Tag: Anupama Chopra

From reel to real change as IMDb maps 25 years of indian cinema

MUMBAI: Lights, camera, reflection! As IMDb turned the spotlight on 25 Years of Indian Cinema (2000–2025), a new script of change unfolded, one where superstardom is shared, stories are decentralised, and the audience now holds the director’s chair.

In a spirited roundtable hosted by Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India, industry stalwarts Siddharth Roy Kapur, Kiran Rao, Sameer Nair and Raj Nidimoru dissected the shifting contours of India’s cinematic universe. The conversation, anchored in IMDb’s landmark report, delved deep into how streaming, social media, and audience evolution have rewritten Bollywood’s rulebook.

“Stardom has been democratized,” said Siddharth Roy Kapur, noting how the halo once reserved for a handful of megastars has now spread across platforms and personalities. Rao agreed, adding that today’s fascination lies less with the cult of celebrity and more with the craft itself. “It’s stopped being all cult of personality. There are so many more artists now that people are interested to watch,” she said, highlighting how Youtubers, comics, and digital creators now rival traditional film stars in influence.

Raj Nidimoru pointed out the industry’s long-standing blind spot, the lack of sustained investment in building women’s stardom. “The hero is treated like a franchise,” he said, “but the same pipeline doesn’t exist for actresses. You can’t expect overnight success for female-led films when you haven’t built that equity over time.” His words struck a chord, echoing an industry still learning to give its heroines equal narrative and commercial weight.

The conversation turned south quite literally as Kapur acknowledged the audacious ambition of regional cinema. “There’s something to be said for the ambition of South films,” he remarked, attributing their boldness partly to the less corporatised funding ecosystem. “They go all in. That chaos fuels creativity.”

Nidimoru added a telling anecdote from his Stree shoot in Chanderi: “The cook was watching a dubbed Telugu film that’s all they watched.” For him, the distinction between North and South cinema no longer holds. “It’s one Indian film industry now,” he said.

Sameer Nair proposed a compelling concept CSR for creativity. “The industry needs its own form of CSR Creative Social Responsibility,” he said, urging filmmakers to balance profit with purpose. “For all the commercial stuff we aspire to, we must ensure creativity is preserved and shared almost like saving the knowledge of the race.”

As the discussion drew to a close, it was clear that Indian cinema’s next 25 years won’t just be about bigger budgets or bolder scripts but about inclusion, integrity, and imagination.

After all, the story of Indian cinema has never been just about stars on screen. It’s about who gets to shine next.

Watch the full discussion here

November 4, 2025
Prime Video releases O Womaniya! Report 2024, highlights gender gaps

MUMBAI: In an era where superheroes fly across screens and futuristic worlds captivate our imagination, one battle remains stubbornly grounded in reality: the gender gap. Despite women making strides into traditionally male-dominated spaces, their presence is still a drop in the ocean of overwhelming disparity.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the entertainment sector-a realm that thrives on stories yet often silences half its storytellers.

The fourth edition of O Womaniya! 2024 report, released by Prime Video in collaboration with Ormax Media and Film Companion Studios, pulls back the curtain on gender representation across 169 Indian films and series in nine languages.

Streaming platforms may lead the way, but the industry’s persistent imbalance reminds us that while screens evolve, some stigmas refuse to fade.

The report introduced a unique Gender Equality Toolkit to help filmmakers evaluate female representation in their projects at the content inception stage. This toolkit analyses films and series through four critical parameters to ensure women’s agency and active participation in storytelling.

Key findings showed that only 31 per cent of the analysed titles passed the Gender Equality Toolkit test, with streaming series performing better, at 45 per cent. Additionally, the data revealed that female-led commissioning significantly improved representation, with 48 per cent of such titles passing the test. Meanwhile, traditional gender evaluation using the Bechdel Test revealed nearly half of the titles still failed to meet its benchmark.

Among creative roles, only 15 per cent of head-of-department (HOD) positions in direction, cinematography, editing, writing, and production design were held by women. Streaming content contributed the most, with over 20 per cent female HODs. Editing emerged as the most female-represented department, particularly in streaming projects.

In marketing, women occupied only 29 per cent of trailer talk time, reflecting incremental progress over the past two years. Streaming platforms showed higher female representation in promotional trailers. Prominent series and films such as Made in Heaven Season 2, Sweet Kaaram Coffee, and Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo featured notable female-centric narratives and voices.

Corporate leadership saw a slight decline, with only 12 per cent of CXO or director roles at leading media and entertainment firms held by women.

“At Prime Video, we firmly believe that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is not just good to have — it is essential to driving meaningful change. We have worked intentionally and persistently to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable ecosystem, creating more opportunities for women, both in production and within our organisation. In a collaborative industry such as ours, the true impact of DEI can only be realised when it is embraced across the board, with each of us committing to fostering an environment where women are seen, heard, and truly valued,” said Prime Video, India, director & head of production, international originals, Stuti Ramachandra. “O Womaniya! exemplifies the power of collaboration in addressing female representation in the industry. This latest edition of the report calls on all of us to accelerate these transformative efforts—not merely taking small steps, but making bold strides toward a world where opportunities and growth are defined by capability and talent, not gender.”

Ormax Media founder & CEO, Shailesh Kapoor underscored the toolkit’s value, adding, “With every edition of O Womaniya!, we have looked at expanding the scope of the report. In this year’s edition, the introduction of the Gender Equality Toolkit offers a nuanced perspective on representation of women in entertainment. The toolkit is designed to be action-oriented, and can help creators and producers evaluate new ideas at their end, from an inclusivity perspective.”

Film critic and producer Anupama Chopra reflected on the industry’s progress and challenges: “The entertainment industry is under greater scrutiny than ever before. With every step forward and every gap left uncovered, stakeholders are reflecting on how they can drive meaningful change. Every action and conversation around gender inclusivity matters and with the O Womaniya! Report and the newly launched Toolkit, we are moving closer to creating an equitable industry. I am deeply grateful to Prime Video and Ormax Media for their partnership in this groundbreaking initiative.”

As the entertainment industry faces increasing scrutiny, initiatives like the O Womaniya! report continue to push for transformative change, ensuring talent and opportunities are defined by merit, not gender.

Access the full report at www.owomaniya.org.

December 17, 2024
The matter of high ticket & F&B pricing in cinema halls

MUMBAI: Film maker Karan Johar’s plaint that high ticket and F&B prices are what are keeping cinema-goers away from theatres has been seriously objected to by the Multiplex Association of India (MAI) which has issued a clarification.

It may be recalled that Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar and other directors had sat down and done a free-wheeling conversation with the debut podcast of The Hollywood Reporter India editor Anupama Chopra, the video of which was released earlier this week. During the course of the chit-chat, Johar had mentioned that a single visit to the cinema would set back a family by about Rs 10,000; hence the visits have fallen, films are failing and the box office is getting affected.

MAI president Kamal Gianchandani has issued a note in which he has stated that the issue of ticket pricing and F&B needs to be viewed in a “more balanced manner.”

According to Gianchandani, the average ticket price (ATP) in 2023 across all theatres in India was Rs 130 per ticket. “The country’s largest cinema chain, PVRInox, reported an ATP of Rs 258 for the fiscal year 2023-24. Additionally, the Average spend per head (SPH) on F&B at PVRIox during this period stood at Rs 132. This brings the total average expenditure for a family of four to Rs 1,560 —significantly different from the Rs 10,000 figure carried in the media reports,” he explained.

Gianchandani further pointed out that cinema pricing is dynamic and flexible and fluctuates based on factors like location, day of the week, seat type, film format, and cinema format. “Exhibitors utilise sophisticated digital tools to stimulate audience demand and optimize pricing, frequently offering discounts and promotions that make cinema outings more affordable, not just during off-peak times but even on popular days. Many of these initiatives can lower the overall cost of a cinema visit by more than 50 per cent providing families and moviegoers with affordable options. All pricing structures are clearly listed both at cinemas and online, ensuring transparency and choice for customers,” he elucidated.

“More than anything else, it’s a well-recognised fact that the demand for a film is largely driven by its content and appeal, rather than by pricing alone. Any evaluation of pricing in the cinema industry must account for the broader economics of the movie business, which involves multiple stakeholders, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors. Each of these players contributes to the final cost to consumers, with prices ultimately shaped by the market forces of demand and supply. If lowering prices could optimize revenue for everyone involved, cinema operators would naturally make those adjustments without needing to be told. “

“Additionally, unavoidable factors such as inflation play a role, and India has historically experienced high inflation rates. Nevertheless, cinema exhibitors continuously experiment with pricing models, collecting customer feedback and leveraging data analytics to refine their strategies,” he spelt out. “This ensures that the current pricing is both competitive and fair in the context of today’s market.”

Gianchandani concluded the note whilst saying: “At the heart of it all, our industry remains committed to delivering a diverse, high-quality, and accessible entertainment experience for all moviegoers. We believe it’s crucial to consider the full picture before drawing conclusions about pricing, as it’s a complex issue involving many moving parts. The goal remains the same: to provide audiences with the best possible experience at a fair value.”

September 25, 2024
Quo Vadis Anupama Chopra, Film Companion?

Mumbai: The film publication biz is rife with rumours – about the stars and directors – normally. Now it is the journos who write about the stars who are being gossiped about. Take the case of Anumpama Chopra – the founder of the evocative Film Companion (FC). The goss has been running riot that Chopra – a former India Today journo who set up the website and the wife of ace director Vidhu Vinod Chopra – is shutting down FC, which by the way has been putting up a healthy financial performance.

Then why bring down the shutters on FC?

Coz, Film Companion is giving way to US entertainment publication The Hollywood Reporter, with Chopra likely to helm the Indian edition, goes the strong canards. Chopra will apparently pocket a healthy trove of cash for exiting FC.

The Hollywood Reporter is part of the Penske Media Corp which also boasts other titles such as Variety, Deadline Hollywood, Rolling Stone, Billboard etc. BollywoodLife is amongst its other flagship Indian titles, boasting more than 20 million unique visitors.

No executive from Penske Media Corp which is owned by Jay Penske was available for comment or confirmation. How, Bollywoodlife.com, the Indian edition of The Hollywood Reporter will find a fit with each other was unclear at the time of writing, but observers believe that the former will continue to focus on the personal lives of actors while the latter will be trade and B2B-focused.

PMC had earlier partnered with Zee TV to set up India.com – in a joint venture.

June 21, 2024
“Working alongside Guneet Monga so early in my journey has been incredibly enlightening”: Akshay & Ambieka

Mumbai: Walkers & Co, in collaboration with Film Companion, announces the launch of The Walkers Project, a purpose-driven initiative aimed at enabling two promising Indian filmmakers with bold and unique voices. By spotlighting talent that embodies the spirit of progress and inclusion, this program is committed to fostering a culture of meaningful storytelling and creative excellence.

The Walkers Project involved a rigorous selection process involving film critics, curators, and industry experts, led by renowned figures Anupama Chopra and Deepti DCunha. This led to Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar emerging as the Walkers, chosen for their distinct voices, conviction, and potential to create impactful cinema. The selection process was followed by intense mentoring sessions and workshops, preparing the filmmakers for the Cannes Film Festival 2024, where the biggest business of films happens in the world. The mentoring sessions were led by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, along with Anu Rangachari, Jerome Paillard and Christian Jeune from the Cannes Film Festival. The aim of the program is to provide invaluable and once-in-a-lifetime exposure and networking opportunities to the young filmmakers. Upon returning from the film festival, the young filmmakers will also be making a fictional film each on the theme of “Keep Walking”.

Indiantelevision.com reached out to Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar, where they both shared their journey!

Edited excerpts

On sharing a bit about your journey into the world of filmmaking

Akshay: I started as a confused individual, uncertain about my future path, so I pursued engineering. During my studies, I was exposed to filmmaking through inter-college events. This experience ignited a passion for the creative field within me. My first job at the Museum of Goa introduced me to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), where I applied and was accepted into the screenwriting program. My time in the film institute was a validation of my beliefs that I can create stories. After the course I moved to Mumbai and I’ve been working there ever since.

Making films brings me immense joy. When you love what you do, there’s no looking back. I see myself as a writer first and then a director. I thrive on ideating, developing new characters, and crafting fresh worlds. Filmmaking is, in my view, the most impactful medium to reach people. It allows me to convey ideas, worldviews, and politics in an engaging and entertaining way. Through filmmaking, I can not only entertain but also educate and empower audiences.

Ambiecka: I am a lawyer by qualification and worked as a corporate lawyer for a few years before making the leap to pursue my passion – filmmaking. My sole inspiration to pursue my dream was an uncontrollable itch that a life of creativity will allow me to feel closer to my purpose which is to question the human condition and bring solace to mankind through my stories.

On Guneet Monga’s guidance influencing your approach to filmmaking

Akshay: Guneet Monga has been a powerhouse producer since a long time and has been someone I have always wanted to interact and work with. While the first one was made possible by the fellowship and it was an enriching conversation, I hope to pitch her the stories I am working on after coming back from Cannes.

Working alongside Guneet Monga so early in my journey has been incredibly enlightening. It has allowed me to gain insights into various roles in filmmaking, including directing, writing and especially producing. Guneet’s unique perspective, which prioritizes the strength of the storyline above all else, has left a profound impact on me. Her belief in the power of storytelling to drive the success of a film has inspired me to push my creative boundaries and experiment with different narrative techniques. I’ve been motivated to strive for excellence in every aspect of my work. Moreover, Guneet’s guidance has provided invaluable insights into the larger picture of film festivals, such as Cannes. Her inputs about how to take my stories forward while staying authentic to my voice, have been helpful and I have applied them during my time at Cannes. During our meeting, she was nice enough to pitch a couple of ideas that she did to financiers, to us. She has helped me understand the significance of these events in showcasing films to a global audience and establishing connections within the industry. Her advice of “however dark or somber the story you’re pitching is, make sure you end it on a relatively happy note/closing line”, really made me look at pitching very differently. Through The Walkers Project, I’ve been able to access resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that have enriched my understanding of the filmmaking landscape.

Ambieka: Guneet has a very holistic approach to filmmaking. She believes in closely understanding commerce to use it to her advantage in telling the kind of stories she believes in and the reason she is a pioneer in her own right is because has found the funding to tell stories nobody funds. From her, I have had the privilege of learning that art and commerce are forever entwined and a filmmaker’s job along with telling compelling stories is to ensure that they are sustainable.

On some of the challenges you’ve faced as emerging filmmakers, especially within the Indian film industry

Akshay: Navigating the landscape of the Indian film industry has been both exciting and filled with opportunities for growth for personal and professional developments. However, with every opportunity, there are challenges to overcome. One significant challenge is breaking into the industry with established networks and structures, where access to resources and mentorship can be limited for newcomers. Additionally, there are hurdles in securing funding and support for projects that deviate from mainstream narratives. Fortunately, The Walkers Project, offers hope amidst these challenges. Through this project, not only are our films being provided with essential funding, but they are also granted the invaluable opportunity to bring to life narratives centred around the theme of “Keep Walking.” These narratives, aimed at inspiring progress and innovation, serve as a catalyst for positive change within the industry and beyond.

Ambieka: One of the biggest challenges I have faced is the skewed perspective the Indian film industry has on understanding the “market”. Considering the target audience is people looking to have an emotional experience, it is very difficult as an emerging filmmaker to convince financial collaborators of the “marketability” of a project.

On emerging filmmakers like yourselves contributing to the diversity and evolution of Indian cinema

Akshay: The first and most important thing we can do as filmmakers is to stay true to our voice. When you have something meaningful to convey through your films, the rest tends to fall into place. For me, the “why” behind making a film is far more significant than the “how.”

Contributing to the diversity and evolution of Indian cinema stems from personal experiences and inner drive. Overcoming the hurdles we face is essential for progress, and once we do, we should strive to prevent others from encountering the same obstacles, or at least prepare them for what lies ahead. To ensure diversity in cinema, we must create films that reflect our reality and consciously foster it behind the camera as well. Change doesn’t happen on its own; we must actively work to bring it about.

Ambieka: Personally, I believe form and substance are intrinsically linked. I try to find the best visual language and grammar to tell the particular story I want to. Any story told well and authentically will resonate with the audience which is very intelligent.

On your aspirations for your filmmaking career

Akshay: Going forward, I am eager to explore different genres in my filmmaking career, with a special focus on promoting inclusivity and diversity. The experience and knowledge that I have gained from Cannes and through my mentors from The Walkers Project will be invaluable in shaping my approach towards my films. As this project spans over six months, there will be an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and learn new skills, which will significantly enhance our ability to shape our films for this campaign which will also be my next project.

My father was a teacher, and education is deeply important to me. Whenever possible, I aim to give back to the society and the people who have shown me so much love and support. I want to maybe be a part of a film program or create a short filmmaking course to give back everything that I’ve learnt till now. Not just in terms of filmmaking but also film festivals, film financing and film appreciation.

As a writer, I eagerly anticipate bringing my written words to the big screen. There are many stories I feel compelled to tell, and I believe they need to be shared. I am hopeful that the connections I’ve established through the Walkers Project will assist in setting up my future projects.

I like taking on challenges. I am particularly passionate about the science fiction genre, which is very underrepresented in Indian cinema. I have numerous ideas and stories in this genre that I am eager to bring to life. I look forward to the challenge of exploring and expanding this exciting area of filmmaking.

Coming from a state without a thriving regional cinema, I am hopeful to make some impact there. I want to work towards making a Konkani language film because I believe our language, culture, and history have countless important stories to share.

Ambieka: I would like to make films of different genres and defy stereotypes. I want to tell domestic dramas as thrillers and investigative murder stories as melodramas.

June 7, 2024
Amazon Music releases Film Companion’s Cannes Film Festival red carpet podcast

Mumbai: Amazon Music India and Film Companion will bring the live glam right from the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. With the biggest names from the entertainment industry gracing the red carpet, listeners will be able to keep up with it right from their homes. Hosted by Anupama Chopra and Sneha Menon Desai, the podcast has a stellar guest lineup of filmmaker Chidananda Naik, actor Kiara Advani, actor Naseeruddin Shah, filmmaker Payal Kapadia and musician AR Rahman.

Speaking about the podcast from Film Companion, Amazon Music India director Mamta Saraf said, “Our goal at Amazon Music is to bring fresh content to the listeners and explore avenues that we haven’t before. We are excited to collaborate with Film Companion for the Cannes Film Festival special podcast, and elated about bringing it to Amazon Music listeners two weeks early.”

Addressing the association, Film Companion founder and editor Anupama Chopra said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be back at Cannes, capturing the glory of the movies at one of the most prestigious events in the film industry. We look forward to bringing Amazon Music listeners access to the magic of the interviews and coverage of the Cannes Film Festival 2024 through our podcasts. With an incredible lineup of guests and insights into the world of cinema, this year promises to be truly unforgettable. So, tune in to ‘Film Companion at Cannes’24’ on Amazon Music and join us as we dive into the heart of cinematic excellence!”

‘Film Companion at Cannes’24’ Podcast is now streaming on Amazon Music!

May 18, 2024
Walkers & Co enables emerging Indian filmmakers with The Walkers Project

Mumbai: Walkers & Co, in collaboration with Film Companion, announces the launch of The Walkers Project, a purpose-driven initiative aimed at enabling two promising Indian filmmakers with bold and unique voices. By spotlighting talent that embodies the spirit of progress and inclusion, this program is committed to fostering a culture of meaningful storytelling and creative excellence.

“Our goal with The Walkers Project is to empower emerging filmmakers to tell stories that inspire people to keep walking and push boundaries for a more inclusive and progressive society, while enabling diverse voices from India,” said Diageo India CMO Ruchira Jaitly. “We believe in the power of cinema to drive conversations, challenge norms, and shape the future, and this program is one step in our commitment to supporting the next generation of exceptional storytellers.”

The Walkers Project involved a rigorous selection process involving film critics, curators, and industry experts, led by renowned figures Anupama Chopra and Deepti DCunha. This led to Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar emerging as the Walkers, chosen for their distinct voices, conviction, and potential to create impactful cinema. The selection process was followed by intense mentoring sessions and workshops, preparing the filmmakers for the Cannes Film Festival 2024, where the biggest business of films happens in the world. The mentoring sessions were led by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, along with Anu Rangachari, Jerome Paillard and Christian Jeune from the Cannes Film Festival. The aim of the program is to provide invaluable and once-in-a-lifetime exposure and networking opportunities to the young filmmakers. Upon returning from the film festival, the young filmmakers will also be making a fictional film each on the theme of “Keep Walking”.

“I am thrilled to be part of The Walkers Project and work closely with Ambiecka and Akshay,” said Guneet Monga, Oscar-winning producer and mentor. “This program is about more than just attending Cannes or creating short films; it’s about empowering filmmakers to amplify their voices, advocate for change, and shape the future of cinema.”

Renowned film critic and Film Companion founder Anupama Chopra said, “One of my big joys is enabling new filmmakers. With this partnership between Film Companion and Walkers & Co., I hope we can empower the two selected filmmakers to tell stories that matter. I am really excited to see the films Ambiecka and Akshay make under this programme and how they use their learnings from the Cannes Film Festival to ‘Keep Walking’ and to bring to life films that inspire progress.”

Ambiecka Pandit, an independent writer-director, brings a fresh perspective and relentless optimism to her craft, aiming to parcel emotional, intellectual, and spiritual impulses of communities through her storytelling. Akshay Parvatkar, a scriptwriter/director, challenges societal norms and preconceived assumptions with his empathetic narratives, pushing boundaries and fostering meaningful dialogue.

Speaking on program, Akshay Parvatkar said, “The Walkers Project promises to give me the chance to bring my stories to life on a bigger stage. I’ve always hoped to tell stories that I feel need to be heard, and through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I wish to collaborate with visionaries who have the power to reach a larger audience. I’m grateful for the mentors’ belief in my vision and for the opportunity to Keep Walking towards my dreams and try to inspire change one step at a time.”

Ambiecka Pandit, while talking about the program, mentioned: “The Walkers Project is an incredible opportunity to partake in a cause much larger than oneself. To be able to participate and contribute with my film to an initiative I feel strongly about is prize enough, but the project also gifts us the opportunity to Keep Walking and experience the largest film festival in the world. Cannes is the Mecca of film festivals, and being able to witness it firsthand will definitely be a defining experience for a young filmmaker like me. It will help see the best of art and commerce come together and understand deeper how the ecosystem of world cinema works. An ecosystem I wish to belong to.”

The Walkers Project embodies the collective efforts of Walkers & Co, Film Companion, industry experts, and the selected filmmakers to champion talent, drive progress, and bring meaningful stories to audiences worldwide. In its truest sense, it is the coming together of collaboration and co-creation for enabling the community.

May 13, 2024
Film Companion launches ‘Through the Lens’ masterclass, backed by ARRI

Mumbai: Film Companion announces the launch of ‘Through The Lens,’ a distinguished masterclass series that underscores the brilliance of Indian cinematographers, generously supported by ARRI, a leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems for the film, broadcast, media, and entertainment industries, with a worldwide distribution and service network. Kicking off the first episode with Sudeep Chatterjee, followed by K.K. Senthil Kumar and Anil Mehta, Through The Lens is a one-of-a-kind celebration, aiming to applaud the talent behind the camera, providing an exclusive insight into their creative journey. It will be aired on Film Companion’s YouTube channel.

Sudeep Chatterjee who will be featured in the inaugural episode of the series is renowned for his contributions to cinematic masterpieces such as Bajirao Mastani, Chak De! India, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and more. With a career spanning decades, Chatterjee has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual narrative of some of the most iconic Indian films.

The upcoming episodes will also feature ace cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar, known for the mesmerizing visuals of large-scale spectacle films like RRR, Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali: The Conclusion, and Magadheera. And camera virtuoso, Anil Mehta, who introduced the glamorous realism aesthetic in Hindi Cinema. His filmography includes blockbusters such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Wake up Sid, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

To ensure widespread accessibility, “Through The Lens” is set to be aired on Film Companion’s YouTube channel. This strategic decision reflects our commitment to reaching a global audience and fostering a community of cinephiles, aspiring filmmakers, and industry professionals.

Watch episode one of ‘Through the Lens’ with Sudeep Chatterjee exclusively on Film Companion’s Youtube channel on 17 January at 8 pm IST.

January 17, 2024
Film Companion & Amazon Music join forces for its Music Adda

Mumbai: Film Companion, the leading platform for insightful film and entertainment content, is thrilled to announce a harmonious collaboration with Amazon Music for a special Music Adda in their yearly round-up Addas. This unique partnership promises a diverse array of artists, including renowned playback singers Sunidhi Chauhan and Shilpa Rao, dynamic music duo Sachin Jigar, celebrated lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya, and accomplished music producer Achint Thakkar to come together on one platform and hold meaningful conversations.

Film Companion’s Adda is an annual tradition that brings together influential figures from the world of music, film, and entertainment for engaging conversations about the year’s noteworthy achievements, challenges, and trends. This year’s lineup is set to captivate audiences with the insights and experiences shared by some of the most distinguished personalities in the industry.

Film Companion founder & editor Anupama Chopra expresses her thoughts about this collaboration:

“The Film Companion Music Adda 2023, powered by Amazon Music, is a captivating journey where cinema and music entwine to create an enchanting narrative. This collaboration is a celebration of the artists from the music industry and it represents a commitment to exploring the profound impact of music within the cinematic and OTT sphere.”

Film Companion’s forthcoming video, “FC Music Adda powered by Amazon Music,” will feature insightful dialogues with industry luminaries such as Sunidhi Chauhan, Shilpa Rao, Sachin Jigar, Amitabh Bhattacharya, and Achint Thakkar. Join in on this exciting venture, where “Music Adda” is set to premiere soon on Film Companion’s YouTube channel.

December 18, 2023
Prime Video releases the new edition of O Womaniya! report

Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today released the latest edition of O Womaniya! report, the most definitive study on female representation in Indian entertainment. Researched and curated by media consulting ﬁrm, Ormax Media, India’s leading entertainment journalism platform, Film Companion, and championed by Prime Video, the study evaluates the statistical journey of women in various facets of content production, marketing and corporate leadership within India’s entertainment industry. This year, the report analyzed 156 films and series, across streaming and theatrical released in 2022 in 8 Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali and Gujarati) to arrive at a comprehensive picture of the change that the industry has seen since 2021.

Along with Prime Video, the report has been supported by other partners from the industry including Clean Slate Filmz, Emmay Entertainment, Excel Entertainment, Jio Studio, Producers Guild India, RSVP, SonyLiv, Tiger Baby, and Zee5. Additionally, this year also saw industry leaders, including studio heads, filmmakers, actors, and more come forward to lay down actionable steps towards improving female representation in their personal and professional capacities. These pledges are expected to serve as guardrails that can guide the entire industry.

Key findings of the report include:

● Creative Talent – Only 12% of the 780 HOD positions analyzed across key departments of direction, cinematography, editing, writing, and production design were held by women. While this is slightly more than 10% in 2021, the growth has entirely been led by streaming films and series, while theatrical films have remained stagnant since 2021. On a positive note, 31% of the properties had a female commissioning in-charge behind them, vis-à-vis 25% in 2021.

● Content – While in 2021, 55% of the properties analyzed passed the Bechdel Test1, the number has gone below the half-way mark to 47% now. The biggest drop here has come from theatrical films; while 46% passed the test in 2021, only 34% managed to pass it in 2022. Series and films like Guilty Minds, Four More Shots Please! Season 3, Delhi Crime Season 2, Maja Ma, Gangubai Kathiawadi, among others, emerged as the properties with maximum scenes to pass the Bechdel Test.

● Marketing – Women still get only 27% talk time2 in trailers; the number is the highest for streaming films with 33% talk time in trailers being allocated to women. Series and movies like Hush Hush, Gehraiyaan, The Fame Game, Ammu, A Thursday, Sita Ramam, among others, performed the best with at least 50% of talk time in trailers given to female leads.

● Corporate Talent – Of the 135 Director/ CXO positions studied across 25 top M&E firms in India, only 13% were held by women.

Sharing his thoughts on the latest findings in O Womaniya!, Shailesh Kapoor, Founder & CEO, Ormax Media said, “While there has been a slow but steady improvement in a few key parameters, the report has thrown light on the need to take a look at inclusion with a serious eye. Like the previous edition of the report, streaming continues to pave the way for female representation, however, the sub-par performance of theatrical films should serve as a wake-up call for the industry. I am glad to see the industry take note of the data and come together to pledge better representation, underscoring their genuine desire to see a positive change.”

Speaking about the report, Anupama Chopra, Founder & Editor, Film Companion said, “Entertainment is a powerful medium which can and must highlight inclusivity and diversity. O Womaniya! is our attempt to push the needle to move faster. We are thrilled to see greater participation from the industry, with key individuals taking on specific targets and actions to take this conversation forward. The steps taken to bring change may seem small but each step, each action matters, and with every edition of the O Womaniya! report, we believe we are moving a step closer to a more equitable ecosystem. I am grateful to Prime Video and Ormax Media for partnering with us on this unique initiative.”

“At Prime Video, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion, is not just needed, it is essential. As an organization, we have always believed in equitable representation, not just within Prime Video and in our content, but also within the wider creative industry. By nurturing and empowering talented women within our industry, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in the wider ecosystem,” said Aparna Purohit, head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia, Prime Video. “O Womaniya! represents a collective effort to unite the industry and collaborate on enhancing female representation. The latest edition of the report strongly underscores the urgency of accelerating these transformative efforts. It’s heartening to witness not only the committed support of partners but also the active participation of influential figures from the industry, including both men and women. They have not only pledged their personal commitment but also made broader corporate level commitments to champion greater female inclusivity.”

October 26, 2023