Author: Jyothi Venkatesh

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…

Jio Studios has entered a strategic partnership with acclaimed production house Sikhya Entertainment by acquiring a majority stake in the company. Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, has acquired 50.1 percent ownership in Sikhya Entertainment, marking a significant step in strengthening Reliance’s presence in the media and entertainment sector. The partnership brings together Jio Studios’ large-scale distribution network and production capabilities with Sikhya Entertainment’s reputation for creating culturally rooted stories that resonate internationally. At a time when Indian content is gaining strong global traction, the collaboration aims to develop films and series for…

The 25th edition of the National School of Drama’s Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026 continued its vibrant journey on Day 8 with a rich mix of Indian folk traditions, international theatre, music performances, street plays, film screenings and a book launch. Known as the world’s largest international theatre festival, BRM once again brought together diverse artistic voices on a single platform. One of the key highlights of the day was Shree Devi Mahatme, a traditional Yakshagana production written by Shri Nidhi Shetty of Mangalore and directed by Bhuvan Manipal. Presented by Ambabhavani Kala Arts from Udupi, Karnataka, the performance was…

True Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. is set to re-release the 2002 romantic hit Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa in cinemas on 13 February 2026, offering audiences a nostalgic theatrical experience just ahead of Valentine’s Day. Directed by Kuku Kohli, Yeh Dil Aashiqanaa was a notable box-office success in 2002 and is still fondly remembered for its music, romance, and cinematic scale. Uniquely, the film has never been made available on any OTT platform, making this re-release the first opportunity in over two decades for viewers to enjoy it on the big screen. Kuku Kohli is widely recognised in Hindi commercial cinema for introducing…

Dia Mirza’s journey in Hindi cinema has never followed the predictable arc of stardom. Instead, it has unfolded slowly, deliberately, shaped by restraint rather than spectacle and by intention rather than noise. From her debut in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein to her composed authority in IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, her 25-year career reflects a rare commitment to emotional intelligence, moral clarity, and meaningful storytelling. What stands out most is not reinvention through glamour, but evolution through choice. Over the years, Dia has steadily shifted from romantic idealism to complex portrayals of women navigating power, grief, dignity, and selfhood.…

Yash Raj Films’ Mardaani 3, starring Rani Mukerji, has made a remarkable start at the box office, crossing ₹10 crore in just two days. The film saw a significant 50 percent jump on Day 2, collecting ₹6 crore nett on Saturday, indicating an even stronger performance for Sunday. The franchise opener had already set a high benchmark on Day 1, with ₹4 crore, marking it as the biggest opening for both the Mardaani series and a solo Rani Mukerji film. This stellar start underlines the growing appeal of content-driven, message-oriented films led by female protagonists in India. Critics and audiences…

Rani Mukerji’s latest film, Mardaani 3, has made a spectacular debut at the box office, quickly becoming a talking point across India. The action-packed thriller, which sees Mukerji reprise her role as the fearless SSP Shivani Shivaji Roy, has been met with enthusiastic response from audiences and critics alike. On its opening day, the film collected ₹4 crore, marking the biggest opening in the history of the Mardaani franchise and for any solo Rani Mukerji film. Adding to the buzz around the film, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar took to social media to share his admiration for Mukerji’s performance. On Instagram,…