Author: Jyothi Venkatesh

Filmmaker and producer Trupti Bhoir has reached a remarkable milestone as her first Hindi feature film, PARO – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, officially enters the contention list for the 98th Academy Awards (2026). This recognition marks Bhoir’s return to the global cinematic stage, more than a decade after her Marathi production Touring Talkies entered Oscar contention at the 86th Academy Awards. PARO tackles the sensitive and urgent issue of bride slavery and human trafficking, a consequence of gender imbalance and female infanticide in India. Bhoir, already celebrated as the first Marathi producer and actress to have an Oscar-listed…

Actor Rani Mukerji has been felicitated with the Excellence in Women Empowerment Through Cinema Award for her enduring contribution to portraying strong and progressive women on screen. The honour was presented as part of a special Christmas initiative titled ‘Supergirls of Tomorrow’, launched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in collaboration with The Bhamla Foundation, led by social activist Asif Bhamla. The campaign focuses on empowering and educating the girl child across India, using cinema, awareness, and social outreach as tools for change. Rani Mukerji’s work was recognised for consistently reinforcing values of dignity, equality, and resilience through impactful storytelling.…

On 23 January 2026, marking the 129th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, a provocative new film project is set to be unveiled that aims to challenge long-held narratives about India’s freedom struggle. Titled The Untold Truth of Subhash Chandra Bose, the film is being presented as a bold exploration of history that seeks to re-examine Bose’s role in India’s independence and unravel unanswered questions surrounding his death. The announcement has been made by acclaimed writer, journalist, and producer Maann Singh Deep, who describes the project as one that could significantly alter how modern history is understood. According to…

Indian cinema is once again making its presence felt on the global stage as two films, Tanvi The Great and Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, have secured eligibility for the prestigious Best Picture category at the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) recently released the official list of 201 films meeting all eligibility criteria, placing both Indian entries firmly in contention. This follows the success of Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, which earned a place among the Top 15 shortlisted films in the International Feature Film category. With the Oscars nominations scheduled for announcement on…

Amazon MX Player’s supernatural thriller, Bhay – The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, is generating intense buzz not just for its gripping storyline, but also for eerie incidents allegedly experienced on set. A recently leaked audio clip, purportedly recorded by lead actor Karan Tacker, has gone viral, sending chills down the spines of fans and sparking conversations about real-life paranormal activity during the shoot. In the voice note, Tacker, who portrays India’s first paranormal investigator Gaurav Tiwari, recounts a series of unsettling events encountered by the crew. He describes strange shadows, objects moving on their own, and an inexplicable heaviness felt while…

This Valentine’s Day comes with a twist, and a warning: Like. Share. Survive. The makers of Tu Yaa Main have unveiled the gripping teaser of the upcoming survival thriller, setting the tone for an unconventional and adrenaline-fuelled date watch ahead of its release on 13 February 2026. A year after the title announcement video first sparked curiosity, the newly released teaser dives deeper into the film’s tense and unpredictable world. Starring Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor, the Bejoy Nambiar directorial promises a sharp blend of romance, danger, and high-stakes survival. The teaser introduces viewers to two content creators from starkly…

As MasterChef India returns with its much-anticipated new season, the show once again proves that it is about far more than culinary skills alone. Alongside ambitious home cooks and inventive dishes, the premiere shines a spotlight on deeply human stories that resonate far beyond the kitchen. One such touching moment unfolds with Mayank Raja and Alpana Agarwala, a couple whose relationship spans an impressive 36 years, including three years of courtship and 33 years of marriage. Their bond, built over decades, is rooted in companionship, understanding, and a shared love for food. From the moment they step into the MasterChef…

Fans of Bollywood’s most anticipated films finally have a glimpse of Shahid Kapoor in his new avatar as Romeo in O’Romeo. Presented by renowned producer Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, the film promises to offer a unique cinematic experience that blends drama, romance, and intense storytelling. The first look, unveiled on social media, immediately grabbed attention for its striking and powerful imagery. Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Romeo hints at a character layered with both intensity and quirkiness. In the first look, he exudes a brooding charm, capturing a persona that is at once menacing and passionate.…

Indian youth are rediscovering devotion, but on their own terms. While faith remains central, the way it is experienced is changing. Today’s listeners are seeking bhajans that match the pace of their lives. They want music that energises them, engages them, and fits naturally into daily routines. This shift has opened the door for contemporary interpretations of traditional spiritual compositions. Singer Abhijeet Ghoshal believes devotion does not have to be slow or solemn to be meaningful. According to him, young listeners respond strongly to rhythm and momentum. When spiritual music carries energy, it becomes something they can feel deeply, rather…

In 2025, India’s OTT audience moved away from endless scrolling and began choosing content with intent. Viewers wanted stories that felt grounded, gripping, and emotionally engaging. Amazon MX Player rose to this moment, establishing itself as a key force in shaping how India streamed content through the year. By combining powerful franchises, bold new formats, and free access, the platform strengthened its place in everyday entertainment. The year began with StreamNext, where Amazon MX Player announced an ambitious slate of over 100 titles, including 40 Hindi Originals, all available free of cost. This announcement set the tone for a year…