ITV

Tag: docuseries

  • HistoryTV18’s docuseries: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple returns

    HistoryTV18’s docuseries: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple returns

    Mumbai: History TV18’s award-winning docuseries, India: Marvels & Mysteries returns in a brand new season, with noted Indophile and author William Dalrymple. The quest to uncover forgotten facts, revisit centuries-old stories lost to time, begins anew. The show explores historical sites, revisits cold trails and shines the light on unanswered questions about India’s incredible past and her many wonders, like never before. It also offers new perspectives on mighty empires, characters from Indian history, our ancestors, and their knowledge of complex phenomena. The series comprises half-hour thematic episodes, each with multiple stories that traverse the length and breadth of India, spanning millennia. India: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple starts on the 4t January, 2024 with new episodes every Thursday and Friday at 9 PM, exclusively on History TV18.

    The show will take audiences on an immersive exploration of India. Each episode in the seven-part series promises an unforgettable experience. Dramatic recreations with actors in period costumes bring to life amazing stories and untold histories behind India’s enigmatic structures – from jaw-dropping marvels and celebrated monuments to relatively little-known sites, across dynasties and periods. The stories engage, inform and entertain, with brilliant visuals filmed all over the country, illustrative graphics and archival images. The fact-rich storytelling strives to distinguish between legend and legacy, supported by a stellar cast of expert commentators, led by historian and world-famous author, William Dalrymple. The show’s ambition is to transport a new generation of viewers into the richness and diversity of India’s past, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the sites, structures and marvels that are India’s incredible heritage.

    Speaking ahead of the show’s launch, William Dalrymple commented, “History provides a road map by which we can understand where we stand in the present and how we got here. Without it we are lost. It was a huge pleasure to work with HistoryTV18 on this beautifully shot series and I can’t wait to hear people’s astonished reactions to some of the forgotten treasures we’ve dug up.”

    Travelling across the country, the show gives an account of some of the country’s grandest architectural wonders, as well as of historical locations whose past is shrouded in mystery. Expert insights provide the context and the modern-day significance of each story and the historical figures in them, while the dramatisations are sure to keep audiences engaged.

    Speaking about the docuseries Arun Thapar president – AETN18 content & communication says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have William Dalrymple on the show. His perspectives and insights have been invaluable. Our association with a writer of Dalrymple’s calibre and renown, epitomises HistoryTV18’s commitment to great storytelling and world class content produced in India.”

    The show promises a wondrous trip through time, in what is possibly the oldest and most diverse country in the world, whose enduring legacy has been shaped by the confluence of cultures, know-how, and artistic traditions. From India’s temples and forts to entire medieval cities and even structures from prehistory, the show packs in a lot.

    Temples for instance have played a central role in the cultural, social, religious and economic life of communities and regions across India, for all of recorded history. The series makes some noteworthy inclusions. The grandeur and complexity of some of these sacred structures is a testament to their significance. It also points to the surprising level of knowledge that existed in the ancient times in which these were built. The show explores what is known and more interestingly, what is not.

    Prepare to be enthralled by the ethereal beauty of the Chaturmukh Jain Temple at Ranakpur, an unrivalled architectural marvel adorned with over a thousand pillars and sculptures. Witness the stunning collection of sculptures from the 16 and 17 centuries in a little-known temple in Thirukurungudi, Tamil Nadu. Be transported to the world’s largest monolithic structure crafted from a hill to create a temple. Experience the mystical power of Gods carved into a rock face in remote Tripura. All this and a lot more is on offer in HistoryTV18’s one-of-a-kind original series.  

    Enter the world of two of India’s charismatic women rulers and the iconic structures they built – Rani Udaymati’s stepwell in Gujarat and the elegant mausoleum built by mughal empress Noor Jahan.

    Time travel to mighty Mewar, with its warrior king and its exceptional citadel and then further south into the Deccan under a tyrant, to encounter tales of tragedy and horror that serve as reminders of the murderous ways of medieval times. Visit Bijapur, once seat of a surprising sultan and home to one of the world’s largest domes. Pass through the highest gateway and lose yourself in the tales of two medieval cities. These were once the crown jewels of the dynasties they served, but now they are abandoned and part of world heritage. Venture into the unknown to unearth the stories behind mysterious Hire Bennakal and Narthiang, whose origins have been lost to time and whose secrets may endure forever.

    The seven-part documentary series promises viewers an unparalleled experience. Merging re-enactments, authentic storytelling, an exploration of legends and popular narratives, along with an examination of known facts, the show breathes new life into historic places, as never before.

    Arun Thapar adds, “India: Marvels and Mysteries with William Dalrymple is a selection of compelling stories about the creative genius of ancient and medieval India, her great wealth of knowledge and the many wonders that have endured into the present. The show delves into history across empires and dynasties, peopled with remarkable characters who played a part in shaping the story of India.”

    India: Marvels and Mysteries, Premieres 4 January 2024 9 PM,

    Every Thursday-Friday, only on History TV18

  • Sony Sports to broadcast Architects in White starting 16 June

    Sony Sports to broadcast Architects in White starting 16 June

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network will air the four-part docuseries Architects in White – India Cricket in England from 16 to 19 June in four languages on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 4. The series will also be available on its streaming service Sonyliv.

    The docuseries showcases a riveting story about the long-standing Test cricket rivalry between India and England.

    The series features some of the greatest cricketing voices like Sunil Gavaskar, David Gower, Nick Knight, Chetan Sharma, Kiran More and Maninder Singh among others, capturing Team India’s finest sporting achievements in England. The docuseries also features insights from notable sports journalists from both India and England, like Lawrence Booth (Editor, Wisden), Scyld Berry (Former Editor, Wisden), Sharda Ugra, Ayaz Memon amongst others.

    “After successfully bringing the story of India’s greatest Test win over Australia, we take immense pride in showcasing the stories behind India’s greatest Test wins on English soil,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer distribution and head sports business Rajesh Kaul. “Architects in White celebrates the legends who drew the blueprints for India’s 9 Test wins in 9 decades in England. The four-episode feature series celebrating the heroes that made it happen will also be telecast in four languages so we can serve more cricket fans across India.”

  • Discovery+ to launch ‘Legends of Ramayana’ docu-series with Amish Tripathi

    Discovery+ to launch ‘Legends of Ramayana’ docu-series with Amish Tripathi

    Mumbai: Discovery Inc-owned streaming platform Discovery+ has announced a new docu-series “Legends of the Ramayana” featuring author Amish Tripathi as the host. The show will begin streaming on the platform on 7 April. 

    Tripathi is a celebrated Indian author renowned for the “Shiva Trilogy” and “Ram Chandra” novel series. As the host, he will traverse across geographies in the footsteps of ‘Lord Ram’ to retrace his journey and unravel the under-explored mysteries around the text, said the platform in a statement. 

    “It has been said that no Indian hears the Ramayan for the first time. We are all born with it. It’s a part of our genes, a part of our bones. It is our collective eternal heritage. And to be able host a documentary on this subject, would, I thought, be a bit like coming home,” said Amish Tripathi. “And yet, even though we were covering the familiar, one still had experiences that one would not expect! For example, we actually shot in small caves where an underground river flows! Or discovered a tribe that tattoos the holy name of Ram all over their bodies! Or actually found floating stones at Rameshwaram; stones that despite being so light were still strong enough to be used in the modern era in the construction of a church! All of us Indians think we know Lord Ram’s journey. But there is still so much more to discover.”

    “I couldn’t have dreamt of a better programme where I could make my debut as a host. It was enlightening, it was fun, it was surreal,” he further said.

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  • discovery+ launches investigative docuseries ‘Dangals of Crime’

    discovery+ launches investigative docuseries ‘Dangals of Crime’

    Mumbai: Streaming app discovery+ has launched an investigative docuseries “Dangals of Crime – The Untold Truth About Indian Wrestling,” which traces the meteoric rise of the Olympic sport of Wrestling in India while exploring in-depth the dark underbelly of crime often associated with it.

    Former wrestlers and coaches, eminent sports journalists, and law enforcement officials weigh in with their experiences, insights and memories, in the two-part series produced by Vice Studios Production and directed by award-winning director Niyantha Shekar.

    Notable former coaches and wrestlers whose views are reflected in the documentary include names such as Satbir Singh, Virender Kumar, Anil Mann and Ramphal Mann.

    Wrestling is by far India’s most successful individual sport (seven medals) in terms of medals won at the Summer Olympics. Its popularity reached a crescendo after iconic wrestlers Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt won three medals collectively across two successive Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). “Dangals of Crime” showcases this journey towards success and highlights the deep-rooted akhada culture, strict discipline and the unparalleled devotion that makes a champion wrestler.

    The series explores how the sport, which has been instrumental in bringing sporting laurels for India, has also been witness to some dark moments which overshadow its glorious journey and malign wrestling and its athletes.

    “Dangals of Crime delves deep into the realms of wrestling, a sport that has churned out some of India’s greatest homegrown champions. Reflecting on the sport in the most informative way, the discovery+ Original dissects every aspect of the making of a Pehelwan, coupled with its current realities and the crime related to it. It will surely leave our viewers thinking,” said Discovery Inc MD – South Asia Megha Tata.

  • Times Now Navbharat to air docu-series ‘Kahani Navbharat Ki’

    Times Now Navbharat to air docu-series ‘Kahani Navbharat Ki’

    Mumbai: Times Now Navbharat has announced a documentary series “Kahani Navbharat Ki,” which chronicles the stories of India’s 75 years. The series will air from 30 January every Sunday at 8 p.m on Times Now Navbharat SD and HD channels.

    Directed by Aparna Sanyal, recipient of a National Film Award and hosted by Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey, the 10-part series captures Indian history and culture. The theme song is composed by Gaurav Chintamani and written by Dr. Sagar. The show is produced by Times Network’s content studio Times Chronicles, which creates fact-based originals and docu-series.

    “We are proud to present Kahani Navbharat Ki (KNK) on Times Now Navbharat. KNK is a deeply researched, fact-based series of untold stories that define the last 75 years of Independent India,” said Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand. “While a lot is discussed about our medieval and ancient history, there are scant resources when it comes to unbiased commentary on contemporary India and how it has developed over these eventful years since independence. As an emerging major country on the global stage in the 21st century, it is important that we as Indians understand our historic circumstances and appreciate who we really are and how we have become. I am confident that this docu-series will serve as a reference point to every Indian, especially the youth to understand the New India story in great depth.”

    The docu-series showcases historical records of events such as the beginning of India’s mobile revolution, culture of vaccination in India, issue of MSP, nationalisation and privatisation of banks, establishment of IITs amongst others.

    The series also features riveting first-hand accounts by India’s first voter – Shyam Saran Negi, Wing Commander Krishnamurthy, who witnessed the signing ceremony of the Surrender Document during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Ashok Mahadevan, the journalist who put out an obituary for democracy after the announcement of the emergency and Raman Roy, who started the BPO industry in India amongst others.

    “I am thrilled to be associated with Times Now Navbharat to host Kahani Navbharat Ki,” said show host Vikrant Massey. “My motivation as the host was to inspire, inform and intrigue the audiences about what’s gone into making India what it is today. I always wanted to be a part of project like this, and I am happy to have this opportunity to share our proud history and culture.”

  • Sony Sports to telecast docuseries ‘Down Underdogs’ starting 14 January

    Sony Sports to telecast docuseries ‘Down Underdogs’ starting 14 January

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has produced a special docuseries titled “Down Underdogs – India’s Greatest Comeback” that will premiere on 14 January and telecast daily until 17 January.

    The docuseries will be telecast on Sony Six and Sony Ten 4 in English and Sony Ten 3 in Hindi. It will also be aired on Sony Max HD, Sony SAB HD and Sony Pix channels and streaming on the OTT platform SonyLIV. The broadcaster has partnered with Byju’s Classes, Skoda and Dafa News for the docuseries.

    The launch of the four-part docuseries will be in Hindi and English followed by a Tamil and Telugu broadcast on a later date. The series captures team India’s historic Test series win against Australia at The Gabba in 2020-21.

    “Down Underdogs – India’s Greatest Comeback” has been entirely produced in-house amidst some extremely challenging Covid-19 scenarios. Interviews with players and commentators located in England and Australia were conducted via local partnerships and remote production technology.

    The series will showcase current players like Mohammed Siraj and Hanuma Vihari along with prominent personalities like Sunil Gavaskar, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Sanjay Manjrekar, Lisa Sthalekar, Nick Knight, and Isa Guha.

    Apart from the world-class cricketing insights, a team of raconteurs like Rajdeep Sardesai, Harsha Bhogle, Ayaz Memon, Joy Bhattacharjya and Gaurav Kapur will help navigate through the incredible subplots and storylines in the series.

    “We take immense pride to bring back to life one of the most historic memories of Indian Test cricket through Down Underdogs – India’s Greatest Comeback,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer, distribution and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul. “The series is an aide-mémoire to all Indian cricket fans who had an unflinching belief in the team despite all odds and more so as an exemplary story to inspire generations to come.”

    “India’s win in Australia early last year will go down as one of the greatest wins in Indian cricket history,” said former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar. “To pick themselves up after the dismissal with their lowest ever test score of 36 and then to beat a rampant home team is a tribute to the determination shown by the players and the leadership roles played by the captain Rahane, coach Ravi Shastri and his support group.

    “India’s Greatest Comeback will invite viewers to revisit Team India’s amazing comeback leading to the series win,” said former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke. “India picked an attack that worked. Different bowlers – not everyone bowls the same, different tactics, different skills, different weapons, so the credit goes to India for their execution but also Australia might have taken for granted their success in the first test.”

  • Times Now, Mirror Now to air docu-series on formation of Bangladesh

    Times Now, Mirror Now to air docu-series on formation of Bangladesh

    Mumbai: Times Chronicles, the content studio from Times Network has launched “1971 Birth of a Nation,” a documentary series on India post-independence. The seven-part docu-series will begin airing on 27 November on Times Now and Times Now World starting at 6 p.m and Mirror Now starting at 7:30 p.m.

    “The 1971 war between India and Pakistan was a pivotal point in world history, resulting in the formation of a new country, Bangladesh. The 13-day military conflict is one of the shortest wars in history and it ended with a decisive win for India. The documentary explores the reason behind the genocide in East Pakistan and the political history behind the birth of a new country Bangladesh,” said the channel in a statement. “The series also brings a comprehensive account of the political tussles that led to India overthrowing Pakistan, what caused friction between East and West Pakistan, how the political diplomacy of Indira Gandhi prove ingenious in the period leading to the war, role of MI, IB & RAW in the 1971 war, Operation Searchlight and Dhaka University massacre and significance of India’s intervention in the matters of East and West Pakistan.”

    Offering a glimpse into the mindsets and emotions of the times, the series will feature first-person accounts and anecdotes of senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Airforce and brings together government officials, historians, journalists, victims of the 1971 war, Bangladesh – Mukti Joddhas, who were in the thick of the action at the time. This includes Probal Dasgupta – author of “Watershed 1967: India’s Forgotten Victory Over China,” historian and army veteran,  1971 survivor Ratna Biswas, 1971 survivor and executive director, research initiatives, Bangladesh Meghna Guhathakurta, lieutenant general Depinder Singh (retd) – assistant to Sam Manekshaw from 1969 to 1973 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, colonel MS Joon, who played a key role in training the Mukti Bahini in 1971, former Indian bureaucrat Jayanta Sanyal, former Indian ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg and China Chandrashekhar Dasgupta, Lt Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir (retd) – Mukti Joddha, national security analyst and author Nitin A Gokhale, and Times Network consulting editor Maroof Raza amongst others.

    Culled from the archival reels gathered from Films Division of India, the series visually recreates the historic scenarios and circumstances by capturing actual locations of the battles, war memorials, unseen footage, and pictures of the wars.