Category Entertainment

Zee Tamil strengthens its Prime-Time lineup with Vaagai Sooda Vaa, a powerful narrative of resilience and relationships, premiering from 26th Jan 2026

Chennai,  Jan 23: Zee Tamil, a channel renowned for delivering popular and engaging content cherished by Tamil audiences worldwide, continues to set new benchmarks with its strong fiction lineup. Celebrated for its compelling storytelling, strong character arcs and relatable narratives, the channel is all set to launch its brand-new serial Vaagai Sooda Vaa. The show premieres on 26 January 2026 and will air Monday to Saturday at 9.30 PM, only on Zee Tamil & Z5 Tamil.

Set against the backdrop of a close-knit town in Madurai, Vaagai Sooda Vaa traces the journey of two sisters, Meenakshi (Pavithra) and Thenmozhi (played by Parveen), raised by their single mother, Sumathi (played by Gayathri). A staunch believer in the sanctity of marriage, Sumathi instils strong values in her daughters, unaware that life is poised to take unforeseen turns.

Meenakshi, sincere and strong-willed, dreams of giving her mother a comfortable life. However, when unexpected circumstances alter the course of her journey, her life becomes closely intertwined with Jeeva (played by Irfan), setting the tone for a compelling narrative. As the story unfolds, the sisters find their paths diverging in unexpected ways, drawing them into a household led by Annapoorani (played by Kuyili), where relationships are put to the test and unspoken tensions surface. At its core, Vaagai Sooda Vaa follows how Meenakshi and Thenmozhi navigate these challenges and stand their ground, keeping viewers invested in what lies ahead.

With an interesting premise and compelling storytelling, Vaagai Sooda Vaa is all set to be an exciting new addition to Zee Tamil’s prime-time slate.

Don’t miss the premiere of Vaagai Sooda Vaa from 26th January 2026, airing Monday to Saturday during 9.30PM, on Zee Tamil & Z5 Tamil!

Hungama OTT, one of India’s leading digital entertainment platforms, returns with the much anticipated third season of its acclaimed anthology Hasratein 3, continuing its bold exploration of women, desire, and quiet rebellion. With the first two episodes premiering on 22nd January 2026, Season 3 brings six powerful stories of women navigating hidden longings, strained relationships, and the courage to reclaim their sense of self.

Episode two, Beauty Parlour, set in the narrow lanes of Lucknow, introduces Salma, played by Garima Jain, a resilient beautician balancing low wages, two children, and an emotionally absent husband. Behind her quiet resilience lies years of compromise, financial control, and stolen dreams. When Salma discovers her husband’s betrayal, her world cracks open, forcing her to confront harsh truths about love, marriage, and self-worth. With the quiet support of Suleiman, portrayed by Kunal Verma, who recognises her strength without taking advantage of it, Salma chooses dignity, independence, and the courage to start anew.

Speaking about her role, Garima shares, 

“This is a women empowerment story that shows that dreams can be achieved at any age and after any situation. Salma’s journey is about choosing herself and becoming successful despite everything she has been through. I have seen many real-life stories like this, and I truly want to portray strong characters that leave a meaningful message.”

She adds, 

“Working with Kunal was a wonderful experience. His approach to the character made the scenes feel honest and grounded, and it pushed me to give my best every day on set.”

Hasratein Season 3 promises yet another compelling chapter of quiet courage, rebellion, and self-discovery, with the first two episodes premiering on 22nd January, followed by new episodes on 27th January and 4th February, streaming on Hungama OTT and partner platforms.

MUMBAI, India, Jan 23: Amazon MX Player’s beloved youth series Campus Diaries has officially begun filming for its second season. Following its success with young audiences for its honest, slice-of-life depiction of college friendships and the journey of growing up, the show returns with the same warmth, humour, and emotional authenticity that defined Season 1. The season is produced by Prem Mistry and Abhishek Yadav (Yellow Montage) and directed by Abhishek Yadav.

Season 2 reunites the fan-favourite ensemble cast, including Harsh Beniwal as Sudheer, Ritvik Sahore as Abhilash, Srishti Ganguly Rindani as Sushmita, Saloni Gaur as Priyanka, Abhinav Sharma as Raghav, and Salonie Patel as Sanya. Known for its relatable storytelling, Campus Diaries continues to explore the nuances of friendships, emotions, and everyday campus life that have resonated with young viewers.

The new season will stream for free on Amazon MX Player, accessible through the MX Player app, Amazon Shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, and Airtel Xstream.

Johnnie Walker Redefines the Festival Experience at Lollapalooza India 2026 with World-Class Craft, Flavour and Cultural Energy

Mumbai, Jan 23: Johnnie Walker Blonde Non-Alcoholic Lemonade is set to redefine the festival experience at Lollapalooza India 2026 through an extraordinary showcase of innovation, craftsmanship and culture. As one of India’s most anticipated cultural events, Lollapalooza offers an electric atmosphere that serves as the ultimate stage for Johnnie Walker’s premium mixology and its progressive ‘Keep Walking’ spirit. This year, Johnnie Walker has also come on board as the official partner for the Platinum Lounge – the festival’s most exclusive space for music lovers who seek elevated experiences.

At the heart of the Platinum Lounge experience, premium design, hospitality and creativity converge. The fully air-conditioned lounge offers unparalleled comfort and fanpit access across stages, combining the thrill of live music with sophisticated hospitality. A bespoke Whisky Experiments menu, led by Arnold Hou, Head Mixologist, Dali & Gala, Bengaluru, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship with serves inspired by distinct flavour directions – Spice, Coffee, Smoke and Sweet, each designed for a high-energy, all-day setting. We also have another unique experiential space on- ground -The Blonde Social Club. Festival-goers can personalize merchandise, play a game of pickleball and unwind while enjoying signature serves like the Blonde Bloom – a refreshing coffee-based cocktail and the Kokum Highball, an ode to Mumbai’s coastal zest. Exclusive slushies and flavor-led mixes will be available, promising a unique tasting journey for every guest. Completing the world-class experience, a premium bar experience is also being curated within the exclusive Red Stud Club, in collaboration with Bar Paradox, blending festival energy with refined craftsmanship.

Speaking on the association this year, Varun Koorichh, Vice President Marketing, Portfolio Head, Premium and Luxury, Diageo India said:

 “At Lollapalooza, the ‘Keep Walking’ spirit finds its most vibrant stage, allowing us to weave Johnnie Walker Blonde Non-Alcoholic lemonade’s craftsmanship into India’s most iconic musical moments. Our vision this year was to create a world-class experience that celebrates the craft, flavor, and progressive energy of the brand, while continuing to push boundaries across experience, innovation, and cultural relevance. From the artisanal serves at the Platinum Lounge to the interactive Blonde Social Club, every element is designed to feel both premium and participatory – an authentic reflection of how we continue to ‘Keep Walking’ at the forefront of culture.”

Extending its footprint beyond the festival grounds, Johnnie Walker Blonde Non-Alcoholic Lemonade partners with Uber, Zepto, MyGate, and Indē wild to create a holistic, lifestyle-led experience. This collaboration touches every moment of the consumer journey – from the first mile to the after-party.

With its world-class cocktails, visionary design and seamless brand storytelling, Johnnie Walker continues to push boundaries at Lollapalooza India 2026 – where every sip, serve and space is crafted to inspire progress and celebrate the spirit of Keep Walking.

Mumbai, Jan 23: EuroKids, India’s leading preschool chain, celebrated Saraswati Puja across 300 centres nationwide engaging 15000 students, marking the occasion with joyful activities designed to introduce young learners to India’s rich cultural heritage while fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.

Recognised as a festival that honours knowledge and wisdom, Saraswati Puja was celebrated at EuroKids as a cultural and educational experience. The celebrations were carefully curated to suit early learners, focusing on exploration, expression, and meaningful engagement with ideas that support holistic development.

The celebrations began with a simple Saraswati Puja, observed across centres to introduce children to the cultural significance of learning and knowledge. This was followed by thoughtfully planned learning-led activities. Children participated in storytelling, music and movement, art and craft, creative play, and interactive conversations that encouraged imagination, expression, and curiosity. These experiences helped children associate learning with joy, exploration, and confidence.

The celebrations also saw active participation from teachers and parents, creating a warm, inclusive environment that highlighted the importance of cultural awareness in a child’s formative years. By engaging families, EuroKids ensured that children experienced the occasion as a shared, joyful journey rooted in both tradition and modern pedagogy.

This approach reflects EuroKids’ strong alignment with its child-centric learning philosophy and the vision of NEP 2020, which emphasises holistic development, cultural rootedness, and experiential learning in the early years. Through such celebrations, EuroKids continues to integrate Indian traditions into everyday learning in ways that are meaningful, inclusive, and age appropriate.

Commenting on the occasion, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division, EuroKids (Lighthouse Learning), said,

 “Basant Panchami is a meaningful reminder that learning should begin early and with joy. At EuroKids, we believe the early years shape a child’s curiosity and love for learning. Celebrations like these allow us to connect cultural significance with early education in a way that helps parents understand why the right start matters so deeply.”

EuroKids’ brand ethos is rooted in creating safe, nurturing, and stimulating environments where children feel seen, heard, and valued. Powered by its Heureka Curriculum, based on Harvard’s Project Zero and aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the brand places curiosity at the heart of learning, encouraging children to explore, question, and discover, while continuing to emphasise holistic development through learning by play, emotional security, social skills, language development, independence, and school readiness.

With a legacy of nurturing over seven lakh children across 1,700+ preschools in more than 500 cities, EuroKids continues to lead the way in early childhood education. The brand remains steadfast in its mission to champion what truly matters in the early years, building not just sharper minds, but kinder hearts and resilient individuals who are prepared for school and for life.

New Delhi, Jan 23: Moj, India’s leading homegrown short video platform from ShareChat, today announced the launch of the Micro Drama Challenge, a first-of-its-kind accelerator programme designed to support and strengthen the micro drama ecosystem in India. The company has initially set aside over a ₹20 crore annual budget, to scout and groom upcoming studios in India’s rapidly growing short-form entertainment ecosystem.

This initiative opens doors to discover, finance and groom the next wave of storytellers building vertical micro drama series for India’s fastest-growing short-video audience, to showcase their talent and content capabilities. By fostering collaboration between content creators, filmmakers, production houses, and storytellers, Moj’s initiative aims to supercharge the micro-drama landscape, delivering fresh stories that resonate with millions of users nationwide and open up fresher revenue streams in the industry.

The application process open till January 26th, 2026, will enable Moj to shortlist 10 applicants by January 31st, 2026, and equip them with a grant of ₹10 lakhs each to craft engaging micro-dramas tailored for short-form vertical viewing. While the initiative provides complete creative freedom, these will need to adhere to basic guidelines of the format that entail it being at least an hour long, with each episode being 1-2 minutes long. Moj will also support these studios with deep consumer insights from state of the art recommendation systems allowing creators to craft their stories for maximum consumer engagement.

Thereafter, till March 31st, these participants dive into a high-stakes monthly challenge, showcasing their storytelling prowess through the genre of choice – ranging from action-packed narratives, emotional dramas, and culturally rooted tales. As these micro dramas get uploaded on Moj, it would face the real audience test with its 60 million strong micro drama viewer base.

In the end of the competition that enables creators to promote their series across mediums for driving viewership, the first placed team will secure a winning prize of ₹25 lakhs, followed by ₹15 lakhs for the second placed team, and ₹5 lakhs for the third team, not just enabling them to scale operations and produce even more compelling series’, but also be considered for future Moj Originals. 

Manohar Singh Charan, Co-Founder & CFO, ShareChat & Moj, said,

“This recurring monthly accelerator program acts as a launchpad, building a robust ecosystem that enables discovery of new storytellers. We are committed to building an enabler ladder where independent studios and creators can thrive alongside industry giants. It not only accelerates talent development but also ensures a steady influx of diverse, culturally rooted stories from all parts of India, bringing out something of interest and relevance for everyone. Our state-of-the-art recommendation systems will sit on top of this treasure trove and enable discovery of the right audience for each of these stories. We are moving to a world where every user should be able to access a deep supply of content tailored to their own unique taste. With ShareChat and Moj uniquely positioned to democratize access to micro-drama content to its users, this initiative reflects our resolve towards enabling a cohesive ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth across the board.”

The initiative is in line with the company’s vision of innovation in India’s booming short-video space. Through this, studios gain professional resources, access to a larger pool of revenue, mentorship, and exposure, while users benefit from an ever-expanding library of binge-worthy micro-dramas.

The Red Lorry Film Festival (RLFF), the country’s premiere international film festival curated by BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, has announced its third edition, scheduled to take place from March 13 to 15, 2026, in Mumbai. The festival continues to strengthen its position as a marquee event on India’s cultural calendar, celebrating curated global and Indian cinema.

With over 120 titles set to be screened, the upcoming edition places RLFF among the few international film festivals in the city, thoughtfully curated for cinephiles, the film industry, and cinema enthusiasts alike.

Ahead of the full line-up announcement, the festival has revealed select titles that will be showcased at the third edition.

These include Indian premieres of Bradley Cooper’s latest directorial Is This Thing On?, Safe House (ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Award), Brendan Fraser-starrer Rental Family, Case 137, Fantasy Life and Wrangler. The line-up also features Cannes selections such as Nino (Louis Roederer Foundation Rising Star Award Winner), The Love That Remains (Palm Dog Winner), Fatih Akin’s Amrum, Redland, A Pale View Of Hills, Leave One Day and Peak Everything.

Further highlights include Venice selections The Sun Rises On Us All (Volpi Cup for Best Actress winner) and The Souffleur; TIFF selection Hen (Platform Award – Honourable Mention); Berlinale selections Circus Boy (Best Film – Generation Kplus), The Botanist (Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury), Late Shift (Switzerland’s official entry to the Oscars), and Tom Tykwer’s The Light, among others.

The festival will also have a special “Legacy Rewind” section, celebrating tributes, classics and restored films that have shaped Indian cinema over the decades.

The 3rd edition of RLFF will also feature a special celebration of Marathi cinema, with screenings of acclaimed upcoming and well-received Marathi films. Additionally, the festival will host the Rendezvous with French Cinema section in partnership with Alliance Française de Bombay (AF Bombay).

Speaking about the third edition, Ashish Saksena, Festival Director, Red Lorry Film Festival and COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow, said, “Red Lorry Film Festival was created with the intent of offering Indian audiences access to carefully curated global cinema in a theatrical environment. Over the last two editions, we have seen a growing appetite for international storytelling across cultures and genres. As we enter the third edition, our focus remains on thoughtful curation and delivering a festival experience that reflects the evolving tastes of Indian cinephiles while championing cinematic voices.”

In addition to film screenings, RLFF will feature masterclasses and panel discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals, along with red carpet gala events. Further details will be announced closer to the festival. The festival will be hosted at INOX Maison, Jio World Drive Plaza, BKC, with satellite screenings at PVR ICON, PVR City Mall, PVR Dynamix, and Cinépolis Fun Republic Mall.

With its third edition, the festival continues to bring global cinema closer to Indian audiences through immersive theatrical experiences. Passes for the upcoming edition of the festival are available on BookMyShow.

Guwahati, Jan 23: The second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) opened on January 22 at Jyoti Chitraban, celebrating the richness of Asian and Indian cinema with 26 curated films to be screened over four days.

The inaugural ceremony was held on January 22 (Thursday) in the presence of eminent filmmakers, guests, and delegates. The event is being organised by Trending Now Media with support from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

GAFF 2026 opened with the Uzbekistan feature ‘Sunday’, directed by Shokir Kholikov. The opening day also featured the India premiere of Japanese film ‘S’ by Masahiro Ota in the Asian Cinema section, and ‘An Evening Ballad’ by Bishal Swargiary in the Indian Showcase (non-competition) section.

On January 23, the second day of the festival will feature Karbi film ‘The Lost Path’ (Kangbo Aloti) by Khanjan Kishore Nath, Assamese film ‘Morning Sunshine’ (Rador Pakhi) by Bobby Sarma Baruah, ‘Cu Li Never Cries’ by Pham Ngoc Lan from Vietnam, Assamese film ‘The Woodcutter’ (Gos Kota Manuh) by Prakesh Deka and Manipuri film ‘Phouoibee’ (The Goddess of Paddy) by Rakesh Moirangthem.

The second edition of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) will be held till January 25 at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati, showcasing as many as 26 regional, national and international films from across 10 Asian countries.

In addition to film screenings, GAFF 2026 will feature a series of masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals from India and other Asian countries.

Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has collaborated with Disney Publishing APAC to bring 36 iconic Marvel audio series in Hindi to listeners in India.

Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man, The Avengers, and Wolverine will be featured across 36 Hindi audio series, produced as high-quality audio content for on-the-go listening. These stories will unfold across multi-episode arcs, bringing the power of Disney’s storytelling to a new, mobile-first generation of listeners.

“We’ve always believed in the power of Disney storytelling, proving that stories can travel anywhere when they connect with audiences,” said Veronica Cabalinan, VP – Publishing and Experiences, APAC, Disney Publishing. “Pocket FM is turning listening into a deeply emotional and almost cinematic experience. We are excited to see how Marvel’s Super Heroes will inspire a new generation of fans in India by harnessing the power of audio.”

From mythology-inspired series to supernatural thrillers and dark fantasy sagas, listeners in India are embracing worlds that stretch the imagination. Pocket FM, a leading platform for fantasy audio series, sees fantasy as an emerging genre blending tradition, technology, and creativity.

“Our cultural DNA is built on imagination, and larger-than-life storytelling.” said Rohan Nayak, Co-Founder and CEO, Pocket FM. “Together with Disney, we’re turning the epic stories of Marvel Super Heroes into serialized audio journeys that feel native, emotional, and accessible. Fantasy and super-hero series have always been one of Pocket FM’s strongest genres and continues to grow exponentially. With this collaboration, we are ensuring that premium fantasy entertainment is inclusive and deeply relatable  so that anyone, anywhere in India, can feel like they are truly part of  the story.”

New Delhi, Jan 21: Brands are sharpening their marketing strategies as the global sporting calendar marks two major World Cups this year. While the FIFA World Cup is slated for July, closer home the T20 World Cup happening in February, is already triggering heightened activity among advertisers eager to tap into the high-engagement environment that cricket delivers in India.

Across sectors, brands are beginning to roll out teasers, athlete-led content and digital-first storytelling to build anticipation well before the tournament gets underway. Fintech major BharatPe has joined this early wave, posting a series of cryptic messages on X, Instagram, Meta, linked to the T20 World Cup. Sparse on details but high on intrigue, the post has prompted speculation around the brand’s plans for the season.

“Imagine watching this World Cup, Not from your friend’s place,” says one of the X posts.

Globally, the trend is already well underway. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, international car brands have rolled out fan-first digital activations focused on mobility and match-day journeys, while consumer focussed beverage brands have leaned into its long-standing association with football through limited-edition packaging. Major FMCG players have activated their portfolio brands through region-specific storytelling, influencer collaborations, and purpose-led campaigns.

Marketing experts note that World Cup-led campaigns offer brands a combination of scale and relevance. The tournaments deliver massive, captive audiences, but more importantly, they provide a contextual backdrop where themes of trust, performance, teamwork, and consistency resonate deeply. For digital-first and fintech brands, this creates an opportunity to anchor everyday products such as payments, within moments of national and global pride.

As brands continue to vie for attention in an increasingly crowded World Cup advertising ecosystem, early teasers like BharatPe’s suggest that the real contest for consumer mindshare may have already begun, well before the opening ceremony.