ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • Movies NOW to premiere Academy Award-winning movie, ‘The Big Short’

    Movies NOW to premiere Academy Award-winning movie, ‘The Big Short’

    MUMBAI: For the first time on Indian television, Movies NOW, India’s favorite English movie channel, premieres the celebrated biographical film ‘The Big Short’. An irresistible film, ‘The Big Short’, is a true story of a handful of investors who bet against the US mortgage market in 2006-7. The film portrays three separate but concurrent stories starring Brad Pitt, Christian Bale, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell and Marisa Tomei, amongst others. The movie will premiere on Sunday, August 19 at 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on MOVIES NOW.

    Based on the book ‘The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine’ by Michael Lewis, the movie has major dramatic themes, punctuated by comedic comments and moments. Directed by comedy veteran Adam McKay, the film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Christian Bale), and Best Film Editing.

    Through its distinctive international content, Movies NOW is a leading ‘premiere’ destination for Hollywood blockbusters. With movies like ‘The Big Short’, viewers can enjoy the best of biographical films that take you back in time to a watershed event in life, revealing what exactly happened and why.

  • This Independence Day, watch the premiere of ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ on Star Movies

    This Independence Day, watch the premiere of ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ on Star Movies

    MUMBAI: This Independence Day, the fight for freedom is going to be primal. With humans and apes both at the brink of extinction which species deserves to survive? After two blockbuster movies, Caesar is back to lead the apes in the last installment of the franchise. ‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ premieres on Indian television on 15th August at 1 PM and 9 PM only on Star Movies, Home of Blockbusters.

    In War for the Planet of the Apes, Caesar and his apes are forced into an open conflict with humans, led by a ruthless Colonel. After the Colonel kills Caesar’s family, Caesar begins his quest to avenge his kind. What follows is an epic battle between apes and the humans as they fight to decide who will be the dominant species on the planet.

    With stunning visual effects that bagged an Academy Award this year; explosive set-pieces, a powerful narrative and stunning performances by Andy Serkis as Caesar and Woody Harrelson as Colonel, War for the Planet of the Apes is nothing short of a thrilling watch and a true blockbuster movie. As Guardian puts it, “War for the Planet of the Apes is a bold, sweeping adventure told with confidence and intensity. It’s an engrossing, forthright adventure.”

  • Sony PIX premieres the Biggest Blockbuster of 2017 ‘Fast & Furious 8’

    Sony PIX premieres the Biggest Blockbuster of 2017 ‘Fast & Furious 8’

    MUMBAI: Get ready for some world-class action this Saturday with the Indian Television premiere of the biggest Hollywood blockbuster of 2017 in India – Fast & Furious 8 – exclusively on Sony PIX. The movie, which made a record 128 crore at the box office in India, will hit the television screens on August 11 at 8PM in English, Tamil and Telugu on Sony PIX SD & HD and in Hindi on Sony MAX SD & HD. 

    Starring Hollywood A-listers – Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham amongst others, this latest instalment keeps the legacy alive with the best cars, chases, stunts, action, drama, glamour, visual effects and the adrenaline! To drum up the buzz, Sony PIX has chalked out an innovative, all-round marketing plan to engage the viewers.

    To begin with, the channel has partnered with the leading multiplex chain, INOX across 8 cities and set up interactive FF8 zones at select theatres. Fans can take selfies at the zone, upload it on their social media pages tagging Sony PIX, and win exclusive Fast & Furious merchandise.

    As films rev up the appetite, the channel has also tied up with popular eatery Social in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh and Pune. Fans will get to taste the ‘Food of the Furious’ – a customised, limited period, fiery menu consisting of tempting and scrumptious dishes based on the movie theme!

    The channel is also running an exciting contest on-air and on social media for all Charlize Theron fans. By answering a simple question, viewers can win personally autographed apparel signed by the feisty diva herself! 

  • R. Madhavan joins National Geographic’s quest to unravel whether some of India’s greatest Icons are ‘Born or Made’

    R. Madhavan joins National Geographic’s quest to unravel whether some of India’s greatest Icons are ‘Born or Made’

    MUMBAI: National Geographic announced today, the final list of India’s biggest personalities that it will feature in its upcoming series, ‘Mega Icons’. The brand had announced earlier in July, that cricketer Virat Kohli and politician & actor Kamal Haasan would be two personalities it will showcase in this new series, which has a unique format. The complete set of Icons that has been released now, brings together some of the most inspiring personalities, selected carefully from varied walks of life. This includes former president of India – APJ Abdul Kalam, spiritual leader & Nobel laureate Dalai Lama, and social activist & India’s first women IPS officer Kiran Bedi. Additionally, the brand has roped in R. Madhavan, who will be the host of the series.

    Premiering in September with Virat Kohli’s life story, each episode of the 5-part series will dig deep into the lives of these five Icons. In the series, National Geographic and R. Madhavan, with the help of acclaimed scientists and expert psychoanalysts, will scratch beneath the surface to magnify milestone instances in the Icons’ lives. This new format to look into the lives of Icons who inspire millions, will be used to question whether these personalities were born to be different, or were moulded into greatness by their life experiences. 

    Commenting on the series, R. Madhavan said, “We enjoy watching each ball rushing towards the fence from Virat’s bat. And the excellence that Kamal Hassan brings to the silver screen. But sometimes, we all sit back and wonder -what really has made these Icons what they are today? Were these personalities just born to be great, and their success defined from day one? Or did their journey through life, their experiences and hard work, really shape them into the giants we revere. I am excited to join National Geographic to decode this mystery, and bring to viewers a completely new and incredible perspective of what really goes into making an Icon.”

    Commenting on the show, Shruti Takulia, Head – Productions, National Geographic & FOX Networks Group India said, “National Geographic has always been driven by the power of exploration and curiosity to unravel the mysteries of our world. With Mega Icons, we aim to dive deep into the lives of India’s most exalted men and women to find the answer to an elusive question – are geniuses born or made? To start this conversation, we are glad to bring R. Madhavan on board as the host for the series. Having appeared in films from seven different languages, donned multiple hats of actor, writer, producer and television host, Madhavan has a national appeal and an astute and curious mind. We are certain that he, along with the scientists and experts featured in our series, will be able to feed the curiosity of our viewers, who are always on a look out for unique ways to comprehend the power of science and exploration.

  • Lights, camera, action! Turkish Airlines launches new inflight safety video in partnership with Warner Bros. and The LEGO(R) Movie franchise.

    Lights, camera, action! Turkish Airlines launches new inflight safety video in partnership with Warner Bros. and The LEGO(R) Movie franchise.

    MUMBAI: Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries and international destinations than any other airline, launches a new animated safety video, complete with familiar LEGO® minifigures in surprising new roles.  The custom-animated safety video for Turkish Airlines was created by the teams who assembled “The LEGO Movie”, “The LEGO Batman Movie”, “The LEGO NINJAGO® Movie” and the highly anticipated sequel “The LEGO Movie 2” due in cinemas beginning February 2019, which reunites the heroes of the first film in an all new action-packed adventure. In partnership with Warner Bros. and featuring the popular characters from The LEGO Movie franchise, the safety video will be shown on all flights starting today and will also debut online.

    The safety video, which is the first LEGO safety video ever made, demonstrates step-by-step safety procedures to passengers in a fun, unique style – complete with sensible airline-approved humor, celebrity cameos and an unforgettable song and dance number. Turkish Airlines is proud to have one of the youngest fleets in the world and strives to achieve the best in aviation safety standards.  Whether frequent travellers or first-time fliers, the video aims to inform and entertain passengers, alongside an extensive selection of movies, TV shows, music and games available in different languages on the in-flight entertainment system. 

    The safety video will kick off the “biggest partnership with the smallest cast ever assembled”, hinting there is much more to come from the Turkish Airlines and LEGO Movie franchise alliance. Leading up to the worldwide release of “The LEGO Movie 2”, Turkish Airlines will roll-out a global TV campaign, film themed wrapped airplanes, in-flight and in-airport activations and even a second safety video. A partnership sure to entertain and delight!

    Blair Rich, President, Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures Group and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment said; “We are thrilled to be working with Turkish Airlines again and “widening their world” to include that of our colorful LEGO Movie universe.  The partnership showcases the best of two different brands converging in a clever and imaginative way, connecting to consumers and entertaining them.”

    The  LEGO Movie franchise-inspired safety video was brought to life by a 16-strong production team consisting of 2 concept artists, 3 layout artists, 7 animators and 4 lighting technicians. Lasting more than 950 days from beginning to end, the specialists used 2,938,840 LEGO bricks to animate the LEGO action. A total of 9,658,631 CPU hours (Central Processing Units) were used to generate 973 versions of animation. 30 different versions of the new safety video were created, both in English and Turkish, to cover the safety particulars of the 15 different airplane models in the Turkish Airlines fleet.

  • &Privé HD to premiere ‘The Lovers’, a nuanced tale of rediscovering love on 04th August

    &Privé HD to premiere ‘The Lovers’, a nuanced tale of rediscovering love on 04th August

    MUMBAI: There are those who feel the distance even while being together while there are those who melt with yearning while living apart. &Privé HD, the premium destination for nuanced cinema, is set to premiere ‘The Lovers’ on Saturday, 4th August at 1:00 pm and 9:00 pm. The film is directed by Azazel Jacobs, and it stars Debra Winger, Tracy Letts, Aidan Gillen, Melora Walters, Tyler Ross and Jessica Sula in pivotal roles.

    A delicate and refreshing comic fable, ‘The Lovers’ opens with an uplifting, funny look at love, loyalty and about a long-married and completely detached husband and wife. The couple are respectively in the midst of seeking love outside with increasing intensity of commitment towards their lovers. However, on the brink of officially calling it quits, a spark between them suddenly and unexpectedly reignites their passion, leading them into an impulsive romance that forces them to navigate the hilarious complications of “cheating” on their respective lovers. A mixture of humor and powerful emotion, the story is a uniquely honest take on modern marriage.

  • Celebrate this Friendship’s Day with Comedy Central’s Happiest Mutual Friend!

    Celebrate this Friendship’s Day with Comedy Central’s Happiest Mutual Friend!

    MUMBAI: Usually, there are 4 types of friends – The funny one, the fearless adventurer, the OCDish one and the IDGAF friend. Comedy Central has a friend who’s got all these 4 qualities and someone who is known for playing the most embarrassing pranks on his other life long friends. The meaning of his nickname is completely apt for his personality as he has made millions of people around the world happy.

    Comedy Central will be a hosting a Facebook Live with the star of Impractical Jokers James Murray on Friday 3rd August at 6:30 PM to kickstart it’s Friendship’s Day celebrations. 

    Taking this a notch higher, Comedy Central will be airing episodes of ‘Impractical Jokers’ that are handpicked by James Murray on Sunday, 5th August, 10 AM onwards. The show revolves around 4 real-life best friends who love challenging each other to the most outrageous dares and stunts ever caught on hidden camera.

    A delighted James Murray, said,“Impractical Jokers is all about friendship. There’s no one in the world I’d rather laugh with and get embarrassed by than my best friends of 28 years – Sal, Joey and Q.  But no matter what they put me through, I would not have it any other way – they are my dearest friends.  Our fans worldwide have become our friends as well. It makes me so happy to know that we have so many viewers in India. For me, there’s no better way than friendship’s day to connect with my new Indian friends and get to know them better.  I cannot wait to visit India this Fall for my first time to celebrate Impractical Jokers and the Indian release of my book AWAKENED.  Huge thanks to Comedy Central for making this Facebook Live happen!”

  • Zee Studios International to release the most anticipated films of August and September!

    Zee Studios International to release the most anticipated films of August and September!

    MUMBAI: While the second half of 2018 has just begun, Zee Studios International, leading overseas film distributor, continues growing strong and has already announced its robust slate for August and September! Having distributed hits like Raazi, Veere Di Wedding, Parmanu and Dhadak, the latter of 2018 has opened new avenues for the distributor with their venture into Foreign Language Cinema, apart from taking prominent Bollywood films to markets outside India. 

    Zee Studios International has recently distributed Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Dhadak’ and has diversified its distribution and marketing with an exciting line-up for the next two months including Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Mulk’ starring Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu, Excel Entertainment’s Akshay Kumar starrer ‘GOLD’, Arjun Rampal’s ‘Paltan’, Fahad Mustafa & Mehwish Hayat’s ‘Load Wedding’, Marathi film ‘Pushpak Vimaan’ and ‘Anandi’, Philippine Cinema including films like ‘Buy Bust’, ‘The Day After Valentine’s’ and ‘Miss Granny’.

    Alongside these films, Zee Studios International is also distributing their first Tamil comedy thriller film ‘Coco’ (also referred to as Kolamaavu Kokila). Releasing in more than 20 countries with over 200 screens, Coco will be seen in over 70 screens in USA. 

    In the past, they have distributed films like Hindi Medium, Mom, Secret Superstar, Raees, Fukrey Returns, Parmanu, Raazi, Veere Di Wedding and the recent Dhadak across markets including U.K, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE/GCC, and in unconventional markets like Russia, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Czech Malta, Hungary, Maldives Taiwan, Hong Kong and China to name a few. 

    Commenting on this development Vibha Chopra, Head – Zee Studios International (Film Marketing, Distribution, and Acquisition) said, “We at Zee Studios International are thrilled to distribute more and more films across territories, in variant languages as well as acquire worthwhile/rewarding content. We have been able to gradually shift from distributing Bollywood films to now distributing foreign films in markets outside India. Having the right team and constantly focussing our energies on content-driven films has allowed us to be able to attract as many markets while developing our traditional markets and audiences around the world”

    Having recently distributed their first ever foreign film Sid & Aya: Not A Love Story in Singapore last month, Vibha adds “We thank our partners who have helped us in distributing our films across the globe, allowing us to reach the viewers, localize our content, which in turn has helped us to customise our marketing for each territory.” 

  • COLORS INFINITY celebrates its third anniversary with a BIG BANG!

    COLORS INFINITY celebrates its third anniversary with a BIG BANG!

    MUMBAI: Celebrating the occasion of its third anniversary with much gusto and zest, COLORS INFINITY is treating fans to the most comical, hysterical and whimsical weekend of all-time with a marathon of The Big Bang Theory, airing seasons one to six, staring at 10am on Saturday, July 28 till 8pm Monday, July 30. It’s time to don your geeky glasses, lab coats and superhero tees as COLORS INFINITY takes you on a joyride with the science loving, comic-book reading, video-game playing and superhero admiring gang of adorable misfits.

    Reflecting on the third anniversary of the channel, Ferzad Palia, Head – English, Youth and Music Entertainment, Viacom18 said, “The English Entertainment cluster of Viacom18 has had a phenomenal year, and continues to cement its position as leaders in the segment. Bogarting a majority share of the English Entertainment pie with a 53% share, COLORS INFINITY along with Comedy Central and Vh1 have continued to dominate the leader board in FY19, taking the Top-3 positions. A 100% increase in viewership during FY18, only adds to the momentous occasion of our third anniversary. Steadfast in our philosophy to bring only the best-in-class of every genre to viewers; and in the spirit of festivities for our third-year anniversary we decided to celebrate it with one of television’s biggest sitcoms – ‘The Big Bang Theory’.”

    Leading up to the rib-tickling weekend, viewers will be treated to a Live Binge of the latest season of Orange Is The New Black, premiering the complete season with back-to-back episodes starting at 1pm on Friday, July 27. But the party does not stop at that, as COLORS INFINITY brings the revelry to your house, with Instant Premieres. Presenting the latest season of Better Call Saul, the channel will premiere the episodes of Season 4 immediately after its US telecast.

    Commenting on the upcoming programming line-up, Hashim Dsouza – Head of Programming, English Entertainment, Viacom18 said, “COLORS INFINITY is proud to showcase a variety in the premium offering that appeals to both the masses as well as niche audiences looking for something different. Our process of curating content for the programming line-up is based on what we believe audience will enjoy and appreciate, while at the same time adding a mix of critically acclaimed shows, that are creating waves in the English Entertainment space. Complimenting the existing programming with a blend of The Big Bang Theory marathon, Live Binge of Orange Is The New Black and Instant Premiere of Better Call Saul, we have a winning line-up that completes the entertainment experience for viewers of our channel.”

    Following the marathon, The Big Bang Theory takes primetime slot on weekdays at 8pm starting from season – 1. In addition to the superhit sitcom and the newest seasons of two smashing dramas, COLORS INFINITY also brings the latest season of some of the most-watched shows on the channel – The Royals, The Flash and US television’s biggest reality show – America’s Got Talent, that has charmed its way to the hearts and popularity charts of Indian audience as well.

    Making it hard for anyone to remain a ‘Big Bang Virgin’, the channel is complementing its entertaining line-up by accelerating the marketing efforts with a 360-degree promotional campaign that’s attuned to all the target audience touchpoints including – On-air, Outdoor, Print, Radio, BTL and Digital.

  • Sony pictures networks india announce the indiawinners for the international environmental short film festival – ‘the picture this festival for the planet’

    Sony pictures networks india announce the indiawinners for the international environmental short film festival – ‘the picture this festival for the planet’

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India announced the three India winners including the 2 runners-up of the Picture This Festival for the Planet, a global short-film competition for emerging filmmakers, everyday storytellers and change makers worldwide, to showcase the positive future they see for our planet. The winner for the India region is Vinamra Pancharia, while Shashank Bhosale and Maulik Sisodia are the first and second runners-up, respectively. Winner Vinamra Pancharia, will represent India as a regional finalist at the Picture This Festival for the Planet event in Los Angeles on July 31, where his 5.15-minute film ‘Tubelight’, will be screened alongside films of the seven other regional finalists.

    The Winning Entry – Tubelight, is an inspiring story of a homeless child who dreams of going to school but doesn’t have the means to study. He is steadfast in his efforts and sits outside a classroom window to learn everything he can. The film showcases how he never loses his enthusiasm to pursue his dream of education, by practicing what he learns daily under the street lights. Eventually, his dream sees the light of day.

    Link to the film Tubelight:https://www.sonypicturethis.com/gallery?video=Oyr_y0KSntA

    The first runner-up – The Birdman of Chorao, by Shashank Bhosale, depicts the story of a boatman Uday Tukaram Mandrekar, who lives on the island of Chorao in Goa, India. Intrigued by the influx of tourists who visit his island, he took to learning and guiding birdwatchers in his canoe. The film showcases his journey in protecting the various species of birds, their habitat, learning their migration patterns and engaging fellow villagers to help him in the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem.

    The second runner-up – Resurgence, by Maulik Sisodia, is a story that encapsulates the survival sprit of Indians. It takes on the issue of climate change and how villagers in Rajasthan are dealing with water shortage and drought. The film highlights the journey and efforts taken by visionaries and organisations to educate and engage youth from villages to combat water problems in India.

    In India, submissions were evaluated by a jury comprisingNitin Nadkarni, Chief Financial Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India; Neeraj Vyas, Business Head – SAB, PAL, Hindi Movies and Music, Sony Pictures Networks India and Tushar Shah, Business Head – English Cluster, Sony BBC Earth and AATH.