Bollywood spreads Indian films to the US

After the success of
Kites this past week reaching No. 10 at the US box office with nearly $1 million in ticket sales and $14 million internationally, Bollywood fans in the US will now have access to prime Indian film fare through Gravitas Ventures.

Gravitas has partnered with India's largest film studio, UTV Motion Pictures, to bring features to US theaters and then video on-demand through a deal with Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

The first feature to be released is a political thriller Raajneeti, directed by Prakash Jha, opening June 4. It is the story of Indian politics, elections and the few powerful people who control the destiny of millions.

Written and directed by Anusha Rizvi, Peepli,  another political film, opens first in Indian theaters August 13, followed by a North American VOD at the beginning of October.

In late 2010, Gravitas will release the UTV-produced English-language film ExTerminators, starring Heather Graham.

"It is our constant endeavor to expand our reach in the international markets to a larger audience," said Lokesh Dhar, UTV's senior VP motion pictures, in a statement.

Gravitas, which specializes in content for cable, VOD, broadband, and mobile has also acquired films including Stacy Peralta's Crips and Bloods Made in America and Michael Keaton's The Merry Gentleman.

RC