The next phase for SVF is about expanding beyond boundaries: Mahendra Soni

For three decades, SVF (Shree Venkatesh Films) has been the driving force behind Bengali entertainment, shaping the industry across films, music, theaters, brand solutions, and digital content. What started as a regional film production house has evolved into Eastern India’s largest integrated entertainment studio, constantly innovating and expanding beyond borders. As SVF celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is not just looking back at its rich legacy but also forging ahead with a bold new vision—one that aims to take Bengali storytelling to a pan-Indian and global audience.

SVF’s upcoming film slate reflects its commitment to high-quality cinema, blending epic storytelling with audience nostalgia. From the legendary outlaw tale ‘Raghu Dakat’ to the much-awaited Kakababu adventure, ‘Vijaynagar’er Hirey’, the return of the ‘Guptadhon’ franchise, and the intriguing thriller ‘Killbill Society’, SVF is reaffirming its commitment to the theatrical experience.

Meanwhile, the company’s digital arm, hoichoi, continues to dominate the regional OTT space, bridging the gap between cinema and streaming.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully, Mahendra Soni, Co-Founder & Director, SVF-hoichoi, speaks about the company’s next phase of growth, its approach to theatrical and digital storytelling, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

On Expanding Beyond Boundaries

SVF has already built a strong foundation across various entertainment verticals, but according to Soni, the company’s biggest milestones are yet to come. “The next phase for SVF is about expanding beyond boundaries,” he shares. “We have started making inroads into pan-Indian storytelling and are focused on taking the essence of our craft to a wider audience.” As the biggest integrated entertainment studio in East India, SVF is now stepping into multiple languages while strengthening its leadership in Bengali entertainment.

On The Theater-First Strategy

While OTT has transformed viewing habits, Soni firmly believes that theatrical releases remain irreplaceable. “Every medium finds its own space, and cinema will always have its dedicated audience,” he states. Bengali films have seen remarkable success in theaters recently, and SVF is doubling down on this momentum with its upcoming lineup of six major releases. “The response from audiences shows that the appetite for cinematic experiences is alive, and we are here to deliver stories that demand to be watched on the big screen.”

On Balancing Scale, Nostalgia & Fresh Narratives

SVF’s new slate of films carefully balances big-budget spectacles, fan-favorite franchises, and fresh stories. “Big-ticket films like Raghu Dakat will bring an epic theatrical experience, while the return of beloved franchises like Guptadhon and Kakababu will cater to audiences who have long awaited their next chapters,” Soni explains. Alongside these, a diverse mix of genres ensures that the lineup appeals to a broad audience.

On Taking Bengali Cinema Global

Bengali is the sixth most spoken language in the world, and its cinematic influence is growing beyond borders. “Bengali films are now getting significant traction internationally, which is opening up new possibilities for expansion,” Soni notes. One of SVF’s key focus areas is strengthening collaborations with Bangladesh, leveraging the cultural and linguistic bond between the two Bengals to create a larger regional footprint.

On Collaborations & Cross-Industry Partnerships

The entertainment industry is evolving rapidly, and Soni believes that meaningful collaborations will be crucial to shaping its future. “The stories we are developing are no longer limited to just Bengali. We are looking at projects that extend into other Indian languages, ensuring our storytelling reaches new markets.” SVF is actively partnering with like-minded players who share this vision, further strengthening its market presence.

On The Synergy Between SVF & Hoichoi

With hoichoi emerging as a dominant force in Bengali OTT, its collaboration with SVF is ushering in a new era of storytelling. “This is not just about bringing two entities together, but about creating an ecosystem where theatrical and digital storytelling complement each other,” says Soni. The goal is to open up new avenues for talent, allowing creators to work seamlessly across formats. “With hoichoi’s reach and SVF’s legacy in theatrical storytelling, this collaboration will lead to stronger, more impactful content across both platforms.”

On Navigating Challenges & Building for the Future

Despite its success, the Bengali entertainment industry faces multiple challenges, particularly in funding large-scale productions and the decline of satellite rights pricing. With hoichoi being the only major player actively acquiring digital rights, many independent producers struggle to sustain themselves. However, Soni remains optimistic. “Challenges bring opportunities. SVF has navigated tough market conditions and continues to grow despite the odds. When the industry environment improves—and it eventually will—we are well-positioned to scale up rapidly.”

The Road Ahead

As SVF embarks on its next chapter, the company is laying the groundwork for rapid expansion, both within India and internationally. Whether through theatrical blockbusters, digital-first content, or cross-industry collaborations, the mission remains the same: to tell powerful Bengali stories that captivate audiences worldwide.

With a clear roadmap, SVF at 30 is not just a celebration of the past, but a bold step into the future of entertainment.