Bollywood films often have international releases and Russia is among the countries that have always shown interest in Hindi movies. One of the most recent was Cocktail, which got a huge response. Now, after the success of the Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan starrer Cockail (2012), Eros International is releasing seven more films Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Rockstar and DesiBoyz (all 2011), Student of the Year, Vicky Donor and Bhoot Returns BD (all 2012) and then Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (YJHD) in the county.
“Based on the substantial response that Cocktail generated in Kyrgyzstan and another CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries, we are expecting a huge a response from the Russian market,” says Kumar Ahuja, President, business development, Eros International.
YJHD will be the first of the lot, with the tentative Russian release dated fixed at July 4. “Dates for the other films are being worked upon. The Dubbing process will start shortly,” says Ahuja.
A distributor from Russia, on conditions of anonymity, says, “Cocktail drew in audiences, so we are looking forward to an equally favorable response for the other releases as well. We are anticipating a huge response for Ranbir Kapoor movies like YJHD and Rockstar taking into considerations his Kapoor lineage. There’s also a great demand for 3D movies here, so Bhoot Returns 3D will be a film to watch out for”.
Eros also plans to promote their films in Russia alongside the release. “The actors have shown interest in promoting the films there. So we might consider sending them. The Kapoor family has enjoyed a long-standing personal and professional relationship with the Russian. So after Raj and Rishi Kapoor, it is Ranbir who is taking this tradition forward, “ says Ahuja.
