Category: Press Release

  • Aamir Khan, Kamal Haasan, Shahid Kapoor and others pledge support for Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI)

    Aamir Khan, Kamal Haasan, Shahid Kapoor and others pledge support for Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI)

    MUMBAI: Post the social media campaign started to support the 16th Mumbai Film Festival, organized by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) has received an overwhelming support not only from the Indian Film Fraternity fraternity but from across the globe.  Actor and Producer Aamir Khan has pledged his support for 16th Mumbai Film Festival by donating 11 lakhs today. In his tweet this morning he has expressed his support to the campaign and the festival and has requested others to do so as well.

     

    He tweeted, “Hey guys, the Mumbai Film Festival needs our help. I’m donating 11 lakhs. Would be really great if all of you came forward and donated as much as you can to make it happen! Thanks. Love.a”

     

    The campaign to save the festival, organized by Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), has gained impetus from other film fraternity members like Actor Kamal Haasan , Ronnie Screwvala after Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani, Cinestaan Film Company, promoted by Anand Mahindra and Rohit Khattar, producers Manish Mundra, Vivek Kajaria and Nilesh Navlakha, director Hansal Mehta and noted author and critic Anupama Chopra.

     

    Ronnie Screwvala in his tweet said, “Mumbai is the cultural hub of India, especially for cinemas. Let’s all join in to make the Mumbai Film Festival a reality.”

     

    Actor Shahid Kapoor in his tweet said, “ Mumbai – the film capital of India – should boast of a world class film festival. Lets get together and  #Pledge4MAMI.”

     

    Cameron Bailey, Artistic Director, Toronto International Film Festival, said, “Mumbai is one of the most exciting film cities in the world and it deserves a strong film festival. I hope everyone can offer their support to help keep the door open for a celebration of global cinema in Mumbai every year.”

     

    Roger Garcia, Executive Director, Hong Kong International Film Festival said, The Mumbai Film festival fills an important gap in the Indian Film Festival landscape. It brings the international perspective of films and filmmakers right into the heart of the bollywood industry adding to its cosmopolitan atmosphere of vibrant creativity. Mumbai Film Festival introduces the artistic side of Indian cinema to visitors like myself, while giving Indian movie-goers an essential menu of the best in contemporary films. It’s a loss would be felt not only in India but also around the world – an outcome that I hope we can all help prevent.

     

    Dorothee Wenner, Film maker, Curator, & Programmer, Berlinale , DIFF said, “ It is wonderful to follow from far-away Berlin the kind of support MAMI gets these days: so many people actively fighting for a film festival with the proud tradition of celebrating cinema’s diversity is encouraging for cinephiles from around the world. Keep going!”

     

    Witnessing the overwhelming support, festival director, Mr. Srinivasan Narayan said, “We are touched by the support that we have received from the fraternity. We would like to thank each and everyone who have contributed in their own way. The festival has now grown stronger than ever.”

     

    To contribute, please visit http://www.mumbaifilmfest.org/pledge . To contribute via cheque, please write to director@mumbaifilmfest.com. The cheque will be collected by a festival representative. All donations to Mumbai Film Festival are covered under the 80G of the income tax act.

  • PayUMoney facilitated 1 Billion Transactions and 1.3 Lakhs Sign Ups for Indian SMEs in the online marketplace!

    PayUMoney facilitated 1 Billion Transactions and 1.3 Lakhs Sign Ups for Indian SMEs in the online marketplace!

    MUMBAI: Since its inception in April 2013, PayUMoney has carved out a new market for Indian SMEs – with easy payment collection solutions and hassle-free integration, more than 1.3 lakhs SMEs have signed up with PayUMoney while 30,000 live merchants have already processed transactions worth 1 billion rupees!

    Achieving this feat in such a short span is nothing short of a revolution. How did PayUMoney pull off this task? By simply following the mantra – Whatever the payment collection need, PayUMoney has the payment solution to match!

    PayUMoney stepped in to erase the basic issues faced by Indian SMEs. Typically, a small business owner would first put in: Monies + Time + Energy + Build Website + Maintenance = End Product, i.e. an ecommerce website. This is a long and tiring process. But PayUMoney takes away all these steps and provides Indian sellers specific solutions for specific categories of business.

    Scaling up operation was the first step to success for PayUMoney!

    PayUMoney’s payment solution features are designed in a way such as to enable an average Indian seller to focus solely on his business as PayUMoney takes care of the payment requirements in a hassle-free manner!

    To achieve this seamless work-relationship, PayUMoney invested in a strong technology product with a solid scalable process to help lakhs of Indian sellers who were looking to increase their sales through online channel. This investment helped merchant acquisition and customer service teams to operate efficiently, enabling Indian sellers to adopt the online channel easily. But what makes PayUMoney different amongst the many ecommerce players who offer payment collection solutions to their SME partners?

    The below table showcases the average monthly transactions processed by live merchants on PayUMoney versus the average monthly transaction processed by traditional ecommerce players.

    This clearly indicates that using the PayUMoney has been more effective for SMEs to sell their big ticket products online when compared to ecommerce players as traditionally, ecommerce players act as aggregators, displaying products by other vendors as well. Using PayUMoney enables SMEs to not only market their products online directly but also collect payments for them.

    Because of the ease of use and quick integration, there has been Quarter by Quarter growth in merchant acquisition for PayUMoney since April, 2013:

    The above graph depicts the quarter on quarter growth for seller acquisition. In the 2nd quarter itself, merchants acquisition grew six times over, and the third, fourth and fifth quarter have seen acquisition double over each time, respectively.

    Click here to read full report…

  • Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos to keynote at MIPCOM

    Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos to keynote at MIPCOM

    MUMBAI: MIPCOM today announces that Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer of the world’s leading Internet TV network, Netflix, will give a keynote address as part of MIPCOM’s Media Mastermind Keynote Series.

     

    Organised by Reed MIDEM, the 30th anniversary edition of the MIPCOM entertainment content market will take place in Cannes, France, from 13-16 October 2014.

    Coming shortly after Netflix expands its European presence, the keynote interview, which will be conducted by Eric Scherer, Director Future Media, France Televisions, will take place from 11.15am on Tuesday 14 October.

    Ted Sarandos has led content acquisition for Netflix since 2000 and is recognised in the industry as a key innovator in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and TV series.

    Netflix, the world’s leading internet subscription service for TV shows and movies, has over 50 million members in more than 40 countries, who watch more than one billion hours of per month.

    Netflix has a burgeoning slate of must-see original series, including “House of Cards”, “Lilyhammer”, “Hemlock Grove”, “Orange Is the New Black”, “The Killing”, the fourth season of “Arrested Development”, “Bojack Horseman” and, coming in December, “Marco Polo”

    Netflix will soon launch in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg, giving broadband users in those countries access to a curated selection of Hollywood, local and global TV series and movies, whenever and wherever they like on TVs, tablets, phones, game consoles and computers.

    Besides North and South America and the Caribbean, Netflix is so far available in the UK and Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands.

  • Hero Indian Super League to kick off at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata

    Hero Indian Super League to kick off at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata

    MUMBAI: Atletico de Kolkata will take on Mumbai City FC in the opening game of the Hero Indian Super League’s first season at the historic Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata on Sunday 12 October 2014.

      

    All games will be played at 7 pm, including the semi-finals and finals. On days of double headers, i.e 9 and 10 December 2014, the first game will start at 5 pm followed by 7 pm game.

     

    Delhi Dynamos FC will host the League’s second game when they play FC Pune City on 13 October 2014. The action will move to Guwahati on 15 October 2014 for the home match of NorthEast United FC against Kerala Blasters FC and then to Goa next day for FC Goa’s game against Club Chennai.

     

    The maximum city Mumbai will see the first Hero ISL action on 17th October 2014 when Mumbai City FC will take on FC Pune City at DY Patil Stadium, New Mumbai. Club Chennai, FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters FC will host their first home matches on 19 October, 22 October and 27 October 2014, respectively.

     

    The semi-finals will start from 13 December 2014 with top four clubs qualifying for the knock-out stage to be played in a two-legged format with the winners moving onto the final.

     

    The Hero Indian Super League final would be played at a neutral venue on Saturday, December 20, 2014.

     

    IMG-Reliance and Star India who are the promoters of the League, today announced the fixtures for the much-anticipated inaugural edition, featuring eight clubs, 61 games spread across 70 days. The League stage will witness 56 games on home and away format, followed by a two-legged semi-finals and the final scheduled for 20th December 2014.

  • Sylvester Stallone’s game-changing Rocky Series back to back on Sony PIX

    Sylvester Stallone’s game-changing Rocky Series back to back on Sony PIX

    MUMBAI: Stay Charged up and Stay Amazed as SONY PIX brings to you an action packed Saturday with Rocky PIXATHON.  A bonanza of all the six Rocky films, Rocky, Rocky I, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V and Rocky Balboa starting 8.00 AM throughout the day only on India’s leading Hollywood movie channel SONY PIX.

     

    Witness the role that defined Sylvester Stallone’s career, tune in to catch ‘Rocky’ at 8.00 am followed by  Rocky II at 10.30 am , where he is seen struggling with his family life after his bout with Apollo Creed. Watch him regain his fighting spirit through a big rematch in Rocky III at 1.00 pm.

     

    Revenge never felt so well, Rocky comes to the heart of Russia for 15 pile-driving boxing rounds of vengeance in Rocky IV at 3.15 pm.  Reluctantly retired from boxing and back from riches to rags, Rocky takes on a new protégé who betrays him in Rocky V at 5.15 pm.  The Rocky saga comes to a close with Rocky Balboa at 7.30 pm which witnesses the low-key narrative detailing Rocky Balboa’s (Sylvester Stallone) post-boxing existence and, eventually, his decision to step into the ring one last time. Tune in and don’t miss a hero that inspires every generation.

     

    So do not miss out an entire day packed with non-stop action with the Rocky PIXathon on 6th Sept, 8.00 AM onwards  only on SONY PIX.

  • Volini announces partnership with Procam International

    Volini announces partnership with Procam International

    MUMBAI: Volini, India’s No. 1 doctor recommended and used pain reliever today announced its partnership with Procam International, India’s leading full-fledged sports management company involved in the promotion of national and international sporting events, sports consultancy and live television programming. Volini will associate with Procam International promoted running events – Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, and TCS World 10K Bangalore – as Official Recovery Partner. This is the first year that Volini is partnering India’s leading running events.

     

    In 1988, with a vision to provide a more holistic spend to the advertising rupee and a burning desire to ameliorate the prevailing professional standards for sportsmen, Anil and Vivek B. Singh created Procam International. The organization has based its corporate philosophy on an open culture, with an emphasis on values and integrity. Procam International has promoted and conducted over 45 world events, which have elicited player participation of the highest caliber, as well as huge public interest.

     

    Speaking about the partnership, Vivek Singh, Jt. MD, Procam International said, “At Procam International, we continue to advance the professional standards of our events in order to be counted among the best road running competitions in the world. We are therefore glad to partner with Volini, one of India’s biggest pain relieving brands as Recovery Partner and welcome them to the world of distance running.”

     

    Over the years, India’s most respected brands have partnered Procam International’s running events for the transformational role they play in bringing individuals, organizations and institutions together. New and existing associations draw attention to the trust and belief partners place in the event on an ongoing basis.

     

    “Volini is delighted to be associated as the Official Recovery Partner of the leading marathons of the country, starting with the Airtel Delhi Half marathon. The association will further strengthen our position as the preferred choice of recovery for our consumers. Running is becoming increasingly popular from a fitness perspective and we are happy to be the recovery partner that provides instant and long lasting relief from pain and enables marathon runners to recover in no time at all”, said Subodh Marwah, Vice President & Head – Consumer Healthcare, Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.

     

    Since their inception, the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, Airtel Delhi Half Marathon and TCS World 10K Bangalore have attracted the world’s top distance runners to India, sparking a glorious running revolution in the country.

  • Swiss Eagle watches out for The Expendables 3!

    Swiss Eagle watches out for The Expendables 3!

    MUMBAI: Third in a series of ensemble comedy-action films, The Expendables 3 will feature an equally incredible series of powerful men’s watches by Swiss Eagle, one of the world’s best watchmakers. The watches, designed for and named after the film, will be seen adorning the wrists of the rugged action heroes.

     

    The deal that tactfully aligns opportunity with value is the brainchild of Marketing & Brand Consultant Neeta Shah, for Pulp Fiction Entertainment. “Brands usually prefer to tie-up with Bollywood films either for in-film scenes or for star/actor visit. I believe in creating value propositions for both the brand and the film. The Expendables 3 resonates with the brand’s philosophy completely, both are targeting the youth – who are hardcore, sturdy and tough,” says and enthusiastic Neeta Shah.

     

    The team at PVR Pictures is equally pleased.  Girish Wankhede, National Marketing Head for PVR Pictures said, “With the immense strength of our franchise, we needed a brand with a reputation to qualify for the entire campaign. The brand connect and the pitch with Swiss Eagle steered the same target group which was win-win for both brands. Such alliances amplify the campaign and propel the visibility.” Shah continues, “With this alliance, we have pushed the envelope. The amalgamation of The Expendables 3 and Swiss Eagle is a big breakthrough and I look forward for other such alliances.”

  • Star Movies all set to paint the town yellow

    Star Movies all set to paint the town yellow

    MUMBAI: A movie channel dedicated to make its viewers “Happy” – now that’s a promise tough to keep. But, thanks to the incredibly cute minions and Pharrell Williams, Star Movies is all set to make its viewers happy with the premiere of Despicable Me 2 on the 7th of September.

     

    Star Movies has been a constant leader in the movies category, backed by the resistant brand equity, strong library and bestseller premieres. As the festive season in India kick-starts this September, the channel announces the double premiere of Despicable Me 2 on the 7th of September, 1pm and 9pm.

     

    Star Movies believes in setting new benchmarks in entertainment by screening the best of blockbuster premiers, an advantage of having unparalleled library strength. Despicable Me 2 captures an array of emotions. Despicable Me 2 grossed 970 mn at the box office making it the most profitable film in the 100-year history of Universal Studios.

     

    On the occasion of the premiere, Kevin Vaz, General Manager – English Cluster, Star India said, “September has an entertainment-packed calendar starting off with Despicable Me 2 and will be followed by other Hollywood blockbusters. We intend on keeping audiences enthralled throughout the festive season.”

     

    Star Movies has always gone that extra mile to enhance the movie watching experience, and it continues to do so by giving its viewers a chance to win exclusive Minion merchandise. Answer simple questions related to the movie while watching the movie to stand a chance to win original Universal Studios merchandize throughout the day.

     

    Star Movies, India’s biggest movie channel is dedicated to bringing the best of movies from Hollywood to celebrate this festive season.

     

    Catch the animated sequel premiere of Despicable Me 2 on 7th September, 1pm and 9pm only on Star Movies.

  • Shashi Sumeet Productions’ Diya Aur Baati Hum completes 3 glorious years

    Shashi Sumeet Productions’ Diya Aur Baati Hum completes 3 glorious years

    MUMBAI: Its celebration time for the entire team of Shashi Sumeet Productions’ No 1 show Diya Aur Baati Hum on Star Plus as it completes 3 successful years. The show that has been maintained its leadership position continues to draw love & support from viewers across the country and the globe.

     

    The cast & crew celebrated this joyous occasion by cutting a cake on the sets and indulging in bonhomie and revelry amongst each other.

     

    Elated and overjoyed Producer Sumeet H. Mittal says, “Words cannot describe our happiness today, it’s been a beautiful journey to say the least. We would like to thank all the viewers, STAR network and the cast and crew of the show for showering their love and make the journey of Diya aur Baati Hum so worthwhile”.

     

    “I am so happy to be a part of such wonderful team and a very special thanks to Sumeetji and Shashiji for giving me this great opportunity to be a part of such a great show. I wish the show will rule on the heart of the viewers and their love keeps showering on us for many more years to come” quotes beautiful Sandhya (Deepika Singh)  

     

    “I am truly blessed and can’t stop thanking the audiences for their love and also special thanks to Shashiji and Sumeetji. It’s been a great experience to work with them. I hope we continue to entertain the audiences like we have done in the past 3 years”, says our Suraj (Anas Rashid)

     

    The show which is high on popularity is dubbed in Tamil known as En Kanavan En Thozhan and in Telugu known as Ee Tharam Illalu. The series is also remade in Malayalam as Parasparam on Asianet, in Bengali as Tomay Amay Mile on Star Jalsha and in Kannada as Akashadeepa on Asianet Suvarna. The show also airs on Pakistan’s Urdu channel Urdu 1. The serial drama is also dubbed in Sinhala in Sri Lanka on Sirasa TV channel using the name Swapna. It also airs in Romania on National TV as Destine Implinite. An Indian television dubbed in so many languages and in different countries shows the love and its immense popularity & impact among the audiences.

  • Season 5 Downton Abbey to make its exclusive india premiere on Star World Premiere HD

    Season 5 Downton Abbey to make its exclusive india premiere on Star World Premiere HD

    MUMBAI: Since its premiere, Downton Abbey has received critical acclaim from television critics and won numerous accolades. Not only was it recognized by Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series of 2011, it also earned the most nominations of any international television series in the history of the Primetime Emmy Awards, with twenty-seven in total (after two series)and was the highest rated drama on television in 2013. By the third series, it had become one of the most widely watched television drama shows in the world.

     

    Downton Abbey is a British costume drama television series, set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era—with the great events in history having an effect on their lives and on the British social hierarchy

     

    The highly anticipated, Season 5 of Downton Abbey, will make its Exclusive India Premiere Only on Star World Premiere HD this September.