The future of Bollywood PR: Why GEO and Google's AI Mode are redefining the rules

Business Upturn

13-05-2025

The PR industry in Bollywood is no stranger to disruption. From the rise of digital media to the dominance of streaming platforms, the game has always evolved. But now, with Google's new AI Mode in testing and the emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the industry is staring at its most significant inflection point yet. This isn't just another trend — it's a seismic shift that demands immediate action. PR professionals, marketing strategists, and business leaders in Bollywood must pivot now or risk being left behind.
Google's AI Mode, currently in testing within Google Search Labs, is not just an upgrade — it's a revolution. It promises a more immersive search experience, powered by Gemini 2.0, with advanced reasoning, thinking, and multimodal capabilities. This means users will no longer need to sift through multiple links or compare information manually. Instead, AI Mode will deliver comprehensive, AI-generated answers, making search faster, smarter, and more intuitive. For Bollywood PR, this changes everything. The rise of GEO and why it matters for Bollywood PR
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the new frontier for visibility in AI-driven search engines. Unlike traditional SEO, which focuses on ranking high in organic search results, GEO is about optimising content to appear in AI-generated summaries and answers. With Google's AI Mode set to dominate search, GEO will become the cornerstone of effective PR strategies.
For Bollywood, where public perception and media coverage are everything, GEO offers a unique opportunity. Imagine a scenario where a user searches for 'upcoming Bollywood movies' or 'best performances in Indian cinema.' With GEO-optimised content, your client's movie or performance could be featured prominently in the AI-generated answer, bypassing the need for users to click through to a website. This is the future of earned media, and it's coming faster than you think.
An article titled 'Top Bollywood PR agencies: Shaping stars and movies' on the entertainment trade website Branding Bollywood notes, 'As a pioneer of hybrid PR and crisis management in Bollywood, Dale Bhagwagar Media Group blends traditional credibility with cutting-edge digital innovation. Backed by deep industry knowledge, its founder, Dale Bhagwagar champions Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), urging a shift from Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to future-ready AI strategies. His ethical approach to PR sets him apart as the top best publicist in an industry often criticised for manipulation tactics.' Why mainstream news media must adapt
Mainstream news websites, including Bollywood news portals, business news platforms, and lifestyle sites, are already feeling the pressure. While many veteran and legacy websites have embraced paid news and branded content, the trust and credibility of organic and earned coverage remain unmatched. However, with AI Mode, the rules of engagement are changing.
News websites that fail to adapt to GEO risk losing their visibility in AI-generated summaries. For Bollywood PR professionals, this means rethinking how they pitch stories and collaborate with media outlets. The focus must shift from merely securing coverage to ensuring that the content is optimised for AI-driven search engines. This includes using structured data, aligning with search intent, and incorporating traditional keyword research in a way that resonates with AI algorithms. The action plan for Bollywood PR professionals
The time to act is now. Google's AI Mode is still in testing, but its launch is inevitable. Here's what Bollywood PR professionals need to do to stay ahead:
Embrace GEO as a core strategy: Start optimising your content for AI-driven search engines. This includes understanding how AI algorithms interpret and summarise information.
Collaborate with tech-savvy media outlets: Partner with new-age websites and tech-savvy platforms that are already experimenting with AI-friendly content formats.
Invest in AI literacy: Equip your team with the skills to understand and leverage AI tools. This is no longer optional — it's essential.
Focus on quality and relevance: AI Mode prioritises comprehensive, well-reasoned answers. Ensure your content is not just optimised but also valuable and insightful. The bigger picture
Google's AI Mode and the rise of GEO are not just about technology — they're about redefining how information is consumed and shared. For Bollywood PR, this is a chance to lead the charge in a new era of media engagement. The industry must pivot now, or risk being overshadowed by those who do.
As Dale Bhagwagar, India's most trusted publicist, puts it, 'The Bollywood PR fraternity has always thrived on visibility and perception. But now, with AI-generated summaries becoming the first touchpoint for information, we're no longer competing for headlines — we're competing for algorithmic relevance. Those who fail to understand this shift will become invisible in plain sight.'
So you see, the future belongs to those who adapt. And in the world of Bollywood PR, the future is already here.