Viacom18, Movie Temple Productions to produce Kashyap’s next

New Delhi, March 11 – Viacom18 Motion Pictures have teamed up with Movie Temple Productions to produce ‘Dabangg’ director Abhinav Kashyap’s second directorial venture, which is tentatively titled ‘Project 18′. 

The film is being written by Kashyap and is slated to go on floors in the last quarter of the year.

‘I am impressed with their (Viacom18 Motion Pictures and Movie Temple Productions) approach to focus on high-quality content which connects with the audience and their ability to execute and market films innovatively. Together, we should be able to deliver a film that is high in appeal for the audience,’ he said.

Movie Temple Productions Pvt Ltd is co-promoted by Sanjeev Gupta, a Saharanpur-based textiles businessman, and Himanshu Mehra, chief assistant director to Kashyap for ‘Dabangg’.

‘We have been able to identify a lot of young and enthusiastic talent to support us in our endeavour and we hope to live up to everyone’s expectations,’ said Mehra.

Vikram Malhotra, COO Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said: ‘We are proud to have Abhinav join the Viacom18 Motion Pictures family. Abhinav is not just a rare writing and directing talent but also possesses an uncanny and stylish approach to filmmaking that puts him in the top league of young directors today. We also plan to further build on our relationship with Mr. Sanjeev Gupta and Mr. Himanshu Mehra’s company Movie Temple Productions.’ 

IANS

Viacom18 to release nine films in 2011-12

Mumbai, Feb 14 – Viacom18 Motion Pictures has nine films on its slate for 2011-12. The company has plans for 10 to 12 movies, nine of which have already been finalised and are at various stages of development and production, an official said.

The banner will open its offerings for the year with rom-com ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ releasing Feb 25, followed by two films that are co-productions with Anurag Kashyap – ‘Michael’ (Working Title) and ‘Shaitan’.

Other films include ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Buddah’, ‘Chasme Badoor’ and ‘Players’ among others.

‘Our release slate for the next year is a reflection of our direction in the Indian film industry – to establish a significant presence across various spectrums of this business,’ Vikram Malhotra, chief operating officer of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, said in a statement.

‘We have an unparalleled slate for this year, with films that span diverse genres right from romantic comedies to action, from thrillers to drama,’ he added.

Another new initiative is the launch of Viacom 18 Motion Pictures’ new brand ‘Tipping Point Films,’ that will cater to the evolving sensibilities of the urban Indian youth by offering edgy and engaging film content to this audience segment, the statement added.

IANS