In a significant development surrounding one of Indian cinema’s most successful thriller franchises, the Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Prime Video, temporarily restraining Aashirvad Cinemas from selling the OTT rights of Drishyam 3 to any third party.
The ex-parte order, issued by Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, comes in response to a petition filed by Amazon Seller Services. The company asserted that a 2020 agreement gives it preferential rights over all future films in the Drishyam series, including the much-anticipated third instalment.
“Till the next date of hearing, the Respondents are restrained from creating or otherwise dealing with any third-party rights in respect of the non-linear internet-based rights in the film tentatively titled Drishyam 3,” reads an excerpt from the court’s order, as quoted by Bar and Bench.
The injunction specifically applies to digital streaming rights across formats, including the Malayalam original, its dubbed versions, and even the Hindi adaptation, making it a sweeping protective measure for Amazon’s claimed stake in the franchise.
A Contractual Clash Behind the Scenes
At the heart of the dispute lies a clause in the 2020 agreement that reportedly grants Amazon the exclusive first right to negotiate licensing deals for any future Drishyam project. The same clause also bars the production house from entering into parallel negotiations with other platforms while discussions with Amazon are ongoing.
Trouble began when Aashirvad Cinemas allegedly chose to explore alternative offers despite ongoing negotiations, a move that Amazon claims violates the terms of their agreement. In response, the streaming giant approached the court under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, seeking urgent interim protection for its commercial interests.
The Drishyam franchise, headlined in Malayalam by Mohanlal and created by filmmaker Jeethu Joseph, has grown into a pan-Indian phenomenon. Its Hindi remake, starring Ajay Devgn, has further expanded its reach, making the digital rights for its next chapter a highly valuable asset in the streaming wars.
Given the franchise’s massive following and proven box office as well as OTT success, the stakes surrounding Drishyam 3 are understandably high. Industry insiders note that such pre-release rights deals often involve intense bidding, especially when it comes to established IPs with cross-language appeal.
Settlement Talks Underway
Interestingly, the legal battle may not stretch too far. During a recent follow-up hearing, the court was informed that both parties are now in active discussions to resolve the matter amicably. A potential settlement could be reached within the next two weeks, suggesting that the dispute might conclude without prolonged litigation.
Until then, the court’s injunction remains in place, effectively freezing any attempt by Aashirvad Cinemas to monetise the film’s OTT rights outside of its negotiations with Amazon. The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for May 15, which could either formalise a settlement or determine the next phase of legal proceedings.
For now, Drishyam 3 finds itself at the intersection of cinema and corporate strategy, a reminder that behind every blockbuster lies a complex web of contracts, negotiations, and high-stakes decisions. Whether this ends in a courtroom verdict or a handshake agreement, one thing is certain: the battle for Drishyam is as gripping off-screen as it is on it.
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