Inspired by the successes of OMG 2, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani and Drishyam 2, Viacom18 Studios, the movie manufacturing and distribution arm of Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd, goals to attain ₹1,000 crore in annual income from varied tasks, spanning theatrical, satellite tv for pc, and digital platforms, Ajit Andhare, chief working officer, Viacom18 Studios stated.
The studio will concentrate on each high-budget and mid-scale productions for theatrical releases. whereas venturing into authentic net content material by means of its separate arm, Tipping Level. Andhare stated the studio will keep its independence, whilst sister concern, Jio Studios, launches its personal tasks.
“The method central to the way in which the studio has labored for 13 years is to place the script and story first, discover the distinctive cinematic expertise or differentiation you’re providing, after which put that package deal out available in the market. Nevertheless, the launch of OTTs post-covid, there may be some stress on the mid-segment as theatrical expertise turned way more vital,” he stated.
Nevertheless, making a mass-market present shouldn’t be the one option to go about it, and the field workplace success of current launches reminiscent of OMG 2, Gadar 2 and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani is proof of it, he stated.
The corporate is prepping an motion movie, Fighter, starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, that’s slated for January launch. A number of mid-scale movies are additionally within the works, reminiscent of Dhak Dhak, that includes Ratna Pathak Shah, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Dia Mirza, and others, and Paresh Rawal-starrer Shastry Virudh Shastry. The studio can also be engaged on sequels of older hits like Drishyam, Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Particular 26.
Whereas Viacom18’s video streaming platform JioCinema plans to broaden, the studio might companion with rival networks for the sale of satellite tv for pc and digital rights of the films it produces.
Viacom18’s final big-ticket launch earlier than covid was interval drama Padmaavat in 2018. A bunch of small and mid-budget films adopted however with various levels of success. After the pandemic-led disruptions, the studio took some time earlier than returning with a slate of movies in partnership with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions final 12 months. Since then, it launched Gehraiyaan and Govinda Naam Mera (each streamed instantly on digital platforms) in addition to Jug Jugg Jeeyo and Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani. Within the interim, Laal Singh Chaddha, the remake of Hollywood basic Forrest Gump, starring Aamir Khan, didn’t do effectively for the studio.
Knowledge accessed by monetary intelligence agency Tofler confirmed Viacom18 Studios’ working income declined to ₹500 crore in FY22. Even in 2018, when Padmaavat made near ₹300 crore in collections, its annual revenues would have been within the vary of ₹400-500 crore, stated commerce consultants.
An analyst stated the Viacom18 slate, together with Hindi and Hollywood movies distributed in India, reminiscent of Mission: Not possible instalment, ought to bode effectively for the studio with the big-screen expertise luring folks again to cinemas. Nevertheless, small films might not have the ability to draw the crowds to theatres. “Plus, the problem with working with Bollywood studios reminiscent of Dharma is {that a} overseas studio might not have the ability to train a lot artistic management,” the analyst stated, requesting anonymity.
Nevertheless, Viacom18 Studios doesn’t comply with a volume-driven method. “Movies should begin from zero after which should depend upon viewers response. So, for consumption you should meet high quality and your property need to create that kind of demand. So, chasing volumes might end in output that may not stack up,” Andhare stated.
He sees no hole however a sure stage of high quality maintained within the work the corporate has put out. That stated, scale is restricted except you mix forces with different filmmakers, he added, referring to partnerships reminiscent of with Dharma, a pattern that he known as the way in which ahead which might take the type of co-productions or different tactical partnerships.
Furthermore, the corporate’s OTT content material manufacturing arm Tipping Level is within the means of growing upcoming seasons of reveals reminiscent of Jamtara- Sabka Quantity Ayega and She (each on Netflix) and Kaalkoot on JioCinema. One other JioCinema authentic referred to as Gaanth is awaiting its flip to stream quickly. “The concept is to convey movie scale leisure to net collection. The making DNA is what we’ve developed on the movie facet and we function on the premium finish of the phase,” Andhare stated.
Supply: Live Mint