The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are already being auctioned on social media every hour. The makers of KGF and Kantara, Hombale Films, have all but been crowned the new proprietors of RCB in recent days thanks to forwards and fan edits.
However, if we cut through the clutter and delve deeper, the narrative remains stuck at this point: a genuine selling process with a rumor to fill in the gaps.
The decision by United Spirits Limited (USL) to begin a strategic review of its investment in Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd, the Diageo-owned company that is home to RCB's men's and women's teams, is the only development that has been confirmed. USL stated in its November 5 exchange filing that the study is anticipated to be finished by March 31, 2026, and it may lead to a sale, restructuring, or other ownership change.
There are two ways that Hombale's name has entered the frame. One is excitement generated by fans, such as the widely shared "Hombale * RCB" posters and discussions on whether a Bengaluru takeover could be led by a local studio. The other is a real business connection: since 2023, Hombale has been RCB's official digital content partner, creating engagement films and cinematic promos related to the franchise. When you combine those, it is simple for internet conjecture to become certain.
Who are Hombale Films?
Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda launched the production and distribution company in Bengaluru in 2012. With the KGF films, Kantara, and Salaar, Hombale has transitioned from Kannada hits like Raajakumara into full-fledged pan-Indian territory during the previous ten years, garnering numerous awards and enormous box office receipts. To put it simply, they are now one of the most aggressive expansion players in Indian cinema, rather than a regional banner.
In theory, they are a credible option due to their profile, which includes large funds, impressive credentials, and a local identity. By partnering with one of the IPL's most popular brands, a studio that has already demonstrated its ability to sell stories throughout India checks all the narrative boxes that fans adore: hometown pride, movie-meets-cricket elegance, and a new chapter following RCB's first championship.
However, documentation and believability are not the same thing. According to current estimates, RCB is one of the most expensive teams in international cricket, valued at over USD 2 billion (almost INR 17,000cr). Investment consortiums, private equity, and phased exits are typically the foundation of large deals.
What has not yet occurred is equally significant. No term sheet has been released, no new regulatory filing has updated United Spirits' evaluation, and Hombale has not issued an official comment confirming discussions, stake amount, or timescales. The owners' only firm stance is that they are considering their alternatives and anticipate having clarity on the future structure by March 2026.
For the time being, this is an honest synopsis: A genuine strategic review has the potential to alter RCB's leadership. The crew has already been connected to Hombale Films, a significant entertainment powerhouse based in Bengaluru.
However, it is still a leap from there to "Hombale has bought RCB". The topic remains in the realm of intriguing possibility rather than a verified takeover until someone speaks on record.
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