The upcoming cop action drama 'Spirit', starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has already created a massive financial wave even as its shooting commences. In a major pre-release coup, the film's digital streaming rights have been sold for a staggering sum, setting a new benchmark for Telugu cinema.
OTT Rights Fetch a Record-Breaking Sum
According to industry reports, the OTT rights for 'Spirit' have been locked for a colossal Rs 150 crore. While the name of the streaming platform remains under wraps, the deal is officially sealed. This mammoth transaction means the producers have recovered nearly half of the film's total estimated budget through digital rights alone, even before the movie's completion.
If the reports hold true, this deal places 'Spirit' among the highest-ever digital rights sales for a Telugu film, alongside giants like 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' and 'Kalki 2898 AD'. For perspective, the OTT rights for Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2' were reportedly sold for an estimated Rs 275 crore, while the mythological sci-fi 'Kalki 2898 AD' collected over Rs 375 crore from deals with two different platforms.
Shooting Commences with High Expectations
The film's production is now in full swing. The shooting for 'Spirit' has commenced in Hyderabad with Prabhas and several junior artists currently on set. Following the blockbuster success of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's previous films, 'Kabir Singh' and 'Animal', expectations for this collaboration are sky-high.
This project marks a significant first for Prabhas, who will be seen playing the role of a cop for the first time in his career. Reports suggest his character will be fierce and intense. He will be joined by 'Animal' fame actress Tripti Dimri, who will play the female lead. The supporting cast includes notable names like Prakash Raj and Vivek Oberoi in key roles. The music for the film is being composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar.
A New Trend in Big-Budget Filmmaking
The early sale of OTT rights for 'Spirit' underscores a growing trend in Indian cinema, especially for big-ticket films. Securing a lucrative digital deal early in the production cycle provides a substantial financial cushion and de-risks the project for producers. It also highlights the immense value OTT platforms see in star-driven, high-concept projects from acclaimed directors.
With a powerhouse combination like Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga, 'Spirit' was always poised to be one of the most anticipated films. This record-breaking OTT deal only amplifies the buzz, confirming the industry's faith in its potential to be a monumental success both in theatres and on the digital front.
