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Reliance’s Jio Studios Buys Majority Stake in Sikhya Entertainment

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Reliance’s Jio Studios Buys Majority Stake in Sikhya Entertainment
03 Feb 2026
4 min read

News Synopsis

Reliance Industries-backed Jio Studios has taken a significant step to strengthen its foothold in creator-driven and globally acclaimed cinema. The studio has acquired a majority stake in Sikhya Entertainment, one of India’s most internationally recognised production houses, marking a strategic move to blend creative excellence with large-scale distribution.

Reliance’s Jio Studios Buys Majority Stake in Sikhya Entertainment

Reliance Industries-backed Jio Studios has acquired a 50.1 per cent stake in Sikhya Entertainment Private Limited for ₹150 crore, signalling a decisive push to expand its presence in creator-led, globally recognised film content.

The transaction has been executed through Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (RSBVL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries, and involves a mix of primary and secondary investments.

Strategic Investment Through Reliance Group Arm

Deal Structure and Investment Details

The investment allows Jio Studios to gain a controlling stake while ensuring Sikhya Entertainment continues operating as a creatively independent production house. The deal underlines Reliance’s growing focus on premium storytelling with global appeal, especially as Indian cinema gains increasing international recognition.

Sikhya Entertainment’s Global and National Recognition

Founded by producers Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain, Sikhya Entertainment has earned a unique position in Indian cinema.

Academy Awards and National Honours

Sikhya is the only Indian production house to have won two Academy Awards, for:

  • 'Period. End of Sentence.'

  • 'The Elephant Whisperers'

In addition, its films have won multiple National Film Awards, including:

  • 'Masaan'

  • 'Soorarai Pottru'

  • 'Kathal'

Other notable films from Sikhya’s slate include 'The Lunchbox', 'Pagglait', and 'Kill'.

The company is widely respected for championing independent filmmakers and producing multi-language content that resonates with both critics and mainstream audiences.

Why the Deal Makes Sense for Jio Studios

Blending Scale With Content-Driven Cinema

For Jio Studios, the acquisition fits into its broader vision of combining commercial scale with strong storytelling. The studio has previously backed successful franchises like 'Stree', along with acclaimed films such as 'Laapataa Ladies' and 'Dhurandhar'.

By partnering with Sikhya Entertainment, Jio Studios gains access to a proven creative pipeline while offering robust distribution, marketing, and platform reach.

Leadership Speaks on the Partnership

Jio Studios’ Vision for Global Reach

Jyoti Deshpande, president of Jio Studios, said the partnership would bring together Sikhya’s creative track record and Jio Studios’ distribution and platform capabilities, with a focus on expanding the reach of Indian films.

Sikhya’s Founders on Creative Independence

Sikhya’s founders stated that the partnership would allow the company to retain creative independence while benefiting from wider distribution networks and global platforms, and continue working with emerging talent across regions and languages.

What This Means for Indian Cinema

The deal reflects a growing trend where large media and conglomerates are investing in content-first production houses to meet rising demand across cinemas, OTT platforms, and international markets. With this acquisition, Jio Studios positions itself as a major force in shaping the next phase of Indian storytelling on a global stage.

TWN Special