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Tag: GULLAK

  • Instamart delivers gold and silver straight to your door

    Instamart delivers gold and silver straight to your door

    MUMBAI: Strike gold without leaving home! Instamart is bringing precious metals straight to doorsteps this Dhanteras, offering everything from 1 gram gold coins to 1 kg silver bricks.

    The platform has partnered with trusted brands such as Kalyan Jewellers, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Muthoot Exim, MMTC-PAMP, Mia by Tanishq, Voylla, and Gullak to provide certified 24 carat and 22 carat (999) gold coins and 999-pure silver coins. Consumers can order gold coins in weights ranging from 0.1 g to 10 g, making festive gifting and personal investments flexible and accessible.

    For the first time in India’s quick commerce space, Instamart will also deliver 1 kg silver bricks. Adding to the festive cheer, the first 10,000 customers buying gold coins of 1 g or above on Dhanteras, starting 7:00 am on 18 October, will receive a Rs 100 discount.

    All gold coins come with 999 hallmarking and no making charges, while silver coins are certified for purity. Instamart also offers silver jewellery and utensils, along with cookware such as pressure cookers, kadais, tawas, and thalis, catering to traditional festive needs.

    The platform has witnessed steady demand for precious metals over the past few years, particularly during festivals like Akshaya Tritiya and Dhanteras. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Ahmedabad have led orders, with 1 g gold coins remaining the most popular denomination. Last Diwali, a single order from Kochi was worth Rs 8.3 lakh, highlighting consumer confidence in quick commerce for high-value purchases.

    With 24 by 7 delivery in cities including Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram, Instamart is making it easier than ever to celebrate Dhanteras with gold, silver, and festive essentials, all just a tap away.

  • Rajshri Productions to make OTT debut with Bada Naam Karenge on Sony Liv

    Rajshri Productions to make OTT debut with Bada Naam Karenge on Sony Liv

    MUMBAI: Rajshri Productions and the Barjatya family have regaled us with family-oriented movies for decades now. Whether it was Nadiya ke Paar or Jeevan Mrityu or Maine Pyar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Koun or the more recent Uunchai, families flocked to the cinema halls knowing what they were going to get: squeaky-clean-emotional-yet-entertaining- and-very rooted-in-Indian-culture fare.

    Now, the production house is  set to make its highly anticipated OTT debut with the series Bada Naam Karenge premiering on 7 February on Sony Liv. This heart-warming tale explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery, perfectly timed for the season of romance.

    Directed by Palash Vaswani, known for Gullak, and helmed by legendary showrunner Sooraj R. Barjatya, Bada Naam Karenge infuses a modern twist into traditional storytelling, remaining true to Rajshri’s legacy of heartfelt narratives.

    The series follows Rishabh and Surbhi, a Gen Z couple navigating their dreams while embracing the warmth of family values. Their journey intertwines love, tradition, and self-identity, aiming to evoke laughter, tears, and introspection.

    Showrunner Sooraj R. Barjatya remarked:  “Bada Naam Karenge is a labor of love that celebrates family and respect for tradition in a modern world. It bridges generational gaps, showing that Gen Z can be ambitious yet deeply rooted in values.”

    Director Palash Vaswani added:  “I believe the innocent romance that once graced our screens is missing from modern entertainment. This show aims to revive that beloved genre, offering a family-friendly experience that resonates with all ages.”

    The stellar cast includes Ritik Ghanshani, Ayesha Kaduskar, Kanwaljeet Singh, Alka Amin, and Jameel Khan, among others. 

    Bada Naam Karenge invites viewers to rediscover love and family values, showcasing moments that inspire and uplift.

  • Raksha Bandhan reimagined: A binge-worthy guide to sibling stories

    Raksha Bandhan reimagined: A binge-worthy guide to sibling stories

    Mumbai: Siblings are our first friends, and it’s time to celebrate that bond. A great way to do this is by exploring stories highlighting the depth and dynamics of this special relationship, beyond the traditional rituals.

    Here’s a specially curated list featuring series and movies that capture the essence of siblinghood, but offer a mix of laughter, tears, and everything in between!

    Selection Day (Netflix): Dive into the competitive world of cricket with Selection Day on Netflix. This original series follows two brothers, Radha and Mannu, as they navigate the intense pressures of family expectations and the relentless pursuit of cricketing glory. Selection Day delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, the weight of parental aspirations, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of shared dreams. While competition exists, the series also highlights the moments of support and encouragement these brothers offer each other, showcasing the multifaceted nature of sibling relationships.

    Judwon Ne Bana Di Jodi (Pocket FM): Years of estrangement can’t extinguish the embers of love. Audio series Judwaa Ne Bana Di Jodi presents a heartwarming tale of a couple reunited after years by their mischievous twin children. This drama explores the challenges of a complicated marital relationship, but through it all, showcases the unbreakable bond of twins who bring their parents back together. Tune in to Pocket FM and discover the joy of family reunions and the power of forgiveness as this story reminds us that sibling bonds, whether biological or chosen, can endure the test of time.

    Gullak (SonyLIV): Gullak, a heartwarming family comedy available on SonyLIV, is a delightful watch for anyone who cherishes the bond with their siblings. The series revolves around the lives of the Mishra family, particularly focusing on the playful rivalry and unspoken love between siblings Annu (Vaibhavi Upadhyay) and Aman (Jitin Gupta). The story captures the essence of everyday sibling interactions, from playful banter and teasing to occasional arguments and competition. You’ll find yourself reminiscing about your own childhood experiences with siblings as you witness Annu and Aman navigate their relationship.

    Veer Arjun (Pocket FM): When a power-hungry uncle shatters Prince Arjun’s life through a treacherous conspiracy, vengeance becomes his sole purpose. But fate throws him a curveball when he gets trapped in a parallel world. This thrilling fantasy adventure on Pocket FM explores themes of family loyalty, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a brother determined to protect his sister and restore his family’s honour. As Arjun navigates this fantastical realm, the unwavering bond between him and his sister becomes his guiding light, showcasing the strength siblings can provide for each other in the face of adversity.

    Raksha Bandhan (Zee5): This recently released Bollywood film tells the story of Lala Kedarnath (Akshay Kumar), a kind-hearted owner of a famous chaat shop. Lala has four younger sisters who he dearly loves. However, his promise to his deceased mother to get all his sisters married before he can even consider his own love life throws a wrench in his romantic aspirations. The film explores the sacrifices siblings make for each other, the importance of family traditions, and the unbreakable bond between a brother and his sisters. It’s a heartwarming comedy-drama with a touch of romance, perfect for a Raksha Bandhan movie night with your siblings.

    Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted comedy, a thrilling adventure, or a tear-jerking drama, this list offers a variety of series and movies to celebrate the special bond of siblings this Raksha Bandhan.

  • VidNet 2022: Why do narratives like ‘Gullak’ work on OTT?

    VidNet 2022: Why do narratives like ‘Gullak’ work on OTT?

    Mumbai: SonyLiv web series “Gullak” produced by The Viral Fever, which concluded its third season recently, is a revelation for OTT platforms on creating franchises that span multiple seasons and do not lose their appeal. The simple premise of the show revolves around the interactions of a middle-class family ‘The Mishras’ including the father Santosh Mishra (played by Jameel Khan), mother Shanti Mishra (played by Geetanjali Kulkarni), elder son Anu Mishra (played by Vaibhav Raj Gupta) and younger son Aman Mishra (played by Harsh Mayar). The outstanding response to the web series in its third season highlights the importance of good writing when creating for OTT platforms.

    At IndianTelevision.com’s VidNet Summit 2022, held recently, the director, writer and cast of the show for the third season of “Gullak” gave a masterclass on the making of the series. The creators spoke about sustaining the relatable middle-class aesthetic and narrative of the show and the cast spoke about the evolving traits of each character in successive seasons. The session was joined by director Palash Vaswani, writer Durgesh Singh, actor Vaibhav Raj Gupta, Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Jameel Khan.

    The two-day industry event was supported by technology partners Dell Technologies and Synamedia, summit partners Applause Entertainment and Viewlift, industry support partners Gupshup, Lionsgate Play and Pallycon, community partners Screenwriters Association and Indian Film and Television Producers Council, and gifting partner The Ayurveda Co.

    The director of the show Palash Vaswani started the masterclass session by stating that the content we see made for audiences in the Hindi-speaking belt depicts characters holding a gun or presented as caricatures. “Gullak is different because it is not a show about the ten per cent of the population but the other 90 per cent who are underrepresented in the media. This is a life that we’ve all lived and the show is a potent ground for telling stories that have not been heard before. I found the opportunity to tell that story exciting.”

    Writer Durgesh Singh spoke about the moments that inspire the writing of the show. “I was in Bhopal two days back at an Indian coffee house. There were four uncles in their mid-fifties discussing Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky. Mind you, they were not talking about the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict but they were commenting on how fit Zelensky was at the age of 44,” he shared. “In this country, while infrastructure is developing fast, people’s mindsets and attitudes are changing more slowly. The reason small-town stories are working in cinema, TV and OTT is that people in small towns have migrated to big cities and they want to see the stories that take them to the space where they have spent their childhood. That’s the insight behind the success of ‘Gullak’.”

    Actor Vaibhav Raj Gupta who plays the elder son in the Mishra household ‘Anu Mishra’ spoke about his character arc in the latest season. He said, “Whenever a new season of ‘Gullak’ launches, I go watch the previous season to understand the character arc. Earlier, Anu Mishra has been struggling to earn money and, in this season, he’s finally begun earning. That’s the new dynamic that we explored.”

    Speaking about his inspiration for bringing out the character traits in Anu Mishra, he noted, “I also come from a middle-class household and I have a younger sibling. I’ve noticed how the people at home treat you if you’ve not excelled academically or are an earning member. For example, parents start treating you with respect once you become an earning member. I learned from those interactions and incorporated that experience into my character.”

    Geetanjali Kulkarni, a Marathi theatre actor, who played the role of ‘Shanti Mishra,’ said that season three continues with the arc after her character is diagnosed with diabetes in season two. She reflects that there is a lot more sensitivity to the character interactions in season three, where the characters fight, but there’s also more making up. “There’s a maturity and wisdom in the characters of ‘Gullak’ because the characters are growing older. As a theatre actor, after doing 25-50 shows we start playing around with the material, not necessarily worrying about the lines or people’s responses. Similarly, in the third season of ‘Gullak’, we’ve become more playful with our characters.”  

    Jameel Khan, who plays Santosh Mishra, agreed with Kulkarni and affirmed, “There’s a lot less conflict and yelling in the third season of ‘Gullak’ as compared to season one and two. There was also sensitivity in the season where we paid close attention to every relationship in the family. There has always been a ‘dostana’ between the parents and children in the Mishra household but the third season also brought a sensitivity to the relationship between husband and wife. In a middle-class household, there is an attitude that we must suppress the womenfolk in the household and I find that disturbing. ‘Gullak’ takes a mirror to society in an entertaining manner and reflects their aspiration to move ahead in life.”  

  • OTT series’ directors, editors share experiences, learning at Vidnet 2019’s Masterclasses

    OTT series’ directors, editors share experiences, learning at Vidnet 2019’s Masterclasses

    MUMBAI: Indiantelevision.com’s Vidnet 2019, for the first time, conducted Masterclasses for aspiring directors and editors of the OTT space. Masterclasses brought directors and editors of successful series like Ghoul, Gullak, Rangbaaz, Kota Factory, It’s Not That Simple, Criminal Justice and Delhi Crime to share their experiences and learning as creators.

    The initiative is an attempt to help the audience learn from the OTT industry’s best creators on creating successful web series. In the opening remark, Indiatelevision.com founder and CEO Anil Wanvari said, “This is the first time that we have organised Masterclasses and our vision is to create a platform and to build a community for aspiring creators."

    The first Masterclass was held by the makers of Netflix’s Ghoul. Creator, writer and director Patrick Graham shared insights on the process of making Ghoul which was initially written as a film and later converted to three-episode original premium content for Netflix. Graham also revealed that he took six months to write and research on the script of Ghoul and the post-production took three to four months. He said that horror is the most untapped genre in India and the concept of military horror was never attempted. Ghoul editor Nitin Baid briefed the audience on how he started working on the psychological horror-thriller and his experience while working with Graham on the project.

    The next Masterclass was conducted by Sachin Pathak, director of Rangbaaz S-2 who shared his experience on how he started his journey in the industry and how he got the opportunity to direct Rangbaaz S-2 for ZEE5. Pathak said that experience is the best teacher on shooting-related challenges.

    Another interesting Masterclass was on SonyLIV’s Gullak. Amrit Raj Gupta who directed Gullak began his journey in 2013 as an intern in TVF. He also directed TVF Bachelors season one and two. Amit Kulkarni editor of Gullak, Tripling S-2 and TVF Bachelors shared his two pence with the audiences. The duo said that the major challenge while creating content for OTT is to deliver satisfactory shots within a limited time span.

    Kota Factory director Raghav Subbu and editor Gourav Gopal Jha enlightened the audience on their recent success. TVF's Kota Factory premiered on YouTube this year and the show grabbed attention for being the first black and white web series. Subbu revealed that the idea of doing black and white web series hit him two weeks before the shoot and the team was slightly sceptical about it. They shot the show with two cameras- one for black and white series and another for colour series so that they have a backup if the concept didn’t work. They also explained motives behind having excessive aerial shots in the show and creating characters which resonate with the viewers. Subbu said that it is the responsibility of the director to turn the script into live characters on the screen. He said, “I follow the thought which says there is no good or bad film, there is a good or bad director and I come from that school. It’s important that the association with the script and directors works well.”

    At the Masterclass, Danish Aslam who directed It’s Not That Simple for VOOT touched the practical aspect of directing a show for an OTT platform. He explained the differences between shooting a film and a web series. He said, “The storytelling format is a crucial differentiating factor – episodic versus long-form storytelling. India has more daily soaps which stretch beyond 100 episodes. The concept of seasons is completely new in our country.”

    Aslam also explained how to keep the spark alive between episodes. He also gave some examples from his experience in addressing the challenges one faces while working on the limited budget and time constraints on OTT platforms.

    Vishal Furia, director of Criminal Justice and Lapachhapi, a Marathi Film, threw light on the concept and making of Criminal Justice and the research he conducted to bring the actual story from paper to screen. He too commented that the horror genre is not so evolved in India.

    The last and the most interesting Masterclass was taken by Delhi Crime’s writer, director and creator Richie Mehta who informed that he took four years to research on the subject and connected with most of the characters to understand their views. Mehta answered the audience's questions like how much fiction was added to the show, realism of the scene, deciding the point to start and stop the story, and psychological impact while researching and writing for Delhi Crime.

  • ‘Gullak’ editor Amit Kulkarni to share tips for editing web series at Vidnet Masterclasses

    ‘Gullak’ editor Amit Kulkarni to share tips for editing web series at Vidnet Masterclasses

    MUMBAI: Gullak editor Amit Kulkarni is going to be a part of Indiantelevision.com’s Vidnet Masterclasses, being hosted at The Westin, Mumbai, on 4 October, where he will be sharing with the audience the art of editing successful web series.

    The Vidnet Masterclasses are being conducted by Indiantelevision.com as an extension to its online video and content summit, with the aim to facilitate the creativity of young and aspiring content creators who are willing to leave a mark in the digital world. The Masterclasses will host directors & editors, and writers, who will be talking to the audience directly about the craft of video creation.

    Kulkarni is a well-known editor in the digital space and has worked on series like TVF Tripling(S-2), Gullak, Bachelors Season 1- Season 2 and Inmates. His association with TVF has been long-standing and he is famous in the industry for his eye for detail and crisp storytelling abilities.

    Other speakers at the Masterclasses include Gourav Gopa Jha, Dhruv Sehgal, Jaya Mishra, Puneet Krishna, and Danish Aslam.

  • ‘Gullak’ director Amrit Raj Gupta to share his experiences at Vidnet Masterclasses

    ‘Gullak’ director Amrit Raj Gupta to share his experiences at Vidnet Masterclasses

    MUMBAI: Gullak director Amrit Raj Gupta will be interacting with aspiring writers and directors at Indiantelevision.com’s Vidnet Masterclasses at The Westin, Mumbai on 4 October, sharing interesting anecdotes from his time at The Viral Fever (TVF) and the process of writing and directing web series.

    Vidnet Masterclasses are an Indiantelevision.com initiative to facilitate the creative process of young and aspiring creators willing to work in the digital domain. The Masterclasses will host directors & editors, and writers who will be talking to the audience directly about the craft of video creation.

    Gupta, who started his journey with TVF a few years back, was the assistant director for India’s first web series Permanent Roommates. He is also one of the youngest Directors to get a theatrical release for his award-winning short film Ayan in PVR Directors Rare category, at the age of 23.

    Till date Gupta has directed three web series which include Bachelors Season 1 and 2 and most recently Gullak, a successful family drama for TVF.  He has also directed more than 20 videos ranging from PSA’s, Sketch Comedy, Music Videos, etc. for brands like Head and Shoulders, Hero Honda, Mi Phone, MAMI Film Festival, ROPOSO, Gillette, Loud shout, Kailash Satyarthi Organisation, PharmEasy, etc. The total number of views on his web shows and videos are easily more than 100 million.

    Other speakers at the Masterclasses include Richie Mehta, Amit Kulkarni, Bhavani Iyer, Puneet Krishna, and Danish Aslam.

  • Here’s a sneak peek to SonyLIV’s next web original – ‘GULLAK’

    Here’s a sneak peek to SonyLIV’s next web original – ‘GULLAK’

    MUMBAI: Small families, never ending hassles and an unshakeable bond; that’s what defines the dynamics of the Indian middle class. Bereft of luxuries and away from the urban hustle, these are people who live limitlessly within the small confines of their homes. Their dreams are not bound by the height of their walls and imperfection is a way of life for them. Unleashing one such slice of life story, SonyLIV, India’s first premium video on demand service launches its next original – Gullak on 27th June. Created by TVF, Gullak promises to evoke a rollercoaster of emotions in its viewers and present hilarious instances that form the crux of middle class families in India.

    Written by Nikhil Vijay and starring actors Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Sunita Rajwar and Vaibhav Raj Gupta, the show depicts the story of a family that brings home a Gullak to save for materialise their dreams. But things don’t always go as per plan, which is essentially a reality in our regular lives. Undeterred, they stick together as there’s more to save for a happy life, togetherness being top of the order. With a well-knit screenplay and heartfelt performances, Gullak is reflective of the unexpected highs and disappointing lows that we all face and yet relentlessly strive to sail through. What we gain is a lifetime of memories, experiences and stories to share.

    Join the Mishra family as they find anecdotes in their chaotic everyday lives by catching a glimpse of the promo below. Gullak goes live exclusively on SonyLIV on 27th June 2019.