CineNow Ltd Secures 1,350-Crore Fund to Finance Indian Films Through Slate-Based Investment Model

CineNow Ltd, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, announced on 14 June 2026 that it is closing a ₹1,350‑crore (approximately US$17 million) fund. The fund has attracted commitments from overseas investors and family offices and will be used to finance more than 30 Indian film and content projects over a six‑year period.

The fund is structured as a Secured Participation Fund that gives investors exposure to a curated slate of films rather than a single title. Capital is backed by enforceable rights across multiple revenue streams, including over‑the‑top (OTT) platforms, satellite television, music licensing and other ancillary income. Founder‑director Rohit Dalmia told the Press Trust of India that the model “builds a new category at the intersection of finance, entertainment and technology” and that it will create a platform where global capital and creative opportunity can converge within a disciplined, professionally managed environment.

CineNow has also recruited Oscar‑winning sound designer Resul Pookutty as a founding member of its strategic council, alongside producer Abhay Sinha. According to Dalmia, the council’s role is to ensure that Indian cinema IP receives a structured, multi‑stage financial approach that “ensures sustained value and leverage.” The company claims that its slate‑based portfolios, staged capital deployment and value‑timed exits disrupt traditional financing methods used in the Indian film industry.

A key innovation highlighted by CineNow is the use of tokenisation. The firm is applying a technology‑led framework that tokenises participation in its investment platform, thereby enhancing liquidity, transparency and accessibility. Tokenisation, the company says, bridges traditional entertainment finance with next‑generation digital capital markets while keeping intellectual property ownership with creators and production partners.

CineNow’s long‑term mandate is to support a diverse range of genres and languages. The company plans to invest in more than 30 films and content properties, providing capital that is deployed in stages aligned with production milestones. The fund’s six‑year tenure is intended to match the typical development cycle of Indian feature films, from pre‑production through release and post‑release revenue streams.

The fund’s closure follows a broader trend of increased foreign investment in Indian cinema. In 2024, Indian box‑office receipts reached ₹11,833 crore, and the industry has been attracting overseas capital for co‑production and distribution deals. CineNow’s model offers a new vehicle for investors who want exposure to Indian IP without taking on the risks of a single film.

CineNow’s British Virgin Islands registration places it under the jurisdiction of the BVI Business Companies Act, which is known for its modern corporate statutes and low tax regime. The company’s structure is designed to facilitate cross‑border investment while complying with international financial regulations.

At present, CineNow has secured the majority of the ₹1,350‑crore commitment and is preparing to close the fund in the coming weeks. The company will begin deploying capital to its first slate of projects in the next quarter, with the first investments expected to be announced in early 2027.

The fund’s launch marks a significant development in the financing of Indian cinema, offering a structured, technology‑enabled alternative to traditional film financing models.