Literary agencies in India represent authors, manage book-to-film adaptation rights, and help negotiate remake licensing for screen projects. Agencies such as Red Ink, Jacaranda, Siyahi, and Labyrinth handle IP evaluation, contract negotiation, and rights assignments, ensuring legal clarity when books, scripts, or written works are adapted or remade for film or OTT platforms.
Introduction – The Rising Importance of Literary Agencies in Indian Cinema
In 2025, India’s entertainment industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom in adaptations and remakes. With OTT platforms commissioning 400+ original titles annually and regional cinemas aggressively acquiring stories from Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and international markets, the bridge between written intellectual property and screen content has never been more critical.
Literary agencies have evolved from traditional publishing gatekeepers into sophisticated rights powerhouses that control the flow of books, short stories, novellas, non-fiction, and even unpublished manuscripts into film and series development pipelines. From Drishyam’s Malayalam-to-Hindi journey to the global success of RRR’s underlying folklore elements, almost every major adaptation or multi-language remake begins with a conversation at one of India’s top literary agencies.
Scope of Literary Agencies in India?
Literary agencies function as IP custodians and deal architects. Their core responsibilities include:
- Discovering and representing authors across fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature
- Negotiating publishing contracts with Indian and international houses
- Managing subsidiary rights: translation, audio, merchandise, dramatic (film/TV/theatre), and serialisation
- Conducting IP valuation for screen adaptation potential
- Pitching manuscripts directly to producers, studios, and streaming platforms
- Handling chain-of-title documentation and rights reversion clauses
- Structuring multi-territory, multi-language remake options
In the context of film production, their most valuable service is creating clean, producer-friendly rights packages that eliminate future legal disputes—something that has sunk several high-profile remakes in the past.
Major Literary Agencies in India Handling Film & Remake Rights (2025)
1. Red Ink Literary Agency (Mumbai)
Founded by Anuj Bahri, Red Ink is arguably the most film-friendly agency in India today. Representing authors like Ashwin Sanghi, Novoneel Chakraborty, and Kanchana Banerjee, whose works have been adapted into major films and series. Red Ink maintains direct relationships with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions, and Excel Entertainment, making them the first stop for producers hunting thriller and romance IP.
2. Jacaranda Literary Agency (New Delhi)
Led by Jayapriya Vasudevan, Jacaranda has an exceptional track record in cross-border adaptations. They represent authors from South Asia and the diaspora (Anuradha Roy, Manu Pillai, Vauhini Vara) and have closed deals with BBC Studios, Applause Entertainment, and international co-production houses. Their strength lies in literary fiction and historical non-fiction that attract prestige streaming projects.
3. Siyahi Literary Agency (Jaipur)
Founded by Mita Kapur, Siyahi was one of the earliest agencies to systematically pitch Rajasthani, Hindi, and regional-language manuscripts to Bollywood and South Indian industries.
Representing Geetanjali Shree (International Booker winner), and their catalog is frequently scouted by T-Series, Balaji Telefilms, and Drishyam Films for multi-language remake potential.
4. Labyrinth Literary Agency (New Delhi)
Run by Kannan Sundaram and Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri, Labyrinth focuses on Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali literature in translation. They played a crucial role in bringing authors like Perumal Murugan and Benyamin to Hindi and pan-Indian producers. Their expertise in Dravidian-language IP makes them essential for North-South remake corridors.
5. Other Notable Players (2025)
- Writers’ Side (Mumbai) – Strong in commercial fiction and debut authors
- Purple Folio (Bengaluru) – Emerging force in South Indian literature
- The Book Bakers (Delhi) – Specialises in young-adult and romance adaptations
- Sherna Khambatta Literary Agency – Focus on non-fiction and biography adaptations
How Literary Agencies Support Film Rights & Adaptation Deals
The adaptation process through a literary agency typically follows this workflow:
- IP Scouting & Valuation – Agencies maintain detailed submission decks highlighting cinematic potential (character arcs, visual set pieces, franchise possibilities).
- Option Agreements – Producers pay 5-15 % of the final rights fee to option the book for 12–24 months while developing the script.
- Full Rights Purchase – Upon greenlight, the remaining fee (₹10 lakh – ₹5 crore depending on the author’s profile) is paid, along with backend profit participation.
- Multi-Language & Remake Clauses – Top agencies now negotiate separate fees for each language remake (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, etc.) and streaming vs theatrical rights.
- Chain-of-Title Clearance – Critical legal documentation proving the agency/author owns dramatic rights free and clear.
Legal Clarification: Who Owns Remake Rights in India?
Under Section 14 of the Copyright Act, 1957, the author is the first owner of copyright, including dramatic/adaptation rights. However:
- Author signs with a publisher, dramatic rights are often retained by the author/agency
- A producer buys adaptation rights without explicit “remake in all languages” language, subsequent remakes require fresh negotiation
- Landmark judgments (2019 Delhi High Court in Star India vs Leo Burnett, 2022 Bombay HC in Phantom Films cases) Clarifies that unless remake rights are expressly assigned in writing, they remain with the original rights holder
This is why literary agencies are increasingly inserting “all languages, all formats, perpetuity” clauses in new contracts.
Comparison Table: Literary Agents vs. Dedicated Remake Rights Agents
| Aspect | Literary Agencies | Dedicated Remake Rights Agents |
|---|---|---|
| Primary IP Source | Books, manuscripts, unpublished works | Existing films, scripts, formats |
| Typical Clients | Authors, estates | Producers, studios, previous rights holders |
| Rights Handled | Adaptation, translation, dramatic | Remake, format, multi-language reproduction |
| Revenue Model | 15–20 % commission on all deals | Flat fee + percentage on remake transactions |
| Examples | Red Ink, Siyahi, Jacaranda | Rights Corp, Film Rights India, independent lawyers |
Why Literary Agencies Are Often the First Point of Contact for Remakes
Even when the source material is a successful regional film, the underlying literary work (novel, short story, or real-life incident rights) frequently sits with a literary agency. Producers who skip this step risk expensive lawsuits during multi-language rollout—several high-profile 2023–2024 remakes were stalled for exactly this reason.
How Film Producers Should Approach Literary Agencies (Step-by-Step)
- Initial Query – Send a one-page producer profile + specific interest in titles/genres
- NDA Execution – Most agencies require this before sharing manuscripts
- Reading & Option – 2–8 weeks to read and decide; option fee paid within 30 days
- Development Period – 12–24 months to attach director/talent and secure financing
- Full Purchase Trigger – Usually tied to greenlight or principal photography start
FAQs – Remake Rights & Literary Agencies in India
Do literary agencies in India handle remake rights?
Yes, the original IP is a written work, literary agencies control adaptation and derivative rights, including remakes across languages and formats.
Which are the best literary agencies for film adaptations in India?
Red Ink, Jacaranda, Siyahi, Labyrinth, Writers’ Side, and The Book Bakers dominate the book-to-screen pipeline in 2025.
Are remake rights assigned under Indian copyright law?
Only through explicit written assignment. Oral agreements or vague contracts are not enforceable for remakes.
Can a producer remake a film without approaching the literary agency?
If they already own 100 % of the dramatic rights including remakes. In most book-to-film cases, the literary agency must be involved.
The average cost of adaptation rights in India (2025)?
₹15 lakh – ₹3 crore for established authors; ₹3–8 crore for bestsellers or prize-winners, plus backend profit participation.
For producers actively seeking IP or authors looking for representation, reaching out to these agencies remains the safest, most professional route to legally secure adaptation and remake rights in India’s booming screen industry.
How to Find a Remake Rights Agent in India
Finding the right remake rights agent or professional is one of the most important (often misunderstood) steps when you want to legally remake an existing film.
Adapt a book, or produce a multi-language version of a successful story.
India has is no single directory titled “Remake Rights Agents,” but a clear ecosystem of literary agents, entertainment lawyers, and specialist consultants has emerged to fill this exact role.
This independent guide explains exactly who these professionals are, how to contact them, and what you must know about the underlying legal realities of remake rights in India.
Who Actually Handles Remake Rights in India?
In practice, three categories of professionals act as “remake rights agents”:
- Literary Agents with Strong Film Divisions
Many top literary agents now actively pitch and negotiate screen rights (adaptation + remake clauses) for their authors and screenwriters. - Entertainment & IP Lawyers
Lawyers who specialise in film contracts are often the real gatekeepers because they draft, interpret, and clear chain-of-title for remake deals. - Independent Rights Consultants & Fixers
A small but growing group of consultants who work directly with producers and studios on multi-language remakes (especially South-to-Hindi or Hindi-to-South corridors).
Top Literary Agents Handling Remake & Adaptation Rights (2025)
| Agent | Agency / Firm | Specialisation & Notable Deals | Best Way to Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanishka Gupta | Writer’s Side | Represents Ravinder Singh, Novoneel Chakraborty, S Hareesh; closed 50+ screen deals including Netflix & Amazon originals | Submit via writerside.in → “Film Rights Query” form |
| Anish Chandy | Labyrinth Literary Agency | Handles Perumal Murugan, Benyamin, Vivek Shanbhag; key player in Malayalam-to-Hindi remakes (Drishyam, etc.) | anish@labyrinthagency.com |
| Shruti Debi | Purple Folio | Strong in debut authors and commercial fiction; recent deals with JioCinema & MX Player | Query via purplefolio.com |
| Preeti Gill | Independent (formerly Siyahi) | Focuses on literary & regional language IP; represents Geetanjali Shree (Tomb of Sand Netflix option) | preeti.siyahi@gmail.com |
| Mita Kapur | Siyahi | Jaipur Literature Festival founder; excellent for historical & Rajasthan-based stories | submissions@siyahi.in |
| Jayapriya Vasudevan | Jacaranda Literary Agency | Represents Anuradha Roy, Jerry Pinto; frequent international co-production & remake deals | jaya@jacaranda-press.com |
| Anuj Bahri | Red Ink Literary Agency | Commercial bestsellers; direct relationships with Dharma, Excel, T-Series | anuj@redinkliteraryagency.com |
Agents collectively control hundreds of titles that are actively being shopped for adaptation & remake deals.
Entertainment Lawyers Who Function as Remake Rights Specialists
When the source material is an existing film (not a book), the remake rights almost always sit with the original producer or studio. In these cases, you need an entertainment lawyer who can trace chain-of-title and negotiate directly with the rights holder.
Top lawyers known for remake transactions:
- Priyanka Khimani – Khimani & Associates (Mumbai)
Handled multiple South-to-Hindi remakes including Soorarai Pottere (Hindi) and Uturn - Ameet Datta & Vandana Pai – Saikrishna & Associates (Delhi/Mumbai)
Leading IP litigation firm; frequently clears remake rights for large studios - Anand Desai & Rashi Thakkar – DSK Legal
Represented producers in several high-profile remake disputes - Vijayendra Pratap Singh – S&A Law Offices
Specialises in multi-language remake contracts
Step-by-Step: How to Secure Remake Rights in India
- Identify the Underlying Work
Is it a book/novel → contact the literary agent
Is it an existing film → trace the original producer/company - Chain-of-Title Research
Hire an entertainment lawyer (₹50,000–₹2 lakh) to confirm who currently owns dramatic/remake rights. - Initial Outreach
Send a short, professional query:
“We are interested in acquiring Hindi/Telugu remake rights of [Title]. Could you please confirm availability and option fee range?” - Option Agreement
Typical option period: 12–18 months
Option fee: 5–15 % of total rights fee (₹10 lakh – ₹2 crore depending on the original film’s success) - Full Purchase on Greenlight
Remaining fee + backend profit participation (0.5–5 % of net profits)
Critical Legal Realities of Remake Rights in India
- Default Rule: The producer of the original film owns the remake rights (negative rights) unless the contract explicitly states otherwise (Delhi High Court & Bombay High Court judgments 2019–2023).
- Exception: If the scriptwriter or underlying literary author retained remake rights in writing, they (or their agent) control them.
- Underlying Literary Rights: Even if a producer owns the film, the original book author may still control sequel/remake rights in certain cases — always get a lawyer to verify.
Quick Checklist Before You Start
- Budget for lawyer fees early (₹1–5 lakh)
- Prepare a one-page company profile + director reel
- Be ready to share your financing plan (studios get faster responses)
- Never announce a remake publicly before contracts are signed — it can kill the deal
Finding the right remake rights agent in India is less about discovering a secret directory and more about knowing which literary agent or lawyer controls the specific title you want. Start with the names above, hire a reputable entertainment lawyer for due diligence, and move quickly — the best stories get optioned within weeks in today’s market.
