recently served as Vice President and Business Head for Kids, Youth and Infotainment. During that time, she managed a portfolio that included the Disney Kids network, National Geographic channels and the Disney Multiplex movie channels. Her work involved overseeing content strategy, channel growth and programming designed to attract younger audiences.

Prabhu’s career spans more than 25 years across television networks, content strategy and media business operations. At Disney Star, she worked on initiatives aimed at expanding youth-oriented programming and strengthening franchise-led content strategies. She has also been associated with efforts to popularise anime programming in India, helping introduce international animated content to a broader domestic audience base.

Her professional experience includes working across strategic business growth, content development and digital transformation initiatives. Over time, the media industry has seen increased convergence between traditional television networks and digital streaming ecosystems. Executives leading channel businesses today are often tasked with balancing television viewership with on-demand content consumption and digital distribution strategies.

Prabhu’s earlier stint at Sony Entertainment Television involved roles focused on research and strategic planning, giving her familiarity with the network’s content ecosystem and audience positioning. Her return to the organisation comes at a time when broadcasters are re-evaluating how movie channels operate in a landscape dominated by OTT platforms and digital entertainment options.

Hindi movie channels continue to remain an important part of television programming in India, particularly for audiences that rely on free-to-air and broadcast content. However, competition from streaming platforms has intensified the need for networks to rethink programming formats, scheduling strategies and audience engagement models.

In this environment, leadership roles overseeing movie channels increasingly involve developing strategies that combine linear television with digital extensions. Networks are also exploring partnerships, themed programming blocks and curated movie libraries to retain viewer attention and advertising revenue.

Prabhu’s appointment reflects SPNI’s focus on strengthening its cinematic content business while adapting to changing consumption patterns. With experience across youth content, international programming partnerships and channel strategy, her role will involve identifying ways to maintain the relevance of television movie channels while integrating them into a broader multi-platform distribution strategy.

As broadcasters continue navigating the transition between traditional television and digital-first viewing habits, leadership moves such as this highlight the growing importance of executives who can bridge content strategy, audience insights and platform innovation.