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Tag: Mrinalini Jain

  • Prime Video doubles the fun with Kajol and Twinkle in new talk show

    Prime Video doubles the fun with Kajol and Twinkle in new talk show

    MUMBAI: Double the sparkle, double the sass Prime Video is bringing Kajol and Twinkle Khanna together as co-hosts for the very first time in its latest unscripted Original, Oppo presents Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, co-presented by Kohler and Kalyan Jewellers. The global premiere is set for 25 September, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

    Backed by Banijay Asia, the series promises unfiltered conversations, candid confessions, and laughter-laced mischief with some of Indian cinema’s biggest names. The format thrives on the contrasting-yet-complementary styles of its hosts: Kajol’s effervescent charm meets Twinkle’s razor-sharp wit, making for conversations that veer well beyond the usual celebrity chatter.

    “A star-studded guest lineup and conversations that are fresh, spontaneous, and entertaining Two Much goes beyond the usual celebrity chatter,” said Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok adding that the duo’s “humour and candour” will keep audiences hooked.

    Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain called it a show about “what Kajol and Twinkle want to ask, what they care about, and how they choose to show up funny, unfiltered, and deeply honest.”

    The partners behind the show are equally upbeat. Oppo India head of PR and communications Goldee Patnaik linked the association to Oppo’s ethos of inspiring youth to “live in the moment,” while Kohler MD for K&B South Asia Ranjeet Oak highlighted its celebration of originality and bold voices. Kalyan Jewellers executive director Ramesh Kalyanaraman added that the show mirrors the brand’s values of “warmth, humour, and genuine conversation.”

    With Kajol’s infectious energy, Twinkle’s trademark sass, and a guest list primed for fireworks, Two Much sets itself up as a talk show with a difference, an entertainment cocktail that’s equal parts glamour, candour, and chaos.

  • Banijay Asia and Collective Artists Network collaborate to script India’s biggest creator-led universe

    Banijay Asia and Collective Artists Network collaborate to script India’s biggest creator-led universe

    MUMBAI: In a major move to redefine the creator economy in India, Banijay Asia, one of India’s leading content powerhouses, has joined hands with Collective Artists Network, the country’s premier talent and creator company, to launch a first-of-its-kind creator-led content and IP engine.

    This landmark collaboration will conceptualize, develop, and produce creator-first and creator-controlled properties across scripted, unscripted, branded, and digital-first formats — spanning long-form shows, short-form skits, micro-dramas, and vertical social content.

    At the heart of this alliance lies the powerful convergence of creators, content, and commerce — leveraging Collective Artists Network’s expansive creator and brand network, and Banijay Asia’s expertise in content creation and production at scale.

    The collaboration has already onboarded leading creators like Aisha Ahmed, Dolly Singh, and Kashish to develop brand-friendly content. Collective is also in active conversations with large FMCG and E-commerce advertisers to co-create high-impact, culturally resonant content that merges entertainment with brand purpose.

    Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO, Banijay Asia &EndemolShine India said: “This partnership marks a bold new chapter in content creation — where creators are no longer just participants but become the driving force behind the narrative. By joining forces with Collective Artists Network, we’re building a powerful ecosystem at the intersection of content, creators, and brands. Together, we’re setting the blueprint for the future of entertainment.”

    Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia &EndemolShine India added: “We see this as a creator-powered revolution. The future lies in content that’s authentic, scalable, and culture-shaping — and creators are at the center of it. With Collective Artists Network’s unmatched access to talent and brands, and Banijay Asia’s storytelling DNA, we’re launching a next-gen engine that’s built for today’s platforms and tomorrow’s audiences.”

    DhruvChigopekar, Co-Founder, Collective Artists Network, said: “This partnership marks a meaningful step forward for both traditional and new-age content. Banijay has built some of India’s most iconic shows, and to see that scale and storytelling depth now extend to the creator space is exciting. What’s changing is how stories are being told, creators are becoming part of the process instead of just the output. This collaboration allows us to explore that shift thoughtfully, combining structure with spontaneity, and legacy with a fresh lens. We believe it’s a strong foundation for what the next decade of entertainment could look like.”

    What this collaboration unlocks:

    –  Launching a new destination for Collective Artists Network’s creators to tell their stories spanning scripted, unscripted, and branded formats, which are genre and platform-agnostic.

    – Talent integration into Banijay Asia’s existing IPs, opening new doors for creators to host, act, write, or contribute creatively to Banijay Asia’s broad content slate.

    –  Co-creating digital-first, short-format content, micro-dramas, skits, sketches, vertical stories, and social-first formats specifically with Collective Artists Network creators.

    –  Leveraging Collective Artist Network’s expertise to lead brand integration and sponsorship across all joint content initiatives.

    –  Developing a creator-driven content universe across Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, which then potentially expands into other platforms.

    The partnership reflects Banijay Entertainment’s global vision of aligning with creators to modernise brands, bridge the gap between creators and creatives,  and reach new audiences through culturally-resonant formats. 

  • Genre-bending tales are the reel deal for India’s content creators

    Genre-bending tales are the reel deal for India’s content creators

     MUMBAI: Jump scares, script flips and streaming hits, if there’s one thing Indian content creators agree on, it’s that the lines between genres are getting as blurred as a high-stakes thriller. At the 9th edition of The Content Hub Summit 2025, an insightful session titled “Genre Dynamics: Pushing Creative Boundaries in Indian Cinema, OTT and Television” brought together leading storytellers who are breaking the mould and mixing genres with flair. Chaired by filmmaker and trade analyst Saurabh Verma, the panel featured director Vishal Furia (Chhorii), writer-director Ravindra Gautam, Banijay Asia’s Mrinalini Jain, Applause Entertainment’s Rahul Ved Prakash, and filmmaker Kussh S Sinha (Nikita Roy).

    Horror director Vishal Furia kicked off the conversation by pointing out how genre films have matured. “We’re finally moving past jump scares. Indian horror is now about deeper themes like motherhood and social realities. Chhorii was scary, yes, but it also tackled female agency.” With Chhorii 2 on the way, he promised more genre-defying elements.

    Mrinalini Jain noted the surge in creators experimenting with “genre cocktails.” Think courtroom dramas that are also comedies, or thrillers laced with social commentary. “We’re seeing a healthy overlap between what entertains and what provokes thought. Audiences want content that works on multiple levels.”

    Ravindra Gautam emphasised that Indian television is slowly catching up with OTT and films in storytelling ambition. “We are moving away from just ‘kitchen politics’. There’s a demand now for fantasy, mystery, even dystopia, if told well and rooted in Indian ethos.”

    For Rahul Ved Prakash, whose work at Applause spans crime thrillers, political dramas and quirky comedies, the shift is evident in how stories are greenlit. “There’s a rise in shows that can’t be boxed into one genre and that’s a good thing. Viewers now want layered narratives.”

    Kussh Sinha, who’s working on genre-blending projects himself, argued that Indian creators shouldn’t just chase global formats. “We must create our own grammar rooted in Indian emotions, tropes and chaos. The global audience is already watching. Let’s show them our unique flavour.”

    The panellists highlighted a set of unmistakable shifts shaping India’s evolving content landscape. Genre fusion has firmly taken root, with historical thrillers, horror-romance hybrids, and docu-dramas gaining popularity across platforms. Writers now have more creative control, with writers’ rooms involved earlier in the process to help define genre direction and narrative tone. Regional content is leading much of this innovation, with Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi creators delivering some of the boldest and most genre-defying storytelling. And above all, audiences are choosing character over category they are drawn to emotionally resonant, layered protagonists, regardless of the genre label.  

    As the session wrapped, one thing was clear: the days of sticking to safe genre formulas are over. Whether it’s a horror film that makes you cry, a mythological show with sci-fi twists, or a soap opera with supernatural undertones, Indian creators are pushing past traditional formats and building new blueprints for storytelling.

    If 2024 was the year of experimentation, 2025 might just be the year of reinvention, one genre-bending frame at a time.

  • Banijay Asia & SERA team up to send one Indian to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket

    Banijay Asia & SERA team up to send one Indian to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket

    Mumbai:  Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment, the independent content producer, has announced its collaboration with Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) to produce an innovative format show that will showcase the nationwide hunt for one ordinary Indian citizen who will journey into space on a future Blue Origin New Shepard mission. The format will capture the drama, disappointment, and joy as the shortlisted individuals participate in various challenges that test their mettle and readiness for space travel. The show will culminate in the selection of a final winner who will have the opportunity to become one of the first Indian citizens to travel into space.

    This announcement builds on SERA’s recent news announcing India as a partner nation for their human spaceflight program aimed at allowing citizens from countries with few or no astronauts to travel into space. SERA’s mission is to democratize space travel by opening up opportunities for ordinary citizens to experience the wonders of space exploration.

    “At Banijay Asia, our mission has always been to explore new horizons in storytelling. We’re embarking on an unprecedented journey with SERA to create a reality format that transcends the ordinary. It’s a privilege to document this journey of an ordinary Indian space traveller and show how this program will not only transform their life but also democratize space travel more broadly. We’re excited to entertain and inspire our audiences as we pave a new path in the world of competitive reality television, and spark a new wave of interest in space exploration,” said Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar.  

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India Group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain expressed her enthusiasm saying: “Partnering with SERA is a testament to Banijay Asia’s quest to find inspiring stories to narrate in the most innovative formats. We will pioneer an innovative and inspirational format by blending the thrill of reality television with the awe of space exploration. This will be a game-changing format showing every step of the journey from selection to space.”

    SERA co-founder Joshua Skurla shared his excitement for the collaboration: “SERA is founded on the principle of making space accessible to all. Our mission is to inspire and enable individuals from all backgrounds to explore the cosmos, fostering a new era of discovery and understanding. This partnership with Banijay Asia will bring space- and science-related content to a diverse audience. We look forward to their innovative approach to transform this historic endeavour into a movement that will not only inspire millions but also cultivate a global dialogue on the future of space exploration.”

    SERA’s spaceflight program will offer citizens from across the world six seats on a future mission of New Shepard, Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket. The mission will fly the selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line (100 km), the internationally recognised boundary of space.

  • Banijay Asia acquires format rights from Sony Pictures Television

    Banijay Asia acquires format rights from Sony Pictures Television

    Mumbai: Banijay Asia, part of Banijay Entertainment, has inked a deal with Sony Pictures Television, the global television production and distribution company, acquiring format rights to produce Indian remakes of five of its popular international scripted series. The international favourites by Sony Pictures Television which Banijay Asia will recreate for Indian viewers include:

    1.    Drop Dead Diva: A captivating blend of comedy and drama which follows the story of a fashion model who dies in a sudden car accident and reincarnates into the body of a brilliant, plus-sized lawyer.

    2.    La Prepago: This gripping Colombian telenovela centres around a woman living a double life: one as a beautiful university student with a normal love life from a traditional family; the other as a high-class escort who is paid for companionship to support her family.

    3.    Men At Work: A hilarious comedy series that chronicles the lives of four friends navigating the complexities of work, relationships, and friendship in the bustling city of New York.

    4.    Mob Doctor: Combining elements of medical drama and organised crime, Mob Doctor tells the story of a talented surgeon who works at an upscale Chicago hospital but finds herself entangled with the mafia when she is forced to treat their wounded.

    5.    Rosario Tijeras: The series follows the journey of a vengeance-obsessed, young woman from the slums of Colombia and her love affair with two best friends who come from wealthy families.

    Expressing her enthusiasm about the partnership, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India group chief development officer, Mrinalini Jain said, “This collaboration allows us to bring some of the world’s most iconic and celebrated series to India by reimagining them through an Indian lens and adding a cultural twist. Each of these shows has a rich history and a massive following, and we are committed to maintaining their essence while making them relatable to our Indian viewers. Our journey with Sony Pictures Television is driven by a shared passion for storytelling, and commitment to deliver captivating content, and we look forward to bringing the best of global entertainment to the Indian market while ensuring each adaptation creates an unforgettable experience for our audiences.”

    Sony Pictures Television VP, distribution, India, Sonika Bhasin said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Banijay Asia to bring international favourites to Indian audiences in new and exciting ways. These shows have garnered immense popularity worldwide, and we are excited to see them adapted for Indian audiences. We believe Banijay Asia has the expertise to deliver high-quality adaptations that capture the essence of the original series while offering a fresh perspective that appeals to the local audience. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the universal appeal of Sony’s rich content library while embracing the vibrant culture and storytelling techniques of India, which has emerged as a key market for the global entertainment sector. With our combined expertise and creative vision, these adaptations will achieve the same level of success and appreciation across South Asia.”

    Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India have successfully delivered several hit scripted adaptations including The Night Manager, and The Trial alongside successful originals like Aarya, Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Bombay Begums and Trial By Fire.  The companies are also behind strong non-scripted productions including MasterChef, Big Boss, Temptation Island and Into The Wild with Bear Grylls.

  • Nadiadwala Grandson & Banijay Asia team up for series and films

    Nadiadwala Grandson & Banijay Asia team up for series and films

    Mumbai: In a major development for the Indian entertainment industry, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE), led by the visionary filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala, and Banijay Asia (part of Banijay Entertainment), the production powerhouse led by Deepak Dhar, have created a strategic collaboration to create original series and films as well as adaptations of popular international hits, to usher in a new era of premium content for Indian audiences.

    Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment founder Sajid Nadiadwala expressed his excitement saying, “At NGE, we have` always strived to deliver top-notch entertainment to the Indian audiences and partnering with Banijay Asia to create cutting edge content across genres and formats is a thrilling venture for us. Our vision has always been to push the boundaries of entertainment, and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal. This is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with Banijay Asia, and we look forward to this creative synergy”.”

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India founder & Group CEO Deepak Dhar commented: “We are excited to partner with Sajid Nadiadwala, a visionary whose contributions to Indian cinema are unparalleled. He has given audiences hit franchises like Housefull, Baaghi, and Kick, as well as content-driven films like Chhichhore and Super 30. His dedication to filmmaking and his ability to connect with the Indian & global audiences makes this partnership an interesting one. This collaboration further reinforces our commitment to produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe. With Sajid’s creative vision and our expertise in content creation, we are poised to set new benchmarks in the world of entertainment”.”

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain said, “Partnering with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment offers a unique opportunity to blend our strengths in content development with Sajid Nadiadwala’s cinematic vision. His unparalleled expertise and creative vision are invaluable assets in this collaboration which represents a shared commitment to creativity, innovation, and storytelling excellence. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of entertainment by delivering compelling originals and adaptations that captivate audiences in India and worldwide”.” 

  • Banijay Asia & All3Media Intl partner for Indian adaptation of The Tourist

    Banijay Asia & All3Media Intl partner for Indian adaptation of The Tourist

    MUMBAI: Globally acclaimed series The Tourist is winging its way to India, courtesy of producer Banijay Asia and distribution giant All3Media International. The two have signed a deal under which the former has acquired the rights to produce the Indian adaptation of the series created by Two Brothers Pictures.

    “We at Banijay Asia are huge fans of Two Brothers and the thrilling masterpieces that they craft. The Tourist offers a unique blend of mystery and suspense which we believe will resonate deeply with our viewers. We are ecstatic to bring an adaptation of such a gripping and internationally celebrated series to Indian audiences,” said  Banijay Asia and  Endemol Shine India group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain. “Collaborating with All3Media International allows us to maintain the high standards set by the original while infusing it with a distinct Indian touch.”

    Added EVP Asia Pacific All3Media International  Sabrina Duguet: “The Tourist has been a phenomenal success globally, and we are delighted to see it being adapted for the Indian market. Banijay Asia has an impressive track record of creating high-quality local adaptations, and we are confident they will deliver an exceptional version of this globally loved thriller. We look forward to seeing how the story will be reimagined for Indian viewers.”

    Starring Jamie Dornan, the original series was written by Harry and Jack Williams, the creators of Rellik and Boat Story, and was produced by Two Brothers Pictures and Highview Productions. Distributed internationally to over five continents by All3Media International, it has aired with production partners BBC One in the UK, Stan in Australia, and ZDF in Germany, with further territories including the USA, Canada, Latin America, South Korea and the Nordics.

    The plot of the groundbreaking series revolves around an Irishman who wakes up in an Australian hospital with amnesia after a car crash. Seeking answers, he encounters a local woman who remembers him and volunteers to help him rediscover his identity. What few clues he can find hint that he has a dark past from which he must escape before it catches up with him.

    Banijay Asia has successfully delivered a number of hit scripted adaptations including The Night Manager, The Trial and Call My Agent Bollywood, alongside successful originals like Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Bombay Begums and Trial By Fire.

    A press release issued by Banijay Asia states that the “partnership with All3Media aims to set a new benchmark for international adaptations in the Indian subcontinent, offering viewers yet another captivating series. The remake will retain the thrilling essence of the original while infusing cultural elements unique to India.”