Sony paints Dirty Picture

---

---

Ancillary News

Mainstream Indian broadcaster Multi Screen Media (formerly Sony Entertainment Television) has acquired rights to the hot indie film The Dirty Picture द डर्टी पिक्चर (2011) (pictured) and pre-bought two of the biggest Indian films of 2012.

MSM's moves are indicative of the continuing strong competition between Indian broadcasters for key film titles and the determination by generalist channels not to let specialist movie channels run away with the genre.

The Dirty Picture, a biopic of former big screen siren Silk Smitha, was directed by Milan LUTHRIA and produced through Balaji Motion Pictures Ltd. Released in Dec, it is still playing at limited Indian cinemas and has grossed some INR1.25 billion ($24.9 million) worldwide according to sources at Balaji, who confirmed that MSM had acquired worldwide satellite TV rights.

Local reports have valued the deal at INR140 million ($2.78 million), but that figure was not confirmed by Balaji.

MSM also pre-bought Ek tha Tiger एक था टायगर, the new Salman KHAN vehicle produced by Yash Raj Films Pvt Ltd and which is set as a release for the Eid holidays; and Talaash, produced and starring Aamir KHAN, which is set for a June release.

MSM also snapped up rights to Ladies vs Ricky Bahl (2011), a 2011 Yash Raj title.

---