MUMBAI: Known for making shows on Indian television like Bigg Boss and Fear Factor, Endemol India has forayed into the film making business.

Starting their foray, the production company has already acquired remaking rights of the Sujoy Ghosh-directed Vidya Balan-starrer Kahaani in Tamil and Telugu.

"After having produced content for some of the biggest format shows in the country, we realised that it was time for us to venture into something new. Film making was always on the cards and we are delighted to finally set out to actually do it. We are already lining up projects for 2013 and are extremely excited about our first project, the remake of Kahaani which will be in production soon," Endemol India CEO Deepak Dhar said.

Will the Tamil and Telugu remake be a low cost affair like the original? "The South markets have their own dynamics and cost structures. We will be producing these films at levels comparable to medium to high cost films that one sees down South. We are investing in the best of talent and technical talent to do justice to the original script," quipped Dhar.

Sujoy Ghosh, who produced the original script, will also step in as the producer for the remakes and will be working with a leading director from the South Indian film industry.

Would Ghosh direct the remakes? "Ghosh would continue to be involved in this project from the scripting to the first copy as a creative producer. His learnings and creative skills will be utilised to the fullest by us on the project. But to do justice to the local language and the market dynamics, we will be investing in the best of directorial, writing and technical talent down South," Dhar observed.

Endemol India is currently in talks with a couple of leading actors from South for the lead role in the remake of Kahaani. Will the original characters be there in the remakes too? "We are currently writing the script for both languages keeping in mind the local culture and sensibilities. We will retain the original characters but who will play them and how they will play out will be a matter of time before we announce them," answered Dhar.

Filming of the remakes is slated to begin in September while the release of the film in the two languages is earmarked for early January.