UTV motion pictures

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Mumbai, Oct 25 (UNI) UTV motion pictures, which had gone in for a spate of tie-ups and co-productions with Walt Disney and other hollywood studios this year, today announced that it have 12 movie projects in the pipeline for next year.

UTV started the year on a winning horse like 'Rang De Basanti'-India's official entry for Oscars 2007, which will race in nine categories and is posted for a release in the US this December. This was followed by a rib tickling comedy 'Chup Ke Chup Ke' directed by Priyadarshan in June starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur.

Even the Nana Patkar and John Abraham slick-flick Taxi No 9211 was distributed worldwide by UTV, CEO Ronnie Screwvala said while talking to reporters here.

Continuing the trend further, 'Khosla Ka Ghosla' had an impressive impact. In fact it became so popular, that producers down south want to re-make a version of it in South-Indian language.

Not to forget the record breaking 345 prints of 'DON' in the overseas market in 28 countries, 5 languages with a 1.75 million dollars marketing spend, he added.

Mr Screwvala said strategic tie-ups have been a key to success by which UTV Motion Pictures has gone a step further and announced an unprecedented spate of co-productions with leading hollywood studios.

These include FOX Searchlight for the movie 'I think I love my wife, starring Chris Rock, with Actor/producer Will Smith and his production company Overbrook Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

UTV now has 12 projects that are in various stages of production.

Starting the year would be Anurag Basu's 'Metro' starring Shilpa Shetty, Konkana Sen Sharma, Kay Kay Menon along with the romantic pair of Shiney Ahuja and Kangana. Followed by director Milan Luthria's 'Hat-trick' starring a galaxy of stars like Naseerudin Shah, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal along with Rimi Sen and Kunal Kapoor, the CEO disclosed.

Interestingly, film-buff will also get to witness Mira Nair's masterpiece 'Namesake' an adaptation of Jhumpa Lahiri's novel of the same name. The film has been screened at the Toronto, London and Rome Film Fest in October. Later in the year they would see Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodha- Akbar' starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai and will and the year with Vivek Agnohotri film 'Goal' starring John Abraham. Besides this UTV is working with Rakesyh Mehra, Vishal Bhardwaj and Madhur Bhandkar's 'Fashion'.

UTV Motion Pictures is now all set to emerge as a leading media brand across the globe and open many opportunities for the Indian Media Industry, Mr Screwvala added.