Anushka Sharma's Production Company Ties Up With OTT Giants In Rs 400 Crore Deal

Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma's production company Clean Slate Filmz has reportedly tied up with OTT giants Netflix and Amazon in a hefty Rs 400 crore ($54 million) deal, declaring itself a key player in the digital entertainment space. The production house was jointly established by Sharma and her brother Karnesh in 2013.

Since its inception, Clean Slate Filmz has backed successful Hindi films and web series, the most notable of which include NH10, Phillauri, Paatal Lok and Bulbbul. 

According to a report this week by Bloomberg, Sharma's production company is set to release eight titles - including both films and shows - on OTT platforms over the next 18 months.

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Chakda 'Xpress is one of the upcoming releases produced by Sharma that is gearing up for a Netflix premiere in 2022. Starring Sharma herself, the film traces the story of ace Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, who served as the former captain of the women's team and is regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in women's cricket history.

Sharma's banner will also back Mai, an upcoming Netflix series starring Sakshi Tanwar. Babil Khan, son of late actor Irrfan, will also mark his debut with Clean Slate Filmz's OTT film Qala, playing the lead opposite Tripti Dimri. More here.

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OTT is witnessing exponential growth today, bolstered by the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic that has, since its onset in 2020, hampered a smooth run for film theatres. Lockdown norms and distancing protocols have for the better part of the pandemic forced cinemas to operate only surreptitiously.

India has been widely recognised as one of the fastest-growing and most lucrative markets for OTT. However, Netflix recently expressed frustration over failing to crack big success in the country.

"In every single other major market, we have got the flywheel spinning. The thing that frustrates us is why haven’t we been as successful in India, but we are leaning in there," Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings was quoted saying.

According to reported data, Netflix has a 5.5 million-strong subscriber base in India, low in comparison to its counterparts Amazon Prime Video and Hotstar, which are clocking in well over 20 million and 40 million subscribers respectively. Netflix slashed its prices by several points - approximately 60 percent - last month to keep up with rival OTT plans.