MUMBAI: In order to support the Indian government in demanding stricter action against terrorism emanating from Pakistan, UTV Software Communications has temporarily withdrawn all its plans for dealings with the Pakistan market.

UTV Motion Pictures will not be releasing any films in Pakistan until this issue is satisfactorily resolved. Additionally, UTV is also withdrawing plans of launching Bindass and Bindass Movies in this market.

However pertinent to note here is that UTV Motion Pictures has no movies lined up for release till January 2009 end. The company’s first release will be Dev D, which is slated to release on 6 February. Next in line will be Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra-directed Dilli 6 staring Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor, which will release on 20 February. The other two films that are lined up for release are Dhoondte Reh Jaoge (6 March) and Kissan (20 March).

As far as the television channel launch in Pakistan is concerned, UTV has been on a cost cutting spree on its broadcasting division and recently shut its Delhi operations. Hence the decision to not launch its two channels in Pakistan only adds to the cost cutting exercise.

"Pakistan is an important market and we have the highest regard for its people but in the present situation it is important for all companies to support our government in its demand for strong action by the government of Pakistan against terrorism. We would be happy to resume business in Pakistan once we all see affirmative action. We have so far had a wonderful relationship with our distributors there and it is unfortunate that these events have come to pass and we hope that this matter is resolved between the two governments at the earliest," says UTV Motion Pictures CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur.

As was earlier reported by Businessofcinema.com, most Indian producers were in a wait and watch situation regarding film releases in Pakistan post the terror attacks in Mumbai.

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