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Tag: Sikhya Entertainment

  • ZEE5 unveils ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ with 3D projection at Mumbai’s David Sassoon Library’s Clock Tower

    ZEE5 unveils ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ with 3D projection at Mumbai’s David Sassoon Library’s Clock Tower

    Mumbai: Mumbai’s iconic David Sassoon Library’s clock tower was the centre of all attention on Friday evening as ZEE5 held a captivating 3D projection of its just released mystery thriller ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’. Mumbaikars were in for a spectacular surprise as the multilingual storyteller enthralled commuters and by-standers with a sneak peak into the highly anticipated mystery drama. A collaboration between Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is directed by Umesh Bisht and stars the trio of Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra and Dhairya Karwa.  

    Known for its Victorian Gothic architecture, the David Sassoon Library is an integral part of Mumbai’s heritage. The showcase which took place on the day of the show’s launch, 9 August, offered a visually stunning preview of the series, bringing its time-bending narrative to life against the backdrop of one of Mumbai’s most historic landmarks. This takeover by ZEE5 is a testament to the brand’s vision to entertain and engage diverse audiences through concerted high impact initiatives. Prior to the 3D showcase, ZEE5 had held a high-octane trailer launch and a power-packed special screening for industry stalwarts and cinephiles.

    Leveraging the creative brilliance and expertise of both Sikhya Entertainment and Dharmatic Entertainment, Gyaarah Gyaarah has opened to rave reviews. In a bid to meet the massive audience anticipation for the show, ZEE5 dropped all eight episodes of the mystery thriller on 8 August at 11:11 pm. The much-awaited show is a strong step forward in solidifying the homegrown streaming platform’s leadership in India’s OTT ecosystem.

    Gyaarah Gyaarah, starring Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra and Dhairya Karwa follows the story of Yug Arya (Raghav Juyal), a young police officer in the present day (2016), who discovers a mysterious communication link with Shaurya Anthwal (Dhairya Karwa), a senior detective from the 1990s through a mysterious walkie talkie. The main hook of this temporal mystery is Vamika Rawat (Kritika Kamra), once mentored by Shaurya before his mysterious disappearance, and now guiding Yug in the present. As Shaurya and Yug collaborate to solve cold cases across time, they unknowingly set off a chain of events that alters the course of history. With each tick of the clock, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ peels the layers of mysteries where past and present collide, leaving viewers questioning the very fabric of time itself.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “At ZEE5, we are dedicated to providing quality storytelling and entertainment to our viewers. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ embodies this vision with its innovative mix of crime-thriller, mystery, and drama. As part of our broader strategy to create immersive and unique marketing initiatives, the 3D projection mapping at the iconic David Sassoon Library in Mumbai serves as the perfect launch for this mystery series. We’re following a 360-degree high-impact marketing campaign to do justice to a show of this stature. ZEE5 remains committed to delivering best in class viewing experiences and engagement to our viewers so we can continue to delight them”.

    Raghav Juyal shared his excitement, “Finally, the wait is over! All of us are super excited for the premiere of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ on ZEE5. This show is unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it. The Clock Tower event at David Sassoon Library was mind-blowing. Seeing our story come to life through cutting-edge 3D projection mapping on this historic building was the perfect way to announce the arrival of the series on ZEE5. I urge everyone to binge-watch the show right away. Trust me, you’re in for a wild ride through time and it is going to be your best investment this weekend.”

    Kritika Kamra mentioned, “We are so excited that ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has finally dropped on ZEE5, and I’ve actually started believing in the magic of 11:11! The 3D projection at the David Sassoon Library’s clock tower was such a proud moment for all of us. It was thrilling to see the magic of Gyaarah Gyaarah come alive via 3D projection, lights, sound and drama. It’s a great start, drawing attention to this iconic landmark and giving everyone a glimpse of the adventure that lies ahead. I can’t wait for everyone to experience ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ on ZEE5.”

    Dhairya Karwa added, “Three police officers, two time zones, and one thrilling experience! ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has finally made its way to the fans. What sets our show apart is how it explores the ripple effects of our actions across decades. The 3D projection at David Sassoon Library wasn’t just a visual treat; it was a ‘jhalak’ of how exciting and extravagant our show is. I believe ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ will hit you on multiple levels – it’s a gripping mystery, a thought-provoking drama, and a fresh take on the concept of time. So, get ready to say ‘Kya baat hai!’ because this series will keep you guessing until the very end.”

  • ZEE5 drops ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ trailer

    ZEE5 drops ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ trailer

    Mumbai: “Time is a flat circle,” Nietzsche once said. But what if that circle could be bent, twisted, and manipulated? ZEE5 is all set to shatter the boundaries of time and space with the mind-bending trailer of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah.’ Set to premiere on 9 August, this Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor co-production questions the viewers on the possibility of altering present and future by changing the past.

    Launched today, the trailer plunges viewers into a world where the impossible becomes possible, leaving them to wonder about the existence and power of time. Helmed by the visionary director Umesh Bist, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ boasts a powerhouse cast including Kritika Kamra, Dhairya Karwa, and Raghav Juyal in the lead and Gautami Kapoor, Harsh Chhaya, Purnendu Bhattacharya, Mukti Mohan, Gaurav Sharma, among others.

    Co-produced by Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta of Dharmatic Entertainment, and Oscar-winning filmmaker duo Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment, Gyaarah Gyaarah tells the riveting tale of two police officers from different eras connected by a mysterious walkie-talkie and the butterfly effect it causes on the past and present.

    The past year has seen ZEE5 accomplish multiple highlights and milestones. The platform has witnessed a whopping 85Bn minutes of watch-time in the past year, with strong viewership coming in from metros and non-metros alike. Tier II and III cities account for 40 per cent of ZEE5’s viewership, while Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi lead in metro consumption. Popular genres on the platform include thrillers, romance, dramas, action-adventure, and comedies, with pan-Indian audiences strongly gravitating to the multilingual storyteller’s diverse content library.

    Talking about the overall success of ZEE5 and the launch of Gyaarah Gyaarah, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “At ZEE5, we remain dedicated to bringing exceptional content to our viewers. The trailer launch of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a testament to this commitment. Our collaboration with Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, both renowned for their storytelling excellence, is an exciting step towards enriching ZEE5’s diverse content library. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ offers a unique blend of mystery, and drama in a way that we believe will captivate audiences in India and beyond. We’re confident that this series will set a new benchmark for original content in the digital streaming space.”

    A senior detective Shaurya Anthwal, played by Dhairya Karwa, from the 1990s and a young police officer Yug Arya, portrayed by Raghav Juyal, find themselves linked by a perplexing communication tool that springs to life at 11:11 pm for a fleeting 60 seconds. At the center of this temporal whirlwind is a determined woman Vamika Rawat, played by Kritika Kamra, once mentored by the senior detective Shaurya Anthwal before he mysteriously disappeared and now guiding the present-day young police officer Yug Arya.

    As Shaurya and Yug join forces to crack the many cold cases, they unknowingly set off a chain reaction, altering the course of history with each breakthrough. Vamika, who is oblivious to the extraordinary connection between Shaurya and Yug is increasingly puzzled by her subordinate’s uncanny insights. With every solved mystery, this unlikely trio edges closer to uncovering a staggering truth about the officer’s vanishing act and the nature of their impossible alliance. Racing against the clock and battling the repercussions of their time-altering actions, will they unearth the secrets behind their mystifying bond, or will the weight of changing destiny prove too perilous to bear? Tune-in to ZEE5 to know more as Gyaarah Gyaarah is set to premiere on 9 August.  

    Kritika Kamra said, “Stepping into the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an exhilarating journey for me. This role is unlike anything I’ve ever done before – it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. Playing a cop in this mind-bending mystery thriller has been both thrilling and demanding. Moreover, working alongside visionaries like Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor is a dream come true – their guidance and creative energy on set was truly inspiring. I can’t wait for ZEE5’s audience to experience this unique story that blends time, suspense, and human emotions in such an unlikely way, that makes the storytelling graph of the show truly unique and exciting”.

    Raghav Juyal said, “Being part of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been a transformative experience for me.  I started my journey on a TV reality show, seamlessly transitioned into hosting and comedic roles. Now, as I make a mark in the Bollywood industry, I am deeply grateful to Guneet for recognizing my potential and encouraging me to embrace serious and challenging roles. Portraying a police officer for the first time feels like a significant responsibility, it’s a big leap from my usual performances, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. It allows me to showcase a different side of my acting abilities and I can’t wait for the ZEE5 audiences to see what we’ve created with ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ – it’s going to be a whole new experience for me and hopefully for the audience too!”.

    Dhairya Karwa said, “Immersing myself in the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an incredible journey. The idea of manipulating time and its impact on our decisions is fascinating, and it’s been thrilling to portray that on screen. Collaborating with such a talented cast and being guided by Karan Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Umesh Sir has been a special experience. This project is unlike anything I’ve worked on before – it’s intense, makes you think, and keeps you engaged. I can’t wait for ZEE5 audiences to delve into this distinctive mix of thriller and suspense that challenges our perception of reality. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a series that will make you reevaluate everything you thought you knew about time and fate”.

  • Amazon miniTV and Sikhya Entertainment’s much-awaited Gutar Gu Season 2 begins filming

    Amazon miniTV and Sikhya Entertainment’s much-awaited Gutar Gu Season 2 begins filming

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV is bringing back this budding story of teen adolescence, Gutar Gu for its second season, directed by Saqib Pandor and produced by Sikhya Entertainment. The innocent romance is rekindled with the much-loved couple Ritu and Anuj, starring our heartthrobs Vishesh Bansal and Ashlesha Thakur. The wait is finally over as the cast and crew of Gutar Gu have begun shooting for the second season, and the streaming service has given a sneak peek straight from the sets.

    The coming-of-age series has not only received rave reviews for its gripping narrative and the pair of Ashlesha Thakur and Vishesh Bansal, but it is also a massive hit, being one of the most viewed series on Amazon miniTV, with fans eagerly awaiting six all-new episodes of the magic between Anuj and Ritu.

    Produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Oscar Winning Production House, Sikhya Entertainment, in Gutar Gu Season 1, Ritu and Anuj navigated complex relationships, portraying diverse facets of teenage romance amidst difficult situations, exploring various shades of love. The sophomore season will focus on their journeys ahead, amidst new challenges, managing life, careers, and expectations from each other.

    Sharing his excitement for the second season, Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad said, “Gutar Gu had struck a chord with audiences from the word go and we couldn’t be happier to bring season 2 of this highly acclaimed series!”

    “The Story of Gutar Gu, is very close to our hearts at Sikhya. After an outpour of love for Ritu and Anuj’s short story in Gupt Gyaan, to come back together with phenomenal Director Saqib Pandor and explore the story in a series format was truly an exciting opportunity. With so much love and support for Season 1, we thought it was only best to see where Ritu and Anuj’s love takes them next. We’re excited to take you yet again on a nostalgic ride, exploring new challenges of teenage love in an all-new season of Gutar Gu!” shared Sikhya Entertainment producer Guneet Monga Kapoor.

    Sharing his thoughts, Gutar Gu director Saqib Pandor said, “Gutar Gu started as an innocent story of two young lovers in Bhopal, but the magnitude of success and love we have received for the show and its characters on Amazon miniTV has truly empowered us to dream of another season. That’s the best reward one can get as a filmmaker, where audiences are eager to know what’s next for their beloved characters. We’re ready for this love story, to go the distance!

    Gutar Gu Season 2 is slated to release in 2024 exclusively on Amazon miniTV available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and on Play Store.

  • BAFTA announces its Breakthrough 2023 cohort across India, UK and USA for the first time

    BAFTA announces its Breakthrough 2023 cohort across India, UK and USA for the first time

    Mumbai: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in  partnership with Netflix, has unveiled 10 upcoming individuals from the screen industries  selected for BAFTA Breakthrough in India. In this historic first, BAFTA simultaneously introduces its UK,  USA, and India participants, with 42 talented individuals selected globally.

    The ten names for BAFTA Breakthrough India were selected by a distinguished jury of industry experts, including Jury Chair and BAFTA Breakthrough Ambassador Guneet Monga Kapoor, Sikhya Entertainment producer founder & CEO Guneet Monga Kapoor, Lakshya Digital CEO Manvendra Shukul,  Monika Shergill (vice president, content – Netflix India), Rajiv Menon (Filmmaker), Naman  Ramachandran (Critic & Journalist), Sid Roy Kapur (Founder of Roy Kapur Films & Producer),  Shaunak Sen (Filmmaker) and Ratna Pathak Shah (actor, theatre director).

    The list of BAFTA Breakthrough India participants for 2023 is:

    ● Abhay Koranne | Writer – Rocket Boys

    ● Abhinav Tyagi | Editor – An Insignificant Man

    ● Don Chacko Palathara | Director/Writer – Joyful Mystery

    ● Kislay| Writer – Soni

    ● Lipika Singh Darai | Director/Writer – Some Stories Around Witches

    ● Miriam Chandy Menacherry | Producer – From the Shadows and The Leopard’s Tribe  

    ● Pooja Rajkumar Rathod | Cinematographer – Secrets of the Elephants

    ● Sanal George | Sound Editor/Mixer/Designer – Gangubai Kathiawadi

    ● Satya Rai Nagpaul | Cinematographer – Ghoomketu

    ● Shardul Bhardwaj | Performer – Eeb Allay Ooo!

    Over the last two years, the BAFTA Breakthrough programme, in partnership with Netflix, has  supported the cohorts in networking with global industry experts, including D.B Weiss (producer,  director, writer), Emma Lawson (BBC Comedy Commissioner), Howard Shore (Composer), Phoebe  Waller-Bridge (Actress, Producer, Writer), and Vishal Gondal (CEO, GOQii, nCore Games),  amongst others.

    The initiative has also opened doors for participants, facilitating industry meetings with Chaitanya  Hegde (Tulsea), Rob Carlson (United Talent Agent, US), Tarsame Mittal (TM Talent Management),  and more. Breakthroughs like Jay Pinak Oza have received one-on-one mentorship from Mira Nair  and Shonali Bose with potential collaborations in the works, while Karthikeya Murthy is working on  a Hindi feature film, with multiple projects lined up in Hindi, Tamil and English.

    BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip said, “BAFTA Breakthrough is a gold standard  programme. And the fact that we are celebrating our ten-year anniversary is testament to the  dedication of our incredible alumni, industry supporters, juries, and industry advisers. I’d like to say  a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed over the years, and particularly to our partner  Netflix. This year’s cohort is really impressive, having already achieved credits in high-end TV  drama, debut films, documentaries, hair and make design; and game design. BAFTA  Breakthrough is designed to harness that early success and develop the skills for life-long,  rewarding careers. Congratulations to this year’s BAFTA Breakthroughs.”

    BAFTA Breakthrough India Ambassador and Jury Chair Guneet Monga Kapoor said, “There is no  shortage of creative talent in India as demonstrated by the previous two iterations of  Breakthrough. We had a tough time choosing ten deserving candidates from an enormous pool  of fresh candidates. It will be exciting to see how they harness BAFTA Breakthrough’s opportunities  to hone their craft on a global stage.”

    Netflix India content VP Monika Shergill said, “India has a wealth of emerging  talent and we’re thrilled to be able to work with BAFTA on the BAFTA Breakthrough initiative to  provide them an opportunity to be chosen. It’s truly rewarding to be able to empower these  emerging creatives to showcase and enhance their skills. This year, we’ve identified an incredible  group and we look forward to helping to nurture their talents and make this an enriching and  once-in-a-lifetime moment for them.”

    During the course of the year-long programme, the BAFTA Breakthroughs will receive professional  development, industry meetings and global networking opportunities with the academy’s 12,000- strong global membership, alongside free access to BAFTA events and screenings for 12 months  and full BAFTA voting rights on the academy’s world-leading film, games and television awards.  Further details are in the notes to editors.  

    BAFTA’s flagship new talent programme celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Since 2013, it  has supported over 200 rising talents, including Aadip Desai, Arati Kadav, Charu Desodt, Florence  Pugh, James LeBrecht, Jay Pinak Oza, Josh O’Connor, Karthikeya Murthy, Letitia Wright, Sumukhi  Suresh, Tanya Maniktala, Tom Holland , amongst many others.

    The list of BAFTA Breakthrough UK participants for 2023 is as below:

    ● Adjani Salmon |Writer/Performer/Exec Producer – Dreaming Whilst Black (TV)  

    ● Bella Ramsey |Performer – The Last of Us (TV)

    ● Cash Carraway |Creator/Writer/Exec Producer – Rain Dogs (TV)  

    ● Charlotte Regan | Writer/Director – Scrapper (Film)  

    ● Cynthia De La Rosa |Hair & Makeup Artist – Everyone Else Burns (TV)  

    ● Ella Glendining | Director – Is There Anybody Out There? (Film)  

    ● Funmi Olutoye | Lead Producer – ‘Black History Makers’ (Good Morning Britain) (TV)

    ● Georgia Oakley | Writer/Director – Blue Jean (Film)  

    ● Holly Reddaway | Voice and performance director – Baldur’s Gate 3 (Games)  

    ● Joel Beardshaw |Lead Designer – Desta: The Memories Between (Games)  

    ● Kat Morgan |Hair & Makeup Designer – Blue Jean (Film)  

    ● Kathryn Ferguson | Writer/Director – Nothing Compares (Film)  

    ● Kitt (Fiona) Byrne | 2D Artist/Game Designer – Gibbon: Beyond the Trees (Games)  

    ● Michael Anderson | Producer – Desta: The Memories Between (Games)  

    ● Pete Jackson |Writer/Creator – Somewhere Boy (TV)  

    ● Raine Allen-Miller | Director – Rye Lane (Film)  

    ● Rosy McEwan| Performer – Blue Jean (Film)  

    ● Samantha Béart | Performer – The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow (Games)  

    ● Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson | Writer/Director/Presenter – Too Autistic for Black (TV)  

    ● Vivian Oparah| Performer – Rye Lane (Film)  

    The list of BAFTA Breakthrough USA participants for 2023 is as below:

    ● Amanda Kim | Documentary Director – Nam June Paik: Moon Is The Oldest TV (Film)  ● Aminah Nieves | Performer – 1923 (TV)

    ● Apoorva Charan | Producer – Joyland (Film)  

    ● Cheyenne Morrin | Senior Games Writer – Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (Games)  

    ● Edward Buckles Jr.| Documentary Director – Katrina Babies (Film)  

    ● Gary Gunn | Composer – A Thousand and One (Film)  

    ● Jingyi Shao | Writer & Director – Chang Can Dunk (Film)  

    ● Maria Altamirano | Producer – All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt (Film)  

    ● Santiago Gonzalez | Cinematographer – Shortcomings (Film)  

    ● Shelly Yo | Writer & Director – Smoking Tigers (Film)  

    ● Sing J Lee | Writer & Director – The Accidental Getaway Driver (Film)  

    ● Vuk Lungulov-Klotz | Writer & Director – Mutt (Film)  

     

  • Lionsgate, Dharma Productions, and Sikya Entertainment partner for “Kill”

    Lionsgate, Dharma Productions, and Sikya Entertainment partner for “Kill”

    Mumbai: Global content leader Lionsgate has acquired the North American and U.K. rights to the Indian action movie Kill for theatrical release in 2024.

    Kill is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by Karan Johar & Apoorva Mehta for Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga Kapoor & Achin Jain for Sikhya Entertainment.

    This ground-breaking deal marks the first time an Indian production has partnered with a Hollywood studio on a theatrical release in North America and the U.K. for a mainstream Hindi language film.

    Starring newcomer Lakshya alongside Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, the extreme action flick made its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival as a Midnight Madness selection.

    In the film, star-crossed lovers Tulika (Maniktala) and Amrit (Lakshya) find their clandestine relationship jeopardized after Tulika’s family whisks her aboard the Rajdhani Express bound for New Delhi and an arranged marriage. But commandos Amrit and his friend are far from willing to let fate dictate their story. They embark on a “rescue” mission that becomes a gory adventure.

    Blurring the lines between duty and emotion as every twist of the track could mean life or death, Kill paints a portrait of how far a man can go in love to rewrite his destiny.

    Commenting on the announcement, senior vice president, acquisitions and co-productions Lauren Bixby said, “At this year’s Toronto Film Festival, we were astounded by Kill. We believe that American theatrical audiences are more discerning than ever and increasingly open to bold filmmaking from all corners of the world, so we’re confident that Kill will find an audience ready to delight in its exuberant mayhem.”

    Dharma Productions continues to celebrate the grand success of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, and Sikhya Entertainment has had a memorable year with its Oscar win for The Elephant Whisperers.

    WME Independent, which is handling global sales, brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers alongside Christopher Davis and Kaycee Holcomb for Lionsgate.

  • Team ‘Pagglait’ reunites for a three-film deal

    Mumbai: Following the success of “Pagglait”, Balaji Telefilms’ Ekta Kapoor and Sikhya Entertainment’s Guneet Monga have joined hands to sign director Umesh Bist for a three-film deal. The Netflix film released in March was Sikhya Entertainment and Balaji Telefilms’ first co-production.

    Commenting on their renewed partnership, Balaji Telefilms’ creative producer and executive VP Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh said, “Pagglait resonated with Indian audiences in unimaginable ways. Everyone found a connection with the story and that is Umesh’s biggest strength. Furthermore, the film established equity between Balaji and Sikhya and we’re thrilled to come together to tell stories that are both emotional and entertaining, stories that find their way to the hearts of the audience.”

    Sikhya Entertainment’s founder and CEO Guneet Monga said, “I still remember the day I met Umesh sir. His vision for his stories is unmatched and it is inspiring to see his faith and commitment to a project. Team Balaji has been a delight to work with and we at Sikhya are looking forward to this collaboration. We went through so many amazing experiences together that it feels quite natural to continue this partnership.”

    Speaking about this extended collaboration, filmmaker Umesh Bist shared, “It all started when I first met Guneet in 2018 and there’s no looking back since then. As a filmmaker, all you want is a collaborative ecosystem where the team puts all their might into doing the best for the movie and I am glad I found this in Sikhya and Balaji. The trust they put in a director is rare. As partners, they add on to each other’s strong points, I am excited to take this journey forward with them.”

    The team is soon expected to announce the first project from this deal.

  • Flipkart Video and Sikhya Entertainment are set to bring out your inner detective with Kaun? Who did it?

    Flipkart Video and Sikhya Entertainment are set to bring out your inner detective with Kaun? Who did it?

    As a nation, we have always been fascinated by crime stories – the unpredictable nature of a case, analyzing the crime scene, and the thrill of the detective-suspect chase. We've often caught ourselves getting ahead of the detectives, wanting to get past the TV screen, and catching the killer! So what if the next time you're watching a whodunit, you could actually be a part of the process? Flipkart Video in collaboration with Guneet Monga’s production house, Sikhya Entertainment gives you the one-of-a-kind chance to play detective from the comfort of your phone, with their all-new interactive crime fiction series – Kaun? Who did it? The showrunner for the series is Umesh Bist, Director of the upcoming movie “Pagglait” and is written by veteran TV writer Sunjoy Shekhar. 

    Every episode across the series will feature a spine-chilling murder case, giving audiences the ultimate opportunity to don the detective's hat and win exciting prizes as they maneuver through intriguing twists, solve cryptic clues, and identify suspects in real-time. The series features versatile actor Sushant Singh, who is known for embodying crucial characters and delivering power-packed performances. He will be seen playing the lead role of Adi, an ex-cop turned private detective. His disdain for the police force, the brace on his leg and his walking stick, leaves a lot to be discovered about his past. Seen playing his partner-in-solving-crime, will be film and theatre actress Samvedna Suwalka AKA Malini, a gritty assistant police inspector who teams up with Adi for his innate, deductive skills, in solving seemingly unsolvable cases.

    Prakash Sikaria, Vice-President (Growth and Monetisation) at Flipkart, said, “Our consumer-first approach helps us to be at forefront of innovation, enabling us to push the boundaries and bring interactivity to content. Guneet has been a valuable partner who shares our vision and brings her creative zeal to help us raise the bar each time. 'Kaun? Who did it?' is built on people's increasing fascination for shows with an element of ‘guessing’ and the innate urge to unravel a mystery. This show will provide the thrill of visceral entertainment and the rush of decoding a secret before the protagonist does. We’re excited to have users at the edge of their seats and will continue to explore many more engaging concepts within this genre.”

    Speaking about cracking this innovation and her association with Flipkart Video, Guneet Monga, CEO, Sikhya Entertainment, said, “We, at Sikhya, believe in pushing the envelope when it comes to content and an interactive whodunit show for Flipkart Video was an exciting brief to crack. We conceptualized, shot and delivered this show in the lockdown and it’s heartening to begin this year with its release. Umesh Bist (show-runner) and Sunjoy Shekhar (writer) ensured that the content is cleverly planned within the limitations of lockdown without compromising on the much-loved flavor of a crime thriller. I’m happy to partner with Flipkart Video after Zindagi Inshort. I am confident that Flipkart’s enormous reach amongst the masses and knowledge of consumer behavior will help the show reach its audience.

    The trailer gives audiences a peek into the characters of the show with the duo solving some of the most unthinkable mysteries. Fast-moving and fascinating, the show will feature captivating episodes each day on the Flipkart App. The unique concept will not only keep you gripped at the edge of your seat but will also give you an opportunity to win exciting prizes by recognizing the killer before the protagonists. With Kaun? Who did it? Flipkart Video and Sikhya Entertainment promise to provide viewers the thrill of an adventure by making them a part of the experience, no matter where they are tuning in from. 

    The show will be live on the Flipkart App starting, 9th January. Users can access the show by clicking on the Video icon at the bottom right of the Flipkart app’s homepage.

  • Unleash your inner detective with Kaun? Who did it?

    Unleash your inner detective with Kaun? Who did it?

    MUMBAI: As a nation, we have always been fascinated by crime stories – the unpredictable nature of a case, analysing the crime scene, and the thrill of the detective-suspect chase. We've often caught ourselves getting ahead of the detectives, wanting to get past the TV screen, and catching the killer! So what if the next time you're watching a whodunit, you could actually be a part of the process? Flipkart Video in collaboration with Guneet Monga’s production house, Sikhya Entertainment gives you the one-of-a-kind chance to play detective from the comfort of your phone, with their all-new interactive crime fiction series – Kaun? Who did it? 

    The showrunner is Umesh Bist, director of the upcoming movie Pagglait and the series is written by veteran TV writer Sunjoy Shekhar.

    Every episode will feature a spine-chilling murder case, giving audiences the ultimate opportunity to don the detective's hat and win exciting prizes as they manoeuvre through intriguing twists, solve cryptic clues, and identify suspects in real-time. The series features versatile actor Sushant Singh playing the lead role of Adi, an ex-cop turned private detective. His disdain for the police force, the brace on his leg, and his walking sticks leave a lot to be discovered about his past. Seen playing his partner-in-solving-crime, is film and theatre actress Samvedna Suwalka AKA Malini, a gritty assistant police inspector who teams up with Adi for his innate deductive skills, in solving seemingly unsolvable cases.

    Flipkart growth & monetisation VP Prakash Sikaria said, “Our consumer-first approach helps us to be at forefront of innovation, enabling us to push the boundaries and bring interactivity to content. Guneet has been a valuable partner who shares our vision and brings her creative zeal to help us raise the bar each time. Kaun? Who did it? is built on people's increasing fascination for shows with an element of ‘guessing’ and the innate urge to unravel a mystery. This show will provide the thrill of visceral entertainment and the rush of decoding a secret before the protagonist does. We’re excited to have users at the edge of their seats and will continue to explore many more engaging concepts within this genre.”

    Sikhya Entertainment CEO Guneet Monga said the show was conceptualised, shot and delivered this show in the lockdown.

    “Umesh Bist and Sunjoy Shekhar ensured that the content is cleverly planned within the limitations of lockdown without compromising on the much-loved flavour of a crime thriller. I’m happy to partner with Flipkart Video after Zindagi Inshort. I am confident that Flipkart’s enormous reach amongst the masses and knowledge of consumer behaviour will help the show reach its audience.

    The trailer gives audiences a peek into the characters of the show. Fast-moving and fascinating, the series will feature captivating episodes each day on the Flipkart App. The unique concept will not only keep you at the edge of your seat but will also give you an opportunity to win exciting prizes by recognising the killer before the protagonists.

  • GuneetMonga , opportunities & innovation with OPPO

    GuneetMonga , opportunities & innovation with OPPO

    MUMBAI: Academy award winner and BAFTA nominee, GuneetMonga needs no introduction. An ace producer, she has been assiociated with films like The Lunchbox, Masaan, Gangs of Wasseypur, What Will People Say and Period. End of Sentence. However, her journey to the top has not been that simple. 

    Western Mumbai’s ever bustling suburb, Versova, is home to several production houses, casting companies, and wannabe stars. At the edge of the sea, the borough  commands high rentals  and harbours even higher hopes for wannabes, perfectly epitomising the Mumbai film industry.
     
    On one side of the main road, the place is crowded with luxury high-rises of  actors and filmmakers and on the opposite side are rows of small cottages, shops, offices, and even gourmet restaurants and cafés. Adjoining the array of small cafés is the barely detectable office of Sikhya Entertainment, the company founded by Guneet Monga and the CEO of which she currently is. .

    At 36, Guneet Monga has emerged as one of India’s most recognised producers, who makes strides by refusing to stick to the conventional Bollywood formula. She is currently post-producing two of her projects SooraraiPottru and Pagglait and is looking forward to make a film set in space by next year. 

    Busy as she is, Monga took time to be part of a promotional and marketing campaign with global smart device brand Oppo with the theme of  #GoBeyondBoundaries around the new phone model Reno4Pro. It showcases her journey of going beyond the boundaries and leveraging technology to create a difference through her movie production business.Oppo used her as their icon because it wants consumers to go beyond their comfort zone to find their true calling and achieve true greatness just like Guneet has done and just like the brand has done with its latest device Reno4Pro. The phone maker hopes that users will find a holistic experience with the Reno4Pro which will also allow them to” sense the infinite” possibilities of expressing themselves.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Shikha Singh got into a tete a tete with Guneet  to understand what's driving her these days and her relationship with Oppo.. Excerpts from the interview: 
    ‎
    How have you pushed boundaries in your career to achieve what you have today?

    After working for over a decade making movies, what I have realised is that filmmaking is a long-drawn process which might take over a year or two, hence it is very important for me to show up every day, no matter what. The journey of a film from its inception to release is long and full of challenges, so we must make sure that we put our best foot forward.

    Starting early in my life was testing. But, now in hindsight, I feel very fortunate to have started out young, as it has offered different perspectives and shaped me to make balanced business decisions. 

    Having a humble beginning from Delhi, it has only been my passion and perseverance for telling stories that has brought me this far. I have just started out, so any celebration feels premature, I have many dreams yet to fulfil and we have a long way to go from here. I’m excited for the journey!

    I believe success lies outside the comfort zone. It's a sum total of finding opportunities, as small as they may seem, and stringing them together with a larger vision.

    How does the brand Oppo relate to you?

    Oppo, has innovation at its core and has continuously believed in pushing boundaries. I identify with their brand values and have always embodied the same values in my work. With the focus of building a stronger resonance with the consumers Oppo’s latest campaign showcases how the journey to greatness starts by breaking free from the pre-existing notions and stepping out of their comfort zone. Leading the way, Oppo’s #GoBeyondBoundaries campaign further aims to empower and inspire the people of India to push limits and sense the infinite possibilities like India's first Oppo Reno4 Pro. 

    The campaign had a seamless narrative combining the product and the philosophy, which instantly connected with me. The way it celebrates ambition of pushing the boundaries and making a personal connection was very well done. Its message of getting out of your comfort zone and reaching out to people to form a deeper connection is what I would like to tell today’s youth as well — to keep striving and continue to reach out will take you on a road less travelled and help you shape your own unique journey.

    Oppo as a brand has always celebrated innovation and believed in pushing the boundaries. These philosophies are something I deeply apply in my own way of living and working as well. I have strived to break the stereotype in the world of movies, and Oppo is doing the same with their technology. Giving the consumers a world of endless opportunities.

    Sikhya Entertainment has films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Peddlers, The Lunchbox, Masaan and Zubaan to its credit. What is your next move?

    We have two feature films in post-production stage – Suriya starrer SooraraiPottru and Sanya Malhotra starrer Pagglait. Over the last year, we have expanded across platforms. Apart from features, we have also released podcasts for Audible Suno.  My dream project is to make a film set in space and I aspire to make it next year. This one will be for all the girls who dream!

    Do you think it is a great time for independent cinema? Also, what are the challenges for independent content creators.

    I think it is a great time for content creators- independent, mainstream, digital, you name any medium or scale. Audience base has expanded and so has consumer appetite for different content. With OTT and deeper data/internet penetration, viewers are exposed to an array of content. This generates more avenues for content creators. These times are certainly exciting for independent movie makers as their work is travelling faster and farther. 

    Independent content creators mainly faced challenges due to lack of a strong platform to not just present their work but also market it. With OTT players expanding, that has changed a little. However, the new challenge is to sustain the quality of what they are offering. Audiences have more choices than ever and it is important to be able to get them hooked and sustain their attention. There is always something better waiting to attract the viewer and it is just a click away.

    Please Read More: Indian content creators must find out right stories to reach global audiences

    How OTT has opened new avenues for directors, producers or content creators? How has the opportunity increased by the launch of OTT?

    Yes, absolutely. As we now have high speed internet in most parts of the country, we have seen an explosion in creators and viewers. They are already using various platforms like Youtube, Instagram etc. in much higher numbers now. Platforms have grown more than 500 per cent  + in the past couple of years in India. I do feel It will only further scale higher from here. There is also an incredible growth in OTTs and that leads to a direct need for more content. It's definitely an exciting time for content creators.  A number of production houses today are partnering with each other or with OTT platforms to co-create content, jointly gaining from the expertise that each player brings to the table.

    For weeks now, films have been bearing the brunt of cinema complex/hall closures. As the lights are going out on live events, shoots and movie premiers, the only silver lining amidst all this is the rise of the popularity of OTT. The halting of productions may have dried up the content line, but streaming hasn’t stopped via the OTT platforms across the country. At the same time, ad-spends have gone down significantly due to a knock-on effect of the recessionary impact on financial services, e-commerce and automotive industries.

    You have gone to great extent from raising money to crowd-funding and self-financing to bring the right content on TV screens? It is assumed that producers are always rich, but what about creative producers who are working for the right content.

    To me, stories drive those conversations and convictions that lead to innovative ways to generate revenue.  In the process, the idea is to never lose sight of the story we all set out to tell in the first place. To answer your question & given the current scenario, we would see further democratization of this business, which in turn empowers my approach to film making.

    As a producer, I have always followed my gut. Making a film takes a year or two and one has to continue to feel it will stand the test of time and stay relevant when it does release.

    I am grateful that I have been able to build a solid business with making independent films that have travelled globally. We now have a much wider audience base to cater to. I don’t think anyone can ever say what will work or not, it’s always an intuition that you follow and allow it to grow over a period of time.

    Please Read More: Oscar-winning executive producer Guneet Monga joins MUBI India as content advisor

    Please tell us about your upcoming anthology ZindagiInshort?

    Earlier this year we released Zindagi In Short, an anthology of 7 short films, which was a direct-to-OTT release in collaboration with Flipkart Video. The short films are helmed by TahiraKashyapKhurrana, PunarvasuNaik, Vijayeta Kumar, Rakesh Sain, GautamGovind Sharma, SmrutikaPanigrahi and Vinay Chhawal.

    They are one of the first start-up companies in India and incubated many young engineers and business graduates to work in an e-commerce company and with ZindagiinShort, they are helping a young brigade of talented directors to fly in the film industry.I am extremely excited and thrilled that, as producers, Flipkart and I can provide a platform for the aspiring filmmakers. This was a very inspired and charged space where everyone came in and worked. The upcoming Flipkart Original also stars Deepak Dobriyal, SwaroopSampat, Shishir Sharma, Aisha Ahmed, Rima Kallingal, IshaTalwar and Manjot Singh.

    Being India’s first woman to win an academy award, what would be your advice to the youth of India be, so that they can also go beyond boundaries and achieve more in life?

    I’ve always been very ambitious and have used films as a platform for exchange of ideas and encourage free spirit. In the ten years that I have been a producer I have faced plenty of challenges, from not being taken seriously in an industry. I realised my line of work needs a risk-taking nature and I took some bold steps early on. I believe it’s important to chase and follow your dreams and never give up hope and really see through when you believe in. All I’d tell another young woman starting off as producers is to show up every day and keep working. Keep believing.
     

  • Flipkart Video Original ‘Zindagi inShort’ to release on 19 Feb

    Flipkart Video Original ‘Zindagi inShort’ to release on 19 Feb

    MUMBAI: Flipkart Video is all set to launch another original Zindagi inShort on 19 February. Zindagi inShort comprises seven short slice-of-life films. The cerebration of the anthology is to showcase bittersweet episodes of life in miniature configurations. 'Chajju Ke Dahi Bhalle', 'Nano So Phobia', 'Sunny Side Upar', 'Swaaha', 'Pinni', 'Sleeping Partner' and 'Thappad' are the seven short films that constitute the anthology. 

    Basking in the success of the digital show 'Backbenchers', India's homegrown e-commerce marketplace is gearing up to stream its collaboration with Sikhya Entertainment on Flipkart Video, which is available on the Flipkart app itself. 

    The anthology is produced by Guneet Monga's Sikhya Entertainment. Some of the most impactful and acclaimed productions to Monga's credit are Gangs Of Wasseypur – Part 1 and Part 2, The Lunchbox, Masaan, Tigers, Dasvidaniya and Haraamkhor. Not to mention, her filmography as a producer includes the Oscar-nominated short film, Kavi, Oscar-winning short documentary, 'Period. End Of Sentence' and the Bhuvan Bam-starrer Plus Minus that won the Filmfare Award for Best Short Film. 

    The seven short slice-of-life films touch upon online romance, the innocence of childhood, the confusion of old age, the construct of being loved in a marriage, infidelity, a woman owning her role in the family and standing up for yourself when it's the hardest to do so. Themes as powerful as these have been crafted and explored in the films in small doses, that offer a bittersweet flavoured entertainment. 

    Speaking about the 'first look' of the upcoming Flipkart Video Original, Flipkart Growth and Monetisation VP Prakash Sikaria says, “Zindagi inShort is a unique collection of heartwarming stories, that everyone will be able to relate to, in one way or the other. Every story represents different stages of life, and bittersweet moments that can at times, accompany them. We are excited about this partnership with Guneet's Sikhya Entertainment and we are thrilled to provide a powerful storytelling platform for these young creators.”

    Says Guneet, "As the title suggests, Zindagi inShort has been an endeavor to capture various nuances of everyday life in short. Our anthology comprises of seven extraordinary stories, drawn from everyday lives with a promising twist, directed by seven unique voices. We are excited to bring our fresh slate of Sikhya shorts on Flipkart Video, which will help us connect with over 200 million Flipkart customers across India."

    Starring Neena Gupta, Shishir Sharma, Srishti Srivastava, Sanjay Kapoor, Divya Dutta, Deepak Dobriyal, Isha Talwar, Jitin Gulati, Nakul  Mehta, Manjot Singh, Nidhi Singh, Jagdish Nandi, Hiral Parekh, Aayan Modi, Abbas Syyad, Ajmal Khurshid, Aisha Ahmed, Geeta Agarwal Sharma, Rytasha Rathore, Rima Kallingal, Swaroop Sampat, Shafin Patel, Vedika Nawani and Arun Kushwah among others, helmed by directors Punarvasu Naik, Tahira Kashyap, Rakesh Sain, Gautam Govind Sharma, Vijayeta Kumar, Smrutika Panigrahi and Vinay Chawwal and produced by Sikhya Entertainment in association with Flipkart Video, Zindagi inShort is slated to stream on the video platform on the 19 February 2020.