Indian films Om Shanti Om, Namastey London and Partner are among the foreign productions that are increasingly collecting large sums in Britain, according to the Film Distributors Association.

For several years now, Bollywood films have figured in the Top Ten blockbusters in Britain as Indian producers increasingly use British Asian diaspora themes, locations and production facilities.

The UK is seen as the world's number one market for Bollywood productions outside India. DVD distributors also cite a growing interest in foreign language films from UK audiences.

The Film Distributors' Association said the growing popularity of foreign films reflects an "ongoing process of sophistication" and is helping to bolster already rising UK cinema revenues.

In 2007, there were 525 new film releases in the UK from at least 49 countries, according to the association.

There have also been UK audience gains for less-established exporters, including Romanian cinema with the recently released backstreet abortions drama 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.