Author: Jyothi Venkatesh

The 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, organised by the National School of Drama, continued to reaffirm its stature as the world’s largest international theatre festival. The day featured a vibrant mix of folk traditions, contemporary narratives and classical reinterpretations, drawing audiences into diverse cultural landscapes. A major highlight was ‘Faces of Olonkho’, directed by Dr Mariia Markova. Inspired by motifs from the Sakha heroic epic, the Russian production brought Arctic folklore to life through a visually immersive performance. Equally compelling was ‘Mehroon’, written by Sarah Marriam and directed by Amitesh Grover. This Hindi and Bengali drama from Mumbai explored layered emotions…

The historic landmark Bhidewada in Maharashtra, renowned as the site where Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule established the country’s first girls’ school, is set to inspire audiences on the Marathi silver screen. The forthcoming film ‘Bhidewada’ captures the legacy of these social reformers and the enduring journey of women’s education, connecting the struggles of the past with contemporary social challenges. Produced by Shivmudra Studios and presented by Ragho Films, the film is directed by Shivani Rajeshirke and Ajit Shirole, with production led by Jayashree Shirole and Kaveri Javale. The co-producers include Supriya Shinde, Vaibhav Joshi, and Raju Witkar,…

Twenty-five-year-old singer Faiz Mustafa, known for his work in films like Heropanti 2 and Maidaan, has recently lent his voice to the soulful track “Zara Zara” from the upcoming silent film Gandhi Talks. Composed by A.R. Rahman, the song forms an integral part of the film, and Faiz recently performed it at the musical event alongside the maestro and singer Hinanaaz Bali, receiving warm applause from the audience. Born into a family deeply rooted in Hindustani classical music, Faiz belongs to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana. His grandfather, Padma Vibhushan Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, trained several prominent musicians, including Rahman himself, Sonu…

The Marathi historical drama ‘Ranpati Shivaji Swari Agra’ promises to transport audiences back to one of the most daring chapters of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life, his bold and strategic invasion of Agra. Produced jointly by Panorama Studios and Mugafi, and written and directed by Digpal Lanjekar, the film combines bravery, diplomacy, and political strategy in a gripping retelling of history. One of the highlights of the film is the inclusion of veteran Hindi cinema actor Puneet Issar, who portrays the powerful historical figure Mirza Raje Jaisingh. Known for his commanding screen presence, especially as Duryodhana in the Mahabharata series, Issar…

Zee Media Corporation’s flagship initiative, ZEE Samvaad with Real Heroes 2026, celebrated remarkable achievers from cinema, sports, governance, and social leadership in a glittering ceremony held in Mumbai. The fourth edition of this prestigious platform brought together a galaxy of talent, including actors Sonu Sood, Kareena Kapoor, Adah Sharma, Mona Singh, Palak Muchhal, Mithoon, Ahan Shetty, Madhur Bhandarkar, and Isha Kopikkar, alongside yoga guru Baba Ramdev, policymakers like Nitesh Rane and Kripashankar Singh, leading sports icons, and inspiring changemakers from diverse fields. The event honoured individuals whose courage, compassion, and commitment continue to shape a progressive India. It highlighted stories…

Popular television drama Anupama takes a dramatic turn with the entry of Priyanka Bajaj Sibal as Kirti, a bold and sharply defined antagonist who is set to shake up the storyline. Known for her strong screen presence and international accolades, Priyanka brings a fresh intensity to the long running series. Kirti is not a character who works quietly behind the scenes. She is direct, perceptive and unapologetically dominant. From the moment she appears, she commands attention. Her presence signals a shift in the emotional and strategic balance of the show. With calculated moves and psychological depth, Kirti adds a gripping…

The award winning film Line of Control celebrated its Asia premiere at the 26th Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai, drawing a full house and the presence of several leading voices from the Indian film industry. After travelling to twelve major international film festivals, the screening marked a significant homecoming moment for the film. An adaptation of the critically acclaimed novel The Collaborator, the film has already earned global recognition. It has been showcased at prominent festivals including the San Diego International Film Festival, the UK Asian Film Festival, the Karama Human Rights Film Festival in Jordan, the JoBurg Film…

Sippy Films, one of Indian cinema’s most iconic studios and the creative force behind timeless classics such as Sholay, is entering a new chapter marked by structured reinvention and long-term vision. Under the stewardship of Shehzad Sippy, the studio is repositioning itself as a character IP-led content company, backed by a strategic investment from Kuberans Tech Ventures Private Limited. The financial terms of the investment have not been disclosed. For decades, Sippy Films has occupied a rare and influential place in India’s cultural landscape. Its films, including Sholay, Seeta Aur Geeta, and Shaan, continue to resonate with audiences across generations,…

The teaser for Shatak: Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, a film commemorating 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has been released, capturing attention nationwide. Coinciding with the organisation’s centenary, the film traces the RSS’s journey, ideology, and contributions to Indian society. The teaser has sparked extensive discussion, with several notable figures reacting to the project. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev had earlier shown his support, and now actor Ajay Devgn has publicly endorsed the film, adding momentum to the buzz. While previous attempts to portray the Sangh on screen have faced challenges, Shatak is the first cinematic project to receive…

The makers of the upcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi biopic Maa Vande, starring Unni Mukundan in the lead role, have successfully completed the film’s first shooting schedule in Hyderabad. The update was shared by the production team through behind-the-scenes images from the sets, offering an early look at the scale and preparation behind the ambitious biographical drama. The Hyderabad schedule began with a traditional pooja ceremony, marking an auspicious start to the project. During this phase, several key scenes were filmed across multiple locations in the city. The team described the schedule as productive and smooth, setting a strong foundation…