Fast on the heels off the insanely successful “Baahubali 2: The Conclusion,” which has grossed $20 million so far, the folks at Fathom Events are going big on Bollywood with their new “Bollywood Classic Event Series.”
This new film series will hit U.S. theaters in July 2017, kicking off with the classic romantic drama, “Devdas.” Reportedly the first ever classic Bollywood film series shown in the United States, the lineup will feature titles from major Indian movie studios such as Eros International and Yash Raj Films.
“Devdas” (2002) stars Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Set in the early 1900s, this is the tearful tale of a well-heeled young lawyer who returns home to India after studying in England. He yearns to marry his childhood honey but his family disapproves, leading him straight into the waiting arms of a prostitute.
Also on the roster is “Veer-Zaara,” starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji. Directed by Yash Chopra, this 2004 film explores the rift between India and Pakistan, focusing on a wrongly imprisoned Indian Air Force pilot and a Pakistani woman, who are separated for 22 years. More details will be released later this spring.
“Eros International is very proud to partner with Fathom Events to bring the ‘Best of Bollywood Event Series’ to the silver screen,” said Ken Naz, president of American operations, Eros International, in a release. “We look forward to showcasing some of the 3,000+ great Bollywood classics in our library, starting with ‘Devdas,’ throughout the country on the big screen – the way they were meant to be seen.”
“YRF has been showered with a lot of love by fans of Bollywood for over four decades, we’re humbled that every one of these fans has a special connection and relationship with the films we make and are we’re not just a faceless corporation for them – it really is a rather personal relationship,” said Vaibhav Rajput, Head of Operations, the Americas, Yash Raj Films, in a release. “We feel immense pride having achieved this special place in the hearts of the people that really matter – the fans.”
