Hindi

Ghoomer cast bowl over 100 young, underprivileged beneficiaries’ hearts with BookASmile

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2023

Mumbai: The enchanting world of cinema knows no bounds in its ability to inspire and entertain. The transformative influence of movies and their capacity to positively impact the lives of young individuals is massive. Through gripping narratives, reels and real stories hold a unique influence over the minds of young audiences, inspiring them to ignite their imaginations and aspire to great heights!

Continuing its efforts to create impact through entertainment, BookASmile, the charity initiative of BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, arranged a special screening of R Balki’s latest directorial, Ghoomer, an inspiring sports-drama starring Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher in Mumbai, at PVR Cinemas, Juhu, for over 100 young beneficiaries from underprivileged backgrounds. In partnership with Oscar Foundation, a community based Sports for Development (S4D) organisation, BookASmile orchestrated this exclusive screening for these aspiring young athletes seeking to carve a future in sports.

The experience was elevated to a whole new level for the young audience, as the film’s leads, Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher, graciously engaged with them, delving into discussions about various aspects such as movies, sports, dreams and life! These stars left the youngsters brimming with emotions and sporting broad smiles on their faces. Ghoomer, with its seamless blend of sports and cinema, was carefully selected to resonate with young viewers, inspiring them with its powerful narrative of conquering obstacles and attaining greatness.

Speaking about the special initiative, BookASmile head Farzana Cama Balpande said, “We are thrilled to witness the ecstatic reactions from the young audience as they watched the film on the big screen, today. It was truly heartwarming to see their enthusiasm double as Abhishek Bachchan and Saiyami Kher paid a surprise visit after the screening! Watching them glued to screen at the edge of their seats during the screening reaffirmed our belief in the power of cinema to inspire and uplift. Since many of these youngsters aspire to build their careers in sports, they resonated deeply with the film and left the screening with big hopes and even bigger dreams! We’re extremely grateful to both actors for giving us their time from packed schedules and bringing about a change in the lives of this young audience. Through initiatives like these, we aim to not only provide entertainment but also to plant seeds of inspiration that can lead to new possibilities and dreams!”

Commenting on being a part of the initiative, Bachchan said, “Every child deserves the chance to dream and sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of magic to light up their world. Ghoomer holds a really special place in our hearts and watching these young guns training to be sportspersons who are so passionate about their journey, immersed into the movie and resonating with the sportsmanship is so heartening. A tale of redemption and resilience, Ghoomer reminds us that in life, just like in sports, one can always turn the game around. I’m grateful to BookASmile for arranging this special screening and bridging the gap for these future stars! Let’s continue to spread smiles and inspiration, for it is in these moments, that we discover the true power of dreams.”

Adding to this, Kher said, “To be a part of an initiative that teaches young children that no hurdle is insurmountable and dreams can still take flight even when life throws a curveball is something that makes my heart so happy. The sheer excitement and energy in the theatre was palpable and we’re so thrilled that our work has made such an impact. It’s truly heartwarming to see that BookASmile has been instrumental in providing these cultural experiences and supporting the growth and dreams of young beneficiaries by channeling the power of entertainment through sports. These young kids have so much to offer to the world and I hope Ghoomer can power their aspirations to make it happen!”

Through this special screening of Ghoomer, the theatre was filled with a range of emotions, applauses and nail-biting moments as the youth enjoyed this inspiring flick on the silver screen, immersed in every bit of the cinematic experience as the film unfolded the various twists and turns in the story!

Up Next

Shoppers Stop Ltd announces changes in its leadership positions

Don't Miss

CNBC-TV18 launches “The Great Indian Freedom Fest” campaign to foster and encourage financial freedom in young Indians

Click to comment

Hindi

Boney Kapoor acquires remake rights of Tamil political satire Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil

Strong word-of-mouth turns Pongal satire into remake pick

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: A Pongal release, a village satire and a theatre visit in Coimbatore have turned into Boney Kapoor’s latest acquisition. The producer has secured the remake rights to the Tamil political satire Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil (TTT), a film that has been enjoying a strong theatrical run powered by word-of-mouth and praise for its sharp, rooted writing.

Set in a rural milieu, the story follows a panchayat leader thrown into disarray when a wedding and a funeral land on the same day. What unfolds is a swirl of satire and humour that skewers local politics, power games, bruised egos and family tensions, all anchored in the textures of everyday village life.

Kapoor first encountered the film earlier this year while in Coimbatore for the Celebrity Cricket League. With time to spare, he caught a screening at a local theatre. That viewing proved decisive. According to sources, the narrative style, performances and the film’s balance of political commentary and comedy caught his attention.

Interest quickly turned into intent. Kapoor reached out to the producers soon after to explore a remake. Talks gathered pace over the following weeks and came to a head last Friday at the film’s success party in Chennai, where Kapoor joined the celebrations and continued negotiations with the makers.

By the end of the evening, the deal was sealed, with Kapoor formally acquiring the remake rights.

For an industry constantly mining regional cinema for the next crossover story, the move is telling. A small-town satire with local flavour has found a national backer. And if Kapoor’s instincts hold, a tale born in one village may soon echo far beyond it.

Hindi

Fans take centre stage as Zee Cine awards turns the spotlight around

Published

3 days ago

February 7, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: When the applause gets louder than the dialogue, you know the fans have taken over. That was the unmistakable mood as Zee formally announced the Zee Cine Awards 2026, flipping the script to celebrate not just cinema’s stars, but the people who cheer them on the loudest.

The 24th edition of the awards marks a fresh chapter in Zee’s long-standing relationship with Hindi cinema, anchored in its fan-first philosophy, Fantertainment. This year’s theme, ‘Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka’, reinforces a simple idea: cinema’s most powerful moments are shaped as much by audiences as by actors on screen. Presented by Maruti Suzuki, the awards aim to turn fandom into the main event.

The announcement, held in Mumbai, was anything but a routine press conference. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, composer Mithoon and singer Palak Muchhal joined fans to kick off the celebrations, turning the launch into a high-voltage, participative spectacle.

Staying true to the theme, fans didn’t just watch the announcement, they drove it. Akshay Kumar took the lead, pulling fellow stars on stage and energising the room, before the unveiling of a live LED Fan Meter. Powered purely by audience cheers, the rising meter culminated in the reveal of the Zee Cine Awards 2026 ground event date, announced in unison with fans, blurring the line between performer and spectator.

The momentum continued as Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa and Aparshakti Khurana recreated iconic hook steps, joined by Mithoon and Palak Muchhal for music-led interactions. Games, spontaneous performances and playful banter kept the focus firmly on shared moments, underscoring the evolving bond between cinema and its audience.

Beyond the launch, the awards will roll out as a multi-platform journey across television, digital, print and fan-led experiences. The aim is sustained engagement from the first announcement to awards night cementing fandom as a cultural force rather than a footnote.

Commenting on the milestone edition Zee head of advertisement revenue, broadcast & digital Laxmi Shetty said the 24th Zee Cine Awards continue to draw strength from the network’s omni-channel ecosystem, reflecting how audiences consume content today across TV, digital and social platforms. She noted that long-standing brand associations, including Maruti Suzuki’s three-year partnership and support from brands such as Hell Energy, underline the platform’s scale, trust and cultural relevance.

As Zee Cine Awards 2026 gathers pace, one thing is clear: this year, the loudest cheers won’t just echo in the auditorium, they’ll shape the show itself.

Hindi

Prime Video to stream Don’t Be Shy, produced by Alia Bhatt

Published

2 weeks ago

January 30, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: Prime Video has found its next feel-good original, and it comes with a healthy dose of heart, humour and youthful chaos. The streaming platform has announced Don’t Be Shy, a coming-of-age romantic comedy produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under their banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions.

Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the film follows Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das, a 20-year-old who believes her life is neatly mapped out until it suddenly is not. What follows is a relatable tumble through friendship, love and the awkward art of growing up, when plans unravel and certainty gives way to self-discovery.

The project is co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani, with music composed by Ram Sampath, adding to the film’s promise of warmth and energy. Prime Video describes the story as light-hearted yet emotionally grounded, with a strong female-led narrative at its core.

Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the platform was delighted to collaborate with Eternal Sunshine on a story that blends sincerity with humour. He noted that the film’s fresh writing, earnest characters and infectious music make it an easy, engaging watch for audiences well beyond its young adult setting.

For Alia Bhatt, Don’t Be Shy reflects the kind of storytelling Eternal Sunshine set out to champion. She said the film stood out for its honesty, its coming-of-age perspective and Mukerji’s passion, which she felt was deeply woven into the narrative. Bhatt also praised Prime Video for supporting distinctive voices and bold creative choices.

With its breezy tone and familiar emotional beats, Don’t Be Shy aims to charm viewers whether they are rom-com regulars or simply in the mood for a warm, unpretentious story about life refusing to stick to the plan.