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Tag: Tanya Maniktala

  • BAFTA Breakthrough India returns for a fourth year

    BAFTA Breakthrough India returns for a fourth year

    Mumbai: BAFTA, the leading UK charity for the screen arts, is back with its Breakthrough programme for a fourth year in India, in partnership with Netflix. BAFTA Breakthrough India identifies and celebrates the next generation of talented professionals in the films, games, and television industries across the country. This year also marks the second time the BAFTA Breakthrough programme opens applications simultaneously in India, the US and UK regions,

    BAFTA, through its mentorship and talent programme, has guided several creative individuals in the pursuit of their craft by curating an all-encompassing programme that helps breakthroughs address the barriers in their respective fields of work, sharpening their skills, and assisting them to create international networks that will accelerate their careers.

    The recipients will be part of one-to-one meetings with industry stalwarts and group roundtables. They will receive professional coaching to develop their professional and creative skills. They will also get access to all of BAFTA’s training, development and networking events for the duration of the programme, i.e., 12 months, along with opportunities to network with industry members across the world through BAFTA membership. Additionally, the breakthroughs will have a PR-backed showcase.

    BAFTA executive director, learning, inclusion, policy & membership Tim Hunter said: “We’re pleased to say that applications for BAFTA Breakthrough India are once again open. Thanks to the generous support of Netflix, this initiative will see us nurture a cohort of outstanding creative talent working in India’s film, television and games industries, and showcase their talents to our global membership – to be unveiled later this year.”

    Netflix India vice president of content Monika Shergill said: “The BAFTA Breakthrough India programme perfectly aligns with Netflix’s vision of empowering upcoming creative voices and bringing them to a global audience. The diversity of talent unearthed in the past four years is a testament to this programme’s immense success. We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with BAFTA and discover and nurture the next generation of Indian creative voices.”

    Sikhya Entertainment founder & CEO, film producer and Breakthrough India ambassador Guneet Monga Kapoor said: “India boasts of abundant creative talent, as evidenced by the past three editions of Breakthrough. I grew up at a time where access to such opportunities were unheard of. I highly encourage the next generation of creatives across film, television, and games in India to apply for this year’s programme. BAFTA Breakthrough offers invaluable resources to young change-makers in our industry, and I’m so excited to witness how this year’s participants will leverage the opportunities to refine their skills and elevate the Indian Screen Industries on an international platform.”

    As the principal partner for the sixth year of BAFTA Breakthrough, Netflix continues to provide integral support towards its global expansion. Through Breakthrough, BAFTA and Netflix share a joint vision to celebrate and provide opportunities for emerging talent across the world, bringing together international communities across global networks, to develop and support stories and voices from different cultures.

    BAFTA Breakthrough 2023 witnessed promising talent, including Abhinav Tyagi, who is an editor and worked on ‘An Insignificant Man’ in 2016 as editor, post producer, and chief assistant director. Shardul Bhardwaj was another cohort member who is actively working as an actor. He starred in the 2019 critically acclaimed film ‘Eeb Allay Ooo!’ and also served as an assistant director and casting director on Netflix’s 2018 film ‘Soni’.

    BAFTA Breakthrough opened doors across the globe for its previous cohorts, aiding them to share spaces with some of the most distinguished and influential people in their respective industries and learn through their expertise, knowledge, and experiences to further their careers with newer perspectives.

    Actress Tanya Maniktala was one of the breakthroughs during the first year of the programme in India. She starred in Mira Nair’s Netflix adaptation of Vikram Seth’s novel ‘A Suitable Boy’. In her testimony, Tanya Maniktala said, “It has been an incredible experience being associated with the BAFTA Breakthrough Programme. Thank you so much for all your guidance and encouragement.”

    Alokananda Dasgupta, a music composer and director, was a part of the 2022 cohort. She had the great fortune of interacting with actress, comedian, and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, along with directors Richie Mehta and Asif Kapadia. Comedian Sumukhi Suresh also received the opportunity to meet industry veterans like actress Ratna Pathak Shah and BBC Comedy Commissioner Emma Lawson, via the Breakthrough Programme.

    BAFTA’s commitment to excellence extends to its selection process. A distinguished jury of industry experts, meticulously chosen for their diverse experience and proven track record, will evaluate applications for BAFTA Breakthrough India. This ensures a comprehensive and insightful assessment of each candidate’s potential.

    BAFTA Breakthrough 2024 will culminate later this year, and the Breakthroughs/shortlisted participants from India, the US & UK regions will be concurrently revealed in a global announcement.

    Application Requirements:

    BAFTA is looking for candidates who:

    ● Aged 18 or over at the time of application 
    ● Primarily resident in India 
    ● Conversationally fluent in English 
    ● Working as an Animator, Choreographer, Cinematographer, Colourist, Composer, Costume Designer, Director, Editor, Game Developer, Game Director, Game Producer, Hair/Make-up Artist, Performer, Presenter, Producer, Producer/Director, Production Designer, Series Director, Series Producer, Sound Editor/Mixer, Writer or VFX/3D Artist within the Indian film, games or television industries

    **Though choreographers are not explicitly represented in BAFTA’s global membership, applicants can apply for the Breakthrough programme where, if selected, they will receive opportunities to develop knowledge and be connected with other departments and creatives across film, games and television, reflected in BAFTA’s membership and network.

    They will also have:

    ● A recommendation letter from a relevant regional film, games or television industry organisation 
    ● A leading professional credit on a piece of work that has been: ○ theatrically released in India between 1 June 2023 and 1 September 2024 (or is reasonably expected to at the time of application).

    ○ or broadcast on a television channel or OTT platform in India between 1 June 2023 and 1 September 2024 (or is reasonably expected to at the time of application).

    ○ or, for games, released in India on a publicly available platform between 1 June 2023 and 1 September 2024 (or is reasonably expected to at the time of application).

    ● A demonstrable ambition to collaborate and share their expertise with UK practitioners and/or to produce content for UK audiences

    Applications for BAFTA Breakthrough India 2024 open today, 7 May 2024. To learn more about the programme, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, please visit

    https://www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/breakthrough/bafta-breakthrough-india 

  • 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.

  • Colors Tamil brings WTP of Vijay Sethupathi’s thriller drama ‘Mumbaikar’ on 5 Nov

    Colors Tamil brings WTP of Vijay Sethupathi’s thriller drama ‘Mumbaikar’ on 5 Nov

    Mumbai: Colors Tamil is all set to premier a captivating and unconventional tale ‘Mumbaikar’ that puts the focus on the city of Mumbai and its many layers this Sunday, November 5 at 2pm.  Mumbaikar, Powered by ‘Ramraj Cotton Shirts’ with Special Partner ‘Pothysin Deepawali Fashion Rockets’, is part of the channel’s ‘Movie of the Month’ series. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Santosh Sivan, the thriller drama, which is the official remake of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Maanagaram’, stars an ensemble cast, including Vijay Sethupathi, Vikrant Massey, Hridhu Haroon, Ranvir Shorey, Tanya Maniktala, and Sanjay Mishra.

    Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s bustling streets, Mumbaikar follows a hyper-linked plot structure, intertwining the lives of various unrelated characters. The film chronicles the journey of the key characters whose lives suddenly converge across multiple events that take place during a 24-hour period. This, in turn, changes the characters’ perspectives towards the city and life itself. With its compelling narrative, the movie promises to take audiences on an exciting journey and showcase the lesser-known sides of India’s city of dreams. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Riya Shibu.

    Vikrant Massey, who portrays a pivotal character, shares his thoughts on the movie’s WTP, “It has been an absolute pleasure sharing screen space with Vijay Sethupathi Sir. I have grown up watching Santosh Sivan Sir’s films. I have always admired his work and now to be directed by him was an experience I will cherish forever. I am sure people of Tamil Nadu will enjoy our super combo”.

    Talking about Mumbaikar, Sethupathi said, “It is an exciting time for Indian actors. We are getting opportunities to work on films across languages. After the love and appreciation, I have received for my web series, this movie marks my first Hindi film debut, I am looking forward to Tamil audiences’ reaction for its Tamil television premiere film. I am sure they will love & appreciate it.”

    Ace director Santosh Sivan further shared his excitement on the trailer release, “It was a great feeling to direct a Hindi film once again. Mumbaikar is a film that gives a perspective of the city through the lives of interwoven characters. Mumbai has its own unique spirit and I have tried to encapsulate it through the film. It was amazing working with such talented actors in one film! I am thrilled for its Tamil TV Premiere on Nov 5th.”

    A special promo has been conceptualised with Channa Patna Toys that tells the story of Mumbaikar from Vijay Sedhupathi’s POV. It has gone viral, creating a huge interest for the movie. Watch this amazing film with your family on Colors Tamil, being aired for the first time on 5 Nov, at 2 PM!