The Walt Disney Company India and Mumbai-based UTV Motion Pictures have formed a creative alliance to co-produce a slate of Disney-branded films aimed at family audiences.

Disney and UTV will share creative responsibilities for the slate, while UTV will oversee production, marketing and distribution.

In 2008, Disney increased its stake in UTV Software Communications, the parent company of UTV Motion Pictures, to a majority shareholding of 59.94%, although it hasn’t taken management control of the company.  

“Together with UTV, our goal is to produce films that have a direct connection with the dynamic and expanding India audience and that embody Disney brand values - optimistic, fun, meaningful and emotional entertainment for the entire family,” said Walt Disney Company India managing director Mahesh Samat in a statement.

UTV chairman Ronnie Screwvala said: “I believe this is a strategic initiative that further strengthens our relationship with Disney.

“It is a wonderful affirmation for UTV that a much loved global entertainment brand like Disney has the confidence in our creative and commercial capabilities and we welcome this co-production alliance. The combined offering of UTV and Disney content will offer Indian viewers a tremendously diverse range of movies across languages and genres.” 

Disney’s local-language offerings in India to date include animation Roadside Romeo, co-produced with Yash Raj Films, comedy Do Dooni Char, children’s film Zokkomon and Telugu-language fantasy Once Upon A Warrior.

Topics