Sippy Films' Multi-Format Strategy for Legacy IPs

Sippy Films, an Indian film studio, is implementing a comprehensive strategy to revitalize its legacy intellectual properties (IPs) such as “Sholay” and “Shaan.” This initiative, supported by Kuberans Tech Ventures, aims to expand these properties across various formats, including animation, microdramas, gaming, and merchandising. Shehzad Sippy, the custodian of Sippy Films, and Jeet Wagh, a director at Kuberans, emphasize the importance of engaging younger audiences through a multi-format approach that draws inspiration from successful Western character IP models and the Japanese anime industry.

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Sippy highlights the need for a diversified revenue model, stating, “Character led IP lends itself well to other streams of revenue, also not just that one weekend at the box office.” He cites the classic Disney model as a framework for their strategy, which has been largely absent in Indian cinema. The studio's focus on character IP aims to create a "wheel of monetization," where films serve as the primary driver, supplemented by various touchpoints such as gaming and merchandise.

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Wagh notes that traditional theatrical planning is becoming obsolete in the face of evolving content consumption patterns. He states, “That traditional thinking of ‘We are making an IP... has gone out of the window,” emphasizing the need for flexible content strategies that cater to multiple platforms. Sippy adds that the studio is actively developing new content, including origin stories and character introductions, with plans to announce a new feature film partnership by mid-2026.

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Sippy draws parallels between Sippy Films' strategy and the Japanese anime industry, which has successfully engaged global audiences. He recalls his experience with Gen Fukunaga, who introduced “Dragon Ball Z” to U.S. audiences, noting that the merchandising success often surpasses initial broadcast revenues. “The quality of the animation... that’s the secret sauce,” Sippy explains, highlighting the importance of maintaining high production values to attract younger viewers.

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The studio aims to foster multi-generational appeal through its content, ensuring that films resonate with both younger audiences and their families. Sippy states, “We hope to emulate that family-friendly content... where a mother, father, grandparent can come watch the film along with their kids and grandkids.” This holistic approach extends to various modes of consumption, including animation and Web3 platforms.

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Sippy Films is also involved in the restoration of “Sholay,” following the discovery of original materials in London. Discussions are underway for limited theatrical releases in North America and the U.K., alongside plans for a Criterion Blu-ray edition and streaming release. This restoration aligns with the studio's broader strategy to engage audiences with its legacy IPs while preparing for future content announcements.

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Sippy emphasizes the need to adapt to a new generation of viewers, stating, “We’re in 2026. We have a new young audience in this country. We have to rethink the approach.” Wagh reinforces this sentiment, noting the importance of creating content that fits various platforms and resonates with contemporary audiences.

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• “With specifically with character IP, how one approaches development and roll out of these things is it’s almost like a wheel of monetization that you and planning that you have to have,” — Shehzad Sippy, Custodian, Sippy Films

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• “The reason anime resonates across the world with young people is that even though culturally, the storylines are steeped in Japanese culture, the themes are universal,” — Shehzad Sippy, Custodian, Sippy Films

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• “Everything might not be a film or full fledged series.” — Jeet Wagh, Director, Kuberans Tech Ventures

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• “Not only through how we develop the content, but the modes of consumption, whether it’s animation or Web3. We want to take a holistic approach to how we are planning all these things.” — Shehzad Sippy, Custodian, Sippy Films

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