MUMBAI: UTV has signed an exclusive deal with Anurag Kashyap for the next three years. In this period, Kashyap will direct 4 to 5 films produced by UTV, while creatively producing an equal number of films in this period.

Said UTV Motion Pictures COO Vikas Bahl, "Anurag Kashyap is an extremely talented director with a unique vision for his projects. There is a clear connect between how we want each of our films to be exceptional and diverse in various aspects and how Anurag treats each of his projects.

"Dev D, a UTV Spotboy film directed by Anurag, was a blockbuster and set the base for a phenomenal working relationship. We now want to take this association forward with a long-term perspective and that is exactly how this idea came about."

Averred Anurag Kashyap, "I am very happy to sign up with UTV because it gives me the freedom to make the kind of films I want to and feel UTV supports as well as enhances my creative process.

"Not only do I enjoy directing for UTV but I also appreciate the support they give to films and filmmakers in delivering a creative vision that the films demand. Making Dev D was one of the most satisfying experiences and the production and distribution support that I got from UTV was the best I ever had. A repeat of that is always welcome."

Dev D, the first UTV Spotboy film directed by Anurag Kashyap, was a modern take on Devdas, the novel written by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. The film broke all the typecasts of the original novel including its principal characters.