An Indian Hindi-language film produced in India's movie capital Bombay will, for the first time, premier in Hollywood rather than at home.
Raju Chacha (Uncle Raju) will be premiered on December 28 at Los Angeles' Academy Theatre of Arts and Sciences," Misha Gautam, spokesman for the film's producer told AFP.
"This is the first time that an Indian film is being premiered in Hollywood."
The Hollywood presentation will be followed by a London showing two days later.
Raju Chacha is produced by Devgan Entertainment and Software Ltd, which is promoted by Bollywood star couple Ajay Devgan and his wife Kajol.
The film stars the couple, as well as veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and comedian Johnny Lever.
"Raju Chacha is a fun film, with all the elements of Indian cinema. It has been shot at three locations in India and in Austria," Gautam said, adding that the decision to premiere abroad reflected the growing overseas market for Indian films.
"We feel our actors should get closer to the Non-resident Indians (NRIs). Besides, the excitement you can generate with a premiere in India no longer exists," he said.
Film industry analyst Mohan Deep said Indian distributors were earning much more from the overseas market than at home.
"Films that flop miserably in India are lapped up by NRIs in Britain and the United States. Most of the NRIs are obsessed with Indian film actors and will go to any length to get themselves photographed with them," Deep said.
"Most of the films that are distributed overseas are of mediocre quality. The aim is only to make money and not to distribute a good quality film."
Indians are passionate about movies. The country annually produces about 900 films -- more than any other country. – AFP.
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