Shemaroo Josh Announces World TV Premiere of Blockbuster Jhamkudi on 14th Nov

Shemaroo Josh Presents the World Television Premiere of the Blockbuster movie Jhamkudi on 14th November at 7 PM

India, 14th November, 2025: The much-loved blockbuster Jhamkudi is all set to entertain audiences across India with its World Television Premiere on Shemaroo Josh, this 14th November at 7 PM. The movie is set to win viewers’ hearts with its perfect blend of spooky chills and laugh-out-loud moments,

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Directed by Umang VyasJhamkudi unfolds in the mysterious village of Raniwada, a place haunted by the curse of a vengeful witch, Jhamkudi. Amid Navratri festivities, chaos erupts as Bablo, a quirky real estate agent, and Kumud, a royal heir, find themselves drawn into the village’s eerie past. What follows is an unpredictable rollercoaster of comedy, suspense, and supernatural surprises.

The film stars National Award-winning actress Manasi Parekh, who charms audiences once again with her nuanced performance, alongside Viraj Ghelani, the beloved digital creator and actor, in a role that’s both funny and entertaining. The ensemble cast also features Ojas Rawal, Sanjay Goradia, Jayesh More, Krunal Pandit, Chetan Daiya, Bhavini Jani, and others.

As television continues to have a special place in every home, Jhamkudi will now reach a much wider audience across the country with its World Television Premiere on Shemaroo Josh. The film beautifully blends humour, emotion, and just the right dose of horror, proving that even a spooky story can have a lot of heart.

With its engaging storyline, witty dialogues, and an irresistible mix of fear and fun, Jhamkudi on Shemaroo Josh promises to be the perfect weekend watch for the entire family.

Tune in to Shemaroo Josh on 14th November at 7 PM for the World Television Premiere of Jhamkudi.

The first edition of Spotify I-Pop Icons Live showcases performances by India’s leading I-Pop stars

Mumbai, 14th November, 2025: Spotify brought together India’s leading I-Pop stars for the first-ever Spotify I-Pop Icons Live, Spotify Premium experience. Featuring performances by King, Armaan Malik, Jonita, Aditya Rikhari, Kushagra, Hansika Pareek, and Sanju Rathod, the event showcased the consistent growth and popularity of I-Pop stars in the country.

King, Aditya Rikhari, Sanju Rathod, Jonita Gandhi, Hansika Pareek, Kushagra, Armaan Malik (1)

Artist-centric pop music that spans several languages and sounds, I-Pop has surged in popularity on Spotify over the past years. I-Pop artists have become mainstays on Spotify’s Weekly Top Songs India chart, with Aditya Rikhari’s “Sahiba” currently occupying the top spot, and 12 of the top 20 also comprising I-Pop songs.

On Spotify, I-Pop music continues to find new listeners, as the flagship playlist, I-Pop Icons, launched in August 2024, has over 428,000 followers. Beyond this, I-Pop Rising spotlights up-and-coming I-Pop stars, while other playlists within the ecosystem – such as I-Pop Mohabbat, I-Pop Chill, I-Pop Sad Feels, and I-Pop Party – are based on moods and moments. A dedicated hub, Home of I-Pop, brings them all together, serving as a one-stop destination for fans.

Dhruvank Vaidya, Head of Music and Podcast, Spotify India, says

“Over the last few years, we have seen the consumption of I-Pop music increase significantly on Spotify. Spotify is fully invested in growing I-Pop in India through the I-Pop playlist ecosystem, bespoke content that we create with artists and now the first ever I-Pop Icons Live event.  Of the artists that performed at the event, Aditya Rikhari with “Sahiba” currently has the top spot on the Spotify Weekly Top Songs India chart, while King’s “Maan Meri Jaan” was the most streamed song in India in 2023, based on Wrapped data. We expect to see this growth to continue, as artists create more I-Pop music and keep growing their fan base. Spotify will continue to play a very key role in bringing these artists closer to their biggest fans”.

Artists at the Forefront of India’s I-Pop Movement

I-Pop continues to grow, as artists reach listeners across languages and geographies, together shaping the landscape of pop music in India.

  • King – with over 9 million followers on Spotify – has one of the most-streamed I-Pop songs on the platform with “Maan Meri Jaan”, which was also the most-streamed track on Spotify in India in 2023, based on Wrapped data. His album Champagne Talk debuted at #4 on Spotify’s Global Albums Top 50 – also amongst the highest positions ever achieved by an Indian pop artist on the chart.
  • Armaan Malik – with over 23 million followers on Spotify and currently in the top 100 most followed artists on the platform – was amongst the first Indian I-Pop artists to set the stage for international collaborations, with Ed Sheeran, Calum Scott, Eric Nam, and more. He was also the first Indian artist to be featured on the Spotify Times Square billboard in March 2020, for his English debut, “Control”.
  • Jonita Gandhi – with close to 2 million followers and nearly 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify – is a multilingual artist, with songs in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Her song “Sitara” with DIVINE is her most popular I-Pop song, with over 21.7 million streams on Spotify.
  • Aditya Rikhari – with close to 2 million followers and over 25 million monthly listeners on Spotify – is one of India’s fastest-rising pop voices. His hit “Sahiba” has spent over 18 weeks on the Spotify Weekly Top Songs India chart, currently holding the top spot.
  • Kushagra – with over 400,000 followers and more than 13 million listeners – has emerged as a breakout star, seeing a 665% growth in listeners over the last year.
  • Hansika Pareek – with over 90,000 followers and more than 9 million monthly listeners on Spotify – is a rising voice in Indian pop music. Her song “Ratiyaan” charted amongst the top 100 on the Viral Songs India chart, and she also been a RADAR India artist.
  • Sanju Rathod – with over 1 million followers and close to 8 million monthly listeners – is taking Marathi pop music to new heights. His hit “Gulabi Sadi” became the first-ever Marathi song to cross 100 million streams on Spotify, while “Shaky” is the only Marathi track to reach the #2 spot on Spotify’s Top Songs India chart.

Jind Universe Returns with Heartfelt New Single ‘Love Exit’

After ‘High On You’, Jind Universe is redefining heartbreak with ‘Love Exit’

India, 11th November, 2025: Fresh off the massive success of his viral hit, “High On You”, which captivated listeners across India and beyond, Jind Universe returns, and this time with “Love Exit”. Written and performed by Jind himself, the track digs deep into heartache, nostalgia, and the slow process of healing, weaving them together through layered, evocative music. Known for his signature calm intensity and effortless cool, this new release marks yet another defining chapter in Jind’s journey through Indian new-age music scene.

FOR SOCIALS ( SINGLE ) LOVE EXIT - RED + OFFWHITE TYPOGRAPHY

With “High On You” still echoing through charts, playlists and night drives, many have praised Jind’s lyrical craft. Carrying the same depth, ‘Love Exit’ finds Jind stepping into a sound that’s more evocative, introspective and carries the same quiet confidence. It’s less about grand gestures and more about the gravity of feeling.

Set against the breathtaking Malaysian landscapes, the music video mirrors the emotional terrain of the track – love, heartbreak and finally, the quiet acceptance. Every frame captures a man in motion yet still, walking the fine line between pain and release. Perfectly balancing vulnerability with quiet strength, the visual is minimal in theatrics and maximum in emotion.

Speaking about the track, Jind Universe shared,

 “‘Love Exit’ is about that stillness after the storm, the quiet that follows love, loss, and everything in between. I wanted to capture that feeling of peace in the pause, when love fades and you learn to let it. I hope this track feels like a breath of calm to all the listeners, something that helps them accept without needing to say too much. And honestly, the massive response and love for High On You has been a huge source of inspiration, it reminded me that people connect deeply with honesty and emotion. That energy pushed me to keep exploring new stories and sounds, and Love Exit is just the beginning of what’s coming next.”

With ‘High On You’ crossing over 75 million streams and generating over 250K Instagram reels, Jind Universe has steadily built a loyal global fanbase spanning India, Canada, The USA and more. His smooth yet stirring sound is shaping a new wave for Punjabi music, one that values both energy and emotion. ‘Love Exit’ cements Jind’s reputation as an artist unafraid to experiment with mood, texture, and storytelling.

Yellowstone Film Festival to Celebrate 50 Years of Shyam Benegal’s ‘Nishant’ in the Presence of Naseeruddin Shah

The Yellowstone International Film Festival (YIFF) 2025 will open with a special tribute celebrating 50 years of Shyam Benegal’s landmark film Nishant, one of Indian cinema’s most powerful social dramas that defined a new era of storytelling in the 1970s.

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The commemorative screening will be held on 13th November 2025 at St. Andrew’s Auditorium, Bandra (W), Mumbai, from 4:00 PM onwards, in the presence of veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah, who made one of his earliest and most memorable appearances in the film.

Released in 1975, Nishant brought together an ensemble of legendary talents including Smita Patil, Girish Karnad, Amrish Puri, and Naseeruddin Shah, and went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi, apart from earning international acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, known for its piercing social commentary and artistic realism, remains one of the cornerstones of Shyam Benegal’s cinema.

Speaking on the tribute, Anshika Singh, Festival Director of YIFF, said, “Fifty years since its release, Nishant remains a powerful reflection on power, morality, and human resilience, a work that redefined how truth could be told on screen. To commemorate both 50 years of Nishant and 50 years of Naseeruddin Shah in cinema, we’re honoured to present the newly restored 2K version of the film at our Opening Ceremony. To have Naseeruddin Shah Sahab with us for this special screening, is an honour beyond words.”

The evening will feature a special screening of the restored classic, in presence of Naseeruddin Shah.

This tribute marks the official opening evening of the festival, setting the tone for a week-long celebration of global and Indian cinema from 13th to 20th November 2025. The festival will showcase an impressive slate of films such as Aisha Can’t Fly Away, Caravan, Holy Rosita, Aurora, Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day, and The Second Coming, alongside acclaimed Indian titles including Kaisi Ye Paheli and Dream Factory. Screenings will take place across PVR Lido (Santacruz), Veda Black Box, and Veda Kunba Theatre, with over 120 films and events spanning international premieres, short film showcases, and discussions. Adding to the excitement, The Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025 will also feature masterclasses and conversations with filmmakers like Hansal Mehta, Shoojit Sircar, and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, as well as industry panels exploring diversity, empathy, and the future of storytelling.

Together, these experiences promise to make the 2025 edition of the festival one of the most vibrant and inclusive celebrations of cinema in India.

Contemporary Dance Season Takes Centre Stage at the NCPA this November

India, 10th November, 2025: The NCPA Contemporary Dance Season unfolds this November with three days of performances that reimagine movement through fresh voices and powerful stories. Bringing together choreographers who bridge tradition and experimentation, the curation spans a remarkable range, from reinterpretations of the Mahabharata to explorations of women’s voices in mythology, and from creative dance to the wisdom of ageing performers. It’s a vibrant confluence of classical rigour, folk spirit, and modern imagination, spotlighting both celebrated maestros and emerging voices shaping the future of dance in India. Join us in celebrating this season of rhythm and imagination.

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Day 1: Atirathis The Valiant Brothers by Sangeeta Sharma & Anveshana Society for Performing Arts Creative Dance & Rasabharatyam by Kohinoor Sen Barat & Troupe

Experimental Theatre | November 13, 2025 | 6:30 pm
An NCPA Presentation

The season opens with two evocative works that explore Indian mythology through contemporary movement. Atirathis – The Valiant Brothers, by Sangeeta Sharma and her Anveshana Society for Performing Arts, reimagines the Mahabharata’s moral complexities through the intertwined journeys of Kunti, Karna, and Arjuna. Blending the dynamism of Kalaripayattu and Chhau with the fluid grace of classical dance, Sharma transforms epic conflict into an intimate reflection on human emotion and choice.

A pioneering figure in Indian contemporary dance theatre, Sangeeta Sharma’s four-decade-long practice bridges classical, folk, martial and modern techniques. A disciple of the late Pandit Narendra Sharma and a recipient of the Ministry of Culture’s Junior and Senior Fellowships, she has represented India at global platforms, including the American Dance Festival and has nurtured grassroots talent through her community initiative in Andretta, Himachal Pradesh.

The evening continues with Rasabharatyam by Kohinoor Sen Barat & Troupe — a novel presentation that brings to life nine stories from the Mahabharata, each reflecting one of the Nava Rasas. Through a dynamic blend of drama, music and dance, Barat revisits the early 20th-century creative dance style pioneered by Uday Shankar, infusing it with his own theatrical flair and contemporary sensibility. Founder of Shinjan – Institute of Bharatanatyam & Creative Dance and recipient of the Uday Shankar Award, Barat’s choreography has been showcased at prestigious platforms such as the Biswa Banga Sammelan in Kolkata and the North American Bengali Conference in New York.

Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 2 Hours

Tickets (Inclusive of GST)

Day 2: Prime by Avantika Bahl & Troupe

Experimental Theatre | November 16, 2025 | 5:00 pm

An NCPA Presentation

Avantika Bahl’s Prime brings eight performers between the ages of 60 and 71 to the stage—Jhelum Paranjape, Faredoon Bhujwala, Francis Cardoso, Manuella Cardoso, Saraswati Devdas, Sunila Ashok, Venkateswaran Akileswaran and Venkatesh Iyer. This multi-disciplinary contemporary dance work, devised over nine months, responds to the physical realities of ageing bodies through abstraction and form rather than constructed choreography. The production celebrates knowledge over ability, translating years of accumulated wisdom into stage presence.

Avantika Bahl is a Mumbai-based contemporary dance practitioner and educator trained at the London Contemporary Dance School. She has presented her work at major festivals across India and received an award from KCC, Kolkata, in 2023. Her first pregnancy seven years ago shifted her relationship with physicality, planting the seeds for Prime. She is the Co-Founder of Nirvi for Women, an expert-led platform that supports women in the first 1,000 days of their motherhood journey. A graduate of the London Contemporary Dance School and a Level 3-certified Indian Sign Language practitioner, her work reflects a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the performing arts. Prime will be accompanied by installations by Rupali Gupte and Prasad Shetty, and a film by Sruti Visweswaran capturing the rehearsal process.

Age Recommendation: 6+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 1 hour 15mins

Tickets (Inclusive of GST)

Day 3: A Million Sitas by Dr. Anita Ratnam & Troupe 

Experimental Theatre | November 23, 2025 | 5:00 pm

An NCPA Presentation

The season concludes with Dr. Anita Ratnam’s acclaimed A Million Sitas, a contemporary dance production that brings forth the often-overlooked voices of women in the Ramayana. Drawing from multiple versions of the epic across India and Southeast Asia, Ratnam explores the politics of desire through Sita, Ahalya, Kaikeyi, Manthara, Mandodari and Surpanakha. Through her distinctive Neo Bharatam style blending Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathakali and contemporary idioms, she provokes thought and challenges preconceptions about these timeless narratives. With nearly 50 shows over 13 years, A Million Sitas continues to evolve, having been performed in diverse spaces from grand stages to intimate venues.

Dr. Anita Ratnam is a contemporary dancer, choreographer, and cultural activist known for her distinctive style that bridges classical and modern forms. She founded the Arangham Trust and created Narthaki.com, one of India’s pioneering dance portals. Ratnam also revived the theatrical ritual form Kaisiki Natakam, contributing to its preservation. A recipient of several honours, she has been awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for her contribution to the arts.

The presentation will be preceded by a talk titled ‘Shades and Shadows – Celebrating the woman in the Ramayana’ by Radha Kumar,  Associate Professor – Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.

Join us in celebrating the ever-evolving language of Indian contemporary dance, where tradition meets experimentation, and movement becomes a mirror to our times. Experience three evenings of compelling performances that challenge, inspire, and redefine the art of storytelling through the body.

Age Recommendation: 12+ | Late entry not permitted

Duration: 75mins

Tickets (Inclusive of GST)

Assamese film ‘Goodbye Guruji’ opening film at Teen Indie Film Awards 2025

Guwahati, 10th November, 2025: Assamese feature film ‘Goodbye Guruji’ opened the Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025, organised by RV University, Bengaluru. The festival, celebrating young and independent cinema, runs from November 10 to 14.

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Directed by Arunjit Borah, the film stars Partha Pratim Hazarika and Aimee Barua in pivotal roles. Having recently been screened at the Festival Gange Sur Seine in Paris, France, ‘Goodbye Guruji’ continues to earn acclaim for its rich storytelling and deep cultural roots.

Ahead of the Bengaluru screening, director Arunjit Borah expressed heartfelt emotions, saying,

“I dedicate the screening of ‘Goodbye Guruji’ at TIFA to the memory of our beloved Zubeen Garg. It’s a difficult time for all of us as we are still coming to terms with the loss of the legend.”

As a mark of respect, a tribute was paid to Zubeen Garg before the screening of the film at TIFA.

Reflecting on the film’s global reception, Borah added,

“Viewers in Paris appreciated the film’s concept and its depiction of Assam’s thousand-year-old heritage through Bhaona. I’m confident the young audience at RV University will connect deeply with its message and treatment.”

Produced by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC) in association with Cinecraft Productions and supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, the film is slated for a theatrical release across Assam next year.

The film also features Rupjyoti Mahanta, Rupkumar Borah, Naba Mahanta, and Anyun Kashyap in leading roles. The story is written by Sanjeev Tiwari, with screenplay by Arunjit Borah and Maharshi Tuhin Kashyap, who also serves as associate director.

Behind the scenes, ‘Goodbye Guruji’ showcases the creative contributions of Aparajita Bhuyan (Associate Producer), Asutosh Kashyap (Director of Photography), Arup Dutta (Art Director), Panku Hazarika (Make-up Designer), and Hadwit Baglari (DI Colourist). The film’s music is composed by Tarali Sarma, with Debajit Gayan handling sound design and mixing, and editing by Rantu Chetia. Chinmay Dutta serves as Chief Assistant Director, with Prithul Kumar as Producer and Vivek Agarwal of Cinecraft Productions as Co-producer.

Imagicaaworld partners with global leader Hello Park to launch India’s First Immersive Digital-Physical Playground Experience

A first-of-its-kind asset-light ‘phygital’ playground that merges immersive technology, motion- based gaming and creative learning for kids and families.

Mumbai, November 7, 2025: Imagicaa Next Private Limited, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary for bringing world class future-focused entertainment cum learning experiences ‐ to India., announced a landmark partnership with Hello Park, the world’s largest chain of immersive, digital-physical (“phygital”) play parks for children. This partnership heralds the foray of Imagicaaworld into the Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) category. This asset light, in-city format is planned to be rolled out in malls and high footfall locations in the country. This collaboration entails exclusive rights to bring Hello Park to India, marking a major step in redefining family entertainment and experiential learning in the country.

Present across 50+ locations globally, Hello Park blends interactive projections, gaming, creativity, movement, and learning—turning traditional play areas into intelligent, digital-enabled activity zones. Designed to stimulate imagination, teamwork, sensory development and problem-solving, each Hello Park offers immersive projection zones, interactive games & educational activities, birthday and party experiences, workshops, storytelling & creative sessions, family-friendly dining and entertainment spaces.

Comment from Mr. Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited “The introduction of Hello Park in India is a proud milestone for us and a significant step forward for the country’s entertainment landscape. For years, children’s recreation has largely been seen as either physical play or digital consumption. Hello Park breaks that barrier and brings the best of both worlds together where technology, imagination, movement, and learning beautifully coexist. This in-city format, which is proposed primarily in popular malls, is highly scalable and will be synergistic with our existing outdoor park businesses thus also opening doors for various cross promotional activities with younger audiences and their parents.

We firmly believe that meaningful entertainment should be accessible, inclusive, and enriching. Through Hello Park, we are bringing a globally successful phygital concept to Indian families; designed not only for fun, but for creativity, sensory development, and social interaction. This is entertainment with purpose, and it aligns strongly with our vision of building experiences that are joyful, innovative, and future-ready.

At Malpani Group, our mission has always been to push boundaries and introduce world-class experiences in India. With Hello Park, we are opening a new category of interactive play for children and families. And this is only the beginning. We remain committed to expanding such next-generation entertainment formats across the country, creating destinations that inspire, engage, and celebrate the spirit of a new India.”

Comment from Mr. Alex, Zavyalov, Director and Co-Founder, Hello Park LL.C – FZ: “India is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing family entertainment markets in the world, and we are truly excited to bring the Hello Park experience here. Our parks are built on a simple belief that play should be intelligent, interactive, and inspiring. Children should not just watch screens; they should shape the world inside them. Hello Park turns technology into a tool of creativity, learning, movement and joy.

Partnering with Imagicaa Next gives us the perfect foundation to grow in India. Their deep understanding of Indian consumers and their passion for innovation in entertainment makes this collaboration a natural fit. Together, we aim to redefine indoor play and offer families a space where imagination comes alive in motion, colour and light. We see India not just as a new market, but as a long-term home for Hello Park. This is only the first step, and we look forward to building many more immersive destinations across the country.”

The partnership ensures Hello Park will provide India centers with its global-standard software, hardware specifications, training, and operational support, including regular upgrades. Imagicaa Next will roll out multiple Hello Parks across feasible, high-footfall locations in India.

International Film Festival of India onboards LTIMindtree to Launch India’s First AI Film Festival and Hackathon

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), in collaboration with LTIMindtree (LTIM) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, announced the launch of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon. The initiative will take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, during the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa.

IFFA

Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has been a global platform celebrating cinematic excellence and cultural exchange. With this new partnership, IFFI reinforces its commitment to innovation by exploring the intersection of cinema and emerging technologies. The collaboration with LTIMindtree’s BlueVerse CraftStudio and NFDC aims to create a platform that empowers filmmakers, creators, technologists, and innovators to experiment with AI-driven storytelling tools and showcase groundbreaking creative use cases that shape the future of film.

Speaking about the initiative, Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director, IFFI and Jury Chair of the IFFI AI Film Festival, said, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express. The IFFI AI Film Festival will be a playground for that evolution.”

Dr. Sujay Sen, Executive Vice President & Global Head of Interactive Services, LTIMindtree, added, “At LTIMindtree, we believe the future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. Through this collaboration, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures innovation and brings the magic of AI to India’s creative economy.”

Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, stated, “As India’s leading platform for cinematic excellence, IFFI has always celebrated emerging voices and technologies. Partnering with LTIMindtree and Shekhar Kapur allows us to extend this creative legacy into the world of AI responsibly, inclusively, and with a vision for global collaboration.”

The AI Film Festival and Hackathon will feature a diverse range of experiences, including an AI Film Showcasepresenting AI-generated films across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental genres. A 48-hour Hackathonwill challenge developers and storytellers to design innovative AI-powered cinematic tools, while workshops and masterclasses will offer interactive sessions on topics such as AI in film production, ethical storytelling, and creative technology. Additionally, global collaborations with international AI film festivals will foster cross-cultural partnerships and provide global recognition for emerging innovators.

IFFI Partners with LTIMindtree to Launch India’s First AI Film Festival and Hackathon

International Film Festival of India (IFFI) onboards LTIMindtree to Launch India’s First AI Film Festival and Hackathon

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), in collaboration with LTIMindtree (LTIM) and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, announced the launch of India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Film Festival and Hackathon. The initiative will take place from November 20 to 28, 2025, during the 56th edition of IFFI in Goa.

Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has been a global platform celebrating cinematic excellence and cultural exchange. With this new partnership, IFFI reinforces its commitment to innovation by exploring the intersection of cinema and emerging technologies. The collaboration with LTIMindtree’s BlueVerse CraftStudio and NFDC aims to create a platform that empowers filmmakers, creators, technologists, and innovators to experiment with AI-driven storytelling tools and showcase groundbreaking creative use cases that shape the future of film.

Speaking about the initiative, Shekhar Kapur, Festival Director, IFFI and Jury Chair of the IFFI AI Film Festival, said, “Cinema has always reflected the power of human imagination. Today, AI gives us a new lens that expands our ability to dream, design, and express. The IFFI AI Film Festival will be a playground for that evolution.”

Dr. Sujay Sen, Executive Vice President & Global Head of Interactive Services, LTIMindtree, added, “At LTIMindtree, we believe the future of storytelling lies at the confluence of human creativity and AI. Through this collaboration, we are proud to create a platform that nurtures innovation and brings the magic of AI to India’s creative economy.”

Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, NFDC, stated, “As India’s leading platform for cinematic excellence, IFFI has always celebrated emerging voices and technologies. Partnering with LTIMindtree and Shekhar Kapur allows us to extend this creative legacy into the world of AI responsibly, inclusively, and with a vision for global collaboration.”

The AI Film Festival and Hackathon will feature a diverse range of experiences, including an AI Film Showcasepresenting AI-generated films across fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental genres. A 48-hour Hackathonwill challenge developers and storytellers to design innovative AI-powered cinematic tools, while workshops and masterclasses will offer interactive sessions on topics such as AI in film production, ethical storytelling, and creative technology. Additionally, global collaborations with international AI film festivals will foster cross-cultural partnerships and provide global recognition for emerging innovators.

‘Humans in the Loop’ to Make Its Exclusive Global Debut on Netflix This October 31

“Humans in the Loop”  Aranya Sahay’s Critically Acclaimed Film on AI and Human Labor to Stream Globally on Netflix from October 31

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The critically acclaimed film Humans in the Loop, directed by Aranya Sahay, is set to stream worldwide exclusively on Netflix starting October 31. The film, praised for its poignant portrayal of an Adivasi woman’s encounter with artificial intelligence, will reach audiences across 190 countries, with its U.S. premiere on November 10.

Backed by Storiculture’s Impact Fellowship and Sauv Films, and supported by the Museum of Imagined Futures, Humans in the Loop follows the story of an Adivasi (indigenous) woman in rural India who works at a data-labelling center, helping train AI systems. Through her journey, the film sheds light on the unseen human and emotional labor that powers the global AI industry, blending the personal with the political.

The film is executive produced by National Award-winning filmmaker Biju Toppo and acclaimed filmmaker-producer Kiran Rao, both of whom were instrumental in shaping its successful theatrical run.

“From the very first time I saw Humans in the Loop, I was moved by its honesty and vision,” said Kiran Rao. “It speaks to the invisible labour that powers our modern world—with such tenderness and urgency. I’m thrilled that the film will now find a global home on Netflix, reaching audiences everywhere who will see a part of themselves in its story. It’s a rare film, intimate and political at once, and I couldn’t be prouder to have been part of its journey.”

Director Aranya Sahay shared, “Being on Netflix feels like a powerful next step for Humans in the Loop. The film was always meant to start conversations about the invisible human labor that builds AI, and Netflix gives us the opportunity to take that dialogue to a truly global audience. It’s wonderful to know that more viewers can now engage with its themes and reflect on the people behind the technology.”

A festival favorite and recipient of multiple Best Film awards, Humans in the Loop also won the FIPRESCI India Award and continues to earn international acclaim for its nuanced exploration of technology, ethics, and representation. The film reframes the global conversation around who truly builds artificial intelligence, humanizing the unseen workforce behind the digital revolution.