Established in 2013 by Karnesh Ssharma and Anushka Sharma, Clean Slate Filmz has garnered recognition for its support of innovative content. Collaborating with Netflix India, the duo brought forth hits like Bulbbul and Qala, while their web series, Kohrra, also achieved acclaim. However, following Anushka’s departure from Clean Slate Films in 2022, Karnesh now leads the studio independently, marking a significant transition after the recent parting of ways with Netflix.
Although the exact reasons behind the split remain nebulous, reports suggest creative disparities and financial constraints as potential factors. Consequently, completed projects such as Anushka Sharma’s Chakda Xpress, a biopic on cricketer Jhulan Goswami, and Afghaani Snow, starring Vijay Varma and Triptii Dimri, face uncertain release prospects.
Despite wrapping up production, the destiny of these films hangs in the balance, with discussions underway regarding Clean Slate Filmz repurchasing the rights from Netflix to explore alternative distribution channels.
Netflix recently unveiled a diverse array of Indian content, yet the absence of Chakda Xpress and Afghaani Snow from the lineup has raised eyebrows. Concerns escalated with broken links to placeholder cards for Anushka Sharma’s film and reports of halted post-production for Afghaani Snow.
The reported discord between Clean Slate Filmz and Netflix echoes prior incidents when the OTT giant withdrew post-production support for Abhishek Bachchan’s Bob Biswas and Abbas Mustan’s Penthouse. While Bob Biswas eventually found a home on Zee5, Penthouse remains in limbo.
Directed by Prosit Roy, Chakda Xpress signifies Anushka’s return to the screens after 2018’s Zero alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. Filming concluded last May, notably marking Anushka’s first release following the birth of her daughter Vamika on January 11, 2021, and son Akaay on February 15, 2024, with cricketer husband Virat Kohli.
