ITV

Category: Hindi

  • Zee Action to air The Monkey King 2 on Saturday, 21st July at 8pm

    Zee Action to air The Monkey King 2 on Saturday, 21st July at 8pm

    MUMBAI: Five hundred years after the Havoc in Heaven, the Tang Priest is appointed by Buddha to go to the West to fetch the sacred scriptures, only to accidentally free the Monkey King. With Lady White aiming to break up the team assembled to defeat her, the Monkey King must fight in order to save his world! The film has been praised for its production design and amazing picturisation which has broken all previously set benchmarks. Zee Action – India’s one-stop destination for action movies  is all set to bring this entertaining powerhouse to your television screen on Saturday, 21st July 2018 at 8pm.

    Freed after 500 years beneath Five Element Mountain, Goddess Guanyin (Kelly Chen) entrusts Sun Wukong’s (Aaron Kwok) with a task of shepherding young monk Xuanzang (William Feng) on his journey west to retrieve ancient spiritual sutras that will pacify the Earth. They are joined by a pair of similarly disciplined creatures: the water-dwelling Wujing (Him Law) and the gluttonous half-man, half-pig Baije (Xiaoshenyang). When the party arrives at a wealthy Silk Road kingdom, they hear stories of a malevolent demon, who has been kidnapping and eating children. The pure-spirited Xuanzang is then himself targeted by the seductive yet deadly White Bone Spirit, Baigujing (Gong Li), who feeds on the innocent to retain her own youthful beauty.

  • Zee to launch Zee Classic HD channel

    Zee to launch Zee Classic HD channel

    MUMBAI: The Punit Goenka-led Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), is all set to launch Zee Classic’s HD version.

    Back in 2016, the channel had about 25 per cent reach and a connectivity higher than 80 per cent. Known for telecasting movies from the sixties, seventies, eighties and nineties era, the channel was revamped on 3 October 2016 with a new positioning and programming line-up, as it had ambitious plans to expand its target audience, and thus its viewership.

    The network has started test transmission service from Intelsat20 satellite at 68.5 degree east.

    Earlier, Zee Classic was targeted at mature adults and it attracted younger audiences too. The channel then dissected its viewers into the connoisseurs of golden cinema, the middle-aged adults, and the new-age classic as well as contemporary young adults. However, the channel’s core focus was 25-45 years age group.

    Zee Classic claims to have contributed a massive 15 per cent revenue share in the Zee Hindi movies cluster among the SD channels – Zee Cinema, &pictures, Zee Classic, Zee Action and Zee Anmol Cinema. In 2016, a spokesperson from Zee said that in the previous three to four years, Zee Classic’s revenue had grown more than four times, and as an evolving channel, it commanded a premium rate even at its then existing ratings.

    From 2004 to 2010, Zee Classic recorded a two per cent viewership share in the Hindi movie genre. Earlier in an interaction with Indiantelevision.com, Zee Hindi movie cluster business head Ruchir Tiwari (now the cluster head) said that the viewership rose to six per cent over the past year.

  • Shemaroo Entertainment Releases Padmaavat On Blu-ray and DVD for Cinema Lovers

    Shemaroo Entertainment Releases Padmaavat On Blu-ray and DVD for Cinema Lovers

    MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment Limited, one of India’s leading global content power house, released the Blu-rays and DVDs of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus, Padmaavat- one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.

    The epic period drama is loosely based on the poem Padmavat by Malik Muhammad Jayasi and has a stellar star cast of Bollywood’s leading names, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor in the lead roles.

    Set in medieval Rajasthan, the story revolves around Queen Padmavati, who is married to a noble king and lives in a prosperous fortress with their subjects until an ambitious Sultan hears of Padmavati’s beauty and forms an obsessive love for the Queen of Mewar and decides to attack the kingdom.

    The movie released earlier this year, was a huge commercial success and is one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Cinema lovers can now buy the Blu-Ray version for Rs. 999/- and the double discDVD Set for Rs. 499/- which is available in leading key retail outlets across Indiaand also on Amazon, Flipkart& Shemaroo.com. The Blu-ray version is available only in Hindi language with English subtitles whereas the DVD set is available in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu with English sub-titles.

    The ownership of physical media offers cinema lovers the personalized experience which is worth conserving! The Blu-ray version of Padmaavat will be a treat to the eyes with the exemplary visuals and cinematography. Padmaavat is a Viacom 18 Motion Pictures & Bhansali Productions presentation.

  • Al-Futtaim, PVR sign MoU to explore opportunities in MENA region

    Al-Futtaim, PVR sign MoU to explore opportunities in MENA region

    MUMBAI: Multiplex operator PVR signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Al-Futtaim to explore opportunities to jointly develop cinema business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

    The joint venture will introduce a collection of unique experiential cinema formats to the region including PVR’s Director’s Cut, a format that blends the best in high-end hospitality and entertainment.

    “We see great potential in the cinema business in the region, and particularly in Saudi Arabia, following the government’s decision to reopen the cinema industry,” said Al-Futtaim Group director corporate development Marwan Shehadeh.

    “PVR is the perfect partner for Al-Futtaim, given its 20 years’ proven track record of operating and creating experiential cinema formats, catering to customers looking for best in class experiences. To begin with, we have already identified locations in Al-Futtaim real estate developments such as Dubai Festival City and Festival Plaza in Dubai and are in discussion with landlords to secure other locations in Dubai and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he added.

    PVR in a regulatory filing said both parties will work together over the next few months to undertake a feasibility study and convert the MoU into a formal joint venture arrangement.

    In December last year, PVR had said it was scouting overseas destinations for expansion and planned to open its first project in Sri Lanka in next two years.

    Commenting on the partnership, PVR Ltd chairman and managing director Ajay Bijli said “We see a great opportunity in taking the PVR brand to the MENA region, particularly expansion in UAE and entry into the Saudi Arabian market which has recently decided to open up the cinema industry. We are delighted to partner with Al-Futtaim, which is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held businesses in the region.”

    At present, PVR operates over 600 screens in 52 cities in India.

  • &Privé HD to premiere the psychological thriller ‘The Gift’ on 23rd June

    &Privé HD to premiere the psychological thriller ‘The Gift’ on 23rd June

    MUMBAI: &Privé HD, the premium destination for nuanced cinema, is all set to premiere the American mystery-thriller The Gift on Saturday, 23rd of June at 1:00 pm and 9:00 pm. The movie marks the directorial debut of actor Joel Edgerton who also plays a central character along with Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall.

    The Gift follows the life of a young married couple, Simon (Bateman) and Robyn (Hall). Their life is going just as planned until an encounter with an acquaintance from Simon’s high school sends their world into a tormenting spin. Simon doesn’t recognize his friend, Gordo (Edgerton) at first, but after a series of uninvited encounters and troubling mysterious gifts, a horrifying secret from the past is unraveled after over two decades. Robyn is devastated on learning the disturbing truth about what happened between Simon and Gordo and starts to question her entire life with her husband.

  • PVR Cinemas pilots the Delhi Edition of the Year Round Programme by MAMI

    PVR Cinemas pilots the Delhi Edition of the Year Round Programme by MAMI

    MUMBAI: PVR Cinemas, with its storied history of becoming the leading exhibitor and an eminent platform for all things cinematic launched the Year Round Programme by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) in Delhi.

    An epic city-wide celebration of global filmmaking culture and star-studded special screening at PVR ECX, Chanakya marked the official curtain call of the programme’s Delhi Edition. The two-day launch event premiered two of the most sought-after films of the year – Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs and Ari Aster’s Hereditary on the 9th & 10th of June 2018 ahead of their India release. 

    The launch party was officially opened by Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR Ltd and Sanjeev Bijli, Joint Managing Director, PVR Ltd; along with Board Members of MAMI – Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Vishal Bharadwaj and the leadership team of MAMI – Anupama Chopra and Smriti Kiran bringing the best and latest films from all over the world to a city that has always spearheaded support in cultivating art and culture.

    PVR Ltd, Managing Director, Ajay Bijli said “Year Round Programme by MAMI represents one of the first opportunities for audiences in Delhi to see the very best from across the globe. This was a natural progression for us to support. PVR has always encouraged and facilitated people to build a relationship with a broad range of films, ensuring that film culture can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone across. With this launch, PVR aspires to bring together distinguished industry specialists and discerning movie lovers through accessible screenings, panels, workshops and showcasing cinema that embraces diversity, innovation and unique perspectives. Aimed at featuring critically acclaimed filmmakers, industry professionals, and award-winning talent around the world, this programme is rich with opportunity – to stay informed, be challenged, feel the pleasure of escape and see the world differently.”

    Anupama Chopra said, “I am thrilled that in the 20th year of MAMI, we are stepping out of Mumbai. We hope we can help foster a great cinema culture in Delhi. Thank you PVR for all your support.”

    PVR Ltd, Joint Managing Director, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said “We are delighted to partner with MAMI and launch a screening event in the national capital, Delhi. Led by Kiran Rao, Anupama Chopra and Smriti Kiran, MAMI has established itself as a premier film festival and is recognized globally as a platform to showcase some of the best cinema in the world. From the red carpet premiers, to the carefully selected and curated films, it’s an event that everyone looks forward to. At PVR, we are proud of our ongoing association, and it gives us immense pleasure to be able to bring this to our ardent fans of great cinema in Delhi.” 

    MAMI, Creative Director, Smriti Kiran said “We are so thrilled to get the MAMI Year Round Programme to the film lovers in Delhi! Our commitment is to showcase the best of the cinema for movie lovers and create a strong film culture in the city. To alter sensibility, you have to engage regularly and facilitate viewers to celebrate and dissect, discuss and debate, engage and argue, agree and disagree about what they love most: Cinema. We are grateful to PVR Cinemas for being the MAMI champions and partnering with us yet again in our endeavour to nurture audiences and build a cinema viewing culture for the cinephiles in the country. We have big plans for Dilli!”

    The MAMI Year Round Programme launched in 2016 in Mumbai, is a one of a kind film programme started with the belief that it is not enough to have a week-long film festival. The Academy now hosts weekly screenings, workshops and conversation sessions for film lovers in the country. This has given us a year-long imprint and presence as opposed to presence only for a week in the year. Through this unique curation, passionate movie nuts can sign up and get free access to the best and latest Indian and International films throughout the year. 

    What makes the Delhi Edition even more special is that it will happen at the newly launched PVR ECX, Chanakyapuri. The property holds great nostalgic value for Delhiites as it is the brand new avatar of the iconic Chanakya cinema showcasing a wide spectrum of great content that is the cornerstone of MAMI. 

    Till date, The MAMI Year Round Programme in Mumbai has screened over 40 films which include Lady Bird, The Square, Zama, The Shape of Water, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missourie and Village Rockstars. There are about 7000+ members enrolled for this programme.

  • Shemaroo gears up for digital era; adds devotional app Ibaadat

    Shemaroo gears up for digital era; adds devotional app Ibaadat

    MUMBAI: Right at the opportune time, one of India’s oldest media companies, Shemaroo Entertainment, has launched a new devotional app called Ibaadat.

    The Islamic devotional app will contain live feeds, devotional tunes, an e-commerce platform, donation service, etc. Over time, customer feedback will enrich the app’s growth.

    On the reason for picking the Islamic faith, Shemaroo Entertainment CEO Hiren Gada said, “For us, it is not about choosing a particular religion. We already have content and presence in all the major religions in India whether it’s Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism or Jainism. In fact, we already have a Hindu app in place, Hari Om. The next biggest population is the Islamic population. So, the idea is how many more people we can help connect with their faith.”

    About five years ago, there was an inflexion point when the company realised that digital is soon going to explode. “There are a lot of changes overall as an organisation that we have been going through the last few years. We have been preparing ourselves for the digital era. Some of these initiatives which we are seeing are a result of this,” he said.

    While the company’s digital segment has grown at roughly 40 per cent y-o-y, it stands roughly around 25 per cent of the total business.

    Very recently, Shemaroo opened its US office which is still in its initial stage. Rather than making content to cater to the US audience, it will try to serve the diaspora with existing content. “First opportunity is to be able to serve the diaspora with existing content we have in a much better way because we felt that it was clearly an underserved consumer segment for us which we saw based on various platforms we were present. So that was our first target, and that itself is a large task by itself,” Gada said.

    He did not reveal any firm plan on whether the company wanted to go the OTT way any time soon.

    The Ibaadat app is free except for some services which have minimal charge. For now, it is only available on Android and the iOS version is on the way. For promoting the app, Shemaroo is targeting DTH and social media.

    The content library is a combination of outsourced as well as the content created in house. It will be tying up with more shrines in future.

    Just three months ago, Hari Om was launched where people could tune into live telecast of aartis, order Prasad at their doorstep from temples across the country, listen to teachings of top gurus and even book religious services or orders.

    Once associated with classic movies of the previous century, Shemaroo has evolved over time staying relevant to the current age. The next challenge is to make Shemaroo digital-savvy.

  • Higher numbers push up financials; ‘Padmaavat’ top grosser for PVR

    Higher numbers push up financials; ‘Padmaavat’ top grosser for PVR

    BENGALURU: Higher box office, food and beverages (F&B) and sponsorship revenues, higher occupancy, higher average ticket prices (ATP) have helped push up Indian exhibitor PVR Ltd’s (PVR) overall numbers for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2018 (Q4-2018, quarter under review, FY-2018, year under review) as compared with the corresponding year ago quarter (Q4-2017) and financial year (FY-2017) respectively. Net box office collections (NBO) at Rs 75.15 crore for Padmaavat, the top grosser for PVR in Q4-2018 were more than double the NBO of the Q4-2017 top grosser Dangal, which had netted Rs 32.23 crore. This was despite lower theatre admits in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat which were impacted due to non-release of Padmaavat in these states, says the company.

    PVR reported 19 per cent yoy increase in consolidated revenue for the quarter under review at Rs 572.88 crore as compared to Rs 483.01 crore in Q4-2017. Profit after tax for Q4-2018 increased to Rs 25.89 crore as compared to Rs 0.01 crore in Q4-2017. EBITDA (including other income) in the quarter under review increased 60 per cent to Rs 101.93 crore from Rs 63.84 crore in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    For FY-2018, the exhibitor reported an eight per cent increase in revenue at Rs 2365.45 crore as compared to Rs 2181.68 crore in FY-2017. PAT for FY-2018 was 29 percent higher at Rs 124.02 crore as compared to Rs 95.84 crore in FY-2017. EBITDA for the year under review increased 15 per cent to Rs 433.17 crore from Rs 375.87 crore in FY-2017.

    Q4-2018 revenue numbers

    Total NBO collections increased 18 per cent yoy in Q4-2018 to Rs 312.40 crore from Rs 264.60 crore. Revenue from F&B increased 22 per cent yoy to Rs 157.10 crore from Rs 128.49 crore. Advertising revenue increased 37 per cent yoy in Q4-2018 to Rs 72 crore from Rs 52.74 crore in Q4-2017. Convenience income declined two per cent yoy to Rs 14.46 crore from Rs 15.72 crore. Other operating income declined 19 per cent yoy to Rs 13.95 crore from Rs 17.24 crore. The company says that other operating income in Q4-2017 included government subsidy of Rs 7.62 crore provided by various state governments. In Q4-2018, this component has not been accounted for on due to lack of clarity on refund mechanism for the tax exemptions under GST regime claims the company in it investor presentation. Other income declined 43 per cent yoy to Rs 2.97 crore from Rs 5.22 crore.

    FY-2018 revenue numbers

    Total NBO collections increased 11 per cent yoy in FY-2018 to Rs 1248.06 crore from Rs 1125.64 crore. Revenue from F&B increased 10 per cent to Rs 607.66 crore from Rs 550.54 crore. Advertising revenue increased 20 per cent in FY-2018 to Rs 294.86 crore from Rs 245.02 crore in Q4-2017. Convenience income increased three per cent to Rs 59.71 crore from Rs 58.15 crore. Other operating income declined 14 per cent to Rs 55.14 crore from Rs 64.26 crore. Other income declined 45 per cent to Rs 10.22 crore from Rs 18.58 crore.

    Box-office numbers

    Admits in Q4-2018 increased by five per cent to 1.90 crore from 1.82 crore in corresponding quarter of fiscal 2017. Occupancy was fractionally lower in Q4-2018 at 31.5 percent as compared to 31.6 percent in Q4-2017. ATP increased by Rs 19 during the year under review to Rs 209 as compared to Rs 190 in Q4-2017. The company says that the top five movies in Q4-2018 contributed to 52 percent of the gross box office with an occupancy rate of 38 per cent.

    Admits in FY-2018 increased by one per cent to Rs 7.61 crore from Rs 7.52 crore in fiscal 2017. Occupancy was up at 32.9 per cent in FY-2018 as compared to 31.3 per cent in the previous year. ATP increased by Rs 15 during the year under review to Rs 210 as compared to Rs 196 in FY-2017.

  • Zee Cinema’s marketing mania for the world tv premiere of ‘Fukrey Returns’ on 1st April at 8 PM

    Zee Cinema’s marketing mania for the world tv premiere of ‘Fukrey Returns’ on 1st April at 8 PM

    MUMBAI: The Fukra boys Hunny, Choocha, Zafar and Lali get on with their lives after successfully getting Bholi Punjaban arrested. But they are in for a shock when she returns early from prison and tries to seek revenge. The second installment of the Fukrey franchise, Fukrey Returns which earned over 100 crores at the box office is all set for its World TV Premiere on Zee Cinema, Home of Blockbusters on Sunday, 1st April at 8 PM. Zee Cinema with its proposition Movies Masti Magic undertook a series of innovative marketing initiatives to promote the movie. To take the audience on a laughter riot and ensure that their day is packed with fun and entertainment, Zee Cinema, has declared Sunday, April 1 as ‘Fukra’s Day’ instead of Fool’s Day! #1stAprilFukraDay.

    Richa Chadda a.k.a Bholi Punjaban and Varun Sharma a.k.a Choocha visited the capital where the movie was shot and made an appearance at the Delhi Zoo to celebrate Bijli ka birthday. Bijli, is the same tiger in the film who helps the Fukrey gang find treasure worth 10 crores! Zee Cinema has also collaborated with Icekraft, an ice-cream café and has come with customized offerings of ice-creams and state of the art coffee froth printing of Fukrey characters. The coffee froth printing is one of its kind and Zee Cinema and Icekraft are the flag bearers in kick starting this innovative offering for coffee lovers. This activity will be carried out across India in multiple outlets.

    The marketing blitzkrieg spills over to the digital media as well with the channel putting forth engaging social media activities. With the  hashtag #1stAprilFukraDay, several quirky and engaging contests will be carried out on social media platforms inviting people to share their jugaad stories and people with the most unique and fun stories will be certified as You Are A Fukra! With the hashtag #AskChoocha, audiences’ favourite character of the Fukrey franchise, Choocha (Varun Sharma) took over Zee Cinema’s social media handles on 26th March and predicted the future of his fans. Choocha also answered questions by his fans and the lucky winners had a chance to interact with him on Twitter. On Facebook, Zee Cinema has created a special Fukrey Returns selfie frame where people will be encouraged to share their Fukra Gang selfies and several quirky one’s will be rewarded with Fukrey Returns merchandise. Additionally, the Fukrey gang also created special and eccentric jingles which will be played as announcements inside Mumbai Metro to spread the word on the date for the World TV Premiere of the movie.

    That’s not all! Zee Cinema has also adopted a 360 degree marketing approach including TV, Print and Outdoor Media amongst other mediums to entertain viewers across all platforms to build the premiere on the channel.

    Speaking about the success of the franchise, producer Ritesh Sidhwani, Excel Entertainment said, “Fukrey Returns received immense love & appreciation and fans of this franchise ensured in making it a huge success. This comedy genre reached out to family audiences as a wholesome entertainer. Zee Cinema has done a great job in promoting the Worldwide Television Premiere of the film in an innovative manner.”

    Speaking about the same, Ruchir Tiwari, Business Head, Zee Hindi Movies Cluster said, “Fukrey Returns is the first of the numerous blockbusters that will be premiered on Zee Cinema in the new financial year. Television is a strong medium to build the fan base and legacy of any franchise. With the premiere of Fukrey Returns on Zee Cinema, the successful Fukrey franchise will definitely reach greater heights.”

    Fukrey Returns begins a year later from where the first part ended. Bholi Punjaban (Richa Chadda) manages to come out of jail early but has to pay a price for the same. Since Bholi has to settle scores with the four Fukreys viz. Hunny (Pulkit Samrat), Choocha (Varun Sharma), Lali (Manjot Singh) and Zafar (Ali Fazal), she contacts them forthwith and asks them to think up a scheme to amass the crores required. 

  • Eros International’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan grosses over Rs.169.17 crores (USD 25.95 million) in first 10 days of release

    Eros International’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan grosses over Rs.169.17 crores (USD 25.95 million) in first 10 days of release

    MUMBAI: Eros International Media Ltd, a leading global film company in the Indian film entertainment industry, announced Producer Salman Khan Film’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan has collected over Rs. 160 crores within ten days of its release in China. More than two years since it opened in India, Bajrangi Bhaijaan released in China on March 2 this year and continues to enjoy a very strong box office performance earning Rs. 169.17 crores (USD 25.95 million) since its release.

    Marking Indian super star Salman Khan’s first ever movie to release in the China market, Eros released the film in association with China’s E Stars Films Ltd and Salman Khan Ventures. After breaking several records during its Eid release in 2015, Bajrangi Bhaijaan crosses another key threshold, with the film taking a commanding start at the Chinese box office, raking in Rs. 14.5 crores on its opening day, debuting at number 7. The Kabir Khan-directed film trended extremely well through its release, climbing to number 4 box office position on its first Monday. It crossed the Rs100 crore mark within a week of release and closed the second weekend with Rs 169.17 crore ($25.95 million) in collections, retaining the number 5 position in the Chinese box office, despite new releases over the weekend. 

    The Indian drama directed by Kabir Khan stars leading Indian film actor Salman Khan as Bajrangi, an ardent devotee of Hindu deity Hanuman, and his arduous journey to reunite a six-year-old Pakistani girl – lost in India – with her parents, back to her hometown in Pakistan.

    Speaking on the film’s performance, Eros International Media Ltd, Managing Director, Sunil Lulla said, “With the success of Bajrangi Bhaijaan and previous Indian releases, China has emerged as a key market and a major box office earner for Indian releases. We are delighted with the unstoppable run the film is enjoying and how the Chinese audiences have embraced the cross-border friendship story, its emotions, the direction and our much-loved superstar Salman Khan”.

    “We are extremely encouraged by the success of Bajrangi Bhaijaan in China and very excited about our next to roll Indo-China co-production, once again to be directed by Kabir Khan”, he continued.

    Recognizing the significant market opportunity in China, Eros and director Kabir Khan had earlier announced coming together for a travel drama, The Zookeeper (working title) which will be shot in Hindi and Mandarin languages. An A-list actor has been signed up for the project which shall be announced shortly.