Toxic OTT rights may still be unsold: Inside makers' ambitious gamble that failed
Yash's Toxic has suffered a steep post-release setback, with its OTT rights reportedly still unsold following its disappointing theatrical run. The film, which was expected to command a deal of over Rs 200 crore, is now reportedly receiving offers as low as Rs 30 crore.
Yash-led Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups is reportedly facing another setback after its disappointing theatrical run, with the film’s OTT rights yet to find a buyer. The makers, who were reportedly seeking more than Rs 200 crore for the digital deal, are now said to be facing significantly lower offers.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic hit theatres on August 26 and has collected Rs 337.80 crore worldwide so far. The film crossed the Rs 300-crore mark globally in 13 days, but its box-office performance is considered underwhelming given its massive scale and reported high budget.
Makers reportedly sought over Rs 200 crore
The film’s post-theatrical strategy was reportedly built around the expectation that Toxic would emerge as a major theatrical success. The makers are said to have believed that a strong box-office performance would help them command a premium price from streaming platforms.
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the team had received an offer of around Rs 150 crore from two leading streaming platforms but reportedly chose not to accept it, seeking a figure of Rs 200 crore instead.
The decision was reportedly driven by the belief that Yash’s star power and the film’s theatrical prospects would push its digital valuation higher.
OTT offers have reportedly dropped sharply
However, Toxic did not deliver the blockbuster theatrical run that the makers had anticipated. Since its release, the film has received negative reviews from all quarters. As a result, streaming platforms are now reportedly unwilling to meet the original asking price.
The report claims that offers for the film’s post-theatrical streaming rights across languages have fallen to as low as Rs 30 crore. Zee5 is reportedly said to have made the highest offer so far. This marks a significant gap from the Rs 200 crore-plus valuation that the makers were initially targeting.
New OTT cut being considered?
The film’s satellite rights are also reportedly unlikely to provide substantial recovery, with its adult-oriented storytelling said to be a potential hurdle for television.
Amid the situation, the makers are reportedly considering a separate edit for the OTT release. The idea is to rework the film for its digital premiere in the hope of attracting a better offer and reducing the losses. However, an official confirmation is still awaited.
Toxic struggles after theatrical release
Toxic, directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Yash in the lead, released in theatres on August 26. Despite considerable pre-release buzz, the film has reportedly struggled to maintain momentum after its opening.
With its theatrical performance falling short of expectations and its digital deal yet to be finalised, the OTT business has now emerged as another significant challenge for the makers.