Salman's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' to release in China

Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's blockbuster "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" will release in China on March 2, making it the actor's first film to hit the screens in the country.

Eros International, in association with Chinese film company E Stars Films Ltd, will release the movie in China during the Chinese Lantern Festival, according to a statement issued on Monday.

Dubbed in Chinese, the film is expected to get a wide release across 8,000-plus screens, the statement said.

Directed by Kabir Khan, "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" stars Salman as Bajrangi, an ardent devotee of Hindu deity Hanuman, and his arduous journey to reunite a six-year-old Pakistani girl -- who somehow gets lost in India -- with her parents, back to her hometown in Pakistan.

Given the success of Indian film releases in China, the studio and the makers are confident of the movie's box office potential in China, one of more promising international markets for Indian films.

Jyoti Deshpande, Group CEO, Eros International, said: "China has emerged as an important market and major box office earner for Indian films in recent years, what with the recent success of 'Dangal'. We are delighted to partner with E Stars to showcase our film to China.

"Our Indo-China co-productions are still in the making which we are extremely excited about. Meanwhile, what better film than 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', starring one of India's most loved superstars that weaves the universal story of cross-border friendship, to release in a growing market like China.

"There are no international films releasing during that period in China so we hope to have a fantastic run at the box office in the world's biggest film market."

Allen Liu, CEO, E Stars Films Ltd, said there is "high expectation and curiosity for the film post the success of recent Indian releases in China and the positive word of mouth 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' enjoys".

"We anticipate tremendous potential in this beautiful drama starring one of the most popular actors in Indian cinema in a film that speaks the language of emotions like courage and hope which are universal," Liu said.

"Bajrangi Bhaijaan" is the first of the film associations Eros is exploring with China.

Recognising the significant market opportunity in China, Eros and director Kabir Khan are once again coming together for a travel drama, "The Zookeeper" (working title) under its franchise studio Trinity. It will be shot in Hindi and Mandarin languages.