Hindi

Cinema: Getting the business model, right?

Published

8 months ago

July 24, 2025

MUMBAI: Mumbai’s cinema moguls gathered at the 9th Edition of The Content Hub Summit 2025, the industry attempted to hit “rewind” on declining traditional media consumption and combat digital fatigue.

Chaired by acclaimed film critic, journalist & author Mayank Shekhar, the panel boasted a stellar cast of industry heavyweights, including Abhishek Pathak, managing director, Panorama Studios; Aashish Singh, producer, Red Chillies Entertainment; Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media; Devendra Deshpande, CEO, Friday Filmworks; and Pragati Deshmukh, head of content, Zee Studios.

Ormax Media’s Shailesh Kapoor, often the industry’s truth-sayer, kicked off with a candid confession: “Nobody knows for sure.” Yet, his numbers paint a clear picture. Despite the seismic shifts, the core metrics total box office, total footfall, and the number of unique theatre-goers (a consistent 15 crore annually) remain stubbornly unchanged since 2013-14.

Kapoor pointed out that the pandemic’s real plot twist was its coincidental overlap with the streaming boom. “If the pandemic had happened in 2015, this wouldn’t even be a discussion,” he quipped. The lockdown fast-tracked the audience’s discernment between “OTT films” and “theatrical films,” a process that would have otherwise taken years. While star power might dim on OTT, it still shines bright in cinemas, and language barriers are slowly, but surely, dissolving. “Fundamentally, nothing really has changed,” Kapoor concluded, suggesting that content choices, rather than audience habits, are the evolving variables.

Devendra Deshpande of Friday Filmworks, a science fiction writer in the realm of film production, firmly believes in leading with the narrative. “You start with the story because you believe in that story,” he asserted, dismissing hindsight analysis in a business where a film’s journey from conception to screen takes at least two years.

The panel then tackled the curious case of remakes. While Abhishek Pathak’s Drishyam 2 was a massive hit despite the Malayalam original being widely available on OTT, Vikram Vedha (a remake of a Tamil hit) stumbled. Pathak, who directed Drishyam 2, revealed his unwavering confidence: “I always had a feeling that it would do a 150 crore number, this film will surprise the audience.” His logic was that audiences are smarter than we give them credit for, and a strong brand, like Drishyam, transcends language and prior viewing. “People come to the theatre, they give us a formula,” he declared, suggesting that the “mystery to the presentation” and local flavour are key ingredients for a successful remake.

Red Chillies Entertainment’s Aashish Singh weighed in on Jawan’s phenomenal success, attributing it to meticulous planning. The film, directed by a renowned South Indian filmmaker, was conceived as a pan-Indian spectacle from the get-go. With Shah Rukh Khan’s unparalleled star power and a clever blend of North and South Indian talent, Jawan struck a chord across all tiers of Indian audiences. “It’s not about North and South, honestly. But, yes, we have to be conscious about our audience and what they like across the board,” Singh elaborated, highlighting the importance of tailoring content for a diverse national palate.

Pragati Deshmukh of Zee Studios echoed the sentiment, emphasising that for studios, the story’s relevance for the next few years, irrespective of language, is paramount. She revealed that Zee Studios is actively seeking out stories that would travel across languages, indicating a strategic shift towards pan-Indian narratives. The success of films like Gadar 2, which evoked sheer emotion across linguistic divides, underscores this trend.

The conversation then shifted to the nitty-gritty of film finance. Shailesh Kapoor noted the rise of re-releases, a desperate measure by exhibitors to fill empty screens as fewer films are being made. He revealed a staggering 60 per cent drop in the number of films releasing per year, from 45 to a mere 33-34. This “crisis of confidence” is pushing studios to greenlight only certain genres, primarily action. Re-releases, he believes, are a temporary fix and will fade once the release calendar becomes busy again.

Pragati Deshmukh offered insights into the studio’s risk-mitigation strategies. Beyond big-budget spectacles, studios are exploring innovative models for smaller films. She cited examples like securing partnerships with brands or even shooting two films simultaneously to offset costs. The perennial strength of sequels and franchises remains a constant in a volatile market.

Lastly, the discussion also touched upon the vexing issue of ticket pricing. While audiences are still willing to visit cinemas, the average ticket price of Rs 99-100 for new releases, making a night out prohibitively expensive for many, remains a significant hurdle. In contrast, re-releases often come at a much more palatable Rs 75-80.

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Boney Kapoor acquires remake rights of Tamil political satire Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil

Strong word-of-mouth turns Pongal satire into remake pick

Published

4 weeks ago

February 9, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: A Pongal release, a village satire and a theatre visit in Coimbatore have turned into Boney Kapoor’s latest acquisition. The producer has secured the remake rights to the Tamil political satire Thalaivar Thambi Thalaimaiyil (TTT), a film that has been enjoying a strong theatrical run powered by word-of-mouth and praise for its sharp, rooted writing.

Set in a rural milieu, the story follows a panchayat leader thrown into disarray when a wedding and a funeral land on the same day. What unfolds is a swirl of satire and humour that skewers local politics, power games, bruised egos and family tensions, all anchored in the textures of everyday village life.

Kapoor first encountered the film earlier this year while in Coimbatore for the Celebrity Cricket League. With time to spare, he caught a screening at a local theatre. That viewing proved decisive. According to sources, the narrative style, performances and the film’s balance of political commentary and comedy caught his attention.

Interest quickly turned into intent. Kapoor reached out to the producers soon after to explore a remake. Talks gathered pace over the following weeks and came to a head last Friday at the film’s success party in Chennai, where Kapoor joined the celebrations and continued negotiations with the makers.

By the end of the evening, the deal was sealed, with Kapoor formally acquiring the remake rights.

For an industry constantly mining regional cinema for the next crossover story, the move is telling. A small-town satire with local flavour has found a national backer. And if Kapoor’s instincts hold, a tale born in one village may soon echo far beyond it.

Hindi

Fans take centre stage as Zee Cine awards turns the spotlight around

Published

4 weeks ago

February 7, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: When the applause gets louder than the dialogue, you know the fans have taken over. That was the unmistakable mood as Zee formally announced the Zee Cine Awards 2026, flipping the script to celebrate not just cinema’s stars, but the people who cheer them on the loudest.

The 24th edition of the awards marks a fresh chapter in Zee’s long-standing relationship with Hindi cinema, anchored in its fan-first philosophy, Fantertainment. This year’s theme, ‘Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka’, reinforces a simple idea: cinema’s most powerful moments are shaped as much by audiences as by actors on screen. Presented by Maruti Suzuki, the awards aim to turn fandom into the main event.

The announcement, held in Mumbai, was anything but a routine press conference. Bollywood stars Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, composer Mithoon and singer Palak Muchhal joined fans to kick off the celebrations, turning the launch into a high-voltage, participative spectacle.

Staying true to the theme, fans didn’t just watch the announcement, they drove it. Akshay Kumar took the lead, pulling fellow stars on stage and energising the room, before the unveiling of a live LED Fan Meter. Powered purely by audience cheers, the rising meter culminated in the reveal of the Zee Cine Awards 2026 ground event date, announced in unison with fans, blurring the line between performer and spectator.

The momentum continued as Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa and Aparshakti Khurana recreated iconic hook steps, joined by Mithoon and Palak Muchhal for music-led interactions. Games, spontaneous performances and playful banter kept the focus firmly on shared moments, underscoring the evolving bond between cinema and its audience.

Beyond the launch, the awards will roll out as a multi-platform journey across television, digital, print and fan-led experiences. The aim is sustained engagement from the first announcement to awards night cementing fandom as a cultural force rather than a footnote.

Commenting on the milestone edition Zee head of advertisement revenue, broadcast & digital Laxmi Shetty said the 24th Zee Cine Awards continue to draw strength from the network’s omni-channel ecosystem, reflecting how audiences consume content today across TV, digital and social platforms. She noted that long-standing brand associations, including Maruti Suzuki’s three-year partnership and support from brands such as Hell Energy, underline the platform’s scale, trust and cultural relevance.

As Zee Cine Awards 2026 gathers pace, one thing is clear: this year, the loudest cheers won’t just echo in the auditorium, they’ll shape the show itself.

Hindi

Prime Video to stream Don’t Be Shy, produced by Alia Bhatt

Published

1 month ago

January 30, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: Prime Video has found its next feel-good original, and it comes with a healthy dose of heart, humour and youthful chaos. The streaming platform has announced Don’t Be Shy, a coming-of-age romantic comedy produced by Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt under their banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions.

Written and directed by Sreeti Mukerji, the film follows Shyamili ‘Shy’ Das, a 20-year-old who believes her life is neatly mapped out until it suddenly is not. What follows is a relatable tumble through friendship, love and the awkward art of growing up, when plans unravel and certainty gives way to self-discovery.

The project is co-produced by Grishma Shah and Vikesh Bhutani, with music composed by Ram Sampath, adding to the film’s promise of warmth and energy. Prime Video describes the story as light-hearted yet emotionally grounded, with a strong female-led narrative at its core.

Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the platform was delighted to collaborate with Eternal Sunshine on a story that blends sincerity with humour. He noted that the film’s fresh writing, earnest characters and infectious music make it an easy, engaging watch for audiences well beyond its young adult setting.

For Alia Bhatt, Don’t Be Shy reflects the kind of storytelling Eternal Sunshine set out to champion. She said the film stood out for its honesty, its coming-of-age perspective and Mukerji’s passion, which she felt was deeply woven into the narrative. Bhatt also praised Prime Video for supporting distinctive voices and bold creative choices.

With its breezy tone and familiar emotional beats, Don’t Be Shy aims to charm viewers whether they are rom-com regulars or simply in the mood for a warm, unpretentious story about life refusing to stick to the plan.