UTV's inks telecast rights deal with Warner Bros.

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Mumbai: UTV has entered into a deal with Warner Bros. International Television Distribution to bring popular Hollywood movies dubbed in Hindi and Telugu on the small screen.

Through the exclusive long-term telecast rights deal, the company's primary action movie channels UTV Action and UTV Action Telugu - will have access to 60 and 50 titles a year respectively from the Warner Bros. library, Sameer Ganapathy, Business Head, UTV Action and UTV Action Telugu, said.

The channels will enhance their movie banks with blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings, The Dark Knight, Shoot Them Up, Cradle to The Grave, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Blue Sea, Golden Compass, Get Smart, Jason X and many more, he said. Ganapathy said the acquisitions of Warner Brothers titles is a long term exclusive first showcase deal for Hindi dubs for the Hollywood studio's action titles.

UTV Action was launched in January, 2010. The channel showcases Hollywood action movies dubbed in Hindi while UTV Action Telugu was launched in June, 2011 to bring Hollywood content in Telugu.

UTV Action has established itself as India's premiere Hollywood action destination and biggest male destination on TV. Consumers love the brand and the content offering and our trade has seen a tremendous value in the channel especially when targeting the 15+ male audience, Ganapathy said. As for UTV Action Telugu, it has been well-received and we expect it to grow week on week, he said. Competitors are already realising the value of action content and have started showcasing more action movies. Our clear positioning meanwhile makes it easy for us to attract the right audience, he added....
Newspaper: Financial Express, 24th Oct