Category Entertainment

Hyderabad, January 2025: Chowrangee, a new-age platform for arts and culture for the city of Hyderabad, has announced its inaugural event Raag-o-Rang, a mesmerizing evening of music and drama to be held on January 24, at 6 pm, at Shilpakala Vedika in Hi-Tech City.

Performing at the event will be Sounak Chattopadhyay, an acclaimed and popular Hindustani vocalist known for his remarkable ability to fuse the most ancient traditions of Indian classical music with modern music genres such as Bollywood, Ghazals and Rabindranath Tagore. His repertoire for the evening will include a special tribute to Mohammad Rafi on the occasion of his birth centenary.

The evening also brings to Hyderabad, for the very first time, Arpita Chatterjee, a celebrated theatre personality who will act as Gauhar Jaan in the multi-lingual solo musical My Name is Jaan. More than a century ago, the courtesan Gauhar Jaan became a sensation as the first Indian musician to be recorded on a gramophone. The immense popularity of her recordings made her a multi-millionaire; however, her life was anything but easy. Later at the instance of Mahatma Gandhi, Gauhar Jaan raised and contributed funds for India’s freedom struggle.

To attend the event,

Raag-o-Rang Event Details:

Date: Friday, January 24, 2025, 6 pm sharp

Venue: Shilpakala Vedika, Hitech City

Makar Sankranti and Pongal bring an exciting selection of films and series across streaming platforms! From the heartfelt romance of The Great Gujarati Matrimony on ShemarooMe, to the legacy of The Roshans on Netflix, and the thrilling Paatal Lok Season 2 on Amazon Prime Video, there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s gripping crime dramas like Chidiya Udd, action-packed tales like Pani, or supernatural adventures with Power of Paanch, this week promises to captivate and entertain.

The Roshans- Netflix
A captivating documentary series, The Roshans, premieres exclusively on Netflix on January 17, 2025, offering an intimate exploration of one of Bollywood’s most iconic families. Spanning three generations, the series chronicles the journey of music director Roshan Lal Nagrath, his sons—filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and composer Rajesh Roshan—and his grandson, superstar Hrithik Roshan. Featuring rare archival footage, candid interviews, and heartfelt anecdotes from industry stalwarts like Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Karan Johar, The Roshans celebrates their enduring legacy and unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. A must-watch for film enthusiasts!

Paatal Lok season 2
Paatal Lok returns with its highly anticipated second season on January 17, 2025, five years after its groundbreaking debut. This time, Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), the weary yet determined protagonist, takes on a high-profile murder investigation that leads him to the remote landscapes of northeast India. Alongside his trusted ally Ansari (Ishwak Singh), Hathiram confronts formidable adversaries and personal demons in his quest for justice. The new season introduces compelling characters played by Jahnu Barua, Tillotama Shome, Nagesh Kukunoor, and Anurag Arora, each adding depth and complexity to the story. With a darker, grittier tone, Paatal Lok Season 2 promises to unravel a sinister conspiracy while exploring Hathiram’s turbulent psyche and relentless pursuit of truth. Don’t miss it!

Chidiya Udd – Amazon MX Player
Chidiya Udd, a gripping series on human trafficking, premieres on January 15, 2025, exclusively on Amazon MX Player. Headlined by Jackie Shroff and Sikandar Kher, the show delves into the harsh realities of Mumbai’s red-light district, Kamathipura. Inspired by real incidents and based on Abid Surti’s book Cages, the story follows Seher (Bhoomika Meena), a 20-year-old from Rajasthan, who arrives in Mumbai with dreams of a brighter future. Set against a backdrop of gang wars and the city’s dark underbelly, Chidiya Udd explores her harrowing struggle to survive in a ruthless world. This hard-hitting narrative shines a light on the grim truths of trafficking, promising a poignant and emotional journey. Don’t miss it!

The Great Gujarati Matrimony- ShemarooMe
ShemarooMe presents The Great Gujarati Matrimony, streaming exclusively from January 18, 2025. Directed by Preetsinh Gohil, this heartwarming romantic movie follows three compelling characters—an aspiring actress with big dreams, a cheerful matchmaker, and a practical investment banker—on a journey of love, self-discovery, and cultural celebration. Featuring Siddhi Idnani, Mitra Gadhvi, and Devarshi Shah, the film blends romance, emotions, traditions while offering a fresh perspective on modern relationships. Perfect for cozy family viewing, The Great Gujarati Matrimony is a celebration of relationships and the values that bind us together. The movie also stars Hiten Kumar, Tatsat Munshi, Jhanvi Gurnani, and Sucheeta Trivedi, who bring depth to the story with their flawless performances.

Viduthalai Part 2- Zee5
Viduthalai Part 2 (Freedom Part 2) premiered on January 17, 2025, exclusively on ZEE5, continuing the gripping narrative directed by Vetrimaaran. A sequel to Viduthalai Part 1, this Tamil-language period political crime thriller, adapted from Jeyamohan’s short story Thunaivan (Companion), delves deeper into the life of Perumal Vaathiyaar (Vijay Sethupathi), a revolutionary fighting for justice. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Soori, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Manju Warrier, the film uncovers Vaathiyaar’s tumultuous backstory, his radical ideology, and the devastating consequences of his fight against oppression. Packed with intense confrontations, emotional depth, and moral dilemmas, Viduthalai Part 2 is a powerful tale of resistance and sacrifice, culminating in an unforgettable climax. Don’t miss this cinematic masterpiece!

Pani – SonyLiv
SonyLIV’s gripping new series Pani premieres on January 16, 2025, blending intense action with emotional depth to explore the fragile balance between progress, power, and personal relationships. Directed by Joju George, in his much-anticipated directorial debut, this action-thriller follows the journey of Giri (Joju George), a local kingpin whose life is upended when two criminally inclined youngsters disrupt the peace of his family and city. As Giri’s quest for vengeance intensifies, the narrative delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of power. Featuring a stellar cast including Sagar Surya, Junaiz V.P., Bobby Kurian, and Abhinay, Pani promises a riveting tale of urban upheaval and personal retribution.

I Want To Talk – Prime Video
Shoojit Sircar’s heartfelt drama I Want to Talk streams on Prime Video starting January 17, 2025, after its theatrical release on November 22, 2024. Starring Abhishek Bachchan as Arjun Sen, a cancer survivor facing life-altering challenges, the film portrays a deeply emotional journey of resilience and healing. As Arjun navigates his battle with multiple surgeries and a grim prognosis, he struggles to mend his relationship with his teenage daughter, Reya, while dealing with societal judgment and personal loss. Aided by his nurse Nancy (Kristin Goodard) and guided by his doctor, Jayant Deb, Arjun defies expectations, finding humor, hope, and strength in the face of adversity. With poignant storytelling and a moving exploration of father-daughter bonds, I Want to Talk is an inspiring tale of love, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey.

Power of Paanch- Disney+ Hotstar
Power of Paanch, a supernatural drama, premiered on Disney+ Hotstar on January 17, 2025. Starring Riva Arora and Urvashi Dholakia, this fantasy-filled series follows a group of teenagers who discover they possess elemental powers—wind, fire, and water—after a trip to Dehradun. What begins as a thrilling journey of self-discovery quickly turns into a battle against dark forces, as the friends grapple with the weight of their newfound abilities. As secrets surface and betrayals unfold, they must come together to protect themselves and the world from greater dangers. With a perfect blend of action, fantasy, and emotional depth, Power of Paanch is sure to captivate audiences. Don’t miss it!

TV shows without drama? Not a chance! Sun Neo’s Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya has been stealing hearts with its emotional storytelling and powerhouse performances. Already a fan favorite, the show is about to turn up the heat with even more jaw-dropping twists and turns. As the stakes get higher, audiences can expect unforgettable moments as Vaishnavi, played by Brinda Dahal, faces the ups and downs of life, with her unshakable faith in Chhathi Maiyya guiding her through it all. But in the latest track, the question remains—will this shocking twist break Vaishnavi’s loyal fans’ hearts?

In this dramatic turn of events, the battle between good and evil escalates dangerously. Vaishnavi, already carrying the weight of so much pain, is now confronted with a new threat that could shatter everything she holds dear. What should be a joyful Baby Shower ceremony quickly transforms into a high-stakes moment.

Urvashi, portrayed by Yuvradnyee, is more unstable and vengeful than ever before. As Vaishnavi and Kartik (Ashish Dixit) make their way toward the hall, Urvashi sets a deadly trap for Vaishnavi. Just as it looks like disaster is looming, Kartik rushes to protect her—but Urvashi’s fury doesn’t end there. She pulls out a gun and fires at Vaishnavi! Now, all eyes are on Vaishnavi—will she survive this deadly attack, or is this the end of her journey?

While the future of the show remains uncertain and another dramatic twist could be just around the corner, one question lingers—will Brinda Dahal, aka Vaishnavi, bid farewell to the show? Tune in to Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya, airing at 7 PM every Monday to Saturday on Sun Neo, to find out!

Prepare for a transformative sensory experience. The world’s foremost and Asia’s largest Bollywood music festival, Bollywood Music Project (BMP), is set to redefine the live event and IP landscape with its highly anticipated seventh edition – YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025. YES BANK, the 6th largest private sector bank in India, is the title sponsor for the 2025 edition of Bollywood Music Project.

This year, YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025, a collaborative venture between EVA Live and TM Ventures Pvt. Ltd., will dramatically expand its on-ground presence, covering two of India’s most vibrant cultural hubs – Gurugram and Mumbai. Under the evocative theme and tagline, ‘All The Feels, All The Hits’, YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 will deliver a meticulously curated four-day live extravaganza featuring over 100 artists across 15 genres and 2 stages, offering more than 32 hours of unmatched music and dance experience to an anticipated audience of over 1,00,000 across both cities.

This 2025 extravaganza will ignite Gurugram’s Backyard Sports Club on 21st – 22nd February, 2025, before electrifying Mumbai’s Jio Garden, BKC on 15th – 16th March, 2025.

Since its inception, BMP has attracted over 6,00,000 attendees and over 100 million digital impressions, showcasing the talent of over 200 prominent names from the Indian film-music fraternity, a feat singlehandedly achieved by BMP within the South Asian festival landscape. The festival upholds a brilliant legacy of over 250 artists, including names such as Amit Trivedi, Arijit Singh, Benny Dayal, DIVINE, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal Shekhar, Raftaar, Neha Bhasin, Shilpa Rao, Jonita Gandhi, Badshah, Farhan Akhtar, Nucleya, Javed Ali, Sukhwinder Singh and Ajay Atul who have showcased at previous editions.

YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 moved beyond just a celebration of musical talent; it is set to be a cultural event that connects people of all generations through the emotions and diversity of Bollywood music. The festival’s tagline, ‘All The Feels, All The Hits’, reflects this new vision. ‘All The Feels’ taps into the emotional power of Bollywood music, capturing a wide range of human experiences – from joy to sorrow, love to nostalgia. This makes the festival not just about entertainment but an exploration of Bollywood’s emotional depth. Paired with ‘All The Hits’, it promises a lineup of well-known artists performing chart-topper favorite Bollywood songs, ensuring a dynamic and exciting musical experience. The combination of emotional connection and top-tier music aims to create an unforgettable festival that offers something for everyone.

Mr. Deepak Choudhary, Founder, EVA Live states, “YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 is set to redefine the Asian music festival experience. This seventh edition marks a significant expansion, taking the festival to two iconic cities with an even larger and more diverse lineup of artists. Our meticulous curation, extending from the performers to the immersive venue design, ensures an unforgettable multi-sensory journey through the heart of Bollywood’s emotional landscape. This ambitious undertaking solidifies BMP’s position as a leading force in the Asian music festival scene.”

Mr. Alaap Gosher, Co-Founder, TM Ventures Pvt. Ltd. states, “YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 is dedicated to creating an incredible musical experience for entertainment lovers. This year, we’ve brought together a fantastic lineup of artists from diverse genres, including Sufi, Qawali, Punjabi, Indian pop/Bollywood pop, and Hip hop. Each performance is designed to add something special to the festival, making it exciting and emotionally engaging. After six successful years, we’re raising the bar again, celebrating India’s vibrant entertainment industry with fresh and innovative ideas.”

Mr. Nipun Kaushal, Chief Marketing Officer and Head – CSR, YES BANK states, “YES BANK is delighted to partner with Bollywood Music Project, a festival that aligns perfectly with our ethos of staying connected to current trends and delivering exceptional experiences to our customers. As a young, dynamic bank, we understand the diverse aspirations of our customers and take pride in offering exclusive access and benefits that enhance their lifestyle. The theme of YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 – ‘All The Feels, All The Hits’ – resonates with our brand’s ethos ‘Life Ko Banao Rich’ as we believe in creating moments of joy while seamlessly taking care of our customers’ banking needs. With over 100 artists performing across Gurugram and Mumbai, this iconic celebration of Bollywood music offers a unique opportunity to connect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories. Join us as we continue to deliver customer delight and bring your aspirations to life.”

Mr. Amar Sinha, COO, Radico Khaitan states, “We are delighted to collaborate with YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 for the second consecutive year, reaffirming our dedication to celebrating India’s rich cultural and musical heritage. Magic Moments Music Studio has consistently been at the forefront of promoting music and connecting with young audiences, making it a perfect partner for this iconic festival. Together, we aim to amplify the festival’s immersive experience, creating moments that truly resonate with audiences. This partnership brings together two vibrant brands with a shared passion for innovation and excellence, promising an unforgettable celebration of music, emotions, and creativity.”

Beyond the live performances, YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025 will feature an array of exclusive partner brand activations, curated food and beverage courts, interactive art installations, a flea market, and dedicated adventure and experiential zones, designed to elevate the holistic attendee experience.

YES BANK, as the title sponsor for the event, proudly aligns its commitment to enriching customer experiences and fostering India’s vibrant cultural landscape. There will be an exclusive pre-sale window for YES BANK Visa Debit and Credit Card holders offering a 15% discount from 12 PM on January 13, 2025 to 12 PM on January 15, 2025. General sales will go live at 2 PM on January 15, 2025.

District by Zomato will be the official ticketing partner for the YES BANK Bollywood Music Project 2025, powered by Magic Moments Music Studio

Bollywood’s rising star, Triptii Dimri has carved a distinct niche for herself in the industry with her versatility and impactful performances. She recently graced the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, this engaging talk show offers fans an exclusive glimpse into the lives and careers of some of the most sought-after talents in the film and OTT industries, all set against the backdrop of a live audience that heightens the immersive experience.

Triptii Dimri, who made her debut with Laila Majnu (2018) has quickly garnered attention through her exceptional performances in Bulbbul, Qala, Animal, Bad Newz, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. With her magnetic on-screen presence and unwavering dedication to her craft, she undoubtedly stands as one of the most promising talents in the industry today. During the interview, she reflected on her transformative journey from rejection to recognition, candidly opened up about her battle with loneliness, and shared insights into her challenges in the industry and personal growth.

Reflecting on her first audition in Bollywood, Triptii fondly reminisced about the experience, sharing “Back in 2017, I auditioned for Laila Majnu but was rejected. A year later, in 2018, I gave it another shot, quite casually this time, during the ongoing auditions for the same role. Honestly, I wasn’t very good then either. However, after attending a week-long workshop with Mukesh Chhabra Sir, I was finally selected to play Laila and went to Kashmir for the shoot. I was so new to the industry back then that I didn’t even know the full forms of terms like DOP or POV. Avinash was a wonderful co-actor who helped me a lot to understand the shoot and made it easy.”

Opening up about her struggle with loneliness, Triptii revealed, “During a rough phase, especially around Covid, I faced loneliness and rejection from auditions but chose not to share my struggles with anyone or seek therapy. Instead, I stayed busy with play sessions and discussions, pushing myself forward.”

Discussing her collaboration with Rajkummar Rao in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, Triptii stated, “When it comes to a comedy film, I learned that there’s often little time to prepare in advance, and improvisation on the spot is key. Working with an actor like Rajkummar Rao, who constantly improvises on set, taught me so much. I particularly learned a lot during the shoot of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. It was truly wonderful to act alongside him. Looking back, I’m so grateful for the workshops I attended before getting busy with films—they helped shape my craft.”

Spilling the beans about her career-defining film, Animal, Triptii disclosed, “I connect with the character I play, without overthinking whether it’s a feminist film or not. Moving from Qala to Animal was a big shift, but my focus was always on the character. Being part of Animal was a change for me as an actor—it was on a much bigger scale. But I didn’t see any problem with my role; my job was to portray the character with full honesty. Every film gives actors the chance to live so many layers of life through their roles. I approached Animal the same way, performing with sincerity. For me, not taking anything too personally helped me navigate and overcome everything that came with Animal.”

Talking about her dating preferences and what she has learned from her previous relationships, she remarked, “I don’t want to date any actors because it’s such a busy life that it becomes hard to give time to each other. One thing I’ve learned from relationships is that whoever you’re dating becomes a mirror to you—they reflect how you deal with things and navigate challenges together. Everyone has their own baggage and individuality, but for me, understanding is key. I look for someone who respects me and wouldn’t try to put me down. I was in a relationship for five years in the past, and those experiences have shaped what I value now.”

Taking a look back at her career so far, the actor candidly shared insights into her challenges and personal growth, “I’ve made many mistakes in my short career, but I’ve never given them too much importance in my life. If I were to go back and do the same films again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I have no doubts about choosing my career as an actor—it’s a challenging path, but you learn to navigate it. I’ve realized that when I’m busy, I’m truly happy, and I wouldn’t want to change anything about my journey, not even the trolling. In fact, trolling has its own way of making you stronger and more resilient.”

December 30th– Immerse yourself in the enchanting symphony of love as Tips Music and the visionary Kumar Taurani unveil their latest offering, “From Your Humsafar“—a Hindi short film that weaves a spellbinding tale of romance and passion.

Starring the charismatic Mrinal Dutt and the ethereal Elli AvrRam, this short film promises to be an evocative journey into the heart of human emotions. Under the masterful direction of Karan Darra, “From Your Humsafar” strikes a perfect chord between soul-stirring melodies and poignant storytelling, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience.

“From Your Humsafar” is a celebration of love in its purest form—a tale where every glance, every word, and every note resonate with heartfelt emotions. The film takes audiences on a lyrical journey, exploring the tender moments that define relationships and the melodies that make them timeless.

Elli AvrRam adds “Embodying the essence of ‘From Your Humsafar’ was akin to dancing through a symphony of emotions. Each scene unfolded like a poetic verse, each melody resonated with the heartbeat of love. This film is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the universality of love’s journey. I eagerly await audiences to join us in this enchanting odyssey”

Playing Ajay in ‘From Your Humsafar’ was a beautiful journey. I think all of us have an inherent sense of love and longing within us. This story allowed me to tap into that emotion and the vulnerability that comes with it. Being in the beautiful valley of gods helped as well. I always wanted to do a love story in Himachal which is where my mother is from. I wanted to feel lived in with this character so that it feels authentic. This film is a story that resonates with the universal quest for connection” shares Mrinal Dutt

Director Karan Darra says “Directing ‘From Your Humsafar’ has been a profoundly personal journey for me. This film is a reflection of my own explorations of love and the human connection, brought to life. I am excited to share this heartfelt narrative with audiences, hoping it resonates as deeply with them as it has with me”

With Tips Music’s legacy of delivering iconic music, this project is set to elevate the standards of musical storytelling, combining sublime visuals with a soundtrack that lingers in the soul long after the credits roll.

New Delhi: Anytime Fitness, a nation’s leading fitness brand, celebrates a proud moment as its Managing Director, Mr. Vikas Jain, receives the prestigious ET Inspiring Leader 2024 Award – A Trusted Name in the Fitness and Health Industry. The award, a recognition of Mr. Jain’s visionary leadership and contributions to the fitness Industry in India, was presented by Bollywood veteran actor Anil Kapoor in a grand ceremony recently held in the national capital.

This recognition underscores Anytime Fitness’ commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle through its innovative approach, world-class facilities, and unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. With a network of over 140 gyms in India, Anytime Fitness has become a trusted name, empowering individuals to prioritize their fitness journeys with 24/7 convenience and personalized support.

On receiving the award, Mr. Vikas Jain expressed his gratitude, saying, “This honor is a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at Anytime Fitness. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can achieve their health and fitness goals. Receiving this award from a legend like Anil Kapoor is truly humbling and motivates us to continue inspiring lives.”

“Anil Kapoor, known for his commitment to fitness and wellness, applauded Anytime Fitness for its contributions to the health and fitness landscape, emphasizing the brand’s role in inspiring countless individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles.” Mr Jain added.

The ET Inspiring Leader Award is a recognition of exceptional leadership and transformative contributions in respective industries. Mr. Vikas Jain’s achievement highlights his exceptional leadership in the fitness sector, showcasing a commitment to innovation, community engagement, and delivering impactful fitness solutions.

As Anytime Fitness continues to grow its presence across India, this accolade reaffirms its position as the go-to destination for fitness enthusiasts seeking convenience, quality, and expertise.

December 10, 2024 – Two Indian films, Mikka Bannada Hakki(Bird of a Different Feather-Kannada) directed by Manohara K and Kottukkaali (The Adamant Girl-Tamil) directed by Vinothraj PS won Spotlight Award and Nativa Award, respectively at the Alternativa Film Project. The list of winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and hosted by actor and United Nations SDG Mover for Gender Equality Hannah Al Rashid. While Spotlight Award is conferred on films which highlight often overlooked social issues, Native Awards recognises works that delve into national or cultural identity, showcasing stories that put regions and communities on the global map.

The Alternativa Film Project is a global and nomadic non-profit film initiative founded by inDrive and dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers from less developed screen industries, Additionally, the Alternativa Film Project has unveiled Latin America will be its new focus region starting from 2025, with the third Alternativa Film Ceremony and Awards then being held in 2026.

The Alternativa Film Awards recognise films with artistic excellence that also address important social and cultural topics, and which have an ambition to positively affect the lives of people and local communities and to challenge injustice in line with the mission of inDrive. This year is the second edition of the awards, which last year took place in Kazakhstan, but the first year they are happening as the final moment in a festival screening event hosted by the organisation. The Alternativa Film Festival featured public screenings and discussions for the shortlisted films. In parallel, a three-day Industry Days programme ran aimed at fostering connections between filmmakers, producers, and social impact leaders from South East Asia, Central Asia and the global stage.

Rather than the traditional prizes, the Alternativa Film Awards bestow awards for talents and titles exemplifying cultural, societal and industry impact. Together, these awards amplify voices and stories that matter, driving meaningful conversations through cinema.

From the 25 films selected, including 13 feature-length films and 12 shorts, from 14 Asian countries and across 20 different languages, winners were chosen by an independent, international jury of socially responsible filmmakers and experts in social impact. The jurors were: Anand Gandhi (India), Steffi Niederzoll (Germany), Carol Misorelli (Brazil), Asmara Abigail (Indonesia), Katerina Suvorova (Kazakhstan), Kamila Andini (Indonesia), and Amir Masoud Soheili (Iran). The total prize fund was $100,000, with $20,000 each awarded in the four full-length categories, and USD.10,000 each for the two winners in the Shorts Award category.

The winners for the Alternativa Film Awards’ second edition are as follows:

Spotlight Award – Highlights films that bring overlooked social issues to public attention, illuminating stories that might otherwise remain untold.

WINNER: BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER / MIKKA BANNADA HAKKI
Director: Manohara K
India, 2024
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Languages: Kannada
Key Cast: Jayashree, Rekha Kudligi, Manisha

Jury Citation – “This film portrays its young protagonist—not as a victim, but as a witty, perceptive, quietly defiant individual navigating her world’s contradictions. It captivates us by exploring how people confront struggle with humor and self-awareness. Without judging those around her—even those unwittingly causing her frustrations—it reveals great talent hidden in unexpected places. Talent that can enrich us all if nurtured. For its layered humanity and poetic irony, we present the Spotlight Award to BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER, directed by Manohara K.”
Statement given by the Jury

Future Voice Award – Honors emerging filmmakers whose first or second feature demonstrates a profound potential to drive change within both the film industry and society at large.

WINNER: CU LI NEVER CRIES / CU LI KHÔNG BAO GIỜ KHÓC
Director: Pham Ngoc Lan
Vietnam, 2024
Genre: Drama
Languages: Vietnamese
Key Cast: Minh Chau, Ha Phuong, Xuan An, Hoang Ha

Alter Award – Celebrates films that inspire social transformation by addressing critical issues such as human rights, migration, and environmental challenges.

WINNER: GRAND ME
Director: Atiye Zare Arandi
Iran, 2024
Genre: Documentary
Languages: Persian

Nativa Award – Recognizes works that delve into national or cultural identity, showcasing stories that put regions and communities on the global map

WINNER: THE ADAMANT GIRL / KOTTUKKAALI
Director: Vinothraj PS
India, 2024
Genre: Drama
Languages: Tamil
Key Cast: Soori Muthuchamy, Anna Ben

Jury Citation – “Here is a film that compels us to confront the contradictions of culture and community, where power often hides beneath the guise of tradition. It asks: In sustaining cultural identities, what ideas are worth inheriting, what rituals must be discarded, and who decides? Through a young woman’s silent defiance, a single line of dialogue, and the untied hair of her imagined freedom, this story challenges systemic inequities masked as native culture. For its unflinching exploration of the tension between equity and tradition, we proudly present the Nativa Award to THE ADAMANT GIRL directed by P. S. Vinothraj.”

Statement given by: Anand Gandhi

Shorts Award – Supports bold filmmakers from the focus region, rewarding two impactful short films with a clear vision for change

WINNER: WASHHH
Director: Mickey Lai
Malaysia, 2024
Genre: Drama
Languages: Malay, English, Chinese
Key Cast: Farah Ahmad, Esha Anum, Kaana Selvam, Li Xuan Siow

WINNER: A CLEANING SERVICE / LAU LẠI ĐẦU TỪ
Director: Nguyen Duy Anh
Vietnam, 2024
Genre: Documentary
Languages: Vietnamese

Jury Citation – “For its poetic storytelling and innovative approach to exploring labor, gender, and societal norms, this film captivates with its striking visuals and layered soundscapes. It challenges perceptions while celebrating resilience and profoundly reflects contemporary realities. For its masterful use of hybrid documentary techniques to shed light on complex issues, the Shorts Award goes to A CLEANING SERVICE by Duy Anh

Beyond these six prizes, the Resonance Award was given to Thai feature How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024, dir. Pat Boonnitipat), a heartwarming film delving into the complexity of family relationships, sacrifices and the pursuit of happiness. This award celebrates outstanding success with the audience, and while it is not part of the open call and does not carry a monetary award, the winner in this category will receive a training or mentorship programmed tailored to their individual needs.

Arsen Tomsky the CEO and Founder of inDrive, which founded the Alternativa Film Project, addressed the audience via video during the ceremony and said: “It’s a great honour to have Awards and festival this year in Yogykarta – and we are thrilled to have welcomed over 3,000 audience members to watch these powerful films, and broaden the impact they have in this real celebration of art. We have a team of almost 200 people, largely local, who have gone above and beyond to make this wonderful initiative possible. We’d also like to thank Mas Garin, our distinguished host for this evening – and also a partner of ours through GIK.”

Liza Surganova, Head of Alternativa Film Project, said: “We are proud to celebrate each of the winners of the 2024 Alternativa Film Awards, whose remarkable works embody the transformative power of cinema. These films not only push the boundaries of artistic expression but also shine a light on pressing social issues, sparking conversations that can inspire meaningful change. We believe in the potential of storytelling to unite communities and address systemic challenges, and the Alternativa Film Project is our way of championing the incredible talent that drives these narratives forward. We aimed to give greater international visibility to filmmakers whose work has potential to bring social change, and I am thrilled to see that vision taking shape. Through this initiative, we hope to empower filmmakers to continue creating art that resonates, uplifts, and impacts society for the better – and looking ahead to the future, we are excited to spread this focus to Latin America for our third edition.”

The Alternativa Film Project represents the latest in a series of company efforts to confront systemic injustices and create opportunities for underserved communities. By bringing attention to often-overlooked film industries, Alternativa seeks to elevate a new generation of artistic voices and share their stories on a global stage. The Alternativa Film Project was first launched in 2023 by inDrive, a global technology company known for its peer-to-peer rideshare pricing model.

After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world’s most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.

Directed by | Jake Kasdan

Story by | Hiram Garcia

Screenplay by | Chris Morgan

Produced by | Seven Bucks Productions’ Hiram Garcia, p.g.a., Dwayne Johnson, p.g.a., and Dany Garcia; Chris Morgan Productions’ Chris Morgan, p.g.a.; The Detective Agency’s Jake Kasdan p.g.a and Melvin Mar

Starring | Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons

Run Time | 2 hours 2 minutes

Rating | PG – 13

The Parampara Series 2024 from December 4 to December 6, 2024 at Kamani Auditorium displayed creative presentations from renowned artists and torchbearers of their respective traditions.

With the extensive lineup of legendary artists and young icons, this cultural extravaganza exhibited a grand display of classical Indian dance and music. From enticing Kuchipudi performance by Raja Radha Reddy Repertory to Hindustani Vocals by Mahesh Kale, from technical virtuosity and precision performances in Odissi by SRJAN Ensemble to soulful Hindustani Flute recital by Rakesh Chaurasia, and from graceful Mohiniyattam by Neena Prasad & Group to Classical Music by Tal Fry, Parampara Series 2024 enlighten the stage with a great visual spectacle.

The evening was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Union minister of Culture and Tourism), Shri Jayant Chaudhary (Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship), Rajiv Pratap Rudy (Member of Parliament BJP), Abha Dalmia, Vishali Jain, Savitri Jindal, Lakshmi Puri, Aruna Oswal, Shallu Jindal to name a few.

The 28th Edition of Parampara Series (National festival of Dance and Music) exhibited an unparalleled amalgamation of India’s rich cultural heritage through dance and music

Event Details:

Date: 04th – 06th December, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Venue: Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi

04th December, 2024

Raja Radha Reddy Repertory- Kuchipudi Dance
Mahesh Kale- Hindustani Vocal
05th December, 2024

SRJAN Ensemble- Odissi Dance
Rakesh Chaurasia – Hindustani Flute
06th December, 2024

Neena Prasad & group- Mohiniyattam
Tal Fry- Classical Music