MUMBAI: New York-based Marvel Entertainment, which holds the rights of iconic characters like Spider-Man, Ironman, Hulk and X-men, is hunting for Indian properties to produce live action movies.

The plan also includes animated films and TV series. Says Marvel Entertainment International president Simon Philips, "We are looking at acquiring or licensing Indian superhero characters, which are popular among kids. The idea is to build Bollywood franchises and stories on Indian superheroes.”

Marvel Entertainment is in talks with several Indian superhero franchise owners. Some of the superheroes of Indian origin are Krrish, Drona, Shaktiman, Nagraj, Super Commando Dhruv and Doga.

Marvel Entertainment is also planning expansion in the Indian comics market with localised content. It has signed a deal with Spacetoon India to publish, distribute and market these in India.

The comic giant will add new offerings including Indianised versions of international superheroes - in both Hindi and English, in addition to its already existing English imports.

Last year, Marvel Entertainment had announced a tie up with Spacetoon Media’s subsidiary Kids Media India (KMI) for licensing, merchandising, publishing and promotions in India.