Netflix, the popular video streaming service, would stream the critically acclaimed "The Tashkent Files" on its platform from next month, film director Vivek Agnihotri said.
"Netflix is scheduled to start streaming The Tashkent Files from next month," he told PTI.
The disclosure comes as the hindi film, based on the mysterious death of former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, celebrated 50 days of box office success.
Netflix had intended to release the movie on its platform on June 12, but did not go ahead as it was doing "extremely well" in cinema halls across India, Agnihotri said.
"Until the film runs in cinema halls, Netflix cannot showcase it," he added.
Noting that offers also came from many other streaming platforms including Amazon, Agnihotri said, he sold the rights to Netflix, which offered the best price.
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"Offers also came from Amazon and every other streaming entities, but I gave it to Netflix because it a classical and a cult film. I thought Netflix is the best platform to showcase it.
Also, they gave us the best price one can give to a small filmmaker like me," he said.
To a query on the price offered by the streaming giant, Agnihotri said he would not disclose exact figure, but it is certainly more than Rs 4 crore which was spent to make the film.
The film features classic actors like Naseeruddin Shah, Mithun Chakraborty, Pallavi Joshi to name a few.
The film is facing reduced number of screens every time a big-budget film hit the theatres.
The film was written off by critics, but for word of mouth and social mediawhich helped it continue its strong run at the box office.
"The film's success has been like the resurrection of Jesus Christ, considering everyone had decided to write off the film," he said.
Replying to another query on small budget films, Agnihotri said such films are hitting the bulls eye because empowered youngsters want to be connected with the reality, which they have not come across in their academic lives.
Small budget films, Agnihotri said, were making huge contributions in terms of net box office collection (NBOC).
'The Tashkent Files' has grossed Rs 18 crore as of today and in the next few days it will gross Rs 20 crore, he noted.
He further said it is the inclusion of the film in the curriculum of IIM-Ahmedabad as a case study that marks its success, more than the housefull shows.
"This film will set an example on how to market a film without actually marketing it," he added.
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