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Tag: The Gone Game

  • Mad science meets cinema as Madlab Alpha experiments with bold storytelling

    Mad science meets cinema as Madlab Alpha experiments with bold storytelling

    MUMBAI: If a hindi masala movie is the formula, Madlab Alpha wants to break it. In a move that could redefine the future of Indian storytelling, Bodhitree Multimedia, Madlab Films, and Universe of Ideas have joined creative forces to launch Madlab Alpha Private Limited, a first-of-its-kind content studio that promises to rip up the rulebook and write a new one, genre by genre.

    Touted as India’s first high-concept content lab, Madlab Alpha isn’t here to play safe. It’s here to play mad in the best possible way. With a pipeline full of cerebral thrillers, speculative dramas, dystopian epics, and even interactive narratives, the studio is aiming at audiences that are over masala and hungry for mind-benders.

    At the heart of the initiative is a bold attempt to merge art and algorithm using AI-assisted production workflows and immersive tech to create content that’s not just visually striking but narratively disruptive. Think less assembly line, more alchemy.

    But it’s not just about flashy tools. Madlab Alpha wants to be a creative ecosystem nurturing emerging voices, offering mentorship, and cultivating a diverse slate that’s as rooted in local nuance as it is ready for global resonance.

    Backing the venture is Bodhitree Multimedia, known for The Gone Game and Class, and Universe of Ideas, born out of D’Artist Talent Ventures. Together with Madlab Films, the trio brings a cocktail of IP experience, genre muscle, and next-gen storytelling ambition.

    Madlab Films producers Gaurav Shukla and Abhijeet Khuman added,“With the rise of OTT platforms and global content, audience taste, especially in India, has evolved rapidly. This shift is impacting conventional commercial cinema, as we’re seeing more viewers gravitate towards fresh, bold narratives. It’s high time we acknowledge this change and create stories that speak to this new sensibility. With Madlab Alpha Private Limited, we aim to tell the kind of stories others shy away from merging craft with technology to deliver content that truly resonates. Together, we’re committed to delivering bold, original, and scalable content that speaks to a new generation of viewers.”

    D’Artist Talent Ventures and Universe of Ideas founder & CEO Darshana Bhalla added, “At its core, Madlab Alpha Private Limited is about empowering new voices and building a collaborative creator ecosystem. We believe in nurturing and mentoring emerging talent, offering them mentorship, resources, and a platform that values originality, craft, voice, and diverse perspectives on the global stage, fostering a space where originality thrives.”

    Talking about the partnership Bodhitree Multimedia Ltd MD Mautik Tolia added, “Madlab Alpha Private Limited represents a bold leap into the future of storytelling. This partnership marks a pivotal evolution in our content strategy, reflecting our commitment to shaping the progress and success of the industry. Together with Gaurav, Darshana, and Abhijeet, we are investing in the future of storytelling one that is bold, disruptive, and unapologetically narrative-first. We’re building more than a studio, that’s agile, and one that is built to scale across formats and geographies.”

    With legacy productions already under their belt and a bold slate of future-forward content in the works, Madlab Alpha Private Limited is angling to be India’s cultural petri dish, a place where stories mutate, mutate again, and maybe, just maybe, evolve into something the world hasn’t seen before.

    So, if Indian entertainment has long been a well-trodden path, Madlab Alpha is here to carve a few new roads wild, winding, and wonderfully unpredictable.

  • Production house Bodhi Tree Multimedia seeks to raise funds

    Production house Bodhi Tree Multimedia seeks to raise funds

    MUMBAI: The Mautik Tolia-Sukesh Motwani-promoted Bodhi Tree Multimedia has a fund raise on its horizon. On 2 January 2025, the rights issue committee of the company approved the draft letter of offer to raise funds through the issue of equity shares of Rs 1 each. The shares are to be issued to eligible shareholders on a rights basis and the total raise will be within Rs 49 crore. The premium on the Rs 1 share will be decided at a later date. 

    Bodhi Tree informed the Bombay stock exchange about its intentions on 2 January. 

    The film and TV production house also said that it would submit the draft letter of offer to the National stock exchange as well as the Bombay stock exchange  seeking their in-principle approval for the rights issue. 

    Bodhi Tree’s production portfolio includes: Class, the Gone Game, Gunaah, Main Hoon Aparjita, Poornima, and The Interns.  The company has produced more than 40 shows for 10 broadcasters and platforms in five languages totaling almost 3,000 hours of content. 

  • For an average Indian viewer, distinction between original and adapted content is often irrelevant: Mautik Tolia

    For an average Indian viewer, distinction between original and adapted content is often irrelevant: Mautik Tolia

    Mumbai:  With over 3000+ hours of content produced across 50+ shows for major broadcasters and OTT platforms, Bodhitree Multimedia Ltd specializes in drama, thriller, horror, comedy, and lifestyle genres. Their services encompass producing, directing, writing, dubbing, mixing, subtitling, content editing, and localization for a variety of media including television, films, and digital platforms, operating primarily on a B2B business model.

    The company operates in three main verticals: Broadcast – Hindi General Entertainment, Content for OTT platforms, and Regional Content across languages such as Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati for broadcast and digital. By focusing on trending and edgy themes, Bodhitree has established a strong reputation in the Indian media industry, becoming a preferred partner for many broadcasters and OTT platforms, thanks to their versatile and high-quality productions.

    Bodhitree most recently launched Gunaah on Hotstar, Class on Netflix. Other titles under Bodhitree include Fuh se Fantasy, The Gone Game, Marzi, The Raikar Case, among others.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to Bodhitree Multimedia’s managing director Mautik Tolia, where he highlighted their significant content consumption growth, adaptations, new ventures and much more…

    Edited excepts

    Your recent show “Gunaah” on Disney+ Hotstar has been a significant success with 3.4 million views. What factors do you attribute to its popularity, and how does it fit into BTML’s overall content strategy?

    When we examined the original Turkish content, we found it to be highly plot-driven and filled with raw emotions. These elements resonate strongly with the Indian audience due to their deep-rooted appeal in pulpy storytelling, themes of revenge, drama, and family betrayal. Recognizing this, we tailored the content into a love story, confident that it would connect well with Indian audiences, particularly those who consume Hotstar. This approach has proven successful, garnering a very positive response for the show.

    BTML has been actively expanding into new ventures such as media rights management and studio facilities. How do these new ventures complement your core business of content production?

    Our strategy involves vertical expansion within our existing businesses, addressing specific infrastructure needs within the industry. We aim to fill crucial gaps in the market, ensuring we meet growing demands effectively.

    With the establishment of subsidiaries focusing on regional content like Marathi and Bhojpuri, how important is regional language content to BTML’s growth strategy, and what are your future plans in this segment?

    Regional content plays an important role in our strategy, given its exponential growth potential, especially through OTT platforms as internet penetration increases. While Hindi remains a dominant market, regional languages such as Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali are gaining significant traction in content consumption, mirroring trends seen in traditional broadcasting. We are poised to capitalize on this shift by producing tailored content in regional languages.

    BTML reported a 50% revenue growth in FY24 and an EBITDA margin of 14.23%. What were the key drivers behind this growth, and how do you plan to sustain this momentum in the coming years?

    Key drivers behind this growth is that our expanded content strategy is more inclusive than before, encompassing a wider range of platforms beyond TV and OTT. This diversification includes the establishment of subsidiaries and other strategic initiatives, reflecting our commitment to broader market coverage and sustained growth.

    Adaptations like “Class” on Netflix have been well-received. Could you elaborate on your thoughts on adapting international content for the Indian audience?

    For an average Indian viewer, the distinction between original and adapted content is often irrelevant; what matters most is the quality and appeal of the content itself. Whether an adaptation of an international series or a homegrown production, viewers judge based on its merits rather than its origins.

    As the managing director, what is your vision for BTML in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to position the company amidst competition and changing consumer preferences?

    The industry is undergoing rationalization, and we position ourselves to serve all verticals of content creation comprehensively. Our trajectory aims to encompass diverse languages, genres, and formats, ensuring a versatile presence in the content creation landscape.

  • VOOT Select launches The Gone game, a show shot remotely during lockdown

    VOOT Select launches The Gone game, a show shot remotely during lockdown

    KOLKATA: Voot Select is all set to launch its next big original The Gone Game. As a service that launched just on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, Voot Select has truly unleashed the potential of OTT. Backed with its critically and commercially acclaimed shows like Asur, Marzi, The Raikar Case and Illegal, the next from  VOOT Select – made for stories is The Gone Game – a show that breaks the barriers of space and location to deliver on a gripping and compelling story.

    Voot Select has noted a stellar growth trajectory and with offerings such as the upcoming season of Bigg Boss being available on the platform before TV, launch of premium content in regional languages and originals like The Gone Game, the platform is all set to further accelerate its growth in the next few months. 

    Speaking about the journey of Voot, Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO Gourav Rakshit said: “Voot has had a tremendous growth trajectory since launch. Being the last entrant in the broadcaster backed OTT category, we quickly catapulted to being the second largest AVOD player. We launched Voot Select on the heels of the ongoing pandemic, however the lockdown truly unlocked the value of a premium service and in a very short time frame we have grown to be home to some of the best original and international content.”

    “Voot Select has witnessed tremendous growth since the launch in early March of 2020. Being the most recent SVOD entrant in the broadcaster backed OTT category, it's heartening to see how much ground we've been able to cover in such quick time. Beyond subscription numbers we've also grown in reputation to become home to some of the finest original web series in the country. I have no doubt that "The Gone Game” will join the list of celebrated stories from Voot Select," Rakshit added.

    Shot entirely in isolation during the lockdown, The Gone Game has been executed through remote direction, ingenious cinematography and limited equipment. Marked by nuanced performances and inimitable viewing experience, the show will build intrigue and unravel a mystery at every step of the way. Directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, The Gone Game is a one of a kind and a never-seen-before concept that puts creative freedom in the hands of the cast of the series to innovate while shooting from their homes.  

    Commenting on the launch of The Gone Game, Voot Select, Viacom18 Youth, Music and English Entertainment head Ferzad Palia said, “Voot Select has had a tremendous first 150 days. Subscriber growth has surpassed all estimates by a long, long way. This spectacular success of the platform comes on the back of Originals, Before TV Content & our International offering. The lockdown has provided a further boost to the rapid rise in subscriber growth. We have innovatively navigated through the challenges of the lockdown and continued to create the best in content and viewing experience for our audience. The Gone Game has a gripping storyline, top drawer cast, and has been shot entirely from home with utmost precision and skill. The thrill and excitement of the show will deliver top-notch entertainment.”  

    Set in a global pandemic, with a nation in lockdown, the story starts amidst a mysterious disappearance.  Sahil Gujral is gone. Did he fall prey to the virus? Or is something more sinister at play? 2020 has changed the world forever, but for the Gujral family, the nightmare has just begun.Backed with a power-packed cast including Sanjay Kapoor, Arjun Mathur, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rukhsar Rehman, Lubna Salim, Indraneil Sengupta, Dibyendu Bhattacharya and produced by Bodhi Tree Multimedia, The Gone Game will stream on Voot Select from 20 August.

    Sukesh Motwani of Bodhi Tree Multimedia said, “It will not be wrong to say that we made it from scratch as we were working with very limited resources and shooting entirely from home. It was challenging but our entire team in association with Voot Select and Nikhil Nagesh Bhat built the concept and storyline of the show creatively without compromising on the output. We were lucky to have a fantastic cast and crew that collectively helped us put a great show together. We are certain that the audience are in for a thrilling ride.” 

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  • Sukesh Motwani on creating ‘The Gone Game’ during the pandemic

    Sukesh Motwani on creating ‘The Gone Game’ during the pandemic

    MUMBAI: Voot’s upcoming series The Gone Game explores how the spread of Covid2019, besides its health ramifications, has taken an emotional toll on people’s lives. The series is produced by Bodhi Tree Multimedia co-founder Sukesh Motwani, Mautik Tolia and creative producer Persis Siganporia. The series is directed by Nikhil Nagesh. The Gone Game is a thriller based on a family whose morale gets shaken when the main protagonist tests positive for Covid2019. This, in turn, sets the wheel churning for some dramatic and thrilling turn of events for the family.

    The thought of a potential crime with the backdrop of the pandemic in a large dysfunctional family is what got Motwani’s imagination running. His biggest priority was to maintain the quality of the show. He adds that the production house was deeply involved in almost all aspects of production and spent hours brainstorming on how to ensure that the audience does not feel that the actors were shooting in their respective homes virtually. He points out that there is not even a single frame when two actors met.

    Motwani gives a lot of the credit to director of photography Piyush Puty who was constantly guiding the actors on all technical aspects of the shoot. He also mentions that Puty identified the perfect spots within the house and went on to teach actors on how to create a block, light it and then perform. Puty aesthetically created spaces where the actors could shoot on their phones with minimal lighting.

    The team spent a lot of time getting the groundwork done over virtual meetings. Each and every aspect was discussed in detail to avoid unnecessary delays while shooting. Each team member was always connected via video or audio calls.

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    Locked at home, play a game, right? But #TheGoneGame leaves no winners. Coming soon, exclusively on #VootSelect. @vootselect A big thank you to the entire cast and crew Director: @nix_bhat Dop: @piyushputy Written by: @nix_bhat @mautiktolia #radhikaanand #ayeshasayed Edited By: #manishmistry #amitkumar Background Music: @adityan28 @nayantaramusic Sound Designer: @paralightsmusic Creative Director: @bhummika93 Producers: #sukeshmotwani @mautiktolia @djspersis Produced by: @bodhitreemultimedia Voot Select Team: @aparnaram @anupnvkadam @aakanshabisht Cast: @sanjaykapoor2500 @arjun__mathur @battatawada @shriya.pilgaonkar @rukhsarrehman @indraneilsengupta @dibyenduofficial @lubnamsalim @milindadhikari Associate Director: @eyeviewer Associate Creative: #nupurvashisht Casting Director: @the_ashutoshrai HOP: #arundubey Production Team: @joybanerjeekolkata #ashishreikhi #rohitghodke Accounts Head: #ravibhatt Admin Team: #rahulsingh #amilchavan Post Head: #viinodnanda Office Boys: #sanghpalsevale #sudhirminj

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    Motwani says, “Conceptualising and creating The Gone Game is a fine example of a blend of creativity and innovation. A story which propagates humanistic values, engagement and unpredictability will by itself draw audiences’ to itself. We have stayed true to our core of creating a perfect whodunit set against the backdrop of the pandemic.”

    He shares that the intrinsic rules of shoot remained the same. The team had invested a lot of time and effort in rehearsals and workshops before finally shooting. However, they were realistically prepared that this time shooting will take longer.

    “We knew we were up for a challenge when we set our minds to shooting the entire show remotely. While we equipped ourselves through numerous prep sessions with the actors, this shoot required us to be on our toes constantly. Our efforts were to make all the actors create their own blocks, shoot and yet maintain a sense of continuity and authenticity,” he adds.

    Motwani believes storytelling in the times of pandemic is extremely important. He thinks it is essential to entertain and inspire viewers with great content along with the thrilling experience that intrigues with darker aspects of the human psyche. “There is always a perfect story waiting to unfold, we just have to look at it creatively,” he concludes.