BOMBAY TIMES (June 19, 2019)

Sony Pictures International Productions has an impressive slate of Hindi films for 2020. The line-up includes films across genres, from an action entertainer to a biopic thriller.

The studio has ramped up its production in India by collaborating with four leading filmmakers —Umesh Shukla (OMG Oh My God! and 102 Not Out), Sabbir Khan (Baaghi, Heropanti), Sajid Samji (director of Housefull 3 and co-writer of multiple Bollywood hits, including Judwaa 2, Singham and Simmba)) and Sashi Kiran Tikka (Telugu film Goodachari). All the four films will go on floors before the end of this year.

The studio’s aim is to develop strong in-house content by partnering with writers, directors, and creative production houses. Vivek Krishnani, MD, Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) Films India Private Ltd, says, “We are excited to work with such talented filmmakers, with whom we share a common vision, as we seek to become a content-led studio. With Umesh, Sabbir, Sajid and Sashi working on different subjects, we can’t wait to bring entertaining, clutter-breaking content to the audience.”

Laine Kline, head of Sony Pictures International Productions, shares, “India continues to be a top priority for us. These filmmakers epitomise what makes Indian cinema special, and their distinctive creative visions will elevate each project on our upcoming slate.”

The directors, too, are excited to join hands with the studio. Sabbir Khan says, “I am happy to partner with them, as I like their approach. We have been collaborators, right from brainstorming various ideas to penning the final draft of the script. They have a team of like-minded people, who are facilitating everything to make the right kind of films.”

Umesh Shukla adds, “I want to offer content that’s relevant, entertaining, funny and which conveys a message. Having known this team since 102 Not Out, I know that they have always tried to make meaningful cinema.”

Sajid Samji shares, “Working with an international studio is a big high, but what makes it truly exciting is that the entire team is approachable. Their faith in the director is encouraging. I also feel that I am in safe hands, as I know that they will do a good job; apart from producing the film, they will take its marketing and promotions to another level.”

On his part, Sashi Kiran Tikka notes, “As filmmakers, we look for opportunities to tell stories that inspire and move us. The life of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, who was martyred in the 26/11 attacks, is one such story, and I’m grateful to Sony Pictures and G Mahesh Babu Entertainment for giving me this opportunity.”

Meanwhile, the studio is also gearing up for a big Hollywood line-up this year. While Men In Black: International released recently, the upcoming films include Spider-Man: Far From Home, Angry Birds 2, Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, the Charlie’s Angels reboot and the sequel to 2017 hit, Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle.