Vikram Malhotra quits Viacom18 Motion Pictures

Viacom18 Motion Pictures, India's premier fully-integrated motion pictures studio, today announced the resignation of its Chief Operating Officer - Vikram Malhotra. Having spent a little over 2 years at Viacom18 Motion Pictures, Vikram will leave to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations. He will continue in his current capacity till July 2013, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Vikram also headed the strategic distribution alliance with Paramount Pictures International.

Announcing Vikram's departure, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO - Viacom18 Media Networks, said, "Vikram has admirably led the reboot of this business to put Viacom18 Motion Pictures amongst the top players in the industry. Over the last two years, we have had tremendous success, stretched the envelope and redefined the rules of Hindi Cinema, making critically acclaimed films that were commercial successful as well. We have an impressive line up ahead with movies like CHASHME BADDOOR, BHAAG MILKA BHAAG, MADRAS CAFE and BOSS." He further added, "As he now ventures out to pursue his entrepreneurial dream, I wish him all the success in his new venture."

Commenting on the development, Vikram added, "I have had a personally fulfilling and proud time at Viacom18 Motion Pictures and am privileged to have lead a talented team that redefined many a things in both production and distribution of Hindi as well as Hollywood films (marketing and distribution of Paramount movies)." He added further, "I am excited to now pursue my own dream and aspiration in the same space."

Over the last two years, Viacom18 Motion Pictures has had hits like TANU WEDS MANU, PYAAR KA PUNCHNAMA, SHAITAN; and superhits like KAHAANI, GANGS OF WASSEYPUR, OMG - OH MY GOD!, SON OF SARDAAR and the recently released SPECIAL 26 AND SAHEB BIWI GANGSTER RETURNS. Through its strategic alliance with Paramount Pictures, Viacom18 Motion Pictures also released some of the biggest Hollywood grosses in India, like TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE GHOST PROTOCOL.

The year started on a great note for Viacom18 Motion Pictures, with the studio sweeping all film awards with KAHAANI and GANGS OF WASSEYPUR and also notching up an impressive tally of 5 National Awards, announced yesterday.