Advance booking for Jackson film to start Sunday

NEW DELHI - The booking of the much-awaited Michael Jackson movie “This Is It” will begin Sunday, a month before the film opens in multiplexes across India.

The film will release Oct 28 with over 150 prints. Moviegoers can purchase tickets by visiting select Fame, Fun Republic Cinemas and Cinemax properties or through online booking on their respective websites.

“We anticipate a major demand for this film because of the huge fan following of Michael Jackson in India. Its a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the King of Pop perform larger than life, said Kercy Daruwala, Managing Director - SPE Films India.

“We have a host of activities planned around the film, which we will be revealing in the days leading to the release, he added.

“This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place in Londons O2 Arena.

Chronicling the months from March through June 2009, the film is drawn from more than 100 hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show.

Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson’s creative partner and the director of the stage show, has directed the film, which is being produced by Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware.

The film will be distributed worldwide by Sony Pictures.