ITV

Tag: Vineet Kumar Singh

  • Stories from the heartland go global

    Stories from the heartland go global

    MUMBAI: Stories that stay rooted, yet take flight, that’s the new India calling. At FICCI Frames 2025, a star-studded panel on “Local Roots, Global Reach: Indian Storytelling from the Heartland” turned into a masterclass on why stories told with heart are now travelling the farthest.

    Moderated by broadcast journalist Anuradha Sengupta, the session featured The Viral Fever president Vijay Koshy, actors Neena Gupta, Pratik Gandhi, Faisal Malik, and Vineet Kumar Singh, voices that have lived and shaped India’s storytelling renaissance.

    “Anything that comes from the heart will touch the heart,” said Neena Gupta, drawing applause as she spoke of how authenticity, not algorithms, drives real connection.

    Pratik Gandhi reflected on his own journey after Scam 1992, “Stories can come from anywhere, but emotions are universal,” he added, noting how success opened creative doors rather than data dashboards.

    Vijay Koshy traced this evolution from Youtube freedom to OTT patronage. “We learnt the hard way in the digital world. Platforms are the new patrons, much like kings once funded artists,” he said, recalling how Panchayat, a show rejected by many, went on to become a cultural phenomenon precisely because “nothing was happening” in it.

    For Vineet Kumar Singh, heartland tales are India’s timeless truth. “Whether it’s Mother India or Panchayat, every story that mirrors real life finds its way to people’s hearts,” he said, reflecting on how viewers discover themselves in the stories of small towns and forgotten bylanes.

    Neena Gupta, ever candid, summed it up, “I think we should always try to go to the resources you have,” underlining how creators can draw on their own experiences and surroundings to tell authentic stories.

    The discussion also delved into the shifting sands of streaming. Sengupta reminded the panel that subscription models are giving way to ad-led formats. Koshy, however, remained optimistic. “We are not afraid. Authenticity will always survive,” he said with quiet conviction.

    As the session wrapped, Vineet shared a moving anecdote about Supermen of Malegaon, a small-town film that won hearts globally. “When it ended at the Toronto International Film Festival, the applause didn’t stop. That’s the power of stories from our soil,” he smiled.

    From villages to viral screens, India’s storytellers seem to have found their sweet spot: telling tales that are homegrown, heartfelt, and now, truly world-bound.

  • Chhaava conquers TV with 39.2m viewers after Rs 800 crore box office run

    Chhaava conquers TV with 39.2m viewers after Rs 800 crore box office run

    MUMBAI: From storming cinemas to ruling living rooms, Chhaava has proved unstoppable. After notching up a staggering Rs 800 crore at the box office, Vicky Kaushal’s historical epic has broken fresh ground on television, with its World TV Premiere on Star Gold on 17 August pulling in a massive 39.2 million viewers across India the biggest non-franchise TV debut of 2025.

    Timed around Independence Day, the event was more than just a premiere, it was a cultural celebration. For the first time, Chhaava was simulcast in both Hindi and Marathi, bringing the saga of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to audiences in the language of its land. Star Gold doubled down on the spectacle with a special roundtable featuring Vicky Kaushal, Divya Dutta, Vineet Kumar Singh and director Laxman Utekar, along with deleted scenes that gave fans extra reasons to cheer.

    The cast and creators couldn’t hide their excitement at the film’s record-breaking second act. “I’m overwhelmed by the love Chhaava continues to receive,” said Vicky Kaushal, calling it “truly special” that the story reached every home. Director Laxman Utekar hailed the response as proof that “audiences are eager for powerful, rooted stories,” while producer Dinesh Vijan credited the Maddock–Star Gold partnership for helping the epic connect with millions more.

    The emotional high was shared across the board. “This record-breaking premiere proves that hard work and a compelling story will always find its audience,” said Vineet Kumar Singh, while Divya Dutta called the film’s reception “a testament to the power of a good story.” With Rashmika Mandanna, Akshaye Khanna, and a stellar ensemble rounding out the cast, Chhaava has cemented its status as one of 2025’s defining blockbusters, a spectacle that’s as at home on TV screens as it was in theatres.

  • ITV Network honours UP’s bravest at Shaurya Samman 2025

    ITV Network honours UP’s bravest at Shaurya Samman 2025

    MUMBAI: Heroes aren’t born; they are forged in the fires of courage and sacrifice.

    While the nation sleeps, they stand guard, embodying resilience and patriotism.

    The Shaurya Samman 2025, hosted by ITV Network and India News at Lucknow’s iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, became a beacon of gratitude on 6 January, illuminating the heroic tales of Uttar Pradesh’s police, paramilitary, and army personnel. In a night of honour and reverence, leaders, dignitaries, and citizens united to celebrate those who shield the nation’s soul with unflinching determination and unmatched bravery.

    Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath graced the occasion as the chief guest and presented the Shaurya Samman awards to the families of fallen heroes, including Lance Naik Martyr Sudama Ram, Major Martyr Narendra Kumar Tuli, and Martyr captain Manoj Pandey, among others. Adityanath also honoured retired major Dhirendra Nath Singh, a Veer Chakra awardee for his gallant efforts during the 1965 war.

    The chief minister lauded ITV Network’s initiative, emphasising that paying homage to the sacrifices of martyrs is a fundamental duty that fosters national unity. “A martyr’s sacrifice defines a community’s essence, infusing society with renewed vitality,” he stated. He further highlighted the pivotal role of security forces in safeguarding the nation under arduous conditions and referenced PM Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, urging collective effort in achieving this ambitious goal.

    The Shaurya Samman ceremony also recognised UP’s leading figures from various walks of life, including actors Vineet Kumar Singh, Kushal Tandon, and Aahana Kumra. Dignitaries like Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma and deputy CM Brajesh Pathak commended the state’s police force for its relentless efforts in maintaining law and order. ADG Amitabh Yash reaffirmed Uttar Pradesh’s strengthened security framework, while Pathak highlighted the state’s strides toward development and safety.

    The Sunday Guardian Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma extended gratitude to Adityanath and reaffirmed ITV Network’s commitment to honouring the nation’s brave-hearts. “We remain steadfast in recognising the sacrifices and service of our heroes, ensuring their legacy inspires generations,” she said.

    The event underscored the vital importance of honouring those who ensure national security and called for a continued commitment to fostering an equitable and secure society.

  • ‘Match Fixing’ to release in theatres on 15 November

    ‘Match Fixing’ to release in theatres on 15 November

    Mumbai: Directed by Kedaar Gaekwad, the political thriller Match Fixing will hit theatres on 15 November. The makers unveiled a motion poster of the film to announce the same.

    The film stars Vineet Kumar Singh, celebrated for his compelling performances, alongside Anuja Sathe and Manoj Joshi, with a script penned by Anuj S. Mehta. Produced by Pallavi Gurjar under Artarena Creations, the film draws inspiration from Kanwar Khatana’s controversial book, The Game Behind Saffron Terror.

    The film explores the murky world of political conspiracies and alleged collusion between India and Pakistan’s intelligence agencies.

    A gripping tale inspired by real events, Match Fixing sheds light on a series of blasts and terror attacks that, as the book suggests, were orchestrated under a ruling political dispensation to implicate a few prominent members of the opposition parties.

    With a release date locked for 15 November, Match Fixing will certainly appeal to audiences interested in political thrillers, especially those intrigued by the complex dynamics between India and Pakistan.

  • Netflix offers first episode of ‘Bard of Blood’ free for non-members

    Netflix offers first episode of ‘Bard of Blood’ free for non-members

    MUMBAI: Netflix is offering the first episode of Bard of Blood for a limited time to non-members of leading OTT platform. The strategy behind this move is to attract as many viewers as possible to the platform.

    According to the ET reports the episode is currently accessible through Netflix homepage and the Bard of Blood show listing on the platform and can be viewed across all web browsers on desktop and Android devices. Support for iOS devices seems missing, although those users will be able to generate a link by entering their email address and watch it on supported devices.

    For the rest of the episodes viewers will be made to subscribers to Netflix. The offering of initial episode by Netflix is made to hook the viewers on the story of Bard Of Blood.

    "At Netflix, we try different ways to bring people closer to great stories. We believe many people will find the thrilling story of spy Kabir Anand very appealing and are excited to make the first episode of the series available to everyone for a limited time. In the future, we will consider if we will do this for other films and series,” the company said in a statement.

    Bard of Blood is an Indian fictional spy thriller web television series based on the 2015 espionage novel of the same name by Bilal Siddiqi. Directed by Ribhu Dasgupta and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment, the series stars Emraan Hashmi in the lead role along with Kirti Kulhari, Vineet Kumar Singh, Jaideep Ahlawat and Sobhita Dhulipala.It is a seven-episode series that revolves around the story of an ex-RAW agent. The series premiered on 27 September 2019 on Netflix.