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Tag: Santosh Sivan

  • Canon shoots its shot with ‘Deep Dive’ masterclass for budding storytellers

    Canon shoots its shot with ‘Deep Dive’ masterclass for budding storytellers

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, level up! Canon India is stepping out from behind the camera and into the classroom with Deep Dive, an ambitious, first-of-its-kind masterclass series designed to empower the next wave of photographers, videographers, and filmmakers. But don’t expect a slideshow and a swag bag. This is Canon going full throttle into the creator economy lens-first.

    Launched in collaboration with IFP, a global creator-first community, Deep Dive is Canon’s answer to an evolving creative landscape where storytellers need more than just inspiration. They need a complete toolkit: creative, technical, and professional. And that’s exactly what this masterclass promises a crash course in the entire visual workflow, from pre-shoot vision to post-production precision.

    But what really gives Deep Dive its edge is its who’s who of mentors. Canon’s North Star Alliance has brought together industry powerhouses like Ravi K Chandran, Santosh Sivan, Anand Rathi, Sudeep Chatterjee, G Venket, and Siddharth Sharma names that carry weight not just in Indian cinema, but across international storytelling circles. Their mission? To share more than tips to pass on a legacy of craftsmanship in a world increasingly reliant on speed and surface.

    The series aims to do away with the ‘point and shoot’ mindset and usher in a ‘plan and produce’ approach. Participants won’t just fiddle with Canon’s latest tech they’ll deep-dive into real-world workflows, exploring everything from camera setup and lighting design to colour grading, audio layering and final delivery. With Canon’s partners Aperture, Eizo, and Sennheiser backing the experience, there’s no corner of the production puzzle left untouched.

    Each session is designed as a full-fledged, city-specific experiential journey, with experts from the wedding, cinema, and fashion industries leading live demonstrations. In Gurgaon, the first city on the map, Canon ambassador Siddharth Sharma kick-started the series with a session that blended insight with intensity and left participants clamouring for more.

    Canon India president and CEO Toshiaki Nomura said, “At Canon, we deeply value creators and believe in their limitless creative potential. We recognize that to truly excel, creators need more than just inspiration—they need the right knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on experience to push their boundaries. They must evolve beyond being mere visual storytellers to mastering the entire workflow, from capturing the perfect shot to delivering a polished final product. With Deep Dive, Canon is proud to create an experiential platform where young, talented filmmakers and photographers can gain real-world expertise, engage with industry leaders, and experience the transformative power of Canon’s advanced imaging technology. Through initiatives like these, Canon is proud to be facilitating the growth of the entire ecosystem, empowering the next generation of creative visionaries.”

    And it’s not just about upping individual skills Canon sees Deep Dive as part of a broader mission to nurture and elevate India’s creator ecosystem. It’s a signal that the brand isn’t just focused on selling cameras, but on investing in what comes after the shutter clicks: storytelling, innovation, and community.

    In a world flooded with content, standing out requires more than just talent, it needs technique, tools, and trust in one’s creative voice. Deep Dive is Canon’s attempt to offer all three, wrapped in a format that’s immersive, inspiring and packed with substance.

    With more cities queued up and interest already peaking, Deep Dive is shaping up to be more than just a masterclass. It’s a movement. And for the creators ready to stop shooting in the dark and start crafting with intention, Canon just lit the way.

  • ZEE5 announces Malayalam anthology, ‘Manorathangal’

    ZEE5 announces Malayalam anthology, ‘Manorathangal’

    Mumbai: ZEE5 has announced the launch of ‘Manorathangal,’ a monumental series that heralds a new epoch in Malayalam cinema. Set to premiere on 15 August, this magnum opus, conceived to honor the 90-year legacy of the literary titan Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair, affectionately known as M.T., brings together an unparalleled constellation of South’s most illustrious actors and filmmakers. ‘Manorathangal’ is a cinematic tour de force, exploring the intricate duality of human nature against the backdrop of Kerala. Penned by the venerable M.T. Vasudevan Nair himself, the series unites the pinnacle of Malayalam cinema’s acting and directorial talent. Through nine interconnected stories the series spotlights paradoxes of human behavior, showcasing our capacity for both great kindness and base impulses. By probing the interplay between our noble and primal sides, this series offers a rich, nuanced portrayal of humanity that speaks to universal experiences and emotions. For the first time ever, such a huge cast and directors are coming together on ZEE5.

    The anthology comprises nine compelling stories introduced by Padma Vibhushan, Dr Kamal Haasan: ‘Ollavum Theeravum’ (Ripples and the River Bank), starring the legendary Mohanlal and directed by the acclaimed Priyadarshan, sets the tone for this extraordinary series. ‘Kadugannava Oru Yathra Kurippu’ (Kadugannava: A Travel Note) features the incomparable Mammootty under the direction of the talented Ranjith. ‘Shilalikhitam’ (Inscriptions) brings together Biju Menon, Shantikrishna, and Joy Mathew in a Priyadarshan-directed segment. ‘Kazhcha’ (Vision) stars Parvathy Thiruvothu and Harish Uthaman, directed by the visionary Shyamaprasad. ‘Vilpana’ (The Sale) features Madhoo and Asif Ali, helmed by the promising Aswathy Nair. ‘Sherlock’ showcases the versatile Fahadh Faasil and Zareena Moidu, directed by the innovative Mahesh Narayanan. ‘Swargam Thurakkunna Samayam’ (When the Doors of Heaven Open) boasts an ensemble cast including Kaillash, Indrans, Nedumudi Venu, Enji Panicker, and Surabhi Lakshmi, under the direction of Jayarajan Nair. ‘Abhyam Theedi Veendum’ (Once Again, In Search of Refuge) stars Siddhique, Ishit Yamini, and Nazir, directed by the renowned Santosh Sivan.

    ‘Kadalkkaattu’ (Sea Breeze) features Indrajith and Aparna Balamurali, directed by Rathish Ambat.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “With ‘Manorathangal’, ZEE5 is bringing together an unprecedented array of Malayalam cinema’s finest talents under one roof. It is a celebration of the reverence and admiration MT Vasudevan Nair commands in the industry. His 90-year legacy as a literary giant and cinematic visionary is unparalleled, and we are deeply honored to have his story on ZEE5. This anthology not only celebrates MT Sir’s brilliance but also showcases the exceptional creativity of Malayalam cinema, which has garnered a devoted following across India and beyond. Recognizing the growing fandom and the universal appeal of these stories, we are dubbing ‘Manorathangal’ in Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu languages so the viewers could watch it in their local language. At ZEE5, we are really looking forward to the premiere.”

    The director, Priyadarshan, stated, “Dreaming is a part of life, and I had dreamt of making films. It was a dream come true to make a film with MT Vasudevan Nair. This moment is very special to me as I am now making my 97th film. In the past, I had tried to create a film with MT Vasudevan Nair but couldn’t. I had almost given up on that dream, but then this opportunity happened, for which I thank God. I have fulfilled a big dream and have done two films in Manorathangal: ‘Olavum Theeravum’ and ‘Shilalikhithangal’. As Mohanlal mentioned before, my desire to make a film began with reading the script of ‘Olavum Theeravum’. I thank God for making this dream come true and wish MT Vasudevan Nair a very happy birthday.”

    Indrajit stated, “Manorathangal is the second film in which I had the opportunity to act as a hero in a script by MT Vasudevan Nair. Before this, I had acted in a full-length film under MT sir’s script, a privilege that might not be common among actors of my generation. I consider this experience the greatest gift I have ever received. MT has a close relationship with my father, and I have done a segment called Kadalkkattu based on MT sir’s short story Bandhanam. Although the stories were different, my father also acted in a film titled Bandhanam written by MT sir, which is one of my favorite films featuring him. I recall visiting MT’s house and speaking with him multiple times, and people close to MT have told me that MT loves me. I extend my best wishes to MT on this occasion.”

    Biju Menon stated, “Happy birthday, MT Vasudevan Nair! I have always wanted to act in a film by MT Sir, though I was uncertain if it would ever happen. Fortunately, it did, and the experience was a dream come true. I am happy to see many legends and share the stage with them. Wishing everyone a lot of luck and happiness.”

    Mammootty stated, “This evening is unique for Malayalam cinema, as anthology films are rare in our industry. Manorathangal will be an anthology that can be presented with pride, a vision running through the mind of the writer. There could be no other apt name for it. I have a close relationship with MT Vasudevan Nair and admire his youthful spirit. MT’s up-to-date knowledge of contemporary literature, new authors, and books in various languages is remarkable. Although I couldn’t read a book MT recently gave me, my daughter loved it, highlighting MT’s ability to stay relevant with the latest generation’s tastes. Initially, Ranjith and I planned to make the story of Kadugannava into a two-hour feature film. However, for this anthology, we decided to use that story, which I describe as a piece of MT’s soul. The film was shot in Sri Lanka and aims to evoke nostalgia among those who grew up reading MT’s works. Malayalees realised the literary value of scripts through MT’s writings, and I have tried to read all of MT’s stories. We recently agreed to have a short story by MT read in my voice. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to MT on the initiative of Manorathangal and wish him good health and long life as he celebrates his birthday.”

    Asif Ali stated, “Happy birthday, MT Vasudevan Nair! I am happy and proud to be present at this event. My first audition in front of MT sir was for the film Neelathamara, but I was told I didn’t have a Malayali look and couldn’t participate. It took thirteen long years before I was finally able to play a character written by MT sir. I acted in the film directed by MT sir’s daughter Aswathy, where I starred alongside Madhubala, and I am very happy about that.”

    Nadiya Moidu stated, “Happy birthday, MT Vasudevan Nair! I am proud to be a part of this project. After the film ‘Panchagni’ directed by Hariharan, I got another opportunity to act in an MT sir’s script through the film ‘Sherlock’ in Manorathangal. It was a privilege to work with Mahesh Narayanan and Fahadh Faasil. In addition to Fahadh, a cat was one of the main characters in the film. The script was very enjoyable, and I thank MT sir for making us all a part of history. It is a blessing to be here.”

    ZEE5 Original, ‘Manorathangal’ premieres on 15 August, bringing MT Vasudevan Nair’s literary genius to screens worldwide.

  • With a record 12,000 delegates, 314 films, MIFF closes on a high

    With a record 12,000 delegates, 314 films, MIFF closes on a high

    Mumbai: With a record-breaking attendance of 12,000 delegates and the screening of 314 films, the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) concluded on a high note. This edition of MIFF witnessed unprecedented delegate participation, with enthusiasts attending various screenings, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Films from 59 different countries were showcased during the festival, which not only took place in Mumbai but also extended to venues in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Pune for the first time.

    NFDC festival director and MD Pritul Kumar expressed his satisfaction with the overwhelming response to this year’s MIFF. “The remarkable turnout demonstrates the growing interest in documentaries, shorts, and animation among a dedicated audience. The success of MIFF should be attributed to robust programming, setting new benchmarks for future editions.“

    With a host of eminent personalities like Richie Mehta, Santosh Sivan , Daniela Volker, Ketan Mehta, Tushar Hiranandani, Alphonse Roy, T.S. Nagabharana among others attending the festival, the 18th MIFF was also lauded for its excellent organization and venue design ensuring accessibility and protection from the monsoon rains in Mumbai. Special measures, such as providing training to volunteers for attendees needing special assistance, and installing ramps across the festival campus, enhanced the overall experience for all participants.

    Working with the not for profit organisation Svayam, volunteers and teams at the festival were made to undergo special training to better equip them with patrons that needed special attention. Venues were also made accessible with the instillation of ramps across the festival campus.

    There were also special screening for people with hearing and visual impairments.

    “I think the selection of films was very good and many of the documentaries were insightful. It was especially good because everything was within the same campus and we could book on the app, rush to the next screening, eat and also discuss with our friends without stepping out or getting wet” said one of the delegates.

    The festival this year also digitised the screening bookings and its badge registration , to further facilitate accessibility and time efficiency. Furthermore stalls from various countries, Indian states, start ups and the skill council allowed for interested audiences and delegates to interact, learn and engage.

    The first ever docu bazaar that was put up, saw 108 projects in Work-in-progress and Viewing Room, while for co production there were 16 projects selected from 63 entries. 15 producers interested in backing documentaries, shorts and animation were part of the docu bazaar this year.

  • Enhanced reach & instant dissemination on social media impacts content quality

    Enhanced reach & instant dissemination on social media impacts content quality

    NEW DELHI: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said on 19 March that the enhanced reach and instant dissemination on social media had impacted the content style and precision of both photography and videography.

     

    This had led to instant communication across different social media platforms, he said while inaugurating the first National Photography and Videography Workshop organized at the National Media Centre here.

     

    Rathore said that the Ministry would explore the possibility of organizing similar workshops in other parts of the country including the North East wherein the potential was tremendous as the initiative was innovative in approach involving the professionals associated from the concerned domains.

     

    The workshop would also act as a facilitating tool in carrying forward the messages of the Government across platforms accessed by different cross sections of the population. As technology was the principal driver of innovation, it had become a critical determinant and catalyst in enhancing the skills of the individual and organization.

     

    The impact of the dynamic growth of technology was self- evident as there was a proliferation of changes across formats. The enhanced reach, instant dissemination on social media had impacted the content style and precision of both, photography and videography. This had led to instant communication across different social media platforms.

     

    The government is keen to fulfil the aspirations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose emphasis has been on upgradation of skills through appropriate training methods and tools. The workshop was designed keeping in mind the basic parameters of the ‘Skill India’ initiative. Relying on the basic principles and outline of the ‘Skill India’ initiative, the workshop was an attempt to hone the skills of Government personnel associated with photography and videography.

     

    Speaking on the craft and art of photography, Rathore said that like any other art photography and videography could be mastered through right inputs. The workshop was an appropriate tool in this direction.

     

    Recounting the history of photography, Rathore mentioned that pictures had a long lasting impact. Today historic occasions were remembered on several instances only through pictographic description. This was perhaps the reason for the immense popularity of ‘Coffee Table Books’ on different subjects.

     

    Earlier, I&B secretary Bimal Julka said the workshop had been designed to address the immense skill opportunities that had emerged in the media and entertainment sector. As ‘Skill Development’ was a comprehensive approach involving critical stakeholders in the Government, the endeavor of the Ministry was to incorporate the ‘Skill India’ initiative across its training programmes. The workshop also provided a platform for the Government to converge its expertise and skills, keeping in mind the challenges of assignments, events in the media space dominated by social media, emerging technologies and competitive environment.

     

    Julka mentioned that as key programmes and initiatives of the Ministry involved technological prowess and a thorough understanding of contemporary changes, the Workshop was certainly a step in the right direction.

     

    He specifically highlighted the role and relevance of the workshop in the context of the archival heritage of the Ministry across platforms. It was for this purpose that an attempt had been made to bring together different aspects of technology for both, the photography and video segment. For this purpose, professional agencies specializing in digital technology, animation and graphics had been invited to provide value addition to the personnel associated from Photo Division and Doordarshan.

     

    The key highlight of the workshop was the Joint Session on the History of Art and Appreciation of Photography addressed by eminent photographer Rajesh Bedi and renowned cinematographer Santosh Sivan. Both shared their experiences involving the critical themes with regard to content presentation, layout, use of technology etc.

     

    The one-day workshop had been organised with two parallel sessions being held concurrently on Photography and Videography. The parallel sessions have been organised keeping in mind the common themes and integration between platforms and the need of skills / tools and contemporary development in both the sectors. Approximately 25 organisations / Ministries are attending the workshop. Over 135 officers participated in the Workshop. 

  • London Indian Film Festival to screen Marathi film ‘Hemalkasa’

    London Indian Film Festival to screen Marathi film ‘Hemalkasa’

    NEW DELHI: Jeffrey Brown’s film Sold and Samruddhi Porey Marathi film Hemalkasa will be the opening and closing films, respectively, of the 2014 London Indian Film Festival.

     

    In the festival to be held from 10 to 17 July, Sold will mark the European premiere while Hemalkasa will mark its world premiere.

     

    Featuring Nana Patekar, Sonali Kulkarni and Mohan Agashe, Hemalkasa is a biopic that follows the selfless journey of Dr Prakash Baba Amte and his wife Dr Mandakini Amte who dedicated their lives to a project for the development of tribal people of Maharashtra.

     

    Praveen Morchhale’s Barefoot to Goa, Amit V Masurkar’s Sulemani Keeda, Shilpa Ranade’s animation film Goopi Gawaiiya Bagha Bajaiiya, Anup Singh’s Qissa, Kaushik Ganguly’s Apur Panchali and KR Manoj’s Virgin Talkies are some of the well-known films that will be screened at the festival.

     

    Million Dollar Arm by Craig Gillespie which will have its British premiere is the Centrepiece, while Hank aur Asha by James E. Duf and Sulemani Keeda (Writers) by Amit V Masurkar are other films among the 18 features to be screened.

     

    The Kannada Ulidavaru Kandante by Rakshit Shetty, Bangladeshi director Munsur Ali’s Shongram and Pakistani film Anima State by Hammad Khan are also being screened among others.

     

    In addition, there will be a Satyajit Ray Foundation’s Short Film Competition.

     

    There will be master class by the renowned Santosh Sivan and a screen talk by Farhan Akhtar. 

  • Kamal Haasan, Paresh Rawal and Sooni Taraporewala among Padma Awardees

    Kamal Haasan, Paresh Rawal and Sooni Taraporewala among Padma Awardees

    NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Kamal Hassan and vocal artiste Begum Parveen Sultana have been conferred the Padma Bhushan while actors Paresh Rawal, Vidya Balan, and filmmaker Santosh Sivan have been named for the Padma Shri awards in the Republic Day Honours this year.

     

    Renowned Ghatam artiste T H Vinayakaram has also been named for a Padma Bhushan in the list announced by the President late this evening.

     

    Veteran animation filmmaker Ram Mohan, actors Supriya Devi and Sabitri Chatterji from West Bengal and script writer and director Sooni Taraporewala have also been named for Padma Shri.

     

    Renowned Tabla player Vijay Ghate, Sarangi exponent Ustad Moinuddin Khan of Rajasthan, pauna manjha music artiste Musafir Ram Bhardwaj, wellknown theatre exponent Bansi Kaul of Kashmir, eminent poet Ashok Chakradhar, eminent authors Ruskin Bond and Manorama Jafa are also among the Padma Shri recipients.

     

    The late Justice J S Verma who had headed the News Broadcasting Standards Authority and later the inquiry into the rape of a medical student in December 2012 has been named posthumously for the Padma Shri.

     

    Tennis ace Leader Paes, badminton player Pullela Gopichand, cricketer Yuvraj Singh from Haryana and Anjum Chopra of Delhi, kabaddi star Sunil Dabbas of Haryana, Delhi mountaineering enthusiast Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu, squash player Dipika Rebecca Pallikal, wheelchair tennis player H Boniface Prabhu of Karnataka, and mountaineer Mamta Sodhna of Haryana figured among the sports persons who received the Padma Shri. 

  • Urumi bags best film award at Madrid fest

    Urumi bags best film award at Madrid fest

    MUMBAI: The 11th edition of Imagineindia International Film Festival, Madrid has awarded Urumi with the Best Film award. About 70 films were screened in 12 sections at the festival across four venues in the city.

    The competitive section comprised six films – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara by Zoya Akhtar, Urumi by Santosh Sivan, Memoirs in March by Sanjay Nag, Achal (The Stagnant) by Bikramjit Gupta, Adaminte Makan Abu by Salim Ahamed and Traffic by Rajesh Pillai.

    While Santosh Sivan won the best director award for Urumi, Deepti Naval was named best actress for Memories in March and Salim Kumar won the best actor award for Adaminte Makan Abu.

    The award for best music went to Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy for their score in Zindagi Naa Milegi Dobara.

    The 11th edition of Imagineindia International Film Festival was held in Madrid from May 17-31.

  • Santosh Sivan inducted in ASC

    Santosh Sivan inducted in ASC

    MUMBAI: Santosh Sivan, one of the country‘s distinguished cinematographers, has been inducted into the prestigious American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).

    The ASC is an organisation whose members are all cinematographers from across the world. Sivan is the first South-Asian cinematographer to be thus honoured. The ASC has only 340 members.

    Sivan said, “I‘ve to thank all my directors. The induction means something special cause and hence I guess being invited by accomplished visual artistes is special. The ASC has very limited visual artistes who belong to one of the oldest society in the world.”

    A graduate from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Sivan went on to complete 45 features and 41 documentaries. A founding member of the Indian Society of Cinematographers (ISC), he is the most awarded director of photography (DP) in India.

    He was awarded the National Film Awards for Best Cinematography four times, for the films Perumthachan, Kaalapani, Iruvar and Dil Se.

  • Santosh Sivan’s Urumi to screen at Busan fest

    Santosh Sivan’s Urumi to screen at Busan fest

    MUMBAI: Santosh Sivan‘s Prithviraj-Genelia D’souza starrer Urumi has been selected to be screened at the Busan International Film Festival that commences from 6 October.


    The film will be screened in ‘A Window to Asian Cinema‘ category.


    Urumi will have two versions for screening – a standard three-hour theatrical version and a 90-minute English version made for the international market.


    Urumi is the second most expensive Malayalam film ever made with a budget of about Rs 200 million and has been dubbed into Tamil, Telugu and English.
     
    The film, spread between the second and third visits of Vasco da Gama to India, chronicles a varied version of how da Gama could have met a bloody death in AD 1524.


    It is set in the backdrop of the fierce warrior clans of Northern Kerala in the 16th century and focuses on Chirakkal Kelu Nayanar (Prithviraj) – a man whose target and mission is to resist or kill Dom Vasco da Gama, the Viceroy of the Portuguese empire in India.


    This is the second time that a film by Sivan will be screened at the festival, the first being his 2005 film Navarasa.


    The film has been titled Pathinaindham Nootrandu Uraivaal in Tamil while the English version has been named Vasco Da Gama. The Hindi title is being finalised.


    The film has been titled Pathinaindham Nootrandu Uraivaal in Tamil while the English version has been named Vasco Da Gama. The Hindi title is being finalised.