Category Entertainment

Swiggy Instamart will now deliver official Star Wars merchandise on the platform, just in time for May 4th – a day celebrated by Star Wars fans worldwide. Swiggy Instamart is the first quick commerce platform to start delivering movie merchandise, marking a new category in the quick commerce industry.

Fans of the galaxy far, far away can now get their hands on a variety of Star Wars products including the lightsaber, posters, mugs, fridge magnets, stickers, bobbleheads, and T-shirts, all delivered in 10 minutes.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. Swiggy Instamart also caters to Harry Potter enthusiasts with an enchanting selection of merchandise. From books, posters, and notebooks to coffee mugs, magic wands, specs, key chains, bobbleheads, socks, music boxes, and T-shirts, fans can immerse themselves in the magical world of Hogwarts and beyond.

This new offering highlights Swiggy Instamart’s commitment to meeting the diverse needs and interests of its consumers, providing them with a unique shopping experience that combines convenience with a touch of magic and adventure.

Celebrate your fandom and bring home a piece of your favorite movie universe with Swiggy Instamart’s latest collection. Now available in 10 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and more.

The Punjabi film industry is on an upward trajectory, catering to diverse tastes and genres. Amidst this exciting landscape, a new offering promises to tickle the funny bone of audiences across the region. DR. Anil K Mehta presents ‘Miya Biwi Raaji to Kya KerengePaaji,’ a musical comedy helmed by the talented Harry&Mehta, recently held its grand mahurat ceremony in Mumbai, setting the stage for an uproarious cinematic experience.

The star-studded event witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including the chief guests Lawrence D’Souza and Abhay Sinha, who graced the occasion with their blessings. Punjabi cinema’s beloved star, Pritam Pyare, made a special appearance, much to the delight of his legion of fans, adding an extra dose of excitement to the proceedings.

At the helm of this laughter-filled venture is writer and director Harry Mehta, whose prowess in capturing the nuances of family dynamics promises to strike a chord with viewers. Backed by the production prowess of Sneh Mehta, the film boasts an ensemble cast led by the talented Yuvraj Hans and the effervescent Shehnaz Sehar, setting the stage for a delightful on-screen chemistry.

The mahurat ceremony offered a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s premise, revolving around the trials and tribulations of a modern-day Punjabi family. With its relatable themes and humorous undertones, ‘Miya Biwi Raaji to Kya KerengePaaji’ aims to mirror the real-life experiences of families across the region, resonating with audiences on a deeper level.

Renowned cinematographer R. Parthasarathy has been entrusted with capturing the vibrant visuals, ensuring that every frame is a feast for the eyes. The film’s soundtrack, a vital component of any musical comedy, promises to be a delightful blend of foot-tapping numbers and melodious compositions, further enhancing the overall entertainment quotient.

As the Punjabi film industry continues to diversify and cater to a wider audience, ‘Miya Biwi Raaji to Kya KerengePaaji’ stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to captivate audiences through laughter and heartwarming stories.

With an ensemble of talented actors, a seasoned creative team, and a premise that resonates with the masses, this musical comedy is poised to become a must-watch for audiences seeking a respite from the stresses of daily life. As the excitement builds, cinephiles eagerly await the release date, anticipating a riotous journey through the lives of a quintessential Punjabi family.

MUMBAI—2nd May 2024 Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, has launched MGM+ on Prime Video Channels. MGM+ offers an extensive and enthralling selection of entertainment including critically acclaimed and popular series, blockbuster movies, and timeless classics primarily from the iconic Hollywood studio, MGM. Prime members can purchase an annual add-on subscription to MGM+ at a special price of ₹599 per year.

With an add-on subscription to MGM+ on Prime Video Channels, Prime members can enjoy a vast slate of multi-genre content offerings including classic and cult-favorite movies like Legally Blonde, Hercules, The Prodigy, The Silence of the Lambs, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Robocop, The Vow, Child’s Play, Death Wish, and more, along with much-loved series like Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Teen Wolf, Get Shorty, among others.

“We’re thrilled to launch MGM+ as a Channel for our customers in India, offering an extensive library of blockbuster, much-loved, and premium content at a single destination – Prime Video. Since launch, our objective with Prime Video Channels has been to provide our customers with increased choice, improved accessibility, and greater convenience of watching their favorite content all within a single app,” stated Vivek Srivastava, Head – of Prime Video Channels, Prime Video, India. “In a short period, Prime Video Channels has offered increased reach to both local and global streamers to expand their footprint in India, allowing them to connect with a vast and diverse audience across the country. We are certain that with its vast library of iconic movies and series, MGM+ will entertain and delight Indian customers.”

“We’re excited to partner with Prime Video India to deliver exceptional entertainment to Indian audiences through MGM+,” remarked Michael Katzer, head of MGM+ International. “The streaming service brings a huge range of premium quality, successful movies, much-loved series as well as ageless classics, spanning multiple genres including sci-fi, suspense, action-thriller, romance, and much more. The expansion of MGM+ in India further cements Amazon’s commitment to invest in and grow the MGM+ channel internationally, while enhancing the content offering available to subscribers.”

Prime members in India can subscribe to MGM+ through Prime Video Channels at a price of ₹599 per year.

Prime Video Channels benefits for Prime members include:

● No hassle login & billing: Customers do not have to juggle between multiple usernames, passwords and billing due dates. With Prime Video Channels, all premium content subscriptions are managed within a single destination – Prime Video apps and website.

● More time watching, less time deciding: Customers don’t have to spend time toggling between their favourite services to discover what’s new and popular. With Prime Video Channels they can browse in one place, search across all their premium subscription and get personalized recommendations. All of this without ever having to leave the Prime Video app or website.

● Enjoy your favourite features, no matter which service: Customers can enjoy IMDb’s X-Ray feature and a single consolidated watch list and download library for offline viewing. Subscribers can also manage data consumption and much more across all their premium channel subscriptions.

● More Choice: With Prime Video Channels, Prime members can access thousands of additional titles across 20+ OTT channels, including MGM+.

KOREAN dramas, or K-dramas, have become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with their unique blend of romance, suspense, and cultural insights. But behind the captivating storylines and talented actors lies another key ingredient – webtoons. These digital comics, specifically designed for mobile devices, have become a treasure trove of source material for K-drama creators, influencing everything from Lovely Runner to Business Proposal. This surge in webtoon adaptations begs the question: why are so many of our favorite K-dramas based on these digital comics?

Aanchal Sharma, a seasoned entertainment journalist at Screenbox.in, has expertly decoded the reasons behind this trend. With her in-depth analysis, Sharma explores how webtoons, with their rich narratives and vibrant visuals, seamlessly transition into the serial television format, creating a ready-made storyboard for screen adaptation. Her explorations delve into how these digital comics cater not just to traditional comic lovers but also to a broader audience seeking diverse storytelling that combines romance, suspense, and authentic cultural insights.

The Rise Of Webtoons

Webtoons, a portmanteau of “web” and “cartoon,” offer a unique reading experience. Unlike traditional comics, they are optimized for vertical scrolling on mobile devices, perfectly adapting to our on-the-go lifestyles. This accessibility has fueled their immense popularity in South Korea, where smartphone penetration is exceptionally high. Webtoons offer a diverse range of genres, from heart-fluttering romance to heart-stopping thrillers, catering to a wide audience.

The mid-2010s marked a turning point, with webtoons becoming a coveted source for K-dramas. Dramas like Kingdom, a compelling zombie apocalypse story, and Sweet Home, a chilling tale of monstrous transformations, showcased the potential of webtoons to translate seamlessly to the small screen.

The success of these adaptations opened the floodgates, leading to a wave of webtoon-inspired K-dramas like Hellbound (exploring themes of faith and social control), “D.P.” (a poignant social commentary on military hazing), and the heartwarming “Itaewon Class” (celebrating resilience and entrepreneurial spirit).

Reaching New Audiences

The marriage of webtoons and K-dramas isn’t just a domestic phenomenon. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Viki have been instrumental in bringing these stories to a global audience. K-dramas based on webtoons offer a double dose of cultural discovery – viewers get immersed in Korean storytelling while also experiencing the unique narrative style and themes prevalent in webtoons.

This fusion has proven highly successful, with shows like True Beauty (a lighthearted exploration of beauty standards) and All of Us Are Dead (a high-octane zombie school drama) capturing international attention.

Other streaming services are recognizing the potential of this trend. Disney+ is dipping its toes in with Kiss Sixth Sense (a fantasy rom-com) and The Golden Spoon (a story about social class disparity). Apple TV+ is joining the fray with Dr. Brain, a mind-bending sci-fi thriller based on a popular webtoon.

Even Amazon Prime Video is entering the arena with Island, a fantasy adventure about an unlikely group battling evil forces. This widespread adoption underlines the global appeal of webtoon-inspired K-dramas.

A Win-Win For Creators and Audiences

So, what explains this perfect pairing of webtoons and K-dramas? Webtoons often boast dedicated fan communities who are already invested in the story and characters. This built-in audience translates into a readily available fanbase for the K-drama adaptation, ensuring a degree of pre-release hype and interest.

Webtoons are known for their vibrant artwork and compelling narratives. This readily available visual reference point eases the transition to the screen, offering clear guidance for set design, character development, and overall tone.

They cater to an array of genres, mirroring the diverse landscape of K-dramas. Whether it’s workplace comedy (Business Proposal), a coming-of-age story (Yumi’s Cells), or a slice-of-life drama (Misaeng: Incomplete Life), there’s a webtoon out there with the potential to resonate with K-drama viewers.

Fresh Ideas and Experimentation: Webtoons offer a platform for new and innovative storytelling formats. This allows K-drama creators to experiment with unique narratives and themes, keeping audiences engaged with fresh content.

The marriage of webtoons and K-dramas is proving to be a winning formula. Webtoons offer a rich source of captivating stories, readily adaptable visuals, and a built-in audience. This synergy fuels creativity, leading to gripping K-dramas that are captivating global audiences. As streaming services continue to invest in this trend, we can expect even more captivating stories to emerge from the pages of webtoons and onto our screens, further solidifying the K-drama phenomenon.

29th April 2024: BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, honoured the remarkable talent and creative achievements of the Marathi television industry at the third season of BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards. It was a star-studded evening graced by renowned personalities who have not only shined on-screen but also made a significant impact on our culture. Held on 25th April 2024 at Marigold Banquets and Convention, Pune, the awards night was hosted by BIG FM RJs – RJ Addy and RJ Chetana. This season, the radio network broke its record, earning a whopping 2 lakh votes, marking a significant achievement.

The BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards 2024 lit up with fun moments from RJ Shreyas and RJ Pallavi, alongside the hosts, making the night an unforgettable one. Highlighting the event were the special awards, with the actor par excellence Ashok Saraf winning the award for Powerhouse of Entertainment. Varsha Usgaonkar was honoured as the Evergreen Performer for her inspiring acting prowess and timeless elegance while actor Siddharth Chandekar stood out as the Performer of the Year. The excitement soared higher with the announcement of the Blockbuster of the Year, marking a moment for the acclaimed film Bai Pan Bhari Deva, while Vaishali Samant received the award for the BIG Most Memorable Voice.

The BIG Best Male Character award saw a tie between Ajinkya Raut and Indraneil Kamat for their outstanding performances in Abol Pritichi Ajab Kahani and Pirticha Vana Uri Petla, respectively. Aishwarya Shete clinched the BIG Best Female Character award for her captivating portrayal in Rama-Rama Raghav. Vishaka Subhedar and Dipti Ketkar were honoured with the BIG Best Female Villain award, while Sunil Tawde and Piyush Ranade secured the BIG Best Male Villain accolade. Jui Gadkari and Amit Bhanushali’s enchanting on-screen chemistry earned them the title of BIG Best Jodi. Furthermore, Purnima Dey and Yogesh Kelkar took home the trophy for the BIG Supporting Characters Female and Male respectively. The mesmerising melodies of Tuj Maj Sapan…Premach Tufaan earned the prestigious title of BIG Best Title Song and Sur Nava Dhyas Nava was acknowledged as the BIG Best Non-Fiction show. Finally, the heartwarming family drama Tharala Tar Mag! won in the categories of BIG Best Family and BIG Best Serial, stealing the hearts of many.

Sharing his thoughts, Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, expressed, “Over the past two seasons of the BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards, we have had the privilege of celebrating the finest talents in the Marathi entertainment industry, honouring them with well-deserved recognition. With the third season, the celebrations were taken a notch higher as we once again felicitated the remarkable performers and imaginative minds for their spectacular work that kept the audiences completely entertained. The overwhelming response from listeners through their votes for their favourite artists stands as a testament to the platform’s ability to captivate its viewers. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners on behalf of the entire team of BIG FM.”

The third edition of BIG Marathi Entertainment Awards is powered by Lokmanya Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, in association with Krsnaa Diagnostics as a Diagnostics Partner. The awards were extensively promoted on-air, digitally and across all platforms of BIG FM and will be telecasted on 12th May 2024 on Zee 24 Taas.

Mumbai, 27th April 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, is all set to take audiences on a journey of sisterhood, self-discovery, and the complexities of teenage life with its upcoming series, ‘Amber Girls School’. The streaming service today announced the coming-of-age teen drama series by unveiling its gripping trailer, which offers a glimpse into the world of Amber Girls School (AGS), an all-girls institution that focuses on grooming ‘Sanskari’ young women, where tradition clashes with the desire for freedom. The upcoming series is certain to captivate the audience with its hard-hitting narrative, compelling characters, and authentic portrayal of teenage struggles. Produced by Reliance Entertainment Studios and directed by Rajlaxmi Ratan Seth, it features Celesti Bairagey, Kajol Chugh, Adrija Sinha, Ishika Gagneja, Harsh Khurana, and Shruti Panwar in pivotal roles. This series is helmed by the acclaimed writer Garima Pura Patiyaalvi, known for her exceptional work in the 2022 Oscar-winning documentary ‘Elephant Whisperers’.

The trailer follows the story of Ojaswini, a 15-year-old sincere and sanskari girl, who is amongst the most promising students of her grade. In pursuit of her dream to be the Vice Head Girl of her school, she maintains discipline and focus until teenage rebellion and desires come to the fore. The conflict between exploring all things ‘grown up’ and dealing with the financial crisis her family is going through puts Ojaswini in sheer confusion as she navigates through the challenges of teenage life. As the school’s strict rules clash with her desire for individuality and freedom, it will be interesting to witness how Ojaswini paves her way through the obstacles that arise in her journey.

“We are delighted to add yet another engrossing story to our content library, which exemplifies the quality and diversity of content that we offer to our audience. Amber Girls School beautifully captures the essence of teenage, portraying the complexities of identity, rebellion, and friendship in a compelling narrative.” shared Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon miniTV.

“We are pleased to bring ‘Amber Girls School’ to the viewers on 1st May,” said Sweta Agnihotri, Producer, Reliance Entertainment. “It’s a story that reflects the universal struggles of adolescence, and with the talented cast and crew, we are confident that the series will leave a lasting impact.”

Celesti Bairagey, who plays the character of Ojaswini, shared her thoughts, saying, “I am incredibly honored to be a part of Amber Girls School and bring the character of Ojaswini to life in this teen drama. This series is a powerful exploration of the teenage experience, and Ojaswini’s journey of independence and self-discovery is one that, I believe, will resonate with each viewer. Working alongside such a talented cast and crew has been an unforgettable experience, and I am excited for audiences to join us on this adventurous yet relatable ride.”

Amber Girls School will premiere on 1st May 2024, exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, Smart TVs, or download the app from Play Store.

Renowned TV actor Mayank Verma, known for his notable performances in shows like “SaddaHaq” (Channel V), “Parvarish 2” (Sony), “BaateKuchAnkahee Si” (DD1), “ChikuYehIshqNachaye” (Star Plus), and “Meet” (ZEE TV), is all set to grace ZEE TV’s screens once again in their upcoming serial “Main HoonSaathTere.”

In this new venture, Mayank Verma will be stepping into the shoes of a negative character named NishantBundella. The show is scheduled to premiere on April 29th, 2024 at 7:30 PM, airing daily. For viewers who prefer online streaming, the episodes will also be available on ZEE 5.

Having previously appeared in over 100 episodes of ZEE TV’s “Meet,” Mayank expresses his excitement about portraying a negative role for the first time. He shares, “I’m thrilled to delve into the realm of villainy as it allows me to explore different facets of my acting abilities.”

Mayank extends his gratitude to Rahul Barve and ZEE Entertainment for their unwavering support throughout his journey in the industry.

Fans eagerly anticipate MayankVerma’s performance in this new show, and we extend our best wishes to him for his upcoming venture!

Rajkot, 17th April 2024: Essen Speciality Films Limited proudly announces its remarkable achievements at the Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award 2024, held in association with PLASTICS TODAY Sanyukt Vyapar. Mr. Pallav Doshi, representing Essen Speciality Films Limited, has been honored with the prestigious “Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award” as the icon of New Generation Entrepreneurs for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

Essen Speciality Films Ltd stands out as one of the few manufacturing companies in India championing gender equality and women empowerment. The company’s commitment to inclusivity is evidenced by its implementation of night shifts for women in production, ensuring equal participation at all levels around the clock.

Moreover, the company reaffirms its dedication to business sustainability through the horizontal expansion of its product range and the acquisition of new customers globally. The company has recently added new customers in the USA, India, and Sweden, introducing innovative products such as desk mats, artificial plants, and shower curtains with hooks to diverse markets.

Mr. Pallav Doshi, Managing Director of Essen Speciality Films Limited, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Receiving the Nayi Peedhi Entrepreneurs Award as the icon of New Generation Entrepreneurs is truly an honor for us. These accolades not only recognize our individual efforts but also acknowledge the collective dedication of our team toward driving innovation and sustainability in the industry. At Essen, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and these awards serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence and positive change.”

In line with its commitment to operational and manufacturing sustainability, Essen has made significant strides. The complete phasing out of diesel forklifts in favor of electric forklifts demonstrates the company’s eco-conscious operational practices. Furthermore, the implementation of a solvent recovery system underscores Essen’s proactive approach to drastically reduce environmental impact by recovering and reusing solvents.

Investments in cutting-edge technology further solidify the company’s position as a leader in innovation. The acquisition of a state-of-the-art X-Rite’s (parent organization of PANTONE) color booth, Photospectrometer Ci62 UV equipped with advanced software and analytics, exemplifies the company’s commitment to precision, quality, and efficiency in production.

As ESFL continues to innovate and expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to driving positive change within the industry while delivering exceptional products and services to its customers.

Mumbai, 17th April 2024 Universal Music India, the leading music label renowned for promoting young, talented artists and boasting one of the biggest catalogs in India, proudly announces an exclusive signing with a 23-year-old multi-talented singer-songwriter, Aditya Rikhari under its Independent Label – IndieA Records. Renowned for his soulful vocals and profound songwriting, Aditya Rikhari epitomizes the spirit of independent music, enriching the label’s diverse portfolio of talented musicians.

Aditya Rikhari has already made an indelible mark in the Indian independent music ecosystem at a very young age. His tracks like ‘Faasle’ and ‘Samjho Na’ both have garnered over 90 million and 100 million audio streams, showcasing his immense talent and widespread appeal. His previous release ‘Teri Yaad’ with IndieA Records further solidified his position in the industry, garnering immense popularity and paving the way for this exclusive partnership.

With this ground-breaking collaboration under Universal Music India’s platform, IndieA Records, Aditya Rikhari is set to unveil his latest track “Paaro,” which serves as the inaugural release from his forthcoming album “Jaana.” “Paaro” offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the timeless Devdas narrative, resonating with audiences across generations.

Drawing inspiration from the classic tale of love and longing, “Paaro” captures the essence of a heartbroken lovers emotional odyssey through evocative lyrics and captivating melodies. Aditya Rikhari’s musical prowess breathes new life into the iconic character, delivering a compelling narrative that transcends time.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Universal Music family. Our first year together has been fantastic, with successful releases like Ariana and Thinker. The support from UMG has been incredible, and having a team that believes in my vision is invaluable. We’re now releasing my debut album, Jaana, without any restrictions. Each of the 7 to 10 songs will have a different vibe, but there’s a common thread for the audience to discover. The first song, Paaro, is out now, inspired by the character Devdas in a modern context. Check it out on Spotify or Amazon Saavan and watch the video to see me channeling Devdas.” Said Aditya Rikhari.

Sumedhas Rajgopal, ‪Head of Independent Artist Collective (Badshah, Indiea Records and Def Jam India) – Universal Music India, further adds, “Aditya Rikhari, stands out as an exceptionally gifted and versatile singer-songwriter, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Indiea Records. With each new release, Aditya continues to captivate his audience, showcasing his distinctive style and never failing to surprise. Paaro is an absolute treat for his fans, the video features him in an absolute new avatar.”

This Sunday, Sony Entertainment Television’s homegrown kids’ singing reality show, ‘Superstar Singer 3’, will take you on a nostalgic ride with its ‘Kalyanji-Anandji’ Night. In a special tribute to the iconic composer duo, the little wonders will create magic on stage as they deliver heartwarming performances of some of Kalyanji-Anandji’s most acclaimed songs. Gracing this special episode will be the revered Anand Virji Shah and his beloved wife, Shanta Ben Shah.

Amidst all the enchanting performances, 7-year-old Avirbhav S. from Kochi, Kerala, is poised to shine with his rendition of the song ‘Aur is Dil Mein Kya Rakha Hai’ from the movie ‘Imaandar’, alongside his Captain Arunita Kanjilal. Avirbhav’s mesmerizing performance promises to leave everyone spellbound, earning him praise from the captains, Super Judge Neha Kakkar, and Anand Ji himself, who will give Avirbhav a standing ovation. Anand Ji will also be seen going on stage and praising the young talent. Not only this, but Anand Virji Shah Ji will also reminisce about his love story with his wife Shanta Ben Shah Ji, sharing the joy of being married for 70 years.

Stunned by the mesmerizing performance, Anand Ji Shah says, “I must step down because this child’s performance was simply amazing. It’s important to note that certain songs are crafted in unique styles, and this particular one was beautifully executed in a complete saxophone style. The way this child managed to control the volume, knowing exactly when to increase or decrease it, speaks volumes about his talent and heartfelt rendition. Your son is truly a genius, Sir; you’re incredibly fortunate. Remarkable work!”

Super Judge Neha Kakkar also added, saying, “I’d like to address Avirbhav’s father and say, Sir, your son is not just your son but he’s truly a child of God. What he’s achieved is nothing short of extraordinary. Avirbhav, it’s truly unbelievable how you manage to sing with such precision and understanding of the composition at such a young age. The way he seamlessly blends the tune with the lyrics is remarkable; it’s not easy to achieve such harmony. Especially for someone as young as him, to learn and perform these songs with such perfection in such a short amount of time is truly astonishing. Every day, he continues to amaze us.”