AIDS awareness in entertaining way

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Vishal Bhardwaj said the script of his film, tentatively titled 'Blood Brothers, was nearing completion. ''We plan to complete the shooting of the films by June. Thereafter, each of the 12-minute films will be attached to a Bollywood blockbuster, thus ensuring a wide reach for it, given the increasing popularity of Bollywood films worldwide,''Mira Nair said.

Later, all the four films will be clubbed together into a one hour special film, which will be highly publicised on television as well as shown in film festivals across India as well as outside.

Thus, the films will reach extensive audiences through established film distribution channels both as a pre-show entertainment in move theatres across India as also a one-hour series on television.

The underlying strategy was to maximise the exposure of the films to audiences across India who are already steadfast fans of mainstream indian cinema.

For example, Mira is herself in talks with UTV and Adlabs to screen her film before the telecast of their latest blockbusters in theatres as well as attach it tio the DVDs of the films.

Mira said the inspiration about launching this unique initiative was the success of an earlier international initiative wherein many 11 minute films on the 9/11 scenario were clubbed together in a single film to spread the message of tolerance post-9/11.

''The role of Bollywood stars in shaping public perception is enormous. It is my firm belief that by establishing the right linkage, the 'AIDS Jaago' initiative will be able to make a significant contribution to fight against AIDS,''she said.

At the same time, the filmmakers said they were not looking at the films as just a source of making money.

''It is not just about making money. It is also about spreading information about AIDS. Through this platform, I would like to urge Bolly wood actors to come forward to support such unique endeavours,''Vishal said.

Mira Nair said they were looking at a target date of September to release the film on DVDs as well as a one hour series on television.