Abundantia Entertainment's road ahead

Abundantia Entertainment is promoted by Vikram Malhotra, erstwhile COO, Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and CEO, Balaji Telefilms.

Independent motion pictures studio Abundantia Entertainment recently unveiled its film plans for 2014 and 2015. The company, which has got new strategic investors on board, claims itself to be the country's first independent motion pictures studio.

The plan includes 11 films across the first two years at a combined value of about Rs 250 crore by leading directors who will not only make their own films but also creatively produce work in their respective production houses. Releases will start by mid-2014. Some of the projects involve Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday, Special 26), Shoojit Sircar (Vicky Donor, Madras Café) and Nikhil Advani(D-Day, Kal Ho Na Ho) as well as upcoming talent such as Soumik Sen (Gulaab Gang) and a clutch of first-time directors.

RW Media, a Singapore-based investment fund, has acquired a strategic significant minority stake in Abundantia and has joined as a new investor. RWM has significant interest in the Indian media and luxury space.

Vikram Malhotra, MD and CEO, Abundantia Entertainment, says, "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 organisations. In under a year from inception, we have managed to forge strong relationships resulting in an enviable line-up on the motion pictures front."

Reena Wadhwa, chairperson, RW Media, says, "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."

Abundantia Entertainment is driving the model of creating 'talent-studio partnerships'. It has acquired a strategic stake in Crouching Tiger Motion Pictures, promoted by Rajnish Khanuja.

The company was founded in August, 2013 by Vikram Malhotra, who was earlier COO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures and CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures. Malhotra has a reputation on delivering successes with new-age, clutter-breaking cinema, with some of the projects such as 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', 'Shaitan'; and super hits like 'Kahaani', 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'OMG - Oh My God!', 'Son of Sardaar' and the recently released 'Special 26' and 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns'.

The idea behind coming up with Abundantia is to produce and support progressive, high-quality entertainment content.