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Tag: Anil Kapoor

  • 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.

  • Hindi cinema stars light up Ficci Frames’ silver jubilee

    Hindi cinema stars light up Ficci Frames’ silver jubilee

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, silver jubilee! Ficci Frames, Asia’s leading media and entertainment conclave, is rolling out the red carpet for its 25th edition in Mumbai on 7–8 October 2025.

    The milestone gathering, themed “A silver jubilee of vision, voices & creativity”, will be inaugurated by minister of state for information & broadcasting L Murugan and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.

    Hindi cinema icons Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Smriti Irani and Ayushmann Khurrana will headline the two-day event, joining an impressive line-up of industry leaders including Aroon Purie, Sam Balsara, Sameer Nair, Ekta Kapoor, Siddharth Roy Kapur, and filmmakers Hansal Mehta, Shoojit Sircar and Kiran Rao.

    The conclave will host fireside chats, policy sessions and showcases, with global heavyweights such as Netflix’s Monika Shergill, Amazon Prime Video’s Gaurav Gandhi and Warner Bros Discovery’s Arjun Nohwar adding international clout.

    Adding a global spark, a Russian delegation led by Moskino and the Moscow export center will participate, opening new doors for co-productions and cultural partnerships.

    With states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Jharkhand pitching in through policy and showcase sessions, this silver jubilee promises not just glitz but game-changing ideas for the next chapter of India’s media and entertainment story.
     

  • Max Marketing marks 10 years of redefining film promotions in India

    Max Marketing marks 10 years of redefining film promotions in India

    MUMBAI: India loves a blockbuster but in the last decade, it wasn’t just films making waves, it was the campaigns behind them. This August, Max Marketing & Innovations, the brainchild of Varun Gupta, marked 10 years of rewriting the rules of film promotion in India, turning over 150 releases into cultural moments. From concerts that made characters come alive to billboards that became landmarks, Max’s decade-long playbook is a masterclass in spectacle. For Kabir Singh, they staged a live concert; for Satya Prem Ki Katha, they turned a white heart emoji into a trending symbol of love and acceptance. In Ayodhya, they even unfurled a 50-ft poster at Ram Ki Paidi, creating a historic fusion of cinema and sacred space.

    Actors and filmmakers have been unanimous in their applause. Ranveer Singh calls Max’s campaigns “spectacle-making,” Tabu says they’re “always fresh, always impactful,” while Vishal Bhardwaj insists that “promotion today is as much storytelling as the film itself and Max weaves that magic.” From Anil Kapoor to Sooraj Barjatya, Kabir Khan to JP Dutta, the chorus is the same: Max doesn’t just market films, it creates memories.

    Their portfolio reads like a greatest hits playlist: RRR, Animal, Article 370, Major, Padman, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Hanuman, all stamped with the agency’s flair for scale and innovation. Beyond splashy stunts, Max has championed inclusivity too, with campaigns like the “Common Man’s Campaign” that put films on autos, buses, and metro hoardings, ensuring cinema met audiences in their daily grind.

    Reflecting on the milestone, Gupta says: “From day one, our aim was to craft experiences, not campaigns. The next ten years are about pushing boundaries further, creating stories that outlast opening weekends.”

    As Max steps into its second decade, the stage is set for an even bigger act where cinema, technology, and culture collide. If the last 10 years proved anything, it’s this: when Max is in the picture, the marketing itself is part of the show.

  • Matrimony.com CFO Sushanth Pai resigns ; Rajesh Sawhney becomes additional director

    Matrimony.com CFO Sushanth Pai resigns ; Rajesh Sawhney becomes additional director

    MUMBAI: Online matchmaking company Matrimony.com informed the Bombay stock exchange that its CFO has decided to go in for a separation from the firm. Sushant Pai who held the position for the past six years handed in his resignation to its chairman & managing director Murugavel Janakiraman on 8 January.  He informed him that he was pursuing opportunities outside Matrimony.com.

    The company also announced the appointment of media veteran Rajesh Sawhney as an additional independent director of the company. Sawhney is the founder, CEO of the GSF Accelerator, an investor in early-stage startups across the country. Besides, he sits on the boards of Ixigo, and IndiaMart Intermesh Ltd. He was the founder  and chief operating officer of Times Internet, and the founder president of the Anil Ambani owned Reliance Entertainment.

    Meanwhile, Matrimony.com is also scheduled to unleash its new television commercial campaign starring film star Anil Kapoor from sometime this month. Kapoor was roped in as the company’s brand ambassador in late 2024. Four films focusing on its BrahminMatrimony, RajputMatrimony, AgarwalMatrimony, and KayasthaMatrimony are to be released in January. 

  • Why Abundantia’s Vikram Malhotra is looking to raise Rs 250 crore in 2025

    Why Abundantia’s Vikram Malhotra is looking to raise Rs 250 crore in 2025

    MUMBAI: It’s had an abundant share of hits. Now Abundantia Entertainment is gearing up to ramp up its slate further and is in the market to raise a nice little treasure chest of money to fund its future film and series projects. 

    Speaking to moneycontrol.com, its CEO Vikram Malhotra said that he was looking to raise Rs 200-250 crore in the first half of 2025, only one third of the investment of Rs 750 crore he has lined up for movies and series  for the company going forward.

    Abundantia has been behind some critically acclaimed  and commercially  successful films like Baby, Airlift, Toilet – Ek Prem Katha, Shakuntala Devi, Sherni, Chhorii, Jalsa, Ram Setu, Sukhee and Sarfira. Its series  Breathe which ran into three seasons and  Hush Hush which brought yesteryear super stars Juhi Chawla and Ayesha Jhulka onto streaming have got him hungry to do more. 

    “Out of the 23 titles in development actively at Abundantia right now, the next three years should see an output of 18 of them, starting with six releases in 2025,” he told Moneycontrol. “So far, we’ve had a tremendous five years in terms of creative and financial success and now the plan is to take it to the next level with the infusion of additional capital that allows us to exploit the opportunities that exist in the market.”

    Among the titles which are under developed or are on the production floor include: Amazon Prime Video’s Bhoomi Pednekar-starring Suresh Triveni-directed Daldal, the sequel to  the 2021 released Chhorii, and the Anil Kapoor-starring Suresh Triveni-directed Subedaar.  Many a talent have also been signed up by Abundantia, reveals Malhotra. Among them: Hansal Mehta (the director of the successful Scam series ) who is working on a multi season series, Gullak director Palash Vaswani who’s working on a film, Bhav Dhulia (the director behind Drishyam and Paan Singh Tomar)  who’s got a film project as well as Mayank Sharma (he directed Breathe’s three seasons) for a film. 

    Malhotra has been restructuring Abundantia and has built two verticals within it: psych for horror and paranormal stories and Filters for the young adult segment and is actively developing content under these.  

    A creative studio  called Opening Image has been launched with Suresh Triveni. The idea: focus on creating and developing differentiated content across mediums and aims at being an ecosystem for young writers and directors to flourish under Triveni’s guidance.

    This is not the first fund raise Malhotra’s attempting. He initially secured funding from Dalip Pathak’s Callista Capital and Ashok Wadhwa’s RW Media, who he later bought out. 

    Going by his track record (and despite the mixed response from movie goers that  the film industry has been receiving), Malhotra and his Abundantia should get the fund raise  through and  right – in the first take itself.

  • Eggfirst unveils ‘Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha’ campaign for Vasant Masala, featuring Anil Kapoor

    Eggfirst unveils ‘Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha’ campaign for Vasant Masala, featuring Anil Kapoor

    Mumbai: Vasant Masala announced Anil Kapoor as their brand ambassador with the new positioning: ‘Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha.’ This strategy reflects the brand’s commitment to celebrating genuine emotions of love and connection, woven into the fabric of family life and the cherished moments that define it.

    In this exciting new chapter, Vasant Masala aims to resonate with its audience by showcasing the beauty of familial bonds. To embody this heartfelt narrative, Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor are appearing together on screen for the first time in a TVC. Their dynamic relationship perfectly illustrates Vasant Masala’s message: love is not just a feeling; it’s an experience that brings us closer.

    Chandrakant Bhandari, Managing Director of Vasant Masala, said, “For decades, delivering purity to Indian households has been the cornerstone of Vasant Masala. With ‘Pyaar Toh Hona Hi Tha,’ we are not only enriching this foundation but also strengthening the bond that goes beyond taste to touch the heart. Anil Kapoor’s association perfectly blends tradition, modernity, and universal appeal, resonating across generations. This campaign celebrates our legacy while reaching a wider audience, bringing Vasant Masala into more homes and fueling our growth for years to come.”

    Anil Kapoor expressed his enthusiasm stating, “I am thrilled to be part of this new chapter in Vasant Masala’s journey. This brand is known for its uncompromising quality and I have complete faith in its commitment to delivering the best. This story is about more than just promoting a product; it’s a celebration of love, family, and the bonds we hold dear. What’s more, this is the first time I am sharing the screen with my brother Sanjay, which makes this even more exciting for me. I can’t wait to see how this heartfelt campaign connects with people.”

    “Crafting communication that bridges the gap between business and creativity has always been our goal,” said Eggfirst founder Ravikant Banka. “By selecting Anil Kapoor, alongside his real-life brother Sanjay, we elevate our storytelling and connect deeply with our audience, ensuring that the brand resonates meaningfully.”

  • Johnson’s Baby launches second edition of ‘Protection Pehle Din Se

    Johnson’s Baby launches second edition of ‘Protection Pehle Din Se

    Mumbai – Johnson’s baby launches its latest television campaign titled ‘Irresistible Cheeks’ under the broader campaign ‘Protection Pehle Din Se’*. Featuring Bollywood’s father daughter duo Anil and Sonam Kapoor, the film highlights Johnson’s promise to protect from day 1 with its iconic moisturising cream designed with purposeful ingredients and tested by doctors.

    Conceptualised by DDB and produced by Flirting Vision, the new film captures a fun acting face-off between Anil Kapoor, playing the role of a doting grandfather, and a baby. A film told from a baby’s perspective shows Anil pulling the baby’s soft cheeks. What follows is a fun banter between Anil and his reel grandson, as the baby resists and puts up an act every time his cheeks are pulled.

    Sonam Kapoor steps in revealing the secret to the baby’s soft and smooth skin—Johnson’s baby cream. Enriched with chamomile extracts and naturally derived glycerin, Johnson’s baby provides long lasting protection from dryness from day 1.

    Commenting on the new film, business unit head-essential health & vice president marketing Manoj Gadgil said, “Johnson’s® baby has partnered with parents to provide the best for babies. A newborn’s skin is 30% thinner compared to adults and loses moisture faster. As a brand which has a deep understanding of baby skin science, our latest campaign ‘Protection Pehle Din Se’* highlights the importance of moisturizing baby’s delicate skin from Day 1 and superiority of our products to protect baby’s skin against dryness to retain its softness.

    Then, how can you not pull those irresistible cheeks.”

    Flirting Vision director Benny Malik said, “Having directed many Johnson’s Baby campaigns, shooting with a baby in front of a camera is always full of surprises. One never knows when we get the right shot, but I have no issues in becoming a friend or a clown to bring the best expressions from the baby! And the magic happens, like always.”

    The TVC is set to air on television channels nationwide in 9 languages, as well as on digital platforms and multimedia channels.

  • JioCinema Premium unveils an exciting line-up for July!

    JioCinema Premium unveils an exciting line-up for July!

    Mumbai: JioCinema Premium has announced its diverse content lineup for July. The platform’s upcoming releases cover a wide range of genres, offering diverse content ranging from popular global movies, to originals, unscripted reality, and kid’s entertainment. Here’s what’s in store for the viewers this month:  

    Riteish Deshmukh’s debut series, PILL will be the headlining original, premiering 12 July. Produced by Ronnie Screwala’s RSVP Movies and created by Raj Kumar Gupta, the series unravels the inner workings of the pharmaceutical industry. The month gets more exciting with the release of the globally loved film, Kung Fu Panda 4, which will be available in 3 local languages, namely, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, alongside English starting 15 July.

    Following a blockbuster launch, Bigg Boss OTT 3 continues to rule the charts with non-stop drama. The third season, hosted by megastar Anil Kapoor, premieres every day at 9pm. The fans are in for a double treat with the 5th season of Bigg Boss Marathi, which is set to premiere soon. In addition to the 24-hour live channel, the platform will also offer a host of interactivities for the viewers. Riteish Deshmukh takes on as the host this season, promising to elevate the entertainment quotient.

    Additionally, two Telugu action-drama films, Gangs of Godavari, starring Vishwak Sen, Neha Shetty, and Anjali, and Harom Hara, starring Sudheer Babu, Malvika Sharma, amongst others, will exclusively be available in Hindi on the platform.

    With its endeavour to provide wholesome entertainment for kids and family, JioCinema Premium will premiere new episodes of Chikoo aur Bunty, Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family, and Taffy this month. The robust line-up will also include shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi, Khoobsurat, Primetime with Murthy’s and Mishri.  

     

  • JioCinema Premium unveils the theme of Bigg Boss OTT 3, ‘Ab Sab Badlega’ in its new promo!

    JioCinema Premium unveils the theme of Bigg Boss OTT 3, ‘Ab Sab Badlega’ in its new promo!

    Mumbai: Following the announcement of the iconic Anil Kapoor taking over as the host of India’s biggest digital reality phenomenon, Bigg Boss OTT 3, JioCinema Premium has now unveiled an enthralling promo featuring the megastar. Premiering 21st June, Bigg Boss OTT 3, co-presented by Too Yumm!, Siggnature Finest Silver Elaichi; Co-powered by Oppo and Sofy; with beauty partner Lotus; Sanitaryware Partner Cera; promises to be a rollercoaster of non-stop and unfiltered entertainment.

    The promo showcases Anil Kapoor narrating his life journey, reflecting on how everyone said, “Kya hi baaki hai AK?”, to which he responds, “Abhi to bas shuru kia hai,” as he takes over as the host of Bigg Boss OTT 3. The promo further sets the tone for the most exciting season ever as he drops hints on what’s in store for the contestants in the show. Season 3 brings in the theme of Ab Sab Badlega, with a captivating message: Thoda Logic, Thoda Magic.  

    Mark your calendars! Bigg Boss OTT 3 premieres exclusively on JioCinema Premium from 21st June, 9 PM!

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  • JioCinema to premiere Bigg Boss OTT on 21 June with Anil Kapoor as host

    JioCinema to premiere Bigg Boss OTT on 21 June with Anil Kapoor as host

    Mumbai: Get ready for the ultimate entertainment experience as JioCinema Premium is all set to premiere the third season of India’s biggest digital reality phenomenon, Bigg Boss OTT, starting from 21 June. After teasing fans with hints about the host, the platform also made it official in a collaborative post on their Instagram handle: the Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor will be leading the show.

    In their announcement, they said?“Presenting ‘Anil Kapoor’ as the new host for Bigg Boss OTT 3!!! ?

    From reigning on the big screen to now ruling the Bigg Boss house, Anil Kapoor is kuch extra khaas! Witness his magic in #BiggBossOTT3 starting 21 June, exclusively on JioCinema Premium.”

    Commenting on being the host of Bigg Boss OTT, Kapoor said, “Bigg Boss OTT and I are a dream team! We’re both young at heart; people often say – jokingly – that I’m reverse ageing, but Bigg Boss is – seriously- timeless. It feels a bit like going back to school, trying something new and exciting. Having said that, I’ve always approached all my projects with sincerity and a commitment to hard work and I’m going to bring that same energy (times 10!) to Bigg Boss! Unscripted reality has something for everyone – laughter, drama, and surprising twists, and I can’t wait to bring my own flavour to it!