More on the Lionsgate deal

The English-language version of "Gandhi, My Father", a film based on the Mahatma's relations with his son, is all set for release in the US as part of a strategic deal between Indian entertainment major Eros International and Hollywood's Lionsgate studio.

The film was produced by Bollywood star Anil Kapoor, who is currently in Cannes to attend a press event in connection with the formal announcement of the Eros-Lionsgate deal.

"I am really happy that the film is going into mainstream distribution in North America at last," said Kapoor, who is on his first-ever trip to the Cannes Film Festival.

"I've been walking around the film market for two days and can sense the buzz. This festival sets your mind ticking," he said.

The Hindi version of the critically acclaimed "Gandhi, My Father," featuring Darshan Zariwala and Akshaye Khanna in the pivotal roles of the Mahatma and his estranged son Harilal, opened in India in mid 2007.

Kapoor's second film as an independent producer, "Shortkut - The Con," starring Akshaye Khanna, Arshad Warsi and Amrita Rao, is now in post-production and he is already drawing up plans to launch a third production. "It should be rolling by the end of the year," he said.

Kapoor is looking forward in particular to his first-ever international film, "Slumdog Millionaire", which has been helmed by British director Danny Boyle. "It is an international film shot entirely in Mumbai with a completely Indian cast. I feel this film could prove to be a crucial turning point for our industry," Kapoor said.

The cast of "Slumdog Millionaire" includes Irrfan Khan. The Bollywood veteran, who has been seen in recent weeks in the commercially successful "Race", the box office dud "Tashan" and Subhash Ghai's off-mainstream "Black and White", asserts that he did not have to make any major adjustments to fit into an international set-up.

He said "I did not approach the project with any awe or deference. I knew how big Danny Boyle is but the way I thought was, I've done a hundred films; he has made only five. It was easy."

"One thing that I can say is that the experience was truly wonderful. Boyle was so open and professional all through the shoot. He has shown me the finished product - both the first cut and the subsequent one," Khan added.

"But of course it isn't like a typical Hindi movie villain," said Kapoor, who has been cast in a negative role in "Slumdog Millionaire."

Pathe is the European distributor, while Warner Bros has the US rights for the film which is scheduled for worldwide release later this year.

(Economic times)