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Seven Screen Studio
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Seven Screen Studio is an Indian film production and distribution company headed by S. S. Lalit Kumar.[1][2]
Key Information
History
[edit]S. S. Lalit Kumar set up Chennai-based film production house Seven Screen Studio in 2017, before moving on to produce the Sasikumar-starrer Asuravadham (2018) and distribute 96 (2018) across Tamil Nadu. The film's initial projects were released with the name of Lalit's wife, Leela Lalitkumar.[3]
He subsequently went on to work on higher-profile projects, notably beginning with Lokesh Kanagaraj's Master (2021) featuring Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi in lead roles.[4][5] The release of the film was delayed multiple times owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Lalit Kumar often making announcements that the studio awaits a theatrical release rather than going to a streaming platform.[6][7]
In 2022, the studio has worked on ventures including Karthik Subbaraj's Mahaan and R. Ajay Gnanamuthu's Cobra, both featuring Vikram in the lead. It also produced Vignesh Shivan's Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara and Samantha.[8]
In 2023, it produced and distributed the most-expected action flick Leo, the second collaboration of Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj, the third installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. The film emerged as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023, the sixth highest-grossing Indian film of 2023, the highest-grossing Tamil film overseas and the highest-grossing film in Tamil Nadu.
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Film | Director | Cast | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Asuravadham | Maruthupandian | Sasikumar, Nandita Swetha | [9] |
| 2021 | Sarbath | Prabhakaran | Kathir, Soori, Rahasya Gorak | [10] |
| Tughlaq Durbar | Delhi Prasad Deenadayalan | Vijay Sethupathi, Raashii Khanna, Manjima Mohan, R. Parthiban | [11] | |
| 2022 | Mahaan | Karthik Subbaraj | Vikram, Dhruv Vikram, Simran | [12] |
| Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal | Vignesh Shivan | Vijay Sethupathi,Nayanthara, Samantha | [13] | |
| Cobra | R. Ajay Gnanamuthu | Vikram, Srinidhi Shetty, Irfan Pathan | [14] | |
| 2023 | Leo | Lokesh Kanagaraj | Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt | [15] |
| 2025 | Love Insurance Kompany † | Vignesh Shivan | Pradeep Ranganathan, Krithi Shetty, S. J. Suryah | [16] |
| TBA | Hi † | Vishnu Edavan | Kavin, Nayanthara | |
| Sirai † | Suresh Rajakumari | Vikram Prabhu, LK Akshay Kumar, Anishma Anilkumar |
As distributor
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "jayam ravi to act two films with Seven Screen studios Lalit Kumar". Behindwoods. 4 February 2022. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Lalit Kumar - Producer | Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal - Official cast and crew list". Behindwoods. 14 February 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "It's a wrap for Sasikumar's Asuravadham". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Vijay agrees to act in one of the future films under Lalit Kumar's production?". The Times of India. 21 May 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Thalapathy Vijay's 'Master' Co-Producer Demands Rs 25 Crore for Leaked Scenes From the Accused - Reports". ca.news.yahoo.com. 20 January 2021. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ Kollywood, Only (2 May 2020). "Master will directly come to theaters only: Producer Lalit". Only Kollywood. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Master's release depends on universal conduciveness: Producer Lalit Kumar". DT next. 2 November 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "'Cobra' producer Lalit Kumar surprises Ajay Gnanamuthu with a special cake; see PHOTO". The Times of India. 2 October 2020. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Asuravadham Movie Review {3/5}: If the film finally feels a little underwhelming, it is only because the initial portions are terrific". The Times of India. 29 June 2018. Archived from the original on 25 December 2022.
- ^ "Sarbath Movie Review: Kathir, Soori shine in a simple, no-frills comfort film". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Tughlaq Durbar Review: Tughlaq Durbar is largely entertaining". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Mahaan Review: Mahaan is a unique father-son drama". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal Review: Vijay Sethupathi, Samantha & Nayanthara's romcom with a dream combo manages to entertain only in parts". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 28 April 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Cobra Movie Review: Cobra is overwrought, overlong and over-indulgent". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ "Vijay's 'Thalapathy 67' goes for official announcement production underway". Economic Times. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ 7 Screen Studio [@7screenstudio] (14 December 2023). "Tweet" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 December 2023 – via Twitter.
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External links
[edit]Seven Screen Studio
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Overview
Founding and background
Seven Screen Studio was established in 2017 as a subsidiary of Kal Flick Private Limited in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.[11][12] The company was founded by S. S. Lalit Kumar, Leena Lalitkumar, and L. K. Vishnu Kumar, with S. S. Lalit Kumar serving as its head.[13][14][15] From its inception, Seven Screen Studio aimed to produce and distribute quality Tamil films independently, emphasizing emotion, creativity, and technology in its projects.[1] Affiliated with the Tamil film industry, the studio decided to concentrate on mid-budget to high-profile productions to build a strong presence in the regional cinema landscape.[13]Operations and focus
Seven Screen Studio functions as an independent production and distribution entity headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with a primary emphasis on Tamil cinema, also known as Kollywood.[1] The company specializes in feature films that prioritize quality storytelling, blending emotion, creativity, and advanced technology to deliver mid-to-large scale productions designed for pan-Indian appeal.[1] Its distribution strategy centers on managing theatrical releases predominantly within Tamil Nadu, while selectively acquiring and handling overseas rights to broaden market reach.[1] This approach allows the studio to maintain control over key regional markets while exploring international opportunities for its content. Complementing its operations, Seven Screen Studio employs integrated digital promotion tactics across social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, to engage audiences and build anticipation for upcoming releases.[1] This multifaceted focus underscores the company's commitment to innovative filmmaking and effective market positioning in the competitive Tamil film industry.History
Early development (2017–2018)
Following its establishment in 2017, Seven Screen Studio initiated launch activities by setting up its operations and production facilities in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to support independent filmmaking in the regional industry.[1] The studio marked its entry into production with the thriller Asuravadham (2018), directed by M. Maruthupandian and starring M. Sasikumar in the lead role as a man pursued by a mysterious threat.[16] Produced on a modest scale, the film was released on June 29, 2018, and focused on themes of revenge and suspense, showcasing the studio's initial foray into content-driven narratives.[17] In parallel, Seven Screen Studio expanded into distribution by handling the Tamil Nadu theatrical release of the romantic drama 96 (2018), directed by C. Prem Kumar and featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha Krishnan.[18] The film, which explored themes of unfulfilled love through a school reunion, garnered widespread critical acclaim for its poignant screenplay, performances, and the soundtrack by Govind Vasantha, contributing significantly to the studio's early reputation. These debut endeavors were undertaken amid budget constraints typical for emerging production houses and intense competition from longstanding Tamil studios, yet they laid the groundwork for the company's growth in the industry.[19]Growth phase (2019–2021)
During 2019–2020, Seven Screen Studio began a strategic shift toward higher-profile collaborations in the Tamil film industry, moving beyond smaller-scale productions to partner on more ambitious projects. A key example was the studio's acquisition of worldwide distribution rights for Master, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Vijay, which represented a significant step in aligning with established talents. This partnership with Kanagaraj laid the foundation for ongoing collaborations, including future Vijay-led films.[8][20] The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 severely disrupted operations, leading to widespread delays in filming and releases across the Tamil cinema sector. For Seven Screen Studio, Master—originally slated for an April 2020 theatrical debut—was postponed multiple times due to lockdowns and theater closures, ultimately premiering in January 2021 with restricted 50% occupancy in Tamil Nadu cinemas. To mitigate these challenges, the studio pivoted to enhanced digital promotion strategies, including teaser launches and social media campaigns, while securing lucrative OTT deals; for instance, Netflix acquired Master's streaming rights ahead of its theatrical run.[20][21] In 2021, amid ongoing pandemic restrictions, Seven Screen Studio released several mid-tier projects that underscored its adaptability. The studio produced Sarbath, a comedy-drama directed by Prabhakaran and starring Kathir and Soori, which debuted on Colors Tamil and select OTT platforms in April, bypassing traditional theaters to reach audiences digitally. Similarly, Tughlaq Durbar, a political satire written and directed by Delhi Prasad Deenadayalan featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Raashi Khanna, was produced by the studio and premiered on Sun TV in September, followed by a release on Netflix, capitalizing on the surge in streaming viewership. These releases helped consolidate the studio's presence in the evolving post-pandemic landscape.[22][23] The distribution of Master proved to be a pivotal commercial breakthrough for Seven Screen Studio, emerging as one of the first major Tamil releases to revitalize theaters after COVID-19 restrictions eased and drawing massive audiences with its action-packed narrative and star power. This success not only boosted the studio's reputation but also strengthened ties with Kanagaraj, positioning Seven Screen Studio for expanded roles in high-stakes productions.[24]Recent successes (2022–present)
In 2022, Seven Screen Studio marked a significant surge in its production output with the release of three major Tamil films: Mahaan, directed by Karthik Subbaraj and starring Vikram; Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal, a romantic comedy helmed by Vignesh Shivan featuring Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu; and Cobra, a psychological action thriller by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu starring Vikram.[25][26] These projects showcased the studio's versatility in genres ranging from drama to romance and action, building on its earlier momentum from collaborations like Master. Concurrently, the company expanded its distribution arm by securing Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for high-profile Vijay-starrer Varisu, directed by Vamshi Paidipally, which further solidified its presence in the commercial Tamil film market.[27] The year 2023 represented a milestone for Seven Screen Studio with the production and distribution of Leo, an action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Vijay, Trisha Krishnan, and Sanjay Dutt, as well as the distribution of Vaathi, an educational action film starring Dhanush, in Tamil Nadu. As the third installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, Leo achieved record-breaking status upon its release, becoming one of the most successful Tamil films in terms of opening day performance and global reach for an Indian production that year.[28][5] The film's multi-language release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam underscored the studio's growing pan-Indian ambitions, extending its footprint beyond regional boundaries. Following Leo, Seven Screen Studio has deepened its involvement in pan-Indian projects through multi-language dubbing and wider theatrical distributions, while maintaining a close professional partnership with Vijay, including distribution of his films despite unsubstantiated rumors of direct ownership ties—the company remains headed by producer S. S. Lalit Kumar. In adapting to evolving market dynamics, the studio has secured prominent streaming deals, such as Netflix acquiring digital rights for Leo in a landmark agreement for South Indian cinema, and pursued international market expansion with releases in overseas territories.[29] Recent announcements include new productions like Sirai (2025), starring Vikram Prabhu and directed by Suresh Rajakumari, and the upcoming romantic comedy Love Insurance Kompany (LIK), directed by Vignesh Shivan and starring Pradeep Ranganathan and Krithi Shetty.[30] In early 2026, Seven Screen Studio expanded into film exhibition with the opening of Seven Screen Cinemas, a multiplex owned by producer S. S. Lalit Kumar, located at Sky Hub opposite the Kilambakkam bus terminal in Chennai. The venue features five screens with over 1,300 seats and launched with screenings of the studio's notable productions Master and Leo. This development signifies the company's diversification into theatre ownership, further enhancing its integrated presence in the Tamil film industry.[31][32]Leadership
Key executives
S. S. Lalit Kumar serves as the founder and head of Seven Screen Studio, where he oversees the company's production and distribution activities. With a background in the film industry through Kal Flick Private Limited—of which Seven Screen Studio operates as a unit—Kumar has directed the studio's strategic initiatives since its inception.[33] Kumar has been instrumental in securing distribution rights for major Tamil films, particularly those starring Thalapathy Vijay, including the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for Varisu (2023) and serving as distributor for Master (2021).[4][21] Under his leadership, the studio has expanded into high-profile, big-budget productions such as Leo (2023), which he produced.[34] Leena Lalitkumar manages the creative and financial aspects of the studio's operations. She has been directly involved in key projects, including bankrolling the production of Asuravadham (2018) under the Seven Screen Studio banner.[13] L. K. Vishnu Kumar handles the technical and operational logistics for the company. He has contributed as co-producer on recent films like Love Insurance Kompany (2025), collaborating with partners such as Nayanthara and S. S. Lalit Kumar.[35]Company structure
Seven Screen Studio is structured as a private limited company operating as a unit under its parent entity, Kal Flick Private Limited.[36] Kal Flick Private Limited maintains full ownership of Seven Screen Studio, with no other major subsidiaries noted in available records.[36] The studio's departments, including those for production, distribution, marketing, and legal functions, are based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.[1]Filmography
Productions
Seven Screen Studio's productions span a range of genres, including action thrillers, dramas, and romantic comedies, often featuring original screenplays developed in collaboration with prominent Tamil directors. The studio has handled full production responsibilities—from scripting and financing to post-production—for the following films, emphasizing innovative storytelling and mid-to-high budget investments that reflect their growing scale. Asuravadham (2018): This action thriller, directed by Maruthupandian and starring Sasikumar, marked the studio's debut production. It explored themes of vengeance and psychological tension through an original screenplay, produced on a modest budget to launch the studio's focus on character-driven narratives. Sarbath (2021): Directed by Prabhakaran and featuring Kathir and Soori, this coming-of-age drama highlighted youthful friendships and life's uncertainties with a light-hearted yet poignant original script. As a mid-budget project, it showcased the studio's commitment to relatable, ensemble-driven stories during the early growth phase. Tughlaq Durbar (2021): Vijay Sethupathi's political satire, helmed by Delhi Prasad Deenadayalan, was an original screenplay blending humor and social commentary on power dynamics. Produced on a moderate budget, it exemplified the studio's exploration of satirical elements in Tamil cinema. Mahaan (2022): Karthik Subbaraj's directorial effort starred Vikram in a multi-generational drama about legacy and redemption, based on an original screenplay that delved into philosophical undertones. This mid-to-high budget production highlighted the studio's support for auteur-driven projects with intricate narratives. Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal (2022): A romantic comedy directed by Vignesh Shivan, starring Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, featured an original screenplay tackling polyamory with witty dialogue and ensemble chemistry. Produced on a mid-budget scale, it demonstrated the studio's versatility in handling feel-good, relationship-focused films. Cobra (2022): Directed by R. Ajay Gnanamuthu and led by Vikram, this action thriller incorporated unique elements like music and math puzzles into its original screenplay, weaving a tale of identity and pursuit. As a higher-budget endeavor, it underscored the studio's investment in genre-blending visuals and technical innovation. Leo (2023): Lokesh Kanagaraj's high-octane action film, starring Vijay, Sanjay Dutt, and Trisha Krishnan, was built on an original screenplay expanding a cinematic universe with intense chase sequences and emotional depth. This high-budget production represented the studio's pinnacle in financing ambitious, star-driven spectacles.[37] Looking ahead, the studio has announced upcoming productions including Love Insurance Kompany (2025), a science fiction romantic comedy directed by Vignesh Shivan and starring Pradeep Ranganathan, which promises a fresh take on love in a tech-dominated world through its original concept. Additionally, Sirai, an intense thriller starring Vikram Prabhu and L.K. Akshay Kumar, is in development, focusing on gripping interpersonal conflicts via an original narrative.[38][39]Distributions
Seven Screen Studio's distribution efforts primarily center on acquiring theatrical rights in Tamil Nadu for high-profile Tamil films, with selective expansions into digital streaming and overseas markets. The company has established itself as a key player in handling releases for star-driven projects, particularly those featuring actors like Vijay and Vijay Sethupathi, by securing rights through competitive minimum guarantee (MG) deals and bidding processes. This approach allows the studio to leverage regional audience preferences for action and drama genres while managing release logistics in a fragmented market.[40] A notable early distribution was the 2018 romantic drama 96, directed by C. Prem Kumar and starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha. Seven Screen Studio acquired the Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for the film, produced by Madras Enterprises, enabling a strong regional rollout that contributed to its critical and commercial success as a sleeper hit. This deal marked the studio's entry into distributing external content, focusing on emotionally resonant narratives to build audience goodwill in core Tamil markets.[41] In 2021, the studio expanded its scope by acquiring worldwide distribution rights for Master, an action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Vijay, originally produced by XB Film Creators. This acquisition occurred amid intense bidding wars, where Seven Screen Studio outmaneuvered competitors to secure both theatrical and digital rights, including dubbed versions for Telugu-speaking audiences. The move highlighted the company's strategy of investing in pan-Indian appeal for Vijay-led films, facilitating releases across Tamil Nadu, overseas territories, and streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video.[42] Building on this momentum, Seven Screen Studio obtained Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for the 2023 family action drama Varisu, directed by Vamshi Paidipally and again starring Vijay, through a high-value MG agreement with producers Sri Venkateswara Creations. This partnership extended to coordinating dubbed Telugu versions for broader South Indian reach, underscoring the studio's focus on Vijay's star power to dominate Pongal festival slots. Such selective rights acquisitions, often involving partnerships for dubbing and overseas deals, reflect a targeted model that prioritizes profitability in Tamil Nadu while minimizing full-scale production risks.[4][27] The studio also acquired Tamil Nadu theatrical rights for Vaathi (2023), an educational action drama directed by Venky Atluri and starring Dhanush, produced by Sithara Entertainments. This distribution deal supported the film's release during the Pongal season, contributing to its commercial performance in the region.[5]Impact and achievements
Box office performance
Seven Screen Studio's projects have demonstrated a trajectory of increasing commercial success, with early releases yielding modest but profitable returns and later releases achieving blockbuster status. The studio's debut major release, 96 (2018), grossed approximately ₹54 crore worldwide on a low budget, marking it as a profitable venture despite its limited scale.[43] By contrast, subsequent films like Master (2021) collected ₹223 crore worldwide, establishing the studio's growing box office prowess.[44] The pinnacle of this performance came with Leo (2023), which amassed ₹605.25 crore worldwide, positioning it as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023 and the sixth highest-grossing Indian film that year.[45] Other key releases, such as Cobra (2022), earned ₹58.86 crore worldwide, reflecting a mid-tier success amid mixed market reception.[46] Overall, the studio's portfolio shifted from modest returns in 2018—primarily driven by regional appeal—to blockbuster dominance by 2023.[47] This evolution has been fueled by strategic factors, including the star power of Vijay in high-profile films like Master and Leo, which leveraged his massive fanbase to drive openings exceeding ₹140 crore on debut days.[45] Releases timed for major festivals, such as Pongal for Master and Diwali for Leo, further amplified earnings by capitalizing on heightened audience turnout and holiday premiums.[48]| Film | Release Year | Worldwide Gross (₹ Cr) | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 2018 | 54 | Profitable low-budget hit |
| Master | 2021 | 223 | Highest Tamil grosser of 2021 |
| Cobra | 2022 | 58.86 | Mid-tier performer |
| Leo | 2023 | 605.25 | Highest Tamil film of 2023 |