Its Khan vs Khan in battle of streaming giants: After Netflix partners with SRK, Amazon inks deal with Salman
India is emerging as one of the biggest markets for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime (Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. Inset Picture Courtesy: optclean.com.br)
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has signed an exclusive deal with streaming giant Amazon Prime, months after its rival Netflix partnered with his contemporary Shah Rukh Khan.
The deal will give Amazon Prime Video the worldwide streaming rights to all his future titles, starting with “Tubelight”. The online streaming service will also have rights to films produced by Salman Khan Ventures.
After their theatrical release, the actor’s films will first premiere on the streaming service, which will be two months before Satellite/Television broadcast or any other form of distribution.
The service will also have access to Salman’s older titles such as “Bajrangi Bhaijaan”, “Kick”, “Jai Ho” and “Hero” along with upcoming new releases.
“Amazon Prime Video reaches over 200 countries and territories and I am happy to collaborate with Amazon Prime Video and expand the reach of Indian cinema. Fans of Indian cinema will discover my movies on a new platform and the platform will also help new fans discover our cinema,” Salman said in a statement.
Nitesh Kripalani, Director and Country Head, Amazon Video India, said Salman is not only the biggest star in India but also has a massive worldwide appeal.
“We, at Amazon Prime Video are elated to announce this epic, ground-breaking global deal with Salman. This is another big step to change the way how Indian customers consume entertainment with Salman’s movies coming first to Prime Video customers, before their television broadcast,” he said.
James Farrell, Head of Content, Prime Video, Asia Pacific, said the exclusive worldwide deal was one of the biggest star deals to have ever been done in the world.
India is emerging as a crucial market for streaming services, driving competition for local talent and content.
During its India launch, Amazon had also signed a long-term agreement with Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions to stream their existing and upcoming movies.
Back in December last year, Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment had entered into a similar partnership under which all new films starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan were to be made exclusively available to its 86 million plus members.
More recently, the streaming giant also bought rights to Aamir Khan’s blockbuster drama “Dangal”.
With agency inputs
