A new entertainment company was launched by Rohit Khattar, a leading figure in live entertainment and hospitality industry, with major investment by industrialist Anand Mahindra, to produce films and TV content.
Cinestaan's first subsidiary, the Cinestaan Film Company, announced its foray into film production with a three film agreement with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's ROMP Pictures.
Rohit Khattar, Founder Chairman said: "I am delighted to announce the launch of Cinestaan Entertainment in partnership with Anand Mahindra. We share a common vision and similar tastes in story telling which shall, we hope, manifest in some good films.
"Cinestaan is committed to preserving the rich legacy of our cinema heritage for which we are working on several initiatives including an oral histories television project that shall celebrate the memories and contribution of our screen legends."
Khattar added, "To begin our film slate with a prodigal talent like Rakeysh Mehra is an incredible high and we are excited about developing these films with him. Cinestaan shall announce some more projects soon."
Cinestaan Film Company's first film as a co-production with ROMP Pictures will be the Rakeysh Mehra-directed 'Mirziya'. The second film 'Fanney Khan', is an official remake of an Oscar-nominated film to be directed by Nitin Kakkar, the National-award-winner for Best Film 'Filmistan' last year.
The third untitled film shall again be directed by Mehra, a three time National-award-winner and BAFTA nominated film-maker.
His recent blockbuster 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' has made biopics the flavour of the day while 'Rang De Basanti' changed a whole generation's thinking to become one of the most important films in the history of Indian cinema. Even his debut film 'Aks', was dubbed by critics "ahead of its times".
Rakeysh has heralded the "new age" film-maker with his unique style and tone of telling his stories. Add to that the technical finesse that all his films have along with some of the best music in recent times. He is a director whose films audiences look forward for real "cinematic experience".
Khattar is a creative entrepreneur with interests in hospitality and entertainment. He is chairman of Old World Hospitality, which is India's largest live entertainment organiser and operates performing arts and convention centres, hotels and restaurants. He is also the non-executive chairman of Mumbai Mantra Media Limited, which is developing entertainment infrastructure and content.
