Mumbai: the eagerly awaited Jagran Film Festival 2023 had a grand inauguration at Cinepolis, Mumbai, commencing an exceptional cinematic journey. Presented by Rajnigandha in partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the first day promised a remarkable cinematic adventure. The inaugural ceremony was graced by renowned director, screenwriter, and producer Anees Bazmi, joined by Amit Rai, DK, and Raj.
The eleventh edition of the festival glittered with Bollywood luminaries, including Bhumi Pednekar, Rhea Kapoor, Karan Boolani, and casting director Mukesh Chhabra. It also aims to honour Indian cinema legends like Satish Kaushik, Lata Mangeshkar, Vikram Gokhale, and K Viswanath, with a special focus on movies “Kaagaz” and “Lamhe” as a tribute to Satish Kaushik and Lata Mangeshkar.
Day one featured engaging panel discussions with celebrities like Anees Bazmi, Bhumi Pednekar, Rhea Kapoor, Karam Boolani, Amit Rai, Mukhesh Chhabra, DK, and Raj. They shared valuable insights and experiences from their illustrious careers, captivating the audience with their dialogues.
In a candid discussion moderated by Nayandeep Rakshit, accomplished directors Anees Bazmi, Amit Rai, DK, and Raj shared their experiences and early career challenges in crafting stories for OTT and theatrical releases, underscoring the importance of well-crafted scripts and casting choices.
The team of “Thank You for Coming” engaged in an open discussion. Rhea Kapoor acknowledged the potential criticism of her film choices but emphasized the connection with her target audience. Bhumi Padnekar discussed the film’s message of self-acceptance and personal responsibility for happiness. Karan Boolani emphasised the importance of empathising with characters and understanding their perspective, highlighting the hidden forces perpetuating inequality. This discussion was moderated by Nayandeep Rakshit.
Mukesh Chhabra, in an engaging casting discussion, discussed his career journey and his deep love for the film industry, emphasizing his unique path to making a meaningful contribution.
The festival premiered with “Guthlee Ladoo,” including a special screening of “Darran Chhoo,” “Eismayer” for the international opening, and “Jananam: 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu” for the regional opening.
As the festival partner, Custard Apple Pictures presented the Hindi film “Banwari Ki Amma,” directed by O.P. Srivastava. Set in 1970s Lucknow, it explores the life of an ambitious middle-class family, featuring an elderly maid known for her culinary skills, and their shared existence in a cramped house.
Day two will witness in-conversations with stars like Aanand L. Rai, Piyush Mishra, Vishal Batra (brother of Kargil war hers Param Veer Chakra- Vikram Batra) and Anmol Ahuja
The world’s largest travelling film festival is all set to enrapture audiences with an exceptional array of world-class films from all around the globe.
Mumbai: The 11th Jagran Film Festival in 2023, which is the world’s largest traveling film festival, is eagerly awaited and promises to be a glamorous affair. The event is set to feature a remarkable roster of esteemed celebrities who will add their star power to the occasion.
. The team of Thank you for Coming, Bhumi Pednekar, Rhea Kapoor and Karan Boolani will be present on the first day 12 October at 3:15 pm for an interactive in conversation with the audience.
. Director, screenwriter and producer, Anees Bazmi will grace the festival on 12 October at 12:30 pm. With a career spanning several decades, he has carved a niche for himself as a master of comedy, creating films that continue to bring laughter to audiences worldwide. He will also be joined by Amit Rai, DK. Raj and Mukesh Chhabra.
. Renowned filmmaker Aanand L. Rai will share his experiences and wisdom on 13 October at 5:30 pm. His films have been celebrated for their grandeur and impactful storytelling.
. Piyush Mishra, versatile actor, poet, and musician known for his remarkable contributions to both theatre and cinema will also share his insightful journey on 13 October at 6:40 pm. His powerful performances and evocative poetry have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.
. On 13 October join Vishal Batra (brother of Kargil war hers Param Veer Chakra- Vikram Batra) for an in-conversation on the bond that he shared with his brother at 3:45 pm.
. Join the successful casting director, Anmol Ahuja for an interaction with the audience on casting on 13 October at 12:15 pm.
. The stage is also set for Amit Sadh for an interesting in conversation on 14 October at 1:15 pm. Amit Sadh is a versatile actor known for his compelling performances in both films and digital series, capturing audiences with his talent and dedication.
. Bobby Deol, a seasoned actor, recognised for his contributions to Bollywood, spanning from the 1990s to the present day will also be present on 14 October for an in-conversation session at 4:45 pm. His versatility and notable performances have earned him a lasting place in the Indian film industry.
. Bollywood’s rising star Pulkit Samrat will charm the audience on 14 October at 6:00 pm with his youthful energy and promising talent.
. Atul Mongia, acting mentor, writer and director will be present for a rendezvous at 11:45 am.
. Join Karishma Kapoor, an established leading actress known for her charismatic on-screen presence and versatile roles in Hindi cinema on 15 October at 1:30 pm. She will be sharing her career journey and challenges in an interactive dialogue with the audience.
The Indian premiere kicks off with “Guthlee Ladoo,” featuring a special screening of “Darran Chhoo,” while the international opening showcases “Eismayer,” and the regional opening presents “Jananam: 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu.” Closing the ceremony, we have “Siya” in the Indian section, “Property” in the international section, and “Tatkhana” in the regional section. Movie enthusiasts are invited to savor these films at the event.
Join us at the Jagran Film Festival 2023 to celebrate the magic of cinema and be part of these exciting celebrity interactions. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to be up close and personal with your favourite stars! Book your seats, log on to jff.co.in and BookMyShow
Mumbai: ITC Sunrise Spices, a beloved name in every Bengali household, marked the onset of Durga Puja with the grand launch of ‘Dashabhuja Ghore Ghore Durga’ music video. Sung by the incredibly talented Monali Thakur and Jeet Ganguly, the video encapsulates the spirit of Bangaliana and the magic of Durga Puja. This musical masterpiece was officially unveiled on 1 October 2023, at the Sunrise 66 Pally Puja Pandal, with renowned celebrity Trina Saha.
The heart and soul of this captivating music video lies in its soul-stirring composition and melodious rendition. Making it an auditory experience like no other, Monali Thakur infuses life into the heartfelt lyrics, capturing the very essence of Durga Puja. Her singing evokes a profound sense of nostalgia and celebration that resonates deeply throughout Bengal.
The music is composed by the renowned Indian composer Jeet Ganguly. Adding depth to the narrative, Bengal’s heartthrob, Abir Chatterjee, renowned for his remarkable screen presence, skilfully portrays the ethos of Durga puja celebrations in the region, while the exceptionally talented Trina Saha adds more to the visual spectacle. The video also features cameo appearances by Jeet Ganguly and Monali Thakur, further enhancing its grandeur and appeal.
Commenting on the launch, Sunrise Spices business head Piyush Mishra said, “Durga Puja is the most celebrated festival in the east and Sunrise being synonymous with the food and culture of the state, wanted to set the tone for the grand celebration slightly differently this year through our own musical tribute. This Durga Puja special song in collaboration with renowned artists is our heartfelt and humble attempt to honour womanhood and make the festive season special for our discerning consumers. We hope this song reaches every home and make people groove to the captivating beats”.
As the region celebrates the spirit of Durga Puja, ITC Sunrise Spices Dashabhuja Ghore Ghore Durga also encourages one and all to join in honouring the essence of womanhood – the heart and soul of every Bengali household. The music video’s enchanting melodies and captivating visuals encapsulate the magic of Durga Puja, making it a must-watch for all.
The launch event was further elevated by a spectacular flashmob performance by 400 dancers, adding an extra layer of magic to the cherished celebration. Adorned in vibrant festival colours, these dancers crafted a visual masterpiece. As the melodies filled the air, their graceful and synchronised dance moves seamlessly intertwined with the festivity, captivating the hearts of onlookers and reminding them of Durga Puja’s unique and enchanting spirit in Bengal.
Mumbai: ITC Ltd.’s Sunrise Spices, one of the leading spice brands in East India, today launched ‘Swaad Bihar Ka,’ an exclusive range of spices. These spices come in a unique limited-edition pack featuring Madhubani artwork that was originally hand-drawn by local Madhubani artists. With a deep-rooted commitment to celebrate the essence of the state, with this launch the brand aims to offer not just delectable flavours but also a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and artistry of Bihar through its products.
Backed with research of 2.5 years and basis consumer feedback of over 1000 homemakers these spices have been tastefully developed to bring alive the flavours of local dishes and nuanced traditional recipes that resonate with the consumers of Bihar.
Some of the spices include Sunrise Rajshahi Garam Masala, Sunrise Kitchen King Masala, Sunrise Meat Masala, and Sunrise Chicken Masala, in the blended spices range and basic spices such as Sunrise Red Chilli Powder, Sunrise Turmeric Powder etc.
The distinctive combination of carefully selected spices is meticulously blended, ensuring a perfect harmony of flavours. This not only saves consumers precious time and provides convenience, but also ensures effortless preparation of their favourite dishes. Hence, this range beautifully complements the rich culinary heritage of Bihar.
To take the consumer experience a notch higher, each pack of these spices showcases a unique Madhubani painting which is deeply rooted in Bihar’s culture. Sunrise Spices collaborated with four exceptionally talented Madhubani artists renowned for their intricate artwork. The revered artists have created captivating food-themed paintings that represent the exquisite fusion of flavours and artistic expression of Bihar. The packs also come with a unique QR through which consumers can delve into the artistic process and gain deeper insights into the remarkable fusion of food and art represented by ‘Swaad Bihar Ka.’
ITC Spices business head Piyush Mishra said, “Swaad Bihar Ka’ holds a special place in our hearts, and we take immense pride in being one of the few brands to have developed a wide array of products exclusively tailored for the state of Bihar. This new range represents ITC’s eternal association with Bihar and how our brand, Sunrise Spices, proudly celebrates the state’s cultural heritage, showcasing authentic flavours deeply rooted in their traditions. With decades of experience in working with spices, we are committed to promoting Bihar’s rich history and culinary treasures through our range of spices. Our aim is to honour the powerful connection between food and heritage, allowing our consumers to not only experience the flavors but also the stories that make Bihar truly special. We are thrilled to invite the people of Bihar on a flavorful journey, as we salute the essence and soul of Bihar through our new offerings. We look forward to delighting our valued customers with the true flavours of Bihar and creating unforgettable culinary experiences.”
At the core of ‘Swaad Bihar Ka’ is an unwavering commitment to delighting the discerning palates of Bihar’s consumers. Meticulously crafted, these spices take inspiration from the region’s culinary traditions and recipes. Each product, from the alluring aromas of the meat blend to the versatile flavours of Kitchen King, is thoughtfully designed to cater to the distinct tastes of Bihar’s people and recreate the authentic flavours of the region’s iconic cuisines. Sunrise Spices ensures that high-quality raw materials are carefully sourced, and undergoes stringent testing and quality control processes to maintain a consistent consumer experience.
Mumbai: KFC fans and Biryani lovers in the country are in for a tasteful treat as Colonel Sanders grants their wishes in true KFC style – with the all-new KFC Biryani Bucket. In a unique combination, KFC’s signature chicken now comes with flavourful Biryani rice and its nothing short of the biryani of your dreams.
The quirky campaign, featuring actor Piyush Mishra, has been conceived by Ogilvy. The film opens with Colonel Sanders destressing at a laughter club and laughing away, when a fellow participant, Mishra, asks him how while KFC’s fried chicken is fantastic, when is he planning to make biryani. Colonel’s struggles begin as he gets questioned by fans asking ‘Biryani Kab Banaoge?’ practically everywhere that he goes! He rises and heads straight to the kitchen, to whip up a bucketful of KFC Biryani, before joyously announcing that ‘Biryani Loverzz…. Ab wait hai overzzz!’
“There is something certainly warm and familiar about a Biryani, just as there is no greater joy than holding a bucket full of KFC chicken. The campaign film is a close representation of just how much KFC fans wanted us to bring together two of their greatest loves – their favourite KFC chicken and flavourful biryani,” said KFC India’s CMO Moksh Chopra. “We are thrilled to render a KFC take on this beloved cuisine, and the KFC Biryani Bucket is an earmark in our journey of designing innovative products.”
“A KFC version of the Biryani was an idea whose time had come,” commented Ogilvy North’s chief creative officer, Ritu Sharda. “The KFC page was reflecting this craving from people for a while. So, when KFC finally dished up its own twist on the cult-favourite Biryani – all our campaign really had to say was: You wanted it. We got it.”
Mumbai: Reminiscing the yesteryears of India’s redefining moments, food company Parle Products celebrates the spirit of a sovereign India in its Republic Day film. Tracing the journey of its flagship brand Parle-G, the film depicts the journey of the homegrown brand as the country evolved from penning the history with its independence movement to the present era of new normal, over a span of seven decades.
Voicing the narrative is veteran thespian Piyush Mishra, whose earthy tone adds a whole new dimension to the film. To create this special film, Parle Products sourced various footage through different sources ranging from Getty to the Films Division and took special permissions from Getty and Films divisions. “The film has been released on digital platforms and garnered over 12 million views across all platforms already,” said the company.
Conceptualised by creative agency Please See in partnership with Reliance Entertainment, the film uses archival footage of major milestones and glorious moments to talk about the freedom movement in the 1930s, 1971 war, India’s first World Cup win in the 1980s, iconic Bollywood characters ‘Raj and Simran’ to the successful space mission and then India’s successful creation of Covid-19 vaccines.
All of these are interspersed with a perfect amalgamation of Parle-G from its launch in the 1930’s (Parle Gluco) to the pack version of today, which has been present at different intervals of history with the message ‘years changed, but we stayed the same,’ depicting its unchanged taste and popularity.
“Just as Parle Products stands for a swadeshi brand, our brand Parle-G is often referred to as ‘Desh Ka Apna Biscuit.’ We feel extremely proud and fortunate to be a part of India’s journey from pre-Independence time to the present day,” said Parle Products senior category head Mayank Shah. “The film carries a degree of nostalgia as important events from the past play out in front of viewers. Just as the country crossed milestones over the years, so did Parle Products and gradually Parle-G has retained itself as the go-to product when one thinks of a biscuit.”
“In circulation for 79 years, we have kept the taste intact with no change in the flavor of the Parle-G ever since it was first sold in 1939. Parle shall continue to remain an integral part of the nation and with the coming years we hope to be a part of many such achievements – furthering our course with the country,” he further said.
MUMBAI: Freedom is the right of choice and liberty is right to choose. Today, do we even realise what independence means? Is the definition limited to getting out of your homes and travelling to any part of the country or probably holding a peaceful gathering in an open playground and expressing your opinions? More importantly, is freedom restricted to providing your fundamental rights as a citizen? Freedom has come down to a plastic celebration these days.
Liberty, a brand to reckon with is the synonym of freedom that describes the quality or the state of being Independent and Free.
Considering the reality of today, Liberty has come with an action rather than a solution to evoke the sense of urgency and seriousness amongst the audience. ‘IN THE NAME OF LIBERTY’ is Liberty’s initiative to exemplify the current scenario. They took examples from everyday life like racism, gender inequality, disrespectful behaviour towards women that we encounter and choose to ignore. It’s not the actions we blame, but also the mindset we carry.
To showcase this above-mentioned agenda, Liberty Shoes has shot an in-house production, a short film and to express its voice, renowned singer and lyricist Piyush Mishra has joined hands with Liberty for the campaign. The strong and subtle music is given by the Indian Ocean band. The expression and execution are led by marketing head Barun Prabhakar who believes in the concept of visualising the current scenario and changing the mindsets through self realisation.
He says, "There lays a very slight difference, a very thin line between using and miss-using our freedom in the name of Liberty but the impact of this is vast. We are planning to expand the visibility of this initiative through digital media and cinema. As the responsible brand of the country Liberty came with the initiative to be the change they want to see because freedom is a right and Liberty is a conscious effort.”
MUMBAI: BasicFirst, an innovative Ed-Tech start-up, has appointed Alburt Media to manage its media mandate in India. The appointment was a result of a multi-agency pitch. The mandate includes handling overall operations of ATL across India. The account size is estimated to be Rs.300 crores.
Started with a vision to make quality education available in the remotest locations of India, BasicFirst caters to various academic needs of K6 to K12 students. It is an aptitude-based personalized learning initiative by a group of education experts, which offers post-school education and test-prep guidance.
Commenting on the association, Piyush Mishra, CEO, Alburt Media stated, “We are excited to be associated with BasicFirst. India has a huge potential market for Ed-tech and BasicFirst with its innovative products and high-quality content such as ‘24×7 Doubt Clearing App’ and ‘Rent A learning Tablet’ is determined to take a major share of the pie.”
Talking about appointing Alburt Media, Randhir Kumar, Founder & CEO of BasicFirst said, “ The association seems to fit in well as the approach followed by Albert Media is strategic and the customer insights they offer makes them the perfect partner for our growth plans. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.”
Govind Mishra, Marketing Head at BasicFirst said, “Alburt Media understood our requirements well. Their proposed strategy and approach was innovative and it captured the sentiments we want to portray for the brand.”
MUMBAI: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) has rolled out the latest television commercial (TVC) for exciting 4th Gen upgrade of Activa – India’s No. 1 selling two-wheeler brand.
Developed by Dentsu One, a Dentsu Aegis Network agency, the TVC was launched with the World Television Premier of Jolly LLB 2 and has started running on air across popular channels from 14th May’17.
From its debut in 2001, Honda 2Wheelers India re-activated the automatic scooter segment with the iconic Activa on back of its two core strengths – advance technology and innovation. Activa’s biggest strength lies in its continuous evolution ahead of the time which has fortified its universal appeal that cuts across generations, geographies and genders. Over the years, Activa grew from No. 1 selling automatic scooter to overtaking all motorcycles and become No. 1 selling two-wheeler of India. In 2017, Honda 2Wheelers launched the 4th generation BS-IV and AHO compliant ‘ACTIVA 4G’ with new style and features like mobile charging port for connectivity on the go.
The ‘Nayi Generation Hai’ campaign reinforces the top of mind recall for Honda’s fourth generation Activa; both emotionally and rationally. The idea is to showcase how Activa 4G is playing an active role in the slice of life of India’s new generation.
In 16 years, Honda’s Activa brand has gained a strong trust of over 1.5 crore Indian families and counting. The iconic Activa is today the “Most Trusted & Convenient” common denominator for all Indian families – be it young college-goer or working professional, home-maker or the active senior citizens.
India’s psychographics is fast evolving and everyone in this new India is exploring something new.
Be it the trending youth, WhatsApp-ing parents or jogging grandparents. The TVC is all about how India’s Nayi Generation is doing things differently and the new Activa 4G is their ride of choice.
The target audience of Honda’s Activa is not limited to a specific age group or region. It is trusted by every generation across the nation. Age or gender is no more the barrier for people to do different things or do things differently. The slice of life narrative is written with a consumer insight that people from different age brackets are now venturing into things that were traditionally considered out of bounds for them.
Honda’s ‘Nayi Generation Hai’ TVC opens with a middle-aged man on the bed, busy on his phone. He receives a WhatsApp message from his daughter to go out for snacks late in the night. The man agrees and they both ride to a neighborhood food kiosk on their Activa 4G.
Bringing life to the voice over, noted theatre artist Piyush Mishra elaborates, “Na Din Khatam hota hai, na raat. Aur sham chalti hai subah tak… Nayi Generation Hai bhai!”
The second sequence opens with a group of young women of all sizes working out… not in the gymnasium but through an energetic Zumba performance in a dance studio.
The sequence begins with the background jingle Zamaane ke yaar hai sab, masti mei sawaar hain and concludes with Piyush Mishra’s spicy voiceover saying, “Jo Mehnat ko masti banaye, wahi wise hai… are dance bhi to exercise hai!”
The group then rides out of the dance class on their Activa 4G’s and the jingle continues – Zamaane ke yaar hain, hawaon pe sawaar hain.
In the third sequence, a young professional is riding his Activa 4G and it’s his new generation mother (the pillion) who guides him to the destination by using satellite navigation maps on her mobile phone. The voice-over connects the Nayi Generation with “Manzil kahan hai… kaise pahunchna hai? No Confusion… that’s the Nayi Generation!”
The fourth sequence shows an old lady jogging towards a parked Activa 4G. Suddenly, she stops and plugs out the mobile charging cord from her grandson’s mobile and plugs it in her phone and starts dancing to the music on the spot. Surprised by her fun mood, her grandson joins in and both later leave on their Activa 4G. The peppy voice-over says Baalon ke rang par mat jao… hum battery full hain! Inke saamne to acche achon ka dibba gul hai and is completed by the happy jingle Zamaane ke yaar hain, hawaon pe sawaar hain..
The last sequence of the film takes the nayi generation theme even further. The sequence opens with the shot of an old man outside his home ready to move on an Activa 4G. His wife steps outside their home and ties a fitness band on her husband’s wrist. On being asked, “Ye kya hai?” she replies, “Nayi Generation Hai!” before both ride away to the park.
The sequences are followed by a montage, i.e. father-daughter, women performing Zumba, mother-son duo, grandmother-grandson duo and old couple seen riding Activa and enjoying their ride. The film ends with a voice over – “Aajkal India ki har generation, Nayi Generation Hai. Inhi ke liye aayi hai nayi generation wali Activa 4G” (Today every generation of India is doing something new and for them is the new generation of Activa. Activa 4G- Nayi Generation Hai)
“Activa’s continuous evolution over the years in terms of technology, innovation and design ethos has made Activa relevant across generations. While retaining its core of trust and reliability, our astute communication has led Activa to gain top of consumer mindshare as well,” Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President-Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.
“Time was when we used to say ye nayi peedhi hai, ye aisi hain, waisi hain, inko samajhna mushkil hai etc. but now you see that there is no such thing as a generation gap. We thought it’s an opportune time to speak of this new generation that defies all age related myths,” said Titus Upputuru, National Creative Director, Dentsu One
“The traditional demographics have become a passé and age as a metric of classification means nothing. Marketing and brand building is all about having right insights that connect to right mindsets – whether the consumer is 18 or 80 years doesn’t really matter,” said Abhinav Kaushik, Senior Vice President, Account Management, Dentsu One
MUMBAI: Bollywood has seen a plethora of films based on state politics, but there has never been a narrative as startling as ‘Gulaal’. Boasting of superlative performances, this film directed by Anurag Kashyap cuts through the layers of grass-root politics situated in the regions from Rajasthan to Bihar. Zee Classic with its brand promise of Woh Zamana Kare Deewana, will premiere ‘Gulaal’ in India’s Finest Films on Friday, 3 March, at 10pm.
‘Gulaal’ revolves around a central god-like leader, illegitimate methods of conducting politics, folk songs heartily sung by Rekha Bharadwaj and strong noteworthy performances by Kay Kay Menon, Mahie Gill, Raj Singh Chaudhary, Jesse Randhawa, Piyush Mishra and a climax that is sure to give goosebumps! The film took seven long years of wait and relentless struggle by Anurag Kashyap to make it happen. It is highly credited for its compelling storytelling and dark themed narrative.
Dilip Singh (Raj Singh Chaudhary), a soft-spoken man comes to Rajasthan to study law. Due to the lack of hostel occupancy, he is forced to stay with an unstable man Rananjay Singh (Abhimanyu Singh). During his constant attempts to relocate, Dilip encounters a room-full of men who torture and abuse him. He is then locked up in a room with a lady (Jesse Randhawa). Dilip partners with Rananjay and Dukey Bana (Kay Kay Menon) to plan to take revenge on the people who humiliated him. Dukey Bana is a local uncrowned monarch who was contesting for the forthcoming university elections. Murders, bloodshed and conniving tactics to get to the top is what forms the rest of the film.
