Category Entertainment

Hyderabad, jan 29: With Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi set for a global release on 30th  January 2026 across 400 screens worldwide, MovieVerse Studios continues to deepen its  presence across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, reaffirming its commitment to championing  strong regional narratives with pan-Indian and global appeal. The film will release extensively  across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, along with international territories  including the USA, Canada, the UK and Australia.  

The film marks MovieVerse’s first Telugu feature film to release worldwide, underscoring the  studio’s strategic and long-term foray into the Telugu film market and its focus on building  scalable regional franchises with global reach.  

Speaking about the larger content philosophy that drives the company,  Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, The EPIC Company, said,

“At The EPIC Company, we see  ourselves as a 24/7 story factory with zero downtime, built to serve audiences globally through  consistent, high-quality storytelling across platforms. MovieVerse Studios represents our focused  push into theatrical filmmaking, aligned with our vision of creating scalable, market-ready  content. Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi marks MovieVerse’s first Telugu feature film and a significant  milestone in our strategic entry into the Telugu film ecosystem. Our focus remains on expanding  meaningful content across languages, formats and markets while building long-term value in key  regional industries.”  

Sharing MovieVerse’s approach to collaboration and regional storytelling,  Vivek Krishani, Chief Executive Officer, MovieVerse Studios, added,

“At MovieVerse, we are  keen to collaborate with regional storytellers and take powerful, native Indian stories to national  and global audiences. Rooted stories have the strongest wings, and Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi is  a natural step in our journey into the Telugu market. Telugu cinema is not just an industry it’s an  emotion. If one wants to truly understand emotion in cinema, they learn it from Telugu films. This  film is an important milestone as we continue to build long-term relationships within the Telugu  film industry.”

With hands-on involvement across production, marketing and distribution, MovieVerse has  steadily positioned itself as a trusted name in both mainstream and regional cinema. The studio  aims to build on this momentum by backing films that balance creative ambition with commercial  relevance.  

As MovieVerse strengthens its roots across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, audiences can look  forward to a compelling slate of stories that celebrate regional voices while resonating across  markets signaling a strong and sustained future for the studio in South Indian cinema.  

New Delhi, Jan 29: Prayagraj witnessed a vibrant cultural evening at the Magh Mela as the Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, continued its daily cultural programs at the Ganga Pandal. The event was marked by a captivating devotional music performance by renowned bhajan singer Rajeev Acharya, who mesmerized the audience with his soulful renditions and spiritual energy.

Large numbers of devotees and music lovers gathered from far and wide to experience Rajeev Acharya’s live performance. His powerful and melodious bhajans created an atmosphere of devotion and enthusiasm across the venue. Songs such as “Padhare Phir Se Mere Ram,” “Chalo Phir Se Ayodhya Nagariya,” “Hey Mere Ram,” “Madho Madho Man Ka Maan Tyago,” and several other devotional and love-themed bhajans deeply connected with the audience and held them spellbound.

Rajeev Acharya’s devotional music enjoys immense popularity on social media platforms. His bhajan “Padhare Phir Se Mere Ram” recently achieved the top position on Instagram trending, further highlighting his growing influence among listeners across generations. During the performance, the crowd responded with great excitement, swaying and dancing to bhajans like “Avadh Ke Dulare Ram Suno” and “Dharm Dhwaja Mere Saath Thaam Lo,” which energized the entire gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Acharya said,

“The love and appreciation I receive from listeners for my bhajans is a matter of great pride and honor for me. It is equally important that the younger generation comes forward to embrace, preserve, and promote India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage through music and art.”

The program concluded with a felicitation ceremony, where Rajeev Acharya and all the accompanying artists were honored for their outstanding contribution to devotional music and cultural enrichment. The evening left a lasting impression on the audience and reinforced the spirit of devotion and tradition at the Magh Mela, Prayagraj

Mumbai, Jan 29: Travel is no longer aesthetic-only. It’s time to swap screens for stories, hashtags for handshakes, and curated feeds for lived experiences. This February, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of global discovery as The Gypsy Travel Festival (TGTF), India’s premier consumer travel showcase, returns with its 4th edition on 7th & 8th February 2026 at Jio World Drive, BKC. Running from 3 PM to 10 PM, TGTF brings together destinations, travel brands, industry experts, and experience-led audiences under one dynamic roof, redefining how Indian travellers discover and plan their holidays.

“TGTF was created as a space where travel conversations could move beyond brochures and algorithms,” says Lubaina Sheerazi, Co-founder, The Gypsy Travel Network. “Over the years, we’ve seen Indian travellers become more curious, more informed, and far more intentional. This edition reflects that shift, bringing together destinations and brands that offer depth, authenticity, and experiences people genuinely want to engage with before they travel.”

Bringing the World to Mumbai

As India’s appetite for immersive, experience-led travel continues to surge, TGTF has evolved into a platform that brings global cultures, conversations, and journeys directly to Indian audiences.

This year’s edition features powerful destination-led storytelling and immersive showcases, including:

• Amazing Thailand, presented in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, spotlighting culture-rich cities, island escapes, wellness journeys, festivals, and emerging sustainable routes.
• Visit Sapporo, Japan’s northern wonderland, Hokkaido, offering a window into snow-laden landscapes, world-class produce, hot springs, and seasonal adventures that redefine experiential travel.
• Magical Kenya, unveiling vibrant coastline, bustling cities, and experiences beyond iconic safaris and unforgettable wildlife encounters that continue to top global bucket lists.

June Chepkemei, CEO, Kenya Tourism Board, said,

“Kenya and India share a natural affinity rooted in connectivity, cultural appreciation, and a mutual understanding of quality travel experiences.” Chepkemei also stated. “Our presence in Mumbai allows us to meet Indian travellers where they are making crucial decisions about their next international journey, presenting Kenya’s full spectrum of offerings in ways that inspire genuine interest and action.”

TGTF 2026 also features a curated selection of lifestyle and hospitality partners like Club Med, CGH Earth, HomeExchange, and Rare India whose offerings reflect contemporary travel sensibilities, where design, storytelling, and utility come together in ways best experienced on the ground. The event will also feature many local and global culinary experiences, fireside chats with food voices we love and trust, and conversations with TV’s favourite Chef Vicky Ratnani and the trusted authority on India’s street food, Rocky Singh.

Across two high-energy evenings, attendees can:

• Tune into Travel Talks led by industry insiders and seasoned travellers
• Participate in hands-on workshops covering itinerary design, smart planning, and real-world travel hacks
• Explore immersive installations and destination-led experiences
• Sample global flavours, unlock festival-exclusive deals, and connect with a community that truly gets travel

Whether you’re planning your next big escape, looking for fresh inspiration, or simply craving discovery beyond the algorithm, The Gypsy Travel Festival is where travel stops being a scroll and starts becoming a story.

Hyderabad, Jan 28: ITC Master Chef, one of India’s most trusted brands in the frozen foods category, has strengthened its leadership with the launch of Piri Piri Prawns — a bold, flavourful addition designed for seafood enthusiasts seeking a juicy, restaurant-style snack at home.

While prawns are a favourite for many, their perceived cooking complexity often discourages home preparation. ITC Master Chef Piri Piri Prawns solves this with easy-to-use masala mix sachets that can be added to prawns and cooked to perfection in minutes.

The product combines the natural juiciness of freshly frozen prawns — frozen within 15 hours of harvesting to preserve taste — with the fiery, tangy notes of Piri Piri masala. Each pack includes two Piri Piri Masala sachets, offering the perfect balance of convenience, taste, and ITC Master Chef’s renowned quality. Rich in protein and ready in minutes, these prawns are ideal for quick meals or foodie gatherings, making every bite a moment to savour.

Speaking on the launch, Ashu Phakey, Vice President and Business Head – Frozen and Fresh Foods at ITC Limited, said:

“At ITC Master Chef, our endeavour has always been to delight consumers with high-quality, convenient, and delicious food solutions. With Piri Piri Prawns, we aim to bring restaurant-style food right into home kitchens — delivering the perfect balance of freshness with flavour. This launch is another step forward in strengthening our non-veg portfolio and driving deeper category penetration.”

With this launch, ITC Master Chef continues to expand its ready-to-cook delicacies that offer a gourmet experience at home — from chicken snacks and cheesy delights to now, flavour-rich prawns that deliver a fiery, delicious bite.

 Zee Entertainment UK Launches Flagship Zee TV With Live German Subtitles On Samsung TV Plus In Germany, Austria And Switzerland

London, Jan 27:   Zee Entertainment UK announces a landmark move in European broadcasting and streaming: the launch of flagship Zee TV as a live FAST channel on Samsung TV Plus across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This bold step expands Zee’s global footprint and also ensures viewers enjoy authentic, premium South Asian entertainment.

For the first time ever, German audiences can stream Zee TV’s latest dramas, reality shows, and family entertainment with live 24/7 German subtitles, making content more accessible and inclusive than ever before. With German subtitles, this launch opens up a much larger audience base not just South Asians but also German-speaking viewers who can now enjoy Zee TV’s rich storytelling. This innovation sets a new benchmark for FAST streaming, combining cutting-edge translation technology with Zee’s flagship content.

Zee TV perfectly complements the existing popularity of Zee One and Zee5 in the region, both of which have built a super strong fan base among South Asians and local mainstream audiences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including high-earning hundreds of thousands Indian professionals who value quality content. Despite their willingness to pay for authentic entertainment, access has often been fragmented or limited. By offering live streaming directly to viewers, Zee is closing that gap and ensuring Gen 2 and Gen 3 of the diaspora can enjoy content without relying on parents for translation.

Samsung TV Plus is Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, delivering hundreds of live channels, on-demand movies and shows across news, sports, entertainment and more, subscription-free. The streaming service is available on Samsung TVs, Galaxy, and Samsung Smart Monitor devices.

Amit Goenka, President, International and Digital Businesses, Zee Entertainment, said:

“Zee TV Germany is a flagship launch and a defining moment in our global journey to make entertainment truly borderless. This kind of move is not just unprecedented, it’s essential to meet viewers where they are. By going live on Samsung TV Plus with 24/7 German subtitles, we are breaking language barriers and setting a new international benchmark for FAST streaming. As a content and tech media powerhouse, we will continue to reach our audiences in every possible way, accessible, and innovative. This is about creating cultural bridges, leading the FAST revolution, and shaping the future of global entertainment with global partners in technology – Samsung.”

Benedict Frey, Country Lead DACH + BeNeLux at Samsung TV Plus said,

” We are excited to continue our partnership with Zee Entertainment to grow our content offering in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with the launch of flagship Zee TV on Samsung TV Plus. This addition strengthens our existing portfolio of Zee channels already available on the platform and brings even more premium South Asian entertainment to our customers. Making this content accessible with live German subtitles is a meaningful step in serving diverse audiences across the region and enriching the viewing experience for all.”

Currently, Zee TV UK’s social media handles engage hundreds of thousands of followers and viewers across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, reflecting the brand’s strong digital presence and loyal fan base. This launch will ignite conversations across Europe and beyond, driving engagement through authentic, legal content.

Viewers in Germany can now access Zee TV exclusively on Samsung TV Plus on channel number 4210. This partnership demonstrates the growing synergy between premium content providers and innovative streaming platforms, expanding the reach of quality international content. 

As Europe’s largest South Asian broadcaster and streaming powerhouse, Zee Entertainment UK delivers nine channels across linear TV and FAST platforms, complemented by Zee5’s cutting-edge digital experience. With this launch, Zee TV Germany becomes Zee’s ninth channel in Europe, further cementing the company’s leadership as the premier provider of South Asian entertainment across the continent. Zee Entertainment UK continues to strengthen its global footprint, meeting audiences where they are and fostering cross-cultural exchange through television and digital innovation.

Amazon MX Player Announces its Upcoming Revenge Drama Ab Hoga Hisaab, Starring Sanjay Kapoor, Shaheer, Mouni Roy, and Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia

MUMBAI, India,  Jan 27: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, announces its upcoming series Ab Hoga Hisaab. Set in Punjab, the series is deeply rooted by ambition, brotherhood, and the relentless pull of migration. Loosely inspired by true events, Ab Hoga Hisaab follows the lives of two brothers, Bobby and Bunty Manocha, whose lives take a dramatic turn after a life-altering incident which pulls them into a dangerous world driven by power, greed, and survival.

The announcement promo offers a chilling glimpse into the high-stakes universe of the show, establishing a tone steeped in revenge, dominance, and unresolved moral debt. The teaser introduces Sanjay Kapoor as Goldy Sekhon, a ruthless force who believes in striking before time runs out; Shaheer as Bobby Manocha, a man pushed to the brink emotionally and physically; and Mouni Roy as Kamna, a sharp, calculating presence who understands the true price of power. Anchored by the haunting refrain, “Gunahon ka aur karmon ka… Ab Hoga Hisaab,” the promo sets the tone for a morally charged battle where loyalty is fragile, lines are constantly crossed, and every past action demands reckoning.

Produced by Arré Studio and directed by Divyanshu Malhotra, the series boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Sanjay Kapoor, Shaheer, Mouni Roy, Avinash Mishra, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Harman Singha, and Asheema Vardaan, each bringing raw intensity and emotional depth to a narrative built on brotherhood, betrayal, and resistance against a far greater force.

Speaking about the series, Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, said,

“At Amazon MX Player, we are focused on telling stories that feel raw and rooted. Ab Hoga Hisaab brings strong performances, intense emotional core, and a world inspired by true experiences, the series brings a compelling narrative that is both grounded and gripping. We’re excited to bring this hard-hitting story to audiences across India, free on Amazon MX Player.”

Sharing his experience, Shaheer said,

“Hisaab is built on emotion and intensity, and being part of this world has been an incredible experience. The vision behind the series, the energy on set, and the layered writing makes it a special project. I’m excited for audiences to experience it.”

Sanjay Kapoor shared,

“What drew me to Hisaab was its honesty and the way it captures human emotions under extreme pressure. There is a realism in the writing and an intensity in the world that makes the story powerful. We can’t wait for the audience to witness this compelling revenge drama unfold.”

Mouni Roy added,

“What instantly drew me to Hisaab was the depth and detailing of its world and the way every character shapes the rhythm of the story. The story has a precise pulse and mood that makes it both challenging and exciting to perform. I’m thrilled for viewers to dive in.”

“Ab hoga….Hisaab is a story close to our heart which we have nurtured with the brilliant team at Amazon MX Player.  An emotional revenge drama with strong characters is what attracted our fantastic cast to this project. We are happy to share this cast announcement with our audience, with a promise that there is a lot more in store ahead,” said Namit Sharma, CEO Arré Studio.

Ab Hoga Hisaab will soon stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player, free of charge, across the MX Player app, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xstream.

New Delhi, Jan 27: India TV unveils a new avatar of its Speed News Channel, India’s first 24×7 speed news platform, reinforcing the network’s commitment to innovation in news delivery and viewer-first journalism. The refreshed format is designed to redefine how fast news is consumed by combining pace with clarity and context.

Under the new format, India TV’s Speed News Channel moves away from the conventional fast news approach, where stories are often flashed in just 4–5 seconds, making them difficult to follow and understand. Instead, each news story will now be presented in a 25–30 second format, allowing viewers to clearly understand the complete news while retaining the pace of speed bulletins.

The new avatar of Speed News is aimed at viewers who want to stay quickly informed without missing essential details. The channel will deliver sharper and more comprehensive updates on politics, major national developments, big events, and key international news, ensuring relevance and depth across the news spectrum.

Alongside core news coverage, the refreshed format also places a strong focus on the interests of younger audiences. Viewers will receive regular updates on cinema and entertainment, sports, markets and business, gadgets, technology, and new product launches, making Speed News more engaging and contemporary.

Commenting on the revamp, Ritu Dhawan, Managing Director, India TV, said, 

“We are witnessing a clear shift in audience expectations from fast news, with greater emphasis on clarity and context. At India TV, we believe the new avatar of Speed News reflects this shift by evolving the fast news format to balance speed with better understanding. We aim to ensure viewers receive complete and clear information in a short span of time, while staying aligned with responsible news delivery.”

With this transformation, India TV’s Speed News Channel further strengthens its position as a pioneer in the speed news genre, offering a clearer, smarter, and more meaningful fast news experience for audiences across the country.

NODWIN Gaming announces Gurugram’s entry into Comic Con India’s multi-city circuit, inaugural edition set for March 14 – 15, 2026

Gurugram, Jan 27: NODWIN Gaming and Comic Con India have announced the city’s debut edition of Gurugram Comic Con, scheduled for March 14-15, 2026, at the Gymkhana Club Ground, Sector 29. Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena and powered by Crunchyroll, the two-day festival promises a vibrant celebration of comics, anime, cosplay, gaming, and pop culture.

Gurugram’s thriving young, digitally connected population, with strong engagement in global and Indian pop culture, makes it a natural fit for its own edition. Fans no longer need to travel to nearby cities to celebrate their passions, as the event brings comics, gaming, cosplay, and creative communities directly to the city.

Shefali Johnson, CEO, Comic Con India, said,

“Bringing Comic Con to Gurugram is about creating a shared moment for the city’s thriving fandom—an event where fans, creators, and communities can come together without traveling elsewhere.” Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming, added, “Gurugram’s gaming and pop culture community is vibrant. Hosting Comic Con locally acknowledges this culture and provides a familiar, accessible space for fans to celebrate together.”

The event will feature iconic global names like DC and Marvel alongside India’s leading creators, elaborate cosplay showcases, gaming arenas by NODWIN Gaming, interactive zones by Maruti Suzuki Arena and Crunchyroll, and live music, dance, and comedy performances. Attendees can also engage in panels, signings, and meet-and-greet sessions with creators and celebrities.

Tickets for Gurugram Comic Con 2026 are available exclusively on the District app by Zomato.

Malayalam feature ‘Victoria’ wins Best Film at Indian Showcase Awards 2026 at GAFF; ‘Shape of Momo’ gets Second Best Film

Guwahati, Jan 27: The Indian Showcase Awards 2026, presented as part of the second Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF), celebrated outstanding achievements in Indian and regional cinema, recognising filmmakers and artists whose work reflects cinematic excellence, diversity and storytelling depth.

In a glittering awards ceremony, the Best Film Award was conferred on the Malayalam feature ‘Victoria’, directed by Sivaranjini, for its compelling narrative and strong visual language. The film also earned additional recognition at GAFF with cinematographer Anand Ravi receiving the Jury Special Mention for his exceptional cinematography in the film.

The Second Best Film Award was awarded to the Nepali film ‘Shape of Momo’, directed by Tribeny Rai, applauded for its sensitive storytelling and fresh cinematic voice.

Highlighting regional cinema from the Northeast, the NE Spotlight Award went to the Assamese film ‘Noi Kotha’ (River Tales), directed by Dr Pankaj Borah, acknowledging its cultural relevance and strong narrative rooted in the region.

“The Indian Showcase Awards reflect the spirit of GAFF – celebrating bold storytelling, regional diversity and meaningful cinema. This year’s winners demonstrate how powerful narratives can emerge from different cultural landscapes while remaining universally resonant. We are proud to provide a platform where such voices are discovered, appreciated and encouraged,” said Monita Borgohain, Honorary Festival Director of GAFF.

The Indian Showcase Competition jury at GAFF 2026 was chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli, with noted film personalities Utpal Borpujari and Anupama Bose serving as jury members.

The awards underline GAFF’s commitment to promoting diverse voices from across India and Asia, offering a platform for emerging and independent filmmakers alongside established talent.

The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 also conferred its Lifetime Achievement Honour on veteran actor Bishnu Kharghoria (also known as Bishnu Kharghariya), in recognition of his extraordinary and enduring contribution to Indian cinema. Instituted as an annual honour, the award celebrates artists whose body of work has significantly shaped cinematic culture and inspired generations.

Organised by Trending Now Media, the second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival held with the support of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. The festival showcased 26 curated films from across 10 Asian countries, attracting strong participation from filmmakers, cinephiles and industry professionals.

GAFF has steadily positioned itself as an important cultural platform in Northeast India, fostering dialogue, creative exchange and regional cinematic growth.

This Republic Day, patriotism gets a fun, high-energy twist as anime and toons come together to celebrate the spirit of the nation. Beyond parades and speeches, the day is also about feel-good stories that ignite belief, courage, and inspiration, as seen through the journeys of beloved anime heroes and toons. From ninja training and heroic journeys to laugh-out-loud mischief, fearless fun, and supercharged strength, it’s the perfect excuse to binge patriotism the Sony YAY! way.

After all, whether it’s anime heroes or our favourite mischievous toons, these characters aren’t just about epic battles or playful chaos. They stand for dreaming big, never giving up, standing by friends, and always backing what’s right values that sit at the heart of a proud nation. Every story arc, every against-the-odds comeback, and every giggle-filled win reflects the spirit of a country that loves to rise, cheer, and celebrate together, one inspiring and entertaining story at a time.

 Naruto: Discipline, Dreams & the Will to Never Give Up
Naruto’s journey from an underestimated outsider to a respected hero reflects the aspirations of a rising India. His unwavering belief in himself, loyalty to his people, and relentless determination echo the values of hard work and resilience that form the foundation of our Republic.

 One Punch Man: True Strength Lies in Purpose
With power that can defeat any enemy in a single punch, One Punch Man flips the definition of heroism on its head. Beneath the humour and action lies a powerful message—true strength isn’t about recognition or glory, but about integrity, restraint, and standing up when it matters. A reminder that real heroes serve without seeking applause.

 Shin chan: Freedom, Fun & Fearless Individuality
Unfiltered, mischievous, and unapologetically himself, Shin chan celebrates freedom in its purest form. His loud laughter and carefree chaos embody the joy of a free nation, reminding us that patriotism can be playful, expressive, and full of heart.

Kicko & Super Speedo: Power, Play & Patriotism

This dynamic duo shows how strength and speed go hand in hand with fairness and courage. Whether it is defending their town or standing up for what’s right, Kicko and Super Speedo represent young India’s fearless energy.

 Oggy and the Cockroaches: Chaos, Comedy & Coexistence

Oggy’s never ending battles with the cockroaches may be full of madness, but at the heart of it is a quirky lesson in coexistence. Just like India, diverse, noisy, and full of contrasts, somehow everything finds a way to live together.

From iconic anime heroes to beloved toons, animation has become the new language of patriotism for a generation that prefers binge-watching over broadcasts.

Parade pride, Tricolour love, or pure patriotic vibes, however you celebrate, Republic Day i