Drishyam 3 row explained: Prime Video claims rights, what it means for producers?

Amazon Prime Video, on Thursday, declared that it holds the exclusive digital rights to the forthcoming Malayalam film Drishyam 3, featuring Mohanlal and directed by Jeethu Joseph. The streaming platform has warned the public and industry stakeholders against engaging in any digital distribution agreements related to the film without its authorisation.

According to the official notice, the platform acquired these rights through a valid agreement with Aashirvad Cinemas, and with it, the production house loses the rights to sell or licence the film.

Prime Video - Drishyam 3's digital rights row

In an official notice, Amazon Seller Services Private Limited asserted it is the sole and exclusive holder of all digital rights for Drishyam 3, including SVOD, TVOD, AVOD, FVOD, and EST rights. The statement clarified that no other party, including Aashirvad Cinemas – the film's production house - is authorised to commercially deal with the film’s digital rights.

Amazon cautioned that Aashirvad Cinemas and any of its assignees or licensees have no authority to sell, licence, or create any third-party interests over the digital rights of Drishyam 3. The platform warned that any transactions made contrary to this exclusivity would be at the risk and cost of the parties involved.

The notice further emphasised that Amazon reserves the right to initiate legal proceedings, including seeking injunctive relief and damages, against those infringing its exclusive rights or interfering with its contractual relationship concerning the film.

What is SVOD, TVOD, AVOD, FVOD and EST?

If you're wondering about the terms mentioned in the Prime Video notice, here's an explainer:

SVOD - Subscription Video on Demand

The user pays a monthly or yearly fee to the platform and can watch any movie or show that's available for the subscription plan.

TVOD - Transactional Video on Demand

The user is requested to pay per movie. Even if you have a monthly or yearly subscription plan, certain titles are drafted under TVOD. The user has to pay a sum to watch that one film. It resembles renting or buying the film for a watch for a certain period.

AVOD - Ad-supported Video on Demand

OTT platforms might or might not charge you or impose a subscription plan for certain films. But, the user will have to put up with the ads/commercials throughout the runtime of the film/show.

FVOD - Free Video on Demand

This essentially means the user can watch it without any subscription. The platform will take a call on the inclusion or exclusion of ads.

EST - Electronic Sell-Through

The user has the option to buy the movie by paying a sum to the platform. While it may sound like renting a film, the EST doesn't come with any expiry. In other terms, it's digital ownership, like owning a DVD in a physical format.

For Drishyam 3, Prime Video becomes the sole owner of all these rights.

All About Drishyam 3

Drishyam 3 is scheduled for a worldwide release on May 21, coinciding with Mohanlal’s birthday, after being postponed from its original April 2 date. Directed by Jeethu Joseph and produced by Antony Perumbavoor under Aashirvad Cinemas, the film is the third and final instalment of the Drishyam franchise, continuing the story of Georgekutty with returning cast members.

The film’s release and distribution remain closely watched by audiences and industry observers alike, given the franchise’s popularity and the legal caution issued by the digital rights' holder.