From Tennis Courts to Film Studios: Vikram Malhotra's Unconventional Journey
Vikram Malhotra, the founder and chief executive officer of Abundantia Entertainment, never imagined a career in cinema during his early years. Born on 11 October, he shares a birthday with Amitabh Bachchan, which became his only esoteric connection to the film world. "Every birthday celebration involved reciting Bachchan dialogues or songs," Malhotra recalls, "but cinema as a profession seemed distant."
The Tennis Passion That Shaped His Perspective
Growing up across Rajasthan due to his father's transferable government job, Malhotra developed a deep passion for tennis. He played competitively for college, district, and state teams throughout the 1990s. "Tennis was my singular focus," he explains. "It taught me discipline, resilience, and how to play every point with intensity."
However, after completing his BCom, reality struck. "Tennis wasn't economically viable as a career in India at that time," Malhotra admits. This inflection point forced him to pivot toward more tangible opportunities, leading him to pursue an MBA in marketing from K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management in Mumbai.
The Corporate Foundation Before Entertainment
From 1999 to 2009, Malhotra built brands and businesses across diverse sectors:
- The UB Group (spirits, airlines, sports)
- Tata Communications (retail internet)
- SC Johnson—DraftFCB (FMCG)
"I had absolutely no media or entertainment experience," he confesses. His entry into films came through Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd, where he served as COO for 13 months, rebooting their movie business with successes like Once Upon a Time in Mumbai and The Dirty Picture.
The Outsider's Perspective in Indian Cinema
Malhotra's transition to Viacom18 Motion Pictures as COO further solidified his reputation as an industry outsider. "For 16 years, I've carried the label of being an outsider," he reveals. "Sometimes it's said directly to my face, mostly in hushed conversations."
He attributes this perception to the traditionally closed nature of the Indian film industry, where insiders from certain families and companies have dominated. "When you question norms and try unconventional approaches, resistance naturally follows," Malhotra observes.
Yet, he believes this outsider status became his greatest strength. "It allowed me to bring consumer learning from other industries and back unconventional projects," he says. At Viacom18, he contributed to successful ventures including:
- Kahaani
- Gangs of Wasseypur
- Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
- Queen
- Pyaar Ka Punchnama
Founding Abundantia Entertainment
In 2013, at age 38, Malhotra took a significant risk. With a pregnant wife, a two-year-old child, and a home loan, he left his stable job to found Abundantia Entertainment. "I realized my previous work had been semi-entrepreneurial," he explains. "The tennis mentality of taking calculated risks prepared me for this leap."
Abundantia quickly established itself with critically acclaimed films:
- Baby
- Airlift
- Toilet—Ek Prem Katha
- Sherni
The company became an early mover in streaming with Amazon Original Breathe in 2018, which spanned three seasons. Upcoming projects include book adaptations like Flawed—the Rise and Fall of India's Diamond Mogul Nirav Modi and Subedaar with Anil Kapoor through partner company Opening Image.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Content Creation
Abundantia recently launched its AI division, aION, to integrate artificial intelligence into their creative process. "AI acts as an amplifier in an under-researched industry," Malhotra asserts. "Audiences want entertainment—they don't care if it comes from AI, animation, or live action."
He cites Saiyaara as an example of content that succeeded by addressing younger audiences, demonstrating how data-informed decisions can complement creative instinct.
Debunking Industry Slump Narratives
Malhotra strongly challenges the notion that the entertainment business is struggling. "People are consuming more video and music than ever before," he counters. "Hindi cinema delivered bigger hits from 2022 to 2025, southern-language films gained wider audiences, and Hollywood continues investing in India."
He argues that audiences have simply become more discerning. "They avoid lowest common denominator content and genres where streaming offers better alternatives," Malhotra explains. "This perceived slump narrative damages the industry by discouraging risk-taking."
Abundantia has remained profitable for five consecutive years, with revenues consistently exceeding ₹200 crore. Projections for FY26 maintain this trajectory as the company explores capital raising for expansion.
The Personal Evolution: From Player to Patron
Now 50, Malhotra's tennis playing has reduced significantly due to family responsibilities and professional commitments. "As a father of three and company head, time is limited," he says with a smile. "Plus, once I'm on court, it's hard to get me off—'one more game' becomes my mantra."
His content preferences reflect his professional philosophy. He enjoys dramas set in business worlds and recently rewatched the third season of Peaky Blinders. "I'm impatient with content," Malhotra admits. "If something doesn't hook me immediately, I move on. In many ways, I am the audience—not a film school purist, but someone who enjoys engaging, entertaining content."
Through his unique journey from tennis courts to film studios, Vikram Malhotra continues to champion progressive, insight-based Indian stories for global audiences, proving that outsider perspectives can drive meaningful change in traditional industries.
