MUMBAI: Viacom18 Motion Pictures COO Vikram Malhotra has today announced his resignation.
The production house behind big films like ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, ‘Son of Sardaar’ and others, Viacom18 Motion Pictures’ most recent films include ‘Special Chabbis’ and ‘Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster Returns’.
Vikram Malhotra has been at the helm of affairs for over two years has successfully headlined projects like Akshay kumar’s ‘OMG- Oh My God’, Vidya Balan starrer ‘Kahaani’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and ‘Shaitan’; and has also released Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Transformers: Dark of The Moon’ and ‘Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol’ in India.
At such an illustrious time for the production house, which has only grown from strength to strength in the past two years, Malhotra’s resignation has come as a shocker.
When we reached out to Vikram Malhotra, he confirmed the development himself, and also stated that he would be on board as COO until July 2013, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for his successor. He revealed that he has quit with a view to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations.
Speaking to businessofcinema.com, Vikram Malhotra said, “I am excited to now pursue my own dream and aspiration in the same space. As of now, we have released the news of my resignation, but unfortunately I can’t share the details of my upcoming entrepreneurial venture as yet, as we are still firming up the plans. What I can reveal is that the new venture will be in the motion pictures and digital space itself, and will follow an independent model.”
Speaking about his tenure at Viacom18 motion Pictures, he added, “I have had a personally fulfilling and proud time at Viacom18 Motion Pictures and am privileged to have lead a talented team that redefined many a things in both production and distribution of Hindi as well as Hollywood films (marketing and distribution of Paramount movies).”
Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats was all praises as he said: “Vikram has admirably led the reboot of this business to put Viacom18 Motion Pictures amongst the top players in the industry. Over the last two years, we have had tremendous success, stretched the envelope and redefined the rules of Hindi Cinema, making critically acclaimed films that were commercially successful as well. We have an impressive line up ahead with movies like ‘Chashme Baddoor’, ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’, ‘Madras Cafe’ and ‘Boss’. As he now ventures out to pursue his entrepreneurial dream, I wish him all the success in his new venture.”
