'Shoot on Sight' on 100 screens in UK from August 22

In an exclusive interview with India-EU Film Initiative, Aron Govil, producer of Jag Mundhra directed 'Shoot on Sight,' has revealed plans for his film's release in the UK. In a bold move he has decided to go much beyond the Bollywood threshold of releasing films in the UK which is usually 20-50 sites. "I am planning to release 'Shoot on Sight' on at least 75 screens and may be as many as 100. These are mostly main stream multiplexes," said Govil.

The founder and owner of Cine Boutique, Aron Govil, is quite upbeat about his film. He is not taking any chances. He himself has decided to distribute 'Shoot on Sight' (SOS)- a film set in London against the backdrop of 7/7 London bombings. "I am planning to release SOS in UK through my own company Aron Govil Productions Inc. The release date is August 22, 2008. Tip Top Entertainment Ltd, who have many years of experience in releasing Bollywood films, will assist us in booking theatres all across UK," Govil told iefilmi.com.

 

Publicity blitz

He says SOS is going to be the buzz word in August as he adds: "I am spending over GBP 400,000.00 on media advertising that includes; signs on buses in central London and other parts of London; underground ads, billboards, bus stop shelters, Main stream TV. & radio, and ethnic TV & radio."

Saif Ali Khan starrer 'Race' was shown on only 45 screen, raising £687,415 over the weekend period at an average of £2,710 per site

Premier at BAFTA

Leading actors from the film such as Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah attended the premier of 'Shoot On Sight' at BAFTA, London, in July.

India release not in sight

However, Govil is not sure about the release of SOS in India. Earlier, a simultaneous global release was planned. But now it seems Govil wants to test waters before taking a plunge. He says: "India release will be sometime during first week of September. More details shall be forthcoming later on. Since this is a British film and UK is our main market, my prime focus at the present time on a big UK release."

Victims of 7/7 Outrage

Earlier, India-EU Film Initiative reported that the release of "Shoot on Sight" - a film inspired by the aftermath of the July 7 London bombings- was postponed to July 25, respecting the wishes of bombing victims who were reported to be outraged over third anniversary premiere date for 7/7, said Jagmohan Mundhra in an exclusive interview with India-EU Film Initiative Editor, Pervaiz Alam. "Though my film, as such, is not focused on the terror attack itself, but still I respect the sentiments of the people who either lost their dear ones or themselves became the victims of 7/7 bombings. So I have decided to postpone my release," Mundhra told iefilmi.com.

The Daily Mail of Britain had reported the outrage expressed by bombing victims of 7/7.

Lisa Cassidy, 28, of Finsbury Park, whose 22-year-old brother Ciaran died at Russell Square, condemned the project.

"Are we going to get to see this beforehand? We want to know exactly what this film is about and what they are portraying. I think it is completely insensitive to release it on July 7 - they are just trying to make money and raise publicity."

Richard Deer, 31, lost his Polish girlfriend Karolina Gluck, 29, at Russell Square. He said: "I think it would have been nice if out of respect they had arranged a way the families could see it first. For some of the families it is still very, very raw.

"I think for this kind of film that is going to be on the world stage it is very insensitive not to tell us and to show it on July 7. We are all at different stages and dealing with it in a different ways."

A spokesman for the Jean Charles de Menezes Family Campaign, Justice4Jean told the Daily Mail: "I think it is good that they are exploring the role of the police.

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