If everything goes according to plan, Nimbus Communications' "Sarhad Paar" starring Sanjay Dutt and Tabu will be the first major film to be released simultaneously in 500 theatres all over India through a huge digital network.

According to Vivek Vaswani, group advisor, Nimbus Motion Pictures, the release of the film has been postponed to May to facilitate a simultaneous digital release all over India.

"We have specially chosen the month of May because we have information that there will be a base of at least 500 digital cinemas by that time. Currently there is a digital network of 160 cinemas all over the country.

"The digital release will not only cut down the print cost (estimated at Rs.200 per show) but will also ensure that the film is released simultaneously in 'B' and 'C' class centres on the same day," says Vaswani.

Nimbus is also looking at releasing all its films entirely through its own distribution network.