ITV

Category: Movies

  • Old guard goes at UFO Moviez; new blood elevated

    Old guard goes at UFO Moviez; new blood elevated

    MUMBAI: Come 1 January 2025, and a new senior management team will be in place at the digital cinema solutions leader UFO Moviez. The Sanjay Gaikwad-headed firm  has gone in for a total organisational restructuring by promoting some executives, giving them additional responsibilities, and superannuating others. 

    These executives had been given extensions in their employment to help the company tide over the dire consequences that the cinema industry and UFO Moviez faced following covid.

    Among those who have been elevated and will be re-designated by 1 January 2025  figure: 

    * Group enterprises sales head & chief marketing officer Siddharth Bhardwaj has been moved up to  CEO digital cinema.
    * Chief operating officer – India operations Pradeep Shetty  has been promoted to deputy  chief executive officer -digital cinema.
    * Senior vice-president – engineering Kaushik Mamania   has been moved up to  chief  information officer.  
    *  Senior vice-president – technical operations Nitin Nohani has been raised to chief technical officer. 
         
    Amongst the executives who are being superannuated by 31 December figure: chief purchase & logistics Kamalaksha Bhoja Suvarna; CEO – distribution  and film services A Pankaj Jaysinh; chief technology officer Sanjay Chavan; CEO rural exhibition Shirish Deshpande; chief strategy officer Sushil Agrawal and CEO—special projects Vishnu Patel.

    UFO Moviez said that the  superannuated executives would be  moved to advisory roles for a certain period to help in the transition. 

    The company made these announcements in a regulatory filing with the BSE last weekend. 

  • Cinepolis opens first Imax location in Kochi; fifth in India

    Cinepolis opens first Imax location in Kochi; fifth in India

    MUMBAI: Kochi-ites can now enjoy the immersive experience that one can only get in an Imax theatre. Exhibitor  Cinépolis today announced the launch of the Queen of the Arabian Sea’s first Imax theatre at  Centre Square Mall. This is the ffth . This marks the fifth IMAX location for Cinépolis in India, following installations at Viviana Mall (Thane), Westend Mall (Pune), Nexus Shantiniketan (Bangalore), and Nexus Seawoods (Navi Mumbai).

    Equipped with the cutting-edge Imax with laser projection system, the new screen delivers 4K projection with unparalleled image quality and stunning visuals. With a seating capacity of 229 and a stadium-style layout, the auditorium ensures every guest enjoys an unobstructed view. Complementing the immersive visuals is Imax’s patented sound system, which delivers exceptional clarity and depth, evenly distributed to elevate every moment on screen.

    Said Cinépolis India managing director Devang Sampat: “Kochi is a city renowned for its love of cinema. With this launch, Cinépolis further demonstrates its commitment to technological leadership and innovation, offering audiences an elevated movie-watching experience. The addition of this premium format aligns with the evolving preferences of cinemagoers, who increasingly seek movies crafted for immersive technologies. As more filmmakers embrace these advanced formats, Imax  at Cinépolis Kochi is set to redefine how the city experiences blockbuster films.”

    Imax vice-president of theatre development Preetham Daniel added: “Audiences in the coastal city can soon experience the unparalleled clarity and immersive sound of Imax, just in time for our exceptional holiday film line-up and an exciting slate of Filmed For Imax  titles extending through 2025.”

    Centre Square Mall spokesperson Blisson Antony highlighted : “This partnership with Cinépolis elevates our positioning as the premier destination for entertainment and lifestyle in the city. We are confident that the new Imax  location will be a magnet for cinephiles, offering them an unparalleled venue to enjoy the best in global and Indian cinema.”

  • The Best of Schwarzenegger: 10 Films That Turned the Austrian Oak Into a Legend

    The Best of Schwarzenegger: 10 Films That Turned the Austrian Oak Into a Legend

    When you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, chances are you picture a chiseled action hero delivering epic one-liners or fighting off alien predators. But Arnold isn’t just another action star; he’s a legend. His trajectory from dominating the bodybuilding world to becoming a global Hollywood legend and even a governor is quite remarkable. He has given us some of the most memorable films over the years, ranging from undercover kindergarten instructors to cyborg killers. Let’s explore ten of his best movies, which not only highlight his biceps but also his charm, skill, and star power that helped him become an icon.

    Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

    Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the T-800, a cyborg on a mission to defend the next human leader, in this ground-breaking sequel. The movie is a masterpiece of how to combine intense action with nuanced emotions. Arnold received praise from critics for his subtle depiction of a machine struggling with humanity, and the tale was enhanced by his chemistry with Edward Furlong. The film, which won four Oscars, including Best Visual Effects, was a technical marvel and was directed by James Cameron. Not to be overlooked, though, is Arnold’s contribution-his development from a cold-blooded killing machine to a guardian who learns to care.

    Did you know that he received $15 million for this film from the studio? The shocking part is that he only had around 700 words of dialogue, meaning he made about $21,429 per word. Not bad, isn’t it? Also, “Hasta la vista, baby” wasn’t just a cool line-it became part of pop culture history.

    Predator (1987)

    “If it bleeds, we can kill it.” Arnold solidified his status as the ultimate action hero with his iconic line. He portrays Dutch, a tough-as-nails military captain who battles an unseen alien predator in a poisonous forest. The picture received accolades for its intense action, suspense, and, of course, Arnold’s epic confrontation with the alien. Arnold’s journey from soldier to survivor is captivating as he and his team are pursued by an enigmatic alien. Schwarzenegger’s status as an action star was cemented by the film’s ongoing appeal, which was fueled by its compelling story and his imposing presence.

    Fun fact: Jean-Claude Van Damme, a martial artist, was the first person to test the Predator costume! However, it wasn’t threatening enough, so it was later redesigned. Good call, right?

    Total Recall (1990)

    Arnold portrays Douglas Quaid in Total Recall, a guy whose memories might not be his own. Schwarzenegger can display a combination of physical action and psychological complexity because to the film’s futuristic setting and surreal plot. The Paul Verhoeven-directed film received praise for its innovative special effects and was nominated for an Academy Award. It stands out in Arnold’s career because of his compelling performance and the film’s examination of truth and identity. 
    According to reports, Arnold was so focused on making this film a success that he insisted on personally advertising it all around the world. The famous statement, “Consider that a divorce,” during a particularly heated argument with his on-screen wife, should also not be forgotten.

    True Lies (1994)

    Schwarzenegger portrays Harry Tasker, a spy who keeps his true identity a secret from his family, in this action-comedy. Only Arnold could pull off playing a James Bond-esque secret agent while keeping his double life hidden from his wife. The film displays Arnold’s flexibility by skillfully fusing comic themes with spectacular action sequences. James Cameron’s directing brought the story to life, and his on- screen chemistry with Jamie Lee Curtis gave it a sense of depth The movie was both a critical and commercial success, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Curtis and further solidifying Schwarzenegger’s ability to excel across genres.

    Here’s a fun tidbit: Remember the epic scene where Arnold flies a Harrier jet? That wasn’t CGI-real jets were used, adding to the movie’s wow factor. Talk about going the extra mile for authenticity!

    Conan the Barbarian (1982)

    Before the Terminator, there was Conan. This sword-swinging epic gave Arnold his first big break as a leading man. He was the epitome of the stoic warrior seeking revenge, with his Herculean physique and minimal dialogue. In his breakthrough performance, Schwarzenegger plays the iconic warrior Conan, a figure characterized by courage, perseverance, and a desire for vengeance. Conan the Barbarian was a commercial hit and marked the beginning of Schwarzenegger’s ascent in Hollywood.

    What’s cool is that Arnold underwent rigorous training for the part, which included stunts, horseback riding, and sword fighting. “It was tougher than training for Mr. Olympia!” he remarked. However, it all paid off because this film marked the beginning of his Hollywood career.

    The Terminator (1984)

    Schwarzenegger’s terrifying portrayal of the unrelenting T-800 revolutionized the science fiction genre. The film’s low-budget inventiveness made it a cultural phenomenon, and his minimalist approach to the job made the character indelible. The Terminator, which was directed by James Cameron, was a big office success and made Arnold a major player in Hollywood.

    Although the studio first selected O.J. Simpson, director James Cameron felt that Arnold’s commanding body and piercing eyes were ideal for the part. He was right. Arnold produced one of the most unforgettable villains in film history with just 17 lines of dialogue. The line “I’ll be back” was reportedly improvised during filming, proving that even off-script, Arnold is a legend.

    The Running Man (1987)

    Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Ben Richards in this dystopian thriller combines action-hero charm with unfiltered emotion. The Running Man became a cult classic due to its sarcastic portrayal of media and society, as well as Arnold’s extraordinary performance. The film’s concepts are timeless, and its compelling storyline guarantees its status as one of Schwarzenegger’s finest works.

    This film’s uncanny foreshadowing of reality TV and sensationalism is amazing. Additionally, some of Arnold’s greatest trash-talking incidents occurred during his career. “He had to split,” after defeating a chainsaw-wielding foe? Classic Arnold.

    Kindergarten Cop (1990)

    Who would have guessed that Arnold could be so funny? He goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a criminal while portraying Detective John Kimble, and chaos unfolds. His ability to make people laugh while keeping an action-packed plot is on full display in this comedy treasure. The film, which became a box office success and showcased Schwarzenegger’s abilities as an actor, gained depth from the endearing exchanges between Kimble and his students.

    This film demonstrated that Arnold had exceptional comedic timing in addition to his physical prowess. Arnold’s “It’s not a tumor!” statement became an instant classic. It’s no wonder this lighthearted comedy became a box-office hit.

    Commando (1985)

    If you’re in the mood for pure, unadulterated action, Commando is the movie for you. Arnold portrays John Matrix, a former special forces agent who fights an entire army to free his daughter who has been abducted. This film, with its extravagant stunts and corny one-liners, is the epitome of 1980s action. Schwarzenegger throws viewers on an action-packed, nonstop rollercoaster in his role as John Matrix. The story is driven by Arnold’s immense presence. Commando is still a favorite among fans and is a prime example of 1980s action movies.

    Fun fact: The stunt gear had to be adjusted to fit Arnold because of his enormous biceps. That is some serious flexing.

    The Last Stand (2013)

    Schwarzenegger’s comeback to leading roles is exemplified by his portrayal of Sheriff Ray Owens, a role that represents his evolution. The Last Stand demonstrates Arnold’s timeless appeal by fusing humor, action, and nostalgia. Fans should not miss the film because of its captivating plot and Schwarzenegger’s captivating performance. He battles a drug cartel in a small village in this action-packed movie, which combines humor with vintage Schwarzenegger-style thrills.

    The Last Stand demonstrated that Arnold’s star power had not diminished, despite it not being as significant as his previous hits. It also signaled the start of his comeback to action roles following his time serving as governor of California.

    Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t just an action hero-he’s a pop culture phenomenon. From playing ruthless cyborgs to making us laugh as a kindergarten teacher, he’s done it all with unmatched style. His movies aren’t just entertainment; they’re part of the cultural fabric of Hollywood. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his work, one thing is clear: a blend of determination, talent, and charisma can lead to extraordinary achievements.

  • Belinda Lui steps down as MPA head – APAC; Urmila Venugopalan to replace her

    Belinda Lui steps down as MPA head – APAC; Urmila Venugopalan to replace her

    MUMBAI: It’s time to say  goodbye to the Motion Picture Association (MPA). Belinda Lui who led the MPA for the past five years as president & managing director for the Asia Pacific has decided to hang up her boots.

    Belinda during her five years did a lot of work to take the Asia Pacific film industry forward  as well as  push Hollywood in the region. According to her during her term, the MPA:

    • Improved cultural exchanges between nations, through expanding access for American films and TV dramas to priority markets like China and achieving 15-20 per cent incremental box office revenue.

    • Fueled local economies and built capacity in markets like Australia, Japan, India, New Zealand and Thailand through competitive film and TV production incentives (up to 40 per cent in tax rebates in Australia alone).

    • Supported thousands of emerging filmmakers from almost 30 countries/territories in the Asia-Pacific through our film grants and LA training programs, with some of those projects going on to win the Academy Award and international Emmy.

    Belinda, who,  through her 30 year career,  worked for companies like Warner Media, Microsoft and Baker McKenzie, has decided to offer her services to companies as an independent non-executive director and spend as much time as she can with her family.

    She is being replaced on 31 January by Urmila Venugopalan , currently executive vice president of strategy & global operations at the MPA.   In her new role, Venugopalan will work on expanding access to local markets and promoting production in new areas, as well other advocacy activities across the region. She also will work with the MPA’s anti-piracy arm, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, or Ace. Venugopalan will retain her duties as the MPA’s corporate board liaison.

    She will be based in Tokyo and report to MPA senior vice president, global policy &  government affairs Gail MacKinnon.

    MPA chairman & CEO Charles Rivkin said in a statement that Venugopalan “is a veteran leader who thrives at the complex intersections of business, public policy, and global affairs.” 

    He said that she “joined the MPA (in 2017) at a time of critical change and helped revitalise and realign its structure and priorities, strengthening our organisation from the inside out. I have full confidence that her deep experience working with every aspect of our global business operations, coupled with her existing corporate board liaison responsibilities, will advance our members’ objectives across the Asia Pacific and beyond.”

    “Venugopalan is a trusted advisor who has earned the respect of colleagues and member companies. Her work has already touched every part of our organization, and she maintains a wide-angle lens on key political and sectoral trends – all while remaining laser-focused on how we can best tell the story of a creative industry that drives local economies, creates jobs, and connects communities everywhere,” said  MacKinnon. “With her at the helm of our APAC operation, I am confident the MPA will achieve even greater impact in the fastest-growing region. I am also grateful to Belinda for her effective stewardship and counsel, which has greatly benefited the MPA and our member studios in the region.”

    “The Asia-Pacific region has already played an important part in the history of our industry – and is set to assume a starring role in the future of great storytelling,” said Venugopalan. “At this critical juncture for the film, television and streaming industries, MPA members are more excited than ever about the vitality of this region – its enthusiastic and engaged audiences, its relentless dynamism, and its immensely talented casts and crews. I look forward to supporting our member studios and their local partners in their collective efforts to fuel local economies and enrich cultures across the region.”

    Before joining the MPA, Venugopalan served as a member of the policy planning staff at the US state department in Washington and as a senior consultant at the Albright Stonebridge group. She holds a bachelor’s degree from McGill University and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics & Political Science.

  • India’s cinematic triumphs: IMDb unveils 2024’s top 10 movies & web series

    India’s cinematic triumphs: IMDb unveils 2024’s top 10 movies & web series

    MUMBAI: 2024 has been a year where art met admiration, and storytelling soared to breathtaking new heights. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to soul-stirring dramas, Indian cinema and web series delivered a cinematic buffet that left audiences both overwhelmed and awestruck. To celebrate this artistic bliss, IMDb—the global beacon for movie and TV show enthusiasts—has meticulously curated its Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies and Web Series of 2024.

    Driven by the tastes and ratings of over 250 million monthly users worldwide, this list isn’t just a ranking—it’s a reflection of what captivated hearts, sparked conversations, and kept us binge-watching late into the night. Whether you’re a movie buff craving masterpieces or a web series aficionado looking for your next binge, IMDb’s definitive list ensures you’re only a play button away from the best entertainment 2024 has to offer.

    For the third consecutive year, IMDb honoured the creators of these top 20 titles with custom-made awards. In 2024, the celebration went a step further with the introduction of limited edition magnets that capture the unique essence of each work. Additionally, IMDb launched fan magnets featuring iconic dialogues and memorable visuals, allowing audiences to express their love for their favourite movies and series.

    The recognition celebrates creators’ outstanding contributions to Indian cinema and web content while strengthening IMDb’s role as the connection between fans and entertainment professionals.

    Sharing their gratitude, creators took to social media to celebrate.

    Bhuvan Bam, whose Taaza Khabar Season 2 made the Top 10 Web Series, said, “What?! Taaza Khabar S2 is in the Top 10 Most Popular Indian Web Series of 2024! Humbled and forever grateful to each one of you.”

    Stree 2 director, Amar Kaushik shared his excitement: “Stree 2 spooking its way to becoming one of 2024’s most popular Indian movies on IMDb.”

    Meanwhile, actor Kartik Aaryan expressed his joy, stating, “Thank you IMDb for this honour!”

    IMDb top 10 most popular Indian movies of 2024:

    1. Kalki 2898-AD

    2.   Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank

    3.   Maharaja

    4.   Shaitaan

    5.   Fighter

    6.   Manjummel Boys

    7.   Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

    8.   Kill

    9.   Singham Again

    10. Laapataa Ladies

    IMDb Top 10 most popular Indian web series of 2024:

    1.   Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar

    2.   Mirzapur

    3.   Panchayat

    4.   Gyaarah Gyaarah

     5.  Citadel: Honey Bunny

    6.   Maamla Legal Hai

    7.   Taaza Khabar

    8.   Murder in Mahim

    9.   Shekhar Home

    10. The Great Indian Kapil Show

    The IMDb year-end lists include movies and web series released between 1 January and 25 November 2024, with an average IMDb user rating of five or higher. These titles stood out as the most popular globally, based on page views.

    Viewers can explore these titles and add them to their IMDb watchlist at imdb.com/watchlist to receive updates on streaming releases.

  • Artist One’s, Tata Comms’ & AMC’s mega plan to disrupt live entertainment globally

    Artist One’s, Tata Comms’ & AMC’s mega plan to disrupt live entertainment globally

    MUMBAI: It’s an initiative that’s being talked about as  being a game changer for live entertainment. No longer will artistes have to jet  across time zones, wake up groggy and yet have to perform in front of tens of thousands of fans who have paid top dollar for tickets. The innovation that’s being discussed gives them another way to connect with audiences – live across the globe from one venue. 

    Well, Pennsylvania registered next gen company Artist One Entertainment group which is looking to build v2.0 of the entertainment industry, has brought together a clutch of partners including Tata Communications, ticketing firm Atom Tickets, and a deep bench of live production companies to “revolutionise live entertainment – unveiling the first globally connected arena.” 

    Exclusively launching throughout AMC Theatres’ robust footprint, Arena One is a collective of interconnected immersive venues, where fans, artistes, and creators around the world will be able to see, hear, and interact with each other in real-time. Made possible by next gen tech, global audiences will share in bespoke live shows – all together, all at once. 

    “Imagine the world’s most incredible live concerts, locally accessible, more sustainably produced, and affordable for hundreds of thousands of fans who are together in-real-life in one shared experience,” says Artist One Entertainment group founder & chief creative officer, Rohit Kapoor. “Every single person, no matter where they are on the planet, is up close and intimately connected to the artist and performance. With boundless visual potential, high-fidelity surround sound, and no such thing as a ‘nosebleed seat,’ Arena One heralds an entirely new future-forward category in live entertainment.”

    Arena One’s unprecedented real-time interaction is powered by Tata Communications’ next generation media platform, which leverages proprietary low latency technologies and the cloud capabilities of its live production and delivery service, The Switch. Tata Communications carries roughly 30 per cent of internet routes globally, and its media entertainment services (MES) division supports live event coverage for the biggest sports and entertainment organisations in the world. 

    “This launch marks a transformative shift in how music fans and artistes engage with each other, utilising cutting-edge technologies to create an unparalleled, interactive real-time experience,” says Tata Communications  vice-president & global head of media and entertainment c. “We are excited to bring a new immersive experience through this partnership, drawing on our live event expertise and global reach to introduce an entertainment concept that gives audiences unmatched access to their favorite artistes.”

    AMC theatres

    Arena One simultaneously disrupts the theatrical and live entertainment industries – reimagining and revitalising existing theatres and screens through a new lens. Performers will have the power to shatter the limits of traditional filmed events – as if there’s no screen there at all – engaging live with their global fanbases just as though they are in one arena together. With additional production enhancements that physically extend the performance into the theatres, all audience members are in the center of the action. 

    “AMC Theatres welcomes the opportunity to offer music fans across the United States and Europe unique and engaging experiences with their favorite artistes,” says AMC Theatres executive vice-president, worldwide programming & chief content officer Elizabeth Frank, “Arena One will enable exciting artist performances, ranging from fresh takes on fan favorites to launches of brand new music, from tech-infused dance parties to intimate acoustic sets, from tributes and sing-alongs to holiday collaborations, and much more. All of these live performances will be presented through high quality broadcast technology and delivered with the convenience, comfort and affordability of a neighborhood venue.”

    Live performances will originate at purpose-built Arena One studios, and link to theatres everywhere within milliseconds, facilitating universal and multi-dimensional live interactivity between connected studios and venues. These innovative performance facilities give artistes powerful studio-level precision and complete control over the quality and content of their creative vision, while boasting multi-stadium reach and revenue generation from a single live performance. 

    Arena One model
    “Audiences are thirsty for memorable experiences that are unique and deeply special. What we?re building allows every fan to gain access to the most coveted blue chip events – and sit in the best seat in the house,” says Arena One managing partner Megan Colligan. “Exhibitors all over the world are looking for more content – this is exactly the kind of innovation our business needs.”

    The inaugural Arena One east coast studio is located on the acclaimed Rock Lititz campus – an epicenter of entertainment industry creativity and innovation. The campus, which is 65 per cent  solar and geothermal-powered, is headquarters to several of the world’s preeminent leaders in live production, many of whom have participated and invested in the design and development of Arena One.

    Future performance hubs are planned in Los Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, Miami, Toronto, London, Singapore, Mumbai, Melbourne, Accra, Brazzaville, Johannesburg, and São Paolo – bringing artistes from around the world directly to their fans, no matter where they are. 

    Live Arena One performances will be uniquely presented from a single stationary camera, capturing the most realistic, ideal and best seat audience point of view – with high production-value elements taking place on the technically advanced stages, capable of  an elaborate physical and digitally augmented visual spectacle. The studios will also be equipped with multiple robotic and 3D stereoscopic cameras, and adjacent Dolby Atmos mixing studios; in addition to putting on a once-in-a-lifetime live performance, artistes are able to capture, edit, and release subsequent concert films, downstream releases featuring behind-the-scenes content, and albums of their unique live performance mixed in spatial audio. 

    “Providing artistes the power to pull up to one comfortable state-of-the-art studio with unrivaled creative tools at their disposal, get that irreplaceable rush of performing live to a packed arena of fans, and simultaneously generate a treasure-trove of content for future applications in one consolidated pipeline – the Arena One model radically shifts the artiste experience, the fan experience, and entertainment industry economics across the board,” says Kapoor. 

    The launch of Arena One firmly locks in Artist One Entertainment Group and Tata Communications shared vision to originate the world’s largest, most advanced live entertainment ecosystem, capable of seamlessly scaling and expanding into limitless territories and formats. 

    “This is just the beginning. Music, comedy, sports, e-sports, Broadway and beyond will all find a home here,” says Arena One managing partner Mo Rhim. “Not only are we opening new windows of marketing, distribution and monetisation, but the underlying data and technology will also provide creators deep insights that empower them to connect with their fans in places and ways never imagined. Arena One is a universal stage that connects communities and brings separate entertainment verticals together to create something completely new.” 

    With the inclusion of hundreds of traditionally untapped markets, Arena One provides consumers hyper-local, equitable accessibility to premium live shows at ground-breaking price-points and scale. The ability to instantly contract and expand its connected seating footprint from one-hundred to hundreds-of-thousands of available seats, as well as the flexibility to host multiple shows concurrently across different markets, makes Arena One the venue of the future for all artistes and fans. 

    “We are all about empowering artistes with more equity, transparency, control, and scale. Arena One gives a new platform for artists – setting the stage for live special release events, one-night-only live global performances, mini-residencies, and sustainable tours,” says  , music industry pioneer, programming Arena One’s inaugural slate of artistes Marcie Allen.

    Rounding out Arena One’s seamless end-to-end offering is a collaboration with Atom Tickets – the social movie ticketing platform for the modern generation. A full-service online and mobile ticketing site will offer concertgoers instant access to Arena One shows, including pre-order options for merch and concessions. 

    “With our collaboration, we ensure that planning your concert experience is effortless,” says Atom Tickets  CEO Bryan Bowles. “For Arena One customers, we’ve added special enhancements during the ticketing process, bringing audiences closer to the artist and delivering unique surprises along the way.?”

    Tickets for the up-close-and-personal live Arena One shows, inclusive of all fees, will be an astonishing fraction of the cost of a typical concert-going experience, and vary by artiste and connected venue location. Arena One will open doors with 230,000 available seats across 1,600 connected domestic auditoriums this coming spring, with planned expansion to 400,000 seats worldwide by the end of 2025. 

  • Short film on digital addiction Zindagi Milegi Dobara premieres on Zee Cinema HD

    Short film on digital addiction Zindagi Milegi Dobara premieres on Zee Cinema HD

    MUMBAI: In an era where technology often consumes more of our time than human connections, the short feature format film Zindagi Milegi Dobara, starring debutant Saksham Kapoor, Sonnalli Seygall, Prachee Shah Paandya and Aarna Sharma, written by Abir Sengupta and directed by Aarrav Jindal, explores the emotional struggles of a family torn apart by digital addiction.

    Set to premiere on Zee Cinema HD on 20 Dec at 7.30 pm, this heartwarming tale offers a timely reflection on the impact of the digital age on personal relationships.

    The film follows Vyom, a young adult who is completely consumed by gaming and the virtual world, leaving his mother heartbroken as she yearns for his attention while living with him under the same roof.

    In the backdrop of the younger generation recognising screen addiction as an adversary to healthy living, the short film serves as a powerful reminder that technology should enhance life, not detract from it. With themes of reconnection, hope, and self-discovery, the film promises to resonate with audiences of all ages.

    The premiere of Zindagi Milegi Dobara on Zee Cinema HD on 20 December at 7:30 pm and later on &pictures HD on 27 December and &xplor HD on  3 January 2025.

  • PVR Inox-Star Sports to screen Manchester United Vs Manchester City in theatres

    PVR Inox-Star Sports to screen Manchester United Vs Manchester City in theatres

    MUMBAI: The mother of all football battles is here. Manchester City vs Manchester United. The Premier League. Come 15 December 9:30 pm,  the much awaited football fiesta is sure to set the screens alight what with the supreme Rodrigo swaying and weaving past the Manchester United mid-fielders and defence and belting one hard past the open mouthed goalie Altay Bayindir and scoring. Football fans can also watch the hard fought game on select cinema screens of PVR Inox theatres in  Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Kochi, Bengaluru, Pune, and other cities.  

    PVR Inox is bringing the action on the turf in collaboration with Star Sports. Bookings for this electrifying match are open now and can be made through PVR Inox’s newly launched WhatsApp Chatbot, Movie Jockey. Fans can enjoy an unforgettable experience with state-of-the-art sound, superior visuals, and the buzz of a live crowd cheering for their teams.

    This screening is part of the Star Sports Select Screenings initiative, following the success of previous events such as the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

    Says PVR Inox CEO revenue & operations Gautam Dutta:  “We’re thrilled to bring the excitement of the Manchester derby to the big screen. This is more than just a match; it’s a clash of two football giants, and we can’t wait for fans to experience it in a fully immersive environment.”

     

    (The Picture is of an earlier clash between Manchester United and Manchester City)

  • YRF recruits Ketan-O-Rana as sr manager production & post-prod supervisor

    YRF recruits Ketan-O-Rana as sr manager production & post-prod supervisor

    MUMBAI: He’s an alumnus of Amity University where he graduated in  journalism, and Whistling Woods where he completed his film production and direction diploma. 14 years later  Ketan-O-Rana recently  joined YRF – Yash Raj Films  as senior manager production and post production supervisor.

    Along the way he worked in various capacities in companies such as Equinox Films, Balaji Telefilms, Ramesh Sippy Entertainment either in production or creative. NFDC beckoned and he joined it as a creative director for a couple of years until he was called by Dar Motion Pictures as a writer director – once again for a couple of years.

    Bambai Dreams was his next stop, followed by B62 studios where he rose to become post- production supervisor. He had a six month stint working at Mukta Arts where he worked as an associate on Subhash Ghai’s film. He finally went independent founding his own banner Postman Pictures which he ran for 12 years. He then decided may be it would be good to be employed someplace and joined YRF.

    “I’ve spent years on sets where chaos meets creativity, navigating the showdown between vision and reality. Now, as post production supervisor at Yash Raj Films, I leverage my background as an associate director, producer, and screenwriter. I thrive on the details and those fleeting moments that elevate a story—whether it’s crafting explosive action sequences or executing the cut that just hits right. The reel never stops rolling, and I’m committed to making every frame count,” Ketan  said on Linkedin while announcing his appointment at YRF. 

  • YRF partners with Posham Pa Pictures for theatrical releases

    YRF partners with Posham Pa Pictures for theatrical releases

    MUMBAI: It’s the coming together of a successful legacy studio and a new age creative production banner. Yash Raj Films (YRF)  today announced that it is partnering with series producer Posham Pa Pictures to jointly develop and produce theatrical films beginning 2025.  

    YRF is known for several iconic films like Chandni, Kaala Patthar, Lamhe,  Darr, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Chak De! India, Dhoom and others. Posham Pa Pictures has been behind streaming series such as Netflix’s Kaala Paani, Mamla Legal Hai and Jaadugar and Disney+ Hotstar’s Home Shanti.

    The partnership marks Posham Pa’s foray into theatrical films releases. YRF will provide it with the studio infrastructure and its strong distribution capabilities, which is the vision of Aditya Chopra – the son of YRF founder, the late Yash Chopra. The transformation of YRF from being just a producer to a studio is being led by the firm’s CEO Akshaye Widhani. 

    Said Widhani: “It is truly the coming together of similar creative minds that are constantly striving for excellence by pushing the content envelope. Posham Pa Pictures have shown that they know the pulse of the audience by giving us unique and incredibly fresh stories that have won them unanimous acclaim. Our partnership will now aim to create ground-breaking theatrical experiences for today’s audiences who are seeking out new and novel storytelling to engage, endorse & celebrate.”

    Posham Pa was founded by partners Sameer Saxena, Amit Golani, Biswapati Sarkar and Saurabh Khanna. 

    “The coming together of YRF and Posham Pa Pictures throws open a world of exciting, unchartered creative possibilities,” said Saxena. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to jointly create theatrical experiences like never before with YRF and entertain the audience with unique, fresh stories.”

    (Picture courtesy: Biswapati Sarkar’s  X account)