MUMBAI: Abundantia Entertainment Private Limited, India’s first independent motion pictures studio, today unveiled its business blueprint and confirmed its film slate for 2014 and 2015. The company also announced the arrival of new strategic investors to support its growth and expansion plans. Built with the vision of producing and supporting progressive, high-quality entertainment content, Abundantia has made strong strides, especially in its motion pictures business, in a short span of time.
Founded in August 2013, Abundantia was incepted by Vikram Malhotra who, in his earlier avatar as COO of Viacom18 Motion Pictures, built a formidable reputation on delivering successes with new-age, clutter-breaking cinema. Vikram has to his credit some of the biggest and most memorable films of the last 3-4 years and also deep relationships with talent in the film and TV business in India.
Driving the model of creating ‘talent-studio partnerships’, Abundantia has firmed up an impressive line-up for the first two years of operations of its motion pictures business. Combined with a strategic stake acquisition of Crouching Tiger Motion Pictures, promoted by Rajnish Khanuja, the studio announced multiple film deals with production houses led by some of the hottest names in the movies business in India. Top-lining the slate are projects with Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday, Special 26), Shoojit Sircar (Vicky Donor, Madras Café) and Nikhil Advani(D-Day, Kal Ho Na Ho) as well as up-coming talent like Soumik Sen (Gulaab Gang) and a clutch of first-time directors. The slate of 11 films across the first two years carries a combined value of approx Rs. 250 crores and will see these leading directors not only make their own films but also creatively produce work in their respective production houses. At various stages of production, the slate will witness releases starting as early as mid-2014.
In line with its vision and growth drive, Abundantia also announced the arrival of new strategic investors in the form of RW Media (RWM) – a company with significant interest in the Indian media and luxury space. RWM along with a Singapore-based investment fund have acquired a strategic significant minority stake in Abundantia, which will continue to be held in majority, and independently managed, by Vikram Malhotra.
Sharing more about the company’s plans and announcing the new investors, Vikram Malhotra, Managing Director and CEO of Abundantia Entertainment said, “Abundantia is created with a focus to produce and support innovative and impactful content. Our aim is to build a robust business on the back of strategic partnerships on the creative and distribution fronts with like-minded individuals and organizations. In under a year from inception, we have managed to forge strong relationships resulting in an enviable line-up on the motion pictures front. Now, and with an eye on the future, we are delighted to get on-board RW Media and its partners. I look forward to joining hands with our new investors and building a world-class entertainment company”.
Speaking on the investment and RWM’s perspective on the business, Reena Wadhwa, (Chairperson - RW Media), said: “RW Media is a firm believer in the growth story of India’s entertainment, lifestyle and luxury verticals. In Abundantia Entertainment, we see a company that has a global vision, progressive mindset and an unflinching focus on quality. Combined with Vikram’s track-record of success, understanding of the audience and drive for Abudantia to be the best, we have no doubt that this is the company of the future. We are proud to partner Abundantia as it makes its way to the next level”.
Ashok Wadhwa of the Ambit Group, who was instrumental in forging this relationship, added, ”Globally, the media & entertainment business is witnessing a transformation. In India this industry is set to double over the next five years. I see a clear inflection point and organizations that can raise their game are poised to unlock and deliver significant value. In Abundantia and Vikram there exists a premier organization and credible leadership that has the capability to rise to the top. I am delighted that RW Media and a reputed investment fund from Singapore have recognized this potential and have decided to join hands in what promises to be an exciting journey for the company”.
