Reliance Entertainment to partner Phantom Films

Mumbai, March 8: In a significant pact, Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Entertainment on Sunday announced that its film production and distribution business in India will partner Phantom Films, a company formed by four leading and young creative minds - Anurag Kashyap, Vikas Bahl, Vikramaditya Motwane and Madhu Mantena. The company said this will be a 50:50 joint venture to create a powerful new force in Indian cinema. "The combination of Reliance and Phantom Films plans to develop and produce at least five-six films every year, apart from distribution of films in India and overseas, and syndication of rights from the over 175 films strong library," a Reliance statement said. The proposed combination will leverage the capabilities of the Phantom team, while enjoying access to the domestic and international sales and distribution infrastructure of Reliance Entertainment. Phantom Films has an impressive slate of six films releasing over the next 12 months, including "Bombay Velvet" starring Ranbir Kapoor, "NH 10" with Anushka Sharma, "Shandar" with Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, "Udta Punjab" with Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, "Hunterr" and "Ghoomketu".