Yash Teases ‘K.G.F. 3,’ Talks Global Reach of Indian Cinema: ‘The World Is Our Territory’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Naman Ramachandran South Asian focused streamer ZEE5 Global and BBC Studios India have partnered to create a slate of Hindi-language originals across genres, commencing with series “The Broken News,” an adaptation of Mike Bartlett’s BBC show “Press,” directed by Vinay Waikul (Netflix’s “Aranyak”). The plot turns on two rival news channels based in Mumbai – Awaaz Bharati, an independent, ethical news channel, and Josh 24/7 News, which offers sensationalist and invasive journalism, and what transpires between the main characters in their quest for news.

Naman Ramachandran South Asian focused streamer ZEE5 Global has revealed an 80-strong 2022 slate spread over multiple Indian languages. It includes 40 original series and 40 films.New originals include Hindi-language “Forensic” and “Duranga,” Telugu-language “Recce” and “Kinnerasaani” and Bengali-language “Shikarpur,” “Raktakarabi” and “Swetkali.”Returning originals include “Abhay 3,” “Pitchers 2,” “Sunflower 2,” “Tripling 3,” “Never Kiss Your Best Friend 2” and “Rangbaaz 3.” The platform will also feature the digital release of theatrical hits “The Kashmir Files,” which has just been banned in Singapore, Amitabh Bachchan’s “Jhund” and John Abraham’s “Attack.”Punjabi-language titles include “Yaar Anmulle Returns,” “Fuffad Ji” and “Main Viyah Nahi Karona Tere Naal” and the slate also includes several previously announced Tamil-language titles.

Naman Ramachandran ALTBalaji, the streaming service started by Ekta R. Kapoor, the undisputed queen of Indian television, turned five a few days ago. The streamer is part of Balaji Telefilms, which was started by her and her parents Jeetendra Kapoor and Shoba Kapoor in 1994 and is the single largest television content producer in South Asia.Recently, the hitherto SVOD-only ALTBalaji added an AVOD offering, which caters to 10 million monthly active users.

Indian actor and filmmaker R Madhavan’s directorial debut Rocketry: The Nambi Effect will receive its world premiere in Cannes on May 19 as part of the celebration of India as the official country of honor at the Cannes Market this year. Check out some exclusive new photos above and below.

Naman Ramachandran “Rocketry: The Nambi Effect,” the directorial debut of acclaimed Indian actor R. Madhavan (“Alai Payuthey,” “Tanu Weds Manu”), will have its industry premiere in Cannes as a market screening.India is the country of honor at this year’s Cannes Film Market.Madhavan plays the role of Indian scientist, Nambi Narayanan, a former Indian Space Research Organization scientist and aerospace engineer known for developing efficient liquid fuel engines and who became embroiled in a spy scandal.

Carson Burton The 2022 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) has announced the winners of its annual filmmaker awards, with Aditya Vikram Sengupta’s “Once Upon a Time in Calcutta” winning the grand jury prize for feature film. Anmol Sidhu’s “Jaggi” was the recipient of the Uma da Cunha Award for feature film debut, as well as the audience choice award for feature.“This year’s edition of the film festival was wonderful in so many ways,” said IFFLA executive director Christina Marouda.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefFilm adaptation rights to hit Indian novelist Chetan Bhagat’s 2016 acclaimed book “One Indian Girl” have been acquired up by Sony Pictures International Productions. The studio plans a Hindi-language adaptation that will go into development later this year. Bhagat’s book, which broke pre-sale records on Amazon India when it was launched, revolves around a high-flying woman financier who is intelligent and successful, but finds it difficult to find love.

From Danielle Lloyd to India Reynolds, there are numerous celebrities who have joined exclusive content platform OnlyFans over recent years. The site, described as "a subscription social platform revolutionising creator and fan connections", allows people to charge others to see exclusive content, such as videos or photographs.

Naman Ramachandran Rohit Shetty, the filmmaker known for his Singham cop franchise, and Reliance Entertainment, will produce a biopic on one of Mumbai’s most revered top cops and former commissioner of police, Rakesh Maria.The biopic will be based on Maria’s 2020 memoir “Let Me Say it Now” and will be mentored by Shetty. A director and cast have yet to be finalized.As deputy commissioner of police (traffic) in 1993, Maria cracked the Bombay serial blasts case. He was later deputy commissioner of police (crime) and then joint commissioner of police (crime), of the Mumbai police.

Although Will Smith seems to be embarking a new spiritual journey after slapping Chris Rock across the face during the 2022 Oscars ceremony, he allegedly hasn't "personally apologized" to the comedian. "Will’s ‘spiritual journey’ to India for yoga and meditation seems cynical and ridiculous, given that he hasn’t apologized personally to the one person he assaulted in front of millions," a Hollywood insider told Page Six. "No amount of Namastes will make up for that," the source added.

Naman Ramachandran As India celebrates 75 years of independence, Netflix and the country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, have partnered to honor real-life stories of extraordinary women through a series of short videos titled “Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan.” The initiative was launched on Tuesday in the presence of Anurag Thakur, India’s Minister of Information and Broadcasting.Bela Bajaria, global head of TV, Netflix, who was also present at the event, said: “Great stories can come from anywhere and are ever so inspiring when they are about people who rise against the odds. In partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, ‘Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan’ focuses on celebrating remarkable individuals and their stories that can inspire people in India and around the world.” Narrated by acclaimed actor Neena Gupta (Badhaai Ho”), the short videos capture the journey of these individuals and how they broke the glass ceiling in their respective fields, ranging from science to sports.

Will Smith is working on his spirituality. Smith was spotted arriving in Mumbai, India, over the weekend.The trip marks the first time the actor has been publicly spotted since slapping comedian Chris Rock in the face on stage during the 2022 Oscars ceremony. Smith traveled to India for spiritual purposes, specifically to practice yoga and meditation, sources told People magazine.

Chris Rock's mother has blasted Will Smith for slapping her son on stage at the Oscars and she's really not happy.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefBox office in mainland China over the weekend was the lowest this year as thousands of cinemas remained closed due to the expanding COVID outbreak.Data from consultancy Artisan Gateway showed that nationwide cinema revenue between Friday and Sunday sank to just $8.2 million. That compared with $10.5 the previous weekend.“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” was again the highest grossing title, with $1.7 million (RMB11.0 million), advancing its aggregate to $17.3 million (RMB111) since release on April 8, 2022.

Refresh for latest…: Warner Bros’ Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore crossed the $200M mark at the international box office this weekend, holding the top overseas position for the third frame in a row. The offshore session added $38.3M in 67 markets for a running total of $213.2M with worldwide at $280.3M.