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Tag: Vinod Bhanushali

  • Warner Bros. signs five-film desi deal to remake its classics for Indian cinema screens

    Warner Bros. signs five-film desi deal to remake its classics for Indian cinema screens

    MUMBAI: Hollywood’s muscle just got a Mumbai makeover. In a landmark alliance that promises paisa vasool and popcorn, Warner Bros. Pictures has joined hands with Bhanushali Studios Limited (BSL) and Joat Films to remake five of its legendary films for the Indian market. This isn’t just a Hindi-meets-Hollywood tale—it’s a calculated move to blend global blockbusters with India’s narrative spice and masala magic.

    The deal will see the studios collaborate to develop Indian adaptations of iconic Warner Bros. Pictures titles. The reimagined films will retain their emotional heart but undergo a full Indian cultural reset. Warner Bros. Pictures will handle global distribution, indicating a wide international rollout.

    “India represents one of the world’s most vibrant and sophisticated film markets, with audiences who deeply appreciate authentic, locally rooted narratives. This partnership allows us to combine our storytelling heritage with exceptional local talent to create films that will resonate profoundly with Indian audiences while maintaining the universal appeal that defines great cinema”, said Warner Bros. Pictures VP & MD India Denzil Dias.

    BSL founder Vinod Bhanushali echoed the excitement, stating, “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Warner Bros. Pictures, a studio that has shaped cinematic history across generations. This collaboration represents a unique opportunity to reimagine the stories by Warner Bros. Pictures through an Indian creative lens, blending emotion, scale, and culture for audiences both at home and internationally”.

    Jack Nguyen of Joat Films will co-produce the films under his first-look deal with Warner Bros. Pictures. Nguyen, a seasoned industry executive with over 30 years of experience in Asian productions, set up Joat to independently back cinematic projects with regional depth.

    “I’m excited to partner with BSL to adapt Warner Bros. Pictures on titles that will resonate with Indian audiences”, Nguyen said. “Warner Bros. Pictures has an unparalleled library from which we will carefully curate select titles for the vibrant Indian market”.

    BSL’s recent critical success Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai bagged five Filmfare OTT Awards in 2023, including Best Web Original Film—cementing the studio’s rising stock in India’s storytelling ecosystem.

    Development for the first project under the alliance is currently underway, with casting calls and crew reveals expected in the coming months.

    The strategic move underscores Warner Bros. Pictures’ intent to deepen its global roots by embracing local storytelling formats in high-potential markets. As international studios increasingly eye India for both eyeballs and box office returns, this five-film pact could signal a new genre of big-budget ‘Indiwood’ collaborations.

  • Bhanushali Studios and Aaz Films roll camera on new alliance

    Bhanushali Studios and Aaz Films roll camera on new alliance

    MUMBAI: It’s lights, camera, collaboration! Bhanushali Studios Ltd. and Aaz Films have inked a strategic partnership to co-produce a fresh slate of mainstream films designed to woo cinephiles from the heartland to the high-rises. The new banner promises everything from soulful romances to edge-of-your-seat dramas — all with box-office buzz in mind.

    At the helm are Bhanushali Studios Ltd  chairman & MD Vinod Bhanushali, and of Aaz Films’ Himanshu Mehra, with filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar jumping aboard as creative producer.

    The first project under the pact is set to roll in June 2025, with more titles and starry cast details to be revealed soon.

    “Ali, Himanshu and I have always admired each other’s work. When the opportunity to collaborate came up, it felt like the perfect time. These films will tell compelling stories and create a strong connect between heartland and urban audiences,” said Bhanushali. 

    Mehra echoed the excitement: ““We are excited about this strategic collaboration focused on heartland cinema. This partnership opens doors for young, fresh storytellers to bring their vision to the big screen.”

    Ali Abbas Zafar, known for his masala-meets-mettle filmmaking style, added, “Bhanushali Studios Ltd. and Aaz Films share the same passion for telling impactful, mainstream stories. This collaboration aims to deliver content that resonates deeply with today’s audience.”

    With the creative dream team in place and the first shoot just around the corner, this partnership is set to script a blockbuster chapter in Indian mainstream cinema.

  • Former SPNI head honcho Neeraj Vyas joins Vinod Bhanushali as his studio’s CEO

    Former SPNI head honcho Neeraj Vyas joins Vinod Bhanushali as his studio’s CEO

    MUMBAI: When Neeraj Vyas put in his papers at Sony Pictures Networks India mid-last  year, speculation was running high where the veteran broadcaster who built Sony Sab into a successful brand would be headed.  Well, we know now – to Bhanushali Studios Ltd  (BSL) as its CEO. The announcement was made a short while ago by Vinod himself on linkedin.

    Said Vinod: “ With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Neeraj brings visionary leadership and a passion for innovation. We look forward to harnessing his expertise, creativity, and strategic vision to drive growth, amplify creativity, and propel the studio to new heights. Here’s to a bright and inspiring future ahead.”

    Vinod, has in recent times, been displaying lots of chutzpah, after leaving T-Series around four years ago. Amongst his most recent partnerships was his taking equity in Hansal Mehta and Sahil Saigal’s True Story Films along with former Ksera Sera boss Parag Sanghvi. BSL has been the production house behind  titles such as Janhit Mein Jaari, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, Main Atal Hoon and Bhaiyya Ji.

  • Vinod Bhanushali & Parag Sanghvi invest in Hansal Mehta’s & Sahil Saigal’s True Story Films

    Vinod Bhanushali & Parag Sanghvi invest in Hansal Mehta’s & Sahil Saigal’s True Story Films

    MUMBAI: Vinod Bhanushali has got a great catch in his bag. The former T-series executive now turned producer has invested along with film producer and former managing director of K Sera Sera Parag Sanghvi in film maker Hansal Mehta and Sahil Saigal’s production house True Story Films.  No details of the amount of investment being pumped in by the two were provided but estimates are that Sanghvi and Bhanushali have committed to bring in at least Rs 75 crore in funds into the company to start with. Company officials were not available to confirm or deny the amount. 

    Hansal is known for films and series such as  Shahid, Citylights, Aligarh, Scam 1992, and Scoop, while Sahil is known for Faraaz and The Buckingham Murders. 

    True Story Films aims to deliver high-quality content across cinema and streaming platforms, with Mehta taking on the dual role of producer and director, with  Saigal handling  business operations.

    The production house plans to develop a diverse slate of projects, including feature films and digital originals, spanning genres like dramas, thrillers, romances, comedies, and inspiring real-life stories. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the company intends to work with both seasoned filmmakers and emerging creative talent. True Story Films has set an ambitious production target of projects worth approximately Rs 500 crores, with the first releases expected in early 2026.
     

    “True Story Films is not just a production house; it’s the realisation of a dream to craft meaningful narratives that challenge norms and resonate deeply with audiences,” said Hansal.  “With Sahil Saigal’s expertise and shared vision, we are committed to creating stories that provoke thought, entertain, and leave a lasting impact.”

    Bhanushali expressed his enthusiasm: “Partnering with Hansal Mehta is a step towards pushing creative boundaries and delivering unforgettable cinematic experiences. His visionary storytelling aligns perfectly with our passion for impactful narratives.”

    Parag Sanghvi added: “Hansal’s ability to create socially relevant and engaging stories is unparalleled. Supporting True Story Films is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful and groundbreaking content for audiences globally.”

  • Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to premiere on ZEE5

    Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to premiere on ZEE5

    Mumbai: ZEE5 announced the world digital premiere of ‘Bhaiyya Ji,’ a high-octane action revenge drama marking Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film in the industry. Following the immense success of ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ which recently surpassed one billion watch minutes on ZEE5, ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ promises to deliver another gripping tale of revenge and justice that showcases a never-before-seen avatar of the versatile actor. Starting 26 July, viewers can witness Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of a larger-than-life character, blending the raw intensity of UP-Bihar’s hinterland with the swaggering charisma of South Indian cinema.

    Helmed by the visionary Apoorv Singh Karki and backed by the dynamic team of Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Samiksha Oswal, Shael Oswal, Shabana Raza Bajpayee, and Vikram Khakhar, this nerve-wracking thrill ride of revenge and justice is poised to set screens ablaze. The film comes from the makers of ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ a highly popular ZEE5 original. Mark your calendars for 26 July as ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ will have its world digital premiere exclusively on ZEE5.

    Manoj Bajpayee, often hailed as the star of OTT, has a strong presence on ZEE5 with numerous successful projects to his name on the platform, including ‘Silence: Can You Hear It?’, ‘Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout’, ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’, ‘Dial 100’, ‘Jaago’, ‘Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari’, ‘Chakravyuh’ among others. His versatile performances on ZEE5 have made him a favorite among the audiences, and ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ is set to further cement his legacy in the world of OTT.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5)

     

    ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ follows the journey of a retired and feared criminal who seeks vengeance for the brutal murder of his younger brother. When a trivial argument leads to tragedy, Bhaiyya Ji comes back from his peaceful retirement to confront the powerful Gujjar responsible for his loss. Gathering his loyal associates, he ignites a fierce campaign of retribution that threatens to upend the entire criminal underworld. But as the stakes rise and the danger mounts, will Bhaiyya Ji’s quest for justice come at too high a price?

    ZEE5 chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “We’re thrilled to bring ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to ZEE5, reuniting the makers behind ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’. This film not only marks Manoj’s 100th cinematic venture but also showcases him in an unprecedented avatar that blends intensity with grandeur. With ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ achieving over 1 billion watch minutes, and now ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ continuing this momentum, we are confident in delivering high-impact content, Bhaiyya Ji reinforces ZEE5’s commitment and further solidifies ZEE5’s position as the ultimate destination for cutting-edge entertainment.”

    Ahead of the film’s premiere on ZEE5, Bhaiyya Ji a.k.a. Manoj Bajpayee shared, “Bhaiyya Ji marks a significant milestone in my career since it’s my 100th film, and I’m truly honored to bring this compelling character to life. With ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ achieving over 1 billion watch minutes on ZEE5 and now ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ continuing this momentum, it’s a testament to the audience’s love for storytelling. This role is quite different from my usual portrayals, blending the gritty realism of the UP-Bihar heartland with the grand style. It was a unique opportunity to explore a multifaceted, larger-than-life persona that I believe has and will resonate with audiences across. As we present ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to the ZEE5 viewers across the globe, I’m excited for them to witness this new avatar and the intense narrative we’ve crafted. Here’s hoping that we get as much love and support from the OTT audience like we did for the theatrical release.”

    Director Apoorv Singh Karki mentioned, “Bhaiyya Ji represents a bold leap forward in digital storytelling. We’ve crafted a story that marries the grit of realistic crime drama with the sweep of an epic saga. Working with Manoj sir again has been transformative – his dedication to embodying this multi-layered and complex character is truly inspiring. We’ve explored themes of loyalty, family, and the cyclical nature of violence in ways that I believe will resonate deeply with audiences. This project has pushed our entire team creatively, technically, and emotionally. As Manoj sir’s 100th film, we felt a responsibility to create something truly special, and I’m confident ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ will leave a lasting impact on the digital cinema landscape as well when it premieres on ZEE5.”

    Producer Vinod Bhanushali mentioned, “‘Bhaiyya Ji’, a Manoj Bajpayee creation, is a quintessential desi-style action revenge drama that has captured the hearts of theater audiences. Being his 100th film, the film delivers an exhilarating experience for the fans. Now viewers can enjoy the thrills in the comfort of their homes on Zee5 where Bhanushali Studios previous release Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai with Manoj ji and Apoorv crossed 1B plus watch minutes on the platform.”

    Shabana Raza Bajpayee shared her thoughts on Bhaiyya Ji, saying, “Bhaiyya Ji is not just another milestone for Manoj; it symbolizes his incredible journey and passion for the craft. As his 100th film, it holds a special place in our hearts. Producing this film under Aurega Studios has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am thrilled about its world digital premiere on ZEE5. With its powerful action and deep emotional depth, Bhaiyya Ji is a must-watch, and I am confident that the audience will connect with it.”

    Producer Samiksha Shael Oswal, “Bringing Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film to life has been a cinematic experience for his fans. ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ is a thrilling return to action of Manoj Bajpayee, offering fans a gripping experience now right in their homes with ZEE5.”

    Don’t miss the digital premiere of ‘Bhaiyya Ji’, on 26 July exclusively on ZEE5.

  • Vinod Bhanushali moves on from T-Series after 27 years

    Vinod Bhanushali moves on from T-Series after 27 years

    Mumbai: Super Cassettes Industries (T-Series) president of global marketing and media publishing Vinod Bhanushali has resigned from the company after serving it for 27 years. He has announced his plans to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams and is setting up a boutique content company.

    “Having literally started my career at T-Series, it’s an emotional moment for me as I leave the company,” he said. “Whatever I know about music and films, I have learnt it all during my sole long innings in this company. I’ll forever be obliged to my mentor, Gulshan Kumar Ji, and Bhushan Kumar.”

    Bhanushali led the marketing of over 1,000 films and was instrumental in making T-Series as India’s largest music company, one of the largest integrated motion picture studios, and creating and building the world’s biggest YouTube channel with over 190 million subscribers.

    As he embarks on an entrepreneurial journey, Bhanushali added, “I’ve always worked like an entrepreneur, taking all decisions which were good for business, growth of the company and also for the people who work there. And BK (Bhushan Kumar) supported all my decisions. I’m excited to start something of my own, which I will announce very soon.”

    Bhanushali had started his career as a clearing and forwarding agent at the Mumbai Customs Docks, before shifting to the entertainment business by joining Sahara Studios as an associate junior worker. A chance meeting with the late Gulshan Kumar in November 1994 became a turning point in his life when he joined T-Series. Since then, Bhanushali has been the driving force of the music company.

    He was also the co-producer on several Bollywood films like ‘Kabir Singh’, ‘Batla House’, ‘Saaho’, ‘Thappad’ and ‘Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior’.