Bollywood fans are in for a treat as Netflix makes a groundbreaking move by acquiring the digital rights of the much-awaited Sriram Raghavan directorial, “Merry Christmas,” starring the dynamic duo of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles. The film, initially scheduled for release in December 2022 but later postponed to December 2023, has already generated significant buzz, thanks to its intriguing posters that went viral on social media.
According to reliable trade sources, Netflix has made an unprecedented deal, shelling out a staggering Rs. 60 crores for the digital rights of both the Hindi and Tamil versions of “Merry Christmas.” What makes this deal even more interesting is that the movie will follow a traditional theatrical release on December 15, 2023, before hitting the streaming platform eight weeks later. This move sets “Merry Christmas” apart as it’s not a direct-to-OTT release, making the acquisition by Netflix all the more significant.
With the film’s satellite rights still up for grabs, industry insiders are abuzz with speculation about its potential value, especially considering the astounding amount fetched by the digital rights. Directed by the brilliant Sriram Raghavan, the movie boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Sanjay Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Pratima Kannan, Tinnu Anand, Radhika Sarathkumar, Shanmugaraja, Kevin Jay Babu, Rajesh Williams, and introducing the young talent Pari. Additionally, the film will feature exciting cameos by Ashwini Kalsekar and Radhika Apte.
While there is no official confirmation yet, it is evident that “Merry Christmas” has already become a highly profitable venture for its makers. As fans eagerly await its theatrical release, Netflix’s bold move signifies a promising cinematic experience in store for all viewers.
