Raghavan Reboots "Johnny Gaddaar" Vibe for New Thriller

Filmmaker Sriram Raghavan is developing a new thriller with Matchbox Shots, aiming to capture the distinct tone of his 2007 neo-noir heist film, "Johnny Gaddaar." Raghavan confirmed he is working on multiple subjects, including a true crime adaptation and a fictional thriller for next year, marking two decades since "Johnny Gaddaar."

Matchbox Shots is experiencing significant growth, largely due to the global success of their Netflix war series, "Operation Safed Sagar." This has allowed them to expand their production slate, which also includes a second season of "Scoop" and new thrillers from directors Vasan Bala and Jasmeet Reen. The company aims to cater to a diverse audience with unique stories and genuine entertainment value.

The production house's breakout hit, "Andhadhun" (2018), grossed $62.4 million worldwide, with a significant portion coming from China. This success, alongside "Operation Safed Sagar" reaching No. 2 on Netflix's global non-English charts, highlights Matchbox's capability in delivering large-scale productions. They are also venturing into regional cinema with their first Malayalam film, "Thrishanku," and acquiring book rights for future projects.

Matchbox prioritizes stories with longevity, investing in development long before projects are greenlit. They maintain financial discipline, only greenlighting projects where creative intent and commercial potential align. The company is also exploring emerging formats like animation and AI-assisted production, while continuing to support theatrical releases.