Amazon Asserts Digital Dominance: A Formal Warning Over “Drishyam 3” Rights
In a move that has sent ripples through the South Indian film industry, Amazon Seller Services Private Limited has issued a high-profile “Public Notice” regarding the digital rights of the upcoming Malayalam film, Drishyam 3. The notice serves as a preemptive legal strike, designed to protect Amazon’s multi-million dollar investment and ensure that no other entity—be it a satellite channel or a rival streaming platform—attempts to claim a piece of the digital pie.
The Core of the Dispute
The notice clarifies that, based on existing agreements between Aashirvad Cinemas (the production house headed by Antony Perumbavoor) and Amazon, the latter is now the “sole and exclusive holder” of all digital rights. This isn’t just about a standard streaming release; the notice explicitly covers a wide range of distribution models, including:
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SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand)
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TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand/Rentals)
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AVOD (Advertising-based Video on Demand)
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EST (Electronic Sell-Through)
By listing these specific acronyms, Amazon is effectively building a “digital fortress” around the film.
A Warning to Third Parties
Perhaps the most striking part of the notice is the “caution” issued to the public and other industry stakeholders. It states that Aashirvad Cinemas no longer has the authority to sell or license digital rights to anyone else. Amazon warns that any person or platform dealing with the film’s digital rights in contravention of this exclusivity will do so at their “own risk, cost, and consequences.”
“Amazon reserves the right to initiate appropriate legal proceedings, including seeking injunctive relief and damages, against any party found to be infringing upon its exclusive rights.”
Why Drishyam 3 Matters
The Drishyam franchise, directed by Jeethu Joseph and starring the legendary Mohanlal, is a global phenomenon. After the record-breaking success of Drishyam 2—which notably bypassed a theatrical release to premiere directly on Amazon Prime Video during the pandemic—the value of the third installment has skyrocketed.
For Amazon, securing Drishyam 3 isn’t just about content; it’s about maintaining its grip on the Malayalam market, which has become a powerhouse for “quality-driven” cinema in India. This public notice ensures that while fans wait for Georgekutty’s return, the business side of the mystery is already solved.