Powerhouse performer Jr. NTR has joined forces with sensational director Prashanth Neel for a full-blown action entertainer, which is rumoured to be titled Dragon. The shooting is currently underway in Jordan. Even before a significant chunk of the production is wrapped up, the film has already closed its OTT deal, proof of the project’s massive craze.
Netflix has snapped up the post-theatrical streaming rights of this tentpole project, and here are some key details about the mega OTT deal.
- The rights were reportedly sold for a whopping Rs. 125 crores, making it one of the biggest deals in Tollywood history.
- The OTT deal is said to be tied up with the film’s theatrical performance.
- Interestingly, NTR’s previous film Devara also had its digital rights with Netflix.
OTT deal linked to theatrical performance explained:
Not very long ago, OTT platforms used to buy digital rights on an outright basis, meaning the streamer agreed to pay a fixed amount for a film. However, this model backfired badly, and several platforms suffered significant losses. When poorly performing films were acquired, they resulted in losses not just for distributors but also for OTT platforms.
Streaming platforms collectively came up with an amicable solution by linking OTT deals to theatrical performance. A sum is quoted, and the streamer places a condition that the promised amount will be paid only if the film collects a certain figure at the box office. Another feature has also been introduced. The OTT platform pays more than the agreed amount if the box office performance exceeds expectations and the film overperforms.
According to the buzz in trade circles, Netflix has bagged Dragon’s streaming rights with the condition that the movie should collect a minimum of Rs. 500 crores gross at the box office. Only if this condition is met will the makers receive the above-mentioned Rs. 125 crores; otherwise, there will be a slight deduction in the final payment.
Given the extraordinary buzz surrounding the project, Dragon is set for a mammoth opening at the ticket windows. If the film is well-made, it could comfortably cross the Rs. 500 crore gross mark at the global box office. It is also worth remembering that NTR’s Devara fared well on Netflix with impressive viewership, which is another strong reason the platform bagged the rights for such a premium price.
Sandalwood beauty Rukmini Vasanth plays the female lead. The film is being produced jointly by Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts, with Ravi Basrur handling the music. Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor essays a pivotal role.