Moser Baer Eyeing New Releases

Moser Baer is reportedly planning to buy at least 15 to 25 percent of new Indian movies released this year.

Talking about the initiative, Harish Dayani, Chief Executive Officer of Moser Baer's Entertainment Division, said that the company is looking to acquire at least 50 percent of new movie releases. And, that they intend to acquire 15 to 25 percent of new releases in all languages this year. Going forward, they might also consider buying bulk titles from production houses.

Moser Baer says to begin with, it has bought the very latest Hindi titles, including Vikram Bhatt's "Life Mein Kabhi Kabhi", Quartet Film's "Ek Challis Ki Last Local", and Anil Sharma's "Apne". The company will make these movies available at Rs 34 per DVD and Rs 28 per VCD within a month of release.

Having entered the home video segment last December, Moser Baer has released 75 Hindi titles so far. The company says it has acquired about 1,500 Hindi titles, and plans to acquire another 1,000 titles in a bid to acquire 50 percent market share.

Reportedly, older films are being offered by Moser Baer for Rs 28 per VCD and Rs 34 per DVD, and it is promising the same rates for newer films.

The company is also eyeing Hollywood releases, and with 500 Hollywood titles in its kitty, has secured a spot at this year's Cannes Festival, as per company sources.

Moser Baer already has tie-ups with production houses such as American Cinema International, Lake Shore Production, and Amity Entertainment, and is reportedly in talks with other production houses.

While pricing of the international releases is not entirely clear, it would likely be in the region of Rs 100.