Mumbai: The Walt Disney Company India and UTV Software Communications have signed an agreement wherein UTV Motion Pictures will handle the sales and distribution of all of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures’ Hollywood releases in India. The exercise begins from 1 January, 2009.

Until now Disney movies were distributed in India by Sony Pictures Releasing of India. Last week, Disney picked up a majority stake in UTV Software Communications.

However, Disney will continue to handle its own marketing. The announcement was made by The Walt Disney Company India senior vice president and managing director Mahesh Samat, Walt Disney Motion Pictures International president, sales and distribution Anthony Marcoly and UTV Motion Pictures CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur.

Samat said, "Disney is thrilled to have UTV as distribution partners for our films in India. UTV’s leadership in India’s rapidly growing film production and distribution space will strengthen our initiatives to build a family entertainment brand in the country by increasing the reach of our Hollywood films here."

Kapur added, "It is very exciting for UTV to be the exclusive distribution partner for Disney releases in India. The combined offering of UTV and Disney content will offer Indian exhibitors and viewers a tremendously diverse range of movies across languages and genres. This further strengthens our synergies with Disney and we look forward to more such collaborations in the future."

Marcoly said, "UTV has always been true pioneers in the Indian film industry. The passion and experience they posses as a leading film company in India, teamed with the diverse slate of films Disney promises to deliver, will form an exciting combo for India’s exhibitors and a treat for all moviegoers. We can’t think of a better company to partner with."