Tag: Rajkummar Rao

  • Jio Studios & Maddock Films unveil Stree 2 trailer for Independence Day

    Jio Studios & Maddock Films unveil Stree 2 trailer for Independence Day

    Mumbai: The wait is over! The much-anticipated trailer of the biggest film of the year has finally arrived, promising to deliver an electrifying blend of horror and comedy that fans have been eagerly waiting for. Set to release this Independence Day, the sequel to the beloved franchise brings back the iconic Chanderi gang, along with a spine-chilling new adversary – SARKATA!

    While Stree ended on a cliffhanger, audiences had to wait for a good five years. However, the makers are finally back with another banger of a trailer that ties all the loose ends. It is a visual spectacle offering a glimpse into a world, blending horror and humor, in the most unique way!

    Producer of Maddock Films, Dinesh Vijan said, “The first Stree was a defining film in Maddock’s filmography while Stree 2 will cement the entire universe. It answers all the questions that Stree 1 raised and also shows the connections. It is a landmark film for us, especially in terms of the VFX and the world-building that has happened. It is unique and an upgrade of another kind. This one is funnier, bigger, a visual spectacle and it’s got all our characters and some new special angles. This is the most important film we are putting out there and our biggest.”

    Reliance Industries Ltd president of media & content business Jyoti Deshpande said, “At Jio Studios, we take immense pride in creating clutter-breaking and disruptive cinema and giving wings to content-driven stories. We backed Stree when there was no horror-comedy precedent and following its breakout success, we gave our audiences a whole new genre. Stree2 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated sequels and is the catalyst for our horror-comedy universe. The laughs and the thrills make for fantastic ‘paisa vasool’ entertainment for all ages. Hope to belt out yet another super-hit with our Maddock partnership”.

    We will see the return of the original cast led by Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, sure to charm the audiences with their impeccable performances. Starring Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana, and Abhishek Banerjee, it promises a return to the spooky yet hilarious world. Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with a double dose of chills and laughter! Stree 2 is set to hit theatres on August 15, 2024.

    Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan present ‘Stree 2’ releasing this Independence Day, directed by Amar Kaushik, produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande, A Maddock Films Production.

  • &pictures to premiere “Bheed” on 12 July

    &pictures to premiere “Bheed” on 12 July

    Mumbai: “Bheed” promises to redefine storytelling, breaking norms and exploring new narrative horizons. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie follows a dedicated police officer facing the daunting task of preventing migrant workers from crossing the border. As he navigates this crisis, he discovers pervasive prejudice and deep human suffering, transforming his duty into a passionate fight for humanity. Directed by the acclaimed Anubhav Sinha, the film features a stellar cast including Pankaj Kapur, Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, and Kritika Kamra.

    Rajkummar Rao shared his excitement for the premiere on &pictures, saying, “This film isn’t just a project; it’s like opening a door to uncharted storytelling. &pictures is the perfect home for our unique journey, and I’m genuinely thrilled to share this experience with everyone. ‘Bheed’ is not your typical movie; it’s an exploration, a challenge to norms, and I can’t wait for the audience to dive into this distinctive narrative.”

    Dia Mirza added, “I truly believe that if we protect Mother Earth, she will protect us right back. Bheed resonates deeply with the challenges humanity faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and being part of a story that addresses such profound themes has always been, both, rewarding and invigorating. The pandemic made it abundantly clear that we have to change the way we live, produce, manufacture, and consume. Shooting this film has been an emotional journey, a transformative one more than anything and I’m eager for audiences of &pictures to embark on this exploration of humanity and resilience.”

    Director Anubhav Sinha expresses his enthusiasm for the premiere on &pictures, saying, “For us, ‘Bheed’ is more than a film; it’s an exploration of the human experience. I truly believe that with its premiere on &pictures, we will be able to reach a wider audience who will be able to understand the crux of the film. Shooting with the cast of Bheed was truly a delight making it a memorable experience for the whole team.”

    Join &pictures on 12 July at 10:15 pm for an unforgettable experience with “Bheed”.

  • DBS Bank India announced as the exclusive banking partner for “Srikanth”

    DBS Bank India announced as the exclusive banking partner for “Srikanth”

    Mumbai: Marking a significant milestone in its brand journey, DBS Bank India was announced as the exclusive banking partner for “Srikanth,” a biopic that chronicles the extraordinary story of Srikanth Bolla, a visually impaired Indian industrialist.

    The film, starring Rajkummar Rao, Jyothika, Alaya F, Sharad Kelkar, sheds light on Bolla’s determination and resilience as he overcame challenges to establish Bollant Industries, an eco-friendly company that empowers the differently abled.

    Bolla, despite facing hurdles, tenaciously pursued his education, emerging as the first international visually impaired student in MIT. In 2011, he co-founded the Samanvai Center for Children with Multiple Disabilities, showcasing his dedication to inclusive education. The following year, in 2012, he established Bollant Industries. By 2016, he had extended his impact as the director of the Surge Impact Foundation.

    DBS Bank India will leverage this partnership through strategic in-film branding, co-branded videos, and social media contests. The bank will extend the reach of this collaboration through branding across its branches and offices, fostering a deeper connection with employees and customers alike. Select customers from the bank participated in a meet-and-greet session with the lead actor. Srikanth Bolla is also scheduled to speak at the upcoming Mumbai chapter of DBS BusinessClass, foundED, a forum that celebrates modern-day founders and innovators while fostering entrepreneurship.

    Commenting on the association, DBS Bank India MD and head – group strategic marketing & communications, Shoma Narayanan said, “DBS Bank India is honoured to be associated with “Srikanth” and to share this remarkable story with our customers and the wider community. It is inspiring to witness the journey of Bollant Industries, an enterprise dedicated to fostering both economic growth and societal good, unfold on the big screen. The film is a powerful reminder to trust our abilities, overcome challenges, and pursue our dreams, and we are confident that it will leave a lasting impact.”

    A spokesperson from T-Series Films said, “We are happy to associate with DBS Bank India on this very special movie, “Srikanth”, that promotes inclusivity for all.”

    DBS Foundation (DBSF) catalyses the growth of purpose-driven businesses that leverage innovation to make a positive impact. Earlier this year, DBSF awarded grants to six sustainability-focused enterprises featured on Shark Tank India Season 3. Among these, Trestle Labs, a previous recipient of the DBSF Grant, secured additional funding. Through their product Kibo (Knowledge in a Box), the enterprise makes education and employment inclusive. It also helps overcome barriers such as language, literacy, and print disabilities like blindness, low vision, and dyslexia.

    Through strategic partnerships, DBS Bank India shares uplifting stories that resonate with its customers. With these associations, the bank aims to engage a broader audience and reinforce its brand promise of ‘Live more, Bank less’. More recently, DBS Bank India sponsored the documentary “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga” commissioned by the Tagore Society Singapore. The film captured Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s role in spearheading the Azad Hind movement from Singapore.

    As a different kind of bank, DBS continues to break boundaries its campaigns have been seen as category-defying in the industry. The bank introduced an industry-first online mini-series called “DBS Sparks,” which is inspired by true stories and follows a group of young bankers as they navigate their work and personal lives. It showcases how these bankers challenge the status quo, go above and beyond to solve their clients’ challenges, and genuinely make an impact in DBS’ quest to be the best bank for a better world.

  • NueGo partner with T-Series film “SRIKANTH”

    NueGo partner with T-Series film “SRIKANTH”

    Mumbai: GreenCell Mobility’s NueGo, India’s leading electric intercity bus brand, is thrilled to announce its partnership with the much-anticipated Bollywood film “SRIKANTH”, starring the talented Rajkummar Rao. This collaboration further strengthens NueGo’s positioning as a sustainable inclusive brand and underscores T-Series’ commitment towards sustainability.

    Currently, NueGo is successfully serving customers in 100-plus cities across the country, offering a seamless booking process, safe and comfortable travel experience, and sustainable impact on the environment. With this partnership both brands are expanding its outreach to a diverse audience, advocating for eco-friendly travel solutions across India.

    As part of this venture, travellers can enjoy an exclusive 10 per cent discount on all routes by using the code “SRIKANTH” when booking exclusively through the NueGo app and website (www.nuego.in).

    This limited-time offer, valid until 30 May 2024, presents a unique opportunity for eco-conscious travellers to experience safe and comfortable intercity travel during the summer season.

    Speaking on the collaboration, GreenCell Mobility CEO & MD Devndra Chawla said, “We are excited to collaborate with the movie ‘SRIKANTH’ and its talented lead actor Rajkummar Rao. This partnership aligns with NueGo’s mission of providing a safe, comfortable, and sustainable travel experience to our guests, while also raising awareness about eco-friendly inter-city electric bus transportation among a broader audience.”

    NueGo, renowned for its emphasis on guest centricity and comfort, ensures a reliable and delightful experience for both corporate and leisure travellers. With a wide schedule of buses operating around the clock and multiple boarding points across cities, NueGo offers unrivalled flexibility and convenience to its guests. Positioned as the preferred choice for safe and sustainable travel, NueGo sets the bar high with an array of safety features.

  • L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s latest campaign for Cashify featuring Rajkummar Rao strikes a chord

    L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s latest campaign for Cashify featuring Rajkummar Rao strikes a chord

    Mumbai: Cashify, India’s largest omnichannel platform for buying and selling electronic devices, especially  smartphones, launches an exciting new campaign with its talented brand ambassador  Rajkummar Rao. Renowned as a platform for selling old devices, Cashify is now looking at  amplifying the message that refurbished smartphones offer a smart, budget-friendly way to  upgrade to one’s dream phone.

    Leveraging the creative prowess of L&K Saatchi & Saatchi’s Gurugram team, Cashify is set to  kickstart this campaign, seamlessly blending its commitment to sustainable tech solutions with  the star power of Rajkummar Rao.

    This dynamic two-film campaign is crafted to entertain and captivate today’s tech-savvy youth,  especially those who are keen on upgrading to a premium smartphone. The campaign subtly  conveys a compelling message, highlighting refurbished phones as a smart solution to fulfil their  tech dreams.

    Commenting on the films, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi jt. National creative director Rohit Malkani said, “From winning the project in a tightly-contested pitch to the finished films, this has been  one heck of a ride. Half the job is done when you have an amazing actor who delivers a nuanced  performance. Working with RKR has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and the results are  there for all to see. We have crafted two humorous and flamboyant films that focus on the  benefits in a memorable and quirky way.”

    Cashify co-founder & CMO Nakul Kumar added, “As we extend our  collaboration with the talented Rajkummar Rao, we’re on a mission to make technology more  accessible, budget-friendly as well as sustainable. We’re envisioning a future where good tech is  not just a dream for people but an accessible luxury for all. By promoting refurbished  smartphones as a smart upgrade choice, we’re offering a bridge between dreams and reality.  Moreover, the significant role refurbished smartphones play in reducing e-waste perfectly aligns  with our mission to build a more responsible and eco-friendly tech landscape.”

    The campaign will be rolled out across TV and digital platforms, positioning Cashify as the brand  that enables the best smart-technology buying experience.

  • Lights, camera, recognition! CNN-News18 to honour top entertainers at Indian of the Year 2023

    Lights, camera, recognition! CNN-News18 to honour top entertainers at Indian of the Year 2023

    Mumbai: In the rich fabric of India’s culture, entertainment plays a pivotal role, with cinema holding the lion’s share in uplifting the nation’s spirits. CNN-News18, the number one English news channel in India, is back with news television’s biggest awards, CNN-News 18 Indian of the Year (IOTY) 2023. The awards will honour individuals who have brought pride to the nation with remarkable contributions in their respective fields. Recognizing excellence across seven categories – Entertainment, Business, Sports, Youth Icon, Rising Sports Star, Social Change, and Climate Warriors, IOTY 2023 promises to be a celebration of India’s finest achievers.

    In a year that witnessed the Indian film industry scale new heights, the entertainment category of ‘Indian of the Year 2023’ promises to be an electrifying showcase of talent and success. Here are the luminaries who will be contending for the ‘Indian of the Year – Entertainment’ title:

    1. Shah Rukh Khan – Two biggest Hindi blockbusters of all time, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Jawan’ gave Bollywood the much-needed break from its longest box office dry spell, re-affirming SRK as the one and only king of Bollywood.

    2. Mani Ratnam – The years 2022 and 2023 saw Ratnam’s spectacular take on the revered novel of Ponniyin Selvan, which he adapted for the big screen in two parts ‘PS-I’ and ‘PS-II,’ respectively, captivating the audience worldwide.  

    3. Sunny Deol – He witnessed a career-defining moment in 2023 after he reprised his iconic role as Tara Singh in Anil Sharma’s ‘Gadar 2’. The film recreated the magic of the original movie and helped Deol make the biggest comeback of his career.

    4. Deepika Padukone – In 2023, she stunned everyone as a true-blue action star in Siddharth Anand’s Pathaan. Deepika’s Rubina Mohsin has set a new benchmark for her contemporaries in Bollywood. Deepika also performed a stellar cameo in Jawan, which is the highest grosser of 2023 so far.

    5. Manoj Bajpayee – His most recent releases ‘Gulmohar’ and ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ were described by critics as the most hard-hitting films of 2023. The actor’s terrific portrayal of an upright advocate fighting against a rape-accused godman in ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ easily puts him in the topmost league of actors in Indian cinema.

    The winner will be revealed at the star-studded grand finale celebrating luminaries in Indian entertainment at The Indian of the Year 2023 award ceremony.

    The ‘Indian of the Year’ Awards have been a beacon of recognition for exceptional talent across various fields. Past winners in the entertainment category include legends like Amitabh Bachchan, A R Rahman, Irrfan Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Aamir Khan, Allu Arjun, and Rajkumar Hirani, to name a few.

    This year, the winner selection process will combine expert judgment and public voting, with 50% of the decision-making power given to the audience and the remaining 50% entrusted to the jury. Online voting will remain open throughout November. To cast your vote for your favourite Indian and for more details regarding the awards, visit www.indianoftheyear.com

  • Rapido continues IPL frenzy with latest campaign featuring Rajkummar Rao & Jiiva

    Rapido continues IPL frenzy with latest campaign featuring Rajkummar Rao & Jiiva

    Mumbai: Bike-taxi platform Rapido has extended its spree with the launch of its new IPL campaign called #EkdumAaramSe with actors Rajkummar Rao and Jiiva. Post the uber success of the first phase of the star-studded campaign, the second phase focuses on imparting awareness among intra-city travelers on Rapido’s services that are low-priced, quick and comfortable. The ads aim to improve daily commuting and enhance Rapido’s brand awareness in India.

    The latest ads showcase a film each for Hindi speaking market (HSM) in Hindi and Bengali and non-Hindi speaking market (non-HSM) featuring Jiiva in Tamil and Telugu. The entertaining and engaging ads have been directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by MagixEngage and DreamVaultMedia House, with Enormous Brands as creative agency.

    The integrated marketing campaign would be released across channels such as TV (IPL and surround), digital, OOH, for audiences in metros, tier 1 and 2 cities.

    “We received an overwhelming response for our first campaign and have launched the next phase featuring two more crowd favorites – Rajkummar Rao and Jiiva. We will keep the momentum going by launching further phases during the IPL,” said Rapido marketing head Amit Verma. “With two new teams introduced this season, the competition is expected to become more intense and, thus, will generate higher viewership than usual.”

  • Cashify ropes in Rajkummar Rao for its first marketing campaign

    Cashify ropes in Rajkummar Rao for its first marketing campaign

    Mumbai: Cashify has launched their first TVC with National Award winner Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao as the brand ambassador.

    Conceptualised and executed by the in-house team & MotifGlobal, the 30-second creative uses humor, wit and clear messaging to draw awareness among the prospective and existing customers about the ease and convenience of selling old or used mobile phones using Cashify for instant cash and free home pick-up.

    The campaign comprises two films. The first film opens up with a conversation between two brothers, one being stuck in a real-life situation, struggling to recover the loan. That is when Cashify is stitched in the narrative as a solution highlighting various value propositions to the users including trust, convenience, maximum value, safe & hassle-free, free pickup, and instant payment.

    In the second ad, the protagonist is asking the audience if they are planning to buy a new phone and what they will do with their old phone. We all have that temptation of buying a new smartphone. And selling the old phone to help fund the new purchase is always a great option. But the question is how to get the best resale value for your phone? The protagonist explains step-by-step how Cashify simplifies the process of managing your devices by helping you with price discovery, cash in hand, and other such features in a streamlined and efficient manner.

    The company had roped in Rajkummar Rao earlier this month as its first brand ambassador to promote its products and services across offline and online mediums. The company will run this campaign across Television, OOH, Radio and Social media channels for the upcoming months making it a 360-degree campaign.

    “As the country went into lockdown, the need to have a smartphone with internet connectivity and the supportability of apps became a necessity. Be it keeping up with jobs or education, digital became the new normal. People couldn’t make do without a gadget in hand. And for those who couldn’t walk into a showroom and grab a new smartphone, refurbished devices came as a sigh of relief,” said Cashify, head-content strategy, Puneet Arora. “With this campaign, we are trying to reiterate how Cashify makes selling or buying phones hassle-free. Rajkumar as a brand ambassador is a strong face to our brand philosophy. We are looking forward to a multi-year engagement with him.”

  • Cashify onboards Rajkummar Rao as brand ambassador

    Cashify onboards Rajkummar Rao as brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Re-commerce marketplace Cashify on Tuesday announced that it has brought on board Rajkummar Rao as its first brand ambassador. The actor has signed a multi-year contract with the company and he will promote the products across digital media platforms through campaigns and promotional activities exclusively for the smartphone buyback category.

    The association with the actor comes at a time when the company is on a business expansion spree from online to offline, after having recently raised $15 million from Olympus Capital and has acquired UniShop to diversify its omni category services to users.

    The company said the partnership is expected to give a strong face to the brand’s philosophy as Rao personifies the brand ethos, which is reliability, responsiveness, approachability, and dynamic personality.

    “Rao is an exemplar of a self-made actor, someone who is extremely versatile in his choice of work and roles, delivering credible, authentic content for audiences. His story is an inspiration to the ‘aam aadmi’ of India and resonates with the spirit of our brand and aims to engender the same level of trust and dependability in our products and services,” said Cashify CEO and co-founder Mandeep Manocha.

    Manocha said at Cashify all refurbished devices go through multiple checks before making it to the end-user who gets a six-month warranty benefit as well. “We as a brand are constantly pushing the boundaries, as we aspire to be relevant and truly connect with our customers, much like the renowned actor,” he added.

    Speaking about the brand association, Rao said, “With the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of a distributed workforce and distance learning became a reality. Work, studies, and shopping all shifted to digital and have pushed users to buy second-hand gadgets but there were people who could not afford it. Cashify efforts in democratising technology by making it accessible to all by its various campaigns are commendable. As a brand ambassador, I seek for brands that I relate to and can be impactful for, and this partnership makes me fulfill that very purpose.”

  • Syska Group signs on Rajkummar Rao as brand ambassador

    Syska Group signs on Rajkummar Rao as brand ambassador

    NEW DELHI: Syska Group has roped in award-winning Bollywood actor Rajkummar Rao as the new face of the brand. Rao will work closely with the company to promote Syska products across LED and fan segments.

    After the untimely and unfortunate demise of Syska’s first-ever brand ambassador Irrfan Khan, the company was on a lookout for a dynamic brand ambassador. Rao enjoys mass appeal for his unconventional choice of movies and is one of the most versatile actors of today. He has a strong connect with urban audiences, as well as with those from Tier 2 and 3 markets, which make up the large segment of Syska’s target groups, making the actor the perfect fit to endorse the brand.

    Syska Group director Rajesh Uttamchandani said, “We are extremely excited to have Rajkummar Rao as the new face of the Syska Group. Rajkumar is an apt choice for the brand because of his discerning choice of work and roles which reflects a sensitive, and mature actor. We believe that our journey at Syska is mirrored in his work.”

    Rajkummar Rao said, “For me, Syska is a high quality, 100 per cent homegrown brand. It is a pioneering company whose story is truly inspiring and which I relate to easily. Syska has created a niche category which is good for the country and has been making great strides in successfully convincing users to switch from traditional CFL to LED lights.”

    Under the partnership, Syska Group will launch a new ad campaign with Rajkumar focusing on LED and fans, which will be executed strategically through leading TV channels in GEC and news genres in order to reach the masses across metro, tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Its aggressive digital presence with publishers having high-traffic will further amplify the reach amongst the new-age customers and will only add to the momentum during the entire festival season right up to New Year.