Remember Phantom Films? The production company which was established by noted names like Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Madhu Mantena and Vikas Bahl gave Bollywood some of its best films in recent years – Lootera, Queen, Ugly, Masaan and NH10.
However, following allegations of sexual assault by a former Phantom Films employee against Bahl, the company announced its dissolution on the 5th of October 2018. The news was announced by Kashyap, Motwane and Mantena on Twitter.
Now, about three years after the statement was released on the microblogging platform, Kashyap, Bahl and Motwane have officially exited the company. It is being reported that Mantena has bought their shares.
Now, Phantom Films will be a joint venture with Madhu Mantena’s new company, Mad Men Ventures and Reliance Entertainment – both of the companies will hold 50 per cent stakes.
Phantom Films was renowned throughout the industry for their fantastic slate of movies and also for being a production house that was led by directors, ensuring that only deserving projects got the green-light.
“Vikas, Madhu, Anurag and I have decided to dissolve our partnership in Phantom and go our separate ways. It’s been the craziest, greatest journey and the most wonderful partnership of my life. My three partners have been my family through thick and thin and I can’t thank them enough for their love and support for the past seven years. I wish them nothing but the best on their individual journeys from here on and hope our paths will cross again in better times,” Motwane had shared following the dissolution the company.
Bahl was cleared of all charges of sexual assault after an internal probe was conducted by Reliance Entertainment.
“And all dreams come to an end. We did our best and we succeeded and we failed, but I know for sure we are all stronger and wiser and will continue to pursue our dreams in our own individual ways,” Kashyap had tweeted in 2018.
[Image Credit: Phantom Films]
ML Entertainment