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Tag: Ashish Saksena

  • Red Lorry Film Festival announces esteemed jury for 2025 Competition Segment

    Red Lorry Film Festival announces esteemed jury for 2025 Competition Segment

    MUMBAI: The spotlight is set, the reels are ready, and the magic of cinema is about to unfold once again.

    The Red Lorry Film Festival, India’s premier international celebration of storytelling, makes a grand return in 2025, promising a cinematic extravaganza like no other.

    With its second edition slated for 21–23 March 2025, the festival unveils a stellar jury panel for its Competition Segment, poised to evaluate the finest films of 2024. Adding to its allure, the festival ventures beyond Mumbai this year, introducing Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, weaving together a dual-city saga of cinematic brilliance.

    This year’s festival promises an immersive celebration of global cinema, featuring over 120 films spanning diverse languages, genres, and cultures. The newly introduced Competition Segment highlights exceptional talent across two categories:

    1    The Front Runners (Best Film): Recognising outstanding storytelling and technical excellence.

    2    Fresh Frames (Best Debut Film): Celebrating bold narratives from first-time filmmakers.

    Submissions for both categories remain open until 14 January 2025, offering filmmakers a chance to showcase their creativity on a global stage.

    The 2025 jury panel brings together an eclectic mix of luminaries celebrated for their contributions to storytelling and artistic innovation:

    1    Acclaimed filmmaker behind Udaan and Lootera, Vikramaditya Motwane expressed his excitement: “Cinema is a universal language and I am truly excited to celebrate its transformative power at Red Lorry Film Festival 2025. Festivals like these provide a platform for innovative voices and stories that push the limits of creativity and it’s an honour to be part of a space that celebrates and nurtures such bold, transformative storytelling.”

    2    Writer-director of Berlin and Jubilee, Atul Sabharwal highlighted, “Cinema is a mirror to society, capturing its complexities, dreams and unspoken truths. Red Lorry Film Festival stands as a beacon of innovation in cinema, celebrating bold storytelling and emerging talent that challenges perspectives and sparks meaningful conversations. I look forward to celebrating and amplifying voices that are redefining storytelling on the global stage and to witnessing the impact of stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.”

    3    Journalist and author, Kaveree Bamzai added, “This festival is a celebration of stories that connect us all, transcending boundaries and bringing us closer through shared experiences and emotions. In a world that is increasingly complex, I am thrilled to explore narratives that not only reflect its multifaceted beauty but also challenge us to think deeper, empathise more and celebrate the richness of human expression. Festivals like these remind us of the power of storytelling – to inform, inspire and transform – and I am honoured to be a part of this vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives.”

    4    PVR-Inox Cinemas executive director, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli shared, “At PVR Inox, we have always strived to push the boundaries of storytelling and offer audiences an unparalleled cinematic experience. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly aligns with our vision by celebrating creativity, diverse narratives and the transformative power of films. I am delighted to be part of a platform that not only showcases exceptional talent but also nurtures innovation and inclusivity in cinema.”

    5    Kathak dancer and actor, Prachee Shah Paandya said, “Cinema, much like dance, is a powerful expression of life – both are art forms that transcend words, evoke deep emotions and bring stories to life in a way that resonates universally. I am truly honoured to be part of a festival that fosters and celebrates emerging voices in filmmaking, providing a platform for fresh talent to shine and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of cinema. As someone who has had the privilege of representing India’s cultural heritage globally through dance and storytelling, I deeply value initiatives like this that champion creativity, diversity and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.”

    6    Award-winning filmmaker of Bareilly Ki Barfi and Panga, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari remarked, “Storytelling is the soul of human connection and cinema is one of its most powerful medium. I am honoured to be part of the Red Lorry Film Festival that celebrates the art of movie making and provides a platform for new and emerging voices to share their unique narratives. As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of stories to inspire, evoke change and bring us closer to our roots. Film Festivals like these not only encourage unique voices but also nurture and give an equal platform to the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that the magic of cinema continues to thrive and evolve from India to the world.”

    7    BookMyShow founder & CEO, Ashish Hemrajani joined as an honorary juror, stating, “At BookMyShow, we love storytellers, recognising the ability to inspire, connect and question the status quo. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly embodies this ethos – serving as a platform that celebrates cinematic excellence and also lends a voice to what’s pushing the boundaries of creativity. As an Honorary Juror, I am humbled and excited to witness first-hand the exceptional talent that emerges via this discovery. This festival is a testament to the potential of cinema to ignite imagination and hopefully leave a lasting impact on the world.”

    Led by BookMyShow COO – cinemas, Ashish Saksena, the festival is more than a cinematic showcase; it is a platform for fostering creative talent and celebrating storytelling’s transformative impact. Saksena shared, “We are thrilled to have such an exceptional panel of jurors, each bringing a unique perspective and deep understanding of storytelling. Their expertise and passion for cinema will undoubtedly enrich the festival and set the stage for discovering groundbreaking talent. The Red Lorry Film Festival is not just a celebration of films; it’s a platform that champions diverse voices, nurtures creativity and showcases the transformative power of storytelling. Audiences can look forward to an extraordinary experience that pushes the boundaries of cinematic innovation and inspires meaningful conversations.”

    Cinephiles can secure their festival passes exclusively on BookMyShow, starting at Rs 750. With a lineup that includes cultural performances, food zones, and tech showcases, the event promises an unforgettable cinematic journey.

    Key highlights of Red Lorry Film Festival 2025

    1    Competition Segment: Celebrating exceptional films in two categories.
    2    Music Concert: Featuring a top artist on Valentine’s Day.
    3    Global Cinema: Over 120 titles across languages and genres.
    4    Immersive Experiences: Cultural performances, travel competitions, and more

    For filmmakers and cinema lovers, true triumph lies not just in box-office millions but in the art of storytelling being seen, celebrated, and revered. This festival is your stage to shine, your story’s moment to connect with a global audience, and your chance to be part of a legacy of cinematic brilliance.

    Don’t let this opportunity pass – submit your films, secure your tickets, and step into the spotlight of recognition.

    The world is ready to applaud your story; all it takes is your first act.

    https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/red-lorry-film-festival/ET00418784

  • BookMyShow announces A24’s ‘Civil War’ as the opening film for Red Lorry Film Festival

    BookMyShow announces A24’s ‘Civil War’ as the opening film for Red Lorry Film Festival

    Mumbai: BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination today announced Alex Garland directed ‘Civil War’ from A24 as the opening film of the entertainment platform’s Red Lorry Film Festival. Official ambassador of the Film Festival, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, executive director of PVR INOX Ltd recommends the film amidst his top three from Red Lorry Film Festival’s exciting slew of titles and is a part of the films that he has personally curated for the Festival.

    Bringing a dystopian future America, in the guise of the exhilarating, heart-pounding and much-awaited political thriller to Indian shores, BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival offers attendees a chance to be a part of the exclusive premiere of ‘Civil War’, before its global release. The film sees a small team of military-embedded journalists traveling the United States as the country is embroiled in its first Civil War since the 1800s, where the states of California and Texas have seceded from the nation to form the Western Forces.

    The film, released by PVR INOX Pictures in India, boasts of a star-studded cast including the Cannes Award-winning actress, Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura who grew to fame after his lead role as Pablo Escobar in ‘Narcos’, celebrated actor and comedian Nick Offerman and the ‘Dune’ starrer Stephen McKinley Henderson.

    Critics commend lead actress Dunst, in one of the most-anticipated adrenaline-filled films this year, for her terrific depiction of a photojournalist documenting the end of democracy. Quoting Deadline, “Civil War presents itself as a road movie with a dark twist, focusing on the lengths to which journalists will go to uncover and document the horrors of war. This premise is an exploration of journalistic integrity, the cost of truth and the human spirit’s resilience.”

    Upon announcing Civil War as the opening film for Red Lorry Film Festival, BookMyShow COO – cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “We are thrilled to present ‘Civil War’ as the opening film of Red Lorry Film Festival. From its visually stunning poster to its high production value, this film is a testament to the excellence of cinema. With impeccable sound design, cinematography of A+ quality and critics debating if it’s Alex Garland’s finest work, ‘Civil War’ promises an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its gripping narrative and sheer brilliance across every cinematic sphere ensure that watching this film on the big screen will be an experience you won’t want to miss!”

    BookMyShow introduced Red Lorry Film Festival, a curated cinematic universe featuring over 100 titles  from across the globe, all under one roof from 5 to 7 April 2024 at state-of-the-art cinemas Maison INOX at Jio World Plaza and Maison PVR at Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.

    Red Lorry Film Festival ambassador, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, executive director, PVR INOX Ltd has carefully curated a select few titles for this International Film Festival, harbouring a soft touch for emotional dramas that one can relate to. Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said, “We’re excited to join forces with BookMyShow as they celebrate their 25th anniversary with the Red Lorry Film Festival, featuring an eclectic selection of  titles from around the globe that are sure to strike a chord with audiences. Drama has always been a popular genre among film enthusiasts, evolving over time to reflect shifts in society and culture. Finding the right balance of drama and emotion is crucial for a film’s success, captivating audiences and keeping them engaged with the storyline. We are confident that three emotional dramas showcased will captivate viewers with their compelling narratives and characters. This collaboration between PVR INOX and BookMyShow brings together the finest in entertainment, promising an unforgettable cinematic experience for cinephiles.”

    Misfortune and tragedies are no stranger to history and movies about victory, loyalty, friendship and redemption speak of that hard-hitting truth bringing poignant moments of moral learning, strong principles and ethical values to light.

    In addition to the highly-anticipated exclusive premiere of ‘Civil War’ as the opening film with its dark twists and turns, here are two other impactful and poignant movies to watch at Red Lorry Film Festival which are personally handpicked by Sanjeev Kumar Bijli:

    •    One Life: It is based on the true story of British humanitarian Sir Nicholas Winton as he looks back on his past efforts to help groups of Jewish children in German-occupied Czechoslovakia to hide and flee in 1938–39, just before the beginning of World War II. The film stars one of Britain’s most recognisable and prolific actors Anthony Hopkins in the lead role as Sir Nicholas, with the award-winning Jonathan Pryce and Helena Bonham Carter in supporting roles.
    •    Cottontail: A widower from Japan travels with his estranged son to England in order to fulfil his late wife’s dying wish. Fulfilling a last wish is the start of the road of reconciliation for a father and son in Patrick Dickinson’s sensitive family drama, which is delicately composed and elevated by a touching performance from Lily Franky.

    As the curtains rise on Red Lorry Film Festival, movie lovers are in for a treat with hand-picked titles from across the world, promising to deliver thrills, chills, dark, teary and dreary delights. So, book your tickets here, mark your calendars and watch out for more. Starting at just Rs 1499/-, Red Lorry Film Festival is going to be the best indoor experience this summer!

    As BigTree Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the parent company of BookMyShow, commemorates a significant milestone of 25 years in reshaping India’s entertainment landscape, its profound expertise, nuanced comprehension of audience preferences and spotlighting of the enduring and evolving tastes of Indian cinephiles have converged in a momentous celebration which was marked by the launch of the new intellectual property, Red Lorry Film Festival.

  • BookMyShow unveils ‘Red Lorry Film Festival’

    BookMyShow unveils ‘Red Lorry Film Festival’

    Mumbai: Cinema, as a universal language unfettered by borders, possesses a mesmerising power to transport individuals beyond geographical confines. Further to decades of driving intrigue, passion and love for movies, BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination announced the launch of Red Lorry Film Festival, a curated cinematic universe featuring the finest content from across the globe, all under one roof. Set to captivate cinephiles, the Film Festival spotlights a power-packed slate of nearly 75 illustrious titles that will serve as enchanting gateways, offering glimpses into diverse cultures, perspectives and storytelling legacies. A large section of this esteemed lineup comprises titles making their debut on the Indian silver screen following their international theatrical releases, alongside exclusive titles commencing their theatrical journey at Red Lorry Film Festival.

    With each frame, the movies and TV series on Red Lorry Film Festival’s roster will beckon audiences to distant realms, weaving tales that spark curiosity and invite exploration of the rich tapestry of our global film community. The cinematic extravaganza spanning languages comprising Scandinavian (Danish, Norwegian, Swedish), French, Spanish, German, Turkish, Russian and more, will paint the entertainment capital of India red from 5 to 7 April 2024 at state-of-the-art cinemas Maison INOX at Jio World Plaza and Maison PVR at Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. This Intellectual Property (IP) comes on the heels of Bigtree Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the parent company of BookMyShow’s 25-year milestone of shaping India’s entertainment landscape. Its profound expertise, nuanced comprehension of audience preferences and underscoring the enduring and evolving tastes of Indian cinephiles converged in this momentous celebration marked by the launch of BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival.

    Carrying forward its legacy of driving quality entertainment experiences for millions of Indians over the past two decades and being the go-to platform for all things entertainment, BookMyShow introduces Red Lorry Film Festival as a natural extension to its entertainment repertoire, curating an action-packed three-day International Film Festival that will cater to cinephiles seeking an unparalleled cinematic experience. Red Lorry Film Festival will feature marquee cinematic masterpieces through partnerships with leading global studios and production giants including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros, Disney, Lionsgate, Blue Finch Films, Latido Films, SND Group M6, Vision Distribution, Global Screen, REinvent Studios, Charades, TrustNordisk, Autlook Filmsales, LevelK, Indie Sales, amongst others.

    Speaking on the launch of Red Lorry Film Festival, BookMyShow COO – cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “Cinema has been deeply engraved in the DNA of Indians, serving as a celebration of culture, rich diversity and community spirit. Reflecting on the past quarter-century this artistic medium has experienced significant growth, evolution and pioneering achievements, catalysing a revolution in entertainment. After entertaining millions of Indian cine-goers as their de-facto platform of choice for all things movies, BookMyShow is all set to usher in Red Lorry Film Festival, a celebration of cinematic excellence and storytelling diversity. The festival marks a momentous prelude to the celebration of our 25-year journey of elevating consumer experiences and underscores our commitment to fostering the growth of the entertainment industry in India.”

    Red Lorry Film Festival will seamlessly blend the magic of cinema with unparalleled peripheral experiences inspired by the movies, including culinary delights and lifestyle offerings. Spanning over 10 languages, the meticulously curated content slate branches into premieres, Hollywood blockbusters, ⁠world cinema, after dark, ⁠⁠columbia 100, TV series, Scandinavian Noir, Hola Spain, Dmdocumentaries, ⁠⁠retrospectives & Tributes. It will also raise the curtains on international and local gems for the first time, much-awaited blockbusters, exclusive premieres of restored classics and exciting launches of some TV Series which are not yet available in India. Featuring a rich landscape of cinematic brilliance from global languages, the festival unveiled its first slate of bespoke titles available for film enthusiasts to revel in at this summer’s three-day cinematic extravaganza.

    As we continue to make way for the silver screen magic in April, Red Lorry Film Festival rides high on reels of exceptional content from the world over. With genres ranging from action thrillers, psychological thrillers, horror, crime mystery, courtroom drama, war tragedy, comedy, romance and more, the festival will also introduce avant-garde experimental pieces on the big screen. Red Lorry Film Festival will serve as a platform for both renowned & established and emerging filmmakers to showcase their craft and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Attendees can expect to be transported on a cinematic journey like no other, with each film carefully curated to ignite imagination, inspire dialogue and evoke a range of emotions.

    Offering a window into global cinematic masterpieces, BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival will feature the award-winning French courtroom drama ‘The Goldman’s Case’ starring Arieh Worthalter, Scandinavian Noir such as Danish TV series special ‘Oxen’ an action-packed thriller created by the Emmy award-winning screenwriting duo Mai Brostrøm and Peter Thorsboe and ‘Good Boy’, a Norwegian after-dark psychological thriller, ‘Evil’, a Swedish coming-of-age teen drama based on Jan Guillou’s classical best-selling novel Rising Star, ‘The Beasts’, a Spanish thriller and winner of 56 Awards including Goya Awards, César Awards, San Sebastián International Film Festival amongst others, ‘The Last Night of Amore’, an Italian thriller starring superstar Pierfrancesco Favino, ‘Shoshana’, the Italian tragic romance film directed by Michael Winterbottom, ‘Hesitation Wound’, a Turkish legal drama and winner of the Feature Film Competition at Zurich Film Festival, ‘Stella. A Life.’, a German war tragedy starring the iconic Paula Beer, ‘Blue Whale’, a Russian horror-thriller inspired by true events of the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ incident in Russia.

    Here’s the complete list of the first set of titles announced as part of Red Lorry Film Festival’s unique curated line-up, with more titles to be announced soon. Tickets to BookMyShow’s Film Festival are now live exclusively on the platform. Starting at Rs. 1499/- for a season ticket to all three days of the cinematic extravaganza, Red Lorry Film Festival is going to be one for the books!

    In BookMyShow’s consumer survey report titled ‘The CineFiles’ released in 2023, we found that 90 per cent respondent’s usual go-to option for out-of-home experiences is catching the latest movie release in the theatre amongst other leisure activities, further reiterating that the big screen theatre experience continues to be a mainstay in the cultural fabric of India. With 63 per cent having movies on their mind at least once every fortnight, it is certain that the cinematic experience is the choicest form of entertainment for cinephiles across the length and breadth of the country, with the younger GenZ and Millennial cohorts thinking of the big screen experience for their movie watching outing every week!

  • Explore global cinema as BookMyShow unveils ‘Red Lorry Film Festival’

    Explore global cinema as BookMyShow unveils ‘Red Lorry Film Festival’

    Mumbai: Cinema, as a universal language unfettered by borders, possesses a mesmerising power to transport individuals beyond geographical confines. Further to decades of driving intrigue, passion and love for movies, BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination announced the launch of Red Lorry Film Festival, a curated cinematic universe featuring the finest content from across the globe, all under one roof. Set to captivate cinephiles, the Film Festival spotlights a power-packed slate of nearly 75 illustrious titles that will serve as enchanting gateways, offering glimpses into diverse cultures, perspectives and storytelling legacies. A large section of this esteemed lineup comprises titles making their debut on the Indian silver screen following their international theatrical releases, alongside exclusive titles commencing their theatrical journey at Red Lorry Film Festival.

    With each frame, the movies and TV series on Red Lorry Film Festival’s roster will beckon audiences to distant realms, weaving tales that spark curiosity and invite exploration of the rich tapestry of our global film community. The cinematic extravaganza spanning languages comprising Scandinavian (Danish, Norwegian, Swedish), French, Spanish, German, Turkish, Russian and more, will paint the entertainment capital of India red (watch the launch video here) from 5 to 7 April 2024 at state-of-the-art cinemas Maison INOX at Jio World Plaza and Maison PVR at Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. This Intellectual Property (IP) comes on the heels of Bigtree Entertainment Pvt Ltd, the parent company of BookMyShow’s 25-year milestone of shaping India’s entertainment landscape. Its profound expertise, nuanced comprehension of audience preferences and underscoring the enduring and evolving tastes of Indian cinephiles converged in this momentous celebration marked by the launch of BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival.

    Carrying forward its legacy of driving quality entertainment experiences for millions of Indians over the past two decades and being the go-to platform for all things entertainment, BookMyShow introduces Red Lorry Film Festival as a natural extension to its entertainment repertoire, curating an action-packed three-day International Film Festival that will cater to cinephiles seeking an unparalleled cinematic experience. Red Lorry Film Festival will feature marquee cinematic masterpieces through partnerships with leading global studios and production giants including Sony Pictures Entertainment, Warner Bros, Disney, Lionsgate, Blue Finch Films, Latido Films, SND Group M6, Vision Distribution, Global Screen, REinvent Studios, Charades, TrustNordisk, Autlook Filmsales, LevelK, Indie Sales, amongst others.

    Speaking on the launch of Red Lorry Film Festival, BookMyShow COO – cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “Cinema has been deeply engraved in the DNA of Indians, serving as a celebration of culture, rich diversity and community spirit. Reflecting on the past quarter-century this artistic medium has experienced significant growth, evolution and pioneering achievements, catalysing a revolution in entertainment. After entertaining millions of Indian cine-goers as their de-facto platform of choice for all things movies, BookMyShow is all set to usher in Red Lorry Film Festival, a celebration of cinematic excellence and storytelling diversity. The festival marks a momentous prelude to the celebration of our 25-year journey of elevating consumer experiences and underscores our commitment to fostering the growth of the entertainment industry in India.”

    Red Lorry Film Festival will seamlessly blend the magic of cinema with unparalleled peripheral experiences inspired by the movies, including culinary delights and lifestyle offerings. Spanning over 10 languages, the meticulously curated content slate branches into premieres, Hollywood blockbusters, ⁠world cinema, after dark, ⁠⁠Columbia 100, TV series, scandinavian noir, Hola Spain, documentaries, ⁠⁠retrospectives & tributes. It will also raise the curtains on international and local gems for the first time, much-awaited blockbusters, exclusive premieres of restored classics and exciting launches of some TV Series that are not yet available in India. Featuring a rich landscape of cinematic brilliance from global languages, the festival unveiled its first slate of bespoke titles available for film enthusiasts to revel in at this summer’s three-day cinematic extravaganza.

    As we continue to make way for the silver screen magic in April, Red Lorry Film Festival rides high on reels of exceptional content from the world over. With genres ranging from action thrillers, psychological thrillers, horror, crime mystery, courtroom drama, war tragedy, comedy, romance and more, the festival will also introduce avant-garde experimental pieces on the big screen. Red Lorry Film Festival will serve as a platform for both renowned & established and emerging filmmakers to showcase their craft and connect with audiences on a deeper level. Attendees can expect to be transported on a cinematic journey like no other, with each film carefully curated to ignite imagination, inspire dialogue and evoke a range of emotions.

    Offering a window into global cinematic masterpieces, BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival will feature the award-winning French courtroom drama ‘The Goldman’s Case’ starring Arieh Worthalter, Scandinavian Noir such as Danish TV series special ‘Oxen’ an action-packed thriller created by the Emmy award-winning screenwriting duo Mai Brostrøm and Peter Thorsboe and ‘Good Boy’, a Norwegian after-dark psychological thriller, ‘Evil’, a Swedish coming-of-age teen drama based on Jan Guillou’s classical best-selling novel Rising Star, ‘The Beasts’, a Spanish thriller and winner of 56 Awards including Goya Awards, César Awards, San Sebastián International Film Festival amongst others, ‘The Last Night of Amore’, an Italian thriller starring superstar Pierfrancesco Favino, ‘Shoshana’, the Italian tragic romance film directed by Michael Winterbottom, ‘Hesitation Wound’, a Turkish legal drama and winner of the Feature Film Competition at Zurich Film Festival, ‘Stella. A Life.’, a German war tragedy starring the iconic Paula Beer, ‘Blue Whale’, a Russian horror-thriller inspired by true events of the ‘Blue Whale Challenge’ incident in Russia.

    Here’s the complete list of the first set of titles announced as part of Red Lorry Film Festival’s unique curated line-up, with more titles to be announced soon. Tickets to BookMyShow’s Film Festival are now live exclusively on the platform. Starting at Rs. 1499/- for a season ticket to all three days of the cinematic extravaganza, Red Lorry Film Festival is going to be one for the books!

    In BookMyShow’s consumer survey report titled ‘The CineFiles’ released in 2023, we found that 90 per cent of respondent’s usual go-to option for out-of-home experiences is catching the latest movie release in the theatre amongst other leisure activities, further reiterating that the big screen theatre experience continues to be a mainstay in the cultural fabric of India. With 63 per cent having movies on their mind at least once every fortnight, it is certain that the cinematic experience is the choicest form of entertainment for cinephiles across the length and breadth of the country, with the younger GenZ and Millennial cohorts thinking of the big screen experience for their movie watching outing every week!

  • BookMyShow, Hombale Films, partner with DressMe to create AI fan experience for Salaar

    BookMyShow, Hombale Films, partner with DressMe to create AI fan experience for Salaar

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated Prabhas-starrer, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire releasing on Friday, 22 December 2023 has fans buzzing with excitement as tickets for the film have been selling out in anticipation across the country. To add to the frenzy of this two-part mega movie production, BookMyShow, India’s entertainment destination along with makers of Salaar, Hombale Films partnered with DressMe, an AI-Virtual Stylist to offer an AI-driven unique fan experience. The partnership will offer a unique opportunity to fans to step into the persona of their favourite cinematic superheroes from the world of Salaar – Deva and Vardharaja Mannar, as they get to reimagine themselves in the avatars of their superstars, Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran.

    Fans will be able to position themselves through the various avatars of Deva and Vardharaja Mannar, diving into the world of Salaar while they embody their favourite character. Once they try out their new virtual identity, fans can even share their cool avatar on social media platforms, creating a community for the production.

    BookMyShow will leverage its user base of young, discerning audiences across the length and breadth of the country to reach out to cinephiles nationally, inviting them to the Salaar Army with the avatar of their favourite superheroes from the film. Through various channels like social media platforms, push notifications and emailers, BookMyShow will guide fans to the microsite www.salaar.dressmeofficial.com, powered by DressMe. Here, users can create their avatars of beloved superheroes from the film and be redirected to BookMyShow to get their tickets for this highly anticipated movie.

    Commenting on the anticipation surrounding the film and this special fan experience, BookMyShow COO- cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “Salaar’s period action drama has generated tremendous excitement and love from across the country. On BookMyShow, the movie has crossed 1.7 million tickets in advance sales with cinephiles across South India and action-fans across the rest of the country gearing up for the much-anticipated magnum opus. Through this collaboration with Hombale Films and DressMe, we are glad to be able to offer hardened fans a technological flavour to show their love and excitement for the film through this fan-first engagement experience. We are optimistic that the extravaganza directed by Prashanth Neel and helmed by Prabhas is all set to create magic at the box office and we can’t wait for cinephiles across the country to be able to experience the flavour of the film beyond the big screen on our platform with their favourite movie avatars as well!”

    Adding to this, DressMe CEO Deepak Mangla said, “At Dressme, we believe generative AI is going to completely transform the way fans will connect and engage with movies in future. Through this partnership with Hombale Films and BookMyShow, Salaar becomes amongst the first movies to incorporate Dressme’s AI technology with not only ‘the most violent man’ but also ‘the most innovative men’ from the world of Salaar. Being able to connect with cinephiles from across the country on BookMyShow and offer them a chance to engage with the film beyond watching it on the big screen is something we are very excited for and we can’t wait for fans to connect with this new way of experiencing the film!”

  • BookMyShow Stream partners with Star Entertainment

    BookMyShow Stream partners with Star Entertainment

    Mumbai: BookMyShow Stream, India’s largest home-grown TVOD streaming platform from the house of BookMyShow – India’s leading entertainment destination entered into a content partnership with Star Entertainment Pvt Ltd, India’s premier distributor of independent international films. This strategic partnership aims to bring the finest of international cinematic content from the house of Star Entertainment every month to Indian audiences through BookMyShow Stream available for both rent and buy options.

    In a short span of time, the uber-convenient Transaction Video-on-Demand (TVOD) category has gained popularity in India’s burgeoning OTT space and BookMyShow Stream has carved a niche for itself by offering a versatile mix of specially curated content across films and long-form content series for a wide, loyal and digitally savvy consumer base.

    Following the resounding success of Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom, brought to India by Star Entertainment which premiered in English, Hindi and Tamil on BookMyShow Stream, the partnership is set to unveil an impressive line-up of films including the much-anticipated blockbusters of the year, such as Devil’s Deal, Assassin and Point Men. These exceptional films are scheduled to premiere on BookMyShow Stream, starting 10 November, 2023, offering Indian viewers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the splendour of these cinematic masterpieces from around the world.

    Speaking on the partnership with Star Entertainment, BookMyShow COO – Cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “The TVOD space in India has grown considerably and paying for specific content that audiences want to watch has become a popular way of experiencing on-demand content when it comes to discerning Indian consumers. On BookMyShow Stream, cinephiles over the past two years have increasingly shown a clear preference towards titles that they want to watch and opting to rent or buy as per their convenience. This partnership with Star Entertainment will not only cement BookMyShow Stream’s selective and specially curated slate of foreign language content that spans languages across the world but will also enable their access to a wider audience by localising them in Indian languages.”

    Star Entertainment Pvt Ltd dircetor Kimaya Hemdev emphasises the universal appeal of storytelling, transcending geographical boundaries: “In our pursuit of delivering the world’s finest content to India, we have discovered that exceptional stories know no borders. Regardless of their origin, these narratives resonate with audiences worldwide. The remarkable success of Korean content in India stands as a testament to this truth. At Star Entertainment, our unwavering commitment to bridging cultural divides and bringing these universal stories to Indian audiences remains our utmost priority.”

    This partnership reflects the shared commitment of BookMyShow Stream and Star Entertainment to expand the horizons of entertainment in India. The partnership is not just about bringing international gems to Indian screens; it also paves the way for a broader array of global content to become accessible to Indian audiences.

    India has been swept up in the Korean wave, with phenomena like Squid Game taking the world by storm amidst the surging popularity of K-pop and K-dramas. The prevalence of these cultural phenomena highlights that the barrier of language is no longer a hindrance. Stories now traverse geographical and linguistic frontiers, captivating the hearts of audiences across India. To meet the growing demand for international content, companies like Star Entertainment make substantial investments in dubbing and localising foreign films, ensuring that these captivating narratives can be enjoyed by diverse Indian audiences.

  • BBC Studios inks content partnership with BookMyShow Stream

    BBC Studios inks content partnership with BookMyShow Stream

    Mumbai: BookMyShow Stream, the video on-demand (TVoD) service, announced an exclusive content partnership with BBC Studios India. This inaugural partnership will see the launch of a BBC first: a dedicated branded space in the form of a widget on BookMyShow Stream, enhancing its portfolio with a dose of premium, bold, and British drama. Pre-bookings for these coveted titles are now live on BookMyShow Stream.

    Sherwood: It was launched to over six million viewers on the BBC (seven-day consolidated) and has been hailed by critics as one of television’s greatest dramas of recent years. The drama, which follows a tense and heart-wrenching investigation into two shocking and unexpected killings that shatter an already fractured community, is award-winning playwright and dramatist James Graham’s most personal work, having been inspired, in part, by real events that occurred in the Nottinghamshire mining village in which he grew up.

    Ragdoll: A gruesomely imaginative serial killer thriller, Ragdoll captures the fascinating but flawed friends struggling with the consequences of institutionalisation and trauma. Starring Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Thalissa Teixeira, and Lucy Hale, Ragdoll is executive produced and commissioned by AMC and UKTV’s Alibi, and executive produced by Sid Gentle Films with Freddy Syborn as lead writer and executive producer.

    Unforgotten Season 1: This crime drama focuses on a cold case reopened after 39 years. When the body of a young man is discovered in a derelict building, DCI Cassie Stuart-one of the Met’s smartest detectives-is called in to investigate. There are four suspects, each with a secret to hide. As their lies unravel, the people they love most begin to wonder what else they might be capable of. Unforgotten brings together one of the most accomplished acting ensembles seen on British television in years. The multi-award-winning cast includes Nicola Walker, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Bernard Hill, Trevor Eve, Ruth Sheen, Golden Globe and Bafta-winner Tom Courtenay, and Bafta-winner Gemma Jones.

    BookMyShow Stream will feature other titles, including Smother (seasons 1-2), Traces (seasons 1-2), The Chelsea Detective, Happy Valley (seasons 1-2) and Unforgotten (seasons 1-4) on its platform over the next two quarters.

    BBC Studios’ VP for distribution in South Asia Stanley Fernandes said, “BBC Studios is known for its premium content that is backed by powerful storytelling and the ability to connect with a global audience. We are constantly looking at innovative ways to complement the evolving consumption habits of our audiences and are delighted to embark on this new partnership with BookMyShow Stream to reach new audiences in the dynamic and vibrant streaming landscape of India.”

    BookMyShow COO-cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “The TVOD space is gaining traction as more and more entertainment enthusiasts are imbibing the culture of ‘Pay for what you want to watch’, rather than having multiple subscriptions. With BBC Studios taking cognizance of the mammoth opportunity this category holds, we are excited to see this exclusive partnership scale it further. We are thrilled to bring coveted BBC Studios titles into the BookMyShow Stream fold, furthering our aspiration to bring compelling international content to Indian audiences. The BBC First widget on our platform will attract audiences gunning for purposeful content, bringing the best of British content to India. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to take our entertainment quotient a notch higher and offer an unmatched viewing experience to our consumers.”

    Fans can ‘rent’ or ‘buy’ on the BBC First dedicated branded space in the form of a widget on BookMyShow Stream. Entertainment enthusiasts can avail a 50 per cent discount offer on Sherwood, Ragdoll, and Unforgotten (season 1) for a limited two-week period on the platform.

    With over 2,000 titles available since its launch in February 2021, BookMyShow Stream features a handpicked, specially curated library of content from around the world and India that users can rent or buy and watch. The platform uses over two decades of BookMyShow’s user understanding and data insights to focus on personalised content discovery with access to a selection of on-demand content from across the world.

  • In a first, BookMyShow Stream rolls out TV series on-demand

    In a first, BookMyShow Stream rolls out TV series on-demand

    Mumbai: Big Tree Entertainment-owned transaction video-on-demand (TVOD) service BookMyShow Stream has announced the launch of TV series on the platform. With this, BookMyShow Stream will become the first TVOD platform in India to introduce on-demand TV series to audiences.

    The newly-launched TV series catalogue will feature exclusive titles and mini-series. Curated from across genres and languages (English, Spanish, French, German and others) the slate will also include the platform’s owned content under the BookMyShow Stream originals banner. The service premieres with the Danish-Swedish mini-series “The Investigation” on 17 December. 

    BookMyShow Stream will be offering users the option to either rent a TV series of their choice for a finite duration or buy it for unlimited access. “The Investigation” will be followed by a slew of titles being released every fortnight over the next few months. These will include “The Trip Franchise” (English), “Miramar Murders” (Spanish), “The Sketch Artist” (French), “The Sister” (English), “Hard Sun” (English), “The Witnesses” (German), “Dark Woods” (German), and “Dalgleish” (English). Most of these titles will be available under BMS originals.

    “BookMyShow Stream has been extremely well received across age groups and languages. We are thrilled to offer cinephiles an enhanced experience with the launch of yet another content format on the platform,” said BookMyShow COO – cinemas Ashish Saksena. “With a multitude of genres and titles that span languages across the world, cinephiles can now access exclusive TV series and content titles every fortnight along with the rich ‘BookMyShow Stream Originals’ repertoire.”

  • BookMyShow’s new campaign marries entertainment and safety

    BookMyShow’s new campaign marries entertainment and safety

    NEW DELHI: BookMyShow has released its latest campaign film ‘Unlocking Life’ which explores the theme of people revisiting their favourite forms of out-of-home entertainment experiences in the new normal. 

    The ‘Unlocking Life’ campaign comes at a time when the entertainment sector in the country is witnessing a revival after a six month-long pause, giving millions of Indians a much needed respite from the no-show phase.

    The film highlights BookMyShow’s ‘My Safety First’ feature – the first ever safety shield tag, which helps users make an informed choice and enjoy an absolutely safe and secure entertainment experience.

    BookMyShow COO – cinemas Ashish Saksena said, “BookMyShow is thrilled to welcome audiences to their favourite formats of out-of-home entertainment, yet again! We understand that health and safety of all stakeholders is of utmost importance, now more than ever, and will be a key driver in reviving the entertainment ecosystem in India. The ‘Unlocking Life’ campaign aims at redefining the vast array of entertainment experiences and how they will be rolled out even whilst retaining the same measure of fun and vibrancy, as audiences finally gear up to step out and make memories with their loved ones, in these extraordinary times. The ‘My Safety First’ feature on our platform further strengthens our promise of providing safe entertainment to our users, and we urge all entertainment-lovers to make an informed decision as they get ready to experience entertainment in its new avatar, like never before.”

    The ‘My Safety First’ tag will highlight various safety indicators available across all movies and events listed on the platform, such as social distancing-based seating, thermal screening, contactless security check, availability of hand sanitizers, daily temperature check for staff members, availability of packaged food & beverages, limited occupancy in restrooms, compulsory masks, sanitization before every show amongst others, enabling users to see the various safety measures employed by partners and make an informed decision before they step out to be a part of their favorite out-of-home entertainment experience.

  • Indian screen community celebrates cinema on world IP day

    Indian screen community celebrates cinema on world IP day

    MUMBAI: In recognition of innovation and creativity in content industries, the MPDA is partnering with local screen associations and industry bodies to organize events in support of World IP Day, this year designated Movies: A Global Passion.

    On April 26, 2014, in association with strategic alliance partner, the Andhra Pradesh Film Chamber of Commerce (APFCC) and leading multiplex chains across the country, the MPDA launched an online quiz for multiplex staff entitled ‘Be A Movie Cop’. This initiative attempts to raise awareness on the threats and challenges of camcording in cinemas, while rewarding theatre staff with exciting prizes, including a ‘Movie Cop’ badge in recognition of their efforts to curb content theft in their cinemas.

    “We are happy to collaborate with the Motion Picture Dist. Association, India and the APFCC on this interactive and educative initiative. Cinema staff are the frontline of defense and need to be equipped with the right understanding and tools to help combat camcording in cinemas,” said Ashish Saksena, Chief Operating Officer, Big Cinemas.

    “As the leading multiplex chain in the country, we at INOX take ample measures to curb piracy across all our multiplexes. We are happy to be a part of this initiative of MPDA, India and the APFCC to combat this menace and will continue our efforts to uproot and eradicate this threat out of our industry.” said Daizy Lal, Chief Operating Officer, Inox Leisure Ltd.

    On April 26, in celebration of the global passion for movies, the American Center, New Delhi in association with MPDA (India) will host special screenings of three Hollywood blockbuster films – Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Disney – UTV, Noah – Viacom 18 and Rio 2 – Fox Star Studios, India which will also feature an IP quiz. Over 150 guests comprising Government of India officials, the U.S. Embassy and students from various universities will attend the event.

    “India and the United States both have diverse and incredibly vibrant film industries,” says Joshua W. Polacheck, Cultural Attache for north India at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, “and we are proud to work together with MPDA, India and our partners across India to promote intellectual property rights. The creative workers in both countries deserve these protections and consumers must understand the very real negative implications of piracy on the cinema we all love.”

    MPDA, India will also participate in a conference organized by FICCI’s IPR division in association with the Department of Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The conference on ‘Fostering Innovations and Creativity in Indian Industry through Intellectual Property for Higher Growth Trajectory’ will focus on the role of IP in boosting creativity, the economic impact and challenges of online content protection in a digital economy.

    Hollywood and Indian cinema both value films as products of Intellectual Property (IP). Audiences are often unaware of the creative process that goes into creating music, lyrics and screenplays and the value of the talent and skill of technicians, composers, lyricists, editors, producers, cinematographers, sound designers, animators, and creators of special effects.

    Cinema is a global passion today and plays a significant role in creating jobs in addition to contributing to the economy of a nation. According to a study commissioned by the Motion Picture Dist. Association, India (MPDA) in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Film Federation of India (FFI) and the Film and Television Producers Guild of India (FTPGI), the Indian motion picture and television industry is one of the largest and fastest growing sectors, contributing c. USD 8.1 billion (c. INR 50,000 Cr.) to the country’s economy, equating to 0.5% of GDP, in 2013, and supports a significant 1.8 million (18.8 lac) jobs.

    “The opportunities to increase potential and growth in this industry would be significant, if content was better protected. Content theft through camcording in cinemas and rogue/ illegitimate websites continues to undermine profits and threatens jobs in our creative industries. As we join our partners on World IP Day to increase awareness and respect for creative works in a digital age, creating a legislative framework that promotes and protects the film industry which supports millions of jobs, while recognizing the challenges of a digital economy is the need of the hour,” said Uday Singh, Managing Director, MPDA, India.

    A copy of the Deloitte Economic Contribution of the Indian Motion Picture and Television Industry 2013 full report and infographic summary are available to view and download at www.mpaa-india.org.