Tag: cinema

  • IAMAI hails piracy task force as shot in the arm for creative economy

    IAMAI hails piracy task force as shot in the arm for creative economy

    MUMBAI: The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has cheered the ministry of information and broadcasting’s (MIB’s) decision to set up a dedicated task force to tackle the scourge of online piracy, calling it a long-overdue step to protect the country’s creative economy.

    IAMAI’s digital entertainment committee said the initiative would help turn the tough provisions of the Cinematograph Amendment Act 2023 into action on the ground. The law introduced steep penalties for piracy and empowered authorities to crack down on illegal recordings and transmissions.

    A 2024 “Rob Report”, published by EY and IAMAI, estimated that India’s entertainment sector—spanning OTT platforms and cinemas—loses Rs 224 bn annually to piracy, with 51 per cent of consumers admitting to watching pirated content. It urged stronger enforcement, fairer pricing and more innovative distribution models.

    JioStar chief executive and chair of the digital entertainment committe Kiran Mani said IAMAI’s role in the task force would channel industry expertise into “decisive measures that safeguard our creative economy and fuel long-term growth.”

    Inshorts a co-founder & chief executive and co-chair of the committee  Deepit Purkayastha called piracy “one of the biggest hurdles” for the industry, adding that the task force was a chance to “set the stage for a stronger and more trusted entertainment industry.”

    With a task force in place, the law tightened and industry voices aligned, India’s media and entertainment sector is finally poised to fight piracy with more than words.

    (The picture shown above is just a representation of the task force and does not purport to depict either Shastri Bhawan or the industry executives who are part of the task force)

  • Cricket and cinema: the strategic brand accelerator in India’s cultural economy

    Cricket and cinema: the strategic brand accelerator in India’s cultural economy

    MUMBAI: With IPL 2025 underway, it’s worth examining why the combination of cricket and Indian cinema remains the most potent market entry and brand acceleration strategy in India’s dynamic consumer economy. Brands like Dream11 and EMotorad continue to demonstrate how effectively leveraging the insight ‘cricket and cinema unite India as a country’ can drive exceptional marketing results. 

    What makes cricket and cinema uniquely powerful is their unparalleled ability to transcend India’s extraordinary diversity. In a nation with 22 official languages and countless regional subcultures, these two cultural forces create a shared national experience that cuts across all demographic divides. The data supports this observation: when mapped against consumer engagement metrics, no other cultural touchpoints come close to matching their penetration across income brackets, age groups, and geographic regions. This isn’t merely entertainment – it’s the social fabric that connects 1.4 billion people. 

    For brands like Dream11 and EMotorad that recognise this cultural alignment, the benefits extend far beyond conventional marketing metrics: 

    The 2024 IPL season shattered all previous viewership records, reaching an astonishing 572 million viewers across platforms, with average engagement time increasing to 47 minutes per match. This represents nearly 40 per cent of India’s population actively engaged with a single longish running event.

    When these viewership patterns are overlaid with the social media footprint of leading Indian cinema personalities – many commanding follower-ships larger than the population of European countries – the potential reach becomes unparalleled in global marketing. The cross-platform amplification effect creates a visibility multiplier that traditional media planning simply cannot replicate. 

    EMotorad Dhoni Sandeep Vanga Raddy

    Analysis of over 200 Indian brand campaigns shows that those leveraging both cricket and Indian cinema consistently generate emotional engagement scores 3.7x higher than those using either element alone. This emotional resonance translates directly to brand affinity metrics that persist long after campaign completion. 

    The strategic advantage of this dual approach lies in its demographic universality. Consumer panel research across 18 Indian states reveals that cricket-cinema integrations uniquely solve the urban rural divide that plagues most marketing strategies. 

    In a market where consumer trust metrics show declining confidence in traditional advertising, the implicit endorsement effect of cricket-Indian cinema integrations provides a critical credibility accelerator. Recent research indicates brands with authentic cricket and cinema  associations report up to 41 per cent higher trust ratings than category competitors. This trust premium directly influences the consumer decision journey, with 68 per cent of consumers demonstrating increased purchase intent for products within this ecosystem. 

    Forward-thinking brands are now moving beyond simple endorsements to create sophisticated ecosystem strategies that maximize the cricket-cinema connection. Through narrative integration, these brands develop authentic storylines that merge cricket themes with Indian cinema storytelling conventions, creating content that resonates at a deeper cultural level with Indian audiences. 

    Their platform architecture constructs comprehensive touchpoint ecosystems that begin during IPL broadcasts, extend through celebrity social channels, and culminate in immersive digital experiences, creating seamless consumer journeys across multiple media. Additionally, strategic brands position themselves to capitalise on specific cricket-cinema convergence points—such as celebrity reactions to dramatic match moments—enabling real-time engagement that feels organic rather than manufactured. This integrated approach allows brands to participate in cultural conversations in ways that traditional advertising simply cannot achieve. 

    As more brands recognize this strategy, the key differentiator has become execution sophistication. Brands achieving breakthrough results are those implementing “cultural intelligence” – the ability to authentically participate in the cricket-cinema conversation rather than simply appropriate its imagery. 

    The most successful campaigns demonstrate deep understanding of the subtle cultural codes embedded within both cricket and cinema, allowing them to engage at a level that feels native rather than commercial. 

     

    Jaspreet Bumrah Haridik Pandya Dream11

    Perhaps most importantly, leading brands have developed specialized metrics to quantify the impact of cricket-cinema integrations beyond traditional marketing KPIs. These include cultural relevance scores, conversation share analysis, and cross-platform engagement attribution that capture the true business impact of these strategies. 

    In India’s intensely competitive brand landscape, the cinema-cinema  convergence represents not just a marketing tactic but a strategic imperative. Brands like Dream11 and EMotorad haven’t merely adopted this approach – they’ve embedded it within their core business strategy. 

    With another IPL season, the brands that will emerge victorious are those that recognize a fundamental truth: in India, cricket and cinema aren’t just marketing channels – they are the cultural operating system through which consumers experience and interpret brand meaning. 

    The question for strategic leaders isn’t whether to engage with this cultural ecosystem, but how to do so with the sophistication and authenticity that today’s discerning Indian consumer demands. 

  • UFO Moviez promotes Siddharth Bhardwaj as CEO digital cinema

    UFO Moviez promotes Siddharth Bhardwaj as CEO digital cinema

    MUMBAI: UFO Moviez, a network for in-cinema advertising and digital cinema distribution, has announced change at the top.

    Siddharth Bhardwaj, currently the group CMO and national sales head, has been promoted to chief executive officer of the digital cinema business. A qualified mechanical engineer with an MBA in marketing, Bhardwaj brings over 28 years of experience across various industries. Since joining UFO Moviez in 2012, he has been instrumental in establishing the company’s advertising revenue and advocating for cine-media as a preferred platform for impactful advertising.

    In his new role, Bhardwaj will oversee the company’s digital cinema business, focusing on leveraging competitive advantages to drive growth. He will continue to report to UFO Moviez executive director & group CEO Rajesh Mishra.

    “Siddharth’s experience and strategic acumen have been instrumental in shaping UFO Moviez’s success over the years,” said Mishra. “His elevation to CEO of the digital cinema business reflects our confidence in his ability to lead the company into the next level of growth. I am certain that under his leadership, UFO Moviez will continue to innovate and deliver value to all our partners and stakeholders.”

  • For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9

    For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9

    MUMBAI: What drives a fan to worship their cinematic idols with the fervor of a devotee? Is it the larger-than-life stories, the charisma of the stars, or something deeper – a bond that transcends the screen? For South Indian cinema lovers, it’s all of this and more. Come 7 December 2024, DocuBay, the global documentary streaming platform from IN10 Media Network, invites you on an exhilarating journey with Fanatics – a stirring original feature that peels back the curtain on the extraordinary world of South Indian film devotion.

    From Tollywood to Sandalwood, this documentary delves into the heartfelt, and sometimes overwhelming, passion of fans who turn theaters into temples and actors into deities. Fanatics isn’t just a film; it’s a celebration of an emotion that millions live and breathe – a spectacle that promises to move, inspire, and leave you in awe. Mark your calendars, because this is one cinematic story you won’t want to miss.

    Through in-depth storytelling, Fanatics journeys into the cultural heartlands of south India to showcase the acts of devotion and reverence that redefine fandom. From building temples in honour of their idols to life-altering sacrifices, the documentary portrays not only the admiration fans hold but also the darker consequences of such passion. Beginning with Tamil actor-politician MG Ramachandran’s era, the film traces the evolution of fan culture to the present day, including figures like Rajinikanth and Allu Arjun.

    The documentary features candid interviews with Indian cinema icons such as Allu Arjun, Kichcha Sudeep, and Vijay Sethupathi, highlighting their perspectives on fan loyalty and the influence it wields on society. The film also examines the risks of fanaticism, including violent rivalries between fan groups.

    Arjun reflects in the documentary, “Cinema has become a very strong, integral part of the culture—it’s no longer just a source of entertainment. Stars are highly idolised in the South, more than anywhere else I have seen in the world. Many fans do wonderful charity work, and that is great energy being put to the right cause.”

    Sudeep shares his perspective, saying, “When I see people building temples for me or getting tattoos, it honestly scares me because I am a man of flaws. Over time, you begin to understand the purity of their emotions and the immense love they have for you. It teaches you responsibility and makes you a better human.”

    IN10 Media Network, managing director, Aditya Pittie expressed the vision behind Fanatics, “At DocuBay, our mission is to curate and deliver intriguing narratives that resonate with global audiences. With Fanatics, we aim to provide an in-depth look at the unparalleled devotion of South Indian cinema fans. This first-of-its-kind documentary reflects our commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling that drives engagement worldwide.”

    Fanatics delves into the symbiotic relationship between fan loyalty and the business of cinema, highlighting how this devotion directly influences the box-office success of south Indian films. By presenting stories of fans piercing their tongues, tattooing their bodies, and dedicating their lives to their idols, the documentary balances the awe-inspiring and cautionary tales of fandom.

    Produced by Studio 9, Fanatics offers an unfiltered view into the world of extraordinary devotion. The documentary premiered exclusively on DocuBay on 7 December 2024.

  • West Asia cinema market to get growth urge from Saudi Arabia

    West Asia cinema market to get growth urge from Saudi Arabia

    MUMBAI: For movie lovers in the middle east north Africa (Mena) region, this is great news. And for Indian movie producers and distributors it is probably even better news. Analysis by London-based research outfit Omdia has revealed that the Mena cinema market is poised to catapult to new heights with revenue growing from $900 million in 2024 to $1.5 billion by 2029. The main driver of this growth is going to be Saudi Arabia which will account for almost two-thirds of the region’s cinema revenue. 

    West Asia, according to Omdia, has emerged as the fastest cinema building market, adding 1,000 new screens, starting 2019 to reach 2.500 screens by end 2024. Saudi Arabia, which is on aggressive city and entertainment hub building spree is expected to lead the additions, reaching 803 screens by year end 2024. The UAE is expected to be next in the pecking order with 734 screens.

    To top that, OMDIA says that even though west Asia is focusing on local productions, expanding its theatre count, and spreading cinema culture there is still much work to be done to sustain interest in local films and broaden their appeal.

    Beyond cinema, the online video streaming market in Mena is also on a strong growth trajectory, projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2029. This reflects the region’s evolving entertainment landscape, where audiences are embracing both traditional cinema and digital streaming platforms, creating a diverse and dynamic entertainment ecosystem.

    Says Omdia senior  director of media & entertainment  Maria Rua Agute: “With films no longer made solely for cinema; streaming platforms play a major role in financing and offer audiences a great variety of films, including those that might not reach traditional cinemas due to cost or limited availability of screens. In a region with relatively few arthouse cinemas in the region, there is a growing need for more diverse venues and programming to reflect the evolving film culture and cater to different tastes and genres. Expanding the availability of diverse cinema will be key to meeting demand.

    “The growth of cinema in the Mena  region, particularly in Saudi Arabia, signals a major shift in both the regional entertainment landscape and global filmmaking. Investments in infrastructure, local film production, and streaming are helping diversify cinema offerings. As audiences embrace both traditional theater and digital platforms, the region’s film culture has immense potential to flourish and gain international recognition.”
     

  • The matter of high ticket & F&B pricing in cinema halls

    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.”

  • AI’s future in content discovery promises more intuitive and immersive entertainment: MovieMe’s Bhavesh Joshi

    AI’s future in content discovery promises more intuitive and immersive entertainment: MovieMe’s Bhavesh Joshi

    Mumbai: Navigating the vast sea of entertainment options can be overwhelming, with countless choices often making it hard to find content that truly resonates. MovieMe addresses this challenge with a groundbreaking approach to content discovery.

    Founded by Bhavesh Joshi, a film enthusiast with a background from the UK’s National Film and Television School, MovieMe harnesses machine learning to deliver hyper-personalised recommendations, making it easier for users to find content that truly resonates with their unique tastes. MovieMe is reshaping how we interact with cinema and television by offering features like ‘Scenes’ and ‘real-money game’.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Arth Chakraborty caught up with MovieMe founder and CEO Bhavesh Joshi to delve deeper into their offerings, future trends and more.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inspiration behind MovieMe, and the ways in which it is disrupting the traditional entertainment landscape

    The inspiration for MovieMe stemmed from my deep love for cinema and the realisation that, despite the abundance of content available today, many viewers still struggle to find films and shows that truly resonate with them. I wanted to bridge this gap by creating a platform that does not just recommend what’s popular, but what aligns with each user’s unique tastes and preferences. MovieMe is disrupting the traditional entertainment landscape by leveraging machine learning to offer hyper-personalised recommendations. We are moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach, giving users a curated experience that feels tailor-made just for them, which I believe is the future of content consumption. We are also extremely focused on enhancing the cinematic experience for audiences, giving them new tools and ways in which to interact with their favourite content, and celebrate their love for cinema.

    On MovieMe’s AI-driven recommendation system working to personalise user experiences

    MovieMe’s AI and ML-driven recommendation system is built on sophisticated algorithms that analyse a wide array of data—from a user’s viewing history and interactions on the platform to broader trends in content consumption, and over a thousand data points of movies (story arc, character development, plot tropes, etc.). By continuously learning from user behaviour, our system evolves to provide more accurate and relevant suggestions over time. It’s not just about recommending what’s trending; it’s about understanding the nuances of each user’s preferences and providing them with options they might not have discovered on their own.

    On ways in which MovieMe has transformed content discovery for its users

    One of the most gratifying aspects of MovieMe is hearing from users who have discovered hidden gems they would have otherwise missed. For instance, we’ve had users who primarily watched mainstream Hollywood films but, through our recommendations, found themselves exploring indie and international cinema that they ended up loving. Another example is our ‘Scenes’ feature, where users can discover movies based on short scenes or clips they enjoy, which has opened up a new dimension of content discovery, making the experience both personal and emotionally engaging.

    On the role that machine learning plays in understanding user preferences and predicting trends on MovieMe

    Machine learning is at the core of MovieMe’s ability to understand user preferences and predict trends. By processing vast amounts of data—from individual user habits to broader viewing patterns—we can anticipate what content will resonate with different audience segments. This allows us to not only recommend existing content but also provide insights into emerging trends that could shape future viewing habits. Our machine-learning models constantly evolve, ensuring that MovieMe remains ahead of the curve in predicting what our users want to watch next.

    On MovieMe ensuring data security while providing personalised recommendations

    Data security is a top priority for MovieMe. We employ robust encryption protocols and data anonymisation techniques to ensure that user information is protected at all times. Additionally, we are transparent with our users about how their data is used to enhance their experience. We believe that maintaining user trust is crucial, which is why we have implemented strict policies to safeguard privacy while still delivering the personalised recommendations that our users value.

    On MovieMe adapting to the cultural trends that are currently shaping the entertainment industry

    MovieMe is deeply attuned to the cultural trends shaping the entertainment industry, from the rise of diverse storytelling to the growing demand for localised content. We have incorporated these trends into our recommendation algorithms, ensuring that users are introduced to a wide range of voices and perspectives. Additionally, our platform is constantly updated to reflect the latest in entertainment, whether that’s emerging genres, the resurgence of certain formats, or shifts in how content is consumed.

    On MovieMe’s unique features like ‘Scenes’ and ‘real-money game’ and its impact on user engagement

    Our ‘Scenes’ feature allows users to explore movies based on short scenes or clips of content that resonate with them—whether it’s a thrilling chase sequence or a heartfelt conversation. The idea is to offer a new form of content discovery and allow users to discover content that truly strikes a chord with them. Of course, it also functions as an endless repository of bite-sized content, great for watching stuff in those little in-between moments when you don’t have time to watch full episodes or movies. This feature has significantly enhanced user engagement by offering a new way to connect with content on a deeper level.

    The ‘real-money game’ – or forecast game, as we call it – is another innovative addition where users can predict box office earnings and win cash prizes. This gamified experience adds a layer of excitement and drives engagement by integrating users into the entertainment ecosystem in a more interactive way. It also helps us generate valuable data points about audience expectations around different movie titles and their genres, cast members, production teams, etc. These data can then help industry professionals make informed decisions about various components of their future releases, including production, marketing, and distribution.

    On envisioning the future of AI in content discovery and entertainment, and MovieMe’s future plans for innovation in this space

    The future of AI in content discovery is incredibly promising, with the potential to make entertainment experiences even more intuitive and immersive. At MovieMe, we’re exploring new ways to leverage AI to enhance personalisation, including more advanced predictive analytics and real-time recommendations based on mood or social context. We are also looking at how AI can be used to create more interactive and dynamic content experiences. Our goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in content discovery, making MovieMe not just a recommendation engine, but a comprehensive entertainment companion that evolves with its users.

  • PVR INOX unveils Bengaluru’s largest cinema

    PVR INOX unveils Bengaluru’s largest cinema

    Mumbai: PVR INOX, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India, has announced the launch of Bengaluru’s largest cinema at Phoenix Mall of Asia and its largest cinema in the South. The 14-screen Megaplex located in the largest and one of the most premium malls in Bengaluru features three premium formats – MX4D, ScreenX, and Insignia.  PVR INOX also introduces the first MX4D, the immersive 4D movie experience and ScreenX, 270-degree cinema viewing in South India.

    The new cinema will augment PVR INOX foothold in Bengaluru with 172 screens in 26 cinemas and in the state of Karnataka with 219 screens in 37 cinemas.  The company consolidate its presence in South India to a total of 572 screens in 100 properties.

    Located in the suburbs of Bangalore, the 14-screen Megaplex is the city’s most advanced cinema that includes the multi-sensory MX4D format, premium large screen format ScreenX, three auditoriums of PVR INOX’s luxury format, Insignia along with 9 premiere auditoriums with last row celebrity plush recliners. With a seating capacity of 1997 audiences, the new cinema is equipped with the best-in-class theatrical technology to offer an immersive and enhanced cinematic experience. This includes the 4K laser projection, advanced Dolby Atmos surround sound and Volfoni 3D screen.

    Commenting on the announcement, PVR INOX Ltd MD Ajay Bijli said, “The Southern region is a critical market for us with a steady supply of regional content and passionate consumer demand. We have received an overwhelming response for all our premium screen formats nationwide, prompting us to unveil our largest cinema in South with 14 screens including 3 superlative cinema formats – MX4D, Screen X and Insignia. It has been PVR INOX’s strategy to make cinemas more experiential and this Megaplex at Phoenix Mall of Asia perfectly aligns with our vision.’’

    The design harmoniously blends various shades of white, accented by a regal touch of Royal blue, imparting a luxurious ambiance. Strategic areas such as entrances and F&B spaces are elegantly emphasized using black accents amidst the whites, ensuring a delicate balance. Impressive video walls, signage, and ceiling features reflect the grandeur reminiscent of a Megaplex. By transitioning from whites to greys, the Insignia achieves a refined and opulent atmosphere. This timeless design promises a perpetually fresh appeal, welcoming customers to a comfortable and inviting environment.

    Commenting on the announcement, PVR INOX Ltd executive director Sanjeev Kumar Bijli said, “We are delighted to launch our biggest property in South India, introducing the MX4D and Screen X formats to the region. Bengaluru is a fast-changing and dynamic city in Southern region and one of India’s fast-growing economies. Leveraging on the immense potential of the city aided by proactive governance, it offers one of the most promising destinations for expansion of multiplexes. We are excited to expand our presence in Karnataka with a world-class cinema.”

  • Seven unmissable reasons to attend BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival

    Seven unmissable reasons to attend BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival

    Mumbai: With less than a week to go, the anticipation for BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival, curated by BookMyShow, is reaching its peak! This cinematic extravaganza promises a delightful journey through a collection of captivating films, ranging from heartwarming dramas to spine-tingling thrillers and more. As the countdown clock ticks away, cinephiles are gearing up to immerse themselves in a world of storytelling magic!

    BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination introduced Red Lorry Film Festival, a curated cinematic universe featuring the finest content 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. From discovering hidden gems to experiencing acclaimed masterpieces on the big screen, this film festival tinted weekend is a paradise for every movie enthusiast.

    Here are seven irresistible reasons why you shouldn’t miss out on this cinematic extravaganza:

    1.  Centrepiece-spotlight at the BKC Haveli: After making waves around the globe, ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’ comes for a silver screen Indian premiere as the ‘Centrepiece-Spotlight’ film at BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival. The black-comedy thriller has in lead roles Emmy Nominee Arjun Mathur, the queen of OTT Rasika Dugal, the Marvel girl Zoha Rahman who starred in ‘Spiderman: Far From Home’, along with Paresh Pahuja who grew to fame after ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, Tanmay Dhanania known for his roles in ‘Brahman-Naman’ and ‘Rapist’ with the legendary Garrick Hagon from ‘Mission Impossible’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ – a dream cast which has been garnering rave reviews.

    2.  Big screen debut for TV series: Witness history in the making as Red Lorry Film Festival becomes the first to showcase TV series on the grandeur of the big screen! Dive into the drama, suspense and mystery catching Scandinavian, British, German among others – shows like never before with the screening of the first two episodes. Look out for ‘Oxen’, ‘Davos 1917’, ‘Captivated’, ‘Power Play’ and more!

    3.  Exclusive premieres galore: Dive into a treasure trove of exclusive premieres that you won’t find anywhere else. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of exclusive premieres at Red Lorry Film Festival! From gripping dramas like the dystopian America in ‘Civil War’ and hair-raising ‘Immaculate’ to heartwarming tales such as ‘Wicked Little Letters’, ‘Cottontail’ and ‘Sidonie In Japan’, courtroom drama ‘The Goldman Case’, the famous ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’, gut-wrenching true stories ‘Shoshana’ and ‘One Life’, the festival promises a diverse array of premieres that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

    4.  Fresh premieres from global festivals: Be the trendsetter by catching the latest and greatest titles fresh from international festivals like the acclaimed Berlinale including titles like ‘Amal’, ‘Last Swim’, ‘Black Tea’. BookMyShow’s Red Lorry Film Festival showcases these exclusive premieres that are hot off the reels, offering a sneak peek into the future of cinema. Experience the buzz and excitement of international premieres right here in India, bringing you cutting-edge storytelling and cinematic brilliance.

    5.  Interact With The Stellar Cast: Rub shoulders with cast members and delve into in-depth conversations with the director of ‘Berlin’ Atul Sabharwal and the prolific Rahul Bose followed by a chat with actors Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh after the screening on Friday, 5 April at 5:15 pm. Join the star cast of Anshuman Jha’s directorial debut ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’ – Arjun Mathur, Rasika Dugal and Paresh Pahuja on Saturday, 6 April at 6 pm as well as Vipin Mishra – the man behind the eight-part series ‘Folkroad’ on Sunday, 7 April at 6 pm for an engaging Q&A session before their screenings. From exclusive panel discussions to behind-the-scenes insights, it’s a star-studded affair!

    6.  Dive deep into the art of filmmaking: Sign up for exclusive workshop with esteemed film critic Baradwaj Rangan that promise to enrich your cinematic experience on Friday, 5 April from 3 – 4 pm. Learn about the various lenses you can watch a film from and redefine your cinematic experience for a lifetime!

    7.  100 shades of cinema: With a plethora of options at your fingertips, don’t forget to book your slots in advance to explore over 100 captivating titles spanning genres and themes. Whether you’re into heartwarming dramas or pulse-pounding thrillers, there’s a reeling adventure waiting for you!

    As the curtains rise on Red Lorry Film Festival, movie lovers are in for a treat with a host of 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 Rs 1499/- for a season ticket to all 3 days of the cinematic extravaganza, Red Lorry Film Festival is going to be one for the books!

    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.