Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups is reportedly facing another setback after its theatrical performance fell short of expectations, with its OTT rights yet to be finalised. The makers were reportedly hoping to secure more than ₹200 crore from the digital rights deal. However, streaming platforms are now said to be offering substantially lower amounts following the film's underwhelming box-office run.
Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic was released in theatres on August 26 and has reportedly earned ₹337.80 crore worldwide. Although the film crossed the ₹300-crore mark globally, its performance has been considered disappointing in relation to its reported production scale and expectations surrounding Yash's star power. The film's reception and declining momentum are believed to have affected its prospects in the post-theatrical market.
The makers had reportedly expected the film's theatrical performance to strengthen its value among streaming platforms. According to reports, the team had previously received an offer of around ₹150 crore from two major streaming services but chose not to accept it while seeking a deal exceeding ₹200 crore. The decision was reportedly based on expectations that strong theatrical earnings would allow the film to command a higher digital valuation.
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However, those expectations appear to have changed following the film's theatrical run. Reports indicate that offers for its post-theatrical streaming rights across languages have dropped considerably, with some bids reportedly reaching as low as ₹30 crore. Zee5 is said to have made the highest offer so far, although the exact terms of any potential deal have not been officially confirmed.
The film's satellite rights could also face challenges because of its adult-oriented storytelling, which may limit its appeal for conventional television broadcasting. Amid the difficulties, the makers are reportedly considering creating a separate version of Toxic for its OTT release. Such an edit could potentially address concerns surrounding the film's digital presentation and help improve its prospects with streaming platforms.
Toxic was among the highly anticipated releases surrounding Yash, particularly because of its large-scale production and Geetu Mohandas' direction. Despite considerable pre-release attention, the film has struggled to sustain its theatrical momentum. With its digital rights still reportedly unresolved and additional revenue streams facing uncertainty, the makers now appear to be navigating a challenging post-release phase.
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