A lawyer who learned the industry before the law.
My foundation was laid at a production house, beginning on the creative side before moving to the commercial division. This gave me firsthand exposure to both the business and legal dimensions of media and entertainment, and shaped my decision to specialise in this field. Today I practise as an independent Media, Entertainment & Technology lawyer — working on the agreements that turn ideas into finished work, and advising technology and digital businesses on commercial contracts, data protection and privacy.
Ardhra Karayil · Media, Entertainment & Technology Lawyer
A practical, production-aware approach
Commercial first
I read every agreement against the deal actually struck — protecting the position without losing the spirit of the understanding.
Plain language
Dense clauses translated into terms that can actually be understood and acted upon.
On production time
Work paced to the rhythm of production, with prompt turnarounds on clearances and execution.
A path through the industry
Senior Associate — King Stubb & Kasiva
Seconded to Phantom Studios India Pvt. Ltd. · Mumbai
Drafted, reviewed and negotiated a wide range of M&E agreements — artist, service, endorsement, in-film placement & co-branding, technician and non-disclosure agreements — alongside in-house legal documentation for the studio.
Associate — ABR Legal
Boutique M&E law firm · Andheri, Mumbai
Worked end-to-end on production agreements for films and series, for independent producers and content commissioned by streaming platforms. Handled acquisition, licensing, book-adaptation and music agreements, due diligence and production clearances.
Research Associate — Namah Pictures
Production house · Andheri, Mumbai
Liaised between external counsel and the production house and maintained legal records across feature and series projects.
Education
B.L.S. LL.B (5 years)
Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Law, Mumbai University · 2013–2018
Areas of practice
Languages
English · Hindi · Malayalam