News

When & Where To Stream Rangeen On Ott? ( Photo Credit – Prime Video )

The upcoming Indian comedy-drama Rangeen has an official release date. The show is billed as a humorous and poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. It is produced by Kabir Khan and Rajan Kapoor, created and written by Amardeep Galsin and Amir Rizvi, and directed by Kopal Naithani and Pranjal Dua.

Rangeen also features a stellar ensemble cast, including Vineet Kumar Siingh, Rajshri Deshpande, Taaruk Raina, and Sheeba Chaddha in lead roles. Continue scrolling to find out more about the show’s premiere.

When & Where To Watch Rangeen?

Rangeen will premiere on Prime Video on July 25, 2025, in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide. The Ott platform took to social media to announce the release date with a caption that read, “Real eyes realize real lies #RangeenOnPrime, New Series, July 25 @Pranjal.Dua @Kopious1 @kabirkhankk #AmirRizvi @bluemagic.films.”

View this...

Every frame of Thug Life, director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Hassan’s sophomore collaboration after Nayakan, has a story to tell. And I don’t mean that in any divisive, show-offy, art way. While we stare wondrously at what cinematographer Ravi Chandran has done to every frame we also get a drift of the individual artwork that comes together finally to give us a gangster epic on a par with Kamal-Mani’s much-revered Nayakan.

Yes, Thug Life is That good! The writing is sharp (most of the time), and the way Mani Ratnam sneaks in humour in dramatic constructs is sheer genius. Reading reviewers’ comments on the familiar ground walked by Mani Ratnam, I am reminded of what my friend Javed Akhtar said about film lyrics. “Bhai, gaane toh sab ek jaise hote hai, pyar judaai, ehsaas, milan… It is how you use words. That’s where the poetry lies.

Chennai was ground zero for cinematic happiness as the much-awaited trailer of Thug Life — the incredible collaboration between Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and A.R. Rahman—was launched with thunderous applause in a star-studded event.

The evening saw the titans of the film grace the stage—Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, A.R. Rahman, Silambarasan Tr (Str), Trisha, Abhirami, and Ashok Selvan—each met with a standing ovation. As the trailer rolled, the atmosphere electrified with gasps, cheers, and overwhelming excitement. Kamal Haasan’s fierce transformation and magnetic screen presence, Ravi K. Chandran’s arresting visuals, and Rahman’s soul-piercing score was showcased in a montage that evoked power, pain, and purpose. At its core, Thug Life promises a saga of revenge and betrayal, told through the eyes of a man who refuses to be tamed.

The evening featured candid talk sessions with the cast, where Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam opened...

After riding high on the global success of Netflix’s prison drama “Black Warrant,” Indian actor Rahul Bhat is set to present his Hollywood debut “Lost & Found in Kumbh” at the Cannes Film Market.

The appearance marks his third connection to the festival, following his lead roles in Anurag Kashyap’s “Ugly” and “Kennedy”.

The dramedy, produced by Los Angeles-based Mulberry Films and directed by Mayur Puri in his feature debut, will host an teaser drop on May 18 at the Bharat Pavilion in Cannes, giving international buyers their first glimpse at what Bhat describes as a refreshing departure from his usual intense roles.

“For a change, somebody offered me a dramedy,” Bhat tells Variety. “All the time, people were only giving me these dark, very serious, violent roles. So I thought, okay, let me do something interesting in English.”

The film centers on a professor from London who travels to...

Get ready to step into your dancing vibes because the Hindi version of Ar Rahman’s brilliant ‘Jinguchaa’ from Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life, is here. After setting Tamil Nadu ablaze with its killer beats, the song now drops in Hindi—promising to crash sangeets, baraats, and every playlist that needs a dose of groove to naach too.

Packing full-on baraat vibes, ‘Jinguchaa’ is a visual feast wrapped in wedding finery, pulsing beats, and the unmistakable attitude of Thug Life. With Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, and Sanya Malhotra turning the dance floor into a battlefield of swag, the track captures the chaos, colour, and charisma of a big fat Indian wedding—powered by Academy Award-winning maestro A.R. Rahman. As only he can do.

Premiered earlier this year in Tamil to roaring cheers at a grand event in Chennai—attended by the film’s star-studded ensemble, Rahman himself, and cinematic titan Mani...

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) is thrilled to announce the expansion of Iffla Industry Days, a robust two-day forum set to take place on May 8 and May 9, 2025 at the Landmark Theatres Sunset in Los Angeles, CA. Passes are now available at indianfilmfestival.org.

Iffla Industry Days fosters connections between South Asian film and TV creatives and industry leaders. Key executives from Neon, SAGIndie, Netflix, Temple Hill Entertainment, Orion Pictures, Film Independent, Jaya Entertainment, Gaumont Television, Macro, Color Creative, NBCUniversal, and more will participate in a series of Iffla’s dynamic events, including the inaugural program titled Iffla Connect, the Launchpad: Pitch Competition with a $10,000 award, panels and a masterclass.

“Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural Industry Day, the expanded Industry Days offers a vital, curated space for visionary creatives from South Asia and its diasporas to connect, engage with prominent industry leaders, forge and nurture meaningful relationships,...

The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) will spotlight the acclaimed stage adaptation of “Life of Pi” during its expanded Industry Days program. The panel “Bringing Life of Pi to Life – From Page to Stage” will explore the journey of transforming Yann Martel’s beloved novel into groundbreaking theater featuring innovative puppetry and staging.

Cast members Savidu Geevaratne, Sharayu Mahale and Sorab Wadia will participate in a conversation about representation, adaptation and the cultural significance of a South Asian-led narrative on Broadway and beyond.

The panel is part of Iffla’s robust two-day industry forum scheduled for May 8-9, 2025, at the Landmark Theatres Sunset in Los Angeles, which has been expanded following last year’s successful inaugural edition.

“Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural Industry Day, the expanded Industry Days offers a vital, curated space for visionary creatives from South Asia and its diasporas to connect,...

KH237: Kamal Haasan Shines In Off-White Outfit ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Kamal Haasan fans are excited about his upcoming projects, such as Thug Life and the untitled movie with director duo AnbAriv. Thug Life, his film with the legendary Tamil director Mani Ratnam, is one of the most-anticipated projects in recent times. News and updates about the movie are gaining momentum online.

Expectations for this project are enormous, especially since Haasan’s last film, directed by Shankar, didn’t do well with either critics or audiences. Another Kamal Haasan film that is giving fans hope is his project with AnbAriv. Since the movie doesn’t have an official title yet, it is tentatively titled KH237. Amid the excitement surrounding the new project, AnbAriv recently shared an image of themselves with Kamal Haasan captioned “Explore the Experience.”

Explore the Experience @ikamalhaasan#KamalHaasan #KH237@Rkfi @turmericmediaTM @magizhmandram pic.twitter.com/4pVwFgLNP8

— AnbAriv (@anbariv) April 12, 2025

In the image,...

Exclusive: South Asian film star Taapsee Pannu has signed for representation with Crimson Media.

She becomes the latest Indian talent to sign with Crimson this year, coming after the likes of Farhan Akhtar, Sayani Gupta and Rajshri Deshpande.

Pannu, who works across Hindi, Telugu and Tamil film, is coming off 2023 hit Dunki, where she appeared opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rajkumar Hirani’s feature about an illegal immigration technique called ‘donkey flight.’

In Tamil film, her notable roles gave come in the likes of 2011’s Aadukalam, comic horror Kanchana 2, tense action thriller Arrambam and thriller Game Over. In Telugu cinema, she first gained attention from her role in K Raghavendra Rao’s 2010 feature Jhummandi Naadam and romantic drama Mr. Perfect, which also starred Prabhas.

She began acting in Hindi films in 2013 in David Dhawan’s Chashme Baddoor, co-starring Siddharth, Rishi Kapoor, Divyendu Sharma and Ali Zafar, and in 2016 acted opposite...

Exclusive: Indian filmmaker and actor Farhan Akhtar has signed with Crimson Media and The Sb Initiative.

Akhtar, who co-founded Excel Entertainment, is known for writing, directing and producing the 2006 box office hut Don, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra and its sequel, Don 2, in 2011. A third film in the trilogy, Don 3: The Final Chapter is currently in pre-production and will star Ranveer Singh. Akhtar reunited with Chopra in 2019 for biographical drama The Sky is Pink, which premiered in Toronto.

The multi-hyphenate is also the star of films including 2008 Indian musical drama Rock On!, in which he made his on-screen acting and singing debut and the 2011 road trip drama Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which he wrote and produced. His sister, Zoya Akhtar, directed the movie, which was among the highest-grossing Bollywood films that year.

Other roles include a portrayal of ‘The Flying Sikh, Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, in 2013 biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,...

Today, the 2024 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) announced its lineup for the 22nd annual edition of the internationally acclaimed film festival. The festival is moving back to Hollywood at Landmark Theatres Sunset and runs June 27-30. Passes are now available at www.indianfilmfestival.org. Tickets to galas and individual programs go on sale on Monday, May 20.

Iffla will showcase twenty films, including seven narrative features, twelve shorts, and one docu-series with a diverse lineup of films from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and the United States, bringing together South Asian stories and perspectives from around the globe.

The festival will open with the Los Angeles premiere of Tarsem Singh's forbidden romance Dear Jassi and close with Nithilan Saminathan's Tamil film Maharaja, a twisted revenge saga starring phenomenal actor Vijay Sethupathi and maverick filmmaker Anurag Kashyap playing the villain. Features include the stylized violence of Kill, written...

Exclusive: Indian actress Sayani Gupta has signed with Crimson Media and The Sb Initiative for worldwide representation.

Gupta is known for roles such as in Prime Video series Four More Shots Please, the first series out of Indian with an all-female protagonist line-up. Dubbed ‘the desi Sex and the City‘ by Indian press, the show follows four young women in millennial Mumbai.

She also starred in Inside Edge, Prime Video’s first Hindi-language original. The cricket drama was released back in 2017 and starred the likes of Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha and Tanuj Virwani.

Early in her career, Gupta played a blind Pakistani-Bangladeshi student activist in Shonali Bose’s Margarita with a Straw, which premiered in Toronto in 2014 and won the Netpac award for top Asian film at the fest.

She also won the Lion Award and was nominated for an International Indian Film Academy award for her role in Hindi-language...

Actor Abhay Deol on Sunday shared some fun pictures of himself from the recent photoshoot, asking fans to suggest him a DJ name. Taking to Instagram, the actor, who was last seen in the streaming show ‘Trial By Fire’, shared a series of pictures wherein he can be seen wearing a black round neck T-shirt, with pink and red flowers on it. He is sporting a black round hat with red roses on it.

Looking candidly at the lens, Abhay is biting his finger and thumb.

The last photo shows him toying around with the DJ console.

The post is captioned: “This shoot with @trupalpandya was mad as the hatter and finger lickin’ satisfying. As the great @nellyfurtado sang, ‘Lickin’ my fingers, l’m in control. Fly like a bird, I’m takin’ it home. Movin’ my body like a nympho, I say it right, now do what I say.

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara ft Abhay Deol, Hrithik Roshan & Farhan Akhtar ( Photo Credit – IMDb )

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is one of the best Hindi movies, depicting friendship, life, and everything in between. Directed by Zoya Akhtar, the film stars Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, Katrina Kaif, Kalki Koechlin, and others. It was released in 2011 and has built a loyal fan following over the years.

A lot of people love Znmd for various reasons, but did you know people in the industry were doubtful about the movie? In an interview with BBC Hindi, Abhay Deol revealed that some people in the industry believed the Zoya Akhtar directorial wouldn’t work because it doesn’t have a villain.

Abhay Deol said, “When we were making Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, so many people in the film industry were asking, ‘Who is the villain? There is no villain. What is inner conflict? Who...

Steffi Niederzoll’s Berlin, Cph: Dox and El Gouna-winning documentary “Seven Winters in Tehran” added another award to its collection with the best international film honor at India’s inaugural Cinevesture International Festival (Ciff).

Anmol Sidhu’s Asia Pacific Screen Awards nominee “Jaggi” won best Indian film and Elham Ehsas’ BAFTA and Clermont-Ferrand nominee “Yellow” was named as best short.

The festival took place March 27-31 in Chandigarh, northern India. A three-day phone filmmaking workshop hosted by Chitkara International School and produced by Cinevesture saw students from five schools participating with Ritisha Sinha’s film “Unveiled” from Mount Carmel School winning an award.

Former Cannes film market director Jerome Paillard, Indian actor and producer Rana Daggubati (“Baahubali”) and Nicole Guillemet, who was co-director of the Sundance Film Festival, and Indian filmmaker Ajitpal Singh (Sundance title “Fire in the Mountains”) are on the festival advisory board.

The festival had an accompanying...

Indian director-producer Karan Johar wrapped up the conference section of the first Cinevesture International Film Festival with a lively conversation that ranged from working with the right people and Bollywood’s shifting gender politics, to letting slip a few new projects from his Dharma Productions slate.

Johar, who’s having a busy year as a producer with Love Storiyaan on Prime Video and Showtime on Disney+ Hotstar, started the session by talking about how he surrounds himself with people “who know all facets of cinema, not just the mainstream” – even if they’ve been outspoken critics of his work in the past.

He used the example of indie maverick Anurag Kashyap, and producer Somen Mishra, now head of content at Dharma and its Ott division Dharmatic Entertainment, who used to slate him on the popular ‘Passion of Cinema’ blog.

“I think I was their favorite target. But when Rensil D’Silva...

Actors Boman Irani, Rasika Dugal and Rajshri Deshpande have kicked off the Cinevesture International Film Festival 2024 (Ciff), with the screening of the Cannes award-winning French film, ‘The Taste of Things,’ starring Juliette Binoche. The festival which will run from March 27th to 31st, will showcase a diverse selection of films for audiences to enjoy.

Speaking about the festival, Boman said: “It’s a happy occasion, a celebration. It’s important for generations to come. You may wonder what I am doing here. I am making a debut. I debut everything very late in life. I became an actor at the age of 44. I made my first film at the age of 64.”

“And here I am a guest of honour. And one must enjoy like a little child, because the little child in me loves what happens behind me. It doesn’t matter when you start, as long as the start is beautiful,...

With her work in ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’, ‘Sexy Durga’ and ‘Manto’ having been showcased at top-end film festivals, Rajshri Deshpande stresses on the significance of reaching out to festival audiences as opposed to chasing commercial success. Rajshri was present for the opening ceremony of the Cinevesture International Film Festival (Ciff), which is being held in Chandigarh from March 27 to 31.

The actress, who’s known to a wider audience for her work in ‘Sacred Games’, opened up about her association with film festivals.

Talking to Ians, Rajshri said: “My association is with cinema and art. ‘Festival’ is home for us. It is the foundation for us. In festivals they don’t treat us like the market kind of thing. They say whatever you have, just put it across us. They give us that kind of freedom, where you can actually breathe. So, this is that place for me.”

Talking about her...

Festival, Market

The first edition of India’s Cinevesture International Film Festival and market will feature a range of masterclasses and panels headlined by a range of luminaries including filmmakers Shekhar Kapur (“What’s Love Got to Do with It?”) and Karan Johar (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”).

The lineup also includes actors Jaideep Ahlawat (“Paatal Lok”), Roshan Mathew (“Paradise”), Suvinder Vicky (“Kohrra”), Rajshri Deshpande (“Trial by Fire”), Boman Irani (“Dunki”), Rasika Dugal (“Mirzapur”), Abhay Deol (“Trial by Fire”), actor-producers Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal (“Girls Will be Girls”), filmmakers Tahira Kashyap (“Sharmajee Ki Beti”), Sudhir Mishra (“Tanaav”), Ajitpal Singh (“Tabbar”), Anurag Singh (“Kesri”) and Saugata Mukherjee, head of content at streamer SonyLiv.

As previously announced, the India premieres of France’s “The Taste of Things” and Korea’s “Exhuma” will open and close the festival. Former Cannes film market director Jerome Paillard, Indian actor and producer Rana Daggubati and...

The first edition of the Cinevesture International Film Festival (Ciff) to be held in Chandigarh from March 27 to 31 will boast of a host of masterclasses and panel discussions, including one with filmmaker Karan Johar, which film critic Namrata Joshi will moderate.

The 20 masterclasses and panel discussions to be held at Taj Chandigarh will feature Shekhar Kapur, Jaideep Ahlawat, Tahira Kashyap, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Roshan Mathew, Abhay Deol, Sudhir Mishra, ‘Kohrra’ star Suvinder Vicky, Boman Irani, Rasika Dugal, Rajshri Deshpande, Ajitpal Singh, Anurag Singh, Sudhir Mishra and Saugata Mukherjee, Head of Content, SonyLiv, Sony Pictures Network India, etc.

The opening film of the festival is the Cannes award-winning French film ‘The Taste of Things’ starring Juliette Binoche while the closing one is South Korea’s highest-grossing film of 2024 till date — the horror-mystery-thriller ‘Exhuma’ (‘Pamyo’), which premiered at the 2024 Berlinale.

The festival advisory board includes Rana Daggubati, former Head of Cannes Film Market Jerome Paillard,...

India has driven more subscribers to Amazon than any other country bar the U.S. over recent years, according Head of Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins.

As Prime Video announced its latest local content slate at a ‘Prime Video Presents India’ showcase, which comprises nearly 70 films and shows, Hopkins told an audience that Indian Prime subscribers were also the most likely to convert to Prime Video — emphasizing how the country has become central to Amazon’s growth internationally.

“For the last several years, outside of the U.S. more people have signed up for Prime in India than anywhere else in the world, and in India more people sign up for Prime Video than any other benefit,” said Hopkins. “Last year, India had the highest percentage of Prime Members stream Prime Video than any country in the world.”

Prime Video used its showcase to also reveal Indian content...

The Korean-produced series “The Glory” won the best drama series award on Thursday at the Asian Academy Creative Awards Gala Final. Thai-produced TV movie “Hunger” was named best feature film.

The awards are organized by the Asian Academy of Creative Arts (Aaca) a.k.a Asian Academy Creative Awards (Aaa) and are held alongside the Asia Television Forum and Market (Atf) in Singapore. The Aaca “was established to honor creative excellence and serve as a peer judged pinnacle of achievement in content creation, performance and media production.”

By the conclusion of the gala ceremony, Singapore, Japan and India had each claimed seven prize wins. Indian performers notably dominated the acting category with Rajshri Dashpande named best actress in a leading role for her performance in “Trial By Fire” and Vijay Varma named best actor in a leading role for his performance in “Dahaad” (Amazon Prime Video).

Analyzed by platform, Netflix...

Netflix India emerged as a big winner at the Filmfare Ott Awards 2023 last evening, bagging 26 awards and reaffirming its position as a leading platform for quality content. Its diverse slate of series and films garnered widespread acclaim, with many of its productions being recognized for their compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and exceptional direction.

The series winner list includes “Best Series” for Scoop, “Best Series Critics” for Trial By Fire, “Best Director Critics” for Randeep Jha (Kohrra), “Best Actor Series” for Suvinder Vicky (Kohrra) and Rajshri Deshpande (Trial By Fire), “Best Actor Series Critics” for Karishma Tanna (Scoop), “Best Supporting Actor” for Barun Sobti (Kohrra) and Tillotama Shome (Delhi Crime S2).

The films’ winner list has “Best Film Critics” for Konkona Sen Sharma (Lust Stories) And Vasan Bala (Monica O My Darling), “Best Actor Film Critics” for Rajkummar Rao (Monica O My Darling) and Sanya Malhotra (Kathal), “Best Actor- Web Original...

Netflix India emerged as a big winner at the Filmfare Ott Awards 2023 last evening, bagging 26 awards and reaffirming its position as a leading platform for quality content. Its diverse slate of series and films garnered widespread acclaim, with many of its productions being recognized for their compelling storytelling, stellar performances, and exceptional direction.

The series winner list includes “Best Series” for Scoop, “Best Series Critics” for Trial By Fire, “Best Director Critics” for Randeep Jha (Kohrra), “Best Actor Series” for Suvinder Vicky (Kohrra) and Rajshri Deshpande (Trial By Fire), “Best Actor Series Critics” for Karishma Tanna (Scoop), “Best Supporting Actor” for Barun Sobti (Kohrra) and Tillotama Shome (Delhi Crime S2).

The films’ winner list has “Best Film Critics” for Konkona Sen Sharma (Lust Stories) And Vasan Bala (Monica O My Darling), “Best Actor Film Critics” for Rajkummar Rao (Monica O My Darling) and Sanya Malhotra (Kathal), “Best Actor- Web Original...

The upcoming Manoj Bajpayee-starrer film ‘Joram’ has booked its theatrical release on December 8. The film is a survival thriller drama, helmed by Devashish Makhija. It also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Rajshri Deshpande, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Smita Tambe in lead roles.

Talking about the film, director Devashish Makhija said, “‘Joram’ is a passion project that’s close to my heart. I’ve had the script in my mind for a long time. After receiving incredible acclaim and warmth at film festivals across the world this year, it has finally arrived at its big screen theatrical release.”

“For Anupama Bose and me at Makhijafilm Zee Studios’ belief and conviction has been the reason Joram has come this far. The cast, led by the inimitable Manoj Bajpayee, has been the best I’ve ever worked with. It is their – and the brilliant crew’s – dedication and talent that gave this story shape and life,...

The upcoming Manoj Bajpayee-starrer film ‘Joram’ has booked its theatrical release on December 8. The film is a survival thriller drama, helmed by Devashish Makhija. It also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Rajshri Deshpande, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Smita Tambe in lead roles.

Talking about the film, director Devashish Makhija said, “‘Joram’ is a passion project that’s close to my heart. I’ve had the script in my mind for a long time. After receiving incredible acclaim and warmth at film festivals across the world this year, it has finally arrived at its big screen theatrical release.”

“For Anupama Bose and me at Makhijafilm Zee Studios’ belief and conviction has been the reason Joram has come this far. The cast, led by the inimitable Manoj Bajpayee, has been the best I’ve ever worked with. It is their – and the brilliant crew’s – dedication and talent that gave this story shape and life,...

Joram, the highly anticipated survival thriller drama film starring Manoj Bajpayee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Rajshri Deshpande, and Megha Mathur, is all set to hit the big screens on 8th December 2023. The film is written and directed by Devashish Makhija, who has previously collaborated with Bajpayee on the acclaimed short film Taandav and the dark drama Bhonsle. Joram is produced by Zee Studios with Makhijafilm.

The film follows a father who is on the run with his little baby girl to escape the ghosts of his past and the forces that want him dead. A cop giving unwilling chase and a bereaved mother seeking ruthless vengeance collide in a tense survival thriller across a brutal landscape of devastated forests, blind greed, rebellion, and the bloody aftershocks of “development”.

It's official!

Survival drama movie #Joram will be out in theatres on 8th December!

*ing @BajpayeeManoj @Mdzeeshanayyub #SmitaTambe @TannishthaC...

Fighting is for the Soul, Not for the Belly

A Tribal Villager

Joram is an authentically crafted, brutal and raw depiction of the lives of tribal people in India. It is an eye-opening and important piece of cinema that will tug at the viewer’s emotions. Director Devashish Makhija has crafted a film that is relentless in its exposé of various socio-economic issues including political landscape, gentrification, mining, deforestation, etc. This is as realistic as any film can ever get to in the portrayal of the cruelty human beings dish on other human beings in the name of caste and the social hierarchy of the so-called people who aim to use the ‘Power of Status’ to do as they please. The dog-eat-dog mentality is where anyone will do anything to get ahead in life, to make a statement, to cover up mistakes and where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Devashish Makhija’s survival thriller “Joram,” which is playing at the Busan International Film Festival, will be released theatrically worldwide by Zee Studios in December.

The film, which premiered at Rotterdam earlier this year, is in Busan’s A Window on Asian Cinema strand. Eminent actor Manoj Bajpayee, who previously starred in Makhija’s 2016 short “Taandav” and played the title role in “Bhonsle,” plays Dasru, a tribal migrant worker in Mumbai whose past catches up with him and he must flee with his infant daughter Joram. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub plays a weary Mumbai cop in pursuit of Dasru. Also in the mix is a sinister tribal lawmaker, played by Smita Tambe (Netflix series “Sacred Games”). Acclaimed actors Tannishtha Chatterjee (Busan winner “Roam Rome Mein”) and Rajshri Deshpande (Netflix series “Trial by Fire”) have special appearances in the film.

The film is produced by Zee Studios and Makhijafilm. Zee Studios is...

The prestigious London Indian Film Festival is ready to once again showcase outstanding films in its Autumn programme. This extraordinary festival, running from 25th October to 4th November, will feature incredible films with many Indian and South Asian premieres, as well as classic movies and even a first web series preview. Plus, so much more!

The festival is expanding and bringing even more excellence with screenings and special events in 5 different locations, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Bradford.

Berlin

It starts in London with the European premiere of the fast-paced whodunnit espionage drama Berlin. From writer and director Atul Sabharwal, this compelling spy thriller stars Aparshakti Khurana (Jubilee) as a young sign language teacher lured into the dark world of espionage. Undercover security forces coerce him to interrogate a young deaf man, powerfully played by Ishwak Singh (Rocket Boys), accused of spying. Veteran actor Kabir Bedi also features in a commanding cameo.

Mumbai, Sep 6 (Ians) The upcoming film ‘Joram’, which stars the National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee in the lead, has been film selection for ‘A Window in Asian Cinema’ section at the prestigious Busan International Film Festival. The festival will be held in October.

The inclusion of ‘Joram’ in the section underscores the film’s storytelling and its ability to resonate with a diverse audience.

The film, which also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, and Megha Mathur in pivotal roles, and Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande in special appearances, is a hard-hitting psychological thriller about a displaced man who is on the run to protect his daughter.

It also deals with issues such as social inequalities, injustice with the tribal communities, and deforestation.

The film has been produced by Zee Studios and MakhijaFilm.

The Manoj Bajpayee-starrer premiered at Rotterdam earlier this year and more recently participated in Sydney Film...

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi hoisted the Indian flag at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023. As the Tricolour fluttered against the Melbourne skyline, the shared emotions of patriotism and unity resonated strongly with attendees.

Commenting on the ceremony, Shabana said: “To be having this honour to hoist the Indian flag, the flag that I’m so proud of, the flag all of us present today are proud of in Melbourne is an honour I never believed I could have.”

“I would like to reiterate that we are here to celebrate Indian cinema in Melbourne, and I truly believe that art knows no boundaries and cinema can be an instrument for social change.”

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2023 continues to be a significant platform for showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Indian cinema on the global stage and the festival started on 11th august and will conclude on 20th august.

Mumbai, Aug 11 (Ians) Rani Mukerji was named the Best Actress In Film (Female), Vijay Varma as Best Actor (Male) In Series took home the top honours at the 14th edition of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Iffm).

Rani won for ‘Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway’ and Mohit Agarwal took home the award for Best Performance in Film (Male) for ‘Agra’.

While ‘Sita Ramam’ was announced the Best Film, ‘Agra’ the Best Indie Film, Kannada Filmmaker Prithvi Konanur was feted with Best Director.

‘To Kill A Tiger’ took home the Best Documentary.

Vijay Varma for ‘Dahaad’ and Rajshri Deshpande for ‘Trial By Fire’ were named as Best Performance (Male) and Best Performance (Female) in a series respectively.

Period Drama ‘Jubilee’ starring Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aparshakti Khurana, Sidhant Gupta, Aditi Rao Hydari, Wamiqa Gabbi and Ram Kapoor was tagged as the Best Series.

Best Short Film – People’s Choice honour was won by ‘Connection...

Privacy is a fundamental human right. With the advent of social media, the question arises, how safe is your information online? Is your information shared with companies who misuse the information? We hear about company data breaches all the time. So, when a movie is titled ‘Privacy’, it piqued my interest a lot. Privacy (2023) is the kind of film that pushes you to be uneasy as the very thought of being watched creates a sense of paranoia that is hard to brush off.

The film starts with a despicable crime seen through the eyes of a CCTV camera. We are introduced to the protagonist of the film, Roopali (Rajshri Deshpande), who runs to the scene of the ongoing crime and records it on video without the knowledge of the perpetrators. Roopali is a cop who works in a surveillance center in Mumbai where she is tasked with monitoring different CCTV...

New Delhi, July 15 (Ians) Actress Rasika Dugal has secured a nomination at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Iffm), for its upcoming 14th edition, and she couldn’t be happier.

In the category of Best Actor (Female) – Series, Rasika has been nominated for her outstanding portrayal in ‘Delhi Crime Season 2’.

Talking about the nomination, Rasika said: “I am honored to be nominated at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne alongside women whose talent I have so much respect for. Neeti Singh is a character very close to my heart and It’s a privilege to bring her journey to life in each subsequent season through the compelling narrative of ‘Delhi Crime’.”

The category features an impressive lineup of talented contenders, including Rajshri Deshpande, Shefali Shah, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Sriya Reddy, Tillotama Shome, and Wamiqa Gabbi.

Rasika’s character, Neeti Singh, in ‘Delhi Crime Season 2’ has impressed audiences with her journey from...

Melbourne, July 13 (Ians) The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (Iffm) has announced the nominations for its 14th edition, which includes titles such as ‘Darlings’, ‘Kantara’, ‘Pathaan’ and ‘Bhediya’, among many others.

This year, the festival welcomes a new addition to its jury panel, the Oscar-winning Australian filmmaker Bruce Beresford, known for directing films such as ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘The Contract’.

The Iffm advisory committee after meticulous consideration of hundreds of films and series from across Indian cinema, have finalised the nominations of films and series which have been released between June 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023.

Leading the pack in the film categories, including Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress, are notable productions such as ‘Darlings’, ‘Monica O My Darling’, ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ and ‘Kantara’.

In the Ott category, series such as ‘Trial By Fire’, ‘Jubilee’, and ‘Delhi Crime Season 2’ have garnered the highest number of nominations. The winners of the prestigious...

Bifan has established itself as one of the most significant festivals in Asia regarding the genre cinema of the region, with their program always being quite interesting through its focus on Korean cinema firstly and then of Japan and the rest of the region, along with a number of international titles. As such, the fact that the local industry is in trouble was more than evident this year, when genre movies in particular suffered, mostly due to issues with writing and also due to financial ones. It is true that Korea's top filmmakers are at the top of the world, but it has become obvious that below that level, the quality drops significantly.

Nevertheless, the aforementioned does not mean that the programs was without a number of gems. “Iron Mask” about a kendo athlete carrying a trauma, “Her Hobby” with its transition from a family drama to a horror and...

Mumbai, July 3 (Ians) Actress Rajshri Deshpande, who is known for her work in ‘Sacred Games’ and ‘Trial By Fire’, recently graced the Bucheon International Film Festival (BiFan) red carpet of her film ‘Privacy’ where she flaunted her Maharashtrian roots by adorning a Nauvari saree, recently.

The actress rounded up her look by sporting a traditional Marathi nose-pin.

She graced the red carpet with Sudeep Kanwal, Akash Banerji, Nishank Verma, and Saurabh Goyal.

Expressing her excitement, Rajshri said: “I am ecstatic. As a simple Marathi girl, the Nauvari Saree holds immense significance for me. Today, I had the opportunity to flaunt it! I borrowed this exquisite nosepin from my sister, and it truly enhances the overall look. Since the film is so unique, I thought of having a distinctive red carpet appearance. Moreover, we are eagerly looking forward to the premiere. ‘Privacy’ is a crucial film that sheds light on issues...

From the directors' statement: In 2015 Maharashtra government funded a massive surveillance project to install thousands of cameras across Mumbai. 24×7 video surveillance was very new to this part of the world. During our research we learned that most of the CCTV cameras can zoom up to 1km on an object. Imagine what a person behind that desk could see. Especially in a city like Mumbai.

“Privacy” is screening at Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival

In fact, the protagonist of the movie, Roopali, works at the Mumbai surveillance camera command center as an operator. While she is ambitious and wants to get up the ladder, which in the case of her line of work, is being assigned to a private room to conclude serious investigations through surveillance footage, her life is in shambles. She has no friends, no partner, and she is actually about to get evicted from her apartment. Furthermore, she...

Kafas(SonyLIV; 6 Episodes)

Kafas which means trapped, is the kind of scarcely-seen series which grips you from the word go. It clasps its tentacles around your neck squeezing the breath out of you.Calling it entertaining would be hugely problematic: you can’t be entertained by a 15-year child being traumatized by a Bollywood superstar.

The unspeakable truth about children being vulnerable outside their homes, even at a relatively safe workplace like a film set, haunts this deftly-told story which opens up its plot points like an onion.

Sadly, in this haunting plot set in the shallow sexually unmoored world of filmmaking, the set is not the only thing that is erect.

The paedophile/predator as a super-privileged superstar(a gutsy unapologetic performance by Vivan Bhatena) is shattering in its damaging repercussions. What makes the situation even worse is that the child’s parents, played by a wonderful Mona Singh...

The upcoming film ‘Privacy’, which stars actress-activist Rajshri Deshpande, is set to be screened at the Bucheon International Film Festival which will be held from June 29 to July 9, 2023.

The festival covers a plethora of cinema ranging from horror, thriller, mystery and fantasy films from around the globe. This year’s festival opens with Joaquin Phoenix starrer ‘Beau is Afraid’.

‘Privacy’ is a social thriller, and marks the directorial debut of Sudeep Kanwal. The film follows the journey of Roopali, a distressed Mumbai surveillance centre operator, who ignores protocol and begins to investigate incidents happening on her watch. ‘Privacy’ examines the use of video surveillance in urban centres while highlighting socio-economic differences in Mumbai.

Since Netflix’s ‘Trial by Fire’, this will be Rajshri Deshpande’s first major role. The actress said: “As an actor and a social worker it is very important to me that the script is written sensitively.

The upcoming Manoj Bajpayee-starrer film ‘Joram’ is set to be screened at the Durban International Film Festival which will be held from July 20 to July 30. The film has been directed by Devashish Makhija and marks his third collaboration with Manoj Bajpayee.

Reacting to the news of the film heading to the film festival, Manoj said: “‘Joram’ is a very special film and I am simply fascinated with all the love that the film is garnering at the global level. Devashish has done a laudable job and no one could have backed the project better than Zee Studios. Am delighted that now the film is going to the Durban International Film Festival.”

The film, which also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, and Megha Mathur in pivotal roles, and Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande in special appearances, is a hard-hitting psychological thriller about a displaced man who is on the run to protect his daughter.

India’s Rajshri Deshpande, star of Rotterdam winner “Sexy Durga” and hit Netflix series “Trial by Fire,” headlines “Privacy,” the first teaser for which has been unveiled.

The film will have its world premiere at Korea’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BiFan).

“Privacy” is a voyeuristic social thriller set in and around the slums of Mumbai. It follows Roopali (Deshpande), who works at the Mumbai surveillance command and control center as an operator. While being ambitious, she constantly fights her own guilt and resists her dark past. Things start to get complicated when Roopali ignores protocol and begins to investigate a robbery and murder that takes place on her watch. The film takes the neo-noir approach to explore themes of mental health, voyeurism and access to information.

The film is directed by Sudeep Kanwal, known for his acclaimed shorts “Silent Wave” and “Dhund.” “Privacy” is his debut feature.

“The...

Starring the always brilliant Manoj Bajpayee, Joram, directed by Devashish Makhija, had its World Premiere at the 52nd International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) on February 1st and received an overwhelming response from the audience.

A survival-thriller about a displaced indigenous man, Joram stars Manoj Bajpayee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe and Megha Mathur. It also features Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande in special appearances.

The premiere was attended by the cast and crew including director/ producer Devashish Makhija, actors Manoj Bajpayee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, producers Shariq Patel, Ashima Awasthi, Bhumika Tewari, and Anupama Bose.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee says, “I am touched with the overwhelming response we received for ‘Joram’ at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. I am pleased to know that the riveting survival story of ‘Joram’ and its intricate characters struck a chord with those who watched it. It was an honour to have been a part...

Mumbai, Feb 3 (Ians) National Award winning actor Manoj Bajpayee is chuffed with the response to his film ‘Joram’ at the ongoing 52nd edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). The film is a survival-thriller and tells the story of a displaced indigenous man.

It stars Manoj Bajpayee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe and Megha Mathur. It also features Tannishtha Chatterjee and Rajshri Deshpande in special appearances.

The screening was attended by the cast and crew including director-producer Devashish Makhija, Manoj Bajpayee, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Smita Tambe, producers Shariq Patel, Ashima Awasthi, Bhumika Tewari, and Anupama Bose.

Manoj Bajpayee said: “I am touched with the overwhelming response we received for ‘Joram’ at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. I am pleased to know that the riveting survival story of ‘Joram’ and its intricate characters struck a chord with those who watched it. It was an honour to have been a part of the grand event in Rotterdam.

Throughout his career, Indian filmmaker Devashish Makhija has been a chronicler of social inequities and “Joram” continues the trajectory.

Makhija’s short films examine subjects as varied as misogyny, corruption, land grab and patriarchy. Amongst his features, “Ajji” (2017) tackles rape and its aftermath, while “Bhonsle” (2018) looks at a host of subjects including loneliness, social justice and the plight of the migrant worker.

With “Joram,” Makhija returns to themes explored in his debut feature “Oonga” (2013). Eminent actor Manoj Bajpayee, who previously starred in Makhija’s 2016 short “Taandav” and played the title role in “Bhonsle,” plays Dasru, a tribal migrant worker in Mumbai whose past catches up with him and he must flee with his infant daughter Joram. Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub plays Ratnakar, the weary Mumbai cop in pursuit of Dasru. Also in the mix is sinister tribal lawmaker Phulo Karma, played by Smita Tambe (Netflix series “Sacred Games”).

Acclaimed actors Tannishtha Chatterjee...

In the first episode of Netflix India’s newest show, Trial by Fire, Neelam Krishnamoorthy (Rajshri Deshpande) has a heart-to-heart with her now deceased children’s young friend Arjun, who is visibly shaken after having survived a terrible fire at a movie theater. Neelam’s goal is precisely to understand how her beloved Ujjwal (Abhishek Sharrma) and Unnati (Poorti Jai Agarwal) perished in the fire, and how Arjun managed to come out alive. The answers she gets from the boy, however, aren’t exactly what she expected. According to Arjun, the only reason he didn’t succumb to the smoke was because he wasn’t inside the theater at all. He arrived late to find the doors to the auditorium bolted shut. Neelam is, of course, shocked by this information. But little does she know that this is just one of the many horrible details that make up the tragedy...

Netflix series “Trial by Fire,” which began streaming Jan. 13, has emerged as a hit for the service, featuring in the top 10 in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Based on the book of the same name by Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy, the series details the 25-year struggle for justice of the couple whose daughter and son were among the 59 people who died in a fire caused by negligence at Delhi’s Uphaar cinema on June. 13, 1997.

In 2018, the book was optioned by Sidharth Jain’s book-to-screen company The Story Ink, which quickly got the Krishnamoorthys an offer for the rights. However, after meeting the Krishnamoorthys in person, Jain changed his mind.

“I realized that this is no ordinary story. I cannot treat this like any other book to screen deal. The story needed to told responsibly and sensitively. So after a lot of contemplation, I canceled the deal and decided to develop and produce this myself.

On the afternoon of June 13, 1997, a fire caused by an improperly maintained transformer broke out in Delhi’s Uphaar Cinema, quietly fumigating an auditorium packed for a first-day screening of flagwaving blockbuster “Border” with carbon monoxide before plunging the room into darkness.

Those scrambling for the exits found multiple code violations standing between them and survival; the balcony doors had been padlocked from the outside to prevent late entry. 59 cinemagoers never saw the light again; over 100 were injured.

“It wasn’t a cinema hall, it was a crematorium,” notes one official in “Trial by Fire,” a necessarily sorrowful but forcefully compelling seven-part dramatization of the blaze and its aftermath, which represents one of Netflix India’s strongest miniseries to date.

At its centre are Neelam and Shekhar Krishnamoorthy (Rajshri Deshpande and Abhay Deol), a representative middle-class couple who are introduced as they wave their son Ujjwal (Abhishek Sharrma) and daughter...

Trial By Fire

Directed by Prashant Nair, Randeep Jha, Avani Nair

This is not a series. It is a piece of history regurgitated into a meticulously re-designed eyewitness account of what happened on 13 June 1997 when Delhi’s Uphaar cinema went up in flames extinguishing the joy and wellbeing of several families who lost their near and dear ones in the tragedy.

This series recreates the long and endless legal battle of a couple Shekhar and Neelam Krishnamoorthy who lost both children in the Uphaar cinema fire while watching J P Dutta’s Border.

The battle is long. But the couple’s patience, especially Neelam’s , is unlimited. This is the story of resilience determination and obstinacy , so real so tangible you can feel the pain of the couple every step along their painful battle. It won’t be wrong to say the couple fought their own war as fiercely as the soldiers seen in Border.