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Subhash K Jha looks at Karan Johar’s Dhadak, which released in 2018.

Karan Johar’s Dhadak which turns 7 on July 20, got caught in a strange situation vis-à-vis Majid Majidi’s A Walk In The Clouds. Ishaan Khatter’s debut film was going to be Karan Johar’s production Dhadak with Janhvi Kapoor also making her debut alongside Khatter. The dates schedules everything had been worked out.

Khatter was ready to shoot for Dhadak when he was offered A Walk In The Clouds.

Apparently Majid Majidi was very keen on Khatter. Casting director Honey Trehan convinced the Iranian director that Khatter was right for the part. Majid Majidi saw the young debutant’s auditions and told Trehan Khatter was on.

That’s when Khatter was placed in a dilemma. If Karan Johar had not agreed to push his film forward Khatter would have had to opt out of Majid Majidi’s film.

3 Elements That Can Make Dhadak 2 Live Up To Dhadak’s Legacy! (Photo Credit – Instagram/YouTube)

It has been seven years since Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter’s Dhadak hit the big screen. Released on July 20, 2018, the romantic drama was a remake of Nagraj Manjule’s Marathi blockbuster Sairat. The film was a commercial success, earning 71.92 crores at the box office against a budget of 35 crores.

It also struck the right emotional chord and won hearts with the fresh pairing of Janhvi and Ishaan, coupled with a musical extravaganza, raw storytelling, and a charming chemistry between the lead pair. Now, a spiritual sequel to the film, titled Dhadak 2, starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, is preparing to win over audiences.

Currently, all eyes are on whether the new film can recreate the magic of Dhadak. As viewers wait to unfold the fresh love story on August 1, 2025, here are three...

15 Great Movies About Caste Discrimination, Dalit Resistance, And Ambedkarite Politics In India: Cinema in India has long mirrored the country’s social hierarchies, often reinforcing dominant-caste narratives while rendering Dalit experiences invisible. Yet, scattered across the decades are films that dared to challenge caste orthodoxy—some subtly, others with unflinching rage. In a country where caste continues to shape social structures and individual destinies, films that confront caste-based discrimination and engage with Ambedkarite politics occupy a crucial space in the cultural discourse. These films do more than tell stories—they challenge hierarchies, provoke dialogue, and assert the humanity and dignity of those historically marginalized.

At its core, Ambedkarite politics calls for the annihilation of caste, not just through legal reform but through social transformation, education, and self-respect. It rejects caste-based hierarchies and ritualistic practices that uphold Brahmanical dominance, advocating instead for equality, dignity, and justice rooted in constitutional rights and rational thought.

Indian actor Vijay Varma is having a moment. With lead roles in several high-profile streaming projects this year, including the hijacking drama “Ic 814: The Kandahar Hijack” for Netflix, Prime Video’s “Mirzapur” and Disney+ Hotstar’s “Murder Mubarak,” Varma has cemented his position as one of India’s most in-demand performers.

The actor recently wrapped filming on Vibhu Puri’s “Ul Jalool Ishq,” a poetic drama co-starring Naseeruddin Shah about an Urdu letterpress owner searching for a reclusive poet. “It’s a beautiful, intimate story between one person who runs a barely surviving Urdu [press] and he wants to desperately hold on to this letterpress, but nothing is getting printed anymore in Urdu,” Varma tells Variety.

He’s currently shooting “Matka King,” a Prime Video original series set in the 1960s and 70s, directed by Nagraj Manjule. “It’s the rise of a very interesting business, at the same time,...

Shalin Bhanot Swarmed By Scorpions, Vijay Verma Shoots Matka King – Top Trending News ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Find out what’s buzzing today in the world of entertainment! On the film front, actor Vijay Verma began filming for the crime thriller series “Matka King,” while sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 Ad boasts a major boost with the involvement of the VFX team behind Iron Man. Reality TV took a dramatic turn as Shalin Bhanot reportedly endured a painful encounter with over 200 scorpions while filming Khatron Ke Khiladi.

Meanwhile, actors Kartik Aaryan and Sanjay Gandhi offered contrasting experiences in the industry. Aaryan opened up about his past financial struggles, while Gandhi expressed frustration about his unclear role in the Bengali serial “Jhanak.”

Scroll down to read the complete news wrap! Shalin Bhanot Swarmed by Scorpions on Khatron Ke Khiladi!

Ouch! In a shocking incident during the filming of Khatron Ke Khiladi season 14, contestant...

Second Coming

Distributor, Gkids is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the award-winning Japanese anime classic, “Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence,” in a new 4K restoration. It will be available in theaters across North America for three nights only from June 23-26.

Directed by Oshii Mamoru, “Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence,” is a cyberpunk crime drama based on the manga “Ghost in the Shell” created by Masamune Shirow.

Imagined as a standalone return to the world of Ghost in the Shell, the story is centered on the character Batou from the original film. Featuring visuals that demanded five years in production, “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence” debuted in competition at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, thus becoming the first and only anime in history to compete for the Palme d’Or.

Grand Ambitions

Media industry veteran Francis Coady is launching Grand Pacific Entertainment, a new Australia-based venture aiming to develop and fund scripted drama,...

picture credit – google

Amazon Prime Video recently unveiled the poster for Vijay Varma’s upcoming project, “Matka King.” The poster was shared with the caption, “ready to place our bet! #MatkaKingOnPrime soon but filming now .”

In the poster, Vijay Varma is seen wearing a white shirt with a joker frame around him, hinting at the gambling theme of the series. The makers have announced that filming is currently underway.

Mirzapur S3 Teaser: Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal are back with lot of action and drama

“Matka King” was part of the slate of series announced earlier by Amazon Prime Video. The series follows the story of an enterprising cotton trader in Mumbai who starts a new gambling game called Matka. This game quickly takes the city by storm, democratizing a realm previously reserved for the rich and elite.

After the success of “Dahaad,” Vijay Varma will once again be seen...

Jio Studios, the content arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Limited (Ril), is on a roll with several box office hits in a row.

Almost exactly a year ago, Jio Studios had launched a slate of 100 new films and TV shows. Those efforts have now come to fruition. 2023 saw Marathi-language “Baipan Bhaari Deva” and “Jhimma 2,” Bollywood films, Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki” and Vicky Kaushal’s “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” and Mithun Chakraborty-starring Bengali-language film “Kabuliwala” become major hits. 2024 has already delivered Bollywood hits “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,” “Article 370” and “Shaitaan,” with Kiran Rao’s 2023 Toronto-playing feminist romp “Laapata Ladies” also scoring in its theatrical release.

“We are the only studio to have seven hits in a row. We hit a purple patch, like how [cricket Goat Sachin] Tendulkar was hitting his centuries,” Jyoti Deshpande, president, media and content business, Ril, told Variety. “We’ve always been champions of stories,...

Prime Video on Tuesday unveiled a 69-title slate of returning and new series as well as original and licensed films for the rest of 2024. The slate was revealed here at an all-star event hosted by filmmaker and talk show host Karan Johar.

The streamer is rolling out 27 original Indian web series, includes the much-anticipated Indian instalment of the Russo brothers’ ‘Citadel’ universe, ‘Citadel: Honey Bunny’, starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, from ‘The Family Man’ duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna Dk. The duo also have a satirical comedy drama ‘Gulkanda Tales’ on the Prime Video slate.

Other highlights are Siddharth Roy Kapur and Nagraj Manjule’s ‘Matka King’, starring Vijay Varma, who plays a Mumbai cotton merchant who ensures that gambling doesn’t remain confined only to the elite by inventing ‘matka’.

The returning series will include ‘Mirzapur 3’, where we’ll see Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Vijay Verma and Shweta ‘Golu’ Tripathi,...

Coming Soon To Prime Video India: Citadel: Honey Bunny, Subedaar, Matka King, Call Me Bae & More Exciting Titles Announced! (Photo Credit – Amazon Studios)

Calling all Prime Video India subscribers! Get ready to expand your watchlist because a wave of exciting new Hindi titles is about to hit the streaming platform. We’re talking gripping thrillers featuring Bollywood A-listers, heartwarming coming-of-age tales, and hard-hitting dramas that will leave you wanting more.

This compilation brings you the inside scoop on upcoming releases across various genres. Whether you’re a fan of action heroes like Anil Kapoor or prefer the sizzling chemistry of Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, there’s something for every taste. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be entertained by the latest offerings from Prime Video India!

Here’s a compilation of upcoming Hindi titles on Prime Video, categorized for your browsing pleasure:

Trending Mirzapur...

Prime Video has unveiled a 69-title 2024 slate of new and returning series and original and licensed films. The slate was revealed at a star-studded event in Mumbai on Tuesday hosted by Indian media personality Karan Johar.

Amazon executives present at the event included Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, Kelly Day, VP Prime Video International, ⁠James Farrell, VP, international originals, Gaurav Gandhi, VP, Apac and Mena, Sushant Sreeram, country director, India, Aparna Purohit, head of originals, India and Southeast Asia, Manish Menghani, director, content licensing, India, and Nikhil Madhok, head of Hindi-language, India.

Jonathan Nolan and Ella Purnell were on hand to provide a preview of upcoming series “Fallout.” The stars of all the Indian originals were also present.

“As we look at the next 250 million subscribers that we’re going to acquire, they are definitely going to come from outside of the United States. And...

Director Nagraj Manjule, who is known for films like ‘Sairat’, ‘Fandry’ and ‘Jhund’, started the shoot of his next Marathi film titled ‘Khashaba’ on Friday. The film is a biopic based on the first Olympic winner in post-independence India, Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, who clinched a Bronze medal in Wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, ‘Khashaba’ is a tale of triumph and tenacity, and explores the journey of an unsung hero who overcame adversities with his unwavering dedication.

Director Nagraj Manjule said on the occasion: “Embarking on my third Marathi film post Sairat; all set for an ambitious production. The groundwork for Khashaba has been underway for the past three years. I am thrilled shooting commences from today.”

Born in a village called Goleshwar in Karad taluka of District Satara in Maharashtra State, K.D. Jadhav was the youngest of five sons of a renowned wrestler Dadasaheb Jadhav.

Director Nagraj Manjule, who is known for films like ‘Sairat’, ‘Fandry’ and ‘Jhund’, started the shoot of his next Marathi film titled ‘Khashaba’ on Friday. The film is a biopic based on the first Olympic winner in post-independence India, Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, who clinched a Bronze medal in Wrestling at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.

Set against the backdrop of post-independence India, ‘Khashaba’ is a tale of triumph and tenacity, and explores the journey of an unsung hero who overcame adversities with his unwavering dedication.

Director Nagraj Manjule said on the occasion: “Embarking on my third Marathi film post Sairat; all set for an ambitious production. The groundwork for Khashaba has been underway for the past three years. I am thrilled shooting commences from today.”

Born in a village called Goleshwar in Karad taluka of District Satara in Maharashtra State, K.D. Jadhav was the youngest of five sons of a renowned wrestler Dadasaheb Jadhav.

The National Award-Winning film, Kastoori (The Musk), is all set to hit the theatres on 8 December 2023. The Vinod Kamble directorial, presented by eminent filmmakers Nagraj Popatrao Manjule and Anurag Kashyap, has already won hearts at film festivals across the world with several accolades on both national and international stages.

Anurag Kashyap, Filmmaker and Actor, said, “Kastoori is an important film of our times. It’s a kind of a story which very few filmmakers can tell well. Vinod is a director who understands the world well, and thus has made a beautiful film around a heart-breaking story. That’s what brought me and Nagraj to together present it to the world. We are sure that the audience will love the film as much as we did.”

Kastoori is a movie that follows a 14-year-old boy who is prejudiced and teased for the smell of his body, highlighting his struggles for...

The National Award-Winning film, Kastoori (The Musk), is all set to hit the theatres on 8 December 2023. The Vinod Kamble directorial, presented by eminent filmmakers Nagraj Popatrao Manjule and Anurag Kashyap, has already won hearts at film festivals across the world with several accolades on both national and international stages.

Anurag Kashyap, Filmmaker and Actor, said, “Kastoori is an important film of our times. It’s a kind of a story which very few filmmakers can tell well. Vinod is a director who understands the world well, and thus has made a beautiful film around a heart-breaking story. That’s what brought me and Nagraj to together present it to the world. We are sure that the audience will love the film as much as we did.”

Kastoori is a movie that follows a 14-year-old boy who is prejudiced and teased for the smell of his body, highlighting his struggles for...

Former Disney India head and leading producer Siddharth Roy Kapur has warned of some practices that could arise in making films for streamers.

Delivering the keynote address at the Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festival’s Industry Connect Symposium on Monday, Kapur, who is currently basking in the success of International Emmy nominated series “Rocket Boys” for streamer SonyLIV, lauded the positives brought to the industry by the platforms but also pointed out the pitfalls.

Speaking about films made for theatrical release, Kapur said that while the recoupment for them in the government funded European industries might be a Cannes slot, in India it is monetary as well. “I have to say that at times, we shy away from it. And we say that it’s cinema, it’s art, why should one really have to look at that if you’re trying to make arthouse or independent movies? But I...

Director-actor-producer Nagraj Manjule, who is known for ‘Sairat’, ‘Pistulya’ and ‘Fandry’, said that the film ‘Ghar Banduk Biryani’ is a unique blend of drama and comedy as it tells a story of supression through black comedy, action and drama. ‘Ghar Banduk Biryani’, directed by debutant filmmaker Hemant Awtade, stars Nagraj Manjule, Sayaji Shinde, Akash Thosar and Sayli Patil in the lead.

Elaborating on the same, Manjule said: “The approach of Ghar Banduk Biryani is so unique and fascinating as never before has been the subject of oppression, suppression and love been dealt with black comedy, action and drama. I am grateful for the support of my wonderful cast and crew who gave this film their all and now it is on the viewers to ensure that this film reaches them as it is sure to entertain anyone and everyone.”

Produced by Zee Studios and Manjule, the film opens in the fictitious area of Kolagad,...

Mumbai, May 20 (Ians) From ‘Sunflower’ Season 2, ‘Tarla’ and ‘Haddi’ and many more have been included into the expansive line-up of titles for streaming portal ZEE5.

It also features originals in Hindi and regional languages, sequels of cult-favourite series, big-ticket direct to digital releases, blockbuster post-theatrical launches and intriguing docu-series.

For the slate, ZEE5 has partnered with creators such as Dharma Productions, Salman Khan Films, Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment, Bhanushali Studios, The Viral Fever (Tvf), Goldie Behl’s Rose Audio Visuals, Applause Entertainment, Sudhir Mishra, Vikas Bahl, Vivek Agnihotri, and Nagraj Manjule.

Bringing a bouquet of genres, the much-awaited line-up features sequels of prominent original series like ‘Sunflower’ S2, ‘Taj: Reign of Revenge’, Tvf’s ‘Humorously Yours’ S3 and ‘Aam Aadmi Family’ S4, ‘The Kashmir Files’, ‘Unreported’, ‘Duranga S2’, ‘Mithya S2’, ‘The Broken News’ S2, ‘Gyarah Gyarah (11:11)’, Sudhir Mishra’s ‘Crime Beat’.

Direct to digital movies Manoj Bajpayee’s...

South Asian focused streamer ZEE5 has unveiled a 111-strong 2023 slate on the occasion of its fifth anniversary.

The lineup is across the Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bangla, Punjabi and Marathi languages. The content is from top producers including Dharma Productions, Salman Khan Films, Oscar winner Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment, Bhanushali Studios, The Viral Fever, Applause Entertainment, Rose Audio Visuals, Vikas Bahl, Vivek Agnihotri, Nagraj Manjule and Sudhir Mishra.

A-list performers in the shows and films include Manoj Bajpayee, Pankaj Tripathi, Huma Qureshi, Arya, Parambrata Chatterjee, Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte.

Titles revealed so far include films and series including Manoj Bajpayee’s “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai”; Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s “Haddi” and “Love is Blind,” Pankaj Tripathi’s “Kadak Singh”; Huma Qureshi’s “Tarla”; Sunny Deol’s “Gadar 2”; Vetrimaaran and Vijay Sethupathi’s “Viduthalai – Part 1”; Arya’s “Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam”; Nagraj Manjule...

The 68th Filmfare Awards 2023, is all set to be a celebration of the artistry and ingenuity of filmmakers, actors, and artists. Gearing up for the biggest awards night of the year with high-calibre performances, Filmfare unveils the illustrious list of nominations to recognize the best in Hindi cinema, for the year 2022. This year, the glorious Filmfare awards night will be held in majestic honour with a live on-ground show on April 27th, 2023, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Bkc in Mumbai.

Celebrating the finest of Hindi cinema, this year’s grand event will witness some of the greatest acts, stellar wins and stimulating performances. Leading the pack with an astounding 16 nominations across categories is Gangubai Kathiawadi, a biographical film that tells the riveting tale of a woman’s rise to power in Mumbai’s red-light district. This is followed by the movie Badhaai Do, with a whopping 15 nominations, which is...

Tenth Time Lucky The Legend teaser poster (Bona Film Group)

Director Stanley Tong (“Rumble in the Bronx”) is to team up with Jackie Chan for the tenth time on “The Legend.” State media in China report that Chan, who recently reached the top spot in the mainland Chinese box office with aged stuntman comedy “Ride On,” will play an archaeologist on a quest through time and space. With production by Bona Film Group, “The Legend” is pitched as being in the same vein as Tong and Chan’s 2005 effort “The Myth,” which was a fantasy love story. Tong and Chan have worked together on other titles including “Police Story 3,” “Supercop” and “Vanguard.”

Olympic Dreams

India’s Jio Studios is backing “Khashaba,” a Marathi-language film on the life of India’s first Olympic medalist Khasaba Dadasaheb. After delivering the “Sairat,” the all-time highest grosser in the history of Marathi cinema, and London and Goteborg selection “Fandry,...

Reliance Industries’ Indian content arm Jio Studios is teaming with Indian filmmaker Nagraj Manjule to make a Marathi-language film about India’s first Olympic medallist, freestyle wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav (a.k.a. Khashaba).

Manjule is directing the biopic and will also produce through his production banner Aatpat Production, alongside Jio Studios’ Jyoti Deshpande.

Born in 1926 in Maharashtra, Khashaba won a bronze medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, making him the first athlete from independent India to win an individual medal at the games.

He was the son of another renowned wrestler, Dadasaheb Jadhav, and participated in the Quit India movement, protesting against British rule, although Jio Studios didn’t reveal whether than aspect of his life would be included in the film.

“Along with entertaining the audience, this film will also introduce the audience to a brave and exceptional athlete who made India proud all over the world,...

Mumbai, April 21 (Ians) National Award winning filmmaker Nagraj Manjule, who is known for helming Marathi film ‘Sairaat’, is making a Marathi film on the life of Independent India’s first Olympic medalist Khasaba Dadasaheb Jadhav.

Manjule boasts of 4 National Film Awards and has delivered films like ‘Fandry’, ‘Pistulya’ and ‘Pavasacha Nibandha’. The film titled ‘Khasaba’ will be mounted on a large scale.

Talking about his ambitious project Nagraj said: “Along with entertaining the audience, this film will also introduce the audience to a brave and exceptional athlete who made India proud all over the world. My aim is to make all Indians witness his extraordinary journey through this film.”

Khasaba, who was born in Goleshwar village in Karad taluka of District Satara in Maharashtra, was the youngest of five sons of renowned wrestler Dadasaheb Jadhav. He clinched the bronze medal at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki and was the first...

Mumbai, April 18 (Ians) Filmmaker Karan Johar has denied a report that his production banner is making the sequel of ‘Dhadak’, which was rumoured to have actors Siddhant Chaturvedi and Tripti Dimri.

Karan’s clarification comes after a media report surfaced stating that Siddhant and Tripti will be seen starring as lead in ‘Dhadak 2’.

The filmmaker took to Instagram Stories and denied the news related to ‘Dhadak 2’.

He wrote, “To put this on the record and for all concerned we (Dharma Productions) are Not making a film with the title Dhadak 2 as is being reported in various articles…”

Released in 2018, ‘Dhadak’ marked the acting debut of Janhvi Kapoor. It also stars Ishaan Khatter. It is a remake of the 2016 Marathi language film Sairat by Nagraj Manjule.

Karan is currently gearing up for the release of his directorial ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’ starring Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi and Dharmendra.

In a star-studded event held at the prestigious Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Jio Studios, the media and content arm of Reliance Industries Limited, for the first time unveiled its spectacular content slate, the single largest slate ever produced by an Indian studio in any given year. The studio has lined up ready to release over 100+ stories across genres of films and original web series in multiple languages including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, South and Bhojpuri, capturing every emotion and genre of storytelling – Action, Drama, Thriller, Comedy, Romance, Biopics, Horror, Musicals et al.

The depth and width of this marquee offering promises to be a game-changer in the world of Indian entertainment, delivering high quality content that is both entertaining and thought provoking, with unheard of scale. This has been achieved through meticulous collaboration with some of the best creative minds in the country including Raj Kumar Hirani, Sooraj Barjatya,...

Ajith Kumar, Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn and Dulquer Salmaan will be seen featuring in a 28-strong Zee Studios 2023 India slate.

India’s Zee Studios has revealed an extensive 2023 slate of 28 titles across languages, featuring some of the best-known names in their respective industries, reports Variety.

The titles, which include 26 films for theatrical release, a direct-to-digital film and a streaming series, are Zee Studios productions, coproductions or acquisitions.

Big ticket films include H. Vinoth’s Tamil-language heist thriller ‘Thunivu’, starring megastar Ajith Kumar that is due in January 2023 release during the Pongal festival frame; Amit Sharma’s long-awaited Hindi-language soccer epic ‘Maidaan’, starring Ajay Devgn, due in February.

Farhad Samji’s Hindi-language action-comedy ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’, starring superstar Salman Khan, due in April during the Eid festival frame; and ‘Gadar 2’, a sequel to Anil Sharma’s 2001 blockbuster ‘Gadar’, starring Sunny Deol.

Deol also stars alongside fellow veterans Sanjay Dutt,...

Former Disney India head Siddharth Roy Kapur, producer of Oscar-shortlisted film “Last Film Show,” has an eclectic range of films and series due in 2023 from his Roy Kapur Films outfit.

Due in the first half of 2023 is war epic film “Pippa,” a coproduction with Ronnie Screwvala’s RSVP, directed by Raja Krishna Menon (“Airlift”) and starring Ishaan (“A Suitable Boy”) and Mrunal Thakur (“Sita Ramam”) with music by A.R. Rahman. Arshad Syed’s film “Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan?,” coproduced by Junglee Pictures, is a screwball comedy starring Taapsee Pannu (“Blurr”) and Pratik Gandhi (“Scam 1992”). Another film, comedy-drama “Bas Karo Aunty!,” stars Ishwak Singh (“Rocket Boys”), is directed by debutant Abhishek Sinha, written by Nitesh Tiwari (“Dangal”), and coproduced by Tiwari’s Earthsky Pictures and RSVP for Disney+ Hotstar.

Returning series include the second seasons of “Aranyak” and “Rocket Boys,” on Netflix and SonyLIV respectively.

There are eight new series in various stages of development.

India’s Zee Studios has revealed an extensive 2023 slate of 28 titles across languages, featuring some of the best-known names in their respective industries.

The titles, which include 26 films for theatrical release, a direct-to-digital film and a streaming series, are Zee Studios productions, coproductions or acquisitions.

Big ticket films include H. Vinoth’s Tamil-language heist thriller “Thunivu,” starring megastar Ajith Kumar that is due a Jan. 2023 release during the Pongal festival frame; Amit Sharma’s long-awaited Hindi-language soccer epic “Maidaan,” starring Ajay Devgn, due in February; Farhad Samji’s Hindi-language action-comedy “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan,” starring superstar Salman Khan, due in April during the Eid festival frame; and “Gadar 2,” a sequel to Anil Sharma’s 2001 blockbuster “Gadar,” starring Sunny Deol.

Deol also stars alongside fellow veterans Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff in Vivek Chauhan’s “Baap.” Other Hindi-language highlights include Rani Mukerji in Ashima Chibber’s “Mrs.

After the back-to-back success of Aranyak on Netflix and Rocket Boys on Sony Liv, Siddharth Roy Kapur’s production house Roy Kapur Films (Rkf) announced an impressive new slate of series in development and production for 2022/23. From historical epics to powerful family dramas, this compelling slate of series will be nurtured and created by an exciting mix of new talent and established filmmakers.

Jinesh Shah, Head, Originals Rkf says, “With these eight phenomenal series, we are prepared to bring audiences a smorgasbord of riveting stories. We’re looking forward to training our lenses on different worlds with these talented filmmakers, and delving into the psyches of intriguing, layered and compelling characters.”

The exciting slate includes:

Vishnuvardhan, director of Shershaah – the biggest streaming hit of 2021, is all set to make his series directorial debut with a sweeping epic action drama across multiple seasons, which will tell the fascinating story of an...

After the twin successes of “Aranyak” on Netflix and “Rocket Boys” on SonyLIV, Siddharth Roy Kapur’s Roy Kapur Films has revealed eight more series in development and production for 2022-23.

Vishnuvardhan, director of war film “Shershaah,” the highest streamed Indian film on Amazon Prime Video in 2021, will make his series directorial debut with a sweeping multi-season epic action drama, which will tell the story of an integral part of India’s 20th century military history.

From Malayalam cinema, Mahesh Narayanan, whose film credits include “C U Soon” and “Malik,” will direct a multi-season spy thriller set across the Middle East and South Asia.

Hardik Mehta, director of the Busan title “Kaamyaab” and the Netflix show “Decoupled,” will direct a family drama series set across Europe, Africa and India set in the world of warring business families.

Abbas Tyrewala, writer of “Maqbool” and “Main Hoon Na,” whose directorial debut “Jaane...

ZEE5 Global, announced the release of Jhund, starring Amitabh Bachchan on 6th May exclusively on the platform. The film is an autobiography based on the life of Vijay Barse; a real-life hero and founder of Slum Soccer, an organisation which works for the wellbeing and development of children from underprivileged backgrounds with an acumen to play football.

Jhund brings to the fore the life of a slum dweller and his struggle to achieve his dream. The protagonist uses his life experience to make a way for himself and his community to break the social barriers, inspiring millions of youths to be passionate about their dreams and making them a reality with dedication and determination. Portraying their roles flawlessly, over a dozen kids and young adults, like Ankush Gedam, Akash Thosar, Rinku Rajguru to name few make the film larger than life. Bollywood megastar, Amitabh Bachchan has nailed the role as...

The biographical sports drama ‘Jhund’, which stars Amitabh Bachchan in the lead, is set to debut on Ott on May 6. The film directed by ‘Sairat’ fame Nagraj Manjule, is based on the life of Vijay Barse; a real-life hero and founder of Slum Soccer, an organisation which works for the wellbeing and development of […]...

Film CommentaryAs pertinent as it is to point out a flawed political statement or cinematic choice, are we equally conscious of the limitations many directors operate within and attempt to break free from?Bharathy SingaravelIt’s been a week since Jhund released, marking Marathi director Nagraj Manjule’s Bollywood debut. The film has received its share of both praise and critique. Many of the aspects that have been pointed out as flaws are not unfounded — that it in many ways caters to an upper-caste gaze, though it is a film about Dalit-Bahujan lives. While it is a fair demand to make of anti-caste films, it’s also essential to examine the industry parameters within which Manjule may have been required to operate for Jhund, or the formulaic limitations in Kollywood within which Pa Ranjith or Mari Selvaraj or other even younger filmmakers work in. Amitabh Bachchan’s outsider role in...

Jhund

Starring Amitabh Bachchan

Written & Directed by Nagraj Manjule

Jhund gets it right… Eventually. While it finds its way out into the light, there is plenty that Jhund gets wrong. The slum-soccer theme goes from dream to scheme with scarcely a scream . It all happens too abruptly: one minute we see Vijay Borade(real name Barse)scrutinizing the slumboys as reformative cases. The next thing we know the boys are rallying around their soccer messiah , their distrust and disdain magically alchemized into a deep commitment. Soon after they are playing that decisive match: you know, the one where the underdogs will beat the football snobs on the field while the two coaches from the two sides speak of their teams with the protective ferocity of lions guarding cubs.

But the pre-intermission match just goes on and on, and on. And yet barring one, we barely get an opportunity to get to know the slumkids closely.

If cinema mirrors society then Nagraj Manjule’s films reflect the haunting realities of the cultural and social structure in every possible spectrum visible to the human eye. The filmmaker started his journey with the short film ‘Pistulya’ shot on a shoestring budget with a camera as frugal as Sony Nx 100. But, it’s grit that […]...

ReviewDirected by Shanker Raman, ‘Love Hostel’ has shades of Anushka Sharma’s ‘NH10’ and Nagraj Manjule’s ‘Sairat’, but also has its fair share of original twists.Sowmya RajendranLove Hostel, which was released on Zee5, is set in Haryana and bravely attempts to explore the danger that follows a runaway couple — Ahmed Shaukeen (Vikrant Massey) and Jyoti Dilawer (Sanya Malhotra). At a time when interfaith love, particularly when it involves a Muslim man and a Hindu woman, has been repeatedly demonised and labelled as ‘love jihad’, it takes guts to make a film like this, that puts such a couple at the heart of the plot. Directed by Shanker Raman, Love Hostel has shades of Anushka Sharma’s 2015 thriller NH10 and Nagraj Manjule’s 2016 drama Sairat, but also has its fair share of original twists. The 100-minute film doesn’t waste any time in getting into the thick of the conflict.

The makers of the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Jhund’ released the teaser of the film’s first song ‘Aaya Ye Jhund Hai’ on Sunday. Nagraj Manjule the director of the film has yet again collaborated with the music director duo Ajay-Atul for his film after their last successful association of ‘Sairat’. The 20-second teaser starts off with a […]...

Are you ready to experience Amitabh Bachchan’s Jhund? The hugely awaited film directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule (Sairat) is all set to release on 4th March 2022.

In the biographical sports drama the esteemed actor plays the role of Vijay Barse the founder of Slum Soccer, an organisation which uplifts underprivileged children through football.

Announcing the date, Mr. Bachchan wrote, “Iss toli se muqaabla karne ke liye raho taiyaar! Humari team aa rahi hai (Be ready to compete with this group. Our team is coming).”

Talking about the film producer Savita Raj Hiremath said in an earlier interview, “We shot for 45 days on a set in Nagpur, there were no ego hassles or hierarchy. Mr Bachchan was like a father figure to the kids who were from real slums, never sitting in his vanity van but with them. He taught them not just the rules of the game which he knows well,...

The hugely awaited Amitabh Bachchan starrer ‘Jhund’ directed by Nagraj Popatrao Manjule is all set to release on 4th March 2022. Sairat fame National Awardee Nagraj Manjule’s ‘Jhund’ is his debut Hindi language movie, a biographical sports drama based on the life of Vijay Barse, the founder of Ngo Slum Soccer. ‘Jhund’ also features Akash […]...

Capping off 2021 on a high note, Saqib Saleem bowled us over with his act as Mohinder Amarnath in 83 and it seems the streak of power-packed performances continues. The 83 actor garners flattering reviews for his act as a migrant and thief in Ruchir Arun’s Teen Tigada from Amazon Prime’s latest anthology Unpaused: Naya Safar. As the streaming boom gets stronger in India, Saqib marks his presence across the Ott scene, having already charmed the big screen with Kabir Khan’s sports drama.

What excited Saqib about the film is that it touches upon different lives and their overwhelming situations amid the pandemic with sensitivity. Unpaused: Naya Safar consists of five stories helmed by five prominent filmmakers – namely, Nupur Asthana (The Couple), Ayappa Km (War Room), Ruchir Arun (Teen Tigada), Shikha Makan (Gond Ke Laddu), and Nagraj Manjule (Vaikunth).

Saqib’s Teen Tigada shed light on the fear and...

Unpaused Naya Safar(Amazon Prime Video, Anthology Of 5 Stories)

To paraphrase a beloved pop songs of the 1970s: “All You Get From Covid Is Covid Cinema”.

Luckily for us Unpaused Naya Safar is not only well worth our time and attention, this five-tiered omnibus is better more sensitively designed than the first season that came in 2020. Unpaused Naya Safar actually constitutes 4 stories of varying merit, and one outright masterpiece.

Quite like Neeraj Ghaywan’s Geeli Pucchi in the anthology Ajeeb Dastaans, Nagraj Manjule’s Vaikunth in Unpaused is so far ahead of the other four segments it deserved a full feature-length treatment. It’s like the Amitabh Bachchan of the anthology towering above the rest with its razorsharp brilliance and acute insight into human nature during stressful times. An aching darkness spreads over the story as the film’s protagonist , a cremator in a crematorium who suddenly has a full...

InterviewThe director talks about his new film, which explored the boxing culture of north Chennai.PTIPolitics will always form an important backdrop in his cinema whether it is speaking about Dalits or breaking the stereotypical image of the subaltern culture, says Tamil filmmaker Pa Ranjith. One of the most celebrated contemporary directors in Tamil cinema with films such as Madras and Rajinikanth-starrers Kabali and Kaala to his credit, Ranjith explores the boxing culture of north Chennai in his latest film Sarpatta Parambarai. According to the director, his past movies as well as Sarpatta deal with the ground realities of the working class in the most natural way possible. "My films are an extension of my ideology," Ranjith said. "I have brought sports into the framework of political drama for this project. Be it speaking about Dalit politics or breaking the stereotypical image of subaltern culture, I have always tried...

Mumbai, Feb 28 (Ians) Although there has been no official confirmation, unconfirmed reports have stated that Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has undergone cataract surgery. The reports add that the star will be back home in 24 hours.

"It was nothing, just a cataract surgery. Amitabh Bachchan will be home in the next 24 hours," a source close to the actor revealed, according to the entertainment portal Bollywood Hungama.

The veteran actor wrote about going in for surgery on his blog on Saturday night.

"Medical condition .. surgery .. can't write," wrote the 78-year-old actor.

However, he did not elaborate on the medical condition or talk about the procedure which he was to undergo. Worried fans took to social media to wish the actor a quick recovery.

Last year, Big B had been admitted to hospital after contracting Covid-19, along with son Abhishek, daughter-in-law Aishwarya, and grand-daughter Aaradhya.

The actor's office is yet to officially confirm details.

Mumbai, Feb 28 (Ians) Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan has blogged to reveal that he is undergoing surgery owing to a medical condition. The 78-year-old actor did not share details, and concerned fans were soon wishing him quick recovery.

"Medical condition.. surgery.. can't write," Big B wrote in a blog entry dated Saturday. Over the past few hours, many of his fans have naturally taken to social media to wish him good health.

The actor's office is yet to officially give out details.

Big B started the year with a packed schedule. He has five films coming up. While his next release is Rumi Jafry's psychological suspense drama "Chehre", co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Rhea Chakraborty, Big B has lately been busy shooting for the thriller "Mayday", co-starring and directed by Ajay Devgn. The film also stars Rakul Preet Singh.

He will also be seen in "Sairat" maker Nagraj Manjule's social drama...

Mumbai, Feb 24 (Ians) Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday spoke of new beginnings, dropping hint that a big announcement is in the offing.

Big B penned a rhyme with names of his upcoming films like Chehre, Jhund and Brahmastra, and wrote about following up these projects with something new.

He tweeted in Hindi: "Chehre Jhund Brahmastra hai kuch aane wale pal, jald shuru honge kuch aur, futenge nariyal!" 

Big B also shared a photograph where he can be seen playing football. Incidentally, the upcoming Jhund, directed by Nagraj Manjule, is about how the protagonist, played by Big B, uses football to instil a sense of responsibility and purpose in the lives of a bunch of slum kids. The film is slated for June 18.

His next release is Chehre, co-starring Rhea Chakraborty and Emraan Haashmi. The film has been confirmed for theatrical release in April 30.

Big B also features in Ayan...

Mumbai, Feb 23: Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday informed that he has received a very special gift. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal sent across a book written and illustrated by his daughter Vismaya.

Titled Grains Of Stardust, the book contains poems and paintings. Big B took to twitter to share his appreciation.

"MohanLal , superstar of Malayalam Cinema and one that I have immense admiration of, sends me a book, "Grains of Stardust", written & illustrated by his daughter Vismaya .. A most creative sensitive journey of poems and paintings ..Talent is hereditary ! My best wishes (sic)," tweeted the actor.

T 3823 - MohanLal , superstar pf Malayalam Cinema and one that I have immense admiration of , sends me a book,

"Grains of Stardust", written & illustrated by his daughter Vismaya ..

A most creative sensitive journey of poems and paintings ..

Talent is hereditary ! My best wishes pic.twitter.com/KPmojUbxhk

— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) February 23, 2021

Bachchan will soon...

Mumbai, Feb 19 (Ians) Amitabh Bachchan confirmed on Friday that his new film Jhund will release in theatres on June 18. The film is directed by Sairat maker Nagraj Manjule.

"Covid gave us setbacks .. but it's comeback time now! We're Back In Theaters .. Jhund releasing 18th June !!" Big B tweeted.

"Amitabh Bachchan: #Jhund Arrives On 18 June 2021... #Jhund - #AmitabhBachchan and #Sairaat director Nagraj Popatrao Manjule's first collaboration - to release in *cinemas* on 18 June 2021. #Jhund is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Raaj Hiremath, Savita Raj Hiremath, Nagraj Manjule, Gargee Kulkarni, Sandip Ssingh and Meenu Aroraa," tweeted trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

Big B essays a role based on Slum Soccer founder Vijay Barse in the upcoming sports drama. The film narrates the story of a professor who encourages street children to build a football team, in order to help them find a purpose in life.

--Ians

abh/vnc...

Amitabh Bachchan performed Saraswati Puja ceremony with his family on Tuesday. Big B tweeted the news along with a picture of Goddess Saraswati next to a close-up self-portrait.

"Ghar mein, saparivaar, Saraswati puja sampann," he wrote as caption.

T 3816 - घर में , सपरिवार , सरस्वती पूजन सम्पन्न !

Amitabh Bachchan on Friday revealed that people often advise him to put a lock on his mouth! Big B's revelation came while he was interacting with a fan on Twitter.

Bachchan reacted to a tweet by a fan who wrote, "If the world had run on faith, there would be no lock on anyone's door."

Reacting to his tweet, Big B wrote in Hindi, "Brother I have seen such days in Allahabad. We would never lock our house. Also our main gate would always remain open, I have never seen it being shut. Yes, but that is no longer possible. These days people advise me to put a lock even on my mouth!!"

पर भाई साहेब , ऐसे दिन हमने देखें हैं , इलाहबाद में । हम अपने घर में कभी भी ताला नहीं लगते थे । और घर का gate हमने कभी भी बंद...

Amitabh Bachchan surprised fans by wishing them Merry Christmas on January 7. The actor then explained on social media that this is the date of the Russian Christmas as per the Gregorian calendar.

"Merry Christmas .. Russian Christmas on Jan 7 .. Christmas holiday-January 7th in the Gregorian calendar or December 25, Julian calendar ... as informed by Alla Yukhina, Russian Ef," tweeted Bachchan from his verified account.

Fans from across the world reciprocated to the tweet by wishing the actor on Orthodox Christmas.

"Thank you, Amit Ji! You remember and respect the Russian-speaking population all over the world. They love you very much in Russia! Movies are shown with translation. However, not always the timbre of the voice coincides with yours. So I'm reviewing movies in Hindi," commented a fan from Crimea.

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2021 to all Orthodox Christians who celebrate Christmas on 7th Jan... Greetings and wishes," shared another fan.

On Wednesday,...