MUMBAI: The German rights of Aamir Khan and UTV Motion Pictures produced Dhobi Ghat, which is directed by debutant Kiran Rao, have been acquired by Rapid Eye Movies.

The deal includes theatrical distribution rights, home video rights and free TV rights. The film will be released theatrically in Germany later this year.

UTV Motion Pictures senior vice president, international distribution and syndication Amrita Pandey said, "Dhobi Ghat is a special film and we are pleased to announce that the film will now be seen by German audiences. We are happy to join hands with Rapid Eye Movies who is the ideal partner for this film."

Rapid Eye Movies’ Stephan Holl added, "We are excited to work with Kiran Rao who has made a beautiful and touching film about life in Mumbai and we believe it will touch the hearts of German audiences. It is truly a pleasure to work with Aamir Khan Productions and UTV Motion Pictures. We are thrilled to introduce Dhobi Ghat (Mumbai Diaries) to German audiences."

Dhobi Ghat premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year to critical acclaim and stars Aamir Khan, Pratiek Babbar, Kriti Malhotra and Monica Dogra.

Aamir Khan, the producer and star of the film, is currently on the jury at the Berlin Film Festival.