ITV

Category: Hindi

  • Filamchi will now be available on Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV, GTPL, SITI – ICNCL & SITI Network

    Filamchi will now be available on Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV, GTPL, SITI – ICNCL & SITI Network

    strategic alliance with leading Direct-To-Home (DTH) and leading cable service providers in the country. Under these new partnerships, the premium Bhojpuri channel on boards Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV, GTPL and SITI – ICNCL & SITI Network, giving users of the respective platforms access to the channel’s exciting movie library.

    Filamchi can now be watched on Tata Sky at channel number 1114, on Airtel Digital TV at channel number 665, on GTPL Hathway at channel number 277, on SITI (ICNCL) at channel number 219 and on SITI Network at channel number 453. The pay channel can be subscribed for a nominal charge of Rs. 0.25 (excluding taxes) across platforms. Filamchi is also available on Darsh Digital at channel number 187.

    Targeted towards the Bhojpuri speaking audiences in the country, Filamchi brings a vast range of titles across genres to entertain and engage diverse movie buffs. The channel hosts an extensive collection of Bhojpuri films, including blockbusters featuring the industry’s biggest superstars Nirahua, Khesari Lal Yadav, Pawan Singh, Arvind Akela, Yash Mishra, Chintu Pandey, and legends like Ravi Kishan and Manoj Tiwari.

    Commenting on the recent partnerships, Filamchi   strategy VP  Tarun Talreja said,“Filamchi was designed to be accessible to Bhojpuri fans across the country through a robust distribution plan. Partnering with two of the leading DTH service providers, Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV, and leading cable service providers GTPL and ICNCL, augments our reach strategy, enabling us to bring our latest offering to a wide base of audiences in the country.”

    Apart from Tata Sky, Airtel Digital TV, GTPL and SITI – ICNCL and SITI Network, Filamchi is available on leading multi-system operators in Bihar and Jharkhand. 

  • Maharashtra allows opening up of cinema halls from tomorrow

    Maharashtra allows opening up of cinema halls from tomorrow

    KOLKATA: After months of closure due to Covid2019 crisis, the Maharashtra government has given green signal to the film exhibition sector to restart the business. The state government has allowed cinema halls, theatres, and multiplexes outside containment zones to open from tomorrow.

    On the lines of the central government’s decision, screenings will be limited to 50 per cent of the overall seating capacity. No eatables will be allowed inside, the notification stated.

    The SOP for the same will be issued by the cultural affairs department and local authorities. It will also take into consideration the SOP issued by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB). Earlier, ministry of home affairs (MHA) allowed the opening of cinema halls from 15 October but all states did not follow the decision immediately. However, the industry was awaiting the decision of the Maharashtra government specifically.

    Since late March, the cinema halls have been shut amounting to huge losses for the cinema owners. The producers opted for OTT platforms to release their movies. As the move comes just before Diwali, it could be a breather for the industry which is bleeding for last six months.

  • 50% cap on seating to continue for cinema halls till November 30

    50% cap on seating to continue for cinema halls till November 30

    KOLKATA: As the number of Covid2019 cases is inching towards the 80 lakh mark, preventive measures continue to remain in force. While the ministry of home affairs (MHA) allowed the reopening of cinema halls with limited capacity from 15 October, the 50 per cent cap will be applicable till 30 November.

    At the time of announcing unlock 5.0 guidelines, the ministry stated that the movie theatres outside containment zones can open with 50 per cent of their seating capacity. The announcement brought smiles to the faces of stakeholders across the film exhibition industry, who welcomed the decision despite persisting challenges.

    Later, the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) shared an extensive list of SOPs for the exhibition industry to abide by to check the spread of Covid2019. The ministry has clearly stated that no exhibition of films shall be allowed in containment zones; film exhibition activities through cinemas/theatres/multiplexes shall be governed as per the prevalent guidelines of ministry of home affairs and ministry of health & family welfare, and further states/UTs may consider proposing additional measures as per their field assessment.

    However, not all states have permitted the functioning of theatres and multiplexes. Cinema halls remain closed in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Chhattisgarh. On the other hand, Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh are some of the states where theatres have reopened.

  • PVR Pictures to release Mel Gibson’s Force of Nature

    PVR Pictures to release Mel Gibson’s Force of Nature

    Mumbai: Theatres are opening their doors again and PVR Pictures has geared up to ensure moviegoers have an exciting and safe viewing experience. The multiplex chain is all set to release Hollywood star Mel Gibson's action-thriller Force of Nature on 23 October.

    Force of Nature is PVR’s second release after the government gave the green light to reopen cinemas, after seven months of being closed for business due to the Covid2019 pandemic.

    The pandemic has affected each one of us in unimaginable ways; the reopening of cinemas offers much needed respite. Even as people settle into a “new normal”, PVR Pictures is inviting us to relive the good old days with this massive action blockbuster.

    Directed by Micheal Polish, the movie’s star-cast also features Emile Hirsch, Kate Bosworth and Gotham baddie David Zayas. 

    The story follows two policemen who are tasked to evacuate a building during a lethal hurricane. When one of the residents refuses to leave, all hell breaks loose as a dangerous heist takes place in the same location.

    The clock ticks faster, the storm gets darker. For the next 90 minutes, this mind boggling adventure keeps you hooked from start to end.

    Be sure to grab your masks, hand sanitizers, and keep social distancing when you head back to the theatres.

    Catch the trailer here.

  • Industry remains cautiously optimistic with reopening of cinema halls

    Industry remains cautiously optimistic with reopening of cinema halls

    KOLKATA: For people across the film exhibition industry, the Unlock 5.0 guidelines have brought them a reason to smile. On Wednesday evening, the ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allowed opening of cinema halls from 15 October with 50 per cent seating capacity. As the sector is back in business, the stakeholders rejoice the decision despite persisting challenges.

    The reopening of the cinema halls is a critical point for the industry that has been struggling in the face of the pandemic. Even before the nationwide lockdown started, cinema halls shut fearing the spread of Covid2019. Being out of the business for nearly seven months, the cinema owners have been asking for some respite for quite some time now. Last month, the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) appealed to the government to allow theatres to reopen “on an urgent basis”. The association has “wholeheartedly” welcomed the latest decision of the government. Back in June, a survey from Book My Show stated that 54 per cent of Indians want to catch their favourite films in cinemas within 15-90 days of opening up.

    “Millions of movie lovers, employees of the cinema exhibition sector, along with the entire film industry were eagerly awaiting this announcement. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MHA and the ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for their support and guidance. We are committed to ensure a safe, secure and a hygienic cinema going experience for the movie lovers of our country, as always, we would continue to assign top-most priority to the health and well-being of our guests and employees,” MAI stated.

    The multiplex owners have expressed an equal amount of satisfaction around the announcement. Carnival Cinemas managing director PV Sunil said this is the right time to open up with Diwali around the corner. Sunil opined that 50 per cent capacity is better than what they had predicted would be allowed. The industry had been proposing a 50 per cent capacity. Most of the countries are also following the same norm. As of now, Carnival’s software is being modified in accordance with that so that the audience has a seamless experience while booking tickets online.

    “This is a welcome move by both the west Bengal government and the central government. So many people are associated with the industry, so much money is at stake, the industry was losing almost Rs 1,500 crore every month while it was shut. We are happy that we are able to restart and people will be able to go back to the practice of going to a movie theatre.” SVF Cinemas head Rudra Prosad Daw said, the movie chain which operates in east India.

    While a part of the industry has been worried about the seating capacity limits eating up their profits, Daw said that it is a good percentage in the initial phase. He added that average footfall over the year is on an average 32 per cent, although it is higher excluding the southern part. However, he noted that for big blockbuster releases, the footfall goes up to 80-90 per cent during the weekend which could be a cause of discomfort. Daw emphasised that safety would be put at highest priority, for both audience and staff members.

    Ambient director Deepak Kumar welcomed the move and said it would help cinema halls to be better prepared to welcome its consumers like most of the establishments have done that have resumed operations in a phased manner. According to him, cinema halls opening with 50 per cent seating capacity is a step in the right direction. Moreover, as the cinema halls are usually located within a mall, it would also add up to the footfall count. The decision will not just help the owners but also its ancillary.    

    The return of cinema halls to business came as a relief for the studios too which have halted many of their releases. Many of the OTT platforms may have opted for digital premiers giving some breather to the production houses but the number is too limited compared to overall pending movie slate.

    “The reopening of theatres is a relief for studios and theatre owners while once again offering audiences the unparalleled experience of watching movies on big screens. We are looking forward to entertaining audiences in this era of the “new normal”. The pandemic has led to a surge of content consumption across genres and platforms and this is a hugely encouraging indicator for content creators and providers. Cinema is and will always continue to remain an expression of creativity and imagination and we look forward to fostering a stronger bond with our audiences,” Eros Motion Pictures COO Shikha Kapur said.

    But now the eyes are at states like Maharashtra, which has decided to continue the shut down till 31 October. Elara Capital VP – research analyst (media) Karan Taurani said that pan India opening is expected around Diwali or latest by late November. Hence, he opined that large scale content or a big Hindi film is not to hit cinemas before December. SVF Cinema’s Daw also added that they have not heard from Bollywood yet while its parent company SVF and some other producers in west Bengal has already planned releases around Durga Puja.

    “We are cognisant of the prevalent environment and will monitor this on an ongoing basis to determine our release strategy. With regards to our content slate, Eros has an exciting line-up of films for which announcements will be made at an appropriate time,” Kapur added.

    Adding to concerns regarding the fresh releases, analysts believe impact on revenues coming from food and beverages (F&B) and advertising may last longer. “F&B will be under pressure as consumers may not be open to consuming food in cinemas; further, affordability levels too may negatively affect overall F&B spending vs pre-Covid times. Advertising revenue, which is too high margin in nature, will see a negative impact as occupancy in our view will remain restricted until active cases become negligible or a vaccine is launched,” Elara Capital said in a report.

    However, Ambient’s Kumar is optimistic. He stated brands would flock back to cinema halls as cinema is an efficient advertising medium which ensures 100 per cent captive audience. 

  • Yoodlee Films Moves into Next Gear: finishes four films during COVID- 19

    Yoodlee Films Moves into Next Gear: finishes four films during COVID- 19

    Four films in various stages of completion in the last four months of the pandemic. Sounds like a tall order, but this is exactly what one new-age production house has gone ahead and done. 

    The unexpected onset of a global pandemic notwithstanding, Yoodlee Films has moved into the next gear, by completing four feature films, in the last few months. COVID-19 has pushed the Indian film industry to rethink production logistics, on-set protocol, safety regulations for cast and crew, and challenged conventional distribution, publicity, and release methodologies. In the midst of this, Yoodlee Films has defied all odds and has successfully managed to complete the shooting of two feature films simultaneously, with all directives and measures in place.  Alongside they have also wrapped up the post-production work on two other films, which are now being readied for release.

    Known for films that traverse a wide spectrum of topics and genres, Yoodlee Films immediately sprung into action as soon as the Unlock guidelines for shooting films were announced.  Two major feature films –  a Hindi romantic comedy involving a stand-up comic duo, called  'Comedy Couple' and Marathi cinema’s first horror-comedy featuring Zombies –  'Zombivali’,  started shoot immediately after the lockdown was lifted and completed the same in the next couple of months. Apart from this, two other features – 'Agra' and 'Bahut Hua Samman’ have sped into various stages of post-production and were readied for release, making Yoodlee Films the only production house to continue to be this prolific through the pandemic.  Its also to be noted that during the lockdown,  Yoodlee released the critically acclaimed 'Axone' and the crowd favorite 'Chaman Bahaar' on Netflix.

    'Agra' stars an ensemble cast headed by Rahul Roy who makes a comeback, along with Priyanka Bose, Mohit Agarwal, Ruhani Sharma, Vibha Chibber, Sonal Jha, and Aanchal Goswami. It explores confined spaces and suppressed sexuality in small towns and promises to start a conversation around taboo subjects. Agra which is being touted as a festival favorite is directed by Kanu Behl,  whose 2015 debut ‘Titli’ won much critical acclaim.

    'Bahut Hua Samman' stars Raghav Junyal, Sanjay Mishra, Nidhi Singh, and Ram Kapoor among others.  The film tweaks the idea of a heist caper and follows two students as they ideate to pull off a fool-proof robbery. Directed by Ashish Shukla and the film is set to launch on Disney+ Hotstar VIP on 2nd October 2020.

    'Comedy Couple' – starring Saqib Salim and Shweta Basu Prasad and directed by Nachiket Samant,  is an insightful look into the lives of two stand-up comics in the metro and is being touted as ‘com-rom’. The Film will premiere on Zee 5 Premium on the 21st of October. 

    'Zombivali,' is a unique Marathi horror comedy, featuring zombies for the first time,  is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and stars popular actors Amey Wagh, Lalit Prabhakar, and Vaidehi Parshuram. 

    Vikram Mehra, MD Saregama India, says: We are passionate about telling interesting stories in Yoodlee Films. We had set out three years back, as a rank outsider, with a thriving desire to create cinema that affects and engages and to bring some order and method into the madness of film-making. Today we have proved ourselves to be the fastest-growing movie studio in the business, ready to take up challenges (such as we faced in the last few months) and create a new work principle, which is both effective and economical. Our success proves that the tenets of good management work even in the film industry if applied with reason and sense.

    Zombivali is looking at release next year when theatres will be operational, while Agra will soon be setting out to do the festival rounds all over.

  • Cinema halls to be back in business from 15 October

    Cinema halls to be back in business from 15 October

    KOLKATA: After coping with the initial shock of Covid2019, the economy has started reviving slowly. With the new guidelines issued by the ministry of home affairs, the revival will speed up, especially in the cinema exhibition sector. The ministry has finally allowed the opening up of cinemas, theatres, multiplexes from 15 October onwards as part of its Unlock 5.0 plan.

    According to the guidelines released today, theatres can open with upto 50 per cent of their seating capacity being thrown to movie goers  outside containment zones. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are to be released a little later by the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) which is the regualtor for the exhibition sector. 

    Along with that, exhibition halls, and entertainment parks have also been given the go-ahead to welcome customers.  States and union territories have been  given the flexibility to to permit gatherings of more than 100 people outside containment zones after 15 October and under social distancing rules.  This probably means B2B exhibitions, cultural, religious, political functions and other gatherings will be allowed from mid-October.  The department of commerce will issue SOPs for these. 

    Earlier this week, west Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had  announced that cinema halls can start screening films for the public come 1 October.  It was the first state government to give the green signal to the beleaguered cinema exhibition sector.

    Since late March 2020, cinema halls have been shuttered leading to huge losses for cinema owners. Film producers and distirbutors , as an alternative, opted for OTT platforms to release their movies. As the move comes just before the festival season, it could be a breather for the industry which has been bleeding for the past six months.

    The experential and events sector is also heaving a sigh of releif with exhibitions, cultural gatherings being permitted. Estimates are that the industry has lost close to Rs 10,000 crore ever since the lockdown was announced late March 2020. And hundreds of thousands of event executives and managers have lost their jobs. With the lockdown measures  being pried open, the hope is that many of them will get back their jobs, with companies working to kick start consumption, and in the process the economy even more.  

  • Shekhar Kapur to head Pune-based FTII

    Shekhar Kapur to head Pune-based FTII

    MUMBAI: The Pune-based Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) has appointed veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur as the president &  chairman of the governing council, a position he will hold till  March 2023.

    Information & broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar made the announcement on Twitter. He also stated that that Kapur will add value to the institute.  

     

     

    Kapur, in turn,  thanked the government for the posting. 

     

     

    He replaces BP Singh who was appoiinted president n 2018. Singh is best known as the producer of the long-running Sony TV show CID and was recently appointed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to its general assembly.

    Several industry stalwarts and organisations gave their thums up to Kapur’s  appointment. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The 75-year old Kapur is well known  both in India and internationally, having been involved with cinema for the past four to five decades. Some of the more critically acclaimed films he has been associated with as a producer or director include:  Mr India, Bandit Queen, Queen Elizabeth, Masoom, and others. This apart, he has been the  host of the TV show Pradhanmantri in 2013.

    FTII is India’s  leading institution for film making.  Started in 1960, the institute, it is situated on the premises of the erstwhile Prabhat Studios in Pune. It has  produced some of India’s finest film talents and icons. It offers a variety of courses including – direction, screenplay, cinematography, editing, direction, screen acting.

  • Chandramukhi: Amitabh Bachchan Starrer AB Aani CD Filmmakers To Go On Floor With The First Big Banner Marathi Film Since Outbreak Of COVID-19

    Chandramukhi: Amitabh Bachchan Starrer AB Aani CD Filmmakers To Go On Floor With The First Big Banner Marathi Film Since Outbreak Of COVID-19

    Excerpt: The only big banner Marathi film to go on floors after the pandemic is Akshay Bardapurkar and Piiyush Singh’s Chandramukhi.

    After massive success on OTT of Amitabh Bachchan starrer AB Aani CD; filmmaker Akshay Bardapurkar teams up with Piiyush Singh for the third time in a row. Writer Vishwas Patil's novel Chandramukhi is being adapted for the silver screen and this mammoth of a film project will go on the floors in November 2020. This will be one of the first big banner Marathi films to go on floors since the pandemic. The bestseller novel Chandramukhi by Vishwas Patil unravels the story of a beautiful Lavani dancer who is set out on an unconventional journey. The worlds of Tamasha and Politics unite with Chandramukhi.

    Prasad Oak, the director of the National Award-winning film Kaccha Limbu will be directing this film. Perfectionist screenplay writer Chinmay Mandlekar and cinematographer Sanjay Memane will join Prasad once again after the massive success of Hirkani. While we are sure that the audience is in for a treat to the eyes, the film also promises to be a musical treat. The talented singers of the Marathi industry who have given their legendary voice and music to the best of Marathi and Hindi films, prodigy singer duo Ajay- Atul, have composed a promising blend of hard-hitting music with lively lavani scores. This film has been produced under the banner of Planet Marathi and Golden Ratio Films by Akshay Bardapurkar and Piiyush Singh.

    After making its mark in several Hindi, Tamil, and International film projects, Golden Ratio Films stepped foot in the Marathi film industry with a great hit like the Amitabh Bachchan starrer AB Aani CD. Now, after producing Goshta Eka Paithanichi, the COO of Golden Ratio films, Piiyush Singh is drawn towards creating more Marathi films. He recognizes the immense potential the regional filmmakers have demonstrated. Chandramukhi is one of his passion projects. While talking about the film, Piiyush says, “The audience is sensitive, now more than ever, to meaningful content. We have all hands on deck and a great team on board to take this film to greater heights. We thrive to entertain our audience with content that brings meaning along with entertainment. Although we cannot talk much about the cast and the storyline at this point, we are certain that the audience will love this film.”

    Talking about this larger than life project, ecstatic Akshay commented, “Chandramukhi is a perfect example of a content-driven piece that will move the audience. The film explores the realities of a spellbinding woman who finds herself on an unconventional path. We are excited to tell this story, at the same time, this is a huge responsibility to retain the authenticity of the bestseller by Vishwas Patil. We have a blend of talented filmmakers, musicians, and artists who are known for their craft. This film has a promise to take Marathi cinema to newer heights. Being the only big banner Marathi film to go on floors after the pandemic started, Chandramukhi has stirred a lot of excitement in the Marathi movie fans. The shoot begins in November 2020."

    Right before the start of the unfortunate pandemic, in January 2020, the makers released the official poster of the film. The face of the lead protagonist is not yet unveiled. Even the filmmakers are tight-lipped about their cast. This nerve-racking excitement, to know who will be the face of Chandramukhi, has pushed the audience on the edge of their seat. The film certainly promises drama, politics, beauty, music, and dance with all the right blockbuster elements. Planet Marathi and Golden Ratio Films have also roped in the big guns of talent on board. What more does a film need to hook their fans with the excitement of the release?

  • Saregama IP boosts profits despite revenue fall in first quarter

    Saregama IP boosts profits despite revenue fall in first quarter

    BENGALURU: India music label and movie studio Saregama India Ltd (Saregama) reported 100 times growth in consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 22.01 crore for the quarter ended 30 June 2020 (Q1 2021, quarter or period under review) as compared to the Rs 0.22 crore for the corresponding year ago quarter Q1 2020. The company’s consolidated operating revenue declined 39.2 percent y-o-y in Q1 2021 to Rs 76.49 crore from Rs 125.90 crore in Q1 2020.

    Saregama says in a media release for the quarter that the primary profit driver was the increased consumption of Saregama IP: Music, Films, TV Serials on digital media by people staying at home. “There is more content getting consumed by more number of people in the post-Covid2019 era than the pre-Covid2019 one. These results have come despite Caravan sales slowing down in light of retail network being shut and no new shoots of our TV serials during this quarter.”

    Saregama has mentioned the following highlights in its earnings release: (1) New Licensing deals with Facebook and Spotify (2) Two Yoodlee films released on Netflix: Chaman Bahaar and Axone. Both trended on Netflix Top 10 list says Saregama (3) License (remake, dubbing) deals for 2 Tamil TV serials in Telugu language (4) Carvaan sale re-started around mid-June and 15,000 units were sold during the quarter. There was a steep increase in the consumption of podcasts on Carvaan 2.0 during this period.

    Saregama consolidated operating EBITDA for the period under review increased 122.6 percent (more than doubled) y-o-y to Rs 42.79 crore (55.9 percent of operating revenue) as compared to Rs 19.22 crore (15.3 percent of operating revenue).

    Segment numbers for Q1 2021

    Saregama has three segments in Music; Films and Television Serials; and Publication.

    The company reported operating revenue of Rs 69.64 crore for Q1 2021 which was 36.8 percent lower y-o-y than the Rs 110.17 crore in Q1 2020. Operating result for the segment however almost tripled (increased by 198.8 percent) to Rs 38.5 crore in Q1 2021 from Rs 13 crore in Q1 2020.

    Films and Television Serials segment reported 58.9 percent decline in operating revenue in Q1 2021 to Rs 5.87 crore from Rs 14.29 crore in Q1 2020. The segment’s operating loss increased in Q1 2021 to Rs 3.61 crore from an operating loss of Rs 1.17 crore in Q1 2020.

    Publication segment operating revenue declined 93.2 percent to Rs 0.98 crore in Q1 2021 from Rs 14.4 crore in Q1 2020. Operating results for Q1 2021 was a higher operating loss of 3.13 crore as compared to an operating loss of Rs 3.05 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by Saregama for Q1 2021

    Consolidated total income (operating revenue plus other income) for Q1 2021 declined 36.1 percent y-o-y to Rs 81.86 crore from Rs 128.08 crore. Consolidated total expenses in Q1 2021 declined 53.2 percent y-o-y to Rs 59.85 crore from Rs 127.86 crore in Q1 2020.

    Consolidated cost of materials consumed/Contract manufacturing charges for the quarter under review declined to by 98.8 percent to Rs 0.33 crore from Rs 26.95 crore in Q1 2020. Consolidated cost of production of Films and TV serials in Q1 2021 declined 86.7 percent y-o-y to Rs 1.79 crore from Rs 14.40 crore in Q1 2020. Consolidated employee benefits expense in Q1 2021 increased 13 percent y-o-y to Rs 17.44 crore from Rs 15.44 crore in Q1 2020.

    Consolidated finance costs in Q1 2021 declined 50 percent to Rs 0.95 crore from Rs 1.90 crore. Consolidated advertisement and sales promotion costs in Q1 2021 declined 80.3 percent to Rs 6.07 crore from Rs 30.76 crore in Q1 2020. Consolidated royalty expenses in Q1 2021 fell 6.6 percent y-o-y to Rs 13.29 crore from Rs 14.23 crore in Q1 2020. Consolidated other expenses during the period under review fell 42.9 percent y-o-y to Rs 10.94 crore from Rs 19.16 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter.