In an interview with ET, after the success of the Dhurandhar franchise films co-produced by the Reliance Industries unit, Deshpande said 98% of the company’s content is released on “other” platforms (like Netflix and Amazon Prime).
Under Deshpande, Jio Studios has built a balanced portfolio of films. On the one hand, it has backed four blockbusters grossing more than ₹500 crore each: Stree 2, Chhaava and the two Dhurandhar franchise films. On the other, it has also supported films that deserve expression and space, such as Laapataa Ladies, Baramulla and Mrs.
Deshpande said her mantra has been: “Build scale, keep an eye on the bottom line and reach as many Indians as possible.” She added: “I am more focused on looking into the eyes of a filmmaker and gauging his or her conviction. This is vital for me in backing a film. Then the other variables follow.”
In a thin attention-span economy, Deshpande remains a staunch champion of long-form storytelling, especially theatrical films.
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“Audiences have become accustomed to long-form and immersive storytelling thanks to streamers,” she said. “Against this backdrop, I was confident that the Dhurandhar franchise films would work. The films broke conventional storytelling forms through their chapterised, episodic and immersive structure. They showed that content, not length, is what works.Trade analysts said the Dhurandhar franchise films have grossed more than ₹3,000 crore worldwide on a budget of less than ₹500 crore.
Deshpande is unperturbed by streamers functioning as studios and releasing films theatrically. “I think consolidation is good. It will expand the market,” she said.