01 · Script Stage

Script Development

Greenlight Engine. Forecast before a rupee is spent on production — and know exactly what changes will move the number.

Should We Greenlight This?

The questions SDI answers at script stage — before a single camera rolls, before cast is locked, before money is committed.

  • Should we greenlight this script?
  • What is missing — and what does it cost us?
  • What changes should we make, and how much will each change improve the potential?
  • What is the lifetime box office range?
₹13,395 Cr
All-time high BO · Footfalls ↓ 11% · Growth is price-led, not audience-led
<1%
Share earned by bottom 50% of all releases · 660+ films · avg ₹0.09 Cr
126× · 106× · 57×
Mahavatar Narsimha · Kantara · 12th Fail — low COP + authentic storytelling = highest ROI
₹90 → ₹172
Average ticket price. Revenue growing. Audiences not.
The Greenlight Engine
Input

Script + genre context

Score

CLE Rating — Script + Genre

Output

Lifetime ₹ potential + development roadmap

What We're Actually Measuring

The question most film research answers is: did audiences like this script? That's the wrong question. The right question is: does this script have the narrative engine to sustain theatrical interest — and does it align with where audience appetite is heading over the next 12 to 24 months?

The Script Is Scored Against a Live Model

Not against static benchmarks or historical norms. The SDI model is continuously updated with every film that releases — which means every script evaluation reflects the audience of today, not two years ago.

Genre Positioning Is Part of the Forecast

Where a film sits in its genre lifecycle materially impacts its ceiling. A script evaluated in isolation is evaluated blind. SDI benchmarks every script against comparable genre films — and identifies where the genre is in its lifecycle right now.

The Output Is Actionable, Not Just a Score

A CLE rating with no development pathway is just a number. SDI delivers a specific gap analysis — what is restraining the lifetime forecast, what changes will move it, and by how much. The script goes on floor with that clarity.

The Greenlight Questions

Should we greenlight this?

Benchmarked against comparable genre films. Lifetime forecast before a rupee is spent.

What is missing — and what does it cost?

Specific gap analysis. Not general feedback — quantified impact on the forecast.

What changes, and how much will each shift the number?

Development recommendations with forecast impact — not just notes.

Where is this genre in the cycle right now?

Genre lifecycle positioning — is there runway, or are we entering a peak or decline?

What You Receive

A structured document and an active conversation — not a PDF filed and forgotten. Engagements cover first draft through final draft, before shoot commences.

The Deliverables

  • Film benchmarking & genre analysis
  • Content Likeability Element (CLE) rating
  • Script strengths & areas for development
  • Character analysis
  • Scene-by-scene feedback
  • Lifetime box office potential
  • Recommendations for development
  • One revision round included
Engagement Window

First draft through final draft — before shoot commences.

SDI can engage at any draft stage. Earlier engagement = more decisions still open = higher impact.