With digital emerging as a distribution channel, does TV stand to lose?

From waiting for a high-profile blockbuster to ‘premiere’ on TV to now waiting for it to get added to Netflix’s or Amazon Prime Video’s library, the way consumers are watching recently released films has evolved. And so has the business of acquiring the rights of these movie titles.

According to EY report A Billion Screens of Opportunity, the broadcast rights market grew from Rs 1,900 crore in 2017 to Rs 2,120 crore in 2018, while the digital rights market grew from Rs 850 crore to Rs 1,350 crore. At times, digital platforms are able to showcase the film well before its cable and satellite premiere. The satellite rights for Padmaavat were sold for Rs 80 crore, and for Sanju at Rs 50 crore. On the other hand, the digital rights for Padmaavat were sold at Rs 25 crore to Amazon Prime Video; and for Sanju at Rs 20-25 crore to Netflix. Yash Raj Films has reportedly sold the satellite and digital rights of Thugs of Hindustan to Sony Pictures Networks and Amazon Prime Video for Rs 60 crore and Rs 70 crore, respectively.