MUMBAI: Zee5 is bringing back the much-celebrated Zee5 Manoranjan Festival this March, offering a vast selection of films free of charge. Running from 1 to 30 March 2025, this special initiative aims to delight audiences across India and global markets with an exciting lineup of blockbuster hits, acclaimed dramas, action thrillers, and comedies all without any subscription fee.
This month-long festival marks Zee5’s most significant expansion in the ad-supported streaming space, reinforcing its commitment to making premium entertainment accessible to millions. The initiative enhances Zee5’s position as a pioneer in democratising digital content while strengthening its advertising-driven model.
The Manoranjan Festival will showcase an impressive range of films, including Raksha Bandhan, Haddi, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Uunchai, Kadak Singh, and Khichdi 2 in Hindi, Vikram and Yanai in Tamil, Super Sharanya and Queen Elizabeth in Malayalam, Babe Bhangra Paunde Ne in Punjabi, and Ghost in Kannada, among others.
A Zee5 spokesperson expressed, “We strive to make high-quality entertainment more accessible to audiences everywhere. The Zee5 Manoranjan Festival reflects our mission to provide premium content at no cost, allowing viewers to enjoy a vibrant mix of films throughout March. This Holi, we invite families to celebrate with unlimited entertainment on Zee5.”
MUMBAI: When you have been distributing sports channels for more than 20 years as a TV distribution executive, it gives you a first-hand look at the game of cricket than possible otherwise. And that’s what’s prompted Sony Pictures Networks Distribution India vice-president of sales Vikram Vijay Chandan to pen a book about the sport and its applicability to life.
Called Love Life and Cricket, the book has made its debut on Amazon. The cricket-mad Vikram has been podcasting about cricket for a while now and draws parallels between life and the game in every situation. He penned the book over four years, while holding his day job at Sony, meeting cable operators and executives at DTH platform doing deals to carry the Sony sports channels.
“This book is a culmination of my journey, experiences and learnings around the game I love,” said he on linkedin. “Cricket, often referred to as a religion in India, is more than just a game. It’s a reflection of life itself. Just as cricket has its ups and downs, life too has its share of triumphs and tribulations. Love, in its purest form, is the glue that holds relationships together. Just as a batsman and bowler engage in a beautiful dance, love is the harmony that exists between two people.In cricket, every ball is a new opportunity, just like every day in life. We must seize each moment, just as a fielder seizes a catch, and make the most of it. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, cricket reminds us of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. And just as love conquers all, cricket too has the power to unite people across cultures and borders.So, let’s cherish the love, live life to the fullest, and enjoy the game of cricket – for in its simplicity lies a profound beauty that reflects the very essence of human existence.”
Based in Gurugram, Vikram has also been expressing his thoughts and views about action on the ground through his Instagram handle and his opinions have got more than 20 million views.
Love Life and Cricket has been published by Beeja House which is run by the mentor of writers Geetika Saigal.
You can get onto Amazon and buy your copy by clicking on the link: Love Life and Cricket
Mumbai: Leading Indian content studio Jio Studios and Studio Green Films, a premiere film production and distribution company owned by K.E. Gnanavelraja have joined hands for the highly anticipated and ambitious film THANGALAAN’ written and directed by Tamil cinema’s highly acclaimed filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, starring Indian cinema’s iconic actor ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram. THANGALAAN is currently in post-production and its release date shall be announced shortly. This historical adventure will release globally in cinemas in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi languages in a grand manner soon.
Amidst mounting anticipation for the film’s release, the team commemorated the occasion of ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram’s birthday today with a special treat for fans by releasing a captivating video that unveiled some glimpses of the eagerly awaited THANGALAAN, celebrating Vikram’s stunning transformation – a mesmerising tribute on his special day.
Commenting on the tribute video on Vikram’s birthday, director Pa.Ranjith said, “Thangalaan is a vision to present a historical adventure story based on true events, backed by phenomenal effort from Vikram sir and the entire team. I am quite excited Jio Studios, India’s leading content studio is joining hands with our producer Studio Green K.E. Gnanavelraja to present the film. I am confident the film will reach the globe and the targeted audience with the might of Jio Studios. On the occasion of Vikram sir’s birthday, this tribute video is to showcase the efforts put in by Vikram sir, which helped the film to get its due attention and create huge expectations”.
Vikram is one of the top actors in Tamil cinema with a massive fan following and is celebrated for his diverse roles. Highly decorated ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram is a National Award-winner, seven times Filmfare award winner, and won five awards from Tamil Nadu State government for his performances. Highly respected for his commitment and professionalism, Vikram is extremely popular for renowned films like ‘Sethu’, ‘Kasi’, ‘Dhill’, ‘Dhool’, ‘Gemini’, ‘Saamy’, ‘Anniyan’, ‘Pitha Magan’, ‘I’, ‘Raavanan’, ‘Deivathirumagal’, ‘Iru Mugan’, ‘Cobra’, ‘Mahaan’, ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1 & 2’.
THANGALAAN stars ‘Chiyaan’ Vikram, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Malavika Mohanan, Pasupathi, Harikrishnan Anbudurai with music direction by G.V. Prakash Kumar. The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande of Jio Studios and K.E. Gnanavelraja of Studio Green Films.
Set against the backdrop of the historic Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in the early 1900’s, THANGALAAN is poised to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative from real-life events. It is a historical adventure that narrates the erased role of oppressed communities in the exploration of gold in South of India. Since its announcement, the film has garnered immense interest and is among the most anticipated releases in South cinema in 2024.
MUMBAI: Zee Cinema is all geared up for the World Television Premiere of Shankar’s Magnum Opus ‘I’. A modern day love story of a man selflessly giving up his own dreams to fulfil those of his soul mate, ‘I’ starring National award winner Vikram and the emerging queen of Bollywood Amy Jackson will air on Saturday, 27 June at 8 pm.
Shot across exquisite locations in China, where no other Indian film has ever been, ‘I’ hosts stunning visual effects handled by Weta Workshop that helmed mega Hollywood movies like Avatar, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. With 2 and half years in the making ‘I’ was one of the most challenging films of Vikram’s career. The film exhibits him in four different looks where he had to undergo 3-4 hours of prosthetic make up to sport the look of a hunchback and a beast in the film. Inspired by his real life hero, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vikram achieved a chiselled physic of a bodybuilder in the film and then went on to lose 30 kgs to portray a lean and fit model who falls head over heels in love with gorgeous model Diya played by Amy Jackson.
The film has broken many records and is the only film in the year to garner 300 Crores at the box office. It was also for the first time that the teaser of any Indian film hit 2 Million views in just 24 hours of its launch.
Zee Hndi Movie Channels deputy business head Ruchir Tiwari stated, “A masterpiece in the true sense, ‘I’ is the biggest blockbuster of 2015. Encapsulating the romance, mystery and thrill, the film is a complete family entertainer. At Zee Cinema, we stand true to our promise of delivering top notch ‘Movies.Masti.Magic’ experiences and with the World Television Premiere of ‘I’ we are fulfilling that commitment to our audiences.”
‘I’ also marks another successful collaboration of Shankar and musical genius AR Rehman. The film delivers a melodious and scintillating soundtrack completely in relevance to the film’s romantic theme.
MUMBAI: Director Shankar’s much hyped project starring Vikram, has opened to tremendous response from the audience. I, which released on 14 January, 2015, opened to Rs 34.74 crores worldwide and also stars Amy Jackson, Upen Patel, Suresh Gopi and Santhanam.
I was also released in various parts of North India. In Andhra Pradesh and Nizam, the Telugu dubbed version of the film has also set the cash registers ringing with Rs 10.45 crore at the box office.
While the film has been garnering mixed reviews, it has managed to rake in Rs 9.62 crore at the box office.
However if we compare first day collections, I is still far behind Rajinikanth’s Lingaa (Rs 12.8 crore) and Vijay’s Kaththi (Rs 12.5 crore) in the Tamil Nadu box office.
NEW DELHI: The trailer of director Shankar’s much-awaited film I has clocked over two million views in 24 hours on Sony Music India’s YouTube channel, the fastest for any Indian film.
Shankar, known for path breaking movies like Gentleman, Kadhalan, Indian,Enthiran, Anniyan, Nanban and 16December is casting Vikram and Amy Jackson for his latest flick.
Talking about the new record, Sony Music India’s south head Ashok Parwani said, “This is a first for us too, we have not witnessed such a huge pick up for any trailer. I will set new benchmarks across the film industry and we are proud to be associated with the magnum opus.”
Weta Workshop, the company behind Peter Jackson’s film trilogy The Lord of the Rings, has worked on the digital make-up and background arts for the film.
Produced by Aascar Films’ V Ravichandran, the music of the movie is by Grammy Award winner AR Rahman. Set to release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam and in all major Indian languages on 24 October, I will be the first Indian film to be dubbed into Chinese.
The movie’s music launch in Chennai was the talk of the nation with Hollywood Star Arnold Schwarzenegger as the chief guest at the spectacle. The evening witnessed a bevy of stars from the film industry with AR Rahman‘s music mesmerizing the stadium of 5000 fans and actor Vikram’s performance leaving everyone spell bound.
MUMBAI: Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived amidst tight security at the Chennai airport to attend the audio launch of Vikram-starrer romantic thriller titled ‘I‘.
The audio launch will take place on 15 September evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, where the star of the Terminator film series will share the dais with Tamil movie superstar Rajinikanth. AR Rahman is also said to perform all the songs from the album live at the event and will be supported by dancers, who will perform wearing the actual costumes and make-up from the film.
Filmed across eight countries and set to music by AR Rahman, I was directed by Shankar. The movie also stars Amy Jackson, Suresh Gopi and Upen Patel in lead roles and is expected to hit screens during Diwali. The film was produced and distributed by Venu Ravichandran under his production banner, Aascar Films.
The 67-year star has a jam-packed schedule for the day. According to media reports, the actor is also scheduled to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa before the launch.
“Arnold arrived with his entourage this morning. He is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in the afternoon. His team had sent a special request for the meeting,” a source from the film’s unit told IANS.
Born 30 July 1947, the Austrian-born American actor, former professional bodybuilder and the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011, Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title at age 20. Schwarzenegger gained fame as a Hollywood action film icon in “The Terminator” – one of his best-known movie roles.
MUMBAI: Reliance Entertainment‘s Neil Nitin Mukesh-starrer David has not released in the UAE. The thriller was due to release on Thursday.
The Hindi language film is still under review, while the film‘s Tamil version, with a slightly different cast and storyline, was released as scheduled.
Media Content Tracking Department director Juma Obaid, “The Hindi version of David has extra scenes that we have to see closely. We will need to watch it again.” His team is scheduled to review the film again today.
Cinemas in Dubai confirmed that tickets were available for the Tamil-language film while the Hindi version has been taken off.
Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, the thriller traces the lives of three individuals by the same name David. The three stories are set in three different time periods.
In the Hindi version, Mukesh plays a gangster, whose story could be a part of the objected portions. But the Tamil version starring actors Vikram and Jiva does not feature the character.
MUMBAI: Cheil Worldwide SW Asia has made senior level appointments.
The agency has brought on board Ravi Narain as executive creative director, Sanjeev Hajela as senior vice president BTL South West Asian markets, Vikram Bhardwaj as DGM interactive and Saswati Sinha as head human resources.
Narain moves in from Emaar MGF where he was vice president marketing and designs, while Hajela joins from the DDB Mudra Group where he was president retail and way finding business. Bhardwaj‘s last stint was with ThoughtBuzz India where he was country head while Sinha was with Evalueserve.
Cheil WW SW Asia COO Alok Agrawal said, “Cheil India is expanding at a rapid pace and as a fully integrated, one solution agency we offer a great opportunity for growth of talent. With Ravi, Sanjeev, Vikram on board we see more client successes and acquisitions coming our way. Saswati‘s joining us also demonstrates the power of brand Cheil even for Human Resource management.”
Prior to joining Emaar MGF, Narian has also worked with Bates David Enterprise Advertising as ECD, Contract Advertising as associate vice president, Foote Cone & Belding in Toronto, and associate creative director with Grey Advertising.
Hajela comes in with over 25 years of experience in marketing. Prior to DDB Mudra Group, he has also worked with ITC (tobacco Division), Brown Forman Beverages Worldwide LG chemicals- Korea, and Primesite- New Delhi. In the last 11 years, he worked in various positions including the vice president and head of national Sales.
Bhardwaj brings with him almost 10 years of marketing management expertise and resourceful insight in strategic marketing methodologies. He has also worked with Jet Airways, WNS and Annik Technology Services. Of late, his focus has been on making significant contributions to online marketing and offering strategies on social media management and planning.
Sinha comes with more than 13 years of experience across industries. She started her career in the manufacturing industry and moved on to IT Media. She moved on to Advertising in 2006 as HR Director to Delhi JWT.
MUMBAI: Radio One 94.3 launches operations in Chennai tomorrow after 9 days of test runs in the southern city.
The past few days have seen the station gearing up for the Chennai launch with promotional activities which included branding its name and logo on tea stalls across Chennai to garner more visibility.
A Mid Day Multimedia Limited and BBC Worldwide venture, Radio One is already present in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Chennai will be the FM station’s fourth foray.
Speaking on the issue of how it would take on some of the bigger more established radio stations like Surya and Radio Mirchi, Radio One station head LV Navaneet said, “These are major players and more established as they had the first mover advantage. Radio One will concentrate on
content and attitude to position itself. In fact content is at the centre of our universe.”
The channel is looking at a target group of 20 to 30-year-olds and the content and the feel of the radio station leans towards the youth.
“The focus will be on fast tempo Tamil music because this is what the youth in Chennai are more interested in. And this fast, racy music will be played throughout the day. Even if you switch on the channel at 6 o’clock in the morning, the music that will greet you will be up tempo not slow spiritual sounds,” according to Navaneet. In fact he goes on to mention that no melodies pre 1990 will be played on the station.
The sound of the station is also young in keeping with its youth centric theme. Most of the RJs on the station were selected through a RJ hunt and the criteria was to have the right attitude to be part of Radio One.
On D-day, the station plans to start the day with a celebrity RJ hosting a 2-hour show where the celebrity will talk about issues that affect him in the city and grouses faced by the city’s denizens. “Mumbai and Delhi are perceived as rocking cities by people who live there and even outside.
Chennai, on the other hand, is not considered cool enough. With this initiative we want to instill a sense of pride within Chennaiites, make 2007 a year to celebrate Chennai.”
The celebrity RJ concept sure seems to be catching on as the show will be flagged off with television actor Vijay Adhiraj taking on the airwaves and over the weeks 50 other celebrities will host the show. Other stars lined up on the station include film stars like Vikram and Surya.
Another unique initiative is a team of journalists who will scour the city in search of news, views and opinions focused on the Chennai youth. This will be used as part of regular programming by the various RJs on their shows.
Radio One will soon launch more stations in Pune, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
