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Tag: Manoj Bajpayee

  • The Family Man returns: Srikant now the hunted

    The Family Man returns: Srikant now the hunted

    MUMBAI: Looks like Srikant Tiwari just made India’s most-wanted list. Prime Video has unveiled the high-voltage trailer for The Family Man Season 3, the beloved spy-thriller created by Raj & DK, which premieres globally on November 21.

    This time, the tables have turned. The once calm and composed undercover agent, played by Manoj Bajpayee, is now on the run, not only from new foes Rukma (Jaideep Ahlawat) and Meera (Nimrat Kaur), but also from TASC, his very own intelligence unit. The trailer teases an intense cat-and-mouse chase as Srikant’s double life crumbles, blurring the lines between family and duty.

    The new season promises everything fans love about The Family Man, razor-sharp wit, breathtaking action, emotional turmoil, and a dose of desi espionage swagger. Alongside Bajpayee, the stellar returning cast includes Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Ashlesha Thakur, Vedant Sinha, and Gul Panag.

    Creators Raj & DK shared, “Season 3 takes Srikant’s professional and personal chaos to a whole new level. With Jaideep and Nimrat joining the universe as formidable new adversaries, this season pushes him to his absolute limits.”

    Echoing the excitement, Manoj Bajpayee said, “For years, fans have asked me when Srikant Tiwari is coming back, and now the wait is over. This season is bigger, bolder, and far more dangerous. Srikant is cornered like never before.”

    New entrants Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur called the experience “thrilling and surreal,” with Nimrat describing The Family Man as “a dream come true” for any actor.

    Directed by Raj & DK, with Suman Kumar and Tusshar Seyth joining the director’s chair, the new season of The Family Man will stream in over 240 countries and territories on Prime Video. So, buckle up, India’s favourite spy is back, but this time, the hunter has become the hunted.

  • Tata Soulfull personalises chai-time with No Maida rusk and AI Manoj Bajpayee bot

    Tata Soulfull personalises chai-time with No Maida rusk and AI Manoj Bajpayee bot

    MUMBAI: When tea meets tech, sparks fly. Tata Soulfull, the ‘better-for-you’ foods brand from Tata Consumer Products, has brewed up something fresh for chai lovers with its latest campaign ‘Tata ka Rusk – Chai Time with Manoj Bajpayee’.

    At the heart of this campaign is a first-of-its-kind Whatsapp bot that lets consumers create personalised images and videos featuring Manoj Bajpayee, transforming a simple tea break into a shareable, star-studded moment.

    The launch also introduces Tata Soulfull no maida rusk, made with 16 per cent jowar and completely free of maida. The product offers a wholesome, less crumbly take on the traditional rusk, perfect for guilt-free dunking.

    Tata Soulfull CMO Rasika Prashant shared, “With ‘Tata ka rusk – Chai time with Manoj Bajpayee’, we wanted to go beyond a standard product launch. Rusk is a deeply habitual category, and changing that takes more than innovation, it takes interaction. The Whatsapp bot lets people not just try the product, but live the experience.”

    Supported by a 360-degree marketing push across digital and BTL platforms, the campaign blends nostalgia with new-age engagement. With Manoj Bajpayee’s charm and Tata Soulfull’s tech-driven creativity, chai-time just found its modern-day twist: personal, playful, and perfectly brewed for India’s homes.

  • Prime Video’s new campaign says it all: laugh, cry, love, repeat

    Prime Video’s new campaign says it all: laugh, cry, love, repeat

    MUMBAI: Prime Video is wearing its heart on its sleeve. In a snazzy new brand campaign titled ‘Every kind of emotion. It’s on Amazon Prime’, the streaming giant is trading in genres for gut punches, spotlighting its diverse catalogue through the lens of pure feeling.

    The campaign features two punchy ad films—one with national treasure Manoj Bajpayee and another with South sensation Samantha—each crafted for specific markets. But the message is universal: Prime Video isn’t just about what you watch, it’s about what you feel.

    Comedy that’s awkward or absurd, love that’s unspoken or unrequited, thrills that sneak or strike—this is entertainment that sticks. The campaign taps into the viewer insight that when audiences scroll for genres, they’re actually hunting for emotional hits—those little jolts of joy, nostalgia, suspense, or heartbreak.

    Gone are the days of slotting stories into neat boxes. Prime Video is throwing open the doors to content that’s as layered as life itself—across languages, formats, and cultures.

    “At Prime Video, we believe entertainment isn’t about ticking genre boxes—it’s about delivering experiences that emotionally connect with customers,” said Sonal Kabi, director & head of marketing, Prime Video, India. “This campaign showcases our commitment to delivering a wide range of stories that capture a gamut of feelings that our viewers can relate to. ‘Every kind of emotion. It’s on Amazon Prime’ isn’t just a line—it’s a promise we deliver, day-in and day-out through our series and movies. Great stories can come from anywhere — and our goal is to ensure audiences don’t just watch them but truly feel and connect with them. We’re proud to be a service that reflects the full spectrum of human emotions.”

    Bajpayee said, “The beauty of entertainment today is that it mirrors our own complexity. Just as my character Srikant Tiwari balances national security with family life in The Family Man, Prime Video masterfully balances the full spectrum of human emotions. One moment you’re craving a thriller that keeps you on the edge, the next you’re seeking the warmth of a heartfelt story. That’s what drew me to this campaign – it captures how we truly experience and consume entertainment in our lives. It’s smart, it’s emotional, it’s completely relatable and it beautifully showcases how Prime Video has become a destination where every emotion finds its perfect match. It was fun to play a version of Srikant Tiwari who is catching feelings instead of catching bad guys for once!”

    Samantha said, “Every role is an emotional journey. From embodying the intensity of Raji in The Family Man to exploring the complexities of a covert operative in Citadel: Honey Bunny – each character has pushed my boundaries in unique ways. What fascinates me is how this mirrors our own viewing habits. We don’t just watch shows; we seek emotions that resonate with our moment. Sometimes it’s the adrenaline rush of a thriller, other times it’s revisiting that one scene that touched our soul. That’s the magic Prime Video has captured – understanding that stories aren’t just about genres, they’re about the feelings they evoke. Every story has its own emotional fingerprint, and there’s something beautiful about having a service like Prime Video that celebrates every shade of human experience.”

    Created by Manja, the campaign will be deployed through a rollout across digital, social, and outdoors. Suyash Barve, Head of Creative, Manja said, “As more and more content gets added to our screens, our classical understanding of genres has become too vague. There is no action on one side and romance on the other. Now, every movie and TV show is a multi-hyphenate. An action-dramedy or a political-espionage-thriller or a political-espionage-action-dramedy. Now, you can choose between comedies that make you laugh out loud, or ones that make you chuckle. Horror movies that make your heart stop, or just ones that creep you out. We used this rephrasing of genre to tell our story of range. There’s just so much to watch on Prime Video, that you simply have to be more specific. The perfect sutradhars for this journey were of course, our Family Man, Manoj Bajpayee and the star of Citadel: Honey Bunny and The Family Man antagonist, Samantha – both of whom turn a simple discussion on what to watch into a days-long crusade to prove that there’s more than one kind of funny and more than one kind of thriller.”

    It’s a slick, slice-of-life sell, reinforcing Prime Video’s pitch as India’s most beloved binge-spot. From belly laughs to big sobs, it’s all on tap—and just a click away.

  • IFFLA 2025 opens with Bad Girl, closes with Little Jaffna, expands reach

    IFFLA 2025 opens with Bad Girl, closes with Little Jaffna, expands reach

    MUMBAI: The 23rd Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) returns with a stellar lineup, reaffirming its status as the premier showcase for South Asian cinema in the U.S. This year’s festival, running from 6-10 May 2025 at Landmark Theatres Sunset and WGA Theatre, opens with Varsha Bharath’s directorial debut Bad Girl and concludes with Lawrence Valin’s Little Jaffna, both deeply rooted in south Asian narratives.

    IFFLA 2025 also expands its Industry Day into a two-day forum, connecting south Asian filmmakers with Hollywood executives and offering a $10,000 Pitch Competition Grant to support emerging talent.

    The festival will screen 27 films, spanning India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, alongside international co-productions from France, Singapore, and Norway. This year’s slate includes two world premieres, six north American premieres, three U.S. premieres, and 14 Los Angeles premieres, reflecting a dynamic mix of new voices and bold storytelling.

    “Beyond individual highlights, this year’s lineup celebrates the rich diversity of south Asian cinema with a strong emphasis on female-driven narratives both in front and behind the camera,” said IFFLA’s artistic director Anu Rangachar. “We are thrilled to present an expanded lineup that not only showcases an exciting mix of talent, ranging from fearless new voices to returning alums and established auteurs, but also sparks vital conversations.”

    Among the must-watch films is Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), fresh off its Grand Jury win at Sundance. Directed by Rohan Kanawade, the film is a groundbreaking exploration of queer intimacy within India’s rigid societal norms.

    Other standout features include, north American premiere of Raam Reddy’s The Fable – a gripping mystery starring Manoj Bajpayee, Priyanka Bose, and Tillotama Shome, Deepak Rauniyar’s Pooja, Sir – a tense police procedural set in a Nepalese border town, Rima Das’ Village Rockstars 2 – continuing her acclaimed coming-of-age saga, Aranya Sahay’s Humans in the Loop – exploring AI ethics through the life of a single mother working as a data annotator.

    The documentary A Fly on the Wall, from Nilesh Maniyar and Shonali Bose (Margarita with a Straw), delivers an unflinching look at one man’s quest for autonomy over his final moments.

    IFFLA 2025 will also host the Los Angeles premiere of the psychological drama DUI Shaw by Bangladeshi filmmaker Nuhash Humayun, blending supernatural horror with south Asia’s stark realities. A special masterclass with the filmmaker will follow the screening.  

  • OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s entertainment scene sparkled brighter as the OTTplay Awards 2025 rolled out the red carpet at JW Marriott on 22 March, bringing together the finest in digital storytelling under its ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ banner. The third edition of the only pan-India OTT awards was a grand spectacle, uniting stars and creators from across languages and regions to honour the best in streaming content.

    The night was a triumph of storytelling, with major accolades going to Panchayat, Paatal Lok, Girls Will Be Girls, Poacher, Freedom at Midnight, Black Warrant, and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

    The acting honours saw Manoj Bajpayee (Despatch) and Anupam Kher (Vijay 69) take home Best Actor (Popular and Critics, respectively), while Kajol (Do Patti) and Parvathy Thiruvothu (Manorathangal) claimed Best Actress titles.

    The web series category delivered emotional highs, with Jyotika (Dabba Cartel) winning Best Supporting Actor (Female) and presenting the Critics’ Best Actress award to Nimisha Sajayan (Poacher) in an on-stage moment that radiated camaraderie.

    Other winners included Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok 2) and Raghav Juyal, bagging Best Actor (Male) in the Critics’ and Popular categories, respectively, while Aditi Rao Hydari earned recognition for her performance in Heeramandi.

    The evening also saw a blend of generations, with industry veterans Anupam Kher and Shekhar Suman cheering on Patralekha, who won Breakthrough Performance (Female) Series for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, while her husband Rajkummar Rao led a standing ovation.

    Adding a touch of nostalgia, Kunal Kohli presented Kajol with her award, reigniting Fanaa memories for Bollywood buffs.

    The night was filled with iconic reunions, including The Family Man trio Manoj Bajpayee, Priya Mani, and Neeraj Madhav, sharing the stage for the first time since Season 1. They were joined by Jaideep Ahlawat, the antagonist of the upcoming season, making for a momentous OTT crossover.

    Regional representation shone bright, with Sriimurali and Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar receiving special felicitations, while Miheeka Daggubati accepted the Best Talk Show Host award on behalf of her husband, Rana Daggubati.

    Commenting on the significance of the event, OTTplay, CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar said, “At the OTTplay Awards, we honour the creators who challenge convention, the performers who redefine excellence, and the stories that resonate across languages and regions. With our ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ vision, the OTTplay Awards are designed to transcend linguistic, regional, and platform-specific boundaries—recognising the finest in web series, OTT films, and digital storytelling from every corner of India’s dynamic entertainment ecosystem. This is more than an awards ceremony for me; it is a celebration of a cultural shift—a tribute to a golden era of streaming that is not arriving but already here. OTTplay Awards – Where India’s stories find their spotlight.”

    As the curtains closed with Raghav Juyal’s signature slow-motion hook step, the OTTplay Awards 2025 stood as a powerful testament to India’s ever-evolving digital entertainment landscape, where creativity knows no borders.

    The event was co-presented by Real Juice and Kuhl, powered by StockGro, and held in association with HT City. With Zoom as the official broadcast partner, and Flipkart Spoyl, D Pauls, Amante, and Propshop among key sponsors, the evening was a seamless blend of entertainment and industry excellence.

  • Tata Soulfull gives tea-time a crunchy twist with no maida rusk

    Tata Soulfull gives tea-time a crunchy twist with no maida rusk

    MUMBAI: India’s love for tea-time just got crunchier! Tata Soulfull, a brand known for its wholesome millet-based snacks, has launched Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk, offering a healthier take on the classic rusk without compromising on taste. The brand’s latest campaign, featuring acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee, celebrates the uniquely personal ways Indians enjoy their chai with the tagline ‘Har chai ko apni chai banaye’.

    While rusks have been a tea-time staple for generations, most conventional options contain maida (refined flour), something health-conscious consumers are increasingly looking to avoid. Tata Soulfull no maida rusk, available in elaichi and butter flavours, stays crunchy even after dipping, making it a wholesome yet indulgent companion for every cup of chai.

    At the heart of the campaign is a witty TVC, where Manoj Bajpayee adds his signature charm to a formal tea setting, breaking away from the stiff etiquette to enjoy a true kadak chai moment. His grounded and relatable persona perfectly embodies the high-quality yet truly desi essence of Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk.

    The Womb CCO Suyash Khabya said, “Who doesn’t want to have Tea with the Queen at the Buckingham Palace? But unki chai boring hai, bland hai. So that’s where we got Manoj to pull out Tata Rusk and enjoy his tea. The setting is bizarre. The humour is subtle, the brand integration is perfect. It’s simple, yet unignorable. Everyone from UP to Bihar to even Mumbai would love to be in front of the British Queen and show her our way of doing things. Hum jaise hai, waise hai!”

    Commenting on the campaign, actor Manoj Bajpayee said, “I’ve always believed that a good cup of tea deserves the perfect companion. Tata Soulfull’s No Maida Rusk brings just that a crunchy, flavorful treat without the compromise of maida. This product redefines chai-time rituals, offering a wholesome yet indulgent option for tea lovers like me. It’s exciting to be part of a campaign that blends humor, tradition, and innovation. With Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk, every chai moment truly becomes your own.”

    Currently available in North, East, and Central India, Tata Soulfull No Maida Rusk will soon make its way to other regions. The campaign will be amplified across TV, OTT, social media, and on-ground activations, ensuring that tea lovers across the country get a taste of this crunchy, guilt-free delight.

  • ZEE5 Original ‘Despatch’ shines at MAMI Film Festival 2024

    ZEE5 Original ‘Despatch’ shines at MAMI Film Festival 2024

    Mumbai: ZEE5 announced the successful showcase of its original movie Despatch, starring Manoj Bajpayee, at the MAMI Film Festival 2024. The Gala Premiere on 19 October received positive feedback, highlighting the film’s exploration of the darker side of journalism and the ethical challenges reporters face. A panel discussion followed the screening, delving into the filmmaking process and themes like truth, power, and responsibility in media.

    Directed by Kanu Behl, Despatch blends suspense with a moral inquiry into media dynamics. Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of a crime reporter grappling with professional and personal ethics stands out, supported by performances from Shahana Goswami and Archita Agarwal.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “We are thrilled by the overwhelming response that Despatch received at the MAMI Film Festival. This success highlights ZEE5’s commitment to bringing original content that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful dialogue. Cinema’s power to connect through compelling storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and Despatch is a perfect example. Manoj Bajpayee’s outstanding performance, combined with Kanu Behl’s direction, has made this project one we’re incredibly proud of. We look forward to bringing this impactful film to a wider audience as we continue to push boundaries in content creation.”

    An RSVP spokesperson said, “Despatch is a gripping exploration of the dark side of crime journalism and the moral dilemmas it brings. We are beyond proud of the response it received at the MAMI Festival. Partnering with MAMI has given Despatch the perfect platform to debut, and we are excited for its journey ahead as it reaches a wider audience on ZEE5. We believe this narrative dives deep into the human condition, and we’re thrilled to see it resonate with such a discerning audience.”

    Behl said, “Directing Despatch has been an incredible experience, and I am immensely grateful to have had Manoj Bajpayee bring our vision to life with his remarkable performance. His ability to embody the complexities of the character adds incredible depth to the storytelling, allowing audiences to truly connect with the narrative. Screening at the MAMI Festival has been a wonderful opportunity to share this powerful story, and I can’t wait for viewers to experience the movie in its entirety when it premieres on ZEE5.”

    The screening of Despatch at MAMI reinforces ZEE5’s position as a platform for diverse, high-quality storytelling that tackles important societal issues. As part of ZEE5’s focus on impactful content, *Despatch* has gained attention for its portrayal of power, information, and ethics in journalism. With its suspenseful plot and Manoj Bajpayee’s strong performance, the film adds to ZEE5’s growing slate of socially relevant original content.

  • Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to premiere on ZEE5

    Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to premiere on ZEE5

    Mumbai: ZEE5 announced the world digital premiere of ‘Bhaiyya Ji,’ a high-octane action revenge drama marking Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film in the industry. Following the immense success of ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ which recently surpassed one billion watch minutes on ZEE5, ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ promises to deliver another gripping tale of revenge and justice that showcases a never-before-seen avatar of the versatile actor. Starting 26 July, viewers can witness Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of a larger-than-life character, blending the raw intensity of UP-Bihar’s hinterland with the swaggering charisma of South Indian cinema.

    Helmed by the visionary Apoorv Singh Karki and backed by the dynamic team of Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Samiksha Oswal, Shael Oswal, Shabana Raza Bajpayee, and Vikram Khakhar, this nerve-wracking thrill ride of revenge and justice is poised to set screens ablaze. The film comes from the makers of ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ a highly popular ZEE5 original. Mark your calendars for 26 July as ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ will have its world digital premiere exclusively on ZEE5.

    Manoj Bajpayee, often hailed as the star of OTT, has a strong presence on ZEE5 with numerous successful projects to his name on the platform, including ‘Silence: Can You Hear It?’, ‘Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout’, ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’, ‘Dial 100’, ‘Jaago’, ‘Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari’, ‘Chakravyuh’ among others. His versatile performances on ZEE5 have made him a favorite among the audiences, and ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ is set to further cement his legacy in the world of OTT.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5)

     

    ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ follows the journey of a retired and feared criminal who seeks vengeance for the brutal murder of his younger brother. When a trivial argument leads to tragedy, Bhaiyya Ji comes back from his peaceful retirement to confront the powerful Gujjar responsible for his loss. Gathering his loyal associates, he ignites a fierce campaign of retribution that threatens to upend the entire criminal underworld. But as the stakes rise and the danger mounts, will Bhaiyya Ji’s quest for justice come at too high a price?

    ZEE5 chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “We’re thrilled to bring ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to ZEE5, reuniting the makers behind ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’. This film not only marks Manoj’s 100th cinematic venture but also showcases him in an unprecedented avatar that blends intensity with grandeur. With ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ achieving over 1 billion watch minutes, and now ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ continuing this momentum, we are confident in delivering high-impact content, Bhaiyya Ji reinforces ZEE5’s commitment and further solidifies ZEE5’s position as the ultimate destination for cutting-edge entertainment.”

    Ahead of the film’s premiere on ZEE5, Bhaiyya Ji a.k.a. Manoj Bajpayee shared, “Bhaiyya Ji marks a significant milestone in my career since it’s my 100th film, and I’m truly honored to bring this compelling character to life. With ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ achieving over 1 billion watch minutes on ZEE5 and now ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ continuing this momentum, it’s a testament to the audience’s love for storytelling. This role is quite different from my usual portrayals, blending the gritty realism of the UP-Bihar heartland with the grand style. It was a unique opportunity to explore a multifaceted, larger-than-life persona that I believe has and will resonate with audiences across. As we present ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to the ZEE5 viewers across the globe, I’m excited for them to witness this new avatar and the intense narrative we’ve crafted. Here’s hoping that we get as much love and support from the OTT audience like we did for the theatrical release.”

    Director Apoorv Singh Karki mentioned, “Bhaiyya Ji represents a bold leap forward in digital storytelling. We’ve crafted a story that marries the grit of realistic crime drama with the sweep of an epic saga. Working with Manoj sir again has been transformative – his dedication to embodying this multi-layered and complex character is truly inspiring. We’ve explored themes of loyalty, family, and the cyclical nature of violence in ways that I believe will resonate deeply with audiences. This project has pushed our entire team creatively, technically, and emotionally. As Manoj sir’s 100th film, we felt a responsibility to create something truly special, and I’m confident ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ will leave a lasting impact on the digital cinema landscape as well when it premieres on ZEE5.”

    Producer Vinod Bhanushali mentioned, “‘Bhaiyya Ji’, a Manoj Bajpayee creation, is a quintessential desi-style action revenge drama that has captured the hearts of theater audiences. Being his 100th film, the film delivers an exhilarating experience for the fans. Now viewers can enjoy the thrills in the comfort of their homes on Zee5 where Bhanushali Studios previous release Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai with Manoj ji and Apoorv crossed 1B plus watch minutes on the platform.”

    Shabana Raza Bajpayee shared her thoughts on Bhaiyya Ji, saying, “Bhaiyya Ji is not just another milestone for Manoj; it symbolizes his incredible journey and passion for the craft. As his 100th film, it holds a special place in our hearts. Producing this film under Aurega Studios has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am thrilled about its world digital premiere on ZEE5. With its powerful action and deep emotional depth, Bhaiyya Ji is a must-watch, and I am confident that the audience will connect with it.”

    Producer Samiksha Shael Oswal, “Bringing Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film to life has been a cinematic experience for his fans. ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ is a thrilling return to action of Manoj Bajpayee, offering fans a gripping experience now right in their homes with ZEE5.”

    Don’t miss the digital premiere of ‘Bhaiyya Ji’, on 26 July exclusively on ZEE5.

  • Manoj Bajpayee’s thriller Joram to premiere on &xplorHD

    Manoj Bajpayee’s thriller Joram to premiere on &xplorHD

    Mumbai: The gripping and thought-provoking thriller “Joram” is set to captivate audiences as it makes its highly anticipated world television premiere on &xplorHD on June 22nd at 9 pm. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Devashish Makhija and starring the versatile actor Manoj Bajpayee, “Joram”, delves into the harrowing tale of a man and his infant daughter in a desperate bid for survival while being hunted by the ghosts of his past and the forces that want him dead.

    The masterful storytelling and Manoj Bajpayee’s compelling performance breathe life into the narrative, taking viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense. As the story unfolds, audiences find themselves drawn into a world of suspense, mystery, and moral dilemmas, leaving them on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The film paints a poignant picture of uncertainty and peril as it follows the protagonist’s struggle to evade capture while protecting his daughter from danger. Set against the backdrop of the Adivasi communities in Jharkhand, “Joram” sheds light on the gruesome realities faced by marginalised populations, intertwining social commentary with heart-pounding thrills.

    &xplorHD, known for presenting UNroutine, UNexpected, and UNformula films to its audience, brings yet another gem with “Joram,” a film that has gained widespread national recognition and accolades for its riveting portrayal of societal issues and its gripping narrative. With its world television premiere on &xplorHD, the film is poised to reach a wider audience, sparking conversations and provoking thought long after the credits roll.

    The talented actor Manoj Bajpayee said, “Working on ‘Joram’ has been a deeply personal journey for me. The film intricately depicts the realities faced by marginalized communities, resonating with my upbringing in a small village. I felt a profound connection to the story and the characters, which drove me to give my all to this project. What drew me to ‘Joram’ was its unflinching portrayal of the struggles of the weak and vulnerable. As an actor, I saw an opportunity to shed light on the injustices faced by marginalized populations and to amplify their voices through the power of cinema. It’s a story that needed to be told, and I’m proud through &xplorHD that the audiences will be able to experience it all!”

    Director Devashish Makhija said, “With ‘Joram’ we have tried to ask some difficult questions of things we take for granted of our privileged lives in the cities. Through a (hopefully) gripping thriller, we have tried to explore themes of survival and the resilience of the human spirit. ‘Joram’ seeks to remind us all of the inequality and injustice that continues to persist as a result of our obsession with an unsustainable ‘development’. It is our hope that audiences may get moved enough by our film to be inspired to advocate for change.”

    Don’t miss the world television premiere of “Joram” on &xplorHD on June 22nd at 9 pm. Tune in for an unforgettable journey into the heart of uncertainty and the resilience of the human spirit.

  • “We believe technology plays a critical role at every stage of fresh supply chain”: Amazon India’s Harsh Goyal

    “We believe technology plays a critical role at every stage of fresh supply chain”: Amazon India’s Harsh Goyal

    Mumbai: Amazon Fresh recently released the second edition of its ‘Nahi toh Mehenga Padega’ campaign, starring actor Manoj Bajpayee as the beloved character ‘Ghanshyam’. This quirky campaign, conceptualized by MediaMonks and directed by Harshvardhan Kulkarni, humorously depicts the common struggle of online grocery shopping, while emphasizing Amazon Fresh’s commitment to value, quality, and convenience.

    Delving deeper, Indiantelevision.com caught up with Amazon India director – grocery, Harsh Goyal to gain insights on the second edition of Amazon Fresh’s ‘Nahi toh Mehenga Padega’ campaign, Amazon Fresh’s differentiating aspect in the Indian market and more…

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1w6BX6sDOI2ZvOfcJLvSEEWipgqvgE1N

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inspiration behind the concept of the second edition of the ‘Nahi toh Mehenga Padega’ campaign

    The relatable character ‘Ghanshyaam’, played by Manoj Bajpayee in our Amazon Fresh ad campaigns – ‘Nahi toh Mehenga Padega’, embodies the problem that a common person has with buying groceries online. Basis our insights and research, consumers are primarily looking for value and quality in grocery items. Our recent ad campaign highlights both these aspects in a comical act where in a hurry to get groceries, customer misses out on savings and good quality. This creative approach not only captivates the audience but also deepens the brand’s relationship with them. Amazon Fresh gives consumers incredible savings via bank offers and cashbacks, no delivery fee and excellent quality of fruits and vegetables.

    On Amazon Fresh differentiating itself in the Indian market amidst growing competition and the challenges that Amazon Fresh tackles posed by quick commerce competitors

    Grocery is a massive market and we believe various formats will co-exist, serving different consumer needs. For example, Amazon Fresh’s value proposition is not just speed but equally an extensive range of daily consumption products, incredible savings for consumers and superior quality of fruits and vegetables, delivered to customers in two-hour slots. Regardless, Amazon is continuously improving the speed at which we deliver orders to customers. Amazon deliver millions of items to customers on the same day, which is by far the largest selection delivered same day in India.

    On the role of technology in ensuring the freshness and quality of groceries delivered to consumers

    We believe technology plays a critical role at every stage of fresh supply chain, starting from collection centres where we buy directly from farmers and pay them quickly, to an end-to-end temperature-controlled supply chain. We have shelf monitoring cameras which feed into ML models and help us spot quality defects. At Amazon we have built an ecosystem through a team of qualified agronomists offering agri-tech expertise to registered farmer partners for better farm yield and improved product quality. The agronomy services is an application, interface through machine learning and computer-vision based algorithms that simplify supply chain processes, helps farmers to identify defects (rotting, spots, cuts, mould) in fruits and vegetables, and reduces wastage of produce. All the fresh produce is sourced directly from farmers registered with Amazon sellers at the collection centre and after a thorough quality inspection, is dispatched to the processing centres. The fresh produce is then sorted, graded, and hygienically packed in different sizes at the processing centres and dispatched to Amazon Fresh fulfilment centres located closer to customers, to fulfil delivery promises. We will keep inventing to improve product quality and supply chain efficiency to ensure our customers receive best quality produce.

    On the specific trends that Amazon Fresh has observed in the Indian market during the summer season

    During this mango season, we’ve observed significant shifts in market trends and consumer preferences on Amazon Fresh. Our top-selling mango varieties include Banganpally, Ratnagiri Alphonso, Mango Sindhura, Mango Totapuri, and Mango Kesar, with Banganpally emerging as a versatile favorite across India. We’re also seeing growing interest in regional specialties such as Gulabkhas and Chinnarasalu, highlighting a broader consumer inclination towards exploring unique and local flavors.

    In terms of geographical trends, Bangalore leads in mango purchases among metro cities, while Ahmedabad and Pune are showing strong engagement in non-metro areas. Furthermore, we’ve noticed an uptick in demand for ice creams and dairy beverages, with a 20 per cent and 33 per centincrease in customer base for these categories, respectively. At Amazon Fresh, we leverage these insights to continually enhance our offerings, curating thematic stores such as Mango, IPL, and Summer Store to cater to diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring exceptional quality, value, and convenience for our customers.

    On Amazon Fresh leveraging learnings from its global operations to adapt and excel in the Indian market

    Some of the supply chain, last mile and storage technology that we use in India has been perfected first in global markets. We adapt that technology for local needs. Indian market is obliviously unique in many ways. For example, the farming sector in India is quite unorganized, which made us build a direct farm to fork supply chain in the country, along with cold storage facilities. Customer’s grocery preferences change every 100 kilometers and there are lots of festivals during the year where customer need changes and we had to make our selection very local and dynamic.