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Tag: Sujoy Ghosh

  • Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha headline Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ new campaign

    Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha headline Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ new campaign

    MUMBAI: Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts is back in the spotlight with its newest campaign, ‘For the Select Ones’, starring the discerning duo Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha. Conceptualised by FCB NEO, the sleek new film champions craft, character, and the courage to chart one’s own course — echoing the brand’s core philosophy of celebrating purposeful storytelling and refined choices.

    In a market flooded with noise, ‘For the Select Ones’ whispers a quieter truth: that greatness lies not in following the crowd, but in choosing with intent. Both on-screen and off, Rajkummar and Patralekha exemplify that ideal, having carved careers defined by depth, not dazzle.

    The campaign pays homage to artists who’ve walked the talk — past collaborators on the Barrel Select Shorts platform include cinematic heavyweights like Anurag Kashyap, Sujoy Ghosh, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Tigmanshu Dhulia. Now, with this film, the brand doubles down on its commitment to creating an ecosystem for intelligent, bold narratives that refuse to pander.

    Speaking on the campaign, Pernod Ricard India CMO Kartik Mohindra said, “Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts has evolved into creating an ecosystem that brings world-class narratives to curious and discerning audiences, thus becoming the destination for short films in India. With our new thematic campaign, For the Select Ones, we continue this next chapter of our brand’s select storytelling journey by celebrating those who embody success through their distinct choices.”

    “This film is a quiet tribute to the art of choosing well. In a world overflowing with options, true identity is shaped by what we say no to as much as what we embrace. The process of creating this story with Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha was about capturing that subtle, internal journey, where each choice becomes a building block of a legacy. It aligns beautifully with the Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts ethos of celebrating individuals with a refined eye and fearless vision,” expressed FCB NEO CCO Mayuresh Dubhashi.

    Sharing his thoughts, Rao said: “Over the years, I’ve learned that true success lies in staying authentic and making choices that reflect who you are at your core. Whether it’s in the characters I play or the decisions I make in life, I’ve always aimed to strike a balance between substance and intention. For the Select Ones is a powerful reflection of that mindset— valuing integrity, thoughtfulness, and individuality. I’m proud to be part of Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts’ campaign that celebrates the strength of discerning choices.”

    Adding her perspective, Patralekha said: “Throughout my journey, I’ve always believed in carving my own path. I’ve long admired the short films from Royal Stag Barrel Select Shorts for their depth, craft, and storytelling. Their narrative closely aligns with my belief in making choices that reflect true artistic vision. I’m honoured to collaborate with a brand that champions discernment and excellence.”

    Backed by a high-voltage amplification plan, the campaign is set to inspire a generation that values thoughtful ambition — a salute to those who refuse to settle.

     

  • Seagram’s Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films presents Select Films, Select Conversations

    Seagram’s Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films presents Select Films, Select Conversations

    Mumbai: A pioneer in the short film format in India, Seagram’s Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films presents Select Films, Select Conversations. The celebrated short film platform has always recognised and fostered a creative environment encouraging brilliance in short-format filmmaking. Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films over the years has won six Filmfare awards and Oscar qualifications which has made the platform the largest and most credible destination for short films in India. Through this interactive activation platform, the brand aims to foster a creative environment for artists in the industry in two unique and engaging formats with host Mandira Bedi.

    ●   The On-Ground format: This live format travels to three hubs in India – Gurugram, Kolkata and Pune – bringing together some of the most dynamic and discerning film artistes from Indian cinema for an evening of engaging discussions, interactive conversations, and screenings of some of the select movies from the celebrated short film platform, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films

    ●   The On-Air format: A unique chat show concept spread across three episodes, where five prominent voices from the film industry – Jim Sarbh, Vijay Verma, Kalki Koechlin, Huma Qureshi and Sujoy Ghosh – discuss all things cinema with host Mandira Bedi. The On-air Episodes will be launched with the brand’s streaming partners, Jio Cinema

    The first of three on-ground events took place at DLF Club, Phase IV, Gurugram on Saturday, November 25. During the evening, host Mandira Bedi held an engaging conversation with Vijay Varma, Huma Qureshi, Kalki Koechlin and Swanand Kirkire. ‘Short Films – The Select Choice’ being the theme of the evening, the discussions revolved around the evolution of Indian cinema, diversity of genres and the short film format. It covered the evolution of the cinematic landscape from full length Feature films to Short Films, OTT and Anthologies. The conversation received immense engagement from the audience present at the event. This was followed by the screening of select Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films.

    Commenting on the ideology behind the activation platform, Pernod Ricard India CMO Kartik Mohindra said, “Through the years, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films has evolved, creating an ecosystem that brings world class storytelling to curious and discerning audiences, thus becoming ‘the’ destination for Indian short films. Select Films, Select Conversations, the brand’s interactive platform, is an embodiment of this ideology, where we seek to explore the originality and creativity of the short film format and set it in the context of cinema today.”

    Speaking about her association with the platform as the host, actress Mandira Bedi said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films. Getting to interact with different storytellers, artistes and understanding their diverse perspectives on cinema is a wonderful opportunity. I’m looking forward to all the riveting conversations, behind-the-scenes stories about the short film universe and the interactions with #TheSelectOnes.”

    Actor Vijay Varma said, “It really feels nice to be a part of this unique platform provided by Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films. Any opportunity that brings together artists and stirs up conversations around cinema is precious to me. It’s a great learning experience.”

    Lyricist and actor Swanand Kirkire spoke about the platform, sharing, “The Indian film industry has evolved tremendously since the time I started my career. There are so many different kinds of films being made and appreciated today. When it comes to short films, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films has been a real gamechanger. The platform brings out the brilliance of short films like nothing else. I am happy to be associated with them in their endeavor to foster a creative environment for artists in this industry.”

    Actor Huma Qureshi said, “I am so happy to see Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films curate an evening where select artistes and storytellers known for their craft come together under one roof and talk all things cinema. From discussing different genres to personal processes, it is absolutely amazing to be a part of this. I look forward to more such opportunities in the future!”

    Actor Kalki Koechlin shared, “With the changing content consumption patterns in today’s world, it’s an exciting time for cinema in India. I feel it is a transformational time for our industry and it is platforms like these that bring about the positive shift. I am delighted to have the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of cinema thanks to Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films.”

    After successfully kicking off in Gurugram, Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films is set to travel to Kolkata and Pune in December 2023. This will be followed by the release of on-air episodes.

  • Star Plus, Sujoy Ghosh join hands for mini series

    Star Plus, Sujoy Ghosh join hands for mini series

    MUMBAI: Star India’s Hindi GEC Star Plus has collaborated with filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh for Teen Paheliyan, a mini series. The channel will air three short features-Goodluck, Mirchi Malini and Copy-that will be aired on 22 April from 1 pm onwards.

    While Goodluck is helmed by Ghosh, Mirchi Malini is directed by Pratim D Gupta and Copy by Arindam Sil.

    Said Ghosh, “As a filmmaker, it was very exciting for me to explore new story ideas that would cater to our new age audience. It was an experience to mould my thoughts and present them in the short feature format on television. I have always sought to introduce newer and bolder concepts into my work and change the viewers’ perception. Through Teen Paheliyan, I hope that people are engaged with the content this partnership offers.”

    Teen Paheliyan aims to provide a thrilling ride giving its viewers a heightened feeling of suspense, anticipation and anxiety.

    Also Read: 

    TED Talks Nayi Soch on Star Plus, Hotstar: Content should feed passion for knowledge, says Uday Shankar

    History TV18 focuses on relatable local content

  • News18.com’s reel movie awards to celebrate new age cinema like never before

    News18.com’s reel movie awards to celebrate new age cinema like never before

    MUMBAI: News18.com, one of India’s top breaking news websites, recently announced its marquee property – the Reel Movie Awards, India’s first and only movie awards to recognise and reward the New Age Cinema and its artists. With Reliance Digital as the presenting sponsor, the distinctive awards show will take place on 20th March in Mumbai. Reputed personalities from Bollywood such as Farah Khan, Sujoy Ghosh, Sudhir Mishra and Nikhil Advani comprise a 4-member jury for the unique awards. The awards property is looking at going beyond acknowledging big-budget blockbuster movies, to celebrate small-budget films with quality content, made under Rs 20 crore, that has been appreciated by critics and masses alike.

    The nominations for the awards began with the announcement of the property, a month ago. Being categorized into ‘On Screen’ and ‘Behind The Scenes,’ the nominations aim to include the complete gamut of offerings in the arena. Movies such as Newton, Mukti Bhavan amongst others along with web-series such as Pushpavali, Bose – Dead or Alive, Lakhon Main Ekk and more have been nominated under different categories. The jury as well as the audiences will choose and vote for their favourites to win at News18.com’s Reel Movie Awards. 

    Commenting on being a part of the jury, Director/Producer, Farah Khan said, “I think the most interesting and important aspect about new age cinema is not just the new story but the way they have put it across to the audience. Most of these movies are really interesting stories and also the fact that they have been made in such little money with really high quality sound and editing, it is in-line with international standards. At the same time, the digital content is also equally outstanding, with stories that I have never heard before. Given the quality of content online, the cost of production is simply surprising. I believe that web content will be the king in the coming years.”

    Director and jury member Nikhil Advani said, “I feel taking a creative risk in an atmosphere where the only thing that matters is the Friday – the first-day first show and the box office, should definitely be rewarded. More and more audiences are turning towards quality content today, teaching the filmmakers that pure content will be appreciated. We are all here to support independent cinema and good content; all the talents nominated here are exceptional. There have been some very clear standout performances, and outstanding in terms of what they have done, be it acting, directing, writing or filmmaking. If you have good content on your side then you don’t have to rely on the stars as a vehicle to take your film forward.”

    Expressing his views on the nominations, Director, Sujoy Ghosh said, “I feel it is a very honorable and a good move to focus on independent and new age cinema. The independent cinema is highly content driven and most of them have very fantastic content. Today cinema is heading in a direction where  either it has to be a big entertainment or very clever entertainment. In the film business an award helps quantify, awards are important and necessary, some may not feel the same though. The News18.com’s Reel Movie Awards is a great platform and it will surely encourage a lot of film makers.”

    News18.com and CricketNext, Business Head, Rajiv Singh said, “Our aim is to keep pushing boundaries with one-of-a-kind IPs that highlight News18.com’s innovative digital edge. Building on this vision, REEL Movie Awards 2018 is a step in the right direction for us because it’s the only awards property that recognizes creative excellence, both on celluloid and on the digital platform. By celebrating new age cinema and artists, the property aims to highlight the power of content in a budget-driven world. Moreover, it reinforces the fact that good quality content resonating with audiences and critics alike emerges victorious, over and above anything else. So far in under 4 weeks we have crossed over 2lacs online votes from people supporting their favorite star and movies.”

  • Balaji Motion Pictures ropes in Sujoy Ghosh

    Balaji Motion Pictures ropes in Sujoy Ghosh

    Balaji Motion Pictures has acquired the Hindi film adaptation rights to the book, The Devotion of Suspect X to be made into a major motion picture.

     

    The Devotion of Suspect X, a novel by Keigo Higashino, is the third in his cult Detective Galileo series and his most acclaimed work so far. The novel won the 6th Honkaku Mystery Grand Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the mystery novels category in Japan.

     

    The English translation of the novel was nominated for the 2012 Edgar Award for Best Novel and the 2012 Barry Award for Best First Novel. More than a jaw-dropping two million copies of the best-selling book have been sold worldwide so far.

     

    Acclaimed director Sujoy Ghosh, whose previous release was the blockbuster Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani, has been signed to direct the feature.

     

    The writing is underway and the cast is still to be finalised. The principal photography is expected to commence in early-2014.

  • Sujoy Ghosh to start shooting for Kahaani 2 after monsoon

    Sujoy Ghosh to start shooting for Kahaani 2 after monsoon

    MUMBAI : Having earlier made Jhankar Beats in 2003, Home Delivery: Aapko… Ghar Tak in 2005, Aladin in 2009, Sujoy Ghosh established himself as a director of repute with the Vidya Balan-starrer Kahaani in 2012.

    Immediately after the resounding success of Kahaani, word spread around filmdom that Sujoy was mulling with the idea of making a sequel of the film but nothing concrete happened.

    But now, the director has made it known that the sequel in quite on the cards. “Yes, it will go on floors post monsoon as soon as Vidya finishes her other assignments,” he confirmed.

    Briefing about the kind of role that Balan would play in Kahaani 2, Ghosh observed, “Kahaani 2 will have Vidya in very different avatar, she will be seen doing some dare-devil stunts.”

    Interestingly, Ghosh is taking his first step in acting soon. He is going to play the title role of Byomkesh Bakshi in Rituparno Ghosh‘s upcoming film of the same name.

  • Nayanthara to play Vidya Bagchi in Kahaani remake

    Nayanthara to play Vidya Bagchi in Kahaani remake

    “A State Govt. cannot ban a film cleared by the Censors, says Tewari even as Court extends stay on Vishwaroopam”MUMBAI: After roping in critically acclaimed filmmaker Sekhar Kammula to direct the remake of Sujoy Ghosh‘s Kahaani for the South Indian market, Endemol India, Logline Productions Pvt. Ltd and Select Media Holdings Pvt Ltd have finally found their Vidya Bagchi in actor Nayanthara.

    Starring as the female lead in several commercial films, Nayanthara has delivered super hit films across languages in the South and is well known for her character-driven roles.

    Nayanthara said “I am extremely delighted to be a part of this movie. The character of Vidya Bagchi was beautifully essayed by Vidya Balan and I should say I am lucky that Endemol approached me for this role. It is definitely a performance oriented role and audiences will see me in a completely different avatar!”

    Kammula said, “I am very excited to work with Nayanthara on this project. Going by her previous work, I truly feel that she can express and connect with the audiences beautifully. It‘s this endearing quality of hers that makes her our Vidya Bagchi!”

    Endemol India CEO Deepak Dhar said, “With Nayanthara on board, audiences will get to see a whole new Vidya Bagchi. Nayanthara is very well known for her power packed performances and we are certain that she will not disappoint her fans this time around as well!”

    The film is slated to go on the floors soon and the rest of the cast is currently getting finalised.

  • Sujoy Ghosh mulls Kahaani 2 with Amitabh Bachchan

    Sujoy Ghosh mulls Kahaani 2 with Amitabh Bachchan

    MUMBAI: Sujoy Ghosh, who had vowed to have his close associate Amitabh Bachchan in all his forthcoming films in any capacity, after he directed the veteran super star in Aladin, is mulling with the idea of working with the megastar in Kahaani 2, the sequel to his successful 2012 thriller Kahaani.

    The director, who has achieved a lot of fame with Kahaani, was speaking to this writer on the sidelines of a recent award function in which he annexed the best story writer award with Advaita Kala for Kahaani.

    “I am assuring you that Amitabh Bachchan will be part of Kahaani 2 in some way or the other. His blessings matter a lot to me. I can‘t see myself making any films without him,” Sujoy observed. Incidentally, Bachchan who was not in the ensemble cast of Kahaani, had lent his voice for the song Ekla chalo re.

    The director says he will roll the camera as soon as the script is locked.

    Asked as to when he would embark on shooting the film, Sujoy quipped, “I am still scripting the film so I can‘t say exactly when I will start shooting. The story will be a continuation from where we have left Kahaani. He however spilled the beans on Vidya Balan‘s role in the film. “She will be seen in an action avatar,” he added.

  • Sujoy Ghosh’s next is Badla with Amitabh Bachchan

    Sujoy Ghosh’s next is Badla with Amitabh Bachchan

    MUMBAI: Basking under the super success of his Vidya Balan-starrer Kahaani, filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh is currently in the process of writing two scripts.

    While the first would star Ghosh’s favourite star Amitabh Bachchan, the second would star Vidya Balan. Regarding Bachchan, Ghosh has already made it known that no film of his would go without the veteran associated with it.

    Ghosh has gone one step further when he revealed the name of the film as Badla. While the tagline of Badla was to be ‘Only God Forgives’, the director won’t be able to use it since a film has been announced with the same name, according to Ghosh.

    The film will also star Naseeruddin Shah and Vidya Balan in prominent roles. “The script that I‘m writing for Sir (Amitabh Bachchan) is called Badla, which, if I write well, will have Sir and Naseerji and Vidya Balan. All depends on the script,” posted Ghosh on his Twitter account.

    Ghosh averred that once he finishes off with both the screenplays, he will decide on which project he would start working first.

  • Endemol bags remaking rights of Kahaani in Tamil and Telugu

    Endemol bags remaking rights of Kahaani in Tamil and Telugu

    MUMBAI: Known for making shows on Indian television like Bigg Boss and Fear Factor, Endemol India has forayed into the film making business.

    Starting their foray, the production company has already acquired remaking rights of the Sujoy Ghosh-directed Vidya Balan-starrer Kahaani in Tamil and Telugu.

    “After having produced content for some of the biggest format shows in the country, we realised that it was time for us to venture into something new. Film making was always on the cards and we are delighted to finally set out to actually do it. We are already lining up projects for 2013 and are extremely excited about our first project, the remake of Kahaani which will be in production soon,” Endemol India CEO Deepak Dhar said.

    Will the Tamil and Telugu remake be a low cost affair like the original? “The South markets have their own dynamics and cost structures. We will be producing these films at levels comparable to medium to high cost films that one sees down South. We are investing in the best of talent and technical talent to do justice to the original script,” quipped Dhar.

    Sujoy Ghosh, who produced the original script, will also step in as the producer for the remakes and will be working with a leading director from the South Indian film industry.

    Would Ghosh direct the remakes? “Ghosh would continue to be involved in this project from the scripting to the first copy as a creative producer. His learnings and creative skills will be utilised to the fullest by us on the project. But to do justice to the local language and the market dynamics, we will be investing in the best of directorial, writing and technical talent down South,” Dhar observed.

    Endemol India is currently in talks with a couple of leading actors from South for the lead role in the remake of Kahaani. Will the original characters be there in the remakes too? “We are currently writing the script for both languages keeping in mind the local culture and sensibilities. We will retain the original characters but who will play them and how they will play out will be a matter of time before we announce them,” answered Dhar.

    Filming of the remakes is slated to begin in September while the release of the film in the two languages is earmarked for early January.