(13 April 2007 8:30 pm)

MUMBAI: Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd has set up with Malyasia-based Asian Integrated Industries a joint venture company to digitalise 50 theatre screens in Malaysia.

The new company, Pyramid Saimira Theatre Chain (M) Sdn. Bhd Ltd (PSTL), will be investing Rs 125 million for the project which is expected to complete in the next 60 days.

It also plans to produce their first ever Malay language film "Berikan Hatimu", in Malay language. The romantic comedy movie, featuring leading Malaysian film personalities, is expected to hit the theatres by September.

The JV will also be producing the first Tamil film fully in Malaysia for international release. Says Pyramid Saimira chairman V Natrajan, "It will be the first Tamil movie to be fully produced in Malaysia. The hero in this movie will be from India whereas the rest of the film crew would be Malaysians. This movie would be released simultaneously in Malaysia and the rest of the world. The work on this film will begin in the month of June."

Adds Pyramid Saimira MD P S Saminathan, "Digital cinema will take films to all neighbourhood regions, thus improving the collection of local Malay and Chinese language films."

The JV has also bagged the exclusive distribution rights for the Tamil blockbuster movie Shivaji, starring superstar Rajnikanth in Malaysia. It is set for release during the second week of May.