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Friday, July 11, 2025 2:30 PM

Indian cinema

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

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

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  

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Bharat Pavilion Opens at 78th Cannes Film Festival, Spotlighting India’s Cinematic Brilliance

India marked a powerful presence at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival with the inauguration of the Bharat Pavilion on Thursday. This milestone reaffirms India’s expanding influence in the global film industry. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the participation of notable figures such as celebrated filmmaker and IFFI Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, veteran actor Anupam Kher, and Anne-Louise Mesadieu, a Paris Region elected representative and diplomat. Their attendance underscored the growing cultural synergy between India and the international film community. Anne-Louise Mesadieu, during her welcome speech, commended India’s rich storytelling traditions and underlined the role of cinema in building global connections. She further assured that the French government is committed to facilitating Indo-French film co-productions, paving the way for deeper collaboration. Shekhar Kapur, in his keynote address, highlighted cinema’s transformative nature and emphasized India’s emergence as a hub of creative innovation and storytelling. The event also saw the unveiling of the poster and trailer for the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. Gautam Bhanot, General Manager at NFDC India, elaborated on the vision behind the IFFI 2025 poster, describing it as a fusion of creativity and advanced technology, symbolizing India’s readiness to lead in global content creation. Another major feature of the ceremony was the launch of the India Film Guide, a detailed handbook spotlighting India’s film-making potential, co-production incentives, and scenic shooting locales. The guide’s release symbolizes India’s commitment to engaging with international collaborators and opening doors to global cinema partnerships. Anupam Kher shared a heartfelt message in his address, reflecting on India’s cinematic evolution and his own journey. “I’m eight years younger than my country. We’ve grown together and achieved so much. This is my first visit to Cannes, and I’m thrilled to be at this Mahakumbh of cinema,” he said. Adding a melodious layer to the event, popular Indian singer Astha Gill captivated the audience with a rendition of Saare Jahaan Se Achha, bringing a patriotic and emotional touch to the evening. Dignitaries including Shri Rupjyoti Brahma Karjee, Consul General of India in Marseille; Sreerag Mukundan, OSD (Films), Ministry of I&B; and Ravi Kottarakara, President of the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce, were also present. Their contributions continue to strengthen India’s cultural and cinematic diplomacy. The Bharat Pavilion, an initiative by NFDC and FICCI under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, remains a dynamic hub at Cannes. It plays a crucial role in promoting Indian cinema internationally, creating opportunities for filmmakers, producers, and audiences to connect across borders. Source: ANI  

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

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

Article on MEA

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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Box Office Set to Break Records in 2023, Aiming to Cross ₹12,000 Crore Mark

Box-office collections in 2023 are on track to exceed ₹12,000 crore, according to the latest report from Ormax Media. The total box-office earnings for the first nine months of this year have reached ₹8,798 crore, marking a 6% increase over the same period in 2022. This year is anticipated to become the highest-grossing ever, with the potential to cross the ₹12,000-crore milestone, primarily due to the upcoming releases of movies like Tiger 3, Salaar, and Dunki. In 2022, the gross box-office collection amounted to ₹10,637 crore, as reported in a previous joint study by GroupM-Ormax Media. Shah Rukh Khan’s film “Jawan” emerged as the most successful movie of the year, raking in ₹733 crore, followed by “Pathaan” with ₹646 crore. “Gadar 2” was the only other film to surpass ₹500 crore, with earnings of ₹614 crore. Additionally, “Jailer” and “Adipurush” managed to collect ₹397 crore and ₹331 crore, respectively. Box office success continued in 2023, with movies released in September generating ₹13.53 crore, marking the fourth month this year to surpass the ₹1,000-crore mark. The month of August witnessed the highest box office collections, with earnings totalling ₹1,610 crore. Notably, gross box-office collections for January and June reached ₹1,388 crore and ₹1,073 crore, respectively.

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Netflix Inks Multi-Year Content Partnership with Yash Raj Films Amid Streaming Competition

Amidst the escalating competition in the streaming industry, Netflix has inked a multi-year creative partnership agreement with the renowned movie production company, Yash Raj Films (YRF). This collaboration will encompass the joint development of both movies and series. The maiden project emerging from this partnership is “The Railway Men,” a four-part thriller series starring R. Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu Sharma, and Babil Khan. Additionally, the second project in the works is a film titled “Maharaj,” as stated in an official announcement. Monika Shergill, the VP of Content at Netflix India, expressed their enthusiasm for catering to diverse audiences by delivering relatable and beloved series and films. Yash Raj Films, being eminent creators in Indian cinema, have left an indelible mark with iconic works like “Kabhi Kabhie” and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” to more recent titles like “War” and “Pathaan.” Shergill emphasized the potential of this collaboration to captivate global audiences with top-notch content. This announcement coincides with reports suggesting that Netflix is contemplating a shift in its content strategy, leaning towards blockbuster films to allure new subscribers and retain its existing user base. Notably, Indian films such as “RRR” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” have garnered significant attention on the platform, underscoring their popularity among viewers. Indian films also frequently secure spots on Netflix’s global top 10 weekly lists for non-English content. In the competitive Indian OTT market, where it contends with rivals like JioCinema, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+Hotstar, Netflix is striving to establish a prominent presence. Recently, Netflix formed a strategic partnership with Jio, bundling prepaid tariff plans with subscriptions to the US-based streaming service, marking a unique venture in India. Furthermore, Netflix has taken measures to curb password sharing in India as part of its efforts to boost revenue in the latter half of 2023. In a letter addressed to shareholders earlier this year, the company announced its intention to extend the password sharing ban to nearly all remaining countries. In a separate communication to Indian subscribers, Netflix clarified that a single account would be restricted to a single household.

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