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Category: Movies

  • MovieMe reveals shift from love stories to societal issues in Hindi cinema

    MovieMe reveals shift from love stories to societal issues in Hindi cinema

    Mumbai: The evolution of Hindi cinema over the decades reflects both changing societal values and audience tastes. In the aftermath of the golden age of Indian cinema, certain themes came to dominate narratives and audience expectations. MovieMe, an entertainment tech and content discovery platform has done a detailed study to understand the evolutions of the different themes.

    In the 1960s and 1970s, themes like love, family, and identity dominated, while more recent narratives have begun to explore themes of struggle, war, truth, and justice, a study by MovieMe reveals. While some classic tropes, such as revenge and familial bonds, remain timeless, contemporary cinema increasingly focuses on deeper societal issues like inequality, freedom, and power.

    As the world has changed and Indian society evolved alongside, so too has the content of Hindi films, reflecting the times and concerns of the present day. The new themes we see prevalent today represent a shift in Bollywood’s storytelling approach, moving away from formulaic plots to more diverse, complex narratives.

    Could this thematic evolution herald a new golden age of cinema, or does it signal a move toward uncharted territory? Clearly, Indian cinema has come a long way over the decades – and continues to evolve in its role as a mirror to Indian society.

  • Crunchyroll to release ‘Solo Leveling -ReAwakening’ in Indian theaters

    Crunchyroll to release ‘Solo Leveling -ReAwakening’ in Indian theaters

    Mumbai: Crunchyroll has acquired the India theatrical rights for Solo Leveling – ReAwakening, a film featuring a recap of the first season and a sneak peek of the first two episodes of the upcoming second season.

    Solo Leveling – ReAwakening will be released in India by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment on 6 December 2024. The anime, adapted from Chugong’s web novel, first debuted on Crunchyroll in January 2024, with season two set to release in January 2025.

    Set in a world where ‘gates’ connect to another dimension, people with superhuman powers, called ‘hunters’, conquer dungeons for a living. Sung Jinwoo, the weakest hunter, discovers a hidden dungeon and takes on a quest that allows him to level up, changing his fate.

    Solo Leveling is animated by A-1 Pictures with motion graphics by Production I.G, directed by Shunsuke Nakashige, and features music by Hiroyuki Sawano and Tomorrow x Together, with character design by Tomoko Sudo and monster design by Hirotaka Tokuda.

  • ZEE5 Original ‘Despatch’ shines at MAMI Film Festival 2024

    ZEE5 Original ‘Despatch’ shines at MAMI Film Festival 2024

    Mumbai: ZEE5 announced the successful showcase of its original movie Despatch, starring Manoj Bajpayee, at the MAMI Film Festival 2024. The Gala Premiere on 19 October received positive feedback, highlighting the film’s exploration of the darker side of journalism and the ethical challenges reporters face. A panel discussion followed the screening, delving into the filmmaking process and themes like truth, power, and responsibility in media.

    Directed by Kanu Behl, Despatch blends suspense with a moral inquiry into media dynamics. Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of a crime reporter grappling with professional and personal ethics stands out, supported by performances from Shahana Goswami and Archita Agarwal.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response that Despatch received at the MAMI Film Festival. This success highlights ZEE5’s commitment to bringing original content that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful dialogue. Cinema’s power to connect through compelling storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and Despatch is a perfect example. Manoj Bajpayee’s outstanding performance, combined with Kanu Behl’s direction, has made this project one we’re incredibly proud of. We look forward to bringing this impactful film to a wider audience as we continue to push boundaries in content creation.”

    An RSVP spokesperson said, “Despatch is a gripping exploration of the dark side of crime journalism and the moral dilemmas it brings. We are beyond proud of the response it received at the MAMI Festival. Partnering with MAMI has given Despatch the perfect platform to debut, and we are excited for its journey ahead as it reaches a wider audience on ZEE5. We believe this narrative dives deep into the human condition, and we’re thrilled to see it resonate with such a discerning audience.”

    Behl said, “Directing Despatch has been an incredible experience, and I am immensely grateful to have had Manoj Bajpayee bring our vision to life with his remarkable performance. His ability to embody the complexities of the character adds incredible depth to the storytelling, allowing audiences to truly connect with the narrative. Screening at the MAMI Festival has been a wonderful opportunity to share this powerful story, and I can’t wait for viewers to experience the movie in its entirety when it premieres on ZEE5.”

    The screening of Despatch at MAMI reinforces ZEE5’s position as a platform for diverse, high-quality storytelling that tackles important societal issues. As part of ZEE5’s focus on impactful content, *Despatch* has gained attention for its portrayal of power, information, and ethics in journalism. With its suspenseful plot and Manoj Bajpayee’s strong performance, the film adds to ZEE5’s growing slate of socially relevant original content.

  • Serene Productions and Dharma Productions team up for next-gen global content

    Serene Productions and Dharma Productions team up for next-gen global content

    Mumbai – Adar Poonawalla led Serene Productions has announced that it has entered into a binding agreement to invest Rs 1,000 crore into Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment (collectively, “Dharma”). Through this investment, Serene Productions will hold a 50 per cent stake in Dharma, with Karan Johar retaining the remaining 50 per cent ownership.

    Johar as the executive chairman will spearhead the company’s creative vision, while Apoorva Mehta, in his role as the chief executive officer, will work with Karan in steering the strategic direction and overseeing the operational excellence of the organization.

    India’s entertainment industry has experienced significant expansion, driven by surging digital penetration and a diverse audience seeking high-quality content across multiple platforms, with growing global relevance. This strategic partnership between Serene Productions and Dharma is designed to capitalize on these opportunities by combining Dharma’s rich legacy in storytelling with Adar Poonawalla’s strategic acumen and resources. The collaboration aims to further transform content creation, distribution, and audience engagement by integrating advanced technologies and pioneering production methods.

    By leveraging this synergy, Serene Productions and Dharma seek to meet the evolving demands of today’s digitally savvy consumers while pushing the boundaries of creative storytelling. Together, they aspire to shape the future of entertainment for digital-first generations, embracing new platforms and formats to deliver compelling narratives that entertain, inspire, and engage audiences worldwide.

    This alliance signifies a transformative step toward elevating the Indian entertainment industry on the global stage, in an era where the relationship between audiences and entertainment platforms is more dynamic and interactive than ever before.

    Talking about the partnership, Poonawalla said, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to partner with one of the most iconic production houses in our nation, along with my friend Karan Johar. We hope to build and grow Dharma and scale even greater heights in the years to come.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Johar stated, “From its inception, Dharma Productions has been synonymous with heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of Indian culture. My father dreamed of creating films that would leave a lasting impact, and I’ve dedicated my career to expanding that vision. Today, as we join forces with Adar, a close friend and an exceptional visionary and innovator, we’re poised to elevate Dharma’s legacy to new heights. This partnership represents a perfect blend of our emotional storytelling prowess and forward-thinking business strategies.

    It’s about honoring our roots while embracing the future of global entertainment. Dharma’s journey has been remarkable, and this collaboration opens up a world of possibilities for creating content that will resonate across borders and generations.”

    Mehta said, “Over the years, I’ve witnessed Dharma’s transformation into a multi-faceted content powerhouse. This partnership with Adar realizes our vision and marks a new era where cinema, streaming, and global content converge. It enables us to explore new avenues in content creation and distribution, elevating the Indian entertainment ecosystem. More importantly, this investment allows us to take bigger creative steps.”

  • Sai Paranjpye donates personal archives to Archives of Contemporary India

    Sai Paranjpye donates personal archives to Archives of Contemporary India

    Mumbai: Filmmaker and theater artist Sai Paranjpye has donated her collection of original handwritten drafts and screenplays to Ashoka University’s Archives of Contemporary India. This collection includes drafts and screenplays from her notable films, such as Sparsh (1980), Chashme Buddoor (1982), Katha (1983), Disha (1992), Papeeha (1993), and Saaz (1997). The director’s papers will be accessible to researchers and scholars studying her work and its influence on Indian cinema.

    Additionally, the collection features her books like Aal Bel, Sakkhe Sezari, Manjhe Khel Mandu De, and Jaswandi, as well as children’s plays including Nana Phadnavis, Jaducha Shankh, Haravalelya Khellyanche Rajya, Shepticha Shap, and Patte Nagrit. Paranjpye is the first filmmaker to donate her personal collection to the archives, which already includes papers from various researchers, scholars, and professors.

    Her papers offer insights into her development as a director and screenwriter, tracing the evolution of her ideas and serving as a valuable resource for those studying film history and the evolution of Indian cinema.

    Ashoka University vice-chancellor Prof Somak Raychaudhury said, “It is a great honour to have Sai Paranjpye’s collection as part of our Archives of Contemporary India. Her work represents a pivotal chapter in Indian cinema, and having access to her personal papers will allow future generations of scholars to study and appreciate her profound impact on storytelling and cinema.”

    To celebrate the addition to the archives, Ashoka University hosted an event on 17 October 2024, bringing together students, faculty, and cinema enthusiasts to honor Sai Paranjpye’s contributions to Indian filmmaking. The event included an interactive session with Paranjpye, where she shared her journey, creative inspirations, and insights into her career. The discussion provided a glimpse into her storytelling techniques and views on the evolution of Indian cinema.

    The event featured a screening of Ābhāḷālā Gavasni (The Sky is the Limit), a Marathi film with English subtitles, based on a play/film envisioned by Paranjpye for the 80th birthday of astrophysicist Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar in 2018. The celebration concluded with a screening of Disha (The Immigrants, 1990), one of Paranjpye’s award-winning films that examines the challenges faced by rural migrants adapting to urban life. The film’s narrative and themes resonated with attendees, underscoring Paranjpye’s focus on social issues in her works.

    Paranjpye added, “When Ashoka University’s Archives of Contemporary India requested the manuscripts, I looked at it as an opportunity. What greater honor than to be represented in this prestigious university’s archives, to have one’s work so beautifully cataloged? It’s an unimaginable opportunity for me—truly my honor. To be cataloged alongside icons like Girish Karnad, Dilip Padgaonkar, and Suresh Kohli is a privilege beyond words. It’s wonderful to join that list.”

    As the first major woman filmmaker of contemporary India, Sai Paranjpye is recognized for her contributions to cinema and theatre, particularly with films like Chashme Buddoor (1981) and Sparsh (1980). Her work combines humor, social insight, and empathy, addressing complex themes across various genres. Throughout her career, Paranjpye has received numerous accolades, including four National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards. In 2006, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for her contributions to Indian cinema.

    Paranjpye said, “My advice to students would be to study the life around them and watch good films, both from India and abroad, as it provides a valuable learning experience.”

    Sai Paranjpye’s collection, now part of the Archives of Contemporary India, includes original drafts of both released and unreleased works, providing a comprehensive view of her creative evolution. The collection will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and film history enthusiasts, offering a learning platform for aspiring filmmakers to master essential filmmaking skills, including direction, screenplay, and storyboarding.

  • Recrd partners with Shemaroo Entertainment

    Recrd partners with Shemaroo Entertainment

    Mumbai: RECRD has announced a partnership with Indian media & entertainment giant Shemaroo Entertainment, as part of its ongoing efforts to drive a new wave of social engagement led by blockchain tech. The move will see Shemaroo Entertainment- one of the largest owners of entertainment IP globally, transform its catalogue of Bollywood movies and music into unique digital collectibles. This collaboration will unlock blockchain-powered monetization and offer fans exclusive access to unique content and experiences tied to their favorite movies.

    Through this strategic partnership, Shemaroo Entertainment will launch series of digital collectables from its renowned Bollywood film library, including popular titles like Jab We Met, Khakee, Golmaal Returns, and Masti, among others on RECRD’s platform. This collaboration is further expected to change how users interact with Bollywood content, by providing an avenue for engage-and-earn opportunities through Recrd’s proprietary dynamic video responses feature – REBND (REBOUND).

    Recrd is at the forefront of a new wave in digital interaction, offering a platform where creators can post and monetize their content through blockchain technology. By leveraging this cutting-edge technology, RECRD enables creators to engage with their audiences in unprecedented ways, allowing for direct monetization and deeper fan connections.

    Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., COO Arghya Chakravarty said, ‘’Our partnership with RECRD marks a significant milestone as we become the first Indian media company to adopt the innovative SocialFi platform. This bold step positions us as a pioneer in the integration of blockchain technology within the entertainment sector, setting new standards for global media. By leveraging these advancements, we empower our audiences to connect with their favorite films in exciting and immersive ways, enhancing user engagement and content monetization. We are eager to explore the transformative possibilities this collaboration will unlock for the industry, solidifying Shemaroo Entertainment’s role as a trailblazer in the future of digital content.’’

    Founded by tech entrepreneurs Anoir Houmou and Dominic Frazer-Imregh, Recrd enables instant monetization of expressive videos and converts them into digital collectables, creating a mutually rewarding experience where every participant, including advertisers, engage through tradeable content. The platform presently has three tiers: Platinum, Diamond and Gold, each offering varying levels of revenue share and benefits to creators.  Under the partnership, Shemaroo Entertainment will be onboarded as a Platinum Creator.

    Speaking on the partnership, RECRD co-founder & CEO Anoir Houmou said, “As a global SocialFi platform, we are ushering in a new wave of monetization for the $250 billion creator economy. Our strategic partnership with Shemaroo Entertainment and foray into India allows us to bring some of Bollywood’s most-loved IPs to a global user base, while empowering the country’s massive base of digital creators and influencers to monetize content and create their own success stories. With digital users preferring to engage directly with their favourite creators, our proprietary REBND feature allows this through dynamic video interactions, as opposed to plain comments or likes. Our integration on the Sui Blockchain will be key to bringing greater transparency and creating an ecosystem where every interaction is mutually rewarded.”

  • MovieMax opens new multiplex at Pune’s Mariplex Mall

    MovieMax opens new multiplex at Pune’s Mariplex Mall

    Mumbai: MovieMax Cinemas opened its latest three-screen multiplex at Mariplex Mall, Kalyani Nagar, offering a premium cinematic experience in the heart of Pune. This marks the second MovieMax multiplex in the city, furthering its commitment to providing world-class entertainment. Equipped with 2K projection technology and Dolby 7.1 surround sound, the multiplex promises a top-tier movie experience.

    MovieMax Cinemas CEO Ashish Kanakia said, “Pune has a deep-rooted love for cinema, and we’re thrilled to offer a venue that combines cutting-edge technology with luxury and comfort. Our Mariplex Mall property delivers stunning visuals, crystal-clear sound, and a variety of food and beverage options to make each visit unforgettable. As part of our growth strategy, we’re committed to making luxury cinema accessible to everyone. We aim to offer top-tier technology, comfort, and a wide range of food options to moviegoers across India.”

    The multiplex welcomes guests with a luxury experience, featuring digital kiosks at the box office for quick ticket bookings. The elegantly designed box office allows patrons to easily purchase or retrieve pre-booked tickets with minimal wait, ensuring a seamless arrival experience.

    The lobby enhances this experience with modern décor, vibrant seating in shades of orange, green, and gold, and curated lighting. It provides a comfortable space to relax before or after a movie, with a variety of food options, including pizzas, nachos, popcorn, wok-inspired dishes, and healthy alternatives available at the illuminated concession stand.

    The auditoriums are designed for comfort and optimal viewing, featuring spacious seating and perfect sightlines. Dynamic wall designs showcasing iconic film imagery celebrate the history of cinema, making each screening feel special.

    For an extra touch of luxury, the multiplex includes a dedicated premium section with added amenities and interactive selfie corners for engagement. This multiplex is part of MovieMax’s expansion to bring luxury cinema to metros and tier two and tier three cities. Recently awarded Fastest Growing Cinema Chain of the Year at the IMAX Big Cinema Awards 2024, MovieMax continues to set the standard for premium cinema.

  • MovieMe study reveals regional films’ impact on Indian cinema

    MovieMe study reveals regional films’ impact on Indian cinema

    Mumbai: India’s regional cinema landscape is vast and diverse, with each industry offering unique narratives, cultural contexts, and filmmaking styles. To better understand regional cinema success and growth, MovieMe- a cutting-edge entertainment tech and content discovery platform did a detailed study where they compared five key regional film industries—Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi—and their 10 most popular releases post-COVID (2020-2024). MovieMe looked at film budgets, box office (BO) earnings, and genres to get a sense of what makes each regional cinema industry in India unique.

    The study by MovieMe reflects that, despite the significant average budget and average BO earning differences, each industry is contributing significantly to the Indian cinematic experience, delivering a variety of content that caters to both local and national audiences. For instance, while Malayalam and Kannada cinema appear to deliver compelling narratives at relatively lower budgets, Telugu and Tamil films appear to be bigger-budget blockbusters that garner massive box office success across India.

    Hindi cinema, often regarded as mainstream, continues to dominate national box offices, but regional industries like Kannada and Telugu are catching up with high-grossing films like KGF 2, RRR, and Kalki 2898 AD. Certain genre preferences also stood out from these movies, with action flicks and family dramas dominant across most industries.

    MovieMe’s data shows that Indian regional cinema is thriving, transcending linguistic barriers and appealing to diverse audiences across the country. Especially in Tamil and Kannada industries with increasing competition amongst titles to capture attention at the box office, regional movies are set to get a growing share of the market in the coming years.

    Moreover, as audience preferences shift towards authenticity, complex characters, and culturally significant narratives, regional cinema is well-positioned to establish fresh trends and explore artistic limits. 

  • ‘Match Fixing’ to release in theatres on 15 November

    ‘Match Fixing’ to release in theatres on 15 November

    Mumbai: Directed by Kedaar Gaekwad, the political thriller Match Fixing will hit theatres on 15 November. The makers unveiled a motion poster of the film to announce the same.

    The film stars Vineet Kumar Singh, celebrated for his compelling performances, alongside Anuja Sathe and Manoj Joshi, with a script penned by Anuj S. Mehta. Produced by Pallavi Gurjar under Artarena Creations, the film draws inspiration from Kanwar Khatana’s controversial book, The Game Behind Saffron Terror.

    The film explores the murky world of political conspiracies and alleged collusion between India and Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.

    A gripping tale inspired by real events, Match Fixing sheds light on a series of blasts and terror attacks that, as the book suggests, were orchestrated under a ruling political dispensation to implicate a few prominent members of the opposition parties.

    With a release date locked for 15 November, Match Fixing will certainly appeal to audiences interested in political thrillers, especially those intrigued by the complex dynamics between India and Pakistan.

  • Is Reliance Industries investing in Karan Johar ‘s Dharma Productions?

    Is Reliance Industries investing in Karan Johar ‘s Dharma Productions?

    MUMBAI: Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries is looking to acquire film czar Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, if media reports are to be believed.  Apparently, the changing clime in the entertainment business with rising talent and production costs, theatrical  releases bombing left and centre,  and evolving consumption habits of viewers towards streaming  services are making life financially difficult for India’s mostly family-owned studios.

    As is the case with Karan Johar which is almost wholly owned by him  and his mother Hiroo Johar. With no massive box office hits under his belt for a couple of years, and his getting on in years, Karan is believed to be looking at corporatising his studio by bringing in a corporate strategic investor.  Earlier reports were that he was in conversation with Saregama – a part of the RPG Sanjiv Goenka group – which the latter later denied.

    Reliance which has invested in Balaji Telefilms, owns Jio Studios, Studios, and Colosceum Media, could find adding Dharma to their portfolio of content creators  an interesting proposition. Johar is known to be pretty close to Nita Ambani. Additionally, telecom player Jio, and Viacom18’s streaming service JioCinema needs partners to constantly feed it with films and shows. Acquiring a stake in Dharma would help bring in a celebrated story teller like Johar in its fold.

    The Reliance group has been partnering strategically with fashion designers such as Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Satya Paul, Raghavendra Rathore, Ritu Kumar, Anamika Khanna, Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra and Abraham & Thakore to grow its retail fashion segment. Could it follow that in entertainment too?

    However, with neither Johar nor Nita Ambani confirming or denying media reports, one can only wait until a deal is announced – or denied. 

     

    Picture courtesy Karan Johar’s instagram account