UAE tycoon to spend Dh550m on India's biggest movie

Dubai - The movie will be produced in two parts and is scheduled to go on floor by September 2018 for a release in early 2020.

Setting a rare record in the Indian film industry, Dr B.R. Shetty, UAE-based billionaire businessman and philanthropist, is investing Rs1,000 crore ($150 million, Dh550 million) to produce India's biggest ever motion picture, 'The Mahabharata'.

This magnum opus is being directed by noted ad man and advertising film maker V.A. Shrikumar Menon. 'The Mahabharata' will be produced in two parts and is scheduled to go on floor by September 2018 for a release in early 2020. The second part of the film will be released within 90 days of the first part. The film will be shot primarily in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu and will be dubbed into major Indian languages and leading foreign languages.

The film will be a coming together of the crème de la crème of Indian and global cinema in terms of its cast and crew. The technical crew would include some of the great names in the world cinema including some academy winners. The cast will have the best of talents from Indian cinema as well as some big names from Hollywood. This film will have an identity across continents, with their representatives donning the myriad characters in 'The Mahabharata'! A global team led by an internationally renowned casting director will handpick the cast.

Dr. Shetty, founder and chairman of UAE Exchange and NMC Healthcare, said, "The Mahabharata is an epic of all epics. This movie will be a true 'Make in India' made for the world. The Mahabharata mesmerizes as well as brings focus on life and living.

"I believe that this film will not only set global benchmarks, but also reposition India and its prowess in mythological storytelling. I am confident that this film will be adapted in over 100 languages and reach over 3 billion people across the world." Importantly, am awestruck by the fantastic screenplay by Sri. MT and I have tremendous faith in the ability of V.A. Shrikumar to paint this narrative on celluloid. His passion and energy are boundless" Dr. Shetty added.

• Abu Dhabi