MUMBAI: Studio 18 has bagged the distribution rights for Mahesh Bhatt’s Awarapan for the Mumbai and Delhi-UP territories.

Bhatt’s Vishesh Films had already announced its partnership with Studio 18 for the international release of Awarapan, touted to be their most costly venture to date.

Studio 18 is planning to release the film on 29 June 2007 and will leverage the film with the TV-18 group strength and will support the movie with localised marketing initiatives.

Shot in Hong Kong, China, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Lahore, Awarapan is an intense tale of love, hope and freedom. The film is directed by Mohit Suri, and stars Emraan Hashmi and Shriya Saran. Music for the film has been scored Pritam.

Studio 18’s forthcoming co-productions include Rajkumar Santoshi’s Halla Bol, B R Films’ Bhootnath and Little Zizou, which is being co-presented by Mira Nair.