MUMBAI: Usually made on a shoestring budget and with limited resources, independent films have to grapple a lot to find their place among the right audience. But it seems there’s some help at hand for the indie filmmakers now.

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and Brillstein Entertainment Partners (BEP) have announced a partnership to form LA-based Shivalaya Entertainment. The development and financing outfit will focus on independent films that will aim for broad appeal.

Shivalaya has given a go ahead to its first film, Parched, that is centered on the bitter-sweet journey of women in the parched rural landscape of India. It was written and is to be directed by Leena Yadav who has directed Teen Patti, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Ben Kingsley.

“At one end, traditional films continue to entertain and make business sense. At the other, there is a resounding presence of some new forms and voices making a mark in this ever expanding medium. I am keen to be a part of that growth, that change,” said Devgn in a release.

“I am coming forth to support the independent film process where we can share important stories that need to be told — global stories that will resonate with international audiences. Our collaboration with Brillstein is an important step in that direction, to ensure we have the best resources from the west to engage a wider audience,” he added.

BEP executive Jai Khanna said that the production house has projects in the pipeline targeted for an international appeal. “We will also be looking at working on projects with a diversity of talent, American or otherwise, with an aim to reach out to wider audiences,” he said Khanna in a release.

“The stories could be from any culture but with a universal appeal. We at Brillstein are perfectly positioned to bring these kinds of films to the table while packaging the appropriate talent that such stories merit.”