Indian filmmakers double down on mega-budget spectacles despite box office volatility
Filmmakers are planning mega-budget big-screen spectacles across languages in the coming months despite a relatively volatile box office and uncertain business environment.The producers of the two-part mythological epic Ramayana (the first instalment of which is to be released in November) and SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi (scheduled for release in April next year) are banking on the ability of these stories to reach audiences beyond Indians, and south Asians in general. Both films are among the titles estimated to cost upwards of ₹1,000 crore each to make.They are also looking to create cinematic universes with spin-offs and merchandise offers, besides expectations of a smooth recovery from satellite and digital rights, even though broadcasters and streaming platforms have slowed down acquisitions.“The scale of these projects reflects a structural shift in how Indian cinema is positioning itself globally,” said Abishek S.
Vyas, founder and CEO of AVS, a Dubai- and Mumbai-based arts and entertainment company. “What is driving these budgets is the belief that Indian stories can travel globally if mounted at a cinematic scale comparable to international tentpole productions.”Large film projects now recover revenue from across multiple windows including global theatrical releases, satellite rights, streaming platform deals, music rights, international distribution and, in some cases, gaming, licensing and merchandising.
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