Bollywood films cash in on World Cup

By Krittivas Mukherjee

MUMBAI (Reuters) - A slew of cricket-themed films are set to hit Indian cinemas soon as Bollywood tries to cash in on the World Cup fever that has gripped the country.

The seven-week cricket tournament that began in the Caribbean has spawned spin-off business worth millions of dollars, with hotels, bars, shopping malls and public parks catering to fans keen to watch the matches.

Bollywood filmmakers also want their share.

"Hattrick", the first of at least three cricket-based films, opened on Friday, and famous Indian cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle makes a cameo appearance.

With the World Cup as the backdrop, the film tells the story of five people -- their lives connected through cricket -- and the Indian cricket team's fictional fortunes.

"Cricket is used as a metaphor for life and the various characters in the film are each batting against their problems," said Milan Luthria, the director of "Hattrick".

"It is a humorous and tongue-in-cheek initiative that talks about the habit of winning."

One of the film's songs, that Luthria describes as a "cricket anthem", has risen up the Indian music charts.