UTV acquires Athidi's theatrical rights for 18.5 crores

UTV, one of the largest production companies in the country is clear about its intentions to enter the Telugu film industry. Earlier, they tried to do a 3 film deal with Mahesh Babu. That deal is still being worked up. Now, they have acquired the all-Andhra Pradesh theatrical rights of the film from the producers for a sum of 18.5 crores. This excludes the West Godavari area, which is worth 1.1 to 1.25 crores and includes the remaining big territories like Nizam, Ceeded and Vizag. Also, one has to see if they would release the film by setting up offices and through partners or sell it again to other distributors. Its learnt that UTV has also leased a few theaters for long term to test waters in the exhibition arena.