Relativity Media, digital ace Keyur Patel set up Mumbai entertainment hub

Relativity Media India (RMI) will handle distribution for all future Relativity Media single pictures for the India marketplace and will immediately begin acquiring English language films from other Hollywood studios and producers for distribution in India across all platforms.

RMI is also set to develop, produce and distribute local language content by partnering with local talent and will create original content for all platforms including video games, and adapt and remake international properties for the local market.

The new venture is currently concluding the acquisition of distribution rights to more than 30 English language films, dating back to earlier this year.

Ryan Kavanaugh and Patel has assembled a team that includes 11 executives who will oversee all aspects of marketing, distribution, finance, legal and creative. The team is understood to include former Sony Pictures India executive vice-president of production and PVR Pictures CEO Uday Singh.

Fuse chairman and CEO Patel has been an investor in some of the largest TV networks, films and productions in India, as well as a producer in several film and media projects in Hollywood and Bollywood.

“The idea for RMI rose out of a deep desire to enter this new and rapidly expanding market,” Kavanaugh said. “Keyur’s expertise in production, distribution and in the digital world will make this a seamless extension of the Relativity brand. We are excited to have them join us in developing Relativity Media India.”

“We are very excited to partner and begin working with Ryan and his team to launch Relativity Media India,” Patel, who will serve as RMI chairman and chief creative officer, said. “With our experience and intimate knowledge of the Indian market coupled with Ryan’s and Relativity’s creativity and access to the highest quality content, I believe RMI will quickly establish itself as one of the top studios in India.”

Liz Shackleton in Mumbai contributed to this report