According to information available with Businessofcinema.com, the deal includes theatrical, home video, overseas, satellite and all other new media and distribution rights excluding music, all of which have been struck for an amount close to Rs 800 million (Rs 80 crores), with Wake Up Sid amounting to Rs 280 million (Rs 28 crores) and D’Silva’s untitled for Rs 520 million (Rs 52 crores). However, the other figure doing the rounds in the industry is Rs 600 million (Rs 60 crores) for both the films with Rensil’s film for Rs 400 million and Ayaan’s film for Rs 20 million.
Johar said, “Our association with UTV marks a new phase in Dharma’s life. UTV is an enterprising company and I am glad that we are finally getting a chance to work together. Both, Ayan and Rensil’s movies are different from normal Dharma movies.”
UTV Software Communications chairman and CEO Ronnie Screwvala adds, “Karan brings a tremendous entertainment quotient to his films coupled with immense understanding of the pulse of the audience. His films are amongst the most awaited across the country and around the world. We are thrilled to start what we hope is the beginning of a long relationship with Dharma Productions.”
Wake Up Sid is directed by Ayaan Mukerji and stars Ranbir Kapoor and Konkana Sen Sharma. The film’s music has been composed by Shankar Ehsaan Loy. D’Silva’s film stars Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi and its music is scored by Salim Suleiman.
The two films will be jointly marketed by Dharma and UTV. Wake Up Sid will release before D’Silva’s untitled.
Dharma’s association with UTV also marks the end of its long standing distribution alliance with Yash Raj Films. “My association with UTV is not a breakaway from Yash Raj. They are not distributing any outside movies this year. They are concentrating only on home production and distribution. Every film of mine is still creatively discussed with Aditya and vice versa. He has read the scripts of the film that UTV is distributing,” said Johar.
