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Tag: movies

  • Applause Entertainment marks eight years with bigger bets

    Applause Entertainment marks eight years with bigger bets

    MUMBAI: Eight years may seem young, but Kumarmangalam Birla-owned, Sameer Nair-led Applause Entertainment has already muscled into the top tier of India’s content business. Since its 2017 launch, the studio has churned out more than 50 original series, films and documentaries across every major streamer — from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5 and Sony Liv.

    Operating on what it calls a “hub and spoke” model, Applause invests upfront in content, collaborates with producers such as Banijay Asia, BBC Studios, Rose Audiovisuals and Emmay Entertainment, and then syndicates the finished work to platforms worldwide. Its catalogue includes both original dramas and Indian adaptations of acclaimed books and international formats.

    After shaking up the digital series  market, Applause has shifted gears into films with titles like Iftikaar, The Rapist and Aruvi. It has also launched Applause Productions, whose debut project is the Indian remake of Fauda. In animation, it has struck an exclusive deal with Amar Chitra Katha to reimagine 400-plus comics for global audiences and under the Appla Toon brand on YouTube.

    It recently partnered with author Jeffrey Archer to adapt his books into series or movies. 

    Nair has built a seasoned team backing him up, with Deepak Segal as chief creative officer, Prasoon Garg as chief business officer, Sunil Chainani heading films, Maansi Darrbar heading Applause Productions,  Siddharth Khaitan heading special projects like Gandhi and Scam, and Devnidhi Bajoria overseeing marketing.

    With scores of projects in the pipeline, the studio is plotting a push beyond India into documentaries, infotainment and even gaming.

    Eight years in, Applause is just clearing its throat. And loving the viewing audience’s critics’  applause.

  • Spain’s pirate party: nearly half of OTT viewers sail the high seas of illegal streaming

    Spain’s pirate party: nearly half of OTT viewers sail the high seas of illegal streaming

    MUMBAI:  While the Motion Pictures Association (MPA)  loves pointing fingers at India for its piracy woes, they may want to swivel their gaze towards Europe. New data from consultancy firm GECA reveals that a staggering 47.4 per cent of OTT viewers in Spain are tucking into pirated content—no paid subscription in sight.

    The pirate’s treasure chest? Movies top the loot list at 32.8 per cent, followed closely by TV series (30.6 per cent) and sports (18.4 per cent).

    The biggest buccaneers are aged 18–24, followed by the slightly older but no less rebellious 25–34 crew. Even the silver surfers are getting their share—piracy among the 55+ age group has jumped 4.5 points, now clocking in at 32.6 per cent.

    Notably, piracy among 25–34-year-olds surged 5.2 points, hinting at an underground boom even among the prime-income streamers. Whether it’s a protest against high prices or just a thrill of the steal, one thing’s clear—Spain’s illegal streaming scene is alive, well, and growing.

  • Netflix to rewire its homepage in a game-changing move

    Netflix to rewire its homepage in a game-changing move

    MUMBAI: Netflix plans to reimagine its homepage, swapping its classic layout for a sleeker, smarter design that’s more than just eye candy. 

    The streaming giant has confirmed that the new homepage will roll out over the “next few weeks and months,” varying by location, as it dives into fresh waters—live events, games, and a cutting-edge search tool powered by OpenAI’s generative AI.

    According to Netflix chief product officer Eunice Kim, the streamer has been tinkering with its home page  for 12 years, but the current refresh is bigger than ever as it involves a mix of new tech and an expanded entertainment range.

    Netflix’s new look is cleaner, bolder, and all about discovery. Visual elements pop, while shortcuts that used to hide on the left now glide to the top. The revamped recommendation engine is a step up, promising to read your mood like a fortune-teller—whether you’re after a thriller, a tearjerker, or a pixel-packed game.

    Kim added that the new look is a playground for everything Netflix  offers—films, live events, and games. 

    But the behemoth isn’t stopping there. A TikTok-style vertical video feed is also in the works, letting users swipe through bite-sized clips of shows and movies—tap to watch, add to your list, or share the hype.

    For Netflix, the new homepage is more than a fresh coat of paint—it’s a gateway to everything it hopes to be.

  • &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    MUMBAI: Love is in the air, and &pictures is turning up the romance dial with its Full On Ishq Film Festival—a cinematic extravaganza celebrating love in its most dramatic, passionate, and unpredictable forms. Running from 9- 14 February, this special lineup brings viewers a daily dose of heartwarming love stories, leading up to the highly anticipated channel premiere of Kisko Tha Pata on Valentine’s day at 2 pm. Because what’s Valentine’s without a little bit of love, longing, and drama?

    Kisko Tha Pata, directed by Ratnaa Sinha, is a deep dive into the unpredictable world of romance, exploring love, passion, and obsession set against the charming backdrop of Raipur. Starring Ashnoor Kaur, Akshay Oberoi, and Aadil Khan, the film promises an emotional rollercoaster ride.

    Following the journey of Shreya (Ashnoor Kaur), a young woman navigating complex emotions, the story also introduces Devansh (Akshay Oberoi), a man whose world is shattered by heartbreak, and Dhairya (Aadil Khan), a free-spirited biker who believes in living in the moment. This tale of love and destiny is bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

    Sinha shares, “Kisko Tha Pata is a story that dives deep into the unpredictability of love. It’s about choices, emotions, and how destiny plays a role in shaping our relationships. Love isn’t always easy, and this film beautifully captures its raw, unfiltered essence. I’m thrilled that audiences will get to experience this poignant tale on &pictures this Valentine’s Day.”

    Kaur adds, “Shreya’s journey is one of self-discovery, heartbreak, and resilience. She’s a character that will remind many of their own experiences with love—whether it’s the euphoria of falling in love or the agony of watching it slip away. Kisko Tha Pata is a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.”

    Oberoi, who plays Devansh, shares, “Devansh’s story is about heartbreak, healing, and finding redemption. He’s someone who loved deeply, lost painfully, and is struggling to put himself back together. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and Kisko Tha Pata shows that love isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.”

    Khan, portraying Dhairya, comments, “Dhairya’s character brings refreshing energy to the film. He is someone who sees love in its most free-spirited form—without boundaries or expectations. His journey is about embracing the moment, about hope, and about finding happiness even in the face of uncertainty.”

    In addition to Kisko Tha Pata, &pictures has lined up an impressive selection of romance classics to keep the love alive throughout the week. The festival features Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Sanam Teri Kasam, Geeta Govinda, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana—a mix of modern and classic love stories that promise drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.

    So, if your idea of a perfect Valentine’s celebration includes cozying up with timeless love stories, &pictures has got you covered. Whether you’re swooning over intense love triangles, dramatic heartbreaks, or soul-stirring reunions, there’s a film for everyone.

     

     

  • Why Abundantia’s Vikram Malhotra is looking to raise Rs 250 crore in 2025

    Why Abundantia’s Vikram Malhotra is looking to raise Rs 250 crore in 2025

    MUMBAI: It’s had an abundant share of hits. Now Abundantia Entertainment is gearing up to ramp up its slate further and is in the market to raise a nice little treasure chest of money to fund its future film and series projects. 

    Speaking to moneycontrol.com, its CEO Vikram Malhotra said that he was looking to raise Rs 200-250 crore in the first half of 2025, only one third of the investment of Rs 750 crore he has lined up for movies and series  for the company going forward.

    Abundantia has been behind some critically acclaimed  and commercially  successful films like Baby, Airlift, Toilet – Ek Prem Katha, Shakuntala Devi, Sherni, Chhorii, Jalsa, Ram Setu, Sukhee and Sarfira. Its series  Breathe which ran into three seasons and  Hush Hush which brought yesteryear super stars Juhi Chawla and Ayesha Jhulka onto streaming have got him hungry to do more. 

    “Out of the 23 titles in development actively at Abundantia right now, the next three years should see an output of 18 of them, starting with six releases in 2025,” he told Moneycontrol. “So far, we’ve had a tremendous five years in terms of creative and financial success and now the plan is to take it to the next level with the infusion of additional capital that allows us to exploit the opportunities that exist in the market.”

    Among the titles which are under developed or are on the production floor include: Amazon Prime Video’s Bhoomi Pednekar-starring Suresh Triveni-directed Daldal, the sequel to  the 2021 released Chhorii, and the Anil Kapoor-starring Suresh Triveni-directed Subedaar.  Many a talent have also been signed up by Abundantia, reveals Malhotra. Among them: Hansal Mehta (the director of the successful Scam series ) who is working on a multi season series, Gullak director Palash Vaswani who’s working on a film, Bhav Dhulia (the director behind Drishyam and Paan Singh Tomar)  who’s got a film project as well as Mayank Sharma (he directed Breathe’s three seasons) for a film. 

    Malhotra has been restructuring Abundantia and has built two verticals within it: psych for horror and paranormal stories and Filters for the young adult segment and is actively developing content under these.  

    A creative studio  called Opening Image has been launched with Suresh Triveni. The idea: focus on creating and developing differentiated content across mediums and aims at being an ecosystem for young writers and directors to flourish under Triveni’s guidance.

    This is not the first fund raise Malhotra’s attempting. He initially secured funding from Dalip Pathak’s Callista Capital and Ashok Wadhwa’s RW Media, who he later bought out. 

    Going by his track record (and despite the mixed response from movie goers that  the film industry has been receiving), Malhotra and his Abundantia should get the fund raise  through and  right – in the first take itself.

  • Sony Pix celebrates 100 years of Columbia Pictures with ‘Century of Cinema’

    Sony Pix celebrates 100 years of Columbia Pictures with ‘Century of Cinema’

    Mumbai: Sony Pix is commemorating a century of Columbia Pictures’ cinematic excellence with its special campaign, ‘Century of Cinema’. This initiative offers viewers not only a curated selection of top Sony Pictures Entertainment films but also an opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the iconic Columbia Pictures Aquaverse with an interactive contest.

    From 16 November 2024, viewers can tune in to Sony Pix at 7:00 pm for four consecutive weekends to participate in a unique interactive contest. By scanning a QR code displayed on the screen or Instagram account, viewers will be transported to a microsite. Once on the microsite, participants can collect character cards inspired by famous characters from Sony Pictures Entertainment movies. Each card possesses unique points and abilities. The user with the highest score at the end of the contest will be the lucky winner of the grand prize: a dream vacation to Columbia Pictures Aquaverse.

    To make this celebration even more special, Sony Pix will screen a lineup of iconic films, including Taxi Driver (1976), Anaconda (1997), Godzilla (1998), Spider-Man 2 (2004), 2012 (2009), Captain Phillips (2013), Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Uncharted (2022).

  • 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.

  • Catch the world TV premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on &pictures

    Catch the world TV premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on &pictures

    Mumbai: Friendship is the bond that ties our lives together. This 21 September at 9 pm, join &pictures for the world television premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, a film that beautifully captures this special connection. 

    Known for delivering ‘On Nahi, Full On’ entertainment, &pictures presents a heartfelt film that delves deeper than just friendship. With its vibrant, relatable content, &pictures continues to resonate with today’s youth, reflecting their dreams, challenges, and aspirations. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan follows an emotional journey of love, self-discovery, and the clash between the reel and real worlds. 

    Featuring the dynamic trio of Ananya Panday, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and Adarsh Gourav, and directed by Arjun Singh, the story unfolds in the vibrant city of Mumbai as three close friends navigate the ups and downs of life. As the characters experience moments of joy, heartbreak, and self-realization, they ultimately rediscover the true essence of friendship. Kho Gaye Hum Kahan also highlights the importance of staying rooted and embracing authenticity, no matter where life takes you.

    Enthusiastic about the world television premiere, Adarsh Gourav said, “I’m excited for the World Television Premiere of Kho Gaye Hum Kahan on &pictures. This film is a touching exploration of friendship, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. I believe that everyone who watches it will find a part of themselves in this story, and it will remind them of the importance of staying true to who they are and cherishing the relationships that they have.”

    Don’t miss this beautiful narrative of friendship and self-discovery.

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

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

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

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

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

    Edited Excerpts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    On MovieMe ensuring data security while providing personalised recommendations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Explore these audiobooks and films on Kargil War’s 25th anniversary

    Explore these audiobooks and films on Kargil War’s 25th anniversary

    Mumbai: As the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War approaches, there’s no better time to deep dive and explore the stories that defined this historic conflict. From untold tales of bravery and sacrifice to firsthand accounts from those who led the charge, these audiobooks and films offer a tribute to the heroes of Kargil. Each story outdoes the other and by the end of it, we are certain you would be in complete awe of our soldiers and everything they do for us at the border. With this curated listen and watch list, enrich your understanding and appreciation of one of India’s most significant military victories.

    Kargil: Untold Stories From The War

    What drives a martyr’s father to visit a young Kashmiri girl every year? What compels an elderly man in Palampur to relentlessly seek justice for his fallen soldier son? Like the title of this audiobook suggests, there are many untold tales of a war that remain buried beneath the surface. We know just a fraction of the things that actually occurred. In Kargil: Untold Stories From The War, the author speaks to war survivors and martyrs’ families, and brings to light stories of extraordinary human courage from the mountains of Kargil. Tune in and uncover the stories that deserve to be heard!

    Kargil: From Surprise To Victory

    Audible brings to you the story of the Kargil War from the man in charge, General V. P. Malik. Malik was the Chief of the Indian Army at the time of the war. He led the planning, coordination and execution of the operation. In this audiobook, the author shares his first hand experience at Kargil along with afterthoughts on important lessons for India’s defence preparedness. This book is a testimony to the unparalleled heroism displayed by our troops. Listen to this story by the General who led the Indian army through an operation which went onto become a benchmark for bravery.

    The Kargil Girl

    Written by the Kargil girl herself, Flt Lt Gunjan Saxena shares with us her nerve wracking story from the war. She was 29 years old when she was called in to help at the war zone. This call came at a time when female pilots were yet to be employed in war zones. From airdropping vital supplies to Indian troops in the Dras and Batalik regions and evacuating casualties in the midst of the ongoing battle, to informing seniors of enemy positions – she fearlessly discharged her duties during this important war for India. In the book, she elaborates several incidents from the war including one of narrowly escaping a Pakistani rocket missile during one of her sorties. Tune into her autobiography to know how Gunjan Saxena rightfully earned the name of The Kargil Girl.

    The Kargil Story: Tales of Valour and Sacrifice from the summer of 1999

    There were five important battles which were the turning points in the Kargil War for India—namely, Tololing, Tiger Hill, Three Pimples, Pt. 4875, and Khalubar. In this audiobook, Deepak Surana, gives us a glimpse of these five very crucial combats. He brings to us stories directly from over 100 heroes who fought on the line of fire for us. These stories talk of not just camaraderie between soldiers even in the harshest circumstances but also of unbeatable courage and a bulletproof spirit. Stay tuned to discover astonishing stories from this audiobook, which is set to release on 26th July on Audible.

    Shershaah

    This biographical war film is inspired from the life of Captain Vikram Batra. During the Kargil War, Batra exposed himself to enemy fire while trying to evacuate an injured soldier. He was shot in the head and chest This was just 19 days before Kargil Vijay Diwas. He was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest Indian military decoration, for his courage and sacrifice during the Kargil War. Batra was loved and admired by his fellow soldiers and was given the codename “Shershaah’. The movie Shershaah captures his contribution to the Kargil War alongside his love story with Dimple Cheema. The roles are played by the much loved Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani.

    Lakshya

    A fiction story inspired set at the backdrop of the Kargil War, director Farhan Akhtar brings to you a cult classic. We see a young aimless man transform into a brave soldier who goes on to lead the army during the Kargil War, played by Hrithik Roshan. This movie is considered one of his best performances to date. The realistic portrayal of the war scenes makes you feel like you are amidst the Kargil War while you secretly root for Hrithik Roshan as he courageously fights opponents and he reunites with his love interest.