BY SACNILK

Netflix South has set the stage for an electrifying year, pulling back the curtain on its star-dusted Tamil movie slate for 2026. In what has become an exciting Pongal tradition, the streaming giant has revealed a lineup brimming with the industry's biggest names, visionary directors, and stories that promise to captivate audiences both locally and globally. Featuring multiple projects from superstars Suriya and Dhanush, and eagerly awaited films from Karthi and Jayam Ravi, this announcement signals a massive year for Tamil cinema on the global stage. Following their theatrical runs, these films will be available exclusively on Netflix. 1.S 46 - Suriya The buzz around this film is palpable, as it pairs the formidable Suriya with Telugu director Venky Atluri. Titled 'S 46' for now, the project is touted as a grand family entertainer, and the inclusion of Premalu fame Mamitha Baiju has only amplified the anticipation. The film delves into the unique relationship between a 45-year-old business tycoon, played by Suriya, and a 20-year-old young woman, portrayed by Mamitha Baiju. Suriya is set to embody a rich, intense character, with reports suggesting his portrayal will have shades reminiscent of his iconic Sanjay Ramaswamy role from Ghajini. However, the narrative aims to move beyond a sensational romance, focusing instead on themes of companionship, emotional maturity, and mentorship. Described as a proper happy family film.Produced by Naga Vamsi of Sithara Entertainments in collaboration with Fortune Four Cinemas, the film is expected to hit theaters in the summer of 2026. 2.S 47 - Suriya Suriya continues his double domination of the slate with his 47th film, teaming up with Aavesham-fame director Jithu Madhavan for what is being described as a quirky action-comedy thriller. This project will see Suriya returning to the khaki uniform as a steely police officer who, after being suspended for failing to catch a suspect, moves to Kerala to pursue the case. The exciting twist is that he is accompanied by an incompetent team, setting the stage for a narrative aptly described as a serious crime hunt with a not-so-serious team. The film promises a unique blend of intense, action-packed crime-thriller elements with a comedic tone, focusing on cultural conflicts and chaotic situations. Joining Suriya are Nazriya Nazim as the female lead and Naslen, who makes his much-anticipated Tamil debut in a pivotal role. Produced by Zhagaram Studios and Jyotika, with music by the acclaimed Sushin Shyam, the film officially went on floors in December 2025, making it one of the most keenly watched productions on the list. 3.Marshal - Karthi Karthi is set to star in Marshal, a highly anticipated pirate-themed period action-adventure. The film will be helmed by director Tamizh, who received critical acclaim for his hard-hitting debut, Taanakkaran. Set against the unique backdrop of Rameswaram in the 1960s and 70s, the narrative will focus on a gripping tale of power, rebellion, and transformation involving sea pirates. This project promises to blend intense action, drama, and escapism in a setting that is refreshingly new for Tamil cinema. Produced by the renowned Dream Warrior Pictures, the film boasts a large ensemble cast that includes Kalyani Priyadarshan, Sathyaraj, and Prabhu. Production is actively ongoing, with major schedules already completed in locations like Trichy and Rameswaram. 4.Kara - Dhanush After the phenomenal success of Karnan, the announcement of any Dhanush film creates waves, and his 54th film, now officially titled Kara, is no exception. This film sees Dhanush joining forces with Vignesh Raja, the director of the acclaimed thriller Por Thozhil, for what is being described as a high-octane action entertainer and a raw and gritty suspense thriller. The story, described as a violent survival drama, focuses on Dhanush's character, Karasaami, who is pushed to the edge and must navigate a dangerous path to protect his loved ones, seemingly paying the price for his past actions. The film's intense glimpse and its tagline, Sometimes staying dangerous is the only way to stay alive, strongly suggest a narrative driven by the theme of karma. The film features a powerful ensemble cast including Mamitha Baiju as the female lead, alongside KS Ravikumar, Jayaram, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Karunas, and Prithvi Pandiarajan, with music by the acclaimed GV Prakash Kumar. Produced by Dr. Ishari K Ganesh for Vels Film International, Kara is set for a Summer 2026 release, solidifying its place as one of the year's most anticipated cinematic events. 5.D55 - Dhanush Dhanush's second entry on the slate is his 55th film, a highly anticipated action movie to be directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, known for his work on Amaran. The project has generated immense excitement as reports confirm that Sai Pallavi is set to star opposite Dhanush, marking a spectacular reunion for the iconic Rowdy Baby duo from Maari 2. After some changes behind the scenes, the film is now being produced by Wunderbar Studios. With music rumored to be composed by Sai Abhyankkar, this action-packed venture is slated for a 2026 release, and the prospect of seeing the electric on-screen chemistry between Dhanush and Sai Pallavi once again has made it one of the most eagerly awaited films in this lineup. 6.Bro Code - Jayam Ravi Jayam Ravi stars in Bro Code, an upcoming action-comedy directed by Karthik Yogi, known for his work on Dikkiloona. Marking his debut as a producer under his new banner, Ravi Mohan Studios, Jayam Ravi has assembled a powerhouse cast, starring alongside the versatile S.J. Suryah and acclaimed Malayalam actor Arjun Ashokan. The film has already generated significant buzz with its unique Speak Easy promotional style, which hints at a narrative centered on male perspectives within marriage, friendship, and rebellion. The impressive ensemble also includes Shraddha Srinath, Gouri Priya, and noted Marathi actor Upendra Limaye, with music composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar. 7.Idhayam Murali - Atharva Atharva takes the lead in Idhayam Murali, a film that beautifully borrows its title from his father, the beloved actor Murali, promising a heartfelt love story with a nostalgic feel. The project is a romantic-drama directed by Aakash Baskaran, with celebrated music composer S. Thaman handling the score. Following its title announcement and teaser release in early 2025, the film has been slated for a Valentine's Day 2026 release. The movie also features a talented supporting cast including Preity Mukhundhan, Kayadu Lohar, and Niharika NM, building anticipation for what is set to be a touching cinematic experience. 8.With Love - Abishan The upcoming romantic drama With Love will introduce the fresh pairing of Abishan Jeevinth and Anaswara Rajan. Helmed by debutant director Madhan, the film is set to explore modern relationships, focusing on quiet, tender, and grounded narratives of intimacy and emotional connection. Produced by Soundarya Rajinikanth under her banner Zion Films, in association with MRP Entertainment, the project features music by the talented Sean Roldan. This heartfelt exploration of love in everyday life represents Netflix's commitment to new voices and is planned for a February 2026 release. 9.An Ordinary Man - Yogi Babu Celebrated comedian Yogi Babu steps into the lead role in An Ordinary Man, a film that also marks the directorial debut of popular actor Ravi Mohan (Jayam Ravi). Produced under Ravi Mohan's own banner, Ravi Mohan Studios, the film is a comedy centered on an ordinary man's first-ever trip abroad. Director Ravi Mohan has shared that the core idea was sparked by Yogi Babu's simple, everyday look, inspiring a story about finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. The plot is expected to be a laugh riot, creating a classic fish-out-of-water scenario as Yogi Babu's character navigates the challenges and humorous situations of international travel. The project is highly anticipated as it will showcase Yogi Babu's extensive acting range in a pivotal, character-driven role, promising a story that is both relatable and hilarious. 10.AGS 28 - Arjun Action King Arjun Sarja headlines this project from the renowned production house AGS Entertainment, tentatively titled AGS 28. The film is a family entertainer that skillfully blends action with drama, centering on a family trained to protect the vulnerable who become a dangerous force against their oppressors. The project marks the much-anticipated directorial debut of Subash K. Raj, a former assistant to Love Today director Pradeep Ranganathan. The film features a strong cast with Arjun Sarja alongside Abhirami and Preithy Mukundhan, supported by actors like Vivek Prasanna, John Kokken, and Dileepan. Adding to the immense anticipation, the film's music is being composed by Ravi Basrur, of KGF fame, in his much-awaited Tamil debut. 11.Gatta Kusthi 2 - Vishnu Vishal Following the roaring success of the 2022 sports-comedy, Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi are set to return for Gatta Kusthi 2. The sequel, which will also be directed by Chella Ayyavu, is officially in the works, though a release date has not been confirmed. It is expected to explore the next chapter in the lead couple's life, promising more of the unique mix of wrestling, humor, and drama that made the original a massive hit. 12.Dayangaram - VJ Sidhu Popular TV anchor and personality VJ Sidhu takes on both the lead role and directing duties for the deeply personal film, Dayangaram. The movie is based on his own life journey, focusing on themes of youth, identity, friendship, and dreams. Audiences can expect a blend of humor, emotion, and modern storytelling as the film chronicles his struggles and eventual rise within the entertainment industry. Produced by the acclaimed Ishari K. Ganesh for Vels Film International, the film features music by Siddhu Kumar and a supporting cast that includes Ilavarasu, Nithin Sathya, and Harshath Khan, making his transition from hosting to filmmaking one of the most intriguing debuts to watch for.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, January 17 - Amid growing speculations in Hollywood, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has addressed concerns surrounding the theatrical future of Warner Bros. movies should the merger move forward. His clarification comes at a time when industry stakeholders, particularly exhibitors, have been wary of streaming giants shortening theatrical windows. Speaking about Netflix's approach, Sarandos made it clear that Warner Bros. films would continue to enjoy a proper theatrical run, in line with current industry standards. He stressed that Netflix has no intention of bypassing cinemas or rushing films to streaming, adding that the company recognises the financial and cultural importance of the box office ecosystem. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to Sarandos, the widely followed 45-day theatrical window remains the preferred model for big studio releases, including Warner Bros. titles. Emphasising Netflix's competitive mindset, he noted that the company wants its films to succeed in cinemas, stating that winning at the box office is just as important as performing well on streaming platforms. The clarification is significant, as speculation had intensified over fears that Netflix might adopt a much shorter theatrical window if it gained greater control over Warner Bros. content. Sarandos's comments are being viewed as a reassurance to filmmakers, theatre owners, and audiences that the traditional theatrical experience will not be compromised, even as streaming continues to play a major role in the global film industry. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, January 16 - Director Aanand L. Rai's much-anticipated romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein, starring Dhanush and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles, is all set for its digital release after its successful theatrical run. It marks Dhanush's third film with Rai after Raanjhana and Atrangi Re. Tere Ishk Mein, which hit cinemas in late 2025, drew attention for its intense love story, soulful music, and the fresh on-screen pairing of the two National Award-winning performers. The movie emerged hit at the box office with the worldwide gross collection of 162 crores, including 139 crores gross in India. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After completing its run on the big screen, Tere Ishk Mein is scheduled to premiere on January 23, 2026, on Netflix in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, for free of cost for the streamer's subscribers. Viewers will be able to watch the film from the comfort of their homes once it drops digitally, making it easily accessible to audiences across India and overseas. The film marks Dhanush's return to Hindi cinema under Aanand L. Rai's direction after Raanjhanaa and Atrangi Re, while Kriti Sanon steps into a layered, emotionally driven role that has been widely discussed since the film's release. Set against a strong emotional backdrop, Tere Ishk Mein explores themes of love, longing, and heartbreak, supported by A.R. Rahman's music. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, January 2 - Netflix may have, once again, left a lot of money on the table by not giving one of its most popular series, Stranger Things 5, a proper theatrical release. The final episode of this sci-fi show was released on December 31st, with limited fan screenings across North America. In October this year, Netflix announced that the final episode of Stranger Things would be having fans screenings in the domestic market. The finale was set to screen in just over 350 theatres across the U.S. and Canada on December 31, 2025, and January 1, 2026, but due to increasing demand, the number jumped to 620+ theatres. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Technically, there are no box office numbers for these screenings. Because of residual and distribution complications tied to TV series, theatres are charging seat reservation fees (around $20 at AMC), which are then converted into concession vouchers. So, there were no ticket sales via a traditional online platform, so the actual grosses are unknown. However, according to the trade estimated figures, over 1.5 million reservations were made for the Stranger Things finale, and with a $20 million average ticket price, or a reservation fee, it could mean at least $25 million and upto $30 million in just 1 and a half days, and that too, despite the series being availble on streamer with no extra cost. By comparison, 20th Century Studios' Avatar: Fire and Ash, the No. 1 grossing film of the season, made a combined $23.7M over New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Netflix has been a hardcore anti-cinema OTT platform, and because of its stubborn approach, trade has time and again said that the streamer has been leaving plenty of money it could have made by releasing its movies or shows on the big screens. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, January 2 - The series finale of Netflix's sci-fi horror drama Stranger Things 5 has left fans across the world debating one crucial question: what really happened to Eleven (EL), played by Millie Bobby Brown? After an emotionally charged ending, viewers were left stunned, emotional, and searching for clarity about the fate of the show's most iconic character. An Ending That Sparked Endless Questions In the final moments of Stranger Things 5, also the final season of Netflix's one of the most globally celebrated shows, Eleven appears to make the ultimate sacrifice to stop the Upside Down once and for all. The sequence is intense and heartbreaking, strongly suggesting that she may have died while saving Hawkins and her friends. There is no conventional confirmation, no funeral, no body, only silence and grief from those she left behind. At that point, many might have believed that El is dead, until the final epilogue, which fuels hope and leaves viewers wondering if she is still alive or actually dead. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Set 18 months later, after El vanished, the surviving characters gather to play D&D and reflect on everything they have lost and gained. A hopeful story is shared by Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), one that suggests Eleven may have escaped and is living somewhere far away, free from the horrors of the Upside Down, in peace she never had. What the Duffer Brothers Say Addressing the speculation, the Duffer Brothers have clarified that Eleven's fate was intentionally left ambiguous. According to them, there is no explicit on-screen confirmation of her death, nor is there a definitive reveal that she survived. The creators explained that they wanted the finale to resonate emotionally rather than provide a simple yes-or-no answer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While they refused to give a simple yes or no answer, they explained that it was important for Eleven to go so that other characters could move. The idea, they say, was to allow viewers to decide what they want to believe, whether Eleven perished as a hero or found a way to live on beyond Hawkins. The Duffers have stressed that a straightforward resurrection or clear survival would have undercut the themes of the show. The final season is about growing up, loss, and accepting change. Leaving Eleven's fate open-ended allows the story to end on an emotional, reflective note rather than a conventional happy ending. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, December 28 - Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi's Haq, hailed as one of the best films of the year, is gearing up for its digital release after a decent outing in theatres. Directed by Suparn Verma, the hard-hitting courtroom drama will start streaming on Netflix from January 2, 2026. Haq follows the story of Shah Bano, a woman who seeks legal redress after her husband marries another woman. The narrative explores her pursuit of justice and the complex intersection of personal faith, social customs, and constitutional law. Through courtroom arguments and testimonies, the film examines how legal systems interpret women's rights within the framework of religious and civil law. OTT Release This Week Dec 29 to Jan 4: Your Ultimate Guide to New Movies & Web Series Produced by Vineet Jain, Vishal Gurnani, Juhi Parekh Mehta and Harman Baweja under the banners Junglee Pictures, Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, respectively, Haq was released on November 7 amid raving reviews. The film has been hailed for its sensible take on the controversial subject, with high praise towards Yami Gautam and Emraan Hashmi. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film has a decent outing at the box office with a worldwide gross collection of around 30 crores. Despite not flying high at the box office, the positive reception among the critics and audiences is expected to help the film bring in viewership upon its OTT release. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, December — One of the most loved web shows, Stranger Things, hits an unexpected rough patch for Netflix. Episode 7 of Season 5, the penultimate chapter titled The Bridge, has triggered massive backlash online, turning into what many are calling a nightmare for Netflix just days before the series finale. Soon after release, ST5 witnessed an unprecedented drop in audience ratings across major platforms. It became the lowest-rated season in the show's history, a shocking development for a show that has enjoyed near-universal acclaim over the years. For a penultimate episode, typically designed to peak tension and hype, the response was far below expectations. One of the biggest concerns for Netflix is the clear review bombing that followed Volume 2's release. Thousands of one-star ratings flooded IMDb and other platforms within hours, particularly for episode 7. This sudden surge in negative reactions significantly dragged down the episode's overall score and dominated online discourse. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) A backlash campaign for the show seemed to ignite after the sci-fi horror thriller series' penultimate episode, The Bridge, which features a scene in which Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) comes out as gay to his friends. The lengthy monologue came as the Hawkins gang geared up to face Vecna, the big bad from the Upside Down. The Bridge is now the lowest-rated episode of the entire Stranger Things show on IMDb, with a score of 5.4 out of 10. (It's the only episode below a 7.8, with most ranging between 8.6 and 9.2.) More than 96,000 users reviewed The Bridge episode on IMDb, while fewer than 50,000 people have rated most other episodes this season. The backlash for episode 7 has particularly been in the USA, where over 7K users gave 1-star ratings, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4K users. In India, 1.5K users have reviewed the episode with 1-star ratings. The recent episodes have dragged the season's Rotten Tomatoes score from the 70s down to 56%, a stark decline from the show's previous seasons. (For reference, the Season 4 Popcornmeter sits at 89%, Season 3 at 86%, Season 2 at 90% and Season 1 at 96%.) (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Why This Is a Nightmare for Netflix For Netflix, the situation is particularly damaging because Stranger Things is one of its flagship global brands. The backlash arrived right before the series finale, which might harm the overall viewership on the platform and also its box office prospects (the final episode will have a theatrical release in North America). The show's finale is scheduled to release on New Year's Eve, and as said, will have limited theatrical release. In India, it will drop on Netflix on January 1st at 6 AM. All eyes are now on Episode 8, and how the audience perceives it. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Hyderabad, December 24 - Maverick director SS Rajamouli's Baahubali: The Epic, the single part cut of his path-breaking Baahubali duology, had a release in October last week this year. The action drama has been one of the most talked about Indian re-releases, and didn't disappoint with a record-breaking box office run, even though the film didn't perform to the level of high expectations. Starring Prabhas in the title role alongside Rana Daggubati, Anushka Shetty, Ramya Krishnan, Nasser, Sathya Raj, and Tamannah Bhatia, among others, Baahubali: The Epic grossed over 50 crores worldwide and became the highest-grossing Indian re-release of all time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) After its successful theatrical run, the 3-hour and 40-minute-long blockbuster is now set for its OTT release. According to the latest update, Baahubali: The Epic will start streaming on Netflix from December 25, coinciding with the Christmas festival. While almost every South Indian film arrives on OTT after 4 weeks, The Epic will stream after 56 days of theatrical run. The digital response of this Prabhas-led epic is eagerly awaited, as Rajamouli's last film, RRR, was a massive blockbuster for Netflix with one of the highest digital viewership ever for an Indian film. However, it needs to be seen if the audience is still excited for the story they already know. Released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Baahubali: The Beginning (2015), The Epic is a re-edited and remastered single-film version of the two-part epic saga, The Beginning (2015) and The Conclusion (2017), combining footage from both films with technical enhancements and a previously unreleased scene. The film follows Sivudu, a young warrior raised in a tribal village, who learns of his royal heritage and aims to liberate the kingdom of Mahishmati from its oppressive ruler. His journey involves conflicts, alliances, and revelations about the kingdom's past. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, December 17 - Dharma Productions' Homebound gets closer to the prestigious Oscar after the hard-hitting drama film was shortlisted in the Best International Feature category for the Oscars 2026. The film will be competing with 14 other international titles. The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2025, and reportedly received a nine–minute standing ovation following the screening. It was released theatrically on 26 September 2025 to critical acclaim; however, it failed to create any magic at the box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Following its theatrical release, Homebound was made available to stream online after 8 weeks. The film was released on the OTT platform Netflix on November 21, 2025. Despite the critical acclaim, the movie failed to draw much viewership on OTT as well, with only 1.3 million views in the first week. The makers are hoping that the Oscars buzz might bring some attention to the film, which needs to be seen Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor in leading roles, Homebound follow two childhood friends from a small village in North India who dream of becoming police officers, hoping the job will bring them the respect they never had. However, as they come closer to their goal, pressure and struggles create problems in their friendship. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Hyderabad, December 15 - Exactly a month ago, director SS Rajamouli officially unveiled the world of his next film Varanasi during a grand event in Hyderabad. Starring Mahesh Babu alongside Priyanka Chopra and Prithviraj Sukumaran, will hit the big screen in the summer of 2027 around the world in multiple languages. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With still over a year left before the release, there is a lot of word pending regarding Varansi, but the trade is already buzzing with the endless possibilities the movie can bring to the table. Amid the immense theatrical potential, the film's digital rights are already being negotiated. According to the latest Telugu media reports, Netflix is showing keen interest in acquiring post-theatrical streaming rights of Varanasi. While there is no confirmed update regarding the deal, the buzz suggests that the makers are quoting 25% higher price than Pushpa 2 - The Rule, which was sold for around 275 crores as the biggest OTT deal for an Indian film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Regardless of what the final deal will be, Varanasi is expected to fetch the record price. The streamer had a massive success with Rajamouli's RRR, which was trending on Netflix for months after its premiere. Unlike RRR, for which Netflix acquired only the Hindi version, the streamer is expected to lock the deal for Varanasi for all versions. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, December 9 - Ranveer Singh's much-awaited spy action thriller Dhurandhar is turning out to be a major box office winner despite the familiar noise surrounding it. After a power-packed opening weekend, the film witnessed an exceptional Monday hold, hinting that it will enjoy a long theatrical run with strong momentum. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Amid the theatrical success, it has been learned that Dhurandhar has closed its post-theatrical streaming deal with Netflix. As per a report by Bollywood Hungama, the streaming giant has paid a career-best 130 crore for a Ranveer Singh film, marking one of the biggest OTT purchases for a Bollywood title in recent times At a time when the OTT market is not booming in India, this record post-theatrical streaming deal is huge. However, this deal reportedly includes both parts of Dhurandhar, with the second part scheduled to release on March 19, 2026. So it can be said that streaming rights were sold for around 65 crores each. Avatar 3 Scores Golden Globe Nomination For BO Achievement Even Before Release: How Did It Happen? This deal would have been a lottery had it been for just one part, but it feels quite underwhelming given the first part's success and the massive potential of Dhurandhar 2. Also, there have been mid-range films which struck higher OTT deals than Dhurandhar's 65 crores one-part price. Sure, those movies performed well at the box office, but so did Dhurandhar. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) There might be some hidden clauses or performance-linked bonuses, we don't know yet. But if it is going to be as it is, the current structure seems like a major win for Netflix, potentially more than for the makers, despite the overall record price. With trade circles already expecting Dhurandhar 2 to surpass the first instalment in scale and earnings, the OTT valuation feels somewhat underwhelming unless more details about the deal surface. Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, December 8 - A few days after Netflix won the bidding war to acquire Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, and HBO Max for $82 billion, David Ellison-led Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile offer to acquire all of Warner Bros. Discovery for $30 per share. According to Paramount (via Variety), its all-cash offer equates to an enterprise value of $108.4 billion. In contrast, the Netflix proposal deal is valued at $27.75/share in a mix of cash ($23.25) and stock ($4.50), subject to a collar and the future performance of Netflix, equating to an enterprise value of $82.7 billion (excluding the TV biz), per Paramount. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Paramount sharply criticised the Netflix deal, calling it uncertain, inferior, and burdened by long regulatory timelines. "Paramount's strategically and financially compelling offer to WBD shareholders provides a superior alternative to the Netflix transaction, which offers inferior and uncertain value and exposes WBD shareholders to a protracted multi-jurisdictional regulatory clearance process with an uncertain outcome, along with a complex and volatile mix of equity and cash," the company said. This move follows months of Ellison's attempts to acquire WBD. His earlier trio of bids, including an $23.50/share offer (80% cash, 20% stock), were rejected by the WBD board in October. On December 1, Paramount returned with a renewed all-cash offer of $30/share, but the board instead selected Netflix's proposal for the studio and streaming assets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) On Monday, the Paramount CEO said in a statement, "WBD shareholders deserve an opportunity to consider our superior all-cash offer for their shares in the entire company. Our public offer, which is on the same terms we provided to the Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors in private, provides superior value and a more certain and quicker path to completion. We believe the WBD Board of Directors is pursuing an inferior proposal, which exposes shareholders to a mix of cash and stock, an uncertain future trading value of the Global Networks linear cable business and a challenging regulatory approval process. We are taking our offer directly to shareholders to allow them to act in their own best interests and maximise the value of their shares." To take its case directly to investors, Paramount launched a new website, strongerhollywood.com, offering detailed breakdowns of the proposal and attacking the Netflix alternative. The company claims its acquisition could be completed in 12 months, compared to Netflix's 12–18 month expected window, conditional on regulatory approval. Stay tuned...