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Indian cinema

President Murmu Presents 72nd National Film Awards at Statue of Unity

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

President Droupadi Murmu presented the 72nd National Film Awards at a ceremony held against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, recognising achievements in Indian cinema for 2024. A total of 92 awardees were honoured across feature film, non-feature film and writing categories. Veteran actor Anant Nag received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema over more than five decades. In the feature film categories, Article 370 won the Swarna Kamal for Best Feature Film. Randeep Hooda was honoured with the Best Debut Director award for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, while Nag Ashwin Singireddy’s Kalki 2898 AD was named Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Rajkumar Periasamy received the Best Direction award for the Tamil film Amaran, while the Telugu film 35-Chinna Katha Kaadu won the Best Children’s Film award. The Best Actor in a Leading Role award was jointly conferred on Mammootty for Bramayugam and Kartik Aaryan for Chandu Champion. Yami Gautam received the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for Article 370. Sanjay Mishra was named Best Supporting Actor for Bhakshak, while the Best Supporting Actress award was shared by Sachana Namidass for Maharaja and Ropashree Varkady for Mithya. In the non-feature film category, Marathi film Bhangaar won Best Non-Feature Film, while Aanand L Rai received the Best Direction award for Statue of Unity – Ekta ka Prateek. Sanjeev Shrivastava was honoured with the Swarna Kamal for Best Film Critic in the writing-on-cinema category. For Kartik Aaryan, the award marked his first National Film Award. Expressing his gratitude, the actor described the recognition for Chandu Champion as an important milestone in his artistic journey. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu highlighted the diversity and cultural significance of Indian cinema. She noted that films capture the country’s different languages, traditions and social experiences while creating connections among audiences across regions and presenting India’s cultural heritage to the wider world. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw congratulated the award winners and acknowledged the contribution of technicians, cinematographers and other professionals working behind the scenes. He also recognised Anant Nag’s contribution to Indian cinema spanning more than five decades. Vaishnaw said the decision to hold the National Film Awards at different tourist destinations was inspired by India’s G20 presidency, during which more than 200 meetings were organised across over 60 cities. He invited states and Union Territories to identify prominent tourist destinations in their respective regions for hosting future editions of the awards. Source: News on AIR

President Murmu Presents 72nd National Film Awards at Statue of Unity Read More »

Veteran Kannada Actor Anant Nag to Be Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, the Press Information Bureau announced on Wednesday. Nag will receive the country’s highest cinematic honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled to be held on September 22 at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the veteran actor, praising his versatility, authenticity and decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada films. Modi said Nag’s performances across a wide range of roles had made a lasting impact on audiences. Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, Nag has featured in more than 300 films, including over 250 Kannada productions. His extensive body of work also includes films in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English. Beyond cinema, Nag is remembered for his television appearances, including the iconic Doordarshan series Malgudi Days, based on the works of celebrated author R K Narayan. A recipient of five Karnataka State Film Awards, Nag was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2025. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is conferred by the Government of India for distinguished contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema and is presented as part of the National Film Awards. Source: PIB

Veteran Kannada Actor Anant Nag to Be Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award Read More »

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday as the streaming giant celebrated a decade of operations in India and announced the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, a long-term investment aimed at developing the country’s creative talent ecosystem. The multi-phase initiative seeks to strengthen India’s pipeline of creators in animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming and comics, building on Netflix’s collaboration with the Indian creative industry over the past 10 years. During this period, the platform has produced more than 200 original titles and filmed across 100+ locations in the country. According to Netflix, the initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision by enhancing skill development, industry partnerships and creator training to position India as a global storytelling hub. As part of the first phase, Netflix will collaborate with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to jointly develop specialised courses in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also sponsor 100 scholarships for Indian students enrolled in IICT’s in-person programmes, covering areas such as interactive comics, sequential art, virtual production, character animation, and e-sports and gaming management. In another key partnership, Netflix has joined hands with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to train audio description writers and voice artists, making films and series more accessible to audiences with visual and hearing impairments while adhering to international accessibility standards. Sarandos said India has long been one of the world’s richest storytelling nations and reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to investing in the next generation of Indian creators. He added that strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem would create more opportunities for emerging talent while taking Indian stories to global audiences. The visit also commemorated Netflix’s 10-year journey in India through an event organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism. During the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India launched “As Seen on Netflix,” a dedicated section on the Incredible India website that allows viewers to explore real-life locations, cultural traditions and experiences featured in Netflix productions. Sarandos also participated in a fireside discussion with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the National Gallery of Modern Art, where they highlighted the role of authentic storytelling in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage and supporting India’s creative economy. The event also showcased two new promotional films celebrating India’s wildlife and cultural heritage. The collaboration builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India last year to promote India’s tourism and cultural diplomacy through storytelling. Highlighting its decade-long journey in India, Netflix cited acclaimed productions such as The Elephant Whisperers, Amar Singh Chamkila, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Musafir Café, Made in Korea and the upcoming patriotic series Operation Safed Sagar as examples of Indian stories resonating with audiences worldwide. As Netflix enters its second decade in India, the company said it will continue investing in India’s creative workforce while helping more local stories reach international audiences. Source: Variety

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative Read More »

Zee Music Company Strengthens South India Presence with Major Multilingual Music Rights Acquisitions

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Zee Music Company has expanded its footprint in the South Indian entertainment industry by acquiring the music rights for a diverse lineup of upcoming films across Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada cinema. The move reinforces the company’s strategy of building a strong multilingual music catalogue and expanding its pan-India presence. One of the key additions to its portfolio is the Malayalam film I’m Game, featuring Dulquer Salmaan, Samyuktha Viswanathan, Mysskin, Kathir, Antony Varghese, and Parth Tiwari. Directed by Nahas Hidayath, the film’s soundtrack has been composed by Jakes Bejoy, with its trailer expected to be released shortly. Zee Music stated that its expansion in the southern market gained momentum following the success of the Malayalam film Balan: The Boy, directed by Chidambaram with music by Sushin Shyam. In Telugu cinema, the company has secured music rights for several anticipated projects, including Vikramarka, Pallaburusu, Happy Journey, Mega 158, NBK 111, Kanaka Durga, and VenkyAnil5. The films feature prominent actors such as Chiranjeevi, Nandamuri Balakrishna, Kajal Aggarwal, Nayanthara, Sanjay Dutt, Venkatesh, Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh, and Krithi Shetty, with music composed by Thaman S and G.V. Prakash Kumar. The company’s Malayalam slate has also expanded with Credit Score, while its Kannada catalogue now includes Birbal: Case 2, Vibhrama, and Mangala Gowri. In Tamil, Zee Music has acquired the music rights for Slumdog: 33 Temple Road, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Tabu, with music by Harshavardhan Rameshwar. Further strengthening its multilingual portfolio, Zee Music has secured the music rights for Toxic, starring Yash and produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations. The acquisition covers the film’s Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions. Beyond feature films, the company has entered the television and digital entertainment space through a partnership with ZEE5 Malayalam for the upcoming hip-hop reality show Kerala Underground. As part of the collaboration, Zee Music has acquired the show’s music rights and released its promotional anthem featuring Dabzee, The Imbachi, MC Couper, and Parimal Shais. Commenting on the expansion, Sujal Parekh, Chief Business Officer at Zee Music Company, said the partnership with Wayfarer Films for I’m Game marks another milestone in strengthening the label’s presence in the Malayalam market while supporting its broader pan-India growth strategy. He also expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with composer Jakes Bejoy to bring quality music to audiences across multiple languages. The newly acquired slate of films and projects is expected to be released throughout 2026 and 2027. Source: Economic Times

Zee Music Company Strengthens South India Presence with Major Multilingual Music Rights Acquisitions Read More »

Gen Z Driving India’s Cinema Revival, Says PVR Inox as Young Audiences Return to Theatres

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

India’s multiplex industry is witnessing a fresh surge in theatre attendance, largely fueled by Gen Z audiences, as younger consumers increasingly return to cinemas despite the dominance of digital entertainment platforms. According to executives at PVR INOX, younger viewers are playing a crucial role in reviving theatrical footfalls and reshaping movie consumption trends. Industry leaders say many young viewers are experiencing digital fatigue, prompting them to seek more immersive, in-person entertainment experiences. Beyond big-budget blockbuster films, audiences are also showing growing interest in regional cinema, Hollywood releases, and sleeper hits, helping theatres maintain occupancy levels throughout the year. As highlighted in Ormax Media’s TOBAR 2026 report, consumers below the age of 30 now account for 57% of Hindi box office revenue and nearly 70% of first-day collections, underlining Gen Z’s growing influence on theatrical performance. Sanjeev Bijli, Executive Director of PVR Inox, said younger audiences are actively returning to theatres as they look to disconnect from the online world. He pointed to films like Obsession and Backrooms as examples of fresh, original storytelling that strongly resonates with younger moviegoers. Unlike franchise-driven superhero films, these projects have gained global popularity due to their unique concepts and young creators. Obsession, made on a modest budget of under $1 million, has reportedly earned over $234 million worldwide, while Backrooms, produced with a $10 million budget, has crossed $221 million globally. The film released in India on June 12, while Obsession hit theatres on May 29. Rohit Dalmia, Director at CineNow, noted that younger audiences increasingly value cinemas as social spaces where they can share experiences with friends and peer groups. Industry experts believe trends such as premium cinema experiences, expansion into smaller cities, and a stronger pipeline of sleeper hits beyond event films will continue to shape the future growth of India’s theatrical business. Source: Economic Times

Gen Z Driving India’s Cinema Revival, Says PVR Inox as Young Audiences Return to Theatres Read More »

Box Office Revival Drives Indian Film Industry Back to Theatre-First Releases

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

India’s entertainment industry is witnessing a major shift as the strong comeback of cinema halls encourages filmmakers and studios to once again prioritise theatrical releases before digital premieres. After the pandemic pushed many movies directly to streaming platforms, rising box office collections are restoring confidence in the traditional release model. Industry experts say successful big-screen performances have proven that theatres remain a powerful revenue source, especially for large-scale commercial films. As a result, producers are increasingly choosing cinemas as the first destination for new releases, followed later by OTT platforms. At the same time, streaming services have become more cautious in acquiring film rights and are focusing on selective content investments. This has further strengthened the appeal of theatrical launches, where movies can generate immediate audience buzz and stronger earnings. The renewed theatre-first strategy is expected to benefit multiplex operators, distributors, and production houses, while OTT platforms may continue concentrating more on original web series and exclusive digital content. With audiences returning to cinemas for immersive movie experiences, the big screen is once again becoming the preferred launchpad for India’s film industry. Source: Economic Times  

Box Office Revival Drives Indian Film Industry Back to Theatre-First Releases Read More »

‘Dhurandhar 2’ Dominates Box Office: Crosses ₹1,000 Cr in India, ₹1,600 Cr Worldwide

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Dhurandhar The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, is rewriting box office history with a blockbuster run both in India and overseas. The film has surpassed ₹1,000 crore nett at the domestic box office by the end of its third weekend, while its global gross has soared past ₹1,600 crore. Backed by Jio Studios and B62 Studios, the film continues to show strong momentum across markets, securing its place among the highest-grossing Indian films ever. The film opened with an impressive ₹690 crore in its first week, followed by ₹271 crore in the second. Its third weekend collections added another ₹80 crore, taking the total India nett to ₹1,041 crore and gross collections to ₹1,228 crore. Internationally, the film has contributed ₹394 crore, pushing the worldwide total to ₹1,622 crore. Beyond India, the film has achieved significant milestones. It has become the first Indian release to cross $25 million in North America and has also crossed €1 million in Germany—marking a strong expansion into key global markets. Industry records continue to fall, with the film registering the biggest opening for a Hindi film, the highest opening weekend globally, and the fastest climb across several revenue benchmarks. It has also emerged as the top-grossing Indian film in North America and surpassed the lifetime overseas earnings of its first installment within just 10 days. With sustained collections even into its third weekend, Dhurandhar 2 is showing no signs of slowing down, reinforcing its status as a global box office phenomenon. Source: Economic Times  

‘Dhurandhar 2’ Dominates Box Office: Crosses ₹1,000 Cr in India, ₹1,600 Cr Worldwide Read More »

Homebound advances in Oscars 2026 race, brings Indian cinema back into global spotlight

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Indian cinema has once again made its presence felt on the global awards stage, with Homebound moving into the next round of voting for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars 2026. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced that 15 films from around the world have been shortlisted from a pool of entries submitted by 86 countries and regions. India’s Homebound is among this elite list, standing alongside films from Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Norway, Palestine, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Tunisia. The shortlisted titles include Belen (Argentina), The Secret Agent (Brazil), It Was Just an Accident (France), Sound of Falling (Germany), The President’s Cake (Iraq), Kokuho (Japan), All That’s Left of You (Jordan), Sentimental Value (Norway), Palestine 36 (Palestine), No Other Choice (South Korea), Sirat (Spain), Late Shift (Switzerland), Left-Handed Girl (Taiwan), and The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia). Confirming the development, The Academy shared an update on its official social media platforms, noting that the selected films have advanced to the next stage of voting. The final Oscar nominations are scheduled to be announced on Thursday, January 22. Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, Homebound has already enjoyed an impressive international journey, premiering at major film festivals including Cannes, Toronto International Film Festival, and the Melbourne International Film Festival. With its inclusion in the Oscar shortlist, the film has achieved a rare distinction, becoming only the fifth Indian film in the Academy Awards’ 98-year history to reach this stage in the International Feature Film category. Starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa in lead roles, the film explores the lives of childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan, whose shared aspiration to join the police force shapes their destinies. Janhvi Kapoor plays a key role, adding emotional depth to a narrative rooted in friendship, ambition, and the social pressures faced by young people in contemporary India. Ishaan Khatter marked the achievement by sharing the news on his Instagram stories. Homebound is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, and Apoorva Mehta, with co-producers Marijke deSouza and Melita Toscan Du Plantier. The project also boasts acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese and Pravin Khairnar as executive producers. The film’s progression in the Oscars race is being seen as a significant moment for Indian cinema, reinforcing its growing resonance on the international stage. Source: ANI

Homebound advances in Oscars 2026 race, brings Indian cinema back into global spotlight Read More »

Netflix Partners with Yash Raj Films to Stream Iconic Bollywood Classics Worldwide

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix has announced a landmark collaboration with Yash Raj Films (YRF) to bring some of the studio’s most beloved movies to global audiences, celebrating the legacy of Indian cinema. The partnership will see a phased rollout of YRF’s celebrated titles, coinciding with key festivals, film milestones, and star birthdays — allowing viewers in over 190 countries to rediscover the magic of Bollywood. To mark Shah Rukh Khan’s 60th birthday, nine of his iconic films — including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, Dil To Pagal Hai, Veer-Zaara, and Chak De! India — begin streaming this weekend. Following this, Salman Khan’s hit films Ek Tha Tiger, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai will debut on December 27, celebrating his birthday. Audiences can also revisit evergreen YRF classics such as Chandni, Kabhi Kabhie, Vijay, Lamhe, and Silsila starting November 14. On December 5, Netflix will add a special Ranveer Singh collection featuring Band Baaja Baaraat, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Kill Dil, Befikre, and Gunday. Adding to the festive cheer, 34 more YRF titles — including Bunty Aur Babli, Hum Tum, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic, Mujhse Dosti Karoge, and Ta Ra Rum Pum — will stream between December 12 and 28, with two new releases dropping daily. The celebration extends into 2026, beginning with the Dhoom trilogy on November 28 and the Mardaani series from January 22. A special Valentine’s Week collection featuring romantic hits like Saathiya, Ishaqzaade, Bachna Ae Haseeno, and Salaam Namaste will premiere on February 7. Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, said the collaboration will allow audiences worldwide to “experience the colour, the music, and the magic of India and Indian cinema that YRF has always celebrated.” Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, called it “a milestone for Indian cinema on Netflix,” emphasizing that the partnership deepens Netflix’s commitment to showcasing the diversity and emotion of Indian storytelling. Source: PTI

Netflix Partners with Yash Raj Films to Stream Iconic Bollywood Classics Worldwide Read More »

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

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community
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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 »