Movies
NH Studioz becomes world’s largest holder of Tamil movies
MUMBAI: NH Studioz has raced to the top of global Tamil cinema ownership after acquiring 1,677 feature films from Columbia Video Films, the Malaysia-based distributor with one of the region’s most prized South Indian libraries. The deal hands NH Studioz complete negative and copyright control, marking one of the biggest single transfers of Tamil film IP to an Indian company.
Founded in the 1970s, Columbia Video Films built a formidable catalogue and distribution network across Southeast Asia, turning its library into a treasure trove of Tamil classics. The haul now landing with NH Studioz stretches across the golden eras of M.G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Jayalalithaa, Rajinikanth, Kamal Hassan, Ajith Kumar and Vijay, films that shaped the cultural identity of Tamil cinema and continue to enthral audiences.
NH Studioz director Shreyans Hirawat called the acquisition a cultural and commercial milestone. Tamil cinema’s global footprint, he said, makes preservation and worldwide distribution the company’s next priority, with restoration and platform-ready versions set to power TV, OTT, FAST channels and international syndication.
The grab lifts NH Studioz’s Tamil catalogue to 2,100 titles, cementing its position as the world’s biggest holder of Tamil films at a time when nostalgia-fuelled demand is surging across Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and diaspora markets. The firm plans to partner with free-to-air networks and digital platforms to bring these classics back into circulation and introduce new viewers to Tamil cinema’s roots.
NH Studioz will parade its expanded library at ATF 2025 in Singapore, inviting broadcasters and global buyers to tap into its multilingual vault. With this haul, the company isn’t just scaling up, it is turbocharging its march into the global content big league.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
