No more 'Fuh se' Phantom: Kashyap, others dissolve production house
What's the story
Phantom Films was one of the leading Indian production houses until recently. Helmed by directors with a similar approach to filmmaking, the production house has had its share of successes and failures. However, after seven years of a 'glorious dream', the partners have decided to go their own ways. Most notably, Phantom had recently produced popular Netflix show, 'Sacred Games'. Here's more.
Phantom
Meet the brains behind Phantom
Phantom Films was founded by four notable names in the Indian film industry. Critically acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, of 'Gangs of Wasseypur' fame founded the production house along with like-minded directors and producers. These include Vikramaditya Motwane known for 'Bhavesh Joshi Superhero', Vikas Bahl famous for 'Queen' and Madhu Mantena, the producer, known for 'Trapped'. Notably, Kashyap and Motwane worked together on 'Sacred Games'.
The journey
Phantom's journey over the years
Phantom had an illustrious run since its foundation in 2011. Their debut production was Motwane's 2013 film 'Lootera'. The same year saw Bahl's film 'Queen' gain critical acclaim, while Kashyap's 'Ugly' was screened at the Cannes. Two other Phantom projects, 'Masaan' and 'Raman Raghav 2.0' were also selected for Cannes in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Needless to say, Phantom gave Indian cinema excellent films.
Information
The business deals of Phantom
Apart from giving us great cinema, in 2015 Phantom entered into a 50-50 joint venture with Anil Ambani founded Reliance Entertainment. The deal stipulated that Phantom would produce and distribute 5 to 6 films each year. They would also syndicate rights from a combined library.
Goodbyes
Don't think twice, it's alright
All the founders dissolved their partnership on a good note, wishing each other the best for future ventures. Motwane described the experience as 'the craziest, greatest journey and the most wonderful partnership of my life'. Kashyap too was quick to pitch in, saying, that Phantom was a glorious dream and though all dreams come to an end, they would continue to support each other.
Twitter Post
Dreamers, they never learn, beyond the point of no return
Phantom was a dream, a glorious one and all dreams come to an end . We did our best and we succeeded and we failed. But i know for sure we will come out of this stronger, wiser and will continue to pursue our dreams our own individual ways. We wish each other the best.
— Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap72) October 5, 2018
Current state
The terms of the split up
Despite Phantom dissolving, they will maintain their working relationship with partners Reliance Entertainment. All four founders will work with them exclusively. Furthermore, they will take this chance to exert their creative faculties independently. Of course, they will also be collaborating from time to time, thereby multiplying their partnership avenues four times. Hopefully, this means Kashyap and Motwane will collaborate for 'Sacred Games' Season 2.