Warner Bros. Partners with Bhanushali Studios for Indian Film Adaptations

Warner Bros. Pictures has entered into a strategic partnership with Bhanushali Studios Limited (BSL) and JOAT Films to adapt five of its iconic film titles for the Indian market. This exclusive deal, announced on June 15, 2025, aims to reimagine these well-loved stories through the lens of Indian culture while maintaining their universal appeal. Warner Bros. will oversee worldwide distribution, adding a significant layer to its operations in the burgeoning Indian film industry.

The partnership marks a pivotal moment for Warner Bros., as the studio seeks to capitalize on the vibrant Indian film market, renowned for its diverse and sophisticated storytelling. According to Denzil Dias, Vice President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Pictures India, "India represents one of the world’s most vibrant and sophisticated film markets, with audiences who deeply appreciate authentic, locally rooted narratives. This partnership allows us to combine our storytelling heritage with exceptional local talent to create films that will resonate profoundly with Indian audiences while maintaining the universal appeal that defines great cinema."

Bhanushali Studios, founded by Vinod Bhanushali, has made significant strides in the Indian film landscape, particularly with the success of their film "Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai," which won five awards at the Filmfare OTT Awards, including Best Web Original Film. Bhanushali expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We’re incredibly excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures, a studio that has shaped cinematic history across generations. This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to reimagine the stories by Warner Bros. Pictures through an Indian creative lens, blending emotion, scale, and culture for audiences both at home and internationally."

Jack Nguyen of JOAT Films, who brings over three decades of industry experience and has an existing first-look deal with Warner Bros., will also contribute to the project. Nguyen emphasized the importance of selecting titles from Warner Bros.' extensive library that would resonate with Indian audiences. He stated, "I’m excited to partner with BSL to adapt Warner Bros. Pictures on titles that will resonate with Indian audiences."

The first adaptation is already in development, with further details on creative teams and production timelines expected soon. Warner Bros. had previously announced a Bollywood remake of "The Intern" in 2021, which has yet to materialize.

This strategic partnership underscores Warner Bros.' commitment to understanding and engaging with the Indian audience, which has shown increasing enthusiasm for films that reflect their cultural narratives. As the global film industry continues to evolve, this collaboration could set a precedent for future international partnerships aimed at localizing content to enhance its relatability and appeal.

In conclusion, the partnership between Warner Bros., Bhanushali Studios, and JOAT Films is poised to create a new wave of cinematic experiences that honor both the original themes of Warner Bros.' titles and the rich storytelling traditions of Indian cinema. This initiative not only signifies a strong business strategy but also highlights the importance of cultural representation in global film narratives.