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Category: Movie Channels

  • Pushpa takes over prime time as Zee Cinema readies for a wild premiere

    Pushpa takes over prime time as Zee Cinema readies for a wild premiere

    MUMBAI: Get your popcorn ready and your seetis sharpened Pushpa is about to rule your TV screen! Zee Cinema has locked in 31 May 2025 at 7:30pm for the World Television Premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule, and let’s just say this one’s not arriving quietly. It’s stomping in, red sand and all.

    After setting the box office ablaze and spawning more viral trends than you can count on your fingers (and toes), Allu Arjun’s swaggering return as Pushpa Raj is ready to take over Indian living rooms. Directed by Sukumar, the mega blockbuster also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Fahadh Faasil and Jagapathi Babu, serving up a storm of action, drama, music and chest-thumping dialogue that promises to echo through every household.

    More than a film, Pushpa 2 is pure pop-culture combustion. From the moment Arjun’s Pushpa growled “Fire nahi, wildfire hai”, the film became a movement. It tore through the North-South divide with ease and established Pushpa not just as a character, but as a full-blown phenomenon.

    And now, the man who bows to no one is bringing his unrelenting Rule to TV. Expect explosive confrontations, especially the highly anticipated face-off with Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat, played with icy menace by Fahadh Faasil. Add in foot-tapping bangers like Angaaron, Pushpa Pushpa and Peelings, and you’ve got a family entertainer that’s anything but tame.

    So if you missed the theatre frenzy or simply want another taste of that red-hot rage, mark the date: 31 May, 7:30pm, Zee Cinema. This isn’t just a premiere, this is Pushpa, and he’s about to turn your screen into his jungle.

  • NH Studioz teams up with Runn Media Labs to launch three FAST channels for Hindi cinema buffs

    NH Studioz teams up with Runn Media Labs to launch three FAST channels for Hindi cinema buffs

    MUMBAI: Hindi cinema just found a faster way to reach your screen. NH Studioz, the Indian content giant with over 2,500 film titles in its vault, launched three new free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels, partnering with Runn Media Labs to make the magic happen.

    The new channels — NH BollyFlix, NH BollyGold and NH BollyRaga — are already live on Samsung TV Plus, Swift TV, and RunnTV, offering a buffet of blockbusters, golden classics, and musical gems that can be streamed for free. Think of it as Hindi cinema’s greatest hits, rewrapped for the streaming age.

    .  NH BollyFlix delivers the big-bang entertainers.

    .  NH BollyGold revisits cinematic treasures from Indian cinema’s golden era.

    .  NH BollyRaga spins a nostalgic loop of melodies and chart-toppers.

    NH Studioz holds one of the largest Indian film collections across Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi and Malayalam languages, spanning from the 1950s to present-day releases. This move into the FAST universe is both a modernisation and a masterstroke.

    Runn Media Labs, the brains behind RunnTV, brought its tech muscle to the party—building out distribution and monetisation tools to turbocharge NH’s legacy content for today’s streaming platforms.

    “Runn Media Labs brings a unique strength to the table — their deep understanding of the streaming business, combined with robust technical expertise, is rare and extremely valuable,” said NH Studioz executive director Shreyans Hirawat. “The speed at which their team executed this launch has been phenomenal. We’re already live with multiple platforms, including Samsung TV Plus, RunnTV and Swift TV, across the globe and are excited to scale further.”

    Runn Media Labs founder & CEO Manish Sinha added, “We’re thrilled to partner with NH Studioz and enable the launch of three high-quality Hindi cinema channels… With a strong content library and an agile distribution model, we together look forward to creating compelling, scalable viewing experiences for global audiences.”

    As digital consumption booms and ad-supported models gain traction, the NH-Runn duo looks ready to rewire Hindi cinema’s distribution model.

    Classic meets code, and it’s streaming gold.

     

  • &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    MUMBAI: Love is in the air, and &pictures is turning up the romance dial with its Full On Ishq Film Festival—a cinematic extravaganza celebrating love in its most dramatic, passionate, and unpredictable forms. Running from 9- 14 February, this special lineup brings viewers a daily dose of heartwarming love stories, leading up to the highly anticipated channel premiere of Kisko Tha Pata on Valentine’s day at 2 pm. Because what’s Valentine’s without a little bit of love, longing, and drama?

    Kisko Tha Pata, directed by Ratnaa Sinha, is a deep dive into the unpredictable world of romance, exploring love, passion, and obsession set against the charming backdrop of Raipur. Starring Ashnoor Kaur, Akshay Oberoi, and Aadil Khan, the film promises an emotional rollercoaster ride.

    Following the journey of Shreya (Ashnoor Kaur), a young woman navigating complex emotions, the story also introduces Devansh (Akshay Oberoi), a man whose world is shattered by heartbreak, and Dhairya (Aadil Khan), a free-spirited biker who believes in living in the moment. This tale of love and destiny is bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

    Sinha shares, “Kisko Tha Pata is a story that dives deep into the unpredictability of love. It’s about choices, emotions, and how destiny plays a role in shaping our relationships. Love isn’t always easy, and this film beautifully captures its raw, unfiltered essence. I’m thrilled that audiences will get to experience this poignant tale on &pictures this Valentine’s Day.”

    Kaur adds, “Shreya’s journey is one of self-discovery, heartbreak, and resilience. She’s a character that will remind many of their own experiences with love—whether it’s the euphoria of falling in love or the agony of watching it slip away. Kisko Tha Pata is a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.”

    Oberoi, who plays Devansh, shares, “Devansh’s story is about heartbreak, healing, and finding redemption. He’s someone who loved deeply, lost painfully, and is struggling to put himself back together. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and Kisko Tha Pata shows that love isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.”

    Khan, portraying Dhairya, comments, “Dhairya’s character brings refreshing energy to the film. He is someone who sees love in its most free-spirited form—without boundaries or expectations. His journey is about embracing the moment, about hope, and about finding happiness even in the face of uncertainty.”

    In addition to Kisko Tha Pata, &pictures has lined up an impressive selection of romance classics to keep the love alive throughout the week. The festival features Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Sanam Teri Kasam, Geeta Govinda, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana—a mix of modern and classic love stories that promise drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.

    So, if your idea of a perfect Valentine’s celebration includes cozying up with timeless love stories, &pictures has got you covered. Whether you’re swooning over intense love triangles, dramatic heartbreaks, or soul-stirring reunions, there’s a film for everyone.

     

     

  • Sony MAX Premieres Saale Aashiq – A Paradigm Shift in the Movie Industry

    Sony MAX Premieres Saale Aashiq – A Paradigm Shift in the Movie Industry

    Building on the success of their supernatural thriller “Adbhut” released last September, Sony MAX is once again breaking ground with the direct-to-TV release of “Saale Aashiq”. This movie offering signals our commitment to delight linear TV viewers with compelling and exclusive content.

    “Saale Aashiq” will Premiere on Sony MAX on February 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Madhya Pradesh, the film narrates the captivating love story of Shatru (Tahir Raj Bhasin) and Gudia (Mithila Palkar) as they navigate challenges to stay together. The star-studded cast also includes veteran actors Chunky Pandey and Darshan Jariwala.

    With its unmatched reach and viewership potential, Sony MAX’s direct-to-TV release initiative is a smart, consumer-first response to the shifting viewing preferences. It seeks to reignite the tradition of families gathering around the Television at a set time to enjoy a shared experience.

    Makarand Palekar, EVP, Head – Distribution Sales, Marketing and Operations, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)

    “Direct-to-TV releases leverage the broad reach of linear television to maximise audience engagement while catering to evolving content consumption trends. This strategic approach strengthens distribution, ensuring wider accessibility and driving viewership growth. Sony Pictures Networks India remains committed to innovative distribution initiatives that enhance content reach and impact.”

    Sony MAX’s direct-to-TV initiatives boldly bridge the gap between viewing preferences, delivering high-impact content directly to TV and capturing young audiences. The strong audience desire for fresh content has made watching new releases at home rival the appeal of a theatrical experience.

  • Sun TV reports balanced growth amid market volatility

    Sun TV reports balanced growth amid market volatility

    Mumbai: In a climate marked by increasing operational costs and fluctuating revenues, Sun TV Network Limited has reported a modest increase in revenue for the quarter ending 30 September 2024. Despite a 3.26 per cent year-over-year rise in revenue from core operations, which totaled Rs 799.36 crore (excluding movies and sports segments), the company’s bottom line tells a more complex story. Net profit after tax decreased by 12.7 per cent from Rs 456.24 crore in Q2 FY24 to Rs 398.17 crore, signalling operational challenges and increased expenses across the board.

    The growth in advertisement revenue, a critical component of Sun TV’s revenue, was a highlight. It saw a 2.13 per cent increase, reaching Rs 335.42 crore compared to Rs 328.42 crore in the same period last year. Subscription revenue also improved by 4.43 per cent, totaling Rs 436.75 crore, underlining the network’s stable viewer base across its diverse media platforms. This progress reflects Sun TV’s ability to engage its audience across four southern and three northern Indian languages, covering platforms from satellite television to digital OTT services and sports franchises.

    Operational costs, however, presented a significant burden, impacting profit margins. Sun TV’s operating expenses rose to Rs 219.61 crore, a marked increase from last year’s Rs 170.48 crore for the same quarter. The company reported EBITDA at Rs 528.98 crore, down from Rs 716.21 crore a year earlier, reflecting the broader cost pressures facing the network.

    Sun TV’s consolidated revenue from operations was Rs 934.54 crore, reflecting a year-over-year decrease from Rs 1,048.45 crore in Q2 FY24. The company also declared an interim dividend of Rs 5 per share, maintaining a consistent return to shareholders amid fluctuating financial performance. Earnings per share (EPS) fell from Rs 11.58 in Q2 FY24 to Rs 10.10 this quarter.

    From a cash flow perspective, the company reported a notable reduction in cash from operating activities, which stood at Rs 915.70 crore for the six months ending 30 September 2024, compared to Rs 1,127.56 crore for the same period last year. This contraction in operational cash flow underlines the challenges posed by rising expenses and investment needs.

    With the earnings release, Sun TV also disclosed a noteworthy revenue boost from its cricket franchises—Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The combined income for these sports assets reached Rs 497.14 crore for the half-year period, underscoring the brand’s diversified revenue streams. The corresponding franchise expenses amounted to Rs 237.76 crore, a testament to the increasing financial stakes of sports franchise ownership.

    Depreciation and amortisation expenses further influenced the financial outcome, rising from Rs 214.34 crore in Q2 FY24 to Rs 191.36 crore this quarter. Meanwhile, finance costs also doubled to Rs 3.20 crore, reflecting additional capital needs.

    Sun TV’s mixed performance in Q2 FY25 signals both the resilience of its core revenue streams and the challenges posed by rising costs and intense market competition. With a focus on maintaining growth in advertisement and subscription revenues, the network’s strategic outlook may pivot towards enhancing cost efficiency, particularly within its sports and digital streaming ventures.

    Financial Highlights:

    1. Revenue Growth: Sun TV Network’s Q2 FY25 revenue (excluding movies and sports) increased by 3.26 per cent year-over-year, reaching Rs 799.36 crore.

    2. Advertising Revenue: Advertising revenue rose by 2.13 per cent to Rs 335.42 crore, indicating a stable recovery in ad spends.

    3. Subscription Revenue: Subscription revenue grew by 4.43 per cent, amounting to Rs 436.75 crore, driven by a strong subscription base.

    4. Total Income: Consolidated total income for Q2 FY25 stood at Rs 1,064.14 crore, a slight decline from Rs 1,125.08 crore in the previous year.

    5. EBITDA: EBITDA for the quarter was Rs 528.98 crore, down from Rs 716.21 crore year-over-year, reflecting broader industry cost pressures.

    6. Profit Before Tax: Profit before tax decreased to Rs 498.40 crore from Rs 608.24 crore in Q2 FY24.

    7. Profit After Tax: Net profit stood at Rs 398.17 crore, a decline from Rs 456.24 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

    8. Interim Dividend: The board declared a 100 per cent interim dividend at Rs 5 per share, underscoring strong cash flow.

    9. Sports Franchise Income: Income from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape franchises reached Rs 497.14 crore for H1 FY25, with expenses at Rs 237.76 crore.

    10. Market Position: Sun TV Network’s diverse portfolio and stable revenue sources position it resiliently amidst changing media industry dynamics.

  • Sony Pix celebrates 100 years of Columbia Pictures with ‘Century of Cinema’

    Sony Pix celebrates 100 years of Columbia Pictures with ‘Century of Cinema’

    Mumbai: Sony Pix is commemorating a century of Columbia Pictures’ cinematic excellence with its special campaign, ‘Century of Cinema’. This initiative offers viewers not only a curated selection of top Sony Pictures Entertainment films but also an opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the iconic Columbia Pictures Aquaverse with an interactive contest.

    From 16 November 2024, viewers can tune in to Sony Pix at 7:00 pm for four consecutive weekends to participate in a unique interactive contest. By scanning a QR code displayed on the screen or Instagram account, viewers will be transported to a microsite. Once on the microsite, participants can collect character cards inspired by famous characters from Sony Pictures Entertainment movies. Each card possesses unique points and abilities. The user with the highest score at the end of the contest will be the lucky winner of the grand prize: a dream vacation to Columbia Pictures Aquaverse.

    To make this celebration even more special, Sony Pix will screen a lineup of iconic films, including Taxi Driver (1976), Anaconda (1997), Godzilla (1998), Spider-Man 2 (2004), 2012 (2009), Captain Phillips (2013), Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Uncharted (2022).

  • Experience “Farrey” world HD premiere on &xplorHD on 26th October

    Experience “Farrey” world HD premiere on &xplorHD on 26th October

    Mumbai: &xplorHD presents the world HD premiere of “Farrey” on 26 October at 9 PM, delivering a powerful cinematic experience that challenges the UNroutine, UNexpected, and Unformula. This gripping narrative explores the high stakes of ambition and the moral complexities faced by today’s youth, capturing the essence of aspirations, struggles, and the price of chasing dreams in a competitive world.

    “Farrey” follows Niyati, a talented scholarship student whose journey into the elite world of the ultra-wealthy reveals the dangerous allure of wealth and status. As she navigates a web of deceit and mounting pressures, the story unfolds into a captivating tale of choices and consequences. The ensemble cast, featuring Alizeh Agnihotri, Zeyn Shaw, Prasanna Bisht, Sahil Mehta, Ronit Roy, Juhi Babbar Soni, Arbaaz Khan, and Shilpa Shukla, brings the story to life with stunning performances and immersive sound design.

    Alizeh Agnihotri shared, “Niyati’s journey really resonated with me on a personal level. She starts with such a pure and relatable dream, something we all feel at some point—the desire to break free from circumstances and achieve something bigger. But watching her slowly get pulled into morally questionable choices was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. It’s been an incredible experience portraying such a layered character, and I’m really excited for the audiences to connect with her story during the World HD Premiere on &xplor HD.”

    Prasanna Bisht, who portrays Chavi, shared her thoughts on the film: “What I loved about working on “Farrey” is how it challenges you to reflect on your own values. Chavi’s journey highlights the struggles of peer pressure and the desire to fit in, and it made me more aware of the choices we all face. I’m eager for viewers to explore these emotional nuances during the world HD premiere on &xplorHD.”

    To prepare for his role as Aakash, Sahil Mehta immersed himself in the character’s world by working as a food delivery rider, gaining a firsthand understanding of the pressures faced by delivery agents. Reflecting on his experience, Mehta said, “This film really digs into the emotional turmoil that comes with chasing success at any cost. Playing Aakash was an eye-opening experience for me, as it made me think about the moral complexities we encounter daily. I can’t wait for the audience to witness how powerful this narrative is during the world HD premiere on &xplorHD.”

    Director Soumendra Padhai expressed his vision for the film: “With “Farrey”, I wanted to tell a story that resonates with the pressures and dilemmas faced by today’s youth. It’s a story not just about academic stress; but also a reflection of the lengths people go to achieve success in a world obsessed with wealth and status. I hope this film sparks conversations about ambition, morality, and the cost of pursuing dreams at any price.”

  • Mr & Mrs Mahi to premiere on &pictures on 19 Oct

    Mr & Mrs Mahi to premiere on &pictures on 19 Oct

    Mumbai: Catch the world television premiere of Mr & Mrs Mahi, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, on 19 October at 8 pm on &pictures. The film follows Mahendra and Mahima as they navigate the challenges of marriage, family, and personal aspirations.

    With Rajkummar Rao’s nuanced performance and Janhvi Kapoor’s charm, the story highlights the balance between individual dreams and familial expectations. It showcases the importance of support and resilience in relationships, emphasizing how love can drive personal growth and strengthen bonds. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of love and partnership.

  • Mukta A2 Cinemas introduces Rs 99 F&B Cap to cinema experience

    Mukta A2 Cinemas introduces Rs 99 F&B Cap to cinema experience

    Mumbai: Mukta A2 Cinemas has introduced a new offer to celebrate the festive season by capping food and beverage prices at Rs 99. This initiative aims to enhance the customer experience and address the common issue of high F&B prices in theatres, allowing moviegoers to enjoy their cinema experience.

    “We believe cinema is a universal form of entertainment that should be accessible to all. It’s essential that the entire experience – from purchasing tickets to enjoying food and drinks – is affordable. By capping food prices at Rs 99, we want everyone to enjoy both the movie and the complete cinema experience,” said Mukta A2 Cinemas COO Satwik Lele.

    This decision comes as cinemas seek to boost footfall post-COVID and aim to challenge the traditional pricing model in the exhibition business.

    Lele expressed confidence that this initiative would set new standards in the industry and encourage more audiences to visit cinemas. Mukta A2 Cinemas remains committed to providing quality entertainment while prioritizing customer satisfaction, making this offer a significant win for moviegoers.

  • Producers Guild of India re-elects Shibasish Sarkar as president

    Producers Guild of India re-elects Shibasish Sarkar as president

    MUMBAI: When the Producers Guild of India met for its sixty ninth annual general meeting on 27 September, one of the jobs on hand was to elect a president for the coming year. And guess who did they turn to once again? The publicity shy and reticent Shibasish Sarkar who is also the group CEO of Reliance Entertainment. This will be his third consecutive term at the leadership role in the guild. 

    Other members who have been re-elected include Manish Goswami, Madhu Bhojwani, Aashish Singh, Dipti Kotak and Ankur Garg as vice presidents, along with Ashim Samanta and Fazila Allana as treasurers. 

    “I am honoured and humbled by the confidence my peers have reposed in me by re-electing me as president of the guild for the third year,” said Sarkar. “I look forward to our members’ continued counsel and support, which lies at the heart of all that the guild strives to achieve.”

    The guild is India’s leading organisation for  film, television and digital content, representing top producers. The body plays a key role in the development of entertainment production, and it works closely with stakeholders and the Indian government to address regulatory challenges, policy matters, copyright protection, taxation, and ease of filming, among other things. 

    Overall, its focus is more on Indian cinema as compared to the Indian Film & Television Producers Council which places a greater emphasis on television. The guild has Nitin Sethi as its CEO.