Top header Banner
Top header Banner
Middle top Banner

Reliance & Phantom Films tie-up for new project

Ranbir Kapoor in 'Bombay Velvet'
Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Bombay Velvet’

Reliance Entertainment who has produced and distributed many hits like ‘Bodyguard,’ (2011) the ‘Singham,’ (2011), ‘Don’ (2006) series, and ‘3 Idiots’ (2009) is partnering with Anurag Kashyap’s Phantom Films, who are known for their out-of-the-box films. The minds behind the company are not only Kashyap, but Vikas Bahl, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Madhu Mantena as well. It will be a 50:50 joint venture between the two companies, aimed at giving Indian cinema new powerful work.

A Reliance statement, according to the Times Of India said, “The combination of Reliance and Phantom Films plans to develop and produce at least five-six films every year, apart from distribution of films in India and overseas, and syndication of rights from the over 175 films strong library.” This will give Phantom Films the chance to grow internationally because of the international sales and distribution infrastructure of Reliance. Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, the group managing director of Reliance Group also said, “This partnership is in line with our evolving strategy in the media and entertainment business, of aligning with like-minded people who are trailblazers in their own field, and playing the role of supportive investors on our part.”

Phantom partners Kashyap and Bahl also shared their thoughts to the Times Of India. Kashyap looks forward to expanding internationally. He said, “This deal opens up our windows to international opportunities and talent. We hope to optimize on this opportunity and take Indian cinema international, and also attract excellent talent into the country.” Bahl looks forward to the learning process, “This not only gives us partnership with people we look up to and want to learn from, it opens up our world of learning and access to people and infrastructure which was way beyond our imagination.”

Reliance entertainment has not only produced, distributed, and released films in many different Indian languages, they have also partnered in a 50:50 joint venture in DreamWorks Studios, with Hollywood producer and director Steven Spielberg. Kashyap has hits like ‘Dev D’ and ‘Gangs of Waaseypur’ to his credit. Bahl recently scored big with his runaway hit, ‘Queen.’ (2014) Other partners of Phantom, Motwane and Mantena have also seen their share of immense success at the box office, with Motwane’s directorial debut, ‘Udaan’ (2010) scoring big, with seven Filmfare awards to its credit, and Mantena producing India’s first 100 Crore hit, ‘Ghagini’ in 2008.

Phantom has six films releasing in the next year, the most awaited being Ranbir Kapoor starrer, ‘Bombay Velvet’.

By Priyanka Borua