MUMBAI : Home-grown streaming platform Zee5 has teamed up with Paytm, the trailblazer in mobile payments and Soundbox techy, to launch a groundbreaking promotional campaign for its latest original film, Hisaab Barabar, featuring R. Madhavan.
The campaign, which took place across 100+ cities, including key metro and Hindi-speaking regions, greeted Paytm Soundbox users with personalised audio messages from Madhavan when making payments. The initiative transformed everyday transactions into an engaging film promotion, resonating deeply with audiences and bringing the film’s themes of financial transparency and trust to life.
Hisaab Barabar is a gripping drama focused on the consequences of financial fraud, aligning closely with Paytm’s ethos of promoting accountability in financial transactions. The collaboration showcases how modern technology can blend entertainment with everyday experiences, creating memorable moments for users.
Zee5 vice president of Marketing Shresth Gupta commented, ‘This campaign seamlessly integrates entertainment with daily life, demonstrating how tech innovations can connect brands and consumers in a meaningful way.’
A Paytm spokesperson added: ‘We are excited to see the Soundbox being utilised as a creative marketing tool, proving that technology can transform everyday interactions into impactful experiences.’
MUMBAI: If Amazon makes a big bang, can Netflix be far behind? Of course not.
Today, Netflix pulled back the curtain on its power-packed 2025 content slate, unveiling an eclectic mix of films, series, and unscripted originals. Unlike Amazon Prime Video, which hosted a lavish industry party, Netflix chose to keep things all-business—because let’s face it, they’d rather spend on content than caviar. The lineup boasts over 25 titles spanning multiple genres, ensuring that no matter what your mood, there’s a binge-worthy fix waiting for you.
Leading the charge is Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood, produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. The series blends sharp industry satire with high-stakes drama, offering an inside look at the chaos of Bollywood. Expect plenty of witty references and some surprise cameos from the who’s who of Indian cinema.
Adding to the action-packed lineup, Saif Ali Khan headlines Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins, a high-stakes thriller surrounding the hunt for the priceless African Red Sun diamond. Directed by Siddharth Anand and featuring Jaideep Ahlawat and Kunal Kapoor, this promises an exhilarating game of deception, strategy, and intrigue.
Netflix’s love affair with romance continues with Aap Jaisa Koi, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Nadaaniyan, featuring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor in a classic opposites-attract setup. Meanwhile, Dhoom Dhaam throws Yami Gautam Dhar and Pratik Gandhi into a wedding-night-gone-wrong adventure that’s equal parts thrilling and hilarious.
On the Tamil front, Test delivers a compelling narrative with R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, and Meera Jasmine against the backdrop of a historic Chennai cricket match. Helmed by S. Sashikanth, this direct-to-OTT release highlights Netflix India’s commitment to regional storytelling.
Comedy lovers can look forward to Toaster, a quirky family drama starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, centered around a wedding gift fiasco that spirals into chaos. Meanwhile, Delhi Crime Season 3 brings back Shefali Shah, joined by Huma Qureshi and Sayani Gupta, in a gripping investigation into human trafficking.
Fan-favorite Kohrra returns for Season 2 with Barun Sobti and Mona Singh tackling a fresh murder mystery, while Rana Naidu Season 2 sees Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati returning, this time with Arjun Rampal as their new nemesis. Additionally, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter introduces Jeet as an unyielding cop squaring off against Prosenjit Chatterjee’s political mastermind.
The thrills continue with YRF Entertainment’s Mandala Murders, starring Vaani Kapoor and Vaibhav Raj Gupta, which uncovers a series of ritualistic killings tied to a mysterious secret society. Akka, another YRF production, features Keerthy Suresh, Radhika Apte, and Tanvi Azmi in a revenge saga drenched in blood and suspense.
Pulkit Samrat, Divyenndu, and Suvinder Vicky bring raw intensity to Glory, a gripping story of vengeance and Olympic boxing aspirations. Meanwhile, espionage thriller Saare Jahan Se Accha sees Pratik Gandhi and Sunny Hinduja navigating the treacherous world of 1970s intelligence.
Netflix forays into Telugu content with Super Subbu, where Mithila Palkar and Sundeep Kishan lead a laugh-out-loud journey of an adult sex education teacher finding herself in the most unlikely of places—a conservative village.
Unscripted entertainment takes a glamorous turn with Dining with the Kapoors, offering an intimate look at Bollywood’s first family, while The Roshans traces three generations of cinematic legacy. Stand-up special Full Volume sees Vir Das returning with a fresh dose of sharp political humor and social commentary.
Oscar-nominated short film Anuja, backed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Mindy Kaling, makes its debut, adding yet another feather to Netflix’s cap. In a groundbreaking move, Netflix has also acquired exclusive WWE programming rights for India and other territories, promising wrestling fans a knockout viewing experience.
Netflix is also diving into crime thrillers with Black Warrant, a gripping drama set in Tihar Jail, where an idealistic jailer uncovers corruption, gang wars, and deep-rooted injustice. The series has already earned a spot in Netflix’s Global Top 10 in its second week, proving its appeal worldwide.
Crime meets comedy in Dabba Cartel, where five middle-class women find themselves running an accidental drug cartel while caught in a pharma investigation. Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, this darkly comic drama showcases a web of secrets, power struggles, and the sheer unpredictability of life.
Fans of The Great Indian Kapil Show can rejoice as Season 3 brings more laughs, celebrity guests, and signature desi humour. Kapil Sharma and his gang are all set to dish out fresh skits, hilarious banter, and plenty of unexpected surprises.
For cricket lovers, The Greatest Rivalry – India vs Pakistan chronicles the on-field and off-field drama of the world’s most heated cricketing contest. Featuring legends like Virender Sehwag, Shoaib Akhtar, and Sunil Gavaskar, this docuseries goes beyond boundaries to explore the history, culture, and politics that fuel this fierce competition.
Netflix is also stepping into the world of royal drama with Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter starring in The Royals, where a polo-playing prince and a high-powered CEO clash in a whirlwind of romance, ambition, and palace intrigue. Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter lead the cast in this lavish rom-com.
Netflix India VP of content, Monika Shergill emphasised the platform’s commitment to bold storytelling, stating, “In 2025, we’re redefining storytelling by pushing creative boundaries like never before, delivering an unparalleled variety of world-class entertainment. From dreamy romcoms and high-stakes dramas to action-packed thrillers, beloved fan-favorite franchises, and laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something for everyone.”
Netflix’s 2025 slate is poised to redefine streaming entertainment in India. Whether it’s high-octane action, gripping thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, or heartwarming romances, one thing’s guaranteed—your binge list just got a whole lot longer. And with the rise of local-language content, expect even more diverse storytelling that speaks to every corner of India. If the 2024 lineup was a game-changer, 2025 is about to blow the roof off the OTT space.
MUMBAI: Last year’s collaborations had the internet buzzing, and this year, the trend isn’t slowing down!
Zee5, India’s beloved homegrown streaming giant, has joined forces with Jio Studios, the media powerhouse of Reliance Industries, to unveil not one but two exclusive cinematic gems.
Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as Hisaab Barabar and Mrs. bring larger-than-life storytelling right to your screens.
With Hisaab Barabar premiering on 24 January in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, and the release date for Mrs. just around the corner, this dynamic partnership promises to redefine entertainment for fans across India.
Hisaab Barabar, a satirical social drama starring R. Madhavan, takes a hard-hitting yet humorous approach to the issue of financial fraud. The film follows a common man’s relentless fight to expose a corporate bank’s billion-dollar scam.
Mrs., featuring Sanya Malhotra, explores the nuanced journey of a housewife navigating societal expectations and personal struggles, promising a poignant blend of drama and resilience.
These films aim to elevate Zee5’s already robust portfolio of impactful and entertaining content.
Zee5 chief business officer, Sivakumar Chinnasamy highlighted the platform’s commitment to offering premium content, “At Zee5, we are driven by the goal of providing high-quality and engaging content. Our partnership with Jio Studios brings two remarkable films—Hisaab Barabar and Mrs.—to our subscribers. These films embody meaningful storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. We remain committed to expanding our rich content library and delivering innovative narratives.”
Jio Studios COO & CFO, Priyanka Chaudhary added, “We’ve had an exceptional 2024 and are thrilled to collaborate with Zee5 to bring cinematic gems like Mrs. and Hisaab Barabar to audiences. Mrs. has garnered acclaim at prestigious festivals, and Hisaab Barabar delivers a bold narrative on financial corruption. This partnership marks a new chapter in delivering high-quality, engaging content to viewers.”
With rising demand for original and diverse stories, Zee5 continues to enhance its portfolio by collaborating with leading studios like Jio Studios. This partnership underscores Zee5’s role as a pioneer in delivering premium and thought-provoking entertainment to Indian viewers.
Mumbai: ACKO, an insurtech company, has launched a podcast series, ‘ACKtually Speaking with Maddy’, hosted by their brand ambassador, R Madhavan. The podcast series aims to address challenges and questions that individuals face in their financial lives that often remain unanswered. The series will have honest and upfront conversations with prominent guests and experts across industries who will navigate socially relevant topics that may also have a financial impact, such as untimely illness or death, stress, parenting, etc with R Madhavan. The podcast series is designed to be thought-provoking, while offering actionable insights, making it a reliable and authentic knowledge base.
Through this innovative platform, ACKO is committed to driving positive change for all. The podcast series aims to cover topics that are most relevant and not covered or comprehensively addressed across many other sources and also offer actionable insights to the listeners that can be easily understood and implemented. This is aligned to the company’s overall strategy of making financial decisions convenient, transparent, and accessible to all Indians.
The first episode of the series tackles the disconnect between the way life insurance is sold and what the product is meant for. Host R Madhavan dives deep with Varun Dua, challenging the perception of insurance as a tax-saving scheme that can provide returns. Instead, it positions insurance as a crucial tool for securing one’s future. The episode goes beyond product features and addresses the social stigma around death and the troubles that families go through when a loved one passes away without a will. It offers a comprehensive and empathetic exploration of life insurance.
Varun Dua, sharing his thoughts on the podcast series, said, “Acktually Speaking tackles the complexities and grey areas that all of us face in our financial lives. Our goal is to break the taboo or social stigma around these conversations and help listeners understand the impact that their financial choices can have on their lives.” R Madhavan echoed the same sentiments and said, “A lot of us refrain from asking questions because we feel we might be judged or we might offend those close to us, so we hesitate. We also end up feeling lost or unsure in terms of whom to ask or trust with such advice. But what if we could unpack these questions together, in a way that’s authentic and honest? That’s the spirit behind Acktually Speaking. We’re starting with life insurance, a topic that sparks confusion for many but this is just the first chapter. Acktually Speaking aims to be your guide, fostering conversations around the questions we’ve all grappled with but never quite dared to ask.”
The first episode also addresses various other critical themes of life insurance, shedding light on significant disparities between Western and Indian perspectives on death planning, common mistakes Indians make while purchasing insurance, the importance of refraining from seeking investment returns on insurance, and practical advice on estimating life insurance needs. Additionally, the episode highlights the potential financial vulnerabilities faced by Indians in their 30s due to inadequate planning.
Each episode promises to offer valuable insights and actionable advice, delivered in an engaging and accessible format. The series will be available for viewing on ACKO’s YouTube channel.
Mumbai: Jos Alukkas, a prominent retail jewellery group, has unveiled its next film under the ‘One India One Emotion’ series. The ad showcases a wedding scene that brings two distinct cultures together as its central story. The film harmoniously combines Manipuri and South Indian traditions, attire, and ornamentation. Starring Madhavan as the central character of the film, who has already captivated audiences with his portrayal.
The background music, incorporating traditional Manipuri dhol players, further enhances the visual experience.
“Every wedding reflects the rich tapestry of India’s diverse culture. This intricate beauty is also echoed in the artistry of Indian jewellery. The ad film portrays the essence of this pround beauty of the country” – stated chairman Jos Alukka.
Keerthy Suresh and Anarkali Marikar collaborated first time for the debut advertisement in the One India One Emotion series.
The film marks the beginning of this year’s jewellery season, showcasing new offerings. Jos Alukkas’ commercial for the HUID campaign has garnered national attention.
Mumbai: The world of cinema has come a long way with a massive explosion of content and the popularity of OTT platforms changing the entertainment landscape. In a bid to honour the talent shaping the Indian entertainment industry, News18 is set to host the News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2024 on 9th March 2024 in Mumbai. To be hosted by Aparshakti Khurana and Neha Dhupia, this edition will honour outstanding films, web series, as well as the best cast and crew from the Indian entertainment industry, promising a grand celebration of talent.
Like every year, this edition of the News18 Showsha Reel Awards will bring together many film/web series stars on one stage, including Rani Mukerji, Shraddha Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kartik Aaryan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ananya Panday, Karan Johar, R Madhavan, Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee, Bobby Deol, Wamiqa Gabbi, Vijay Varma, Sonakshi Sinha, Raj & DK, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Bhushan Kumar, Vikramaditya Motwane, R Balki, Prasoon Joshi, Boney Kapoor, Aanand L Rai, Medha Shankr, Shilpa Rao, among others.
The panel of jurors of the award features eminent personalities such as filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, screenwriter Prasoon Joshi, actor Kabir Bedi, actress Meenakshi Seshadri, and Tavishi Paitandy, Entertainment & Lifestyle Editor of News18.com. The panel will select from categories such as Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Debut (Male/Female) and Best Director. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, Animal, Jawaan, 12th Fail, Gulmohar are some of the most popular contenders in the Jury and Popular Choice categories.
Puneet Singhvi, Chief Executive Officer (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy at Network18 said, “Through the News18 Showsha Reel Awards, we aim to recognize and honour the exceptional talent within the Indian film and OTT ecosystem. We take immense pride in celebrating the vibrance of creative voices that not only captivate audiences with their commercial success, but also push the boundaries of visual storytelling. We are excited to celebrate the talent that defined the dynamic landscape of Indian entertainment over the past year.”
News18 Eng editorial and content & executive editor Ameya Bhise said, “The News18 Showsha Reel Awards serve as a glittering celebration of talent, creativity, and the magic of storytelling. In a world where storytelling transcends boundaries and connects diverse cultures, the awards play a pivotal role in acknowledging the exceptional contributions of artists who navigate the complex realm of films and web shows.”
Mumbai: ‘India’s Space Odyssey’, the all-new discovery+ Original currently steaming exclusively on the platform celebrates the 60-year-long successful journey of India’s space programme pioneered by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).
Produced by Miditech Studios and narrated in Hindi by actor and space enthusiast R Madhavan, the documentary depicts how this mission started by Dr Homi Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai was taken forward by their able successors including the former president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof Satish Dhawan, and Dr G Madhavan Nair.
The documentary captures landmark achievements of India’s Space Programme which help in understanding the tough circumstances under which Isro scripted its success story beginning with SLV3, and more recently the ‘Chandraayan’ and ‘Mangalyaan’ missions as well as the Organisation’s most ambitious ‘Gaganyaan’ programme which will be India’s first manned mission to space.
However, beyond the triumph and celebration is a story of sheer grit and determination that kept the mission going in the face of tribulations, limitations as well as condescension from certain quarters, and this is what director Pria Somiah intended to capture in the 48-minute-long documentary.
Somiah is an award-winning film-maker, having won a Green Oscar and several accolades at New York Festivals World’s Best Television & Film Award, UNICEF Asia Pacific Child Rights Award – Hanoi, International Gold Panda Award, Sichuan TV Festival, Cine Golden Eagle Awards, USA and World Media Festival for documentaries such as ‘Mangalyaan: India’s Mission to Mars’, ‘Megafloods: Kerala’, ‘Mumbai Attack’, ‘IC 814 Hijack’, ‘Silent Screams: India’s fight against rape’, ‘Megastructures: Mumbai’s Chattrapati International Airport’, ‘Skeleton Lake’, ‘Inside: Asia’s Largest Prison’, ‘India’s Game Changers’, ‘Undercover Asia: Girls for Sale’, and ‘Freedom to Love (Honour Killings)’.
As the executive director at Miditech Studios, the television production company with which she has been associated for over 28 years, Somiah is responsible for content strategy and business development for a variety of content formats for internet platforms and international broadcasters such NatGeo, Discovery Channel, BBC World, Disney, Turner, UN Organisations, as well Indian Government Ministries, to name a few.
In this candid interview, Somiah takes us through the making of ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ as well as the thrill and challenges of documenting monumental events that strengthened India’s resolution of becoming a leader in space exploration.
Edited Excepts
On the idea behind India’s Space Odyssey
With new and ambitious missions like Gaganyaan being planned, and the encouragement of the private sector to enter Space Tech, India’s Space program is a highly topical issue. We felt the story of how we got here is an important one to tell.
While documenting the Mars Mission for NatGeo a few years ago, I was involved with a lot of research during which I learnt that 1962 was when India’s space programme actually started and it’s going to be 60 years in 2022. Because this coincided roughly with 75 years of the country’s independence, it was also the perfect timing I thought. And that’s when we pitched the idea of doing a commemorative film to Discovery.
On building the narrative
With India’s Space Odyssey we wanted to put out not just facts, but a holistic understanding of how events unfolded at Isro through national and global events that impacted our space programme, and other significant factors such as India’s policy of non-alignment. So we built the narrative around three themes – scientific milestones, the impact of global events, and then visualising all of this through archive material, biographies, photographs etc.
EMBED: ISO Poster
On the process and elements involved
We waded through archive material from different sources in India as well as Nasa and Roscosmos and interviewed experts from Isro, Nasa, and Glavkosmos to get an Indian and international perspective of how different events unfolded; a sort of anecdotal telling in parts.
Asif Siddiqi, the space historian, and professor at Fordham University, New York, helped context the impact of global politics on India’s space program.
As a storytelling device, hand-drawn animation was used to bring alive a moment in history. These were created by well-known animation director Prakash Moorthy. Especially composed music by Shantanu Sudame set the mood of events as they unfolded. 3D animation done by Purple Monkey was used to visualise the big missions to Moon and Mars. The script was written by Joshua Whitehead.
On the biggest challenge of telling this story
It’s a challenge to tell the story of 60 years in a one-hour documentary so we chose turning points in the history of India’s Space program, e.g., the choice of Thumba, Kerala, as a Rocket launch site and how it was officially designated a UN International Scientific Facility in 1968. This got the world’s space scientists to Kerala and Indian scientists greatly benefited from those interactions as one saw these relationships grow over the decades to come.
Another turning point came with the ability to launch our own satellites. The SLV 3 story, with its initial problems and subsequent success, exemplifies the dedication and innovative, never-say-die spirit of Isro’s scientists.
On the most elating experience while making the documentary
Through this documentary, we have tried to capture the spirit of Isro and the culture of critical analysis it has nurtured over the years where even a junior scientist can question the project director.
These are people without fancy degrees; they come from provincial engineering colleges and have really worked their way up. They have grown within the Isro system working with indigenous technology. The most well-known example is that of one of Isro’s most senior scientists and directors – SATCOM, TK Anuradha who began as a graduate. ‘India’s Space Odyssey’ is thus the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary work.
On the role of media in India’s Space Diplomacy
Whether it’s putting up a fleet of satellites or sending a mission to Mars, these are huge scientific endeavours involving mindboggling complexity. India’s space story is pretty unique in that, unlike certain other organisations we did not have large resources at our disposal. Despite these challenges we are among the top six space agencies in the world today – a victory considered impossible by some around the world.
So, yes, these stories need to be told. After IT, space tech is one of our strengths, and now with the Prime Minister encouraging private players, it will definitely emerge as a big growth area for India. The media has a very big role to play in documenting successes like these.
Mumbai: Streaming platform discovery+ is coming up with its all-new original titled “India’s Space Odyssey.” The documentary premiering on 7 October, celebrates the 60-year-long successful journey of India’s space programme.
Produced by Miditech Studios, “India’s Space Odyssey” features former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr G Madhavan Nair, along with other ISRO experts and space historians and researchers.
Using a combination of expert interviews, archive footage and graphic representations, the film documents India’s journey to pioneering space technology and becoming a leader in space exploration that was started by Dr Homi J Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai, and how their able successors like former president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof Satish Dhawan, and Dr G Madhavan Nair scripted the success story with the SLV3- India’s first individual rocket launch vehicle, and more recently the ‘Chandraayan’ and ‘Mangalyaan’ missions.
“Since its inception the Indian Space programme has achieved significant feats, thanks to the contribution of all the people who have worked on it. We are delighted that a platform like Discovery is taking these initiatives to the people in an attempt to encourage and inspire them,” stated ISRO chairman and DOS secretary Dr K Sivan.
The docu-film will showcase the different technologies developed by ISRO including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) which recorded a success rate of 95 per cent and is the workhorse of ISRO’s satellite launch programme, and its most ambitious ‘Gaganyaan’ programme which will be India’s first manned mission to space.
The actor and space enthusiast R Madhavan will narrate the film in Hindi. “Curiosity has brought humans to where we are today, and it will continue to do so. I thank Discovery India for this wonderful learning opportunity, and I feel honoured to have lent my voice to a project that could inspire future generations to embark on their quest to explore space,” said the actor.
“Discovery is invested in being a worldwide leader of original edutainment with an immersive range of space-related documentaries and is now bringing a detailed and truly inspirational documentary on the much-appreciated Indian Space Programme,” said Discovery Inc South Asia original content head Sai Abhishek. “We believe India’s Space Odyssey will delight Discovery fans and draw in all the space enthusiasts from across the country.”
MUMBAI: The French government is laying out the red carpet for Indian film, digital originals and TV series makers. French minister of culture Franck Riester flew into Mumbai and had a series of whistlestop meetings with members of the creative community at Mumbai’s Soho House. His pitch: come to France, film, do co-productions and we will give you all the permissions through one window, access to regional tax incentives, and credits.
Said the minister: “The French president wants to build closer relationships with India. One of the best ways to do it is through the medium of cinema. Both France and India have a long history of cinema. We are the premier film making country in Europe. India’s Bollywood has been making major strides. We have many stories which can be remade in India and likewise. And India and France have a coproduction agreement since 2010 and more than 10 films have been shot in France. ”
Centre National Du cinema et de l’mage animee (CNC) president Dominique Boutonnat said that French cinema does about $3 billion euros worth of productions while making about 300 films a year. “Even series which are travelling across the world thanks to global streaming platforms can come and film in France. We have beautiful locations which can be used.”
The single-window clearance will be done through Film France. Stephan Bender who looks after technical facilities and communications for the organisation, says that procedures have been simplified and all clearances, permissions, finding a local partner, tax credit clearances will be done through his office. “Earlier we had to go through the ministry of commerce; and that would take time. But now that we have stepped in things are bound to speed up. All you need to do to take advantage of our incentives is send us your budget and production services agreement (PSA) with your local producer, your script – to find out if you are eligible. Non-fiction and documentary makers are not eligible for the incentives though. It has to be scripted and fiction oriented.”
Riester added that a committee and film commission is being set up to facilitate Indian productions in France, which will assess projects coming to it, and turnaround time is being improved by the day. "I think it''s human relationships which will help strengthen our relations in cinema and other creative industries. I hope we will be able to increase our cooperation, business and artistic exchanges," he acknowledged.
Bender added that producers will require to spend a minimum of Rs 2 crore in France to be eligible for the incentives which tots up to 30 per cent. If VFX is added to it, then the incentives will be higher at 40 per cent for expenditure up to two million euros. The incentive and tax credit has a limit of 30 million euros for a project, but for that the expenditure in France will have to be in excess of 100 million euros.
Among the filmmakers who turned up for the interactions included Reliance Entertainment’s Shibashis Sarkar, Red Chillies Gaurav Verma, Dipti Jindal, a representative of Sajid Nadiadwala, Vivek Singhania, actor turned producer R Madhavan, Sunil Khetrapal from Azure Entertainment, Narayan Srinivasan from In2tainment, TVC digital series and film maker Rajnish Lall, Brio Studios Amit Ranekar, India Spark’s Khalid Khan, among many others.
MUMBAI: National Geographic announced today, the final list of India’s biggest personalities that it will feature in its upcoming series, ‘Mega Icons’. The brand had announced earlier in July, that cricketer Virat Kohli and politician & actor Kamal Haasan would be two personalities it will showcase in this new series, which has a unique format. The complete set of Icons that has been released now, brings together some of the most inspiring personalities, selected carefully from varied walks of life. This includes former president of India – APJ Abdul Kalam, spiritual leader & Nobel laureate Dalai Lama, and social activist & India’s first women IPS officer Kiran Bedi. Additionally, the brand has roped in R. Madhavan, who will be the host of the series.
Premiering in September with Virat Kohli’s life story, each episode of the 5-part series will dig deep into the lives of these five Icons. In the series, National Geographic and R. Madhavan, with the help of acclaimed scientists and expert psychoanalysts, will scratch beneath the surface to magnify milestone instances in the Icons’ lives. This new format to look into the lives of Icons who inspire millions, will be used to question whether these personalities were born to be different, or were moulded into greatness by their life experiences.
Commenting on the series, R. Madhavan said, “We enjoy watching each ball rushing towards the fence from Virat’s bat. And the excellence that Kamal Hassan brings to the silver screen. But sometimes, we all sit back and wonder -what really has made these Icons what they are today? Were these personalities just born to be great, and their success defined from day one? Or did their journey through life, their experiences and hard work, really shape them into the giants we revere. I am excited to join National Geographic to decode this mystery, and bring to viewers a completely new and incredible perspective of what really goes into making an Icon.”
Commenting on the show, Shruti Takulia, Head – Productions, National Geographic & FOX Networks Group India said, “National Geographic has always been driven by the power of exploration and curiosity to unravel the mysteries of our world. With Mega Icons, we aim to dive deep into the lives of India’s most exalted men and women to find the answer to an elusive question – are geniuses born or made? To start this conversation, we are glad to bring R. Madhavan on board as the host for the series. Having appeared in films from seven different languages, donned multiple hats of actor, writer, producer and television host, Madhavan has a national appeal and an astute and curious mind. We are certain that he, along with the scientists and experts featured in our series, will be able to feed the curiosity of our viewers, who are always on a look out for unique ways to comprehend the power of science and exploration.
