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Category: Movies

  • Film marketer sets up own production house

    Film marketer sets up own production house

    MUMBAI: Khyati Madaan, a  film marketing professional with over a decade of experience at some of India’s most prestigious entertainment companies, has announced the official launch of  her own production house, Not Out Entertainment on Linkedin.

    The IIM and NIFT alumna brings  industry pedigree to her new venture, having previously served as head of marketing at Maddock Films and held marketing positions at Red Chillies Entertainment, Kolkata Knight Riders and Disney.

    At Red Chillies, Ms Madaan was part of the team behind innovative digital campaigns for Zero, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The film became the first Bollywood production to utilise Amazon’s Alexa, develop a Snapchat filter and create a WhatsApp sticker pack as part of its promotional strategy.

    Before her tenure at major film houses, Madaan worked at Everymedia Technologies, where she rose to become vice president of marketing and director of analytics. During her time there, the company won awards for digital marketing campaigns, including recognition for the blockbuster Heropanti.

    Madaan’s career path has been diverse, including earlier roles at Trent Ltd, JJ Valaya, and Landmark group in Dubai, where she worked as head of retail and as an assistant buyer respectively.

    With Not Out Entertainment, Madaan aims to transition from marketing films to producing them. Her cricket-inspired company name suggests she believes there are many more innings to come in her professional journey—or as the famous Bollywood tagline goes, picture abhi baaki hai.

  • Pushpa 2 storms TV: Blockbuster to hit living rooms on JioStar network

    Pushpa 2 storms TV: Blockbuster to hit living rooms on JioStar network

    MUMBAI: After smashing box office records with over Rs 1,800 crore in global earnings, Pushpa 2: The Rule is ready to rule the airwaves. The Allu Arjun starrer makes its grand television debut on JioStar network on 13 and 14 April, airing across Star Maa, Asianet, Colors Kannada and Star Vijay.

    To build up to the mega premiere, JioStar has unleashed The Pushpa 2 Experience—a full-throttle promotional blitz designed to grip audiences until 13 April. Expect an avalanche of behind-the-scenes action, star-studded chats and interactive fan-frenzy events. Plus, a weeklong marathon of Allu Arjun’s greatest hits to keep the adrenaline pumping.

    “We are committed to delivering the biggest and best entertainment experiences to our audiences and look forward to bringing the excitement of Pushpa 2: The Rule to our viewers’ living rooms. The television premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule is more than just an event—it’s a nationwide celebration of a film that has redefined Indian cinema. Our extensive promotional campaign is an opportunity for viewers to not only watch the film but truly immerse themselves in the world of Pushpa,” said JioStar cluster head entertainment (south) Krishnan Kutty.

    JioStar is pulling out all stops. Prime-time favourites like Kiraak Boys Khiladi Girls, Aadivaaram with Star Maa Parivaaram, Maja Talkies and Star Singer will be infused with Pushpa 2 special segments, ensuring the film’s fever grips living rooms across the country.

    Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Pushpa 2: The Rule has redefined Indian cinema with its scale, swagger and sheer box office muscle. Now, it’s coming home—bigger, bolder and louder than ever.

    Brace for the ultimate TV spectacle. Tune in to JioStar network and witness Pushpa 2 in all its glory.

  • Mukta A2 Cinemas reopens in Vizag with Luxe upgrade and cutting-edge tech

    Mukta A2 Cinemas reopens in Vizag with Luxe upgrade and cutting-edge tech

    MUMBAI: Mukta A2 Cinemas has reopened its iconic venue at Vizag Centro Mall after a stunning makeover, launching with the highly anticipated Eid blockbuster Sikandar, starring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna.

    The three-screen multiplex has been transformed into a luxury movie destination. Step inside, and you’ll find chic interiors, a stylish lounge, and, most importantly, a whole new level of comfort. The outdated pushback seats are gone replaced by plush recliners and spacious sofas with extra legroom and superior cushioning.

    Technology has had a dramatic upgrade, too. Expect razor-sharp visuals with 2K Laser and 3D projection, and immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound that pulls you right into the action. Enhanced air-conditioning ensures a perfect viewing experience, even during packed summer screenings.

    Moviegoers can also indulge in a revamped gourmet menu featuring sandwiches, pizzas, wraps, burgers, and classic cinema favourites like nachos and popcorn buckets. Drinks include everything from filter coffee and cutting chai to iced teas and coolers.

    Mukta Arts Ltd. managing director Rahul Puri remarked, “This theatre has always meant something to Vizag. So we didn’t just renovate it we brought it back to life with heart.”

    The reopening is perfectly timed, with Telugu cinema on fire this week. Nithiin’s Robinhood is off to a strong start, paving the way for Brotherhood of Robinhood, while MAD Square is drawing in the college crowd as excitement builds for MAD 3.

    Mukta A2 Cinemas CEO Satwik Lele added, “We believe the audience deserves the very best—because they are the real stars of cinema.”

    With cutting-edge tech, ultimate comfort, and an upgraded menu, Mukta A2 Cinemas Vizag is ready to redefine movie magic.

  • From screen to streaming, a new script for Indian entertainment : Ficci Frames

    From screen to streaming, a new script for Indian entertainment : Ficci Frames

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, transformation! The entertainment industry is in the midst of a plot twist as digital platforms rewrite the rules of audience engagement. At FICCI Frames 2025, industry stalwarts dissected the evolving landscape, debating whether theatres and streaming services could co-exist in a mutually profitable sequel or if the latter would be the ultimate showstopper.

    Filmmaker Hansal Mehta and Netflix India’s VP of content, Monika Shergill, took centre stage in a panel discussion moderated by Saurabh Varma of Content Engineers. The discussion zeroed in on how streaming platforms have not just altered viewing habits but also reshaped Indian storytelling.

    With India’s digital entertainment market projected to hit $13 billion by 2027, streaming platforms are no longer just an alternative, they’re an essential part of the ecosystem. Shergill highlighted how Indian content is increasingly gaining global traction, with 60 per cent of Netflix India’s viewership coming from international audiences. “The power of streaming lies in its ability to amplify diverse narratives,” she said, emphasising how regional content is breaking barriers.

    But does this mean curtains for theatres? Not quite, argued Mehta. “Cinema has a soul that streaming can’t replicate. But the audience is demanding smarter, more immersive experiences,” he noted. With over 10,000 screens in India, he said, exhibitors are innovating enhanced sound, premium formats, and event-based screenings are drawing viewers back.

    The discussion underscored that storytelling now hinges on data-driven insights. “Streaming has democratised content creation. Today, analytics shape scripts as much as creative instincts do,” said Shergill. Mehta echoed the sentiment but warned against formulaic storytelling driven purely by metrics.

    While Hindi cinema’s box office has seen a 15 per cent recovery post-pandemic, OTT subscriptions in India have skyrocketed, with 450 million users now consuming digital content. “It’s a hybrid future,” Mehta admitted. “Theatres will continue to be the temple of cinema, but streaming is the pulpit from where stories reach the world.”

    With international audiences embracing Indian content like never before, streaming platforms have become a powerful gateway for cross-cultural storytelling. From rooted Indian narratives like The Railway Men to high-octane thrillers, OTT platforms are catering to an increasingly global fanbase. “It’s no longer just about Hindi cinema; it’s about India’s rich tapestry of stories,” Shergill pointed out.

    Meanwhile, theatrical releases are also seeing a shift towards large-scale, event-driven experiences. Films that promise visual spectacle historical epics, superhero sagas, and big-ticket entertainers continue to bring audiences to cinemas. “The future of theatres lies in making movie-watching an event, not just a routine,” Mehta observed.

    As India’s entertainment industry rides this digital wave, one thing is clear content consumption is no longer bound by screens or schedules. Hybrid distribution models are emerging, where films are simultaneously released in cinemas and on streaming platforms. Innovative experiments like pay-per-view premieres and interactive storytelling formats are also gaining traction.

    “The lines between mediums are blurring, and that’s not a bad thing,” Varma concluded. “We’re in the middle of a creative renaissance where technology and storytelling go hand in hand.”

    Whether it’s a theatrical blockbuster or a binge-worthy series, the show must go on and in this digital era, the audience is always in the director’s chair.

  • PVR Inox brings IPL cricket to the big screen across 30+ cities

    PVR Inox brings IPL cricket to the big screen across 30+ cities

    MUMBAI: PVR Inox Ltd, India’s largest cinema exhibitor, is set to send cricket fans into a frenzy by screening Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) matches live in theatres across the country. In a  partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the cinema chain will transform its plush screens into virtual stadiums for the 2025 season.

    Starting today with the opening ceremony, cricket-mad fans can catch weekend matches and playoffs on the big screen, complete with stadium-worthy sound systems and comfy seats—a far cry from the plastic chairs and overpriced lager at actual grounds.

    The opening weekend promises a cracking lineup:
    * 22 March:  Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
    * 23 March: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, followed by the mouth-watering Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians rivalry

    “We are excited to bring together India’s two greatest passions—cinema and cricket—through IPL screenings, offering an unparalleled viewing experience in a larger-than-life environment,” said PVR Inox chief executive for revenue and operations Gautam Dutta..“During the last cricket match screenings, we witnessed an overwhelming response from our audiences, with an influx of footfalls to our screenings across cities, affirming the immense popularity and success of this initiative. We are committed to providing a premium experience that takes sports entertainment to the next level this year as well

    The cinema chain appears keen to cash in on India’s cricket fever, offering premium experiences that might make watching at home seem positively dull by comparison. Gourmet food combos and surround sound for every six and wicket? Howzat for a Saturday night out.

    The screenings will blanket the country, hitting not just the usual suspects like Mumbai and Delhi, but also stretching to smaller cities where big-screen entertainment options are typically thinner on the ground than hair on a spinner’s head.

    Fans in Maharashtra can catch matches in Mumbai, Pune and even Latur, while those in Gujarat have options in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Anand, among others. The eastern cricket faithful aren’t left on a sticky wicket either, with screenings in Kolkata, Guwahati, Odisha and Jharkhand.

    The initiative extends to Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and across southern India, including Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kochi.

    This crafty move by PVR Inox not only fills cinema seats during what might otherwise be quiet weekend afternoons but also provides cricket enthusiasts with a novel way to soak up the IPL atmosphere without battling stadium crowds or straining their eyes on tiny mobile screens.

    For those who prefer their cricket with air conditioning and the option of a decent meal, the boundary lines have just been redrawn.

  • ‘My Melbourne’ hits home, Indian directors put Aussie city on silver screen

    ‘My Melbourne’ hits home, Indian directors put Aussie city on silver screen

    MUMBAI: Ever felt the urge to pack your bags for Melbourne, but your wallet disagreed violently? Relax, India’s finest filmmakers are bringing the Aussie charm straight to you. Forget about flight costs and pesky visas—My Melbourne is your cinematic passport, presenting a city bursting with diversity, cricket fever, and more multicultural spice than your favourite curry.

    Premiering in Australia and New Zealand on 6 March 2025 and released in India on 14 March, My Melbourne is co-presented by Visit Victoria and is an anthology of four unique stories. Directed by India’s film powerhouses—Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, and Rima Das—the film explores identity, belonging, and the spirit of multicultural Melbourne through true-to-life narratives.

    Each director puts their signature spin on stories woven around diversity’s four pillars: sexuality, gender, disability, and race. Curious yet? Let’s dive into these captivating tales:

    In Nandini, directed by Onir, Indraneel, a queer Indian man, reunites with his estranged father in Melbourne for a ceremonial ritual. Expect some father-son fireworks, raw emotions, and maybe a box of tissues.

    Jules, directed by Arif Ali under the creative guidance of Imtiaz Ali, follows Sakshi, a newly married woman bonding with Jules, a homeless local. Who knew friendship could bloom amid Melbourne’s streets, coffee shops, and unpredictable weather?

    Rima Das directs Emma, a heartfelt story of a talented deaf dancer overcoming discrimination and self-doubt after an inspiring meeting with another deaf dancer. Talk about dancing to your own rhythm!

    And then there’s Setara, a real-life epic directed by Kabir Khan, about a courageous 15-year-old Afghan girl rebuilding her life in Melbourne after fleeing the Taliban. Cricket and resilience? Move over, Hollywood superheroes.

    “Through this cinematic journey, explore the uniqueness of Melbourne that makes it every bit different. Enjoy Melbourne through this creative lens that showcases art, culture, food, sport, entertainment and hidden laneways. Don’t miss this colourful celebration of unity and diversity!” says the film’s promotional team. A bit dramatic? Maybe. But hey, it’s cinema!

    So, why not grab some popcorn and experience Melbourne’s captivating diversity right from your couch? Beats battling jetlag any day.

  • Indian box office flexes its muscles in Feb 2025 as Chhaava conquers all

    Indian box office flexes its muscles in Feb 2025 as Chhaava conquers all

    MUMBAI: The Indian cinema landscape is witnessing a box office bonanza in early 2025, with February continuing the strong momentum established in January. The domestic box office is flourishing, with projections indicating a cumulative haul of Rs 2,264 crore for 2025 releases thus far—a whopping 39 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the  Ormax Media  The India Box Office Report for February 2025.
    grossdomestic box officeThe Hindi epic Chhaava has emerged as the undisputed champion of February, single-handedly contributing a staggering 53 per cent of the month’s total collections. The film has muscled its way into the record books with earnings exceeding Rs 650 crore, cementing its position among the highest-grossing Hindi films of all time.

     Only the Hindi language collections have been tallied in this report, as the Telugu version didn’t swagger into theatres until March 2025. The only other film to smash through the Rs 100 crore barrier in February was the Tamil action-thriller Dragon, which has proven to be a surprise package. 
     

    The film has outperformed expectations, even eclipsing the collections of the big-budget Tamil spectacle Vidaamuyarchi—proof that audiences still prefer substance over style when parting with their hard-earned cash. 

    FBERUARY 2025 GROSS DOMESTIC The re-release trend shows no signs of abating, with nostalgic favourite Sanam Teri Kasam and Christopher Nolan’s mind-bender Interstellar both featuring in the top 10 grossers of the month. It seems cinema-goers are just as keen to revisit classics as they are to embrace new narratives. 

    ACROSS ALL LANGUAGES

    With Thandel joining the party in February, Telugu cinema now boasts four entries in the list of highest-grossing films of 2025 so far. Hindi and Tamil industries are tied with three films each, suggesting a healthy competitive balance in the Indian film ecosystem. 

    Thanks largely to Chhaava’s earth-shattering performance, Hindi language films have increased their market share to 45 per cent for January-February 2025, up from 40 per cent for the entire 2024 calendar year.  

  • Lights, camera, pause! Karnataka high court halts penalty on PVR over ad drama

    Lights, camera, pause! Karnataka high court halts penalty on PVR over ad drama

    MUMBAI: In a twist worthy of a courtroom thriller, the Karnataka high court has put the brakes on a Rs one lakh penalty slapped on PVR Cinemas and PVR Inox Ltd for their allegedly marathon-length advertisements. The cinema giants were ordered to deposit the sum with the consumer welfare fund, alongside compensation to a miffed moviegoer.

    The plot thickened when justice M Nagaprasanna granted a stay order until 27 March, responding to a petition by the Multiplex Association of India and its stakeholder Shantanu Pai. Legal heavyweights Mukul Rohatgi and Uday Holla stepped into the spotlight to argue their case.

    The original drama kicked off when Abhishek MR settled in to watch Sam Bahadur on 6 January 2024. What should have been a tidy 2 hours and 25 minutes turned into an extended sitting, as he endured what he called an “unnecessary” 25-minute pre-show advertisement marathon.

    The Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Commission, playing hero to the movie-going masses, ordered PVR to compensate Abhishek for mental agony and legal costs. The commission went full director’s cut, attempting to dictate how cinema halls should run their shows and banned advertisements altogether.

    The petitioners argued that the consumer forum had overstepped its mark by treating a personal grievance like a public interest litigation.

    The high court, giving the consumer forum’s ruling two thumbs down, noted that their directions appeared to be “without jurisdiction.”

    While the state government suggested an appeal to the state consumer forum, justice Nagaprasanna wasn’t about to let legal technicalities steal the show, invoking Article 226 of the Constitution.

    For now, it seems the credits haven’t quite rolled on this legal blockbuster. The next hearing is scheduled for 27 March  where the future of pre-show adverts hangs in the balance. As they say in the business: to be continued…

  • Shin-chan to storm Indian cinemas theatrically in 2025

    Shin-chan to storm Indian cinemas theatrically in 2025

    MUMBAI: TV Asahi announced  today that the cheeky five-year-old phenomenon Shin-chan will finally be leaping onto the big screen across India with not one, but two theatrical releases slated for 2025.
    In a historic first, the mischief-maker extraordinaire will grace Indian cinemas with Shin-chan Our Dinosaur Diary  hitting theatres in May, followed by the India-themed spectacle Shin-chan The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India during the Diwali festivities in October.

    Distributed by cinema giant PVR Inox Pictures, the films will cater to India’s linguistic diversity with releases in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Japanese with English subtitles—a strategic move that acknowledges the character’s massive appeal across the subcontinent.

    The announcement comes as little surprise to industry watchers. Since his 2006 Indian television debut, the kindergartener who can “turn any calm day upside down in an instant” has become nothing short of a cultural sensation. Broadcasting daily on Hungama TV and recently joining Sony Yay!, Shin-chan has claimed the crown as the most-watched international animation in India, with a staggering one in ten Indian children tuning in to his antics.

    “It has been our long-standing dream to release Shin-chan films in theatres in India, the movie superpower!” gushed TV Asahi head of animation sales & development  Maiko Sumida. “We hope this will provide fans with an unforgettable cinematic experience.”

    Shin-chan Our Dinosaur Diary promises a rollicking adventure featuring a small dinosaur named Nana, discovered by the Nohara family dog, with the family battling to protect their prehistoric friend when dinosaurs escape and rampage across Tokyo.

    Meanwhile, The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India takes Shin-chan’s signature chaos to Indian shores when he and his friends win a dance competition trip to India—only to encounter a mysterious backpack that transforms his friend Bo into a power-mad tyrant.

    The theatrical releases mark a significant milestone for the global animation juggernaut, which has aired over 820 episodes across 45 countries and released 32 films that have raked in more than $350 million at the Japanese box office.

    With millions of Indian fans—both children and nostalgic adults who grew up with the series—eagerly awaiting these releases, 2025 is shaping up to be the year Shin-chan’s trademark cheekiness conquers Indian cinema screens nationwide.

  • Cinépolis brings women-centric classics back to the big screen for Women’s Day

    Cinépolis brings women-centric classics back to the big screen for Women’s Day

    MUMBAI: A woman’s story is no longer yours to tell—now, she writes her own.

    Great stories deserve a second act, and this Women’s Day, Cinépolis India is making sure iconic women-led films get their encore. In a tribute to women who write their own narratives, the multiplex giant is rolling out a special re-release of Highway, Lootera, and Queen across its theatres. The goal? To honour women’s strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of independence—on-screen and beyond.

    And what’s a celebration without a little treat? Cinépolis is offering a 50 per cent discount (up to Rs 100) on ticket bookings made through its website and app using the code ‘WDAY50’—because a cinematic experience this empowering deserves an audience.

    Cinépolis India MD Devang Sampat put it best, “As a brand deeply passionate about storytelling, we recognise the immense power of narratives that inspire and empower. This Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate women who take charge of their own stories, both on-screen and in real life. Through our special film lineup and digital campaign, we hope to encourage conversations that drive change and amplify the voices of women everywhere.”

    But the storytelling doesn’t stop at the box office. Cinépolis has also launched an evocative digital campaign titled ‘Now, She Writes Her Own Story’. The campaign reflects on a long-standing reality: for generations, a woman’s journey was dictated by external forces—her choices, her roles, even her attire. But times have changed, and so has the script.

    Divya Khosla Kumar

    Cinépolis understands that while life isn’t a film, society has long treated women’s lives like one, complete with outdated plotlines and predictable tropes. But the modern woman is tearing up the old screenplay, stepping into the director’s chair, and redefining what it means to be truly free.

    Adding a star-studded endorsement to the celebrations, actor, producer, and director Divya Khosla Kumar shared her admiration for the initiative. She applauded Cinépolis for recognising and honouring women’s stories, both through cinema and through the wider conversation it inspires.

    So, grab your tickets, claim your discount, and settle in for a powerful Women’s Day celebration. The credits are rolling on outdated narratives, and the future? It belongs to women, on-screen and beyond.