Press Release Archives - Page 23 of 25

Shyam Benegal Completes Shooting For BIG Pictures’ Satirical Comedy ‘Well Done Abba’

Posted on April 20, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Shot in Hyderabad & Mumbai the film stars Boman Irani, Minissha Lamba, Sammir Dattani.

Mumbai April 20, 2009: BIG Pictures, the motion pictures brand from Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd has collaborated with veteran film director Shyam Benegal for his next film. Benegal brings a satirical comedy ‘Well Done Abba’ on the celluloid. The film starring Boman Irani in a double role, along with Minissha Lamba and Sammir Dattani in pivotal roles, wrapped up its final schedule in Ramoji Filmcity & Ibrahimpattnam Village, Hyderabad. The film has also been shot in parts at Whistling Woods, Film City, Mumbai and the Mumbai – Pune Expressway.

One of the pioneers of the ‘New’ and ‘Middle’ cinema in India, Shyam Benegal has been considered one of the leading filmmakers of the country ever since his first feature film, Ankur was released. An author, director and a social activist, Benegal has been honoured with some of the most prestigious awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Dadasaheb Phalke Award and numerous National Film Award. In ‘Well Done Abba’ he narrates the story of Armaan Ali, a driver working in Mumbai. He takes leave for a month to find a husband for his teenage daughter, who lives in a small locality close to Hyderabad. Armaan Ali returns to work only after 3 months. His young employer wants to sack him but is persuaded to listen to the reason why Armaan got so delayed.

The film is inspired by two short stories; ‘Narsaiyyan Ki Bavdi’ by Jeelani Bano and ‘Phulwa Ka Pul’ by Sanjeev and a film treatment by Jayant Kriplani. A screenplay by Ashok Mishra and music by Shantanu Moitra, lyrics penned by Ashok Mishra, Swanand Kirkire & Ila Arun, ‘Well Done Abba’ also stars Ravi Kishen, Ila Arun, Salim Ghouse, Sonali Kulkarni, Rajit Kapur, Yashpal Sharma, Ravi Jhankal and Deepika Amin in supporting roles.

‘Sikandar’ goes to LA – BIG Pictures ‘Sikandar’ To Be Screened At The 7th Annual Indian Film Festival Of Los Angeles (IFFLA) On 22nd April

Posted on April 10, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Mumbai April 10, 2009: ‘Sikandar’, a poignant story from strife-torn Kashmir is all set to be screened at the 7th Annual Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) on 22nd April to be held in Los Angeles. A co-production between BIG Pictures, the motion pictures brand from Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd and Sudhir Mishra’s production house CineRaas Ltd, Sikandar is a suspense thriller about an adolescent whose life changes drastically when he comes across a gun.

Written and directed by Piyush Jha, shot in location in Kashmir, with a running time of 110 minutes the film is about Sikandar who lives with his uncle and aunt in a small Kashmiri town. Now his life revolves round his foster parents, football, Nasreen, the new girl in town and dealing with some bullies. But life takes an unexpected (or was it expected?) turn when he picks up a gun from the ground. And thus, he gets drawn into the web of militants, power and violence.

The film deals with violence, but the central theme of the film is that of peace, says Piyush Jha, the talented director of Sikandar. The film does not have a jingoistic or partisan point of view, and does not take sides, except the side of humanity. Shot along the lines of a thriller this film brings us face to face with the ravages of war and the destruction of innocence.

Mahesh Ramanathan, COO-BIG Pictures expressed delight at the selection. “These are early results beginning to show up epitomizing our resolve to showcase the best of India’s cinema to the world. It is satisfying that a mainstream Hindi film has found notice ability within the Los Angeles’s film cognoscenti -the heart of Hollywood; prior to release. The development will further encourage us to push for opening new vistas globally for our regional art house film slate. We are happy that BIG Pictures is emerging as a well differentiated producer connecting with regional, local & global audiences with its brand of world cinema”

Sikandar casts Parzaan Dastur, the adorable little Sardar from film ‘Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai’, now in his teens, Ayesha Kapur of ‘Black’ fame as she makes her come-back as a lead actress and introduces Arunoday Singh in a key role. Also, lending their strength and verve are R. Madhavan and Sanjay Suri. The happening trio of Shankar Ehsaan- Loy, Sandesh Shandilya and Justin-Uday, have composed the music and is surely something to look forward to. Log on to the website http://broadband.bigflix.com/bigflicks/faces/Sikandar/index.html

BIG Pictures’ & Puja Films ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’ Is Set For A Summer ’09 Release

Posted on April 7, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

The Film’s music launched with a one of a kind performance by debutante Jackie Bhagnani at the 54th Annual Filmfare Awards

Mumbai April 7, 2009: BIG Pictures’ upcominig film, ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’; a Vashu Bhagnani production, is all set for a summer release. ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’, directed by Vivek Sharma, marks the debut of young Jackky Bhagani. Kal Kissne Dekha’ is a college flick, a romantic love story with inter-woven elements of thrill and action. The film also Vaishali Desai as the leading lady along with Rishi Kapoor and Archana Puran Singh in pivotal roles.

The music album of ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’ released by BIG Music, was launched with the young Jackky Bhagani, becoming the first debutant to perform live at the Filmfare Awards in more than 20 years at the 54th Annual Filmfare Awards, the music hit the stores post the function.

For the film’s music; Sajid Wajid partners with lyricist Sameer to come up with a strong, melodious soundtrack. ‘Aalam Guzrane Ko’ by Sonu Nigam & Suzy Q is the quintessential romantic track. Sonu Nigam lends the ‘deewana’ feel to the song. The song is very high on melody and is certain to be a hit across radio. ‘Soniye Billori’ is a very high energy, peppy number, shot on the backstage of college & campus. Sonu Nigam & Suzy Q come together for some ‘punjabi’ flavour. Club remix by Akbar Sami takes the song to the next echelon. ‘Aasman Jhuk Gaya’ has beautiful locations, great poetry and two lovers oblivious to the world. Shaan & Shreya Ghoshal lend this song a sultry feel. ‘Jashn Hai Josh Hai’ is a sure-shot-hit-the-floor dance number with some amazing dance moves by Jackky. Alisha Chinoy, Neeraj Shridhar & Wajid give the song the verve required to make this track an outstanding party hit. ‘Tere Bina Lagta Nahin Jiya’ the voice of Wajid can be easily mistaken for a soulful, sufi singer. No love story is complete without separation and no soundtrack can be complete without the essential ‘judaai’ song. For all those who have been missing the ‘typical masala’ album, Wajid puts the pathos of separation marvelously. Shreya Ghoshal gives ‘Bin Tere Mar Javan Mein’; a short female number a life of its own with some amazing punjabi lyrics mixed with new age sound. ‘Kal Kissne Dekha’ is the title track by Shaan, Shreya Ghoshal interspersed with Rap By Bob. The song is set on dance stage and has some fantastic choreography complimenting the beats. A Club remix by Akbar Sami and a romantic version by Wajid reinforces the melody and the potential of the song.

Kulmeet Makkar, Chief Executive Officer, BIG Music & Home Entertainment, says, “The film and the music both have a very youthful feel. The songs are strong on melody and different moods have been captured very well. I am sure that he album will have an instant connect with the youth and party goersÂ¿.

‘Kal Kissne Dekha’ music is sure to put the party circuit ablaze.

For more information on the film, log on to: http://www.kalkissnedekha.com/

Pakistani Poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Daughter – Salima Hashmi In India

Posted on March 23, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Get’s nostalgic about father’s poem ‘GULON MEIN’ part of BIG Pictures’ film ‘Sikandar’ – a Tribute to her father

Delhi, March 23rd ’09: Salima Hashmi, a renowned Pakistani painter who served for four years as the head of the National College of Arts and daughter of one of Pakistan’s most renowned poets, Faiz Ahmed Faiz addressed the Media here in Delhi today. She was touched with the fact that BIG Pictures, the motion pictures brand from Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd, for paying a tribute to her father the famous Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz by incorporating his famous nazm ‘Gulon Mein Rang Bare’ for their upcoming film ‘Sikandar’. The film is scheduled for an April 2009 release.

With nostalgic feelings, Prof Salima Hashmi said, ‘I am feeling so honored that the lyrics of my father have been included as a beautiful song Gulon Mein in Sikandar. The film is very well crafted out and this song further adds to it’s beauty. I firmly believe that this song is surely going to be a favorite among the people and personally it is also very close to my heart’

The famous nazm ‘Gulon Mein Rang Bhare’ has been adapted for the film, as visualized by the director Piyush Jha, while writing the script of ‘Sikandar’. Lyricist Neelesh Misra was roped in to use the mukda from Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s famous ghazal ‘Gulon Mein’, and has penned two new versions. What’s interesting though is how the song subtly and metaphorically fits perfectly with the film. The song has two versions, a slow serene version by music director Justin-Uday and an upbeat version by music director Sandesh Shandilya. The old ghazal is deftly modernized with the use of contemporary singers like Mohit Chauhan and KK and using western orchestration to make the entire experience relevant to these times.

‘I’ve known this song for the past 20 years. When I was writing my script, I kept thinking about the poetic embodiment of my film. This song ‘Gulon Mein’ sprang to my mind and it truly embodied the thought behind the filmÂ¿ ‘Let the spring breeze blow, let it bring color into the flowers; come back so that the garden might rise to its magnificence once again’. When I and the music director and lyricist started working on the music of the film, we thought of using the mukhda from Faiz Amhed Faiz’s poem and the rest of the song would be a modern interpretation of his lyrics and thought process. The song ‘Gulon Mein’ in the film is a tribute to Faiz and at the same time presents his work in a modern context conveying the essence of ‘Sikandar’.’ Says Director, Piyush Jha, reflecting on the song ‘Gulon Mein’.

‘Sikandar’ is a suspense thriller starring Parzaan Dastur, the adorable little Sardar from film ‘Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai’, now in his teens, Ayesha Kapur of ‘Black’ Fame as she makes her come back as a lead actress this time along with R. Madhavan, Sanjay Suri & Arunoday Singh in key roles. The film has been written and directed by Piyush Jha. ‘Sikandar’ is a co-production between BIG Pictures with Sudhir Mishra’s production house -CineRaas Ltd. Sikandar’ is a film about a young boy who has a dream to play football for the National team. It’s about his aspirations and challenges and how his life unfolds when one fine day he finds a GUN on his way to school and what follows. ‘Sikandar’ is a suspense-thriller with its heart in the right place. Log on to the website www.sikandar.bigflix.com

About Mrs. Salima Hashim.

Famous for her quick wit and ability to read and analyze artwork with effortless ease, Salima taught for 30 years at NCA, Pakistan’s premier art institution, and retired as its Principal. Her work has been exhibited, and she has traveled and lectured extensively all over the world. She has also curated numerous international art shows in England, Europe, the USA, Australia, Japan and India. Salima Hashmi is a recipient of The President’s Award for Pride of Performance, Pakistan. She is presently the Dean of the School of Visual Arts at the Beacon house National University.

Salima’s father Faiz Ahmed Faiz was the first Asian poet to be awarded the Lenin Peace Prize, the Soviet Union’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize in 1963. Before his death in 1984 he was also nominated for the Nobel Prize. His exquisite Publications include Naqsh-e-Faryadi 1941, Dast-e-Saba1953 ,Zindan Nama, 1956, Mizan, a collection of literary articles, 1956 Dast Tah-e-Sang, 1965 Sar-e-Wadi-e-Seena, 1971 Sham-e-Shehr-e-Yaran, 1979, Merey Dil Merey Musafar 1981, Nuskha-Hai-Wafa, 1984 (A collective work) Pakistani Culture, (Urdu and English)

About Reliance Big Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd. (RBEL) (www.rbe.co.in ) is the flagship media and entertainment arm of Indian conglomerate, Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), (www.relianceada.com) with significant presence in film entertainment (film production, distribution, and exhibition), broadcasting and new media ventures.

With investments over USD 1 billion in its Filmed Entertainment business RBEL’s motion picture brand, BIG Pictures has built a formidable film production slate in Hindi, English & other Indian languages, which it markets & distributes worldwide. The slate has projects with leading production houses and marquee Indian directors like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, David Dhawan, Indra Kumar, Ravi Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, and Sudhir Mishra. Shaji N. Karun, Shyam Benegal, Rituparno Ghosh, Buddhadev Dasgupta, M.S Sathyu & Amol Palekar,

On the Hollywood slate, BIG Pictures has development silos with Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Productions, Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures, Tom Hank’s Playstone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Jay Roach’s Everyman Pictures, Brett Ratner’s Rat Entertainment and Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films.

13 B – Fear Has A New Address’ Comes Knocking Home On The TV

Posted on March 17, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Mumbai March 17, 2009: The TV remote control which makes us believe that we are controlling the TV is nothing more than a delusion, rightly portrayed in BIG Picture’s recent supernatural thriller, ’13B Fear has a New Address’. The film released on 6th March stars R. Madhavan and Neetu Chandra and is directed by National award winning Vikram K. Kumar.

The Film’s unusual film plot, and the filming itself, has been acclaimed by film reviewers and critics worldwide. Positive word of mouth publicity since release has helped the film to grow day on day. In Tamil Nadu, where the Tamil version, titled, Yavarram Nallam, released simultaneously, the second weekend of the film grossed 25% higher revenues than the first weekend, a feat unheard of in these days of wide releases. Incidentally, this is the first time in the history of Indian cinema that a film has witnessed simultaneous release of a Hindi and Tamil version of the same film in original language.

The film is also being considered for adapting into a TV series in India. To make the spooky experience more up close and personal for the Indian audience. Reliance Big Entertainment’s BIG Productions & Synergy Adlabs are in talks with two large Indian broadcasters to make ’13B – Fear has a New Address’ into a TV Series. If all goes well the Indian and the international audience will have chills running down their spines with the new age hero, our very own, TV.

Vishal Dembla, who heads BIG Productions, says, The genre has always garnered interest from broadcasters and television audiences, the success of the film and its unique plot has helped us get very positive responses and we will close with a major broadcaster very soon.

After winning the hearts of both the Hindi and the Tamil audiences, the film with the beloved eerie television set as the main protagonist, is being showcased to international buyers for dubbing & remake rights as well as for home video distribution in foreign languages. The Weinstein Company, which is owned by acclaimed producers Harvey and Bob Weinstein, has shown interest in the project and has approached BIG Pictures for the screenplay of the Film.

BIG Pictures & BIG Music Release The Music Of ‘Sikandar’. Shankar Mahadevan, Mohit Chauhan And Shilpa Rao Stir The Audience With Their Live Act

Posted on March 9, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Mumbai March 9, 2009: A soul-stirring musical experience is how writer-director Piyush Jha describes the music of ‘Sikandar’ that was launched today by BIG Music. The film set to release on 24th April is a co-production between BIG Pictures, the motion pictures brand from Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd and Sudhir Mishra’s production house CineRaas Ltd.

At the music launch of ‘Sikandar’ the ambience was set alive by the live performance of Shankar Mahedvan who sang ‘Dhoop Ke Sikke’ a soulful melody penned by Prasoon Joshi, who especially wrote the song after watching the first cut of the film. Mohit Chauhan got everybody emotional by singing an adaptation of the famous nazm ‘Gulon Mein Rang Bhare’ a dedication to the famous Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz, adapted for the film by lyricist Neelesh Misra. Also present at the music launch were music director Ehsaan- Loy, Lyricist Prasoon Joshi, Co-Producer Sudhir Mishra, Writer-Director Piyush Jha, Music Directors Sandesh Shandilya, Justin-Uday and Lyricist Neelesh Misra and Kumaar, Singer Shilpa Rao.

“The film triggered a thought in me–to see the human side of a terrorist; to look into his childhood, his dreams etc. Am sure with the help of Shankar Eshaan Loy’s great composition this song will be a thought provoking one”. says Prasoon Joshi, the lyricist of the song ‘Dhoop Ke Sikke’.

Unveiled at the music launch was the music video especially created for ‘Dhoop Ke Sikke’ featuring Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, the music directors of this song. The video projects Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy performing the evocative song to the crowd with moments from the movie giving life to the words and a new meaning to the message that the song wants to convey.

Kulmeet Makkar, Chief Executive Officer, BIG Music & Home Entertainment, says, “Sikandar’s soundtrack is a rare one. We have the best of lyricists and composers collaborating for making some spectacular music. The ‘Dhoop Ke Sikke’ track with Shankar and Prasoon stands out. Mohit Chauhan and KK have done some incredible singing for ‘Gulon Mein’. The entire album is a music lover’s delightÂ¿.

Says Mahesh Ramanathan, COO BIG Pictures Sikandar’s music album is a connoisseur’s delight. The range is extra-ordinary from the soulful “Gulon Mein” to the invigorating “Dhoop Ke Sikke”. The music is as stirring as the film promises to be. The music talent associated with the film is the finest in the country & should go a long way in energizing audience interest in the film”

The film music album has 7 songs beginning with ‘Dhoop Ke Sike’ followed by lyricist Neelesh Misra paying a tribute to the famous Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz by taking the opening mukda from his famous ghazal ‘Gulon Mein’, and has penned two new versions. What’s interesting though is how the song subtly and metaphorically fits perfectly with the film. The song has two versions, a slow serene version by music director Justin-Uday and an upbeat version by music director Sandesh Shandilya. The old ghazal is deftly modernized with the use of contemporary singers like Mohit Chauhan and KK and using western orchestration to make the entire experience relevant to these times.

Yash Narvekar & Hrishikesh Kamerkar set a spiritual mood with ‘Allah Hoo’ as lyricist Kumar precisely depicts Sikandar’s quest for finding the right path. Justin-Uday has given a divine and spiritual pace to the song with their music.

Adding a touch of authenticity is ‘Arzoo’, a Naat, a traditional hymn sung in School assemblies in Jammu and Kashmir. The director has chosen a new voice of Mehrajuddin, a young boy from Aru- Jammu and Kashmir to make the song sound as genuine and truthful as possible. A peppy number ‘Manzaraat’, penned by Kumar which is based on traditional Kashmiri folk music sung in Mehndi functions in Kashmir, composed by Justin- Uday and sung by Shilpa Rao, adds zing to the album.

The album concludes on an optimistic note of hope and harmony with the youthful song ‘Chaal Apni’ sung by Hrishikesh Kamerkar & Hamsika pulling together a great album which offers a spectrum of emotions and a journey of lifetime.

Sikandar’ is a film about a young boy who has a dream to play football for the National team. It’s about his aspirations and challenges and how his life unfolds when one fine day he finds a GUN on his way to school and what follows. ‘Sikandar’ is a suspense-thriller with it’s heart in the right place. Log on to the website www.sikandar.bigflix.com. TO DOWNLOAD FILM IMAGES plz log on to ftp://124.124.10.147/ Username: bigpicpress/ Password: bigpic123.

‘Sikandar’ stars Parzaan Dastur, the adorable little Sardar from film ‘Kuchh Kuchh Hota Hai’, now in his teens, Ayesha Kapur of ‘Black’ Fame as she makes her come-back as a lead actress this time along with R. Madhavan, Sanjay Suri & introducing Arunoday Singh in key roles. The film has been written and directed by Piyush Jha.

About BIG Music & Home Video:
BIG Music & Home Entertainment has taken significant strides towards its objective of emerging as the dominant player in Indian Music & Home Entertainment.

Apart from releasing chart-busting music of Hindi films like Luck By Chance, Rock On!!, Love Story 2050, Johnny Gaddaar and Cash, the company has also released blockbusters such as Welcome, Jodhaa Akbar, Singh is Kinng and Rock On!! on home video.

The company is the exclusive licensee to 3 of Hollywood’s prestigious studios Universal Pictures International BV, Warner Home Video, Paramount Home Entertainment Global & Dream Works Animation SKG, Inc. With its robust pan India distribution network, the company will ensure reach for these Hollywood products, not only in urban market but also mass markets.

BIG Home Video has also released the best of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters straight to your Home. Watch the Oscar-nominated drama, The Kite Runner, a movie about love and betrayal. Grab you’re seats soon with action flicks like The Mummy 3 and Hellboy 2 as they take you through a trip down adventure lane. Follow Leonardo DiCaprio uncover a lead on a major terrorist leader in Body of Lies. Get your dose of superb Sci-Fi and animation with The Clone Wars as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the massive clone army in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side.

About Reliance Big Entertainment
Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd. (RBEL) (www.rbe.co.in ) is the flagship media and entertainment arm of Indian conglomerate, Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), (www.relianceada.com) with significant presence in film entertainment (film production, distribution, and exhibition), broadcasting and new media ventures.

RBEL’s motion picture brand BIG Pictures has built a formidable film production slate in Hindi, English & other Indian languages, which it markets & distributes worldwide. The slate has projects with leading production houses and marquee Indian directors like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, David Dhawan, Indra Kumar, Ravi Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Sudhir Mishra. Shaji N. Karun, Shyam Benegal, Rituparno Ghosh, Buddhadev Dasgupta, M.S Sathyu & Amol Palekar,

On the Hollywood slate, BIG Pictures has development silos with Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Productions, Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures, Tom Hanks’s PlayTone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and Jay Roach’s Everyman Pictures.

The Walt Disney Studios Enters Exclusive Long-Term Distribution Agreement With Dreamworks Studios; Steven Spielberg & Stacey Snider Align With Disney To Distribute And Market Their Live-Action Motion Pictures.

Posted on February 9, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Burbank, California, February 9, 2009 — The Walt Disney Studios has agreed to enter into an exclusive long-term distribution arrangement with filmmaker and DreamWorks Studios co-founder Steven Spielberg, and partner Stacey Snider, chief executive officer of DreamWorks, to distribute all upcoming live-action motion pictures produced by DreamWorks under their partnership with Reliance Big Entertainment, part of The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, it was announced today by Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

Under the terms of this arrangement, Disney will handle distribution and marketing for approximately six DreamWorks films each year. The first DreamWorks motion picture to be released under the Touchstone Pictures banner is scheduled to hit theaters in 2010.

DreamWorks principals Spielberg and Snider partnered with Reliance Big Entertainment last fall to form a new motion picture company. In addition to being a partner in DreamWorks, Reliance Big Entertainment will also distribute the new company’s projects in India.

Commenting on the announcement, Cook said, “We’re both thrilled and honored to be marketing and distributing all of DreamWorks’ signature upcoming live-action motion pictures, and to begin a new relationship with such respected colleagues as Steven, Stacey, and their creative team at DreamWorks. Steven has made some of the biggest and most loved films of all-time, and continues to be one of the great icons of our industry. Stacey has an impeccable reputation and a phenomenal track record for making a wide variety of quality films. Their motion pictures will be the perfect compliment to the already robust slate of Disney and Touchstone films being made by Oren Aviv and his team.”

Bob Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company, added, “We are tremendously pleased to join forces with Steven Spielberg, whose artistic vision and commitment to quality filmmaking are legendary,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “DreamWorks has had a great creative and commercial track record under the leadership of Steven and Stacey Snider and I am delighted they’re now associated with Disney.

Steven Spielberg said, “Disney is the birthplace of imagination and has always been as close to the worldwide audience as any company ever has. I am so pleased that industry leaders like Bob Iger and Dick Cook reached out to become our distribution partner. This is a major step forward for us and Reliance Big Entertainment ”

Stacey Snider added, “Under Bob Iger and Dick Cook’s leadership, the Walt Disney Company represents the highest standard of quality in our industry. Everyone at DreamWorks is thrilled to be embarking upon this new and exciting partnership and we look forward to our future with their great team.”

About The Walt Disney Studios

The Walt Disney Studios is a unit of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) and produces and distributes motion pictures under the following banners: Walt Disney Pictures(which include live-action movies, animated feature films from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios) as well as Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures and Miramax Films. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International serves as the Studio’s international distribution arm. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment distributes Disney and other film titles to the rental and sell-through home entertainment markets. Disney Theatrical Group is among the world’s most successful commercial theatre enterprises producing or licensing live entertainment events that reach a global annual audience of more than 20 million people in more than 40 countries, and the Disney Music Group distributes original music and motion picture soundtracks under its three record labels: Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records and Lyric Street Records.

About DreamWorks Studios

Steven Spielberg and Stacey Snider and The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group announced the formation of a new motion picture company which will be led by Spielberg and Snider. The new company is a continuation of DreamWorks Studios which was formed in 1994 by Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and David Geffen. The company won three consecutive Best Picture Academy Awards with “American Beauty,” “Gladiator,” and “A Beautiful Mind” (both co-produced with Universal). Among the company’s other successes have been such films as “Saving Private Ryan” (co-produced with Paramount), “The Ring,” “Minority Report” (co-produced with 20th Century Fox), “War of the Worlds,” “Dreamgirls,” and “Transformers” (all co-produced with Paramount). Snider joined DreamWorks Studios in 2006 as Co-Chairman and CEO. Snider has overseen the company’s business strategy as well as the creative and financial aspects of all film development and production.

About Reliance Big Entertainment

With investments over USD 1 billion in its Filmed Entertainment business Reliance Big Entertainment motion picture brand BIG Pictures has built a formidable film production slate in Hindi, English & other Indian languages, which it markets & distributes worldwide.

In Hollywood, BIG Pictures has development silos with Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Productions, Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures, Tom Hank’s Playstone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Jay Roach’s Everyman Pictures Brett Ratner’s Rat Entertainment and Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films.

BIG Pictures Rolls Out Innovative Marketing Activities For Its Upcoming Super Natural Thriller ’13 B – Fear Has A New Address’

Posted on February 6, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Monday, Feb 16th, Mumbai: BIG Pictures is all set to release their forthcoming film, ’13 B- Fear has a new address’ on 6th March. The film, a supernatural thriller, stars R Madhavan and Neetu Chandra in key roles. The film has been directed by National Award winning director Vikram K Kumar, with music by Shankar- Ehsaan Loy and wonderfully recreated and depicted on screen by ace cinematographer P C Sreeram. The film’s music will be released by Reliance Big Entertainment’s BIG Music.

BIG Pictures has announced a unique contest based on the film’s ‘Supernatural Thriller’ theme ‘Have You Been Spooked’. Entries have been thrown open to audience; to send in stories of their spooky experiences and stand a chance to win Rupees One lac. Short listed entries will also be evaluated for development into a BIG Pictures film.

The contest will be publicized across platforms and details are available on the film’s website www.whatis13b.com; which since its going live has made a record run with 1 lac visitors. Big Pictures has also planned an extensive online promotion campaign for ’13B Fear has a new address’. This campaign also marks the coming together of the online arms of Reliance Big Entertainment; Zapak.com, BIG Flix and BIG Adda.

R.Madhavan thrilled about the slate of planned activities said, “We have received overwhelming response on the promos and trailers of 13B across different platforms including the online space especially social networking sites. This contest is a great way for participants to make money out of stories which can actually spook people out; May the spookiest win!! As an audience member, I am definitely excited about this spooky contest on whatis13b.com”

BIG Pictures Chief Marketing Officer, Saurabh Varma said, “The contest is aimed at connecting with and engaging the film’s audience. Interesting entries hold the potential to become the next BIG project. We are very excited about the association with Zapak.com, BIG Flix and BIG Adda to utilize the benefits of the online space to help fans connect with ’13B- Fear has a new address’ on a different platform altogether”.

Luck By Chance, which released this January, has already set BIG Pictures 2009 slate on roll with some great reviews and an exceptional box office opening. BIG Pictures is all geared up for their next release 13B, a super natural thriller directed by Vikram, starring R. Madhavan and Neetu Chandra which will adorn the silver screen on 6th March, 2009 followed by this engrossing suspense thriller, Sikandar which will release on the 27th March, 2009; completing the first quarter cycle of BIG Picture slate 2009.

About Reliance Big Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

With investments over USD 1 billion in its Filmed Entertainment business RBEL’s motion picture brand, BIG Pictures has built a formidable film production slate in Hindi, English & other Indian languages, which it markets & distributes worldwide. The slate has projects with leading production houses and marquee Indian directors like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, David Dhawan, Indra Kumar, Ravi Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Sudhir Mishra. Shaji N. Karun, Shyam Benegal, Rituparno Ghosh, Buddhadev Dasgupta, M.S Sathyu & Amol Palekar,

BIG Pictures and Filmkraft Join Hands For Worldwide Marketing & Distribution Of ‘Kites’

Posted on February 4, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

KITES slated for Diwali Release Mumbai, February 4: BIG Pictures, the Motion Pictures Brand of Reliance Big Entertainment, has acquired worldwide marketing & distribution rights of KITES, Filmkraft’s most ambitious project yet.

KITES commenced shooting in the US with a two month schedule in July 2008, during which the Unit shot in New Mexico, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Since third week of December, the Unit has been shooting in Mumbai for filming indoor scenes. Principal photography for KITES will end in March 2009.

KITES is a romantic thriller being directed by Anurag Basu. Apart from Hrithik Roshan, who plays the male lead in the film, KITES stars Mexican Actress Barbara Mori, Kangana Ranaut, Nick Brown and Kabir Bedi. The film will have music by Rajesh Roshan.

The film will be marketed and distributed worldwide by Reliance Big Entertainment, which will leverage the strengths of all of its Group Companies, engaged in the media & entertainment space to synergize benefits emanating through co-promotions, branding, joint promotions and 360 degrees marketing initiatives for the film. KITES is the biggest Indian film ever made. Slated for release in third quarter of 2009, it is targeted at both Indian as well as the world markets and hence, will earmark the widest release ever for an Indian film.

Commenting on the development, Rakesh Roshan, Chairman Filmkraft Productions (India) Pvt. Limited, said, We are very pleased to partner with Reliance Big Entertainment for the marketing and distribution of KITES. This is the biggest film to come out of India ever, and a film targeted at both Indian as well as world audiences. We believe that Reliance Big Entertainment will leverage its marketing machinery & distribution platforms to take this film to the widest possible audience the world over.

Rajesh Sawhney, President – Reliance Big Entertainment added, We are very proud of our association with Filmkraft, which is one of India’s leading production houses for the worldwide exploitation of KITES. It is India’s first international product offering and will have the widest ever release for an Indian film. Partnering with the visionary Producer-Director, Rakesh Roshan, is a landmark achievement in our endeavor to create India’s dominant filmed entertainment company.

About Filmkraft

Filmkraft Productions India Pvt. Ltd , India’s leading film production house, was started in 1977and has since produced 14 blockbusters of which 13 were directed and produced by Rakesh Roshan. Filmkraft also created India’s first Superhero on celluloid, Krrish after pioneering its Science Fiction prequel, Koi Mil Gaya. With Kites , FIlmKraft takes its first step into the International arena and has lined up an impressive crew of International talent including Mexican actress Barbara Mori, Hollywood action director Spiro and New York based choreographer Flexi.

About Reliance Big Entertainment

Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd. (RBEL) (www.rbe.co.in) is the flagship media and entertainment arm of Indian conglomerate, Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), (www.relianceada.com) with significant presence in film entertainment (film production, distribution, and exhibition), broadcasting and new media ventures.

With investments over USD 1 billion in its Filmed Entertainment business RBEL’s motion picture brand BIG Pictures has built a formidable film production slate in Hindi, English & other Indian languages, which it markets & distributes worldwide. The slate has projects with leading production houses and marquee Indian directors like Vidhu Vinod Chopra, David Dhawan, Indra Kumar, Ravi Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Sudhir Mishra. Shaji N. Karun, Shyam Benegal, Rituparno Ghosh, Buddhadev Dasgupta, M.S Sathyu & Amol Palekar,

Reliance BIG Entertainment Builds Its Creative Partnerships

Posted on February 1, 2009September 3, 2018 by reliance

Signs developments deals with Julia Roberts Red Om Flims and Brett Ratner’s Rat Entertainment

Berlin, February 5th 2009: Expanding its media investments in Hollywood, Reliance Big Entertainment, the media and entertainment company of the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group has signed two separate development deals with Julia Roberts’ Red Om Films and Brett Ratner’s Rat Entertainment. To date, Reliance Big Entertainment has established creative partnerships with nine leading production entities.

The initial seven deals, with Nicolas Cage’s Saturn Productions, Jim Carrey’s JC 23 Entertainment, George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions, Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures, Tom Hanks’ Playtone Productions, Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, and Jay Roach’s Everyman Pictures were announced during the Cannes Film Festival 2008 by Reliance Big Entertainment’s Chairman Amit Khanna and President Rajesh Sawhney.

All nine deals provide for the creation of a development silo for each of the production entities and the possibility of Reliance Big Entertainment co-financing projects that emanate from these development deals. For any green lit projects utilizing Reliance Big Entertainment co-financing, the filmmakers will enjoy full creative and fiscal freedom.

Eight of the partnerships have had development projects approved and there is already a handpicked slate in excess of twenty projects and it is anticipated that most will generate content during 2009.

In announcing the new partnerships, Amit Khanna commented, ‘Our innovative foray into Hollywood has proven very productive on the development front and we are now looking forward to moving into the filmmaking stage over the coming months. We were immediately impressed by both Julia’s and Brett’s enthusiasm for our creative partnership plan’

Added Rajesh Sawhney, President of Reliance Big Entertainment, ‘These creative partnerships will lead to Reliance Big Entertainment co-financing with the majority of the major US Studios as we are totally respectful of the existing first-look deals that each of our partners enjoys. From the conversations to date, we know that the respective studios will welcome our development silos and our subsequent co-financing ability. We have broken completely new ground by empowering some of the best talent in the global industry’.

For the U.S. studios, the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group provides a partner with expertise in India, which has one of the most successful domestic filmed entertainment businesses in the world but which remains a challenge for non indigenous product.

BIG Pictures , the division of Reliance Big Entertainment that will focus on media investments outside of India, sees the development deals as the first major building block in the creation of a virtual studio, or new-generation media company. They are part of Reliance Big Entertainment’s long-term strategy for media investments in Hollywood, as it continues to build a fully integrated movie company with substantial holdings in production, distribution and exhibition.

The deals also secure Indian rights for the films which Reliance Big Entertainment co-finances. Additionally, Reliance Big Entertainment expects to attract suitable productions, with appropriate incentives, to India, where Reliance Big Entertainment is the largest film producer and owns physical studios and facility companies.

Reliance Big Entertainment continues to launch Indian and international initiatives across different media and entertainment verticals.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) was instrumental in brokering the deals and is advising Reliance Big Entertainment on its Hollywood strategy.