ITV

Category: Movies

  • NH Studioz collaborates with actor Ajay Devgn for their 11th film together

    NH Studioz collaborates with actor Ajay Devgn for their 11th film together

    Mumbai: The collaboration that Goes back to “Jigar ” of 1992 is still going strong in 2024. We are talking about the 11 films journey with NH Studioz with the most dependable actor having 11th film in 2024.

    “We will be releasing our 11th collaboration with Ajay sir this year and this is a very special film. Ajay and Tabu will weave magic on screen with a mature love story and the film is being directed by none other than the critically acclaimed, celebrated director, Neeraj Pandey,” informs Shreyans Hirawat of NH Studioz.

    Shreyansh also informs that the film’s genre is a romantic thriller. Titled “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha,” the narration of the film spans 23 years, from 2000 to 2023.

    “The movie promises to offer a unique combination of a thriller and portrayal of love’s journey, a heartfelt portrayal of mature love and companionship on the big screen,” Hirawat added.

    Director Neeraj Pandey also expressed his enthusiasm about exploring the intricacies of mature love. “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha seeks to explore the depths of a love that transcends mere physicality and dives into the intricacies of the human psyche. This storyline remains largely uncharted in Bollywood,” remarked Neeraj Pandey.

    Produced by Shital Bhatia, Narendra Hirawat, Kumar Mangat Pathak (Panorama Studios) and Sangeeta Ahir, Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha is scheduled to hit theatres on 5 July.

  • ‘Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand’ – dive into a deadly political affair and the shocking murder

    ‘Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand’ – dive into a deadly political affair and the shocking murder

    Mumbai: Brace yourselves for another thrilling exploration into the depths of a true crime murder documentary as Discovery Channel gears up for the highly anticipated premiere of “Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand”. This gripping investigative docu-series is set to premiere on Discovery Channel on 5 May 2024, offering viewers an unprecedented glimpse into the trivial 2003 murder of the young, poetess Madhumita Shukla at the hands of Amarmani Tripathi, UP’s foremost kingmaker and ‘Baahubali’ politician and her lover.

    The investigative docu-series encapsulates the viewer from the first episode by interviewing the individuals who were directly involved in the case at the time. Additionally, a conscious effort was made to shoot all the scenes in real locations. This docu-series is also unique as almost all of it is portrayed in the first-person narrative of the investigating officers. This includes former Superintendent of Police (Crime) Rajesh Pandey, Senior Superintendent of Police Anil Aggarwal, former investigating officer Ajay Chaturvedi, government lawyer Raj Mohan Ram, and senior journalist Amita Verma. This docu-series is produced by Times Chronicles.

    Don’t miss “Love Kills: Madhumita Shukla Hatyakand” on Discovery Channel to witness a true story of politics and murder. Catch the first episode on Sunday, 5 May at 10 pm.

  • Sajan Raj Kurup joins The Commandant’s Shadow as executive producer

    Sajan Raj Kurup joins The Commandant’s Shadow as executive producer

    Mumbai: While India makes waves at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, it was announced on Friday (26 April 2024) in a statement by Warner Bros. Pictures and Fathom Events that Daniela Völker’s much-talked-about documentary The Commandant’s Shadow is set to release in 500 theatres across the U.S. on May 29, 2024, with an encore presentation the following day.

    A little-known fact is that this hard-hitting documentary also boasts a strong Indian connection, with noted creative head and entrepreneur Sajan Raj Kurup serving as Executive producer on the documentary film.

    Speaking about this Kurup said, “It is a proud moment for us at Creators Inc. and Creativeland Studios to be able to back The Commandant’s Shadow, a story that deserves telling, and we are happy to see it reach a wide audience with its upcoming release in the US.”

    “For me personally, I am happy that the dream I set out to achieve, to back content that builds legacy, is one step closer. I am positive this will be the first of many such landmarks from Creators Inc. and Creativeland Studios” he added.

    The Commandant’s Shadow follows Hans Jürgen Höss, son of Auschwitz’s Commandant Rudolf Höss, confronting his father’s terrible legacy for the first time and as he is introduced to Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a Jewish survivor of the camp. Their historic meeting, eight decades later, in Anita’s London living room, alongside their children Kai Höss and Maya Lasker-Wallfisch, delves into their very different hereditary burdens and raises questions about love, guilt, and forgiveness. This feature-length documentary explores the trans-generational impact of war crimes, yet ultimately offers a story of hope, acceptance, and compassion.

    The documentary film is written, produced and directed by Daniela Völker and produced by Gloria Abramoff, with Wendy Robbins, Neil Blair, Jonathan Blair, Matti Leshem, Joel Greenberg, Len Blavatnik, Danny Cohen, Sajan Raj Kurup, Jani Guest and Jamie Jessop serving as executive producers. Völker’s creative team includes directors of photography Rob Goldie and Piotr Trela, editor Claire Guillon, and music composer Gabriel Chwojnik.

    Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with HBO Documentary Films, A Snowstorm Productions / Creators Inc. Production, In Association with New Mandate Films, A Film By Daniela Völker, “The Commandant’s Shadow.” It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and is rated PG-13 for thematic content involving the Holocaust, some disturbing images, and smoking.

  • Jio Studios & SVF Entertainment unveil “Athhoi” teaser

    Jio Studios & SVF Entertainment unveil “Athhoi” teaser

    Mumbai: Jio Studios and SVF Entertainment dropped the teaser of Bengali language film Athhoi offering a tantalizing glimpse into this eagerly anticipated cinematic experience. Capturing the essence of Shakespeare’s exploration of human emotions, Athhoi promises to be a compelling portrayal of love, deception, and rivalry in a modern setting.

    Witness the intrigue and drama unfold by watching the teaser here:

    The teaser opens with the chilling line, “Every individual harbours animosity towards one another,” setting the tone for a narrative that intricately weaves together themes of honesty and love against a backdrop of intrigue and ambition.”

    In this adaptation, Sohini Sarkar breathes life into the spirited and intelligent character of Diya, reminiscent of Desdemona, while sirector Arna Mukhopadhyay brings depth and complexity to the role of Dr. Athhoi Lodha (Othello). Anirban Bhattacharya takes on the enigmatic character of Gogo, echoing the Iago from Shakespeare’s original work, and serves as the creative director of the film.

    “Athhoi,” director Arna Mukhopadhyay remarked, “With ‘Athhoi,’ our aim is to delve deep into the complexities of human emotions and present a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless tale. Through this film, we hope to engage and provoke audiences, sparking conversations about love, jealousy, and ambition in today’s world.”

    The film is set to release on 14 June, “Athhoi” is poised to be a cinematic milestone, eagerly anticipated by audiences worldwide. Through its innovative interpretation, the film promises to offer viewers a thought-provoking exploration of jealousy, ambition and love in today’s society.

  • Joyguru: A cinematic tribute to the inspiring journey of Parvathy Baul!

    Joyguru: A cinematic tribute to the inspiring journey of Parvathy Baul!

    Mumbai: Indian actor-filmmaker Soumyajit Majumdar’s latest venture, Joyguru, a Hindi feature film, marks a significant step in the global cinema arena. Following the acclaim of his multi-award-winning debut film ‘Homecoming’, Majumdar embarks on a new cinematic journey to narrate the extraordinary life of internationally renowned singer and mystic artist, Parvathy Baul.

    Recently announced after Parvathy Baul’s enthralling performance at Times Square during a Bengali New Year celebration, “Joyguru” promises to be a musical odyssey. Largely based on Parvathy Baul’s life, the film captures Radhika Das Baul’s collaboration with Bollywood music director Ritwik on a groundbreaking album of Baul songs transcreated in Hindi. Their unique bond unfolds just before her sudden disappearance from her ashram near Shantiniketan, India.

    Parvathy Baul’s artistic legacy extends beyond performance; she is a torchbearer of the Baul tradition, recognized by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Her spiritual journey, spanning over two decades and forty countries, reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing Baul wisdom.

    Set to commence filming in 2025, “Joyguru” stands as the first Indo-UK-USA-France co-production. Renowned cinematographer Ravi Varman will capture the essence of Parvathy Baul’s journey on screen. With backing from Adited Motion Pictures and LOK Arts Collective, alongside co-producers from London and Paris, “Joyguru” boasts a global production team. The film’s narrative traverses Shantiniketan, Kolkata, Vrindavan, and Kerala in India, as well as locations in the UK, USA, and France.

    As “Joyguru” gears up for representation at the Cannes Film Festival, it represents a convergence of cultures and a celebration of universal themes. Through captivating storytelling, the film invites audiences worldwide to experience the transformative power of Baul music and philosophy.

  • PVR INOX announces Summer Film Festival: Fun-filled movie-cation with films for all ages

    PVR INOX announces Summer Film Festival: Fun-filled movie-cation with films for all ages

    Mumbai: PVR INOX, India’s largest and most premium cinema chain, is thrilled to announce a Summer Film Festival running from the last week of April through June 2nd, 2024. This much-anticipated festival, available only at PVR INOX cinemas across 26 cities and 69 cinemas, is the ultimate way to kick off the summer season. With over 16 live-action and animation films, families and friends can look forward to a diverse and entertaining line-up, making it the perfect escape from the heat and boredom and a great opportunity to relive them on the big screen.

    PVR INOX Ltd.  CEO-revenue & operations Gautam Dutta explains the significance of this festival, stating, “We at PVR INOX are dedicated to creating unique experiences tailor-made to our audience needs. Our Summer Film Festival aims to offer an immersive, joyful environment where families and kids can relax and have fun in a perfect cinema setting. We have curated an incredible selection of films loved by all, activities for kids at our playhouses and kiddles, with kids’ meals, merchandise giveaways and more! Our goal is to make this festival a memorable experience for all.”

    The Summer Film Festival presents an exciting mix of films in partnership with Universal Studios, Warner Bros., and Disney, ensuring a blend of modern classic favourites and the latest hits. From timeless animations like Finding Nemo, Coco, and The Little Mermaid to recent blockbusters like Super Mario Bros. and Kung Fu Panda, the festival promises to captivate audiences of all ages. This carefully curated line-up guarantees that there’s a film for every taste, whether you’re a fan of whimsical adventures, high-octane action, or heart-warming stories.

    The Summer Film Festival by PVR INOX delivers more than just blockbuster movies; it’s a comprehensive entertainment experience designed to captivate audiences before and after the films. In addition to screening the latest hits, the festival offers a variety of interactive activities, from drawing and colouring sheets to puzzles and word games, ensuring there’s fun for everyone. Kids can meet popular mascots from their favourite movie characters featured in these films for selfies and high-fives, adding an extra dose of excitement. The festival also features special merchandise giveaways, allowing attendees to take home a unique piece of the experience. This thoughtful approach to family-friendly entertainment is what sets PVR INOX apart, creating a warm and welcoming environment where everyone can have a great time. The festival is as dynamic and colourful as the cinema it celebrates, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.

    The Summer Film Festival is set to take place in 26 cities, from Mumbai and Delhi-NCR to Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and beyond, offering a widespread reach across India. This broad network of cinemas ensures that audiences across the country can take part in the fun and excitement. Don’t miss out on the summer’s most exciting movie cation, where entertainment and family fun come together. For more information, including show times and ticketing details, visit the apps or websites of PVR or INOX or the aggregator apps.

  • The irony of “out of the box” thinking in filmmaking

    The irony of “out of the box” thinking in filmmaking

    Mumbai: The film industry itself is a place that seamlessly operates on being ‘out of the box’—the irony, in fact, is its special quality. In the film industry, the fundamental concept of crafting narratives or conceiving ideas has consistently revolved around being pioneers, as the saying goes, ‘setting trends. For those with a creative inclination, the film industry serves as an unparalleled playground for imagination. For a creator and director, the best place to execute the impossible; for all other heads of departments, an incredible environment to showcase their skills thrives within the dynamic realm of film, television series, or short films, allowing artists to refine their craft while illuminating the essence of storytelling and the director’s vision. They are within the box of the story but can operate ‘out of the box’ in their skills.

    The audience’s encounter and endorsement of the film industry are also completely “out of the box,” defying conventional expectations and norms. Their contemplation and admiration, whether experienced in the grandeur of cinemas, the intimacy of personal laptops, the convenience of cell phones, or the familiarity of a household TV, are uniquely intertwined with the film industry. This experience is markedly different from their everyday lives.  

    As a producer and business leader, the rationale behind navigating the film industry lies in our adherence to its ROI-centric principles. This approach not only guides our operational strategies but also informs our decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable growth and success within the dynamic landscape of the film business. In essence, the film industry thrives on the belief that the impossible is achievable. This conviction underscores the necessity of ‘out of the box’ thinking as a fundamental skill set for success in this dynamic field. Therefore, embracing creativity and innovation becomes not just a choice but a prerequisite for belonging to this vibrant world of storytelling.

    The article has been authored by Amita Madhvani – co-heading business (EFPL/ RMF/ EV) and engaging for new business.

  • DBS Bank India hosts screening of “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga”

    DBS Bank India hosts screening of “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga”

    Mumbai: DBS Bank India hosted an exclusive, invite-only screening of the documentary “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga” in Delhi.

    The event was attended by dignitaries such as Singapore High Commission H.E Simon Wong, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA) CEO Subhash Chandra National, National Medical Commission, Ministry of Health secretary Dr. B Srinivas, Delhi Development Authority member finance Vijay Kumar Singh, YSM,SM,VSM (Retd), ex-director general, resettlement Major General Sharad Kapur, Sansad Ratna Awards Committee chairman Adv. Priyadharshni Rahul and Ministry of Commerce – CIO, Invest India Sunita Mohanty. DBS Bank India MD and head of institutional banking group Rajat Verma delivered the opening remarks, kicking off the event.

    The documentary is commissioned by the Tagore Society Singapore and sponsored by DBS Bank India. It captures Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s role in spearheading the Azad Hind movement from Singapore. Scripted and directed by Lakshmi Raman Venkat from Gravitas Media, it features engaging narration by renowned quiz master Siddhartha Basu.

    Through the eyes of a Singaporean history buff recounting Netaji’s life to a young visitor from India, the documentary takes viewers on a captivating journey. It skilfully links landmarks that played a crucial role in Netaji’s journey to the progression of the Indian freedom movement.

    The documentary delves into contributions of the Indian National Army (INA) and the remarkable involvement of women, particularly through the establishment of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. It also features a reenactment of Netaji’s ‘Great Escape’ in January 1941, filmed at Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata. In the documentary, Subhashini Ali, the daughter of Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal (nee Swaminthan), one of Netaji’s closest aides in the INA, shares anecdotes about her mother’s role in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.

    DBS Bank India MD and head– group strategic marketing & communications Shoma Narayanan said, “We are honoured to be associated with a compelling documentary that captures the connection between India, Singapore, and a historic figure: Subhas Chandra Bose. His spirit of resilience and dedication continues to inspire generations in both countries. Through our collaboration with the Tagore Society Singapore, we wanted to commemorate a period of history that transcended geographical boundaries. This association embodies our commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences for customers and communities, setting us apart as a different kind of bank.”

    The production team from Lakshmi’s company, Gravitas Media, comprising Rajendra Nanoskar, Prakash Parmar, Santosh Mithbawkar, and Wilson Thomas, meticulously brought Netaji’s story to life. Their efforts unearthed remarkable stories of Netaji’s time in Singapore, enriching the documentary’s narrative.

    DBS Bank India, the largest foreign bank in the country by branch presence, continues to curate experiences that go beyond traditional banking. Through strategic partnerships, the bank aims to engage a broader audience and reinforce its brand promise of ‘Live more, Bank less’.

  • India’s theatre-going population surges 29 per cent in 2023, reaching 15.7 Crore, reveals new Ormax report

    India’s theatre-going population surges 29 per cent in 2023, reaching 15.7 Crore, reveals new Ormax report

    Mumbai: A new annual report from media analytics firm Ormax Media, titled Sizing The Cinema: 2024, sheds light on the growth of the Indian theatrical market. The report, based on research conducted in January 2024 among 8,500 Indian audiences across both urban and rural areas, reveals significant growth in the number of theatre-goers in India vis-à-vis the previous year.

    According to the report, India now has 157.4 Million or 15.7 Crore theatre-goers i.e., those who watched at least one film in a theatre in 2023. This not only marks a 29% increase compared to the previous year (12.2 crore) but also surpasses the pre-pandemic level (14.6 crore) by 8%.

    A graph of progress on a graph

    Description automatically generated with medium confidence

    These 15.7 Crore audience contributed to the 94.3 Crore footfalls at the domestic box office in 2023, which comes to an average of 6.0 films watched by a typical theatre-goer in India, across all languages put together.

    The report also provides demographic (age, gender), geographic and language-wise breakdown of the theatrical audience. Hindi-language cinema has seen the most significant growth, with its audience rising to 9.2 crore, a 58% increase over 2022. Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films have witnessed a minor drop in audience shares, while Malayalam cinema experienced a 19% increase in audience, rising from 1.0 crore in 2022 to 1.2 crore in 2023.

    Ormax media head: Business Development (Theatrical) Sanket Kulkarni emphasised the importance of such data for industry decision-making, “Market sizing and audience data are as crucial as box office numbers when it comes to strategic decision-making,” Kulkarni said. “With a history of more than 100 years and 12,000 Crore plus box office, the Indian film industry needs and deserves a study of this nature and stature. While it is well understood that the theatrical business has made a sound recovery post the pandemic, this report quantifies the recovery, at the level of markets, languages and demographics, leading to a deeper understanding of India’s theatre-going population.”

    The full report is available by subscription for film studios, production companies, investors, exhibitors, distributors, media agencies and other companies associated with the theatrical category in India.

  • “I am completely monogamous, and abhor the concept of open relationship”: Vidya Balan in IMDb’s ‘Ask Each Other Anything’

    “I am completely monogamous, and abhor the concept of open relationship”: Vidya Balan in IMDb’s ‘Ask Each Other Anything’

    Mumbai: On the release of Do Aur Do Pyaar, starring Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi, the actors appeared in the IMDb original series ‘Ask Each Other Anything.’ This romantic comedy explores the intricacies of the relationship between a husband and a wife. They engaged in discussions about intriguing aspects of their personal lives, shared their experiences on set, and reflected on what they learned from each other throughout the journey of Do Aur Do Pyaar.

    When asked about her reaction upon discovering she would be working with Pratik, Vidya responded, “I had watched ‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’ already, so when Tanuj, Atul, and Swati (the producers of the movie) came home, we were discussing various characters, and for the role of Ani, they said ‘we’ve thought about Pratik Gandhi, the guy from Scam 1992.’ I was like, ‘Wow!’ He was fabulous.’ It didn’t feel like you were acting in the series even for a minute. If I didn’t know how Harshad Mehta looked, I would have thought it was you. So, I was very excited.”

    As the film revolves around relationships, Pratik asked Vidya about her perspective on open relationships. Vidya said, “I don’t understand the idea of an open relationship. I think you can be open with each other about everything, but when you talk about open relationships and open marriage, you are talking about being okay with your partner being with someone else, sharing your partner with someone else. I am not okay with that. I am completely monogamous, and I believe in monogamy. I abhor this concept of open relationship. If it works for you, great, but I cannot fathom how it works for someone.”

    While the conversation was brewing, Vidya asked Pratik to suggest three films everyone must watch. Pratik said, “I feel I get connected to the strongest emotions the most, and I find myself a very common audience. So, I feel The Pursuit of Happyness and Sadma are films that have layers of emotions and are conveyed simply in the most human possible way. One more is Hera Pheri because of their comic timing, which landed every time I watched, and I have watched it multiple times.”

    Additionally, given Pratik’s theatre background, Vidya asked him about the one thing he would like to take from theatre and apply to cinema. Pratik responded, “I think what I have seen and what I have done is the discipline and duty toward the story. You have to actually leave yourself and cut your ego and become selfless to tell the story in the most honest possible way. This is what helped me, because as an actor, we constantly deal with egos onset and offset, everywhere, and also sometimes while performing. So, certain humility towards the process and being true to the storytelling is important. Also, theatre makes you human because one show will work wonders and the other show might not, so you don’t lose your heart quickly. So what I have learned from theatre is that all the claps are for the characters and all the criticism is for me as an actor. So if this is what we experience in cinema, then a lot of things will change”, he added.