Relativity Media, the producers of Hollywood biggies like The Bourne Legacy, Magic Mike and 21 Jump Street, has signed a co-production deal with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's banner, Excel Entertainment.

The California-based film studio will provide a mainstream US release to the Indian company's upcoming film, 3 Storeys. The film featuring Sharman Joshi, Shifaali Shah and Pulkit Samrat will be directed by ad-filmmaker Arjun Mukerjee. Two A-list actresses are also being finalised for the film which goes on the floors in January.

The film tells the story of three chawl residents in contemporary Mumbai and explores the subject of urban existence. A source close to the development told Mirror that the universal theme appealed to the American producers. “Most Indian studios can manage marketing and distributing films in Diaspora territories. The idea behind this deal is to take the film into non-traditional markets in the US and Europe,“ a source added.

Confirming the same, Ritesh Sidhwani, who is holidaying in Thailand, said, “Three Stories is not a dark, disturbing tale, but a drama with touches of comedy. We are happy to be partnering with a global player. It will help us take the film to a mainstream audience abroad.“