February 8th, 2009
Even as there's talk of ambitious Bollywood projects being put on hold and superstars slashing their price, here's some welcome news for the industry. Anil Ambani's Big Pictures, has reportedly picked up the marketing and distribution rights for producer Rakesh Roshan's 'Kites' for Rs 110 crore, the largest such deal ever in Bollywood. In addition, Roshan will get a share of profit from overseas rights.
Roshan declined to divulge the exact figure, but industry analysts said it could easily add up to Rs 150 crore. Last year, the rights for 'Ghajini' and 'Singh is Kinng' were sold for Rs 94 crore and Rs 65 crore. So, the rights for 'Kites' alone could fetch almost the combined value of the rights of Bollywood's two biggest blockbusters last year.
Though he refused to comment on the sum, Roshan said the valuation factored in his "goodwill'' and the price of his son, superstar Hrithik. A romantic thriller directed by Anurag Basu, it also stars Mexican actress Barbara Mori and Kangana Ranaut. Blogs and gossip columns have been abuzz with talk of steamy scenes and reports that Rakesh Roshan was asked to leave the sets during some particularly sizzling sequences. The film is likely to be released around Diwali.
