Deal between Netflix and Aamir Khan for the latter’s newly released movie, Laal Singh Chaddha, fell through. According to a source, the superstar asked the streaming behemoth for Rs. 150 crores. Aamir asked that Laal Singh Chaddha debut on Netflix six months after its theatrical debut after its theatrical release in China. After the movie fiasco, Netflix even lowered their offer to Rs. 50 crores from its initial offer of Rs. 80–90 crores. As a result, the agreement never happened since Aamir refused to accept that sum and demanded Rs. 125 crores as the ultimate payment.
The source had stated that Laal Singh Chaddha was all set to be released on Voot, which is backed by Network18, whose Viacom18 Studios also co-produced the big-budget saga.
Now, a source informed Bollywood Hungama, “Aamir Khan and Netflix officials resumed talks once again and this time, they were able to find a common ground. They realized that this deal could benefit both of them. For Aamir Khan, Netflix’s huge subscriber base around the world will help the film reach many corners of the globe. Netflix, meanwhile, learnt that Laal Singh Chaddha has done exceptional business overseas, which shows that the film has found acceptance among a section of the class audience. Moreover, Paramount Pictures, which runs Viacom18 Studios, has also promoted the film extensively. Aamir also is a known face in the West. Due to these factors, Netflix thought there’s sense in buying the film.”
Instead of the six-month window, it will probably now debut on Netflix eight weeks after its release.
At the end of the second weekend, Laal Singh Chaddha managed to earn USD 7.5 million (about Rs. 59.89 crores) in overseas markets. Bollywood movies that have performed better abroad than at home are uncommon. As of Monday, August 22, it had brought in Rs. 56.03 crores in India.
The source further tells BH, “As for the price, both parties came to a consensus. The streaming platform hasn’t offered Rs. 125 crores, which Aamir Khan demanded. At the same time, they didn’t even insist on Rs. 80 crores like before. The price is somewhere in the middle, and it has been kept as a secret. The price point is approx. Rs. 90 crores. The agreement is most likely to be signed this week and announcement will be made shortly.”
