Tag: Lionsgate

  • Enjoy a family-centric Diwali with Lionsgate Play’s top five titles

    Enjoy a family-centric Diwali with Lionsgate Play’s top five titles

    Mumbai: It’s time to bust out the mithai boxes and light up the diyas. Diwali is here and the joy is palpable! As we step into the light and leave behind our woes, it’s time to come together with your family and enjoy a good watch. So, if you’re a fan of romance, comedy and celebrating the festival of lights with your loved ones Lionsgate Play has you covered. Delve into a collection of films that will melt your heart and keep you curled up in your feels. Grab your some kaju katli and get ready for some of the most wholesome titles you could watch, only on Lionsgate Play.

    Minus One: New Chapter

    This seasoned show takes you through the story of Varun and Riya as they navigate the complexities of modern love and being broken up. From not being able to live without each other in season 1, to never wanting to see each other again in season 2, Lionsgate Play’s Indian Original Minus one: New Chapter is a roller coaster of emotions. Starring Ayush Mehra and Aisha Ahmed, Minus One is a story of love, longing and heartbreak as it touches on the themes of honesty, transparency and unrequited love.

    Feels Like Home

    Lionsgate Play’s Indian Original Feels Like Home is the story of four young guys, Avi, Lakshay, Sameer and Gandhi, as they move into a house together. What ensues is the hilarity of four guys trying their best to adjust to each other and to make this house their home. Built on the pillars of trust, friendship and heartbreak, this show is brought alive by its ensemble cast of Prit Kamani, Anshuman Malhotra, and Mihir Ahuja. Spice up your Diwali with light-hearted watch like Feels Like Home.

    Hiccups & Hookups

    Relationships may fade away but family is forever! Showcasing the true strength of a sibling bond, Lionsgate Play’s Indian Original Hiccups & Hookups takes you through the story of a recently divorced mother, Vasudha (Lara Dutta) and her teenage daughter Kay, as they move in with Vasudha’s younger brother Akhil (Prateik Babbar). They carefully navigate dating, relationships and life with each other’s help and support. Clubbed with banter and playful love, this brother- sister duo hits home as Akhil helps Vasudha through her dark days. This sibling bond makes for an amazing family watch for Diwali.

    Jungle Cry

    Starring Abhay Deol in the role of a teacher for underprivileged kids, Jungle Cry shows the story of underprivileged orphans from the Kalinga institute of Odisha, as their raw talents are shaped and molded to make them into an international tournament-winning Rugby team. Based on a true story, Jungle Cry features a youthful cast of Emily Shah, Steve Aldis and Rhys Ap William, alongside Abhay Deol.

    Jugaadistan

    Lionsgate Play’s Indian Original Jugaadistan takes you through the highest highs and lowest lows of a college campus life. Touching upon the themes of politics, love, heartbreak, this show is an emotional rollercoaster that will make you laugh, smile and cry. Starring Rukshar Dhillon, Taaruk Raina and Sumeet Vyas, Jugaadistan is a great Diwali watch with family and loved ones.

    Catch Lionsgate Play’s title lineup ahead of Diwali.

  • Lionsgate, Dharma Productions, and Sikya Entertainment partner for “Kill”

    Lionsgate, Dharma Productions, and Sikya Entertainment partner for “Kill”

    Mumbai: Global content leader Lionsgate has acquired the North American and U.K. rights to the Indian action movie Kill for theatrical release in 2024.

    Kill is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by Karan Johar & Apoorva Mehta for Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga Kapoor & Achin Jain for Sikhya Entertainment.

    This ground-breaking deal marks the first time an Indian production has partnered with a Hollywood studio on a theatrical release in North America and the U.K. for a mainstream Hindi language film.

    Starring newcomer Lakshya alongside Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, the extreme action flick made its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival as a Midnight Madness selection.

    In the film, star-crossed lovers Tulika (Maniktala) and Amrit (Lakshya) find their clandestine relationship jeopardized after Tulika’s family whisks her aboard the Rajdhani Express bound for New Delhi and an arranged marriage. But commandos Amrit and his friend are far from willing to let fate dictate their story. They embark on a “rescue” mission that becomes a gory adventure.

    Blurring the lines between duty and emotion as every twist of the track could mean life or death, Kill paints a portrait of how far a man can go in love to rewrite his destiny.

    Commenting on the announcement, senior vice president, acquisitions and co-productions Lauren Bixby said, “At this year’s Toronto Film Festival, we were astounded by Kill. We believe that American theatrical audiences are more discerning than ever and increasingly open to bold filmmaking from all corners of the world, so we’re confident that Kill will find an audience ready to delight in its exuberant mayhem.”

    Dharma Productions continues to celebrate the grand success of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, and Sikhya Entertainment has had a memorable year with its Oscar win for The Elephant Whisperers.

    WME Independent, which is handling global sales, brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers alongside Christopher Davis and Kaycee Holcomb for Lionsgate.

  • Five Halloween titles on Lionsgate Play that’ll haunt your nights

    Five Halloween titles on Lionsgate Play that’ll haunt your nights

    Mumbai: Spooky season is here! Be it classic jumpscares or spine-chilling true stories, Lionsgate Play has the perfect lineup to keep you entertained and scared this Halloween. With the ‘Halloweek-end’ nearing, there’s no better time to curl up with a true-blue horror film that is sure to keep you up at night. So, as the wind howls, making you ‘Prey’ For The Devil, lock your doors tight and make sure to keep all ‘Cobweb’ at bay. Look under the Shining ‘Veil’ and join your favorite stars including Courtney Cox and Lizzy Caplan for a night of terrors and tremors only on Lionsgate Play.

    Prey for the Devil

    Prey for the Devil follows the story of Sister Ann (Jacqueline Byers), a devoted nun who dedicates her life to understanding the Devil’s work and helping the Holy Church to rescue lost souls. Her divine calling came during her teenage years after she got pregnant by an unknown father. She later is seen preparing to perform an exorcism and comes face to face with a demonic force with mysterious ties to her past.

    Cobweb

    Cobweb is what nightmares are made of. Eight-year-old Peter is plagued by a mysterious noise coming from the inside of his bedroom wall – a knocking that his parents insist is a fragment of his imagination. But as the sound and his fears intensify, he starts to believe that his parents may be hiding a terrible secret. Starring Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, Cleopatra Coleman and Woody Norman, the film is sure to leave you clutching your blanket every night.

    Shining Vale: Season 1

    Starring Courtney Cox, Greg Kinnear and Mira Sorvino, Shining Vale is a horror comedy about a dysfunctional family that moves into a small town house where terrible atrocities have taken place. However, when Pat, who’s in the midst of a serious writer’s block, finds herself face to face with a ghost, she’s convinced she’s either depressed or possessed. Following a series of comedic yet terrifying events, this series is for a lighthearted day.

    Devil’s Workshop

    A struggling actor meets a sultry demonologist and chaos ensues. When Clayton is finally called back after an audition, he decides to go the extra mile to beat his competitor. He pursues Eliza, a master of demonology to help him get into the skin of his character, but alas she’s hiding more than he can handle. Starring Timothy Granaderos, Radha Mitchell and Emile Hirsch, this film goes beyond a typical horror jumpscare.  

    The Autopsy of Jane Doe

    When two coroners start an autopsy of an unidentified girl to investigate the cause of her death, they realise there’s a lot more than meets the eye. As they get closer to the truth, bizarre events take place leading them to look beyond the usual realm of possibilities. With Brian Cox, Ophelia Lovibond, Emile Hersch and Olwen Kelly in this supernatural masterpiece, caution is suggested for all viewers who want to partake in this horror fest.

  • Lionsgate Play to release Oscar-nominated ‘Minari’ on 13 October

    Lionsgate Play to release Oscar-nominated ‘Minari’ on 13 October

    Mumbai: They say blood is thicker than water! Academy Award nominee Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari is the perfect example of this, showcasing the true spirit of family and love. The Steven Yeun and Yeri Han starrer is a family drama that tells the story of a Korean family that has moved to the Ozarks and faces the challenges of living in a new environment, testing the family’s bond. Will this family rely on their trust in one another and persevere? Find out as Lionsgate Play is set to release Minari on the 13 October.

    Talking about the essence of the film, director Lee Isaac Chung said, “For me, the film comes down on the side of hoping for the best in each other. The thing I most wanted was to let people into this family’s world with sincerity and honesty and without judgment of anyone in it. There’s so much more drawing us together as human beings than the superficial categories we have created. For some, Minari might be a chance to see a Korean American finally telling our story, but I have found these characters mean just as much to people from Arkansas—or from New York, or anywhere. That has been one of the most moving things to me, to see how such a personal story to me can touch so many different people in meaningful ways.”

    Directed by Lee Isaac Chung and starring Steven Yeun and Re, Minari releases on Lionsgate Play this 13 October.

  • Lionsgate Play to premiere Jon Hamm’s Maggie Moore(s) on 20 October

    Lionsgate Play to premiere Jon Hamm’s Maggie Moore(s) on 20 October

    Mumbai: A cop, a murderer, and two Maggies! Lionsgate Play brings you a murderous mystery comedy in the form of Maggie Moore(s) that takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions. Filled with hilarity, the crime film stars the iconic Jon Hamm and Tina Fey in titular roles as they showcase the story of a double homicide. But these aren’t any ordinary homicides, for the victims bear the same name – Maggie! Is it just an expected coincidence or is there a bigger web of lies yet to be uncovered? Find out with Jon Hamm who plays detective in Maggie Moore(s), as the title is all set to stream exclusively on Lionsgate Play in India on 20 October.

    Talking about the story he wanted to tell through the script, director John Slattery said, “What struck me about Paul Bernbaum’s script was the vulnerability of everyone in the story. They’re almost all lonely, searching for some kind of emotional connection, happiness, or satisfaction, in the middle of an insane story about a double murder, which I found to be a deft balancing act. Both of these elements coexisted seamlessly. I wanted to tell this story which was so specific in character, tone, feeling, and intention, partly to see if I could execute it as specifically as it was written— try to maintain that specificity through the entire filmmaking process, given all the challenges and obstacles along the way. Keeping that feeling which moved me to do it in the first place— through casting and hiring designers, collaborators— explaining, protecting, allowing it to change—I try to come as close as I can to what I experienced when I first read it… so that hopefully the audience will do the same.”

    Directed by John Slattery and starring Jon Hamm, Maggie Moore(s) releases exclusively on Lionsgate Play this 20 October.

  • Celine Song’s ‘Past Lives’ makes OTT premiere in India on 13 October

    Celine Song’s ‘Past Lives’ makes OTT premiere in India on 13 October

    Mumbai: Can two people be destined for each other? A love story that makes everything pale in comparison, Past Lives is all set to make its digital premiere in India exclusively on Lionsgate Play this 13 October. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, this critically acclaimed Korean film is a heart-wrenching tale of two childhood friends who are separated when one of them immigrates to America. Almost a decade later when Hae Sung comes looking for Nora, they both confront destiny, love and the choices they made. Directed by Celine Song, the film is soul-food for every romance lover and will make your heat swell with emotions.

    Talking about the shooting for the film, Song said, “Until that scene where Hae Sung [Teo Yoo] and Arthur [John Magaro] meet each other for the first time, I made sure that the actors never actually met. Credit to my crew for making sure that they never ran into each other, which was a little extra logistical thing, but I really believed in it.”

    Along with this, while opening up about her character Nora, actor Greta Lee added, “She is so certain about what she wants. We see love stories, romantic dramas where the woman at the center is lost in her desires, and channels life solutions and projects them on different men. This is not that.”

    Helmed by Celine Song, Past Lives will stream on Lionsgate Play this 13 October.

  • Ophelia Lovibond discusses her role as Joyce in Minx Season 2

    Ophelia Lovibond discusses her role as Joyce in Minx Season 2

    Mumbai: They aren’t your typical feminists! Lionsgate Play is set to premiere the raunchy season 2 of Minx on 6 October. Starring the hysterical Jake Johnson alongside Ophelia Lovibond, Oscar Montoya and Jessica Lowe, Minx follows Doug and Joyce as they challenge the patriarchy in their own sweet way. Having decided to open the first erotic magazine for women, they battle their way to the top amidst countless protests and merciless competitors with a comical twist. So get ready to roll on the floor with laughter as Lionsgate Play brings to you an uproarious dramedy with subdued political awakenings.  

    Talking about playing Joyce, and the growth of her character, Ophelia Lovibond said, “I love playing Joyce so much. I think that the character and the world that Ellen created is so much fun. To dive into every aspect of this world is a joy and to get to play someone who occupies these feminist values. To see her not kind of being curtailed by any judgment that she has – she lets go of judging herself which you see her blossom as a result of. I love seeing the scripts and seeing what they get up to and seeing how all of the different characters interact. It’s never a dull moment on the Minx set.”

    Tune into Lionsgate Play on 6 October for the riot of a lifetime.

  • Lionsgate Play’s October lineup: Comedy, Mystery, and Halloween chills

    Lionsgate Play’s October lineup: Comedy, Mystery, and Halloween chills

    Mumbai: Something’s brewing this Halloween and we bet you’re going to love it! As you come knocking on Lionsgate Play’s door, we’ve got nothing but treats for you this October. From something saucy in Joy Ride and Minx to something sweet in Past Lives, we’ve got it all simmering a cauldron. Building anticipation throughout the month with exhilarating titles like the star-studded dramedy Maggie Moore(s), cap off the month with a Halloween special in Lizzy Caplan’s Cobweb. So get your pumpkin spice lattes and blankets in order as Lionsgate Play promises to unleash a treasure trove of thrills this spooky season.

    Exclusive to Lionsgate Play

    Movie Premiere

    Joy Ride – release date: 6 October 2023

    These girls just wanna have fun! Packed with comedy, drama and some NSFW instances, Joy Ride follows Audrey Sullivan on a path to self-discovery. When Audrey’s business trip to Asia goes wrong, she calls on her childhood bestie, Lolo, her college friend Kat and Lolo’s eccentric cousin Deadeye for help. Stranded in a country with nowhere to go, this wild squad embarks on a journey of utter chaos and debauchery that unveils their true loving selves. Starring Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu in titular roles, Joy Ride is the vacation we all want to go on.

    Past Lives – release date: 13 October 2023

    A love story that makes everything pale in comparison. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, Past Lives is the heart-wrenching tale of two childhood friends who are separated when Nora immigrates to America. Almost a decade later when Hae Sung comes looking for Nora, they both confront destiny, love and the choices they made. Directed by Celine Song, the film is soul food for every romance lover.

    Maggie Moore(s) – release date: 20 October 2023

    A murder mystery like no other. When Police Chief Sanders comes across two dead bodies with the same name, he’s stumped. On a mission to uncover this tangled web of lies, he meets and falls in love with Rita, a nosy neighbor who solves a good mystery. With Tina Fey, Jon Hamm and Nick Mohammend at its helm, Maggie Moore(s) is sure to leave you befuddled.

    Cobweb – release date: 27 October 2023

    Cobweb is what nightmares are made of. Eight-year old Peter is plagued by a mysterious noise coming from the inside of his bedroom wall – a knocking that his parents insist is a fragment of his imagination. But as the sound and his fears intensify, he starts to believe that his parents may be hiding a terrible secret. Starring Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, Cleopatra Coleman and Woody Norman, the film is sure to leave you clutching your blanket every night.

    Series Premiere

    Minx Season 2 – release date: 6 October 2023

    Your favorite feminists are back! Minx Season 2 starring Jake Johnson and Ophelia Lovidbond takes us down the journey of Doug and Joyce as they open the first erotic magazine for women. Amid societal protests and navigating the cut-throat, money-hungry industry, Joyce and Doug fight for the survival of the magazine. Oscar Montoya and Jessica Lowe also return to this laughter riot with their own quirky quips.

  • Minx Season 2 to return on Lionsgate Play on 6 October

    Minx Season 2 to return on Lionsgate Play on 6 October

    Mumbai: Your favorite feminist show is back with some new twists. Lionsgate Play is set to premiere the second season of Minx, with global icons Jake Johnson and Ophelia Lovibond reprising their roles in the series. Minx takes us down the journey of Doug and Joyce as they open the first erotic magazine for women. Amid societal protests and navigating the cut-throat, money-hungry industry, Joyce and Doug fight for the survival of the magazine. With Jake and Ophelia returning, Oscar Montoya and Jessica Lowe also return as Minx Season 2 premieres exclusively on Lionsgate Play on 6 October.

    Talking about where his character Doug is in Season 2, Jake Johnson said, “At the end of Season One, Doug gives the magazine to Joyce. So at this point, Doug is no longer part of Minx. He’s just part of the bottom dollar. And I think when season two starts, Doug instantly has regrets because you know, Minx makes him a lot of money. And it’s really good for his business. So instantly, when Doug starts at season two, it’s how do I get Minx back? How do I get Joyce back? And how do we get this team rolling again?”

    Minx Season 2 is coming to your screens exclusively on Lionsgate Play on 6 October.

  • Francis Lawrence discusses potential Hunger Games prequel with fan-favorite characters

    Francis Lawrence discusses potential Hunger Games prequel with fan-favorite characters

    Mumbai: Is there going to be a prequel to a prequel? After building a billion-dollar franchise, it comes as no surprise that Francis Lawrence, the director of the cult-favorite The Hunger Games knows exactly what the fans want. From prequels around Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Haymitch’s (Woody Harrelson) games to a possible sixth film, the pleas are heard by both the filmmaker and the author, Suzzane Collins. With The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes set to release worldwide on 17 November, the excitement around is palpable. As audiences gear up to witness the rise of the tyrannical President Snow, the odds just might be in their favor!

    In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Francis Lawrence opened up about the possibility of a prequel, he said, “If Suzanne has another thematic idea that she feels fits into the world of Panem — whether that’s with new people [or] familiar characters [like] Finnick, Haymitch, whoever — I’d be really interested in looking at it and being a part of it. But I don’t have any pull of just going, ‘I would love to do Finnick’s games.’ He’s a great character, but what’s the thematic underpinnings that make it worth telling and relevant?”

    Comparing Katniss and Snow’s love stories, Lawrence also said in the same interview, “[Katniss’] draw to Peeta is this shared trauma. You go through an experience together and feel more understood by that person than anybody else. It’s the same here. There’s this mutual need [between Coriolanus and Lucy]. He needs her to win and survive so he wins. She needs him to help her win and survive so she survives. There’s manipulation on both sides.”

    Lionsgate and PVRINOX Pictures will release The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in theaters in India on 17 November 2023.