UTV Motion Pictures is set to make a huge impact in the South Indian film space with a slate of film production and distribution deals in the Telugu film industry, India's second largest film market after Hindi films.

UTVM has signed on the Telegu superstar Mahesh Babu for two productions, the first of which will go on the floors within the next six months.  Mahesh Babu is one of the most bankable stars in Andhra Pradesh. His last film POKIRI, in which he played the lead, is the highest grosser in the history of the Telugu film industry.

In addition to this, UTVM has signed a deal with Indira Productions, to co-produce two films, one of which will star Mahesh Babu in the lead role.

UTVM also announced that it has acquired the Andhra Pradesh distribution rights for one of the most awaited Telegu movies of 2007, ATITHI, starring Mahesh Babu and Amrita Rao. The film releases in October 2007.

"This is the first time a corporate from the Hindi film industry is entering the Telugu film space in such a big way" says G Ramesh Babu Krishna Productions Private Limited, Producer of ATITHI.

"With the great work UTV has done in Hindi films we are happy to get into an agreement with them," says Manjula/Sanjay Cota of Indira Productions. "UTV has managed to bring about a structured corporate approach to filmmaking in the past 3-4 years. Initiatives like these have helped the Hindi film industry get 'industry' status and the Telugu film industry is sure to gain from UTV Motion Pictures' expertise in this area."

Hitherto, corporates engaged in film distribution in Andhra Pradesh had restricted their buying to selected circuits. With movie-going being the major form of entertainment, Andhra Pradesh boasts of the highest number of movie theaters in the country. It has 2700 theatres spread across the state.Hyderabad alone has 150 theatres.

"After our foray into the Tamil film industry with our first Tamil production due for release in September, we are happy to be making inroads into the Telegu film industry with these production, distribution and artiste deals. Mahesh Babu is one of India's foremost superstars and our association with him, as well as our co-production venture with Indira Productions coupled with our distribution acquisition of ATITHI, gives us a great launch pad in this very exciting market" notes Siddharth Roy Kapur, Chief Operating Officer, UTV Motion Pictures Plc.