Kapoor and Sons Updates Thread; In cinemas on 18th March - Page 45

In what is likely to be one of the biggest deals in the history of Indian Cinema, Fox Star Studios and Dharma Productions have inked a 3 year production-distribution deal, in which Fox Star and Dharma will co-producer and distribute 9 films.

The deal is estimated to be close to Rs 500 crore.

"Fox Star is delighted to partner with Karan Johar, a creative visionary and one of the industry's leading director-producer's with an impressive line-up of films planned in the coming few years.This strategic alliance envisages the stakeholders pooling in their collective strengths and thereby chalking a new path for Bollywood, specifically in the way in which films are marketed and distributed. Consolidation through strategic alliances is the way forward in the film industry" said Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios.

"Movies for me have always been a blend of artistic and commercial resources. Dharma Productions has always endeavoured to attain the highest form of celluloid excellence and entertain simultaneously. I am glad we have found a partner in Star India and Fox Star Studios for a visionary 9 films alliance. This partnership will not only be the coming together of two forces who understand the need of the cinematic hour but also work as a unit to increase the footfall strength at the movies and empower other verticals. It's a new age of cinema and this association is a glorious reflection of the times" Karan Johar said.

The producer-director also hoped that the partnership between Fox Star and Dharma Productions would bring back the audience to theatres.

"I believe in relationships, bonds and vibes, and I connect with people. If I like them, I want to work with them which was the case here. For the rest, I left it to my CEO, Apoorva (Mehta) who is the business brain and backbone of this deal. Unlike what people believe, collaborations don't dilute brands, in fact this is a profile and power deal, which we hope will bring back the falling footfalls to cinema hall" Johar said.

Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions, was equally excited about the collaboration.

"It is by far the biggest collaboration that the Indian film industry has ever seen. With this strategic deal, Dharma has entered into a new phase of movie business which will provide a disruptive growth model for all the parties involved. This landmark decision will bring on board the most visionary and astute leaders together who will drive the overall strategy for making, promoting and distributing movies. I am happy to say that Dharma is excited and geared up for these new opportunities in the coming years and it definitely looks like the beginning of a game-changing era for the industry."

Films that are expected to come under this deal

• Brothers starring Akshay Kumar, Sidharth Malhotra, Jacqueline Fernandes. Directed by Karan Malhotra
• Shandaar starring Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt. Directed by Vikas Bahl.
• Kapoor and Sons starring Sidharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt and Fawad Khan. Directed by Shakun Batra.
• Ae Dil Hai Mushkil starring Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Anushka Sharma. Directed by Karan Johar.
• Shhuddhi starring Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt. Directed by Karan Malhotra.
• Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt film. Directed by Ayan Mukherji.
• Kalank. Directed by Abhishek Varman.
• Ram Lakhan Remake. Directed by Rohit Shetty.