UTV Motion Pictures#UTV Spotboy
{{Short description|Indian motion picture company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox company
| name = UTV Motion Pictures
| logo = File:UTV-Motion_Pictures.jpg
| type = Subsidiary
| foundation = {{start date and age|1996}}
| defunct = {{start date and age|2017}}
| fate = Absorbed into Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
| founder = Ronnie Screwvala
Zarina Screwvala
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ubl
| Mahesh Samat
{{small|(Managing director)}}
| Amrita Pandey
{{small|(Vice-president)}}
| Sandeep Bhargava
{{small|(COO, 2002–2004)}}{{cite news |title=Sandeep Bhargava appointed as COO of UTV Motion Pictures |url=https://www.afaqs.com/news/media/7204_sandeep-bhargava-appointed-as-coo-of-utv-motion-pictures |publisher=Afaqs |date=2002-06-10 |access-date=2025-05-15}}
}}| industry = Film production, film distribution
| products = Motion pictures
| services = Film production, marketing and distribution
| parent =
| revenue =
| owner = The Walt Disney Company India
| num_employees =
| homepage = {{URL|http://corporate.disney.in/disney-companies/studios}}
}}
UTV Motion Pictures (also known as Disney UTV from 2012–13) was the feature film unit of UTV Software Communications founded by Ronnie Screwvala and Zarina Screwvala in 1996 as UTV Motion Pictures Plc., the film distribution division of UTV Software Communications. It was one of the leading film studios in India and one of the largest production studios in South Asia. The studio's activities spanned creative development, production, marketing, distribution, licensing, merchandising, and worldwide syndication of films in Indian territories. It was also a distribution label of Disney for feature films produced by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures in India.
UTV Motion Pictures had a library of domestic regional films and animation productions alongside select international productions with the studio moving into film production in Bollywood, and further expanding in Hollywood in partnership with studios such as 20th Century Studios, Walt Disney Pictures and Sony Pictures.{{cite web|title=UTV & Fox in Strategic Tie-up -To co-produce M Night Shyamalan's next movie|url=http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/entertainment/200703152246.htm|publisher=India PR Wire|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-date=5 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005021028/http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/entertainment/200703152246.htm|url-status=dead}} In July 2017, Disney shut down UTV Motion Pictures, shortly after the release of the film Jagga Jasoos, and planned to focus on its Hollywood films distribution and television and licensing and merchandising businesses through the banner, effectively pulling the plug on its Hindi film production.{{cite news|title=Disney India to exit from Hindi film production business|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/disney-india-to-exit-from-hindi-film-production-business/articleshow/53865976.cms|access-date=15 December 2016|work=The Economic Times|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|date=26 August 2016|archive-date=15 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215163215/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/disney-india-to-exit-from-hindi-film-production-business/articleshow/53865976.cms|url-status=live}}
Film productions and distribution
= Films produced by UTV Motion Pictures =
| class="wikitable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" | Director !Synopsis ! scope="col" | Notes |
|---|
| 1997
| Ashim Bhattacharya | | |
| 2000
| Fiza |A woman embarks on a quest to find her missing brother, only to discover he has joined a terrorist group. | Co-produced with The Culture Company |
| rowspan="2"|2003
|A college student who is focused on gaining popularity pretends to be in a relationship with his childhood friend, only to face emotional challenges as his feelings for her evolve. | As a distributor with The Walt Disney Company India & Tips Industries |
| Chalte Chalte
|A man and a woman from different social backgrounds meet by chance, fall in love, marry, and face challenges that test their relationship. | Co-produced with Dreamz Unlimited |
| rowspan="2"|2004
| Lakshya |A directionless young man joins the Indian Army, overcomes personal challenges, and transforms into a courageous officer during the Kargil War. | Co-produced with Excel Entertainment |
| Swades
|A NASA scientist returns to rural India to bring his childhood nanny back to the U.S., only to become deeply involved in the village's development, ultimately choosing to stay and contribute to its progress. | Co-produced with Ashutosh Gowariker Productions |
| rowspan="2"|2005
| D | | Co-Produced with RGV Film Company |
| Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh
| | Co-produced with Makefilms |
| rowspan="3"|2006
|A group of university students, initially apathetic, are inspired to take radical action after portraying Indian freedom fighters in a documentary. | Co-produced with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Pictures |
| Taxi No. 9211
| | Co-distributed with Entertainment One and Ramesh Sippy Entertainment |
| Chup Chup Ke
|A debt-ridden young man fakes his death to escape creditors, only to create a series of comedic misunderstandings by pretending to be deaf and mute in a coastal village. | |
| rowspan="8"|2007
|A Bengali couple immigrates to the United States, where they raise their son, who grapples with his cultural identity and the significance of his unconventional name. |Indian-American co-production |
| I Think I Love My Wife
| | Co-produced with Fox Searchlight Pictures and Zahrlo Productions |
| Hattrick
| | |
| Life in a... Metro
|Multiple interconnected stories explore love, infidelity, and personal aspirations as individuals navigate the challenges of life in a bustling city. | |
| The Blue Umbrella
| |
| Athidhi
| | Telugu Film |
| Kannamoochi Yenada
| V. Priya | |
| Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal
|A bankrupt South Asian football club in England must win the league championship to secure its future and prevent the demolition of its historic ground. | |
| rowspan="7"|2008
|A Mughal emperor and a Rajput princess enter a political marriage that evolves into genuine love and mutual respect. | Co-produced Ashutosh Gowariker Productions |
| The Happening
| | Co-produced with 20th Century Fox, Spyglass Entertainment and Blinding Edge Pictures |
| Mumbai Meri Jaan
| | National Film Award for Best Special Effects (Govardhan){{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/56th_nff_2008.pdf|title=56th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=27 March 2012|archive-date=19 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019152853/http://dff.nic.in/2011/56th_nff_2008.pdf|url-status=live}} |
| A Wednesday!
|An anonymous man threatens to blow up Mumbai unless four terrorists are released, leading the police to uncover his true motives. | Co-produced with Anjum Rizvi Film Company and Friday Filmworks |
| Poi Solla Porom
| | Tamil Film |
| Fashion
|A small-town girl moves to Mumbai to become a supermodel, facing the harsh realities and compromises of the fashion industry. | Co-produced with Bhandarkar Entertainment |
| Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!
| Dibakar Banerjee |A fearless and charismatic thief robs both the rich and the poor, becoming a notorious figure in Delhi's society. | National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment |
| rowspan="9"|2009
| Delhi-6 |A young man from the U.S. accompanies his ailing grandmother to her ancestral home in Old Delhi, where he becomes immersed in the local community's vibrant culture and complex social issues. | Co-produced with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Pictures |
| ExTerminators
| John Inwood | | Co-produced with Michaelson Films |
| Dhoondte Reh Jaaoge
| | Co-produced with Bindass |
| Agyaat
| | Co-produced with Dreamforce Production |
| Kaminey
| Vishal Bharadwaj |Two identical twin brothers with contrasting lives become entangled in a dangerous web of crime and corruption due to mistaken identity. | Co-produced with VB Pictures |
| Phir Kabhi
| | Co-produced with The Culture Company |
| Unnaipol Oruvan
| | Tamil Film |
| What's Your Raashee?
| Ashutosh Gowariker |A young man must find his soulmate within ten days to save his family from financial ruin, embarking on a journey to meet twelve women, each representing a different zodiac sign. | Co-produced with Ashutosh Gowariker Productions |
| Main Aurr Mrs Khanna
| Prem Soni |A married couple faces challenges when the husband moves abroad for career opportunities, leading the wife to seek support from a new friend. | Co-produced with Sohail Khan Production |
| rowspan="8"|2010
|A struggling actor and dancer in Mumbai faces numerous setbacks but finds hope and love as he participates in a televised talent competition that could make his dreams come true. | |
| Harishchandrachi Factory
| | Marathi Film |
| Raajneeti
|A power struggle within a political family leads to betrayal, ambition, and manipulation, drawing parallels to the Mahabharata. | |
| I Hate Luv Storys
|A cynical assistant director and a passionate art director with opposing views on love develop feelings for each other while working on a romantic film. | Co-produced with Dharma Productions |
| Peepli Live
|Two farmers facing land loss consider suicide for compensation, unintentionally turning their crisis into a media spectacle. |Co-produced with Aamir Khan Productions |
| We Are Family
| Siddharth P. Malhotra |A divorced mother and her ex-husband's girlfriend navigate complex relationships when the mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer. | Remake of 1998 American film Stepmom |
| Guzaarish
|A paralyzed former magician petitions the court for the right to end his life, leading to a journey of love, loss, and dignity. | Co-produced with SLB Films |
| Tees Maar Khan
|A notorious conman poses as a film director to deceive an entire village into assisting him in robbing a treasure-laden train. | Remake of 1966 American-Italian film After the Fox |
| rowspan="5"|2011
| | Co-produced with Salman Khan Being Human Productions |
| Deiva Thirumagal
| A. L. Vijay | | Tamil film |
| Muran
| | Tamil Film |
| My Friend Pinto
| Raghav Dar | | Co-produced with SLB Films |
| Bollywood: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told
| Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Jeff Zimbalist | | Co-produced with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Pictures |
| rowspan="18"|2012
| Vettai | | Tamil film |
| Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
|A young architect and a free-spirited hairstylist, who accidentally marry in Las Vegas, develop a deep friendship that changes their views on love and life. | Co-produced with Dharma Productions |
| Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya
| Mandeep Kumar |A young woman, unwilling to marry her wealthy suitor, stages her own kidnapping and flees with a man who works for her father. | Co-produced with Tips Industries Limited |
| Paan Singh Tomar
| | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film |
| Grandmaster
| | Malayalam Film |
| Vazhakku Enn 18/9
| | Tamil Film |
| Kalakalappu
| Sundar C | | Tamil Film |
| Arjun: The Warrior Prince
| Arnab Chaudhuri | | Animated Film |
| Rowdy Rathore
|A small-time thief assumes the identity of a deceased police officer to avenge his death and bring justice to oppressed villagers. | Remake of 2006 Telugu film Vikramarkudu |
| Joker
| | Co-produced with Hari Om Entertainment, Cape of Good Films and Three's Company |
| Mugamoodi
| Mysskin | | Tamil Film |
| Barfi!
| Anurag Basu |A deaf-mute man falls in love with a woman who marries someone else; years later, he forms a bond with an autistic woman, leading the first woman to realize her true feelings. | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film |
| Heroine
| Madhur Bhandarkar |A once-celebrated Bollywood actress struggles with personal and professional setbacks, battling mental health issues and the harsh realities of fame. | Co-produced with Bhandarkar Entertainment |
| Husbands in Goa
| | international distribution only |
| Thaandavam
| A.L Vijay | | Tamil Film |
| Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana
| | |
| Shahid
| | |
| Filmistaan
| Nitin Kakkar | | Co-produced with Shringar and Satellite Pictures |
| rowspan="12"|2013
| | |
| Kai Po Che!
|Three friends navigate personal ambitions, communal tensions, and unforeseen tragedies while opening a cricket academy in Ahmedabad. | |
| Himmatwala
| | Co-produced with Pooja Entertainment |
| Settai
| | Tamil Film |
| Gippi
| Sonam Nair | | Co-produced with Dharma Productions |
| Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru
| Sundar C | | Tamil Film |
| Ghanchakkar
| | |
| Chennai Express
| | Co-produced with Red Chillies Entertainment |
| Satyagraha – Democracy Under Fire
| Prakash Jha | | Co-produced with Prakash Jha Productions |
| Sigaram Thodu
| | Tamil Film |
| The Lunchbox
| | Co-produced with DAR motion pictures, Dharma Productions, Sikhya Entertainment, NFDC, ROH Films, ASAP Films and Cine Mosaic |
| Ivan Veramathiri
| | Tamil Film |
| rowspan="7"|2014
| Anjaan | | Tamil Film |
| Raja Natwarlal
| | |
| Pizza
| Akshay Akkineni | | Co-produced with Getaway Films |
| Heropanti
| | Co-produced with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
| Highway
| | Co-produced with Window Seat Films and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
| 2 States
| | Co-produced with Dharma Productions and Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
| Kick
| |Co-produced with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
| rowspan="6"|2015
| ABCD 2 | | |
| Phantom
| | Co-produced with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
| Yatchan
| | Tamil Film |
| Katti Batti
|A man’s live-in relationship with a free-spirited woman ends unexpectedly, leading him to embark on a journey to win her back while uncovering a life-altering secret. | Co-produced with Emmay Entertainment |
| Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai
| | Tamil Film |
| Tamasha
|A man, losing himself while conforming to societal expectations, embarks on a journey of self-discovery after reconnecting with a woman who reminds him of his true identity. |Co-produced with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
| rowspan="3"|2016
| Fitoor | Abhishek Kapoor |A young man from a modest background falls in love with a wealthy woman’s adopted daughter, only to face manipulation and heartbreak due to class disparity and past betrayals. | Co-produced with Guy in the Sky Pictures |
| Baaghi
| Sabbir Khan | | Co-produced with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment |
| Mohenjo Daro
| Ashutosh Gowariker | | Co-produced with Ashutosh Gowariker Productions |
| 2017
| Anurag Basu |A teenage detective with a speech impediment and a journalist embark on a quest to find his missing father, uncovering a global arms smuggling conspiracy. | Co-produced with Picture Shuru Entertainment |
= UTV Spotboy =
The following films were produced under the UTV Spotboy banner.
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" | Director ! scope="col" | Notes |
|---|
| rowspan="2"|2008
| Aamir | |
| Welcome to Sajjanpur
| Co-produced with IX Faces Pictures and Bindass |
| rowspan="3"|2009
| Dev.D | Co-produced with Bindass |
| Kisaan
| Co-produced with Sohail Khan Production |
| Aagey Se Right
| Co-produced with Bindass |
| 2010
| Udaan | Nominated – Prize of Un Certain Regard at 2010 Cannes Film Festival |
| 2011
| Raj Kumar Gupta | Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film |
| 2014
| John Owen | Premiered at Raindance Film Festival |
= Films only distributed =
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" | Production Company |
|---|
| 2006
| Tandav Film Entertainment |
| rowspan="2"|2011
| VB Films |
| Delhi Belly
| Aamir Khan Productions |
| 2013
| Tips Industries |
= Unreleased/shelved films =
- Hook Ya Crook{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/david-dhawan-reveals-reason-behind-hook-ya-crook-delay/|title=David Dhawan reveals reason behind Hook Ya Crook delay : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama|first=Bollywood|last=Hungama|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=20 November 2009|access-date=27 February 2021|archive-date=18 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080518185642/http://indiafm.com/features/2004/12/28/480/index.html|url-status=live}}
- Alibaba Aur 41 Chor
- Shoebite
International films distribution in India
= Walt Disney Studios films in India =
{{Main|List of Walt Disney Pictures films|List of Marvel Cinematic Universe films|Lucasfilm}}
UTV's distribution relations with Disney first began when in 2005, Miramax Films, then owned by The Walt Disney Company, sold distribution rights to several films of their catalog in a 10-year deal;{{cite web|title=Miramax sells India pic rights|website=Variety|quote=Miramax has sold distrib rights for more than 135 films to Indian production and distribution company United Television (UTV) Motion Pictures for 10 years. Deal includes Robert Rodriguez's Bruce Willis starrer "Sin City" and "Danny the Dog"...|date=8 March 2005|access-date=14 April 2022|url=https://variety.com/2005/film/features/miramax-sells-india-pic-rights-1117919083/}} however it is currently unknown whether this deal continued even when Miramax was sold to Filmyard Holdings. In December 2008, following their purchase of a majority stake in UTV, The Walt Disney Company, which would later acquire the entirety of UTV Motion Pictures through UTV Software Communications in 2012,{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-acquires-controlling-stake-indias-286342|title=Disney Acquires Controlling Stake in India's UTV|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=1 February 2012|access-date=14 May 2017|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111043331/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/disney-acquires-controlling-stake-indias-286342/|url-status=live}} handed over exclusive distribution rights to their films in the Indian subcontinent, starting with Walt Disney Pictures' Bedtime Stories.{{cite web|title=UTV to handle Disney distribution|website=Variety|first=Patrick|last=Frater|date=8 December 2008|access-date=14 April 2022|url=https://variety.com/2008/film/asia/utv-to-handle-disney-distribution-1117997028/|archive-date=14 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414085127/https://variety.com/2008/film/asia/utv-to-handle-disney-distribution-1117997028/|url-status=live}} UTV Motion Pictures became the exclusive distributor for all Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures releases for South Asian territories from 2013 onward. Distribution rights to 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios) and Fox Searchlight Pictures (now Searchlight Pictures) films continued to be handled by Fox Star Studios (now Star Studios) until late 2019 with The Art of Racing in the Rain, when Buena Vista International began releasing the studios' films internationally and thus UTV acquired the distribution rights to their films in the Indian subcontinent, starting with Terminator: Dark Fate until 2024 with Alien: Romulus.
== Non-Disney international films ==
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Film ! scope="col" | Country ! scope="col" | Indian Release Title ! scope="col" | Notes |
|---|
| 2005
| France | Gulam Belagam | Released in both Original and Hindi Dubbed versions |
| rowspan="2"|2011
| Crayon Shin-chan: Jungle That Invites Storm | rowspan="3"|Japan | Shinchan in Bungle In The Jungle | Animated Film |
| Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops—Winged Angels
| Doraemon in Nobita and the Steel Troops-The New Age | Animated Film |
| 2013
| Doraemon: Nobita and the Island of Miracles—Animal Adventure | Doraemon The Movie Nobita Aur Jadooi Tapu | Animated Film |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.utvgroup.com UTV Software Communications Ltd.]
{{Walt Disney Studios}}
{{UTV Movies}}
{{Film Studios in India}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Utv Motion Pictures}}
Category:Indian companies established in 1996
Category:Mass media companies established in 1996
Category:Film distributors of India
Category:Film production companies based in Mumbai
Category:Film studios in Mumbai
Category:Film production companies of India
Category:Disney production studios