Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Happy New Year’ acquired for China
Saturday, 7 February 2015 00:00
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LOS ANGELES (Variety.com, Berlin): Indian caper movie ‘Happy New Year’ will release next week in China, in time for the country’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
The film was acquired by M1905 Pictures, the movie distribution arm of China Central Television, from Indian studio Yash Raj Films. It will be released by M1905 in association with China Film Group on 12 February as an international director’s cut version, dubbed into Mandarin Chinese. The Chinese New Year holidays this year begin on 19 February.
The film will also be given a slot in April’s Beijing International Film Festival.
‘Happy New Year’ was directed by director and choreographer Farah Khan. It stars Indian superstar Farah Khan, who also produced and financed through his Red Chillies Entertainment company. Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan also star.
The film was released in October last year in India and the traditional overseas markets for Indian films, grossing some $60 million.
“Under the instruction of President Xi Jinping, to reinforce China-India cultural communication, we are greatly honored to have this opportunity to import outstanding Indian films and let China audience understand and appreciate Indian films and culture,” said Liang Longfei, M1905 chairman.
“China is a natural partner for us. The two nations have much in common and films are a great way to connect,” said Avtar Panesar, Yash Raj’s VP of Intl. Operations YRF.
Last week it was announced that Aamir Khan-starring ‘PK’ will also be released in China this year through China Film Group and Huaxia Film Group, with a promised 3,500 screens.
