PVR Pictures, the Indian film production and distribution arm of the PVR Group, made a number of acquisitions for release in India at the recent Cannes festival and market.

These include Jane Eyre by Cary Fukunaga, One Day by Lone Scherfig, Another Year by Mike Leigh and Biutifulby Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu from Focus Features; Rum Diary by Bruce Robinson and London Boulevard by William Monahan from GK Films; Eclipse by David Slade from Summit Entertainment; Rabbit Hole by John Cameron Mitchell, Jack by Brad Anderson and Drive by Nicholas Winding Refn from Affinity; The Ledge by Matthew Chapman) from Foresight; Butter by Jim Field Smith from the Weinstein Company and Bel Ami by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod from Protagonist Pictures.

PVR Pictures has established itself as a distributor that aims to bridge the gap between discerning viewers and supply of world cinema titles in India. Some of its earlier releases were Burn After Reading, Blindness, Twilight, New Moon, Remember Me, Taking Woodstock, and Paris, je t’aime.

Speaking on the 2010 line up, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, joint managing director, PVR Limited said, “We are very happy to be distributing some of the most awaited movies of the year in India showcased at Cannes Film Festival 2010. It is our constant endeavour to offer a wider choice of movies to the Indian audiences and with a variety of films releasing, we hope that there is something for everyone to look forward to.”

On the parameters for selecting the films, Bijli added, “We try to get something with star value because in India you need that to sell. Genre-wise, we prefer romantic comedies, action or thrillers because those work better across the Indian masses. If the film features a star recognised in India that is icing on cake. Or then we opt for a well-known director, like the Mike Leigh’s Another Year.”

“We do bundle deals with Focus and Summit as we get a mix of both big and small titles. Individually, we may not have bought Biutiful or Broken Embraces since they are in Spanish, but since we are doing their bigger titles as well it’s okay to push these as well,” adds Bijli who says profitability is based on theatrical (including dubbed versions), DVD and satellite rights.

PVR’s 2010 line up of English-language films includes A Single Man, Edge of Darkness and Eclipse. PVR Group is among India’s leading integrated media and entertainment players with a significant presence in film entertainment (film production, distribution and exhibition) and retail entertainment.

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