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Tag: Vikramaditya Motwane

  • Red Lorry Film Festival returns with a cinematic extravaganza

    Red Lorry Film Festival returns with a cinematic extravaganza

    MUMBAI: Dust off your cinephile credentials and brace yourself—the Red Lorry Film Festival is roaring back, bringing with it a truckload of nostalgia, storytelling genius, and enough cinematic gold to keep film buffs grinning for weeks! Curated by BookMyShow and presented by BookAChange, this festival is the ultimate paradise for cinephiles, bringing together over 120 legendary films spanning decades, genres, and unforgettable moments on the big screen.

    This year, the festival pays tribute to Indian cinema’s finest through two special segments: “Legacy Rewind” and “Timeless Tales”. From the magnetic charm of Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts to the masterful storytelling of Subhash Ghai, Vijay Anand, and Michael Mann, Red Lorry Film Festival is set to bring these cinematic gems back to the big screen.

    Legacy Rewind

    Celebrating 45 years of Subhash Ghai’s Karz (1980), the festival pays tribute to Indian cinema’s ‘Showman’ and his unforgettable musical thriller. “The magic of Karz still resonates today, and I am thrilled to share this milestone with fans,” said Ghai.

    Adding to the nostalgia, Mansoor Khan takes the audience back in time with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992). “These films hold a special place in my heart, and I’m honoured to see them celebrated again,” he shared.

    The legacy continues with Nasir Hussain’s iconic classics Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973) and Hum Kisise Kum Nahin (1977), marking 65 years of his unparalleled storytelling. Rajiv Rai, son of visionary Gulshan Rai, will present Johny Mera Naam (1970) and Deewaar (1975), celebrating 55 years of Trimurti Films. “My father’s films were ahead of their time, and their impact continues to inspire generations,” said Rai.

    The segment also honours Vijay Anand’s cinematic masterpieces like Teesri Manzil (1966), Jewel Thief (1967), and Johny Mera Naam (1970), bringing Indian cinema’s golden era back to the screen.

    Timeless Tales

    This festival isn’t just about Indian cinema—it’s a global celebration of cinema! Honouring the centennial birth anniversary of Guru Dutt, the festival presents one of his rare comedies, Mr. & Mrs. ‘55 (1955).

    Marking 70 years of Smita Patil’s legacy, her iconic performance in Mirch Masala (1987) will once again grace the silver screen. Hollywood royalty takes center stage too, with a 35 Anniversary screening of Julia Roberts’ Pretty Woman and a 30 Anniversary Imax edition of Brad Pitt’s psychological thriller Se7en.

    Adding to the international flavour, cinephiles can revisit French classics like Z (1969) and The Wages of Fear (1953), alongside Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls (1995) in a 30 anniversary showcase.

    Curated by acclaimed filmmaker Atul Sabharwal, the festival will present Michael Mann’s Heat (1995) and The Last of the Mohicans (1992). “These films are benchmarks in cinematic storytelling,” noted Sabharwal.

    Fans of contemporary cinema can rejoice as Vikramaditya Motwane’s Udaan (2010) marks its 15 anniversary at the festival. “Udaan was a deeply personal project, and seeing it celebrated at this festival is a surreal experience,” shared Motwane.

    Following a phenomenal debut in 2024, the Red Lorry Film Festival returns from 21-23 March 2025, in Mumbai as ‘Red Lorry Film Festival: Take 2’, and expands to Hyderabad with ‘Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse’.

    With over 120 meticulously curated films, interactive masterclasses, and discussions with industry greats, the festival promises an immersive experience for film lovers.

    Don’t miss out on this cinematic adventure! Grab your tickets and be part of history.

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  • Red Lorry Film Festival announces esteemed jury for 2025 Competition Segment

    Red Lorry Film Festival announces esteemed jury for 2025 Competition Segment

    MUMBAI: The spotlight is set, the reels are ready, and the magic of cinema is about to unfold once again.

    The Red Lorry Film Festival, India’s premier international celebration of storytelling, makes a grand return in 2025, promising a cinematic extravaganza like no other.

    With its second edition slated for 21–23 March 2025, the festival unveils a stellar jury panel for its Competition Segment, poised to evaluate the finest films of 2024. Adding to its allure, the festival ventures beyond Mumbai this year, introducing Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, weaving together a dual-city saga of cinematic brilliance.

    This year’s festival promises an immersive celebration of global cinema, featuring over 120 films spanning diverse languages, genres, and cultures. The newly introduced Competition Segment highlights exceptional talent across two categories:

    1    The Front Runners (Best Film): Recognising outstanding storytelling and technical excellence.

    2    Fresh Frames (Best Debut Film): Celebrating bold narratives from first-time filmmakers.

    Submissions for both categories remain open until 14 January 2025, offering filmmakers a chance to showcase their creativity on a global stage.

    The 2025 jury panel brings together an eclectic mix of luminaries celebrated for their contributions to storytelling and artistic innovation:

    1    Acclaimed filmmaker behind Udaan and Lootera, Vikramaditya Motwane expressed his excitement: “Cinema is a universal language and I am truly excited to celebrate its transformative power at Red Lorry Film Festival 2025. Festivals like these provide a platform for innovative voices and stories that push the limits of creativity and it’s an honour to be part of a space that celebrates and nurtures such bold, transformative storytelling.”

    2    Writer-director of Berlin and Jubilee, Atul Sabharwal highlighted, “Cinema is a mirror to society, capturing its complexities, dreams and unspoken truths. Red Lorry Film Festival stands as a beacon of innovation in cinema, celebrating bold storytelling and emerging talent that challenges perspectives and sparks meaningful conversations. I look forward to celebrating and amplifying voices that are redefining storytelling on the global stage and to witnessing the impact of stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.”

    3    Journalist and author, Kaveree Bamzai added, “This festival is a celebration of stories that connect us all, transcending boundaries and bringing us closer through shared experiences and emotions. In a world that is increasingly complex, I am thrilled to explore narratives that not only reflect its multifaceted beauty but also challenge us to think deeper, empathise more and celebrate the richness of human expression. Festivals like these remind us of the power of storytelling – to inform, inspire and transform – and I am honoured to be a part of this vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives.”

    4    PVR-Inox Cinemas executive director, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli shared, “At PVR Inox, we have always strived to push the boundaries of storytelling and offer audiences an unparalleled cinematic experience. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly aligns with our vision by celebrating creativity, diverse narratives and the transformative power of films. I am delighted to be part of a platform that not only showcases exceptional talent but also nurtures innovation and inclusivity in cinema.”

    5    Kathak dancer and actor, Prachee Shah Paandya said, “Cinema, much like dance, is a powerful expression of life – both are art forms that transcend words, evoke deep emotions and bring stories to life in a way that resonates universally. I am truly honoured to be part of a festival that fosters and celebrates emerging voices in filmmaking, providing a platform for fresh talent to shine and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of cinema. As someone who has had the privilege of representing India’s cultural heritage globally through dance and storytelling, I deeply value initiatives like this that champion creativity, diversity and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.”

    6    Award-winning filmmaker of Bareilly Ki Barfi and Panga, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari remarked, “Storytelling is the soul of human connection and cinema is one of its most powerful medium. I am honoured to be part of the Red Lorry Film Festival that celebrates the art of movie making and provides a platform for new and emerging voices to share their unique narratives. As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of stories to inspire, evoke change and bring us closer to our roots. Film Festivals like these not only encourage unique voices but also nurture and give an equal platform to the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that the magic of cinema continues to thrive and evolve from India to the world.”

    7    BookMyShow founder & CEO, Ashish Hemrajani joined as an honorary juror, stating, “At BookMyShow, we love storytellers, recognising the ability to inspire, connect and question the status quo. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly embodies this ethos – serving as a platform that celebrates cinematic excellence and also lends a voice to what’s pushing the boundaries of creativity. As an Honorary Juror, I am humbled and excited to witness first-hand the exceptional talent that emerges via this discovery. This festival is a testament to the potential of cinema to ignite imagination and hopefully leave a lasting impact on the world.”

    Led by BookMyShow COO – cinemas, Ashish Saksena, the festival is more than a cinematic showcase; it is a platform for fostering creative talent and celebrating storytelling’s transformative impact. Saksena shared, “We are thrilled to have such an exceptional panel of jurors, each bringing a unique perspective and deep understanding of storytelling. Their expertise and passion for cinema will undoubtedly enrich the festival and set the stage for discovering groundbreaking talent. The Red Lorry Film Festival is not just a celebration of films; it’s a platform that champions diverse voices, nurtures creativity and showcases the transformative power of storytelling. Audiences can look forward to an extraordinary experience that pushes the boundaries of cinematic innovation and inspires meaningful conversations.”

    Cinephiles can secure their festival passes exclusively on BookMyShow, starting at Rs 750. With a lineup that includes cultural performances, food zones, and tech showcases, the event promises an unforgettable cinematic journey.

    Key highlights of Red Lorry Film Festival 2025

    1    Competition Segment: Celebrating exceptional films in two categories.
    2    Music Concert: Featuring a top artist on Valentine’s Day.
    3    Global Cinema: Over 120 titles across languages and genres.
    4    Immersive Experiences: Cultural performances, travel competitions, and more

    For filmmakers and cinema lovers, true triumph lies not just in box-office millions but in the art of storytelling being seen, celebrated, and revered. This festival is your stage to shine, your story’s moment to connect with a global audience, and your chance to be part of a legacy of cinematic brilliance.

    Don’t let this opportunity pass – submit your films, secure your tickets, and step into the spotlight of recognition.

    The world is ready to applaud your story; all it takes is your first act.

    https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/red-lorry-film-festival/ET00418784

  • Prime Video continues its masterclass series at the SRFTI, Kolkata

    Prime Video continues its masterclass series at the SRFTI, Kolkata

    Mumbai: Prime Video successfully conducted a highly insightful masterclass on Creating Period Dramas for New Age Audiences at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. This is Prime Video’s second masterclass, following the maiden edition at FTII, Pune, and is a testament to Prime Video’s commitment to strengthening India’s creative economy as outlined in the Letter of Engagement (LoE) inked earlier this year between Amazon India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). Graced by Shri Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary, MIB, this masterclass featured award-winning filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and the highly versatile actor Sidhant Gupta, both representing the much-loved Amazon Originals series Jubilee, as well as Nikhil Madhok, Head of Hindi Originals, Prime Video, India.

    Building on the global success of Amazon Original Series Jubilee, this masterclass explored the art of creating outstanding period dramas such as this acclaimed series. Panelists provided insights into the creative process behind conceptualizing historical narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. The session underscored streaming’s transformative role in storytelling and filmmaking, offering diverse opportunities for creative and technical talent to experiment with various formats, themes, and genres.

    MIB Joint Secretary Shri Vikram Sahay said, “Incorporating the essence of our rich past and the legacy of our culture into contemporary storytelling not only enriches India’s soft power internationally but also provides a platform for the talent of tomorrow to take it even further. Shows like Jubilee speak volumes about our talent – not just the stars you see on- -screen, but even those behind the camera, the directors, scriptwriters, musicians, and singers. By embracing our heritage and presenting it in a modern context, we’re crafting narratives that resonate with global audiences while nurturing the creative minds that will shape the future of our entertainment industry. This has been the collective vision and endeavour of Amazon India and MIB joining hands to enable creative ecosystems in India.”  

    The collaboration between Amazon and MIB seeks to establish channels for nurturing creative talent in India, enhance the capabilities of prestigious film and television institutions, and exhibit ‘Made in India’ creative content on a global scale.

    “It’s vital for Prime Video to host these masterclasses and invest in India’s creative talent because we believe in the power of stories to inspire, educate, and entertain,” said Prime Video head of Hindi Originals Nikhil Madhok. “By providing a platform for emerging talent and seasoned industry professionals to come together, we are not just enriching the creative landscape but also fostering an environment where innovation and originality can thrive. Our commitment to such initiatives aligns with our mission to create exceptional content that resonates with diverse audiences globally, and these masterclasses are a testament to that vision.”

    Amazon Original series Jubilee creator and director Vikramaditya Motwane shared his perspective on writing multi-genre stories, “In the case of Jubilee, it was a conscious decision to merge the period drama with a murder mystery. Murder mystery as a genre has always been popular, it is one of my favourites. And I believe that if the story and characters resonate with the audience, the audience gets invested in what happens next – then episodic cliffhangers will get them to click on the next episode and encourage them to keep watching.”

    Sidhant Gupta, who garnered immense popularity after his role in Jubilee as Jay Khanna, talked about the need for research to build a character in a period drama, “Research is everything in a period drama. I led with curiosity and responsibility which made me feel safe and kept the fun alive. Start slowly, start with small questions and the big questions will find us. It’s living the dream and the process demands some heavy lifting. Playing a character is an endless finding, I can only ever feel prepared enough to be able to surrender. I believe it is okay to ask as many questions as you want while researching – by the time we reach the set, we don’t feel dependent – which is an unnecessary burden on the director.”

    Prime Video will be hosting additional masterclasses as part of its Letter of Engagement with MIB, at leading film institutions across the nation in the coming months.

  • Gritty stories depicting the realities of the entertainment industry

    Gritty stories depicting the realities of the entertainment industry

    Mumbai: Many films and shows have depicted the reality of showbiz. Some have romanticised the allure of cinema and the glamour world while others have depicted the heartbreak and disillusion that the industry inflicts upon strugglers. Here are a few such narratives that don’t gloss over the gritty realities strugglers have to face in the city of dreams.

    Heroine: Kareena Kapoor stars in a role that brings back memories of many top actors who shimmered brightly for a while but could not sustain success or find lasting personal happiness. Directed, written, and co-produced by Madhur Bhandarkar, the film also dwells upon gender politics, the role of yellow journalism, publicity gimmicks, and ageism in the industry. It also depicts how veteran actors are mistreated on sets and the way the market value of stars changes on the basis of their last release. It also stars Arjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda, Shahana Goswami, Raqesh Bapat, Divya Dutta, Helen,  Mugdha Godse, and Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. Watch it on Apple TV.

    Bombay Babes (Season 1 and 2): This iTap winner directed by Ashish Bhatia, revolves around a few young women who hope to make it big in Mumbai but then their dream auditions turn into nightmares. And their plans to carve a niche in the frenzied metro are derailed by predatorial men. How these women then join forces to avenge themselves and protect each other makes for a riveting watch. This Hindi web series stars Ruby Bharaj, Navneet Kaur, Surabhi Tiwari, Kanika Gupta and Shipra Dwivedi as the lead characters of Angel, Jenny, Dolly,  Farzeen, and Sandi respectively.  The show is an engrossing story of empowerment and self-discovery and is available on iTap.

    Fashion: Meghna, a small-town girl loses herself in the race to become the face of a top fashion brand on the city’s tallest hoarding. She becomes the most sought-after model,  trades love for success and soon loses her footing when she realises that fame is ephemeral and everyone is dispensable in the world of glamour. How she finds her own authentic self after losing everything is both a cautionary tale and a story of hope. This  Madhur Bhandarkar directorial starred Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Mugdha Godse in lead roles, with Arjan Bajwa, Samir Soni and Arbaaz Khan.  You can stream it on Netflix.

    Jubilee: This period drama created and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane reimagines the birth of the star system in pre and post-independence India through the events in Roy Talkies, a place where ambitious fame seekers flock to realise their dreams of stardom.  The show stars Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aparshakti Khurana, Sidhant Gupta, Aditi Rao Hydari, Wamiqa Gabbi and Ram Kapoor and begins with the search for a new actor who will be named  ‘Madan Kumar’.  In the race to be anointed as the new discovery of Roy Talkies, Binod, a projector boy does the unthinkable and becomes an unlikely star. Watch it on Amazon Prime.  

    Luck by Chance: ‘Luck by Chance’,  Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut stars Farhan Akhtar as Vikram Jaisingh, a ruthlessly ambitious actor who lives with her disapproving aunt in Mumbai and hopes to make it big one day. A chance meeting with Neena (Dimple Kapadia), a once-famous actress leads to an audition for a solo lead in a big production and he manipulates a rival to bag the role. He then betrays his girlfriend and aspiring actor Sona (Konkona Sen Sharma) and begins a relationship with his co-star. However,  when success arrives, he realises that it alone cannot bring happiness. Glittering with guest stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna, the film also starred Rishi Kapoor, Isha Sharvani, and Juhi Chawla. You can watch it on Netflix.

  • #HaveYouFollowed the brightest talent in Indian entertainment? Get up, close and personal with Twitter India’s new series

    #HaveYouFollowed the brightest talent in Indian entertainment? Get up, close and personal with Twitter India’s new series

    MUMBAI: Twitter, a space that connects people through the power of conversation, is set to bring you closer to some of the most promising talent across the entertainment industry in India. Launching the #HaveYouFollowed series, Twitter will be putting the spotlight on director AratiKadav (@AratiKadav), whose debut feature, the sci-fi film Cargo, has been appreciated by cinema lovers across the country. The initiative will also feature a Tweet chat between Arati and noted filmmaker VikramadityaMotwane (@VikramMotwane), the Executive Producer of Cargo and Arati’s mentor, on her journey, voice and future goals as a filmmaker.

    The #HaveYouFollowed series aims at engaging with some of the brightest talent from entertainment segments such as film, music, TV, web, comedy, literature, theatre, by bringing their work under the spotlight. By showcasing these artists, Twitter looks at giving them a space to connect with their fans as well as to inspire young aspirants to learn from their journeys.

    In the first leg of the series, AratiKadav via her handle @AratiKadav, shared 5 things that she wants people to know about her, and her work. She will also share an exclusive sneak peek to her next work.

    Talking about the activity,Arati commented, “As a newcomer in the entertainment industry, it feels joyful and energizing to be noticed and appreciated for your work. I have a lot of gratitude for the positive response my film Cargo has received from people across the country and on Twitter. I am thrilled to now make my debut on Twitter’s new#HaveYouFollowed series, and eagerly look forward to engaging and connecting with people directly.”

    As part of the activation, VikramadityaMotwane (@VikramMotwane) will have a conversation with Arati, asking her questions about the inspiration behind her work, her journey to becoming a filmmaker, and her favourite memories from Cargo. The interaction will take place using Twitter’s latestconversation settings that give people control over who can reply to their Tweet – everyone (this is the default setting), people one follows, or only people they mention. Fans on Twitter will be able to Tweet in their questions using the hashtags #HaveYouFollowed and #AskArati, and get to know her first hand.

    VikramadityaMotwane, too, shared his thoughts on the activation, saying, “I’ve worked with Arati very closely, and she’s an incredibly talented filmmaker. I am happy that through the new#HaveYouFollowed series, Twitter is turning the spotlight on well-deserving talent in the entertainment industry, and creating a fun space to promote interaction between them and those who admire their work.”

    Twitter India (@TwitterIndia) has also curated a List titled “#HaveYouFollowed”. A List is a curated group of Twitter accounts. While browsing online, it can get overwhelming to discover the latest conversations that one may find interesting. Hence, anyone can create their own Lists or follow Lists created by others, making it easier to find what they are looking for.

    Talking about the series, Cheryl-Ann Couto, Partnerships Manager at Twitter India, said, “Twitter’s audiences have always been super enthused about entertainment updates and often take over the service to appreciate and engage with their favourite artists. It only seemed fitting to take these conversations a step further by turning the spotlight on some of the brightest talent in Entertainment so that their fans and future fans know where to find and interact with them and their work. We’re excited to launch the #HaveYouFollowed series and hope to bring as many deserving artists and their work to people’s attention.”

    With subsequent episodes under #HaveYouFollowed series, the service would keep on adding the participating talent to this List, making it easier for people to follow them and get to know more about their work.

  • Netflix: Kashyap, Motwane to direct parallel ‘Sacred Games’, targeting 5-6 originals in a year

    Netflix: Kashyap, Motwane to direct parallel ‘Sacred Games’, targeting 5-6 originals in a year

    MUMBAI: Renowned filmmakers Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap have been commissioned to work on two parallel stories in Netflix’s maiden India-set original series ‘Sacred Games’ based on Vikram Chandra’s best-selling novel.

    The series, to be produced in partnership with Phantom Films, will be available to Netflix’ over 100 million subscribers in over 190 countries. Netflix plans to gradually increase Indian originals following its recent announcements of three projects. Netflix said it was targeting “at least five to six Indian originals a year.” Netflix’s other planned Indian originals are — Again and Selection Day.

    Competitor Amazon Prime announced 18 homegrown originals when the service launched in December, which are at various stages of production. It already premiered its first original — “Inside Edge.”

    About ‘Sacred Games,’ a Netflix executive said: “This is an ambitious storytelling. We have two directors following two different decades of what’s happening in the Mumbai crime underworld.”

    At Jio MAMI, Netflix VP – international original series Erik Barmack said that the series, shot on real locations in Mumbai, will delve into the city’s intricate web of organised crime, politics, corruption, and espionage.

    At the festival, a few images from the series were unveiled featuring actors Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddique. The show sees Khan playing the role of cop Sartaj Singh, while Siddiqui portrays gangster Ganesh Gaitonde. Barmack said that the storytelling format was quite amazing and hoped the show made a mark globally.

    Vikramaditya and Anurag will follow two characters. One is on the Gaitonde storyline, the other on Sartaj. They, of course, collide (eventually).

    If one thought of the conventional storytelling and where TV was 15 years ago, the idea that you could do these things in different time periods with anti-hero and complex characters was quite amazing, he said.

    Netflix would, Barmack said, like to see more Indian talent working on its US productions, as The Lunchbox’ Ritesh Batra lead its original film “Our Souls at Night.” Netflix also plans to introduce Indian actors in its US productions, such as Sense8 featured Tina Desai in a major role.

  • Rajkummar wins award for Trapped, ‘Shab’ Australian premiere on 18 Aug

    Rajkummar wins award for Trapped, ‘Shab’ Australian premiere on 18 Aug

    NEW DELHI: Actor Rajkummar Rao won WESTPAC Special Mention Best Actor Jury award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne for the survival drama Trapped released this year.

    Rajkummar won huge critical acclaim for the thriller helmed by award-winning filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane. The movie was recently nominated at the Melbourne Film Festival.

    At its world premiere at the Mumbai Film Festival earlier, the film had received a standing ovation. After a series of phenomenal successes, this nomination is another feather in his cap.

    Rajkummar’s highly anticipated movie Newton will also be premiered at this coveted film festival.

    Rao said, “Trapped was a very challenging film for me and I guess this recognition is the result of all the hard work put in by Vikram sir, me and the whole team. I wish to continue to be on this journey of exciting scripts and films”.

    Meanwhile, the Raveena Tandon starrer ‘Shab’ by Onir will have its Australian premiere on 18 August at the Indian Film Festival in Sydney. This is a three-day festival. The film also stars Ashish Bisht, Arpita Pal, Areesz Ganddi and Simon Frenay.

  • Graphic India ropes in Narendra Deshpande as senior VP of production & animation

    Graphic India ropes in Narendra Deshpande as senior VP of production & animation

    MUMBAI: Graphic India has announced the hire of veteran animation executive, Narendra Deshpande as senior vice president of production and animation. Deshpande will work closely with Graphic India’s Co-Founder and CEO, Sharad Devarajanand its EVP, Creative, Jeevan J. Kang, to scale up Graphic’s original animation production across television and digital platforms.

    “Narendra brings to Graphic India two decades of animation production experience and excellence and it’s our great honor to have him join us in our mission to create original Indian characters and stories that captivate the imaginations of audiences around the world,” said Devarajan. “With an ever increasing number of new animated shows in production and development, Narendra will oversee our production scale-up and build a world-class execution pipeline.”

    “After an enriching journey of 20 years in the animation industry, having learned a lot from each and every experience, I am now joining Graphic India with new hope and a new dream. With the intention to be more perfect, acquire more knowledge with open arms andaim to achieve great heights,” added Desphande. “With my dedication, devotion to my work and a bagful of new ideas, I had heard that if you ‘Choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life’, and that’s exactly what I am going to do as pleasure in work gives perfection. I believe in hard work to get desired results. No gains without pains. Looking forward to a fantastic time at Graphic India.”

    Graphic India is a character entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories through animation, comics and digital platforms. Graphic believes that India is home to some of the most creative talent in the world, with more than 500 million people under the age of 25 and more than 900 million mobile phone users in the country.

    The Company’s animated shows include, Chakra The Invincible, with superhero icon, Stan Lee and has appeared on Cartoon Network/Toonami as well as the Angry Birds ToonsTV platform.

    Phantom Films recently announced a partnership with Graphic for a live-action Bollywood film based on Chakra, to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Vikramaditya Motwane. They are also also working with acclaimed actor, Amitabh Bachchan on the launch of his first animated series, Astra Force, which will appear on Disney Channel later this year. It was also recently announced that Graphic India is working with filmmaker SS Rajamouli and Arka Media Works to create new content around the hit film,Baahubali.

    Graphic India is owned by U.S. comic book Company, Liquid Comics LLC, CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG) and NYC Media Group, Start Media.

  • Graphic India ropes in Narendra Deshpande as senior VP of production & animation

    Graphic India ropes in Narendra Deshpande as senior VP of production & animation

    MUMBAI: Graphic India has announced the hire of veteran animation executive, Narendra Deshpande as senior vice president of production and animation. Deshpande will work closely with Graphic India’s Co-Founder and CEO, Sharad Devarajanand its EVP, Creative, Jeevan J. Kang, to scale up Graphic’s original animation production across television and digital platforms.

    “Narendra brings to Graphic India two decades of animation production experience and excellence and it’s our great honor to have him join us in our mission to create original Indian characters and stories that captivate the imaginations of audiences around the world,” said Devarajan. “With an ever increasing number of new animated shows in production and development, Narendra will oversee our production scale-up and build a world-class execution pipeline.”

    “After an enriching journey of 20 years in the animation industry, having learned a lot from each and every experience, I am now joining Graphic India with new hope and a new dream. With the intention to be more perfect, acquire more knowledge with open arms andaim to achieve great heights,” added Desphande. “With my dedication, devotion to my work and a bagful of new ideas, I had heard that if you ‘Choose a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life’, and that’s exactly what I am going to do as pleasure in work gives perfection. I believe in hard work to get desired results. No gains without pains. Looking forward to a fantastic time at Graphic India.”

    Graphic India is a character entertainment company focused on creating leading characters, comics and stories through animation, comics and digital platforms. Graphic believes that India is home to some of the most creative talent in the world, with more than 500 million people under the age of 25 and more than 900 million mobile phone users in the country.

    The Company’s animated shows include, Chakra The Invincible, with superhero icon, Stan Lee and has appeared on Cartoon Network/Toonami as well as the Angry Birds ToonsTV platform.

    Phantom Films recently announced a partnership with Graphic for a live-action Bollywood film based on Chakra, to be directed by acclaimed filmmaker, Vikramaditya Motwane. They are also also working with acclaimed actor, Amitabh Bachchan on the launch of his first animated series, Astra Force, which will appear on Disney Channel later this year. It was also recently announced that Graphic India is working with filmmaker SS Rajamouli and Arka Media Works to create new content around the hit film,Baahubali.

    Graphic India is owned by U.S. comic book Company, Liquid Comics LLC, CA Media LP, the Asian investment arm of The Chernin Group, LLC (TCG) and NYC Media Group, Start Media.

  • ‘Masaan’ ticket sales sees spurt with word of mouth publicity

    ‘Masaan’ ticket sales sees spurt with word of mouth publicity

    MUMBAI: As has been seen with strong content films, a huge word of mouth buzz pushed Masaan ticket sales to double up by Saturday, 25 July afternoon in all the metros.

     

    The superlative reviews of the film have piqued the interest of cine-goers, which has in turn translated into box office sales.

     

    In spite of facing huge competition from big blockbusters like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Bahubali, and less number of shows, the film has managed to stand on its own and was playing house full by Saturday noon at most screens in the metros. The small towns though still are warming up to this film, but the producers feel that the Masaan promotions in the small towns will also pay and sales will be stable throughout the week.

     

    The film, which has opened in around 250 screens in the country, is looking stable to go in the second week with more shows.

     

    Drishyam Films’ Manish Mundra said, “Excellent reviews coupled with very strong word of mouth has resulted in full house in all most all major multiplexes in urban centers on Saturday. We are confident that Masaan will sustain in theatres for good number of weeks making it also a success at the box office along with being critical acclaimed.”

     

    Phantom Films’ Vikramaditya Motwane added, “The strong word of mouth and the super reviews have added to the buzz around the film, and the ticket sales have gone up by almost double on Sat. This reinstates our belief in good content and we hope the audience will keep spreading the appreciation and we will have a good weekday tickets’ sales too.”