UTV Movies to launch in UK

Bollywoood movie channel, UTV Movies will be launching in the United Kingdom on 12 December 2011. The channel will premiere on the Sky platform on channel 797, and will carry English subtitles for viewers.

Advertising representation for the channel in UK will be handled by Sky Media.

Commenting on the launch of the channel, Richard Hawking, operations director said, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to add UTV Movies India to our portfolio of channels; it adds a new dimension to our offering for advertisers and great content for a growing and important audience.”

Commenting on the expansion in UK, MK Anand, chief executive officer, broadcasting, UTV said, “With the launch of UTV Movies India in UK we further expand our international footprint. UK is a vital market for us as it has a large South Asian diaspora who are avid Bollywood movie lovers. We are proud to be associated with the UK’s largest media sales house – Sky Media, which comes with extensive media prowess in the region. We look forward to a successful entry into the region.”

Kamlesh Patel, chief executive officer, TVMedia3.com who consummated the deal between Sky and UTV said, "UK television viewers will be able to enjoy a rich and vibrant Bollywood movie experience that will appeal to mainstream television audiences. Bollywood movies are massively popular in the UK and with UTV Movies India we hope to increase its gaining popularity. It has been a real pleasure working with the teams at Sky Media and UTV Movies India."

UTV Movies International is now also available in Canada on Rogers (Digital Cable TV) on channel no. 697. With this development, UTV Movies’ is now present in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates, East Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada.