After Dharma, Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment may sell its stake; Will YRF follow?

It was Pathaan that helped YRF survive after some of its high-budget movies like Shamshera and Samrat Prithviraj became big flops. Even mid-budget movies like Jayeshbhai Jordaar went flat at the box office which became a big cause of worry for the most esteemed production house of India. But then came Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone with an impressive cameo by Salman Khan as Tiger which brought the required revenue to help YRF stay afloat.

Although there have been reports of YRF and SRK engaging in corporate bookings for Pathaan, the movie still managed to earn enough to fund the new ventures of Yash Raj Films. While Pathaan came to the rescue of YRF, Karan Johar-led Dharma Productions had no such luck.

Its only good hit in the last few years is Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Most of its other OTT and theatrical releases have tanked badly. Even its last release titled Bad Newz featuring Vicky Kaushal and Triptii Dimri failed to become a hit. And that is why Dharma Productions was left with no other alternative but to sell out 50% of its stake to Adar Poonawalla.

Now there are reports that Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment is also planning to sell its major chunk to the international production banner Universal Studios. The latest buzz says that both Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani have been in talks with Comcast Corp’s Universal Studios. Despite being a leading production house, Excel Entertainment has failed to deliver big blockbusters albeit their movies have received critical acclaim. Films like Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, and Don and Don 2 received good responses. But many other movies like Drona, Agni, Lakshya, Phone Bhooth, and others were big flops.

So it is quite possible that Farhan and Ritesh might consider welcoming Universal Studios as its partner.

Will YRF follow suit?

Yash Raj Films has a few big line-ups including War 2 and Alpha that are under the production stage. They also have a few mid-budget movies like Mardaani 2 and mega-budget project like Pathaan 2 in the pipeline. But all the stakes are on War 2 which stars Hrithik Roshan , Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani in the lead. If War 2 and Alpha led by Alia Bhatt emerges as a huge blockbuster then YRF will be able to maintain its hold in Bollywood.

But if these big-budget movies fail to live up to the expectations they may be forced to collaborate with another partner.