AnalysisBoxoffy Intelligence
Boxoffy · Box Office Intelligence · Updated March 2026
Applause created India's prestige OTT drama market with Scam 1992 — still the highest-rated Indian show on IMDb at 9.6. Sameer Nair was STAR India CEO before founding Applause, which gives him unparalleled platform access. The pivot to theatrical with Imtiaz Ali's Main Vaapas Aaunga (Jun 2026) is the first time a pure-play streaming studio attempts a major theatrical release in India — the BO result will set a precedent.
Boxoffy Note
Applause is the only Indian studio with meaningful original content partnerships simultaneously active on SonyLIV, Amazon and Netflix — a three-platform presence no one else has managed.
ProfileStudio Profile
Founded
2018
Founder
Sameer Nair
Current Head
Sameer Nair
Headquarters
Mumbai
Languages
Hindi
Tier
PREMIUM
OTT Partner
SonyLIV · Amazon · Netflix
FilmographyKey Films
Scam 1992 (SonyLIV)
Scam 2003 (SonyLIV)
Rudra: The Edge of Darkness
Tabbar
Accused
Active IPFranchises & Cinematic Universes
Scam series
Pipeline2026 Slate & Upcoming
Main Vaapas Aaunga — Jun 12, 2026 · Dir. Imtiaz Ali · Applause's first major theatrical release · A landmark test case for OTT-first studios crossing into cinema
Scam 2025 / next Scam chapter — TBA · SonyLIV · The Scam franchise (1992, 2003) is Applause's most valuable IP · Next chapter in development
Multiple SonyLIV + Amazon + Netflix originals in active production · Three-platform presence unique in Indian streaming
FinanceEstimated Market Valuation
₹500–1,000 Cr
ESTIMATED
Estimated · Backed by Bodhi Tree Systems (James Murdoch + Uday Shankar); Scam franchise IP value
Corporate StructurePrivate Limited Company
ListedNo — private
Revenue ReferenceNot disclosed. Multi-OTT (SonyLIV, Amazon, Netflix) deals provide recurring revenue
CorporateOwnership & Corporate Structure
Sameer Nair
Founder & CEO
Ex-STAR India CEO
Significant stake
Bodhi Tree Systems
Strategic Investor
James Murdoch + Uday Shankar India media fund
Significant minority