Panorama Studios, the renowned Indian production house behind the immensely successful “Drishyam” franchise, has made a significant strategic investment in Rocket Reels, an innovative Indian platform dedicated to original vertical stories. This infusion of capital is poised to propel Rocket Reels into its next phase of expansion, both domestically within India and across international markets.
Panorama Studios, under the esteemed chairmanship of veteran film producer Kumar Mangat Pathak and the dynamic leadership of filmmaker and managing director Abhishek Pathak, boasts an impressive portfolio of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. Their extensive filmography includes cinematic gems such as “Omkara,” “Special 26,” “Pyaar Ka Punchnama,” “Raid,” and “Shaitaan,” alongside the hugely popular “Drishyam” series. This stellar body of work has garnered the studio over 50 awards, solidifying its reputation for producing high-quality entertainment. Abhishek Pathak himself directed the blockbuster “Drishyam 2” and is currently at the helm of “Drishyam 3,” which is eagerly anticipated for its release on October 2.
The investment from Panorama Studios is expected to significantly enhance Rocket Reels’ content offerings, allowing for a deeper and more diverse slate of programming. Furthermore, it will facilitate crucial improvements to the platform’s technological infrastructure and accelerate the production of new original series. This strategic move comes at a time when vertical storytelling is experiencing a surge in popularity, emerging as one of the fastest-growing formats within the digital entertainment landscape.
Rocket Reels, founded by Kranti Shanbhag, has been a pioneering force in India’s vertical streaming sector. The platform has meticulously built a compelling catalog that spans a wide array of genres, including gripping thrillers, heartwarming romances, intricate crime narratives, baffling mysteries, imaginative sci-fi, chilling horror, and hilarious comedies. Designed specifically for mobile device users, Rocket Reels delivers its narratives in concise, emotionally resonant episodes, perfectly catering to contemporary viewing habits.
The platform’s commitment to linguistic diversity is evident in its offering of stories in six prominent Indian languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati. Beyond its strong domestic presence, Rocket Reels has successfully broadened its reach globally, now accessible in 10 countries. This international footprint includes key markets such as the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, the U.A.E., Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal, and South Africa.
Kumar Mangat Pathak, the chairman of Panorama Studios, expressed his firm belief in the enduring power of storytelling, stating that compelling narratives will always resonate with audiences, regardless of their format. He lauded Rocket Reels for establishing a robust platform that astutely comprehends the evolving consumption patterns of today’s digital-native consumers while maintaining a steadfast commitment to exceptional storytelling.
Abhishek Pathak, managing director of Panorama Studios, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the rapid shift in viewing habits and recognizing vertical storytelling as a pivotal format for audiences who primarily engage with content on their mobile phones. He praised Rocket Reels for its innovative platform, backed by engaging narratives and a clear forward-looking vision. Pathak conveyed his enthusiasm for the partnership, anticipating that it will redefine short-form entertainment and expand their collective reach across both Indian and global markets.
Kranti Shanbhag, the visionary founder of Rocket Reels, articulated the company’s foundational goal: to craft captivating stories in a format that seamlessly integrates with modern lifestyles and media consumption habits. He underscored that Panorama Studios’ investment serves as a powerful validation of this core vision. Shanbhag conveyed that this partnership instills immense confidence and provides the necessary resources to create an even greater volume of original, high-quality stories while simultaneously extending Rocket Reels’ footprint throughout India and into international territories.
