ITV

Category: Film Production

  • Balaji sets the stage for new stories with launch of Balaji Studio

    Balaji sets the stage for new stories with launch of Balaji Studio

    MUMBAI: When Ektaa R Kapoor says she’s rewriting the rules of entertainment, she means it, quite literally. Balaji Telefilms ltd has announced the launch of Balaji Studio, a bold new creative vertical set to become the next-generation content engine for India’s fast-evolving TV and digital ecosystem.

    But this isn’t just another production wing. Balaji Studio is imagined as an open, collaborative playground for storytellers, a space where creative freedom meets industry structure, and where emerging voices can transform their wildest ideas into mainstream magic.

    As content consumption explodes across platforms and audiences chase new formats and fresher perspectives, Balaji Studio aims to build bridges between the traditional and the experimental, uniting the best of both worlds. It promises to be a future-ready hub that supports creative innovation while ensuring commercial scalability.

    “Balaji Studio is more than a new business vertical, it’s our declaration that the future of Indian entertainment is open to all who dare to dream big and disrupt the norm,” said Balaji Telefilms Ltd founder and joint managing director Ektaa R Kapoor. “We’re tearing up the rulebook and building a home for bold creatives, talent and original voices who will shape the next era of storytelling.”

    In a landscape where attention spans are shrinking and creativity is the new currency, Balaji Studio aims to give creators the backing they need from state-of-the-art production infrastructure to strategic collaborations with technology platforms, brands, and industry stakeholders. The goal is to help content travel further and faster while keeping audiences emotionally invested.

    Adding to this Balaji Telefilms ltd chief revenue officer Nitin Burman said, “Balaji Studio marks a pivotal step in our evolution, it’s where creativity meets commerce. We’re building a space that not only nurtures great ideas but also gives them the scalability and audience reach they deserve.”

    Balaji Studio’s mandate is both creative and cultural to empower storytellers at every stage, from industry veterans to first-time creators. It envisions a space where risk-taking is celebrated, where collaborations thrive, and where content reflects the dynamism of an audience that consumes across languages, screens, and genres.

    With this move, Balaji Telefilms is not just expanding its portfolio, it’s cementing its position as a cultural incubator in India’s entertainment ecosystem. From daily soaps that defined a generation to digital originals that push boundaries, the company’s next act is clearly about scale, substance, and storytelling that resonates across time and technology.

    As Kapoor puts it, Balaji Studio is less about following trends and more about creating them, a modern creative home built for an India that’s hungry for stories, and for storytellers ready to rewrite how they’re told.

  • Abundantia writes a new script with AI in the director’s chair

    Abundantia writes a new script with AI in the director’s chair

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, algorithm! Storytelling just got a digital co-writer as Vikram Malhotra’s Abundantia Entertainment takes a bold leap into the future with its brand-new division Abundantia aiON, dedicated to creating and producing stories powered by artificial intelligence.

    With a mission as cinematic as its name, aiON is built on one simple but stirring philosophy “Human First. AI Empowered.” The idea? To prove that technology can fuel imagination, not flatten it. The new division aims to bring together the best of human creativity and machine intelligence to craft films, series, characters and universes that stretch beyond traditional boundaries.

    “AI isn’t here to replace creativity, it’s here to magnify it,” says Abundantia Entertainment founder and CEO Vikram Malhotra “We want storytellers to think beyond the possible and tell stories that are emotionally richer, visually bolder, and globally relevant. We see AI as the ultimate collaborator, a force multiplier for human imagination.”

    Abundantia aiON will harness cutting-edge AI tools across ideation, world-building, visual development and production, working hand-in-hand with top tech platforms and creative talent. But at its core, the division remains committed to human authorship every story will begin with a human creator, a distinct voice and an original point of view.

    The new wing also aims to create opportunities for talent, not replace them. Writers, artists and filmmakers will be upskilled in next-generation storytelling, learning to use AI as a creative accelerator rather than competition.

    The announcement follows Abundantia’s recent partnership with Collective Artists Network to produce Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal, touted as India’s first Made-In-AI feature film, set for theatrical release in 2026. The new film is already making waves for its audacious ambition to blend mythology, emotion and machine learning in one frame.

    And this is just the beginning. The studio is gearing up to announce aiON’s first slate of projects soon, promising a lineup that fuses cutting-edge innovation with cinematic soul.

    The move adds another chapter to Abundantia’s growing repertoire of daring originals, which includes upcoming titles like Subedaar, an action drama directed by Suresh Triveni and starring Anil Kapoor; Daldal, an Amazon Original led by Bhumi Pednekar; an untitled comedy headlined by Madhuri Dixit, Triptii Dimri, Dharna Durga and Ravi Kishan; and a business drama directed by Hansal Mehta.

    For a studio known for redefining Indian storytelling, aiON marks a new age of cinematic creation where art meets algorithm, and every story begins with a spark of human imagination, amplified by a pulse of artificial intelligence.

    Because in Abundantia’s next act, it’s not man versus machine, it’s man plus machine.

  • Yash Raj Films to shoot three major films in UK from 2026, Starmer confirms

    Yash Raj Films to shoot three major films in UK from 2026, Starmer confirms

    MUMBAI: Bollywood is heading back to Britain. Yash Raj Films, India’s leading production and distribution house, has announced plans to shoot three major films across the UK from early 2026, creating over 3,000 jobs and injecting millions of pounds into the local economy, UK prime minister Keir Starmer revealed in Mumbai today.

    The announcement was made at Yash Raj Studios, which marks 20 years of operations in India on 12 October, where Starmer was joined by top UK film representatives, including the British Film Institute, British Film Commission, Pinewood Studios, Elstree Studios, and Civic Studios. The visit forms part of a two-day trade mission aimed at strengthening UK-India ties and boosting creative industry collaborations.

    The UK film sector contributes 12 billion pounds annually and supports 90,000 jobs, attracting international productions with its state-of-the-art studios and iconic landscapes. After an eight-year hiatus, Yash Raj’s return highlights the growing impact of the UK-India trade deal on cultural and creative partnerships.

    “Bollywood is back in Britain, and it’s bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, while showcasing the UK as a world-class filmmaking destination,” Starmer said. “This is exactly the kind of partnership our trade deal with India is designed to unlock.”

    Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani added, “The UK has always held a special place in our hearts. Iconic films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge were shot here, and we are thrilled to reignite our ties with the country that has always supported our creative vision. With the 30th anniversary of ddlj and the stage adaptation Come Fall in Love underway in the UK, this partnership couldn’t be more timely.”

    UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy said, “Given the strength of our film industries and the deep cultural links between our nations, collaborations like this make perfect sense. Bollywood blockbusters filmed in Britain will drive growth, investment and creative exchange.”

    A supporting MoU between the British Film Institute and India’s National Film Development Corporation will further strengthen co-productions, enabling filmmakers from both countries to share resources, talent, and expertise. Past collaborations, such as Slumdog Millionaire, generated around 300 million pounds for the UK from a modest 12 million pounds budget, proving the immense potential of UK-India film ventures.

  • Studio 100 Film brings The Last Dodo to life at AFM 2025 premiere

    Studio 100 Film brings The Last Dodo to life at AFM 2025 premiere

    MUMBAI: It’s extinction no more, the dodo’s back and ready to soar. The Studio 100 Film is giving the world’s most famous flightless bird a new pair of wings with The Last Dodo, which makes its grand debut at the American Film Market (AFM) 2025 in Santa Monica.

    The vibrant CGI-animated family feature follows Dave the last surviving dodo,  who finds himself navigating the perilous streets of 17th-century London. With help from his street-smart sidekick, Eggy the rat, Dave must overcome his fear of flying, proving that courage sometimes comes with feathers.

    Produced by Australia’s Cheeky Little Media (Kangaroo Beach, Vegesaurs) and the UK’s Cantilever Media (The Amazing Maurice), the film is co-directed by Jun Falkenstein (The Tigger Movie) and written by Simon and Tristan Dodd. The international collaboration brings together creative forces from Australia, the UK, and India, a global flock united by humour and heart.

    “This film reimagines the dodo not as a relic, but as the beating heart of a hilarious buddy story,” said Studio 100 Film senior manager sales and acquisition Lorena Booth. “It’s full of laughs, surprises and a message that really takes off.”

    Cheeky Little Media chief content officer Patrick Egerton added, “The dodo has always captured our imagination: tragic, funny, or both. Dave is all that and more, a character you’ll root for in a wildly funny and heartfelt adventure.”

    Currently in development and slated for release in 2027, The Last Dodo promises a feather-ruffling mix of comedy, courage, and charm, a film that proves even the extinct can make a spectacular comeback.

     

  • Swastik lights up a new storytelling journey

    Swastik lights up a new storytelling journey

    MUMBAI: Talk about a plot twist. After 18 years of scripting some of India’s most iconic mythological and historical dramas, Swastik Productions has turned the page to become Swastik Stories, unveiling what it calls the nation’s first cultural storytelling ecosystem.

    The rebrand, marked with the lighting of an Akhand diya in Mumbai by former Sony Pictures Networks India chief NP Singh, signals not just a new name but a fresh era. “This is not a rebrand, it’s a new diya,” said founder Siddharth Kumar Tewary, framing the move as the spark of a hundred-year storytelling journey.

    The curtain rises this Diwali with a FAST (Free ad-supported streaming TV) channel that plays Swastik’s much-loved shows round the clock, alongside a lineup of Swastik Originals, premium series designed for today’s digital-first audience.

    But the vision stretches far beyond screens. From films and grand stage musicals to immersive dome experiences and even a Bharatverse in the metaverse, Swastik Stories aims to carry India’s epics, legends and folk tales into every possible medium.

    Rooted in the symbolism of the eternal flame, Swastik Stories isn’t just revisiting the past. It’s kindling a cultural ecosystem built to make Bharat’s tales shine brighter for generations to come.

  • Movieverse and Jojo Studios roll out their first Gujarati family film

    Movieverse and Jojo Studios roll out their first Gujarati family film

    MUMBAI: Gujarati cinema is about to get a double dose of firsts this Navratri. Movieverse Studios and Jojo Studios are joining forces to launch their debut Gujarati film: a wholesome family entertainer designed to tickle funny bones and tug heartstrings alike.

    The collaboration is a milestone for both: Movieverse Studios, the mainstream content arm of IN10 Media Network, is stepping into Gujarati cinema for the first time, while Jojo Studios, the newly minted film arm of the country’s fastest-growing Gujarati OTT platform, is making its cinematic debut.

    The film stars Raunaq Kamdar, Mitra Gadhvi and Shraddha Dangar, and is directed by Kilol Parmar. Promising a mix of humour, emotion and cultural relatability, it taps into the recipe that has driven Gujarati films to growing box office success, not just in Gujarat, but in neighbouring states as well.

    IN10 Media Network, managing director,  Aditya Pittie said, “Regional cinema is the growth frontier for Indian entertainment. Gujarati films are leading that wave with stories that resonate far beyond state borders. Our collaboration with JOJO Studios reflects both the market’s potential and our commitment to rooted yet widely appealing storytelling.”

    Jojo Studios, founder, Dhruvin Shah added, “We are thrilled to partner with Movieverse Studios for our film debut. Gujarati cinema has evolved into a commercially robust and creatively exciting space, making this the right time to step into films.”

    Movieverse Studios, ceo, Vivek Krishnani summed it up and said, “This project balances creative strength with audience demand. With Jojo app already a leading platform in Gujarat, we are confident this is the first of many films audiences will wholeheartedly enjoy.”

    With regional cinema booming and family-driven narratives in demand, this Navratri release looks set to bring Gujarati culture, comedy and heart to screens nationwide.

     

  • Eros back in the frame with Q3 profit of Rs 114 crore after losses

    Eros back in the frame with Q3 profit of Rs 114 crore after losses

    MUMBAI: Bollywood’s box office may be unpredictable, but Eros International Media Limited has delivered a plot twist of its own swinging back into profit in the third quarter of FY24 after a string of red numbers.

    The company’s consolidated results for the quarter ended 31 December 2024 show a net profit of Rs 114.4 crore, compared to a steep loss of Rs 528 crore in the same quarter last year. Even more telling, this turnaround follows a loss of Rs 117 crore just in the September quarter. For the nine months ended December 2024, Eros clocked Rs 1,376 crore in profit, a remarkable bounce from the Rs 1,298 crore loss recorded in the same period of FY23.

    Revenues, however, told a more modest story. Income from operations in Q3 stood at Rs 13.08 crore, down from Rs 31.57 crore a year ago. Total income came in at Rs 38.65 crore, versus Rs 254.55 crore in the previous nine-month period, suggesting the focus was less on topline growth and more on aggressive cost management.

    That cost discipline was evident in the expense sheet. Operational costs, including content amortisation, were Rs 19.76 crore, down from Rs 81.51 crore last year. Other expenses were pruned to Rs 2.82 crore in the quarter, compared to a hefty Rs 477 crore in the year-ago period. Finance costs and employee expenses also dipped, helping Eros reverse the narrative.

    Earnings per share (EPS) reflected the turnaround too, with basic EPS at Rs 11.9 for Q3 compared to a negative Rs 42.9 for FY24. Total comprehensive income for the quarter stood at Rs 370 crore, again a sharp rebound from the Rs 409 crore loss in Q3FY23.

    The board, which met on 3 September, also approved an application to extend the deadline for its annual general meeting (AGM) for FY25, even as it cleared the unaudited results reviewed by Haribhakti & Co. LLP.

    For investors, the Eros saga now reads like a redemption arc from a cliffhanger of mounting losses to a surprise happy ending in Q3. The real question is whether this revival is a one-off cameo or the start of a sustained sequel.
     

  • NFDC signs landmark film tie-ups with Australia for global collaborations

    NFDC signs landmark film tie-ups with Australia for global collaborations

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, collaboration! India and Australia are ready for a cinematic crossover as the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) has inked two landmark Letters of Intent (LOIs) with Screen Producers Australia (SPA) and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA). Together, they’re rolling out a red carpet for co-productions, preservation and partnerships.

    With Screen Producers Australia, the spotlight is on India Connect, a marquee initiative that will see a delegation of Indian producers fly to the Gold Coast in 2026 for Screen Forever, the country’s biggest screen conference. Think project-matching forums, structured networking, and fresh avenues for cultural exchange, a power-packed script designed to spark creative and commercial collaborations across borders.

    The second LOI with NFSA is all about safeguarding cinema’s soul. The partnership will focus on film restoration, digitisation, and archival expertise, ensuring that the legacies of both nations remain intact for future generations of cinephiles. Knowledge-sharing and joint preservation practices will form the spine of this alliance, giving old reels a new lease of life.

    The curtain rises on these collaborations in late 2025, with timelines rolling into Screen Forever 2026 and beyond. The partnerships will also extend to Waves Bazaar, NFDC’s flagship content and co-production market, hosted alongside IFFI in November. With Australian participation bolstering the line-up, Waves Bazaar promises to be a buzzing hub where stories, ideas and partnerships take centre stage.

    As I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju put it, the moves “reaffirm NFDC’s commitment to building global bridges for Indian cinema.” From the Gold Coast to Goa, the script is set for a blockbuster partnership that brings filmmakers, audiences, and archives together in one global reel.
     

  • Balaji eyes revival as digital losses narrow and OTT comeback planned

    Balaji eyes revival as digital losses narrow and OTT comeback planned

    MUMBAI: The drama at Balaji Telefilms has taken a sharp turn and this time, it’s playing out on the balance sheet. The content powerhouse slipped into the red for the quarter ended 30 June 2025, posting a consolidated net loss of Rs 594.6 lakh, a far cry from the Rs 94.0 crore profit it clocked in the preceding March quarter.

    Revenue from operations fell 51 per cent year-on-year to Rs 72.8 crore, down from Rs 149.2 crore in Q1 FY24, as all three segments took a hit. Commissioned programmes brought in Rs 49.9 crore (down from Rs 75.4 crore), films collapsed to Rs 1.4 crore from a blockbuster Rs 73.2 crore, and digital revenue rose to Rs 29.1 crore from Rs 9.8 crore but still bore the shadow of the OTT platform’s regulatory shutdown in July.

    Production and acquisition costs surged to Rs 95.8 crore, while marketing expenses stood at Rs 5.38 crore and employee costs at Rs 8.53 crore. Depreciation came in at Rs 1.76 crore, and finance costs eased to Rs 21.8 lakh. Other expenses, at Rs 11.2 crore, added to the squeeze.

    Segment-wise, commissioned programmes swung to a Rs 5.45 crore loss, films lost Rs 2.27 crore, and digital narrowed losses to Rs 92 lakh from Rs 2.08 crore a year ago. Assets in the digital segment have shrunk to Rs 99.9 crore from Rs 246.8 crore last year, reflecting the OTT disruption.

    Despite the setback, Balaji says it is “taking active steps” to comply with regulations and re-enter the digital fray. Until then, investors may have to wait for the next season to see if the plot delivers a turnaround.

  • Saregama India and Tamgha Entertainment announce major theatrical feature film

    Saregama India and Tamgha Entertainment announce major theatrical feature film

    MUMBAI – Saregama India announced its partnership with the newly launched Tamgha Entertainment LLC for a major feature film. The upcoming production will bring to the screen the untold stories of the Indian Army’s elite Rashtriya Rifles, celebrating their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the nation.

    The film, which is yet to be titled, will delve into the unique ethos of the Rashtriya Rifles, a premier counter-insurgency force that was formed just over two decades ago, is a specialist force of the Indian Army tasked with counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. While well-regarded within military circles, the force remains relatively unknown to the public despite its remarkable success. This film aims to offer a rare and compelling look into one of India’s most effective military formations — a force that operates with silent resilience and extraordinary dedication. The story aims to move beyond battlefield action to explore the human-interest stories of the soldiers and the values they live by.

    This project marks the first collaboration between Saregama and Tamgha Entertainment, a media company founded by Damyant Singh Khanoria and Major General RS Yadav, VSM. Tamgha is founded on the principle of bringing authentic and powerful narratives of the Indian Armed Forces to a global audience, anchored in the ethos of “Naam, Namak aur Nishaan” (Honor. Loyalty. Legacy.).

    Saregama executive VP Siddharth Anand Kumar said, “At Saregama, we are constantly seeking powerful Indian stories that have the potential to resonate globally. The story of the Rashtriya Rifles is one of exceptional courage and conviction that deserves to be told on the big screen. In Tamgha Entertainment, we have found partners who are not only immensely passionate but also deeply knowledgeable and respectful of this world. We are confident that this collaboration will produce a film that is both authentic and inspiring.”

    Tamgha Entertainment VSM, director Major General RS Yadav added, “This partnership is the perfect embodiment of our goals. Saregama’s legacy and unparalleled reach will allow this important story to be produced at a scale that does it justice. Our dedicated focus will ensure that the authenticity and emotional core of the narrative remain intact. This film is the foundational step in our mission to build a creative ecosystem that gives a voice to the stories of our heroes.”

    Tamgha Entertainment founder & CEO Damyant Singh Khanoria stated, “Our vision for Tamgha was born from a deep-seated respect for the armed forces and a desire to tell their stories with the integrity they deserve. ‘Naam, Namak aur Nishaan’ is the moral compass for our storytelling. To begin our journey with a film about the indomitable spirit of the Rashtriya Rifles, and to do so with a creative powerhouse like Saregama, is a profound honour. We are committed to creating a film that will make the entire nation proud.”