MUMBAI: Gravitas Ventures and UTV Motion Pictures have signed a deal in which the latest offerings from the UTV Motion Pictures stable will be available on Video On Demand (VOD) for Bollywood aficionados in the US.
Gravitas Ventures expands its Hindi and English language film offerings, including a number of films to be released widely in theatres prior to VOD.
On 4 June, 2010 the political thriller Raajneeti will debut in theatres on over 125 North American screens. In early August, Raajneeti will debut On Demand and will be distributed through Gravitas Ventures’ agreement with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. Raajneeti, directed by Prakash Jha, is a political thriller that mirrors the flip side of democracy in present day India.
On 13 August, 2010 Peepli Live, which made its North American premiere this January at Sundance, will open in theatres in India and after six weeks the film will debut across North America on VOD. Peepli Live is a satirical look at the predicament of a poor farmer who creates a media frenzy when, beset with debt, he announces that he will commit suicide so his family can receive government compensation. It has been produced by Aamir Khan Productions.
UTV and Gravitas Ventures’ collaboration started on 1 May, 2010 with titles like Dev D and Kaminey being made available on VOD. In the fourth quarter of 2010, Gravitas will release the UTV produced English language film ExTerminators starring Heather Graham (The Hangover) and Amber Heard (Zombieland).
UTV Motion Pictures North America SVP Lokesh Dhar said, "It is our constant endeavor to expand our reach in the international markets to a larger audience. The partnership with Gravitas Venture will ensure UTV’s penetration further into the US market and we hope that more people are able to experience the exciting cinema that our studio has backed."
"As a leading distributor of Hindi films, UTV Motion Pictures offers high caliber titles that resonate with both Indian film lovers and English audiences. In an evolving landscape for independent film, we look forward to collaborating with UTV on the distribution and marketing of these works from renowned Indian filmmakers and actors," said Gravitas Ventures founder and CEO Nolan Gallagher.
