By Variety | Created at 2026-08-13 10:23:13 | Updated at 2026-08-13 14:54:55
5 hours ago
India’s Panorama Studios, the producer behind the Bollywood “Drishyam” franchise, has invested in Indian original stories vertical platform Rocket Reels, fueling the platform’s next phase of growth and global expansion.
Panorama Studios is chaired by veteran film producer Kumar Mangat Pathak and led by filmmaker and managing director Abhishek Pathak. The studio has built a slate that includes “Omkara,” “Special 26,” “Pyaar Ka Punchnama,” “Raid,” “Shaitaan” and the “Drishyam” franchise, earning more than 50 awards. Abhishek Pathak directed “Drishyam 2” and is directing and producing “Drishyam 3,” due in theaters Oct. 2.
Panorama Studios’ backing is expected to deepen Rocket Reels’ slate of programming, bolster its tech infrastructure and speed up output of new original series. The deal comes as vertical storytelling gains traction as one of digital entertainment’s fastest-growing formats.
Founded by Kranti Shanbhag, Rocket Reels was among the first movers in India’s vertical streaming category, building a catalog that ranges across thrillers, romance, crime, mystery, sci-fi, horror and comedy. The platform is built for viewers on mobile devices, packaging its stories into brief, emotionally charged episodes.
The platform offers stories in six Indian languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and Gujarati. It has also expanded beyond India and is now available in 10 countries, including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia, the U.A.E., Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal and South Africa.
Kumar Mangat Pathak, chair of Panorama Studios, said, “At Panorama Studios, we have always believed that compelling stories will find an audience, regardless of the format. Rocket Reels has built a strong platform that understands the evolving viewing habits of today’s digital-first consumers while staying rooted in quality storytelling.”
Abhishek Pathak, managing director of Panorama Studios, said viewing habits are shifting quickly and that vertical storytelling is becoming a major format for viewers who consume content primarily on their phones. “Rocket Reels has built an innovative platform backed by compelling storytelling and a clear vision for the future. We are excited to partner with them as they redefine short-form entertainment and expand their reach across India and global markets,” he said.
Kranti Shanbhag, founder of Rocket Reels, said the company set out from the start to tell engaging stories in a format built around how people actually live and consume media today. “Panorama Studios’ investment is a strong validation of that vision,” he said. “Their belief in our journey gives us the confidence and resources to create even more original, high-quality stories while expanding our reach across India and international markets.”
