Vikram Malhotra quits as COO Viacom18 Motion Pictures

Vikram Malhotra has resigned as Chief Operating Officer of Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the fully-integrated motion pictures studio under Viacom18, the JV between TV18 and the Viacom Inc.

Malhotra, who spent just over two years at Viacom18 Motion Pictures, will pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations.

Malhotra said, "I have had a personally fulfilling and proud time at Viacom18 Motion Pictures and am privileged to have lead a talented team that redefined many things in both production and distribution of Hindi as well as Hollywood films (marketing and distribution of Paramount movies)."

He will continue in his current capacity till July 2013, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. He was also heading the strategic distribution alliance with Paramount Pictures International.

Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO - Viacom18 Media Networks, said, "Vikram has admirably led the reboot of this business to put Viacom18 Motion Pictures amongst the top players in the industry. Over the last two years, we have had tremendous success, stretched the envelope and redefined the rules of Hindi Cinema, making critically acclaimed films that were commercial successful as well." He further added, "As he now ventures to pursue his entrepreneurial dream, I wish him all the success in his new venture. "

Over the last two years, Viacom18 Motion Pictures has had hits like 'Tanu Weds Manu', 'Pyaar Ka Punchnama', 'Shaitan'; and superhits like 'Kahaani', 'Gangs of Wasseypur', 'OMG - Oh My God!', 'Son of Sardaar' and the recently released 'Special 26' and 'Saheb Biwi Gangster Returns'.

Through its strategic alliance with Paramount Pictures, Viacom18 Motion Pictures also released some of the biggest Hollywood grosses in India, like 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' and 'Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol'.