UTV suspends all commercial deals with Pakistan at 7:20 AM

New Delhi, UTV Software Communications Tuesday temporarily deferred all deals with Pakistan in an endeavour to support the Indian government in demanding stricter action against terrorism emanating from across the border.

The UTV has decided not to release any of its forthcoming films in the neighbouring market until the issue was satisfactorily resolved. 

"Pakistan is an important market. But in the present situation it is important for all companies to support our government in its demand for strong action by the government of Pakistan against terrorism,” said Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV motion pictures, in a statement.

“We would be happy to resume business in Pakistan once we all see affirmative action,” he added.

The entertainment and media network has also withdrawn plans of launching two of its channels - Bindass and Bindass Movies in the country

Will UTV say 'No Problem' to Anees Bazmi? at 3:26 PM

Mumbai, Here is more title trouble. Anees Bazmi, director of "No Entry" fame, is set to direct "No Problem" for Anil Kapoor Productions. But will UTV, which owns the title, be willing to part with it?

"That's right. The title 'No Problem' is with UTV. I was supposed to make another comedy with that title for UTV with Ajay Devgan, Nana Patekar and Riteish Deshmukh. That didn't happen. I'm committed to make another comedy with Akshay Kumar for UTV. But the title 'No Problem' suits Anil Kapoor's film. I hope UTV will part with it," Bazmi told IANS.

Earlier, producer-director Kunal Kohli and actor-producer Saahil Chadha were at loggerheads over the title of their films "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic" and "Thoda Life Thodi Magic" respectively.

Music company Venus' upcoming movie, "Kushti", in which WWE wrestling champion Khali figures, is also embroiled in a battle with producer Anoop Srivastava over the title.

Bazmi is known for his comedies. Recently, he directed two hit comedies - "Singh Is Kinng" and "Welcome".

Explaining his single-minded focus on directing comedies, Bazmi said: "It's the need of the times. Who wants to go to a movie theatre and be lost in gloom for three hours? The times are awful. People need diversion from their everyday worries. Even my next film with Salman Khan for T-Series will be a comedy.

" 'No Problem' will be an out and out comedy with Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna and Anil Kapoor. I've worked with the other two, but Sanjay will be a first time."

As a writer-turned-director, Bazmi has many compulsions.

"I can't direct comedies with double meanings, which are so much in vogue. So I've to write my own comedies to make sure there's no vulgarity. I've written 51 films so far. Writing the film I direct slows down the process. But 'No Entry' must be made because it's a brand name. Look at 'Golmaal'," he said.

Bazmi claims he hasn't seen "Golmaal" or its sequel.

"But Ajay Devgan is a dear friend. And I'm very proud of Rohit Shetty who was my assistant... just like I once assisted Raj Kapoor saab. That's when I met Boney, Anil and Sanjay. And I'm happy to have directed films for all three brothers as producers (Bazmi's 'It's My Life' with Harman Baweja is being produced by Sanjay Kapoor)."

Getting nostalgic, Bazmi said: "During those good old days Chimpu (Rajiv) Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor used to act in the short films I used to photograph."