With theatres shuttered due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a large number of filmmakers are opting for a direct to digital release for their movies. So far, only those filmmakers were in talks with OTT platforms whose films were complete in all aspects. But the latest we hear that filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar’s superhero film with Katrina Kaif has been acquired by Netflix even before its commencement.
A leading entertainment portal reports that Ali Abbas Zafar has planned to develop his superhero flick into a franchise. The untitled film will initially have two parts. Now, Netflix has come onboard to bankroll the ambitious project.
“Yes, Netflix has acquired the film, and it will now be developed as a Netflix movie. Earlier Ronnie Screwvala was producing the film under his banner, but with the COVID-19 lockdown playing havoc, the OTT platform has now taken over,” a well-placed source informs the website.
The source goes on to add that with Netflix coming onboards as producer, the movie will be made in two parts. “Ali was always planning on making the superhero film into a franchise. But now with Netflix taking over, the film will be made in two parts.”
We also hear that the film will be shot on a lavish scale and several international technicians are expected to be hired so that Netflix can make it for the global audience. “With Netflix now backing the project, the streaming major wants to ensure that the movie lives up to international standards and will be pulling out all stops to achieve this. The plan is to appeal to the global audiences with this film,” says the source in conclusion.
Ali Abbas Zafar is expected to start working on the high-profile project after the lockdown is lifted. Meanwhile, he is gearing up for the premiere of his much-awaited webseries, tentatively titled Dilli. Starring Saif Ali Khan in the lead role, the series is scheduled to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
