Rupert Murdoch's STAR TV India has struck a deal with Indian production company UTV to make three big budget movies.

The $25m deal will give STAR the exclusive television and broadcast rights in perpetuity of the three movie products.

The rights to theatrical and the home video will remain with UTV. UTV will also be responsible for originating and producing the films over 18 months.

The completed movies will be broadcast one year after their theatrical release.

UTV chairman Ronnie Screwvala told ScreenDaily.com, "The films will go into production in February next year and each film is to cost between $ 5-7m".

UTV has produced and distributed Chalte Chalte and distributed Fiza, Lagaan and Sarfarosh. It is currently producing Laksha and the Ashutosh Gowarikar-directed Swades.

This is the first such deal signed by Murdoch's company in India. Star will contribute in marketing and promoting the films.