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Festive Cheer Boosts Box Office: PVR INOX Records Over 50% Occupancy as Moviegoers Flock Back to Cinemas

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PVR INOX Ltd is celebrating a blockbuster Dussehra weekend, witnessing a remarkable surge in footfall as audiences return to theatres in large numbers. The multiplex giant reported over 50% occupancy across its cinemas, welcoming more than 8.5 lakh movie lovers during the extended Dussehra–Gandhi Jayanti weekend. “Our theatres are buzzing with festive energy as audiences across India return to enjoy the magic of cinema,” said Gautam Dutta, CEO (Revenue & Operations), PVR INOX Ltd. With the second quarter showing strong growth momentum, the company expressed optimism for the upcoming festive season, which promises a packed lineup of anticipated releases. Titles like Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, Jolly LLB, and One Battle After Another headline the Bollywood and Hollywood slate, while regional films continue to impress audiences nationwide. Regional blockbusters such as Idli Kadai (Tamil/Telugu), Maria (Tamil), Vada Pav (Marathi), and Nikka Zaildar 4 (Punjabi) are driving impressive box-office numbers, reflecting the vibrant diversity of India’s cinematic landscape. Currently, PVR INOX operates 1,757 screens across 353 properties in 111 cities in India and Sri Lanka, reaffirming its position as the country’s leading multiplex chain. Source: PTI

Festive Cheer Boosts Box Office: PVR INOX Records Over 50% Occupancy as Moviegoers Flock Back to Cinemas Read More »

‘Homebound’ picked as India’s official Oscar entry for 2026

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Hindi film Homebound has been selected as India’s official submission for the 96th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The announcement was made in Kolkata by filmmaker N. Chandra, chairperson of the 12-member selection committee, on Friday. Chandra revealed that 24 films across various Indian languages were in the race, calling the final choice “a very difficult decision.” He added, “We were not judges but mentors, looking for storytellers who have truly left an impact.” Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and jointly produced by Karan Johar and Adar Poonawalla, Homebound features Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor in pivotal roles. The film follows the journey of two childhood friends from a modest village in northern India as they pursue a police job that offers them long-sought dignity and recognition. Source: PTI  

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71st National Film Awards 2025: Full Winners List and Highlights

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The 71st National Film Awards, one of the most revered recognitions in Indian cinema, have been officially announced, honouring the best in filmmaking, performances, and technical brilliance from across the country. Known for their credibility and impartiality, the National Awards stand apart from other honours in the Indian film industry by prioritising artistic and cinematic excellence over commercial success. Administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals and presented by the President of India, these awards celebrate films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) during the previous calendar year (January 1 to December 31). A jury, consisting of noted film personalities, undertakes the task of screening entries and selecting winners across categories and languages. This year’s awards reflect a powerful blend of storytelling, technical achievement, and strong performances, cutting across regional and mainstream cinema. From high-profile Bollywood blockbusters to intimate regional dramas, the winners showcased the diversity and depth of Indian filmmaking. Major Acting Honours Best Actor was jointly awarded to Shah Rukh Khan for Jawan and Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail. This marked a significant milestone in Khan’s career as he bagged his first National Award for acting. Best Actress went to Rani Mukerji for her emotionally charged role in Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway, which highlighted the struggles of a mother caught in an international legal battle. Supporting Performances Recognised Best Supporting Actor honours were shared between Vijayaraghavan (Pookkalam) and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar (Parking). Best Supporting Actress was jointly awarded to Urvashi (Ullozhukku) and Janaki Bodiwala (Vash). Top Feature Films by Language Best Feature Film overall: 12th Fail Best Hindi Film: Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery Best Telugu Film: Bhagavanth Kesari Best Tamil Film: Parking Best Malayalam Film: Ullozhukku Best Kannada Film: Kandeelu: The Ray of Hope Best Marathi Film: Shyamchi Aai Best Bengali Film: Deep Fridge Best Gujarati Film: Vash Best Punjabi Film: Godday Godday Chaa Best Odia Film: Pushkara Best Assamese Film: Rongatapu 1982 These selections showcase the cultural and linguistic diversity of Indian cinema, reaffirming the National Film Awards’ commitment to inclusivity. Technical Excellence and Direction Best Director: Sudipto Sen for The Kerala Story, praised for its bold narrative and technical finesse. Best Choreography: Vaibhavi Merchant for Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani Best Action Direction: Nandu and Prudhvi for Hanu-Man Best Lyrics: Kasarla Shyam for Balagam Best Music Direction: G.V. Prakash Kumar (Songs) for Vaathi Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Background Score) for Animal Performance in Music and Sound Best Male Playback Singer: P.V.N. S. Rohit for Baby Best Female Playback Singer: Shilpa Rao for Jawan Best Sound Design: Sachin Sudhakaran & Hariharan for Animal Other Key Technical Awards Best Cinematography: Prasanthanu Mohapatra for The Kerala Story Best Editing: Midhun Murali for Pookkaalam Best Production Design: Mohandas for 2018 – Everyone is a Hero Best Makeup: Shrikanth Desai for Sam Bahadur Best Costume Design: Sachin, Divya, Nidhhi for Sam Bahadur Special Mention: M.R. Radhakrishnan (Re-recording mixer) for Animal Final Thoughts The 71st National Film Awards not only celebrated artistic and cinematic triumphs but also reflected the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where regional films continue to shine alongside mainstream blockbusters. The event acknowledged both legendary figures and fresh voices, reinforcing the relevance of storytelling that resonates across audiences and regions. Shah Rukh Khan’s long-awaited National Award win and the sweeping recognition for 12th Fail stood out as emotional and symbolic moments, while the inclusion of underrepresented languages and filmmakers demonstrated the Awards’ commitment to embracing India’s cinematic mosaic.

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Restored ‘Sholay’ with Original Ending Set for World Premiere in Italy to Mark 50th Anniversary

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An uncut, newly restored version of the legendary Bollywood classic Sholay is set to make its global debut at the Il Cinema Ritrovato Festival in Bologna, Italy, on June 27. The film will be screened on the iconic open-air screen at Piazza Maggiore, celebrating 50 years since its original release in 1975. This special version includes never-before-seen footage and the original ending — where the iconic villain Gabbar Singh meets his end at the hands of Thakur, a sequence that was removed from the original theatrical cut following censorship by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The restoration is the result of a three-year collaboration between Film Heritage Foundation and Sippy Films Pvt. Ltd., aiming to bring director Ramesh Sippy’s full vision to global audiences for the first time. Widely considered one of the greatest films in Indian cinema history, Sholay starred an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan, and Hema Malini. Reflecting on the film, Amitabh Bachchan shared in a press note that working on Sholay was unforgettable and its unexpected rise from initial box office disappointment to record-breaking success was an emotional journey. “Even 50 years later, I hope it continues to captivate audiences across the globe,” he said. Dharmendra, who played the beloved Veeru, called Sholay the “eighth wonder of the world,” praising its iconic dialogues by Salim-Javed and Sippy’s direction. He fondly recalled unforgettable scenes, especially Jai’s tragic death, as some of Indian cinema’s most powerful moments. Producer Shehzad Sippy, representing the legacy of his grandfather G.P. Sippy, revealed that while the restoration process was long and challenging, the discovery of the original climax and deleted scenes made it all worthwhile. “This has been a labour of love. I’m excited for the film to start its new journey,” he said. Film Heritage Foundation’s Shivendra Singh Dungarpur also noted the restoration challenges, particularly the lack of an original 70mm print or camera negative. “Despite the hurdles, we have worked meticulously to do justice to this cinematic milestone,” he stated, looking forward to watching Sholay under the open sky in Bologna with thousands of international film lovers. The world premiere of Sholay in its restored form promises to reignite the magic of this timeless classic for a whole new generation of viewers. Source: Indian Express

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Warner Bros. Pictures, Bhanushali Studios, and JOAT Films Join Forces for Five-Film Collaboration to Adapt Hollywood Classics for India

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In a landmark move for cross-cultural cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures has entered a strategic alliance with Bhanushali Studios Limited (BSL) and JOAT Films to produce five Indian adaptations of iconic Warner Bros. films. The collaboration aims to reinterpret celebrated Hollywood stories with a distinctly Indian flavor, weaving in the country’s cultural nuances while preserving the universal themes that made the originals global favorites. This initiative marks a significant step toward bringing international storytelling into the local cinematic mainstream, with Warner Bros. Pictures leading global distribution to ensure these new versions reach audiences far beyond Indian borders. Commenting on the partnership, Denzil Dias, Vice President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Pictures India, emphasized the potential of the Indian market: “India is home to one of the most dynamic and mature film industries in the world. Our collaboration is about merging Warner Bros.’ rich legacy with local storytelling expertise to craft narratives that deeply connect with Indian viewers while still retaining global appeal.” Vinod Bhanushali, Founder and Chairman of Bhanushali Studios, expressed enthusiasm about the creative potential of the venture: “This partnership offers an incredible platform to reimagine Warner Bros.’ classics through an Indian lens—amplifying emotion, scale, and cultural essence for both domestic and international audiences.” Jack Nguyen of JOAT Films also shared his excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with BSL in adapting select titles from Warner Bros.’ extraordinary catalogue for the Indian audience. These films will be carefully chosen to align with local tastes while maintaining the integrity of the original stories.” This collaboration marks a new chapter in Indo-Hollywood synergy, promising a blend of global storytelling and local sensibilities. Source: PTI  

Warner Bros. Pictures, Bhanushali Studios, and JOAT Films Join Forces for Five-Film Collaboration to Adapt Hollywood Classics for India Read More »

Allu Arjun’s Old Comment on Hrithik Roshan and Prabhas Resurfaces Amid Arshad Warsi’s Remarks

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A throwback video of Allu Arjun comparing Prabhas with Hrithik Roshan has gone viral, rekindling discussions on social media. In the clip, Allu Arjun, quoting SS Rajamouli, humorously mentions that “Hrithik Roshan is nothing in front of Prabhas,” while praising Prabhas as “number one.” This resurfaced video has sparked chatter online, especially in the context of recent comments made by Arshad Warsi about Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD. In the viral clip, Allu Arjun lauds Prabhas for his impressive action sequences, echoing Rajamouli’s statement. The video shows Prabhas smiling at the remark, while Hrithik Roshan’s fans took the comment as a lighthearted compliment, acknowledging Hrithik as a “benchmark to beat.” Redditors were quick to react, with many noting that the remark was likely made in a playful manner to hype Prabhas. One user commented, “They are using Hrithik as a bar, which is actually a huge compliment.” Others noted that such comparisons are common in India as a way to elevate someone’s stature. Another comment read, “Hrithik remains a standard across the industry from North to South.” This renewed discussion comes after Arshad Warsi recently made headlines by calling Prabhas’ appearance in Kalki 2898 AD reminiscent of a “joker.” Warsi was sharing his thoughts on recent films, expressing that while he admired Amitabh Bachchan’s performance in the movie, he wasn’t impressed with Prabhas’ look, suggesting it could have been more impactful. This ongoing debate highlights how Hrithik Roshan continues to be regarded as a yardstick for comparisons in Indian cinema, while stars like Prabhas carve their own path with the support of fans and industry insiders alike. Source: News 18

Allu Arjun’s Old Comment on Hrithik Roshan and Prabhas Resurfaces Amid Arshad Warsi’s Remarks Read More »

CBFC Approves Ajay Devgn’s “Maidaan” Unedited, Requests Additions

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The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has granted clearance to Ajay Devgn’s upcoming movie “Maidaan” without any cuts. Based on a real-life incident and featuring Devgn as a football coach, the film spans over three hours in duration. No edits were requested by the CBFC for the film directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma. However, the board has mandated a few additions to the movie. Among these additions is a disclaimer stipulating that “Maidaan” is a fictionalized account inspired by true events from the public domain, legendary football players’ perspectives, and writers’ research, with elements of fiction added for dramatic effect. The disclaimer also clarifies that certain dialogues are for dramatic purposes only and not intended to incite lawlessness. Additionally, the film must include anti-smoking messages during scenes depicting characters smoking, as per CBFC guidelines. Furthermore, the end credits are required to be presented in both Hindi and English. According to reports, the film’s runtime is 3 hours, 1 minute, and 30 seconds (181.30 minutes). “Maidaan” narrates the story of Syed Abdul Rahim, portrayed by Devgn, who served as a prominent football coach and manager of the Indian football team, contributing significantly to the advancement of Indian football. The movie also stars Priyamani, Gajraj Rao, and Rudranil Ghosh in pivotal roles. Despite facing numerous delays since its inception, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown and cyclones, “Maidaan” is set to hit theaters on April 10, coinciding with the release of “Bade Miyaan Chhote Miyan.”  

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Glittering Night at 69th Filmfare Awards 2024: Bollywood’s Finest Shine in Gujarat

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The 69th Filmfare Awards 2024 unfolded on January 28 in the scenic city of Gandhinagar, Gujarat, featuring the crème de la crème of Bollywood. In a star-studded affair hosted by Karan Johar, the two-day event witnessed a separate ceremony for Technical Awards on Saturday, followed by the main awards presentation on Sunday. Among the big winners of the night, Ranbir Kapoor’s “Animal” and Vikrant Massey’s “12th Fail” claimed top honors, with Alia Bhatt bagging the Best Actor award for “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.” List of Filmfare Awards 2024 Winners: Best Film (Popular): “12th Fail” Best Film (Critics): “Joram” Best Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra (“12th Fail”) Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male): Ranbir Kapoor (“Animal”) Best Actor (Critics): Vikrant Massey (“12th Fail”) Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female): Alia Bhatt (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Actress (Critics): Rani Mukerji (“Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway”), Shefali Shah (“Three of Us”) Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Vicky Kaushal (“Dunki”) Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Shabana Azmi (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya (“Tere Vaaste”) Best Music Album: “Animal” Best Playback Singer (Male): Bhupinder Babbal (“Animal”) Best Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao (“Pathaan”) Best Story: Amit Rai (“OMG 2”), Devashish Makhija (“Joram”) Best Screenplay: Vidhu Vinod Chopra (“12th Fail”) Best Dialogue: Ishita Moitra (“Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Background Score: Harshvardhan Rameshwar (“Animal”) Best Cinematography: Avinash Arun Dhaware (“Three of Us”) Best Production Design: Subrata Chakraborty, Amit Ray (“Sam Bahadur”) Best Costume Design: Sachin Lovelekar, Divvya Gambhir, Nidhhi Gambhir (“Sam Bahadur”) Best Sound Design: Kunal Sharma (MPSE) (“Sam Bahadur”), Sync Cinema (“Animal”) Best Editing: Jaskunwar Singh Kohli- Vidhu Vinod Chopra (“12th Fail”) Best Action: Spiro Razatos, Anl Arasu, Craig MacRae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, Sunil Rodrigues (“Jawan”) Best VFX: Red Chillies VFX (“Jawan”) Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya (“What Jhumka?- Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”) Best Debut Director: Tarun Dudeja (“Dhak Dhak”) Best Debut Male: Aditya Rawal (“Faraaz”) Best Debut Female: Alizeh Agnihotri (“Farrey”) Lifetime Achievement Award: David Dhawan The awards ceremony showcased stellar performances by Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Kartik Aaryan, making it a night to remember for the Bollywood fraternity and fans alike.

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Veteran Indian Actor Junior Mehmood Succumbs to Cancer at 67, Leaving Behind a Rich Cinematic Legacy

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Renowned Indian actor Junior Mehmood, born Naeem Sayyed, has passed away at the age of 67 after battling cancer. The veteran actor breathed his last in Mumbai last night. His health had deteriorated rapidly as he faced the challenges of stage 4 cancer. Junior Mehmood, known by his stage name, leaves behind a legacy in the Indian film industry, having appeared in more than 250 films over a career that spanned five decades. His notable contributions include roles in iconic films such as Kati Patang, Mera Naam Joker, Parvarish, and Do Aur Do Paanch. He initially entered the film industry as a child actor in Naunihal, sharing the screen with acclaimed actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Balraj Sahni, and Indrani Mukherjee. Apart from his on-screen presence, Junior Mehmood also ventured into film production, contributing to the Marathi film industry with several productions. In his final days, Junior Mehmood had the opportunity to connect with fellow artists. Comedian and actor Johnny Lever paid a visit, after which Junior Mehmood expressed a wish to meet actors Jeetendra and Sachin Pilgaonkar. Both Jeetendra and Sachin Pilgaonkar promptly fulfilled his desire by visiting him. The trio had previously collaborated on various film projects, and their reunion marked a poignant moment in the veteran actor’s final days. Junior Mehmood’s demise is mourned not only by the film fraternity but also by fans who appreciated his versatile performances throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to the world of Indian cinema will be remembered fondly.

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69th National Film Awards 2023: Celebrating Excellence in Indian Cinema

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The 69th National Film Awards, a prestigious event in the Indian film industry, took place at the grand Vigyan Bhawan in Delhi. This annual ceremony, established by the Indian government in 1954, is designed to honour and promote the diverse world of Indian cinema, showcasing the best of regional and national talent. The President of India plays a crucial role in presenting these esteemed awards, followed by the launch of the National Film Festival, where the award-winning films are screened for enthusiasts and cinephiles. These awards hold a special place in the hearts of filmmakers, actors, and audiences alike, recognizing the art and culture of India through the lens of the cinema. The National Film Awards are unique in that they not only honour the best of Indian cinema as a whole but also commend exceptional contributions in various regional languages and regions. It’s a platform that celebrates not only the glitz and glamour of mainstream Bollywood but also the nuanced storytelling of regional cinema. A Star-Studded Affair This year’s awards ceremony was a star-studded affair with luminaries such as Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, and Allu Arjun being recognized for their exemplary contributions to the film industry. Each category had its own set of talented nominees, and the final decisions were made by a national panel appointed by the government. Here is a list of some of the notable winners for the 69th National Film Awards: Best Feature Film: “Rocketry” Best Director: Nikhil Mahajan for “Godavari” Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration: “The Kashmir Files” Best Actor: Allu Arjun for “Pushpa” Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: “RRR” Best Actress: Alia Bhatt for “Gangubai Kathiawadi” and Kriti Sanon for “Mimi” Best Supporting Actor: Pankaj Tripathi for “Mimi” Best Supporting Actress: Pallavi Joshi for “The Kashmir Files” Best Child Artist: Bhavin Rabari for “Chhello Show” Best Music Direction (Background Music): MM Keeravaani for “RRR” Best Music Director (Songs): Devi Sri Prasad for “Pushpa” Best Screenplay (Adapted): Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Utkarshini Vashishtha for “Gangubai Kathiawadi” Best Screenplay (Original): Shahi Kabir for “Nayattu” Best Cinematography: Avik Mukhopadhayay for “Sardar Udham” Best Choreography: Prem Rakshith for “RRR” Best Audiography: Sinoy Joseph for “Sardar Udham” Best Special Effects: Srinivas Mohan for “RRR” The list of winners showcases the diversity and talent that Indian cinema has to offer. From heart-wrenching dramas to high-octane action, and from soulful melodies to breathtaking choreography, the National Film Awards recognize it all. Also Read: 69th National Film Awards 2023: Complete Winners List; Rocketry, Alia Bhatt, Kriti Sanon, and Allu Arjun Emerge as Big Winners in Diverse Categories A Celebration of Regional Cinema The National Film Awards also shine a spotlight on regional cinema, acknowledging the exceptional storytelling and filmmaking that occurs across India’s diverse linguistic landscape. From Best Malayalam Film “Home” to Best Bengali Film “Kalkokkho,” these awards serve as a reminder that India’s cinematic treasure is vast and multifaceted. The awards also acknowledge and celebrate the talent working behind the scenes, with categories like Best Makeup, Best Editing, and Best Costume Design being an integral part of the recognition process. An Industry Uniting The National Film Awards are not just a celebration of cinema but also a uniting force for the Indian film industry. It brings together artists, technicians, and filmmakers from various regions, languages, and cultures. This platform encourages the exchange of ideas, fosters collaborations, and elevates Indian cinema to global standards. The 69th National Film Awards were indeed a celebration of excellence in Indian cinema, recognizing the passion, dedication, and creativity of the people who bring stories to life on the silver screen. The awards not only honour the winners but also inspire a new generation of filmmakers and actors to aspire to greater heights. As we look forward to another year of exceptional Indian cinema, the National Film Awards will continue to be a beacon of recognition and appreciation for the industry’s finest talents.

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