Chapter 162: The Mountain Foundation

As the plane circled over Mumbai, awaiting clearance to land, Michael peered through the window, observing the unfamiliar city. He had heard numerous stories and legends about India, but had never visited this country himself.

As the plane descended, he glimpsed trains rushing by on the ground. Michael looked closely, hoping to see the legendary sight of people packed inside and hanging off the train, but perhaps it wasn't the right time or place. The train appeared quite normal, with no such scenes in sight.

Not witnessing the spectacle was somewhat disappointing.

After the plane landed and they exited the airport, Michael saw Robert and Sterling, who had recently transferred from PolyGram to Embassy Pictures.

This New Yorker was currently the head of Embassy Pictures in India and was accompanied by a few Indian employees.

"President!" Sterling quickly greeted Michael and the others one by one.

The airport wasn't a suitable place to chat, so the group took a car to the hotel. On the way, Michael carefully observed the buildings and scenery.

Mumbai, a metropolis with a permanent population of over ten million, seemed very bustling along the route they took. The skyscrapers and the level of prosperity didn't seem much different from London.

George Clint, pinching the wrinkles on his face, remarked, "It's not what I imagined."

Sterling responded, "Mumbai is the most prosperous city in India. We're passing through the wealthiest areas." He laughed, "The slums here are much poorer than Queens."

Michael asked, "I heard that Indians are divided into high and low castes. Should we be mindful of this when dealing with them?"

"The people we deal with are all high caste," Sterling replied. "There's no need to pay special attention to this aspect. High caste people generally speak English, so there won't be many language barriers with us."

Sterling then provided some basic information about India.

Originally, Michael thought English was the official language of India, but it turned out that many lower caste and untouchable individuals couldn't speak English. English was a language used for communication among the high castes and was considered a marker of high caste status. Someone who didn't speak English could never integrate into the English-speaking circles, making it a method to distinguish between high and low castes.

Similar to Western class solidification, India's elite were mostly from high castes. Because of their caste status, they received higher education opportunities unavailable to lower castes, giving them a significant advantage in professional fields.

The convoy of three cars soon arrived at the Oberoi Hotel in Mumbai.

The hotel, located in the business district near the coastline, offered a view of a very prosperous area.

Undoubtedly, this district was the essence of Mumbai.

Michael glanced around briefly, then refocused on the purpose of their trip to India.

The group gathered in Michael's luxurious suite.

"Let's talk about the situation here," Michael said.

Sterling glanced at Robert, who seemed more appropriate to speak in this context.

Robert began, "After arriving in Mumbai, I contacted both the Falchi Foundation and the Mountain Foundation with Sterling. Over the past year, both foundations have sent representatives to Los Angeles multiple times, trying to engage with several Hollywood companies, but the results weren't great. Hollywood's big companies look down on the Indians, while small companies' small productions couldn't meet the foundations' appetite."

Everyone, including Michael, listened intently.

"The two foundations had the most contact with DreamWorks," Robert said, looking at George. "You received the news during their first contact."

Michael nodded lightly, remembering it was during the filming of 'The Purge.'

Robert continued, "The foundations never reached an agreement with DreamWorks because DreamWorks wouldn't offer them major film investment projects. Additionally, these foundations have a fair understanding of Los Angeles, with many members having studied or worked there."

Michael understood that the Indian film industry was quite large, unlike the UAE, which lacked film production capabilities. The strategy used in Abu Dhabi wouldn't work with the Indians.

"Our goal is legitimate financing," Garcia said, "Having knowledgeable people helps."

George and Robert both looked at Michael. Was it really just legitimate financing?

Michael smiled, saying, "Knowledgeable people are indeed beneficial for legitimate financing." He looked at Robert. "Tell us about the two foundations."

Robert set aside his doubts and said, "The Falchi Foundation, seeing DreamWorks' lack of sincerity, turned to investing in several Bollywood projects. Currently, they don't have enough funds for large-scale investments. The Mountain Foundation, however, has maintained contact with DreamWorks but is losing patience. When I mentioned 'The Bourne Identity' project, they showed some interest."

He continued, "The Mountain Foundation was founded by Laksh Roshan, who is also the CEO. The funds come from private financing, and apart from their investment projects, they have about $300 million in cash flow."

"$300 million?" George Clint interjected, "Investing in our film is no problem at all."

Sterling reminded, "A few DreamWorks people are also in Mumbai. They haven't given up on contacting the Indians, and one of their main targets is the Mountain Foundation."

Michael wasn't surprised. After all, a few years after 2000, Spielberg reached an investment agreement with the Indians, likely after multiple negotiations and setbacks.

This was also a choice DreamWorks made after facing continuous difficulties.

Michael asked, "Does DreamWorks value this highly?"

"Not very much," Sterling replied succinctly. "Only a three-person team is here for routine contact, with no heavyweights present."

Michael, recalling some memories from his previous life, knew DreamWorks wasn't in a very tight financial spot yet, but he still instructed, "Sterling, keep an eye on DreamWorks. If there's no conflict with our interests, don't interfere with their actions. Securing our investment is the priority."

"Understood," Sterling nodded.

Michael continued, "Can you contact Laksh Roshan? Arrange a meeting with him as soon as possible."

Robert replied, "Laksh Roshan, upon hearing that our people were coming, expressed his desire to visit yesterday. Should I inform him now?"

Michael agreed, "Yes, call him. If not today, we can arrange for tomorrow."

Robert went to make the call, and the others dispersed. The long journey from Los Angeles to India had left everyone exhausted, except Michael, who still seemed full of energy.

A few minutes later, Robert returned, confirming that Laksh Roshan would come to visit soon.

Two hours later, Michael met the head of the Mountain Foundation. Laksh Roshan wasn't very tall, appearing in his forties, with a much lighter complexion than typical Indians. Dressed in a well-tailored suit, he spoke fluent English and looked more like a British gentleman at first glance.

"Hello, Mr. Roshan," Michael shook his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Laksh Roshan smiled, "It's an honor to meet a successful Hollywood producer like you."

He also observed Michael, a tall and somewhat thin young man in his twenties. Apart from being somewhat handsome, he seemed quite ordinary.

But after interacting with Robert, Laksh Roshan had researched Michael and Sands Entertainment. Seeing the data for 'The Purge,' 'The Blair Witch Project,' and 'Final Destination,' he knew that such achievements were not typical for an ordinary filmmaker.

The Mountain Foundation intended to invest in Hollywood and had done its homework. Relativity Entertainment was a new company on the rise, possibly performing better than DreamWorks last year in terms of film success.

Thus, he positioned himself slightly lower.

However, Laksh Roshan didn't rush into discussing film investments. Being too eager would only put him in a passive position.

"Mr. Davenport, is this your first time in India?" Laksh Roshan asked with a smile.

Showing politeness, Michael also expressed respect, "Yes, it's my first time here. From the airport to the hotel, Mumbai has left a deep impression on me. It's a beautiful and prosperous city, not much different from Los Angeles."

People usually appreciate hearing foreigners praise their country or city. It's like their alma mater; they can criticize it a thousand times, but they won't tolerate outsiders doing so.

Laksh Roshan, with some humility, said, "Mumbai is just beginning to develop. It's not as developed as international cities like Los Angeles."

Michael responded politely, "Mr. Roshan, if you visit Los Angeles, please contact me."

Laksh Roshan smiled again, "I will, certainly!"

Neither rushed into discussing film investments. Instead, they talked about various topics like Los Angeles and Mumbai, Hollywood and Bollywood.

After half an hour, feeling he had adequately expressed hospitality and respect, Laksh Roshan prepared to leave.

Before departing, he said, "If you need anything in Mumbai, Mr. Davenport, please feel free to contact me."

Michael smiled, "Thank you. Nothing for now."

Noticing Michael's youthful appearance and knowing his status as a Hollywood producer, Laksh Roshan made a mental note. It's always better to be over-prepared.

He extended an invitation, "Tonight, I've prepared a banquet to welcome you and the Sands Entertainment team to Mumbai."

Michael immediately replied, "Thank you. We will definitely attend."