MUMBAI: Move over monologues, Duologue is back, and this time, it’s passing the spotlight to women ready to take the big leap. TV9 Network has launched ‘Duologue NXT’, presented by Radico Khaitan, as the newest chapter of its acclaimed ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ series, now in its fourth season.
Hosted by TV9 Network, md & ceo, Barun Das, ‘Duologue NXT’ blends the intimacy of a podcast with the power of a movement. It puts future-forward women achievers centre stage, showcasing their grit, ambition, and next big goals. From enterprise and aviation to global cinema, fashion, and glamour, the line-up promises conversations that go beyond clichés and cut through the noise.
“This is more than dialogue; it’s a movement championing women-led development,” said Das. “By amplifying their voices, we hope to inspire not only women but also men to break barriers and aim higher.”
Radico Khaitan, continuing its three-year association with ‘Duologue’, echoed the sentiment. Coo Amar Sinha said, “True progress stems from inclusivity. Our partnership with Duologue NXT reflects our commitment to celebrating women achievers and fuelling India’s women-led growth story.”
With its pledge to focus on substance over tokenism, the show explores the idea that “what got you here won’t get you there.” Each conversation is designed to inspire audiences across generations with strategies, stories, and success paths for the future.
For ‘Duologue,’ which has already hosted luminaries like David Cameron, Oliver Kahn, NR Narayana Murthy, and Allu Arjun, this new season is a bold leap in itself, proof that the Sheconomy isn’t just a buzzword but a movement in motion.
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.
MUMBAI: After smashing box office records with over Rs 1,800 crore in global earnings, Pushpa 2: The Rule is ready to rule the airwaves. The Allu Arjun starrer makes its grand television debut on JioStar network on 13 and 14 April, airing across Star Maa, Asianet, Colors Kannada and Star Vijay.
To build up to the mega premiere, JioStar has unleashed The Pushpa 2 Experience—a full-throttle promotional blitz designed to grip audiences until 13 April. Expect an avalanche of behind-the-scenes action, star-studded chats and interactive fan-frenzy events. Plus, a weeklong marathon of Allu Arjun’s greatest hits to keep the adrenaline pumping.
“We are committed to delivering the biggest and best entertainment experiences to our audiences and look forward to bringing the excitement of Pushpa 2: The Rule to our viewers’ living rooms. The television premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule is more than just an event—it’s a nationwide celebration of a film that has redefined Indian cinema. Our extensive promotional campaign is an opportunity for viewers to not only watch the film but truly immerse themselves in the world of Pushpa,” said JioStar cluster head entertainment (south) Krishnan Kutty.
JioStar is pulling out all stops. Prime-time favourites like Kiraak Boys Khiladi Girls, Aadivaaram with Star Maa Parivaaram, Maja Talkies and Star Singer will be infused with Pushpa 2 special segments, ensuring the film’s fever grips living rooms across the country.
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Pushpa 2: The Rule has redefined Indian cinema with its scale, swagger and sheer box office muscle. Now, it’s coming home—bigger, bolder and louder than ever.
Brace for the ultimate TV spectacle. Tune in to JioStar network and witness Pushpa 2 in all its glory.
MUMBAI: What drives a fan to worship their cinematic idols with the fervor of a devotee? Is it the larger-than-life stories, the charisma of the stars, or something deeper – a bond that transcends the screen? For South Indian cinema lovers, it’s all of this and more. Come 7 December 2024, DocuBay, the global documentary streaming platform from IN10 Media Network, invites you on an exhilarating journey with Fanatics – a stirring original feature that peels back the curtain on the extraordinary world of South Indian film devotion.
From Tollywood to Sandalwood, this documentary delves into the heartfelt, and sometimes overwhelming, passion of fans who turn theaters into temples and actors into deities. Fanatics isn’t just a film; it’s a celebration of an emotion that millions live and breathe – a spectacle that promises to move, inspire, and leave you in awe. Mark your calendars, because this is one cinematic story you won’t want to miss.
Through in-depth storytelling, Fanatics journeys into the cultural heartlands of south India to showcase the acts of devotion and reverence that redefine fandom. From building temples in honour of their idols to life-altering sacrifices, the documentary portrays not only the admiration fans hold but also the darker consequences of such passion. Beginning with Tamil actor-politician MG Ramachandran’s era, the film traces the evolution of fan culture to the present day, including figures like Rajinikanth and Allu Arjun.
The documentary features candid interviews with Indian cinema icons such as Allu Arjun, Kichcha Sudeep, and Vijay Sethupathi, highlighting their perspectives on fan loyalty and the influence it wields on society. The film also examines the risks of fanaticism, including violent rivalries between fan groups.
Arjun reflects in the documentary, “Cinema has become a very strong, integral part of the culture—it’s no longer just a source of entertainment. Stars are highly idolised in the South, more than anywhere else I have seen in the world. Many fans do wonderful charity work, and that is great energy being put to the right cause.”
Sudeep shares his perspective, saying, “When I see people building temples for me or getting tattoos, it honestly scares me because I am a man of flaws. Over time, you begin to understand the purity of their emotions and the immense love they have for you. It teaches you responsibility and makes you a better human.”
IN10 Media Network, managing director, Aditya Pittie expressed the vision behind Fanatics, “At DocuBay, our mission is to curate and deliver intriguing narratives that resonate with global audiences. With Fanatics, we aim to provide an in-depth look at the unparalleled devotion of South Indian cinema fans. This first-of-its-kind documentary reflects our commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling that drives engagement worldwide.”
Fanatics delves into the symbiotic relationship between fan loyalty and the business of cinema, highlighting how this devotion directly influences the box-office success of south Indian films. By presenting stories of fans piercing their tongues, tattooing their bodies, and dedicating their lives to their idols, the documentary balances the awe-inspiring and cautionary tales of fandom.
Produced by Studio 9, Fanatics offers an unfiltered view into the world of extraordinary devotion. The documentary premiered exclusively on DocuBay on 7 December 2024.
Mumbai: The highly anticipated second episode of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 2 made its connected TV premiere on News9 Live, India’s premier 24×7 digital English CTV news stream, at 9 pm on 18 May 2024. Episode one showcases a dynamic conversation between TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das and the iconic Indian actor, Allu Arjun.
In an inimitable exchange, Das and Arjun delved into the evolution of Indian cinema and the actor’s pioneering contributions to the industry. Arjun, renowned for his versatility and dedication to his craft, opined on the status quo in Indian cinema, sharing valuable insights on the changing landscape of Bollywood and the global influence of non-English films like Korean cinema.
Reflecting on his own cinematic journey, Arjun discussed his passion for exploring diverse roles and experimenting with different genres. “Bollywood is undergoing a renaissance, and I want to be at the forefront of this transformation,” he declared. Arjun’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks have earned him widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as one of India’s most bankable stars.
Regarding his personal growth journey, Arjun emphasized the learnings received from the works of renowned experts, including Dr. Deepak Chopra, whom Arjun claimed to be a big believer of, and who also appears as a guest in the second season of Duologue with Barun Das.
Elaborating on his optimism about the future of Indian cinema, Arjun shared his enthusiasm for the multi-genre format, emphasizing the importance of embracing new storytelling formats and pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. Clarifying the USP of Indian cinema as one that blurs the lines between genres, creating a seamless blend of action, romance, comedy, and drama, he said, “I want to bridge the gap between Bollywood and global cinema, creating a unique cinematic experience that resonates with audiences worldwide”.
Regarding the role of AI in the entertainment industry, Arjun welcomes technological advancements as tools for innovation and creativity, stating, “If there’s something new coming, I’ll be the first person to embrace it because it is inevitable. It is going to change. Let us accept the change with open arms.”
The conversation offered viewers a rare glimpse into the future of Indian cinema and the visionary approach of one of its brightest stars. Marking the start of the CTV premiere of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ season two, the episode will be followed next week with one featuring footballing great Oliver Kahn, on Saturday, the 25 May, with further episodes to release every Saturday at 9 pm, on News9 Live.
Mumbai: redBus has launched its first digital-first brand campaign, with its brand ambassador Allu Arjun, ahead of the festive season. The brand aims to present itself at the heart of intercity bus travel, amid the upcoming festive occasions and holidays.
As part of the campaign, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform has rolled out two ad-films with Allu in the lead and delivering the message of bringing your loved ones and dreams closer with redBus.
redBus undertook extensive research across 15 cities by reaching out to hundreds of people from different walks of life to identify the emotional and cultural anchors that it needed to create the theme for the campaign.
Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, the brand has unveiled two 45-second and 30-second ad films. The films depict slice-of-life situations like a logistics manager at a storage facility or a mother-daughter duo running a small eatery.
The first film depicts a helpless father who misses out on the joys of being a part of his infant child’s formative months. As he dreads the prospect of chasing a bus to get home, even to see his child take the first steps, a red bus arrives on the scene and pulls up to drop off a very special passenger. The father is awestruck as Allu Arjun alights from the bus and treads a red carpet towards him with a swagger befitting the actor. Allu comforts the anguished father in a breeze with his cinematic charisma, as he speaks of the benefits of booking a bus ticket on redBus, which could help improve the time the man spends with his family.
In a similar construct, the second film comprises a mother-daughter duo managing a small eatery. The hardworking daughter is also very talented, making her mother proud, who now wishes to see her enrol at a college in the city for higher studies. The daughter is apprehensive as her mother would have to manage the weekend rush at the eatery all alone while she spends valuable time in queues to obtain a bus ticket for the trip. The same red bus arrives here too, with the swashbuckling Allu Arjun strolling up to the two to defuse their tension by asserting a list of benefits that come along with booking a bus ticket on redBus. Allu finishes both the films with a powerful tone, exclaiming—”redBus: Apno ko, sapno ko, kareeb laye.”
The narrative of the films thus implies redBus’ strong bond with its customers by being culturally relevant to ‘Bharat’ as well as having a strong connection with individual emotions and aspirations through extremely relatable storytelling.
Mumbai: KFC India has launched a new campaign featuring Allu Arjun and Colonel Sanders on Monday. The campaign is executed by Ogilvy and the ad film for the campaign is produced by First Frame Entertainment.
Having struggled with finding the ‘right spice’, in KFC’s new film, Arjun is seen defiantly declaring, “Apun ko aansu acha nahi lagta hai, na emotion wala, na mirchi wala.”
The film opens with Allu Arjun, in his suave demeanour at a KFC restaurant, in a drool-worthy close of him biting into the new KFC Peri Peri Chicken, as we are treated to a glimpse of that Peri Peri flavouring over a piece of perfectly crispy chicken. He continues to enjoy that discerning bite when he declares, in his signature style, “Apun ko aansu acha nahi lagta hai, na emotion wala, na mirchi wala.”
We feel the tension rising as he asks for the Colonel. It’s nothing less than an edge of the seat thriller as a perplexed Colonel walks up to him, eagerly awaiting Allu Arjun’s verdict on the product. “Spice…” says Allu Arjun, followed by a dramatic pause, only to declare “Correct hai boss!” Celebrations ensue as Allu Arjun assures that KFC Peri Peri is “soooper very very” and the Colonel joins in imitating Allu Arjun’s signature Pushpa step.
On bringing together 2 OG stars – the Colonel and Allu – for the biggest launch of the season, a KFC India spokesperson said, “We Indians have an innate knack for all things spice. And when the spice is such that it makes you tear up or leaves you underwhelmed, it is disappointing. So, who better than KFC, along with the superstar himself, Allu Arjun, to present a product with just the right spice? Our latest launch, Peri Peri Chicken, has all the makings of a blockbuster-it’s crispy, crunchy, with a dash of spice! With Colonel Sanders and Allu Arjun turning up the heat, this latest KFC film is nothing but soooper very very!”
Talking about the film, Ogilvy chief creative officer north Ritu Sharda said, “Peri Peri, as a flavour, is already a hit. But when we tasted KFC’s Peri Peri, we realised it was something extra special. We were confident people were going to find this bigger than a hit; it was going to be a superhit. And who better to get a nod of approval on anything super hit than Allu Arjun? So, we turned the tasting session into a dramatic ad, with all the bells and whistles, and ended it with our Colonel Sanders finishing off with Allu’s signature move.”
Talking about his latest KFC film, Allu Arjun said, “It was great collaborating on KFC’s Peri Peri campaign. Coming together with the OG Colonel Sanders for their new irresistible peri-peri sprinkle has been a lovely experience altogether. All I can say is, “Chicken Peri Peri, soooper very very!”
Mumbai: Homegrown bike taxi app Rapido has announced its first celebrity campaign ‘Smart ho, toh Rapido,’ featuring Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and South superstar Allu Arjun.
The brand’s strategic objective behind the campaign is to portray itself as a customer-centric brand and educate people about its key offerings and USPs. This is the first time the company has roped in film superstars to spread awareness about its services, intending to strengthen its presence in the market.
The two films- one for Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) and the other for Non-HSM markets, are directed by Sizil Srivastava (HSM) &Trivikram Srinivas (Non-HSM) respectively while being produced by Dream Vault Media. Going live from Friday, the six-week campaign will air on OOH, radio, TV, and digital platforms pan India, focusing on 14 cities.
Commenting on the announcement, Rapido head of marketing Amit Verma said, “We are delighted to introduce our first celebrity campaign with Ranveer Singh and Allu Arjun. Both these brilliant actors will help us seed the idea of using Rapido as an alternative yet regular medium of travel among the masses, ushering in an era of affordable and convenient daily commute.”
As a part of the ad campaign, Ranveer Singh and Allu Arjun will entertain their fans by enacting the roles of Babban and Guru, both street-smart characters who will guide the daily commuters fed up with the hassles of traveling via crowded buses/autos to opt for a smart option like Rapido. The campaign aims to showcase that the bike taxis offered by Rapido can swiftly cut through the traffic to offer timely, convenient, and pocket-friendly rides.
Speaking on the campaign, Ranveer Singh said, “I am glad to be associated with Rapido. I really enjoyed collaborating on our first campaign together. It was a delightful experience shooting for this ad film, playing a peculiar character (Babban) who has a unique and original style and persona. Rapido is all set to make waves and I’m happy to contribute my bit in what I’m sure will be a successful endeavor.”
“I like to consider myself as a person who knows how to tackle a situation with the best possible solution. That’s why I was excited when Rapido approached me for the role of Guru, which resembles me. What Rapido is doing is quite exceptional and I’m happy to be a part of this campaign, which will help them scale their market presence to new heights,” added Allu Arjun.
The company also revealed that its commitment to the hyperlocal delivery sector has allowed the app to recover its overall revenue by 85 per cent compared to pre-Covid levels. Post acquiring $52 million funding in August, the company is all set to scale its business operations, including expanding its auto fleet to five lakh by the end of 2021, it further disclosed.
MUMBAI: Filling this weekend with patriotism, action and drama, Zee Telugu is here with a world television premiere movie of a young man discovering himself while finding the right balance between serving his country and overcoming the hurdles thrown at him due to the power struggles in place. Tune-in to watch the Super hit Telugu movie Naa Peru Surya starring Allu Arjun (Surya) on October 21st at 5:30 PM only on Zee Telugu and Zee Telugu HD.
Naa Peru Surya is a story of a soldier (Surya) whose dream is to fight at the border and spread peace in the country. But the bullhead army man’s short temper creates a hindrance to his dream of serving the country. Due to his anger issues, he almost loses his job but is considered to be given another chance if he gets a ‘no objection certificate’ from a famed psychologist Dr. Rama Krishnan Raju (Arjun). The well-known psychologist happens to be his estranged father with whom he shared a troubled past. The movie further portrays the 21 days of session that the father and son undergo, to suppress the soldier’s natural instincts by masking his inner personality.
Marking the debut of writer Vakkantam Vamsi as the director, the progression of the movie beautifully captures the challenges thrown by a father to his son to make him control his anger and work towards his dream.
MUMBAI: Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, which opened to packed stadiums through its first leg in Mumbai, has now set its sight on the south. In a move to captivate the southern market, it has roped in Telugu cinema’s reigning star Allu Arjun as its brand ambassador in the two Telugu states namely Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
The actor, who has won multiple awards for his work, will promote the sport and the league for the millions of Kabaddi enthusiasts in the Telugu speaking states. The Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad will host the eight city franchise league from 4-7 August 2015.
Talking about the development, Star Sports head Nitin Kukreja said, “At Star, we are committed to reinvent the great Indian sport of Kabaddi and set it in today’s context. The task is to make the game relevant and aspirational for the millions of young and passionate fans across India. Allu Arjun is an actor par excellence and a youth icon with following that cuts across all sections of the society. We believe he is the apt ambassador of the sport in this geography and are confident that this association will further the sport of Kabaddi in the region.”
This season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi has created a place of pride for the National Anthem. Every day during the league, eminent personalities, local musicians and bands sing the anthem in a manner that captures the essence of the entire country. One of India’s biggest superstar, Amitabh Bachchan sang the National Anthem on 18 July followed by Sunidhi Chauhan on the second day in Mumbai and Saurav Ganguly on the opening day in Kolkata. Arjun will be performing the National Anthem on Day 1 when Hyderabad hosts its first ever Kabaddi game on 4 August.
Speaking on the occasion, Arjun said, “Kabaddi is a true Indian sport and Star Sports Pro Kabaddi has helped the game gain its due recognition in the country. I am truly honoured and proud to be singing the National Anthem at the start of the Hyderabad leg of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi. Being a physical fitness enthusiast, I am excited to associate with the league and will help promote the great Indian sport across the region.”
Star Sports Pro Kabaddi is being broadcast in five languages- Kannada, Telugu and Marathi along with English and Hindi, across eight channels of the Star network as well as on Hotstar. The league is currently on air in Telugu on Maa Movies.
MAA TV chairman N Prasad said, “Season one of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi successfully established Kabaddi in the mainstream, breaking it out of its hinterland niche and transforming it into a sport enjoyed just as much by an urban audience. We are happy to partner with Star Sports to broaden Kabaddi’s appeal even further by taking it closer to fans in Telugu States. We believe Kabaddi, being an aspirational contact sport, has a lot of potential and is set to become very popular.”
The Indian game of Kabaddi is also being telecast to a huge global audience in over 100 countries, including viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, Middle East and Latin America. It also has commentary from the field of play, a never seen before phenomena in Indian sports, actively engaging their role on camera.
