Priyadarshan strikes big deal

Popular director Priyadarshan’s home banner Four Frames has entered a mega deal worth $20 million with a US-based entertainment firm Woodpecker Pictures to produce two films in Hindi.�Both these films will be directed by Priyadarshan.

The first film is expected to roll from April 2010 and the second�will start by December. Meanwhile, there are also reports that the first venture will the Hindi remake of critically acclaimed Tamil film Naadodigal (which was also remade in Telugu as Sambo Siva Sambo, both directed by Samuthirakkani). The film will also soon see a Kannada makeover.

To strengthen its presence, there are�rumours that Woodpecker is also considering making a mainstream international movie with top stars from Hollywood to be shot in Mexico. Priyadarshan may direct this also as part of an extended agreement.

Priyadarshan has made more than 60 films in Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil. He is a popular name in Indian cinema. Last year his Tamil film Kanchivaram won many awards, including the National Award for best film.