Netflix acquires streaming rights for Baahubali, Baahubali 2 at ₹25 crore
NEWDELHI: Streaming Service Netflix Inc has acquired rights to stream SS Rajamouli’s war epic Baahubali : The Beginning and Baahubali 2 : The Conclusion as it works towards strengthening its presence in India. The deal is worth $4 million (₹ 25.5 crore), according to a person familiar with the development who asked not to be identified.
“On the content front we are doubling down on Indian investment to curate a compelling content library encompassing original and licensed titles. We are touching a pool of consumers with a great passion for diverse entertainment, offering global originals like Narcos, Stranger Things, The Crown to mainstream, star-driven Indian films that have wide appeal (e.g. our Shahrukh Khan titles or recent acquisitions of top ones like Dangal and Baahubali),” said Jessica Lee, vice-president (communications), Netflix in an emailed statement.
The Baahubali deal could be a game changer in terms of viewership for Netflix, which entered India 18 months ago and was ranked No. 9 among video streaming apps in terms of monthly active usage in the first half of this year, on the basis of data collected across Android phones by app analytics firm App Annie Inc. “Netflix is very bullish about the India market. It is looking to acquire both licensed content and make originals,” said Shobu Yarlagadda, co-founder and CEO of Arka Mediaworks, the company that produced the Baahubali films.
Last week, Netflix announced two more original series it will produce in India: Selection Day, a story of cricket and corruption by author Aravind Adiga, and Again, a detective show written by Marisha Mukerjee.
Netflix will be opening its first office in India later this year in Mumbai.