Category Entertainment

New Delhi, Jan 20: Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth announces the official selection for the 12th edition of the annual film festival scheduled to take place from Jan 28 till Feb 3, 2026 across several locations in India.

Smile Foundation, one of India’s leading development organisations, will host the 12th edition of the annual Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to India.

The theme of this year’s festival is Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, which is being celebrated in partnership with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

This year too, SIFFCY will be organised in a hybrid format, enabling the festival to reach a wider and more diverse young audience across the country. The key festival events, including the opening and award ceremonies, workshops, panel discussions and major premiers will take place at PHD House, New Delhi, from 28 to 31 January 2026. Simultaneously, multiple film screenings and associated activities will be conducted in numerous schools and communities across more than 100 locations nationwide.

In addition, a curated selection of programmes will be available on the festival’s secure, geo-blocked virtual platform, allowing audiences across India to engage with the festival throughout the week. This is a non-profit initiative that is entirely Free of Charge (Non-Ticketed) and fully accessible to all, on pre-registrations basis.

Official Selection 2026

Feature Films in Competition:

1. Elvis Starling by Boris Jurjaševič from Slovenia
2. The Crown Prince and the Return of the Tyrant by Tord Danielsson from Sweden
3. Stitch Head by Steve Hudson from Germany, Luxembourg
4. I Accidentally Wrote a Book by Nóra Lakos from Netherlands, Hungary
5. Grandpa, Let’s Go! By Olga Chajdas from Poland, Czech Republic
6. Bird of a Different Feather by Manohara K from India
7. The Prank by Benjamin Heisenberg from Germany, Switzerland
8. Dupki by Abhay Punjabi from India
9. The Treasurer and Secret of the Magic Silverpiece by Tomasz Jurkiewicz, Poland
10. Bear Cubs on the Green by Yin-Sheng Lin from Taiwan

Short Films in Competition:

1. Deva Aaj Pan Vhey by Amol Jadhav from India
2. Down in the Dumps by Vera Van Wolferen from the Netherlands
3. Martha and Mary by Verónica Ramírez from Mexico
4. Songs of Springs by Swaraj Priyo from India
5. Fly, bird, fly! By Rabeah Rahimi from Germany
6. To Fly by Mohsen Khademi from Iran
7. Hoofs on Skates by Ignas Meilūnas from Lithuania

Films nominated for Next-Gen Award (Films made by Students):

1. M.U.R.B.Y from Singapore
2. Malmequer em Flor from Portugal
3. The Ramune Soda Girl from Taiwan
4. Till the Sun Set from the United Kingdom
5. Yungay from Spain
6. Chitrit from India
7. The Lie of the Mountain God from China
8. Upya from India
9. Primitiv from Malaysia

This year, SIFFCY is highlighting Poland’s rich cinematic legacy by dedicating a special day as Poland Day, featuring multiple curated film sections and the presence of several guests from the country. The Netherlands is the Country of Focus for this edition. In addition, the festival will present a thoughtfully curated selection of films for young audiences from Germany, the Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Sweden and several other countries, offering Indian viewers a diverse and engaging international cinematic experience.

Santanu Mishra, SIFFCY Chairman, Producer of ‘I am Kalam’ and Co-founder of Smile Foundation says, “Childhood is a crucial and decisive phase of human life. The lessons we learn, the habits we make as children, it stays with us forever. Therefore, it is important that we sensitise our youngsters with a positive value system, early.” He adds, “Good cinema can play a crucial role in shaping the young minds, and can even help fight issues such as depression, loneliness, and aggression that children and young adults are getting prone to.”

The 12th edition of the Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) will showcase over 150 films, including feature films, animation, short films, and documentaries created by professional filmmakers, children, and students from more than 35 countries. The films will be presented across five distinct sections: International Competition (feature and short films), 70MM Smile (World Panorama), The Yellow Carpet (Indian Showcase), Next-Gen (films by film students), and Take One (films made by children).

Festival Director, Jitendra Mishra who himself is a National award winning filmmaker and current president of CIFEJ says, “The 12th edition of SIFFCY celebrates inclusion and diversity through powerful global cinema. With multiple film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and inspiring international voices, we aim to engage, empower, and broaden young minds through shared stories—offering young audiences a truly global and transformative cultural experience.”

The festival will also host several prestigious awards, including the ECFA Award (European Children’s Film Association), the CIFEJ Award (formed under UNESCO), and the Film Critics Circle of India (FCCI) Award.

Six distinguished jury panels, comprising acclaimed filmmakers, educators, programmers, critics, and industry leaders from over 20 countries, have been constituted to evaluate films across the various competitive sections. In addition, more than 100 young participants from over 30 countries will join online to judge the short films as part of the festival’s Young Jury Programme this year.

SIFFCY is an initiative by Smile Foundation to entertain, engage, educate and empower young minds. It is based on a strong belief that good cinema represents much more than entertainment; rather this is the most powerful medium to depict the reality and emulate values.

Bengaluru, Jan  20: Deconstruct Skincare, the science-backed skincare brand, unveils #BringBackBarbershops, a campaign that celebrates a space many of us hold close: the neighbourhood barbershop. Supported by digital amplification, the campaign invites people to rediscover these local institutions.

For generations, these shops have been more than places to get a haircut or a shave. They’ve been safe havens where conversations flow easily, where human bonds form naturally, and where the rhythm of routine brings a rare kind of comfort. There’s something special about these spaces – the familiar chair, the trusted hands, the unrushed attention. They’re cornerstones of the neighbourhood, quietly important in ways that go beyond grooming.

Malini Adapureddy, Founder & CEO, Deconstruct, said:

“Before algorithms told men how to groom, there was the neighbourhood barber. We wanted to honour that tradition, not disrupt it. This campaign isn’t about selling a new routine; it’s about recognising one that’s already there and showing how thoughtful products can fit seamlessly into rituals men already trust. The barbershop has always been a place of care. Our Oil-Free Moisturiser simply replaces the sting at the end with something gentler.”

Mumbai, Jan 16:  The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) brings back two celebrated theatrical works by the legendary P. L. Deshpande in a special double bill, following their acclaimed run in November 2025. Returning by popular demand, the productions pay tribute to Deshpande’s sharp wit, fearless artistic voice, and enduring contribution to Marathi literature and theatre.

The evening features Mad Sakharam and Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience Deshpande’s satire and literary brilliance on stage in one compelling programme.

 Mad Sakharam

Godrej Dance Theatre,  January 18, 2026, 5:00 pm
An NCPA Collaboration

Mad Sakharam revisits a pivotal moment in Marathi theatre history, when P. L. Deshpande used satire to defend artistic freedom. Written as a response to the censorship controversy surrounding Vijay Tendulkar’s Sakharam Binder in the 1970s, the play—originally titled Bhagwan Sri Sakharam Binder employs humour to expose the absurdity of moral policing while standing firmly in support of free expression.

Directed by Mangesh Satpute, the production features performances by Sunil Jadhav, Vishal More, Shreyas Vaidya, Alka Parab, Kiran Rajput, and Prajakta Pawar. With music by Mandar Kamlapurkar, set design by Sandesh Bendre, and lighting by Amogh Phadake, the play underscores how satire remains a powerful medium to question hypocrisy and societal gatekeeping—making it as relevant today as ever.

Age Recommendation: 6+, Duration: 60 minutes, Late entry not permitted

 Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas

Godrej Dance Theatre, January 18, 2026, 7:15 pm
An NCPA Presentation

Marathi Vangmayacha Ghaliv Itihas is a theatrical adaptation of P. L. Deshpande’s much-loved literary work, originally published in Mauj magazine. Known for its scholarly yet playful humour, the piece offers a satirical exploration of the overlooked and unconventional history of Marathi literature. Though Deshpande could not expand the work further due to health reasons, this singular creation stands as a testament to his intellectual depth and comic genius.

Presented on the occasion of his birth anniversary, the adaptation by Mukesh Machkar and direction by Mangesh Satpute introduces younger audiences to Deshpande’s distinctive brand of “serious humour.” The performance blends the essence of the original text with familiar Deshpande characters, drawing connections between literary history and contemporary life. The cast includes Sanjay Gosavi, Mayuresh Khole, Dhanashri Lele, Mehul Bharti, Dhanashri Patil, and Shreyas Vaidya, and is presented by Sonali Kulkarni.

Prime Video Sets January 30 as the Global Premiere Date for Daldal, its Upcoming Hindi Crime Thriller Starring Bhumi Satish Pednekkar, Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal

MUMBAI, India, Jan 16:  Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today announced January 30 as the worldwide premiere date of its Hindi crime thriller series Daldal with a gripping, grisly teaser. Based on Vish Dhamija’s bestselling book Bhendi Bazaar, Daldal, an Abundantia Entertainment production, is created for a series by Suresh Triveni, and produced by Vikram Malhotra and Triveni. Directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, and written by Triveni alongside Sreekanth Agneeaswaran, Rohan D’Souza, Priya Saggi and Hussain Haidry. Set against the backdrop of Mumbai, the series follows Rita Ferreira, Mumbai Crime Branch’s newly appointed DCP, portrayed by Bhumi Satish Pednekkar, as she finds herself facing a cold-blooded killer in a high-stakes game of survival. Alongside Pednekkar, the series also stars Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal in lead roles. Daldal will premiere exclusively on Prime Video across India and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on January 30.

Daldal centers on DCP Rita Ferreira, a cop driven by justice yet haunted by guilt and the demons of her past, as she is drawn into a chilling pursuit of a cold-blooded killer. The teaser plunges audiences into a world where violence and psychological dread doesn’t just shock, it lingers. The atmospheric teaser reveals victims brutally murdered – wrists slashed; mouths grotesquely stuffed with raw pieces of meat, mobile phones, and other objects; each crime exposing a deeply twisted psyche. As the investigation deepens, Rita finds herself caught between the savagery of the case and her own inner turmoil, while also confronting biases within the force. Unflinching in its portrayal of brutality, the teaser makes it clear that this series is not for the faint-hearted.

At its core, Daldal is not just a crime suspense story, but a powerful exploration of trauma and morality—driven not by the question of who committed the crime, but by the far more haunting question of why.

“Crime thrillers make for a compelling watch as they allow us to combine edge-of-your-seat suspense with deep, character-driven storytelling. With Daldal, however, our aim is to push the envelope further with a genre-defying narrative,” said Nikhil Madhok, director & head of Originals, Prime Video India. “Daldal isn’t your typical psychological crime thriller. It goes beyond the conventional whodunnit to ask ‘why’ – weaving together themes of trauma, vulnerability, and resilience into its very fabric. We are thrilled to once again join hands with our long-standing collaborators at Abundantia Entertainment to present this series, which features compelling performances from an exceptional cast and a distinctive atmospheric tone. We believe Daldal will both entertain and deeply engage audiences in India and across the world.”

“At Abundantia, we have always endeavored to bring stories that unsettle, challenge, and linger long after the screen fades to black and Daldal is one such example. It is driven not by spectacle, but by psychological depth and an intense emotional unease that runs through the texture of the story,” said Vikram Malhotra, founder & CEO of Abundantia Entertainment and producer of Daldal. “Our attempt is to shatter the template of the crime thriller and we’ve chosen to go beyond the cop-killer story to explore the darker corners of the human psyche. It is always a delight to collaborate with the amazing team at Prime Video and take yet another bold step in our collective commitment to bringing impactful stories to life, this time partnering with the indomitable Suresh Triveni. With powerful performances by Bhumi, Samara and Aditya, and under the direction of Amrit Raj Gupta, Daldal redefines the crime thriller space by placing character and consequence at its core. We can’t wait for audiences in India and across the world to experience this gripping journey when the series premieres worldwide on Prime Video on January 30.”

“What compelled me most about Daldal was its exploration of morality and the often-overlooked emotional and psychological origins behind violence, rather than just the act itself. This is a story about guilt, identity, and unresolved wounds, told through the lens of a crime investigation that feels deeply unsettling yet personal,” said Suresh Triveni, creator and producer of Daldal. “It was important for us to create a thriller that feels almost like horror in the way the dread builds quietly, tension simmers beneath the surface, and every character carries their own scars. In a genre often dominated by external action, we wanted to turn the lens inward, examining how trauma shapes behavior and how the past refuses to stay buried which could only be achieved by a stellar writing team of Sreekanth, Rohan, Priya and Hussain. Bringing this vision to life required exceptional talent both in front of and behind the camera and Bhumi delivers a career-defining performance as Rita, embodying vulnerability and strength in equal measure, along with an ensemble of equally terrific actors, while Amrit’s direction creates an atmosphere of unrelenting tension that keeps you on edge. Working closely with Vikram and Prime Video, a service we deeply trust creatively, gave us the freedom to explore these darker, more uncomfortable spaces without compromise. I am looking forward to the series’ premiere in India and around the world on January 30. I believe Daldal will resonate with audiences who are looking for crime stories that are as introspective and emotionally layered as they are. Gripping stories that don’t just ask ‘who did it,’ but ‘what made them who they are’.”

Daldal kicks off a thrilling season of crime on Prime, alongside the highly anticipated return of Aldis Hodge in season two of Cross, Guy Ritchie’s reimagining and origin story of the beloved detective Sherlock Holmes in Young Sherlock, the gripping and sophisticated forensic mystery Scarpetta starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, and addictive new thriller series 56 Days starring Dove Cameron based on the best-selling novel by Catherine Ryan Howard and Shobhita Dhulipala starrer Telugu movie Cheekatilo — all launching exclusively on Prime Video this spring.

Guwahati, Jan  16: The Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2026 will confer its Lifetime Achievement Honour on veteran actor Bishnu Kharghoria (also known as Bishnu Kharghariya), in recognition of his extraordinary and enduring contribution to Indian cinema. Instituted as an annual honour, the award celebrates artists whose body of work has significantly shaped cinematic culture and inspired generations.

Announcing the honour, Festival Director Monita Borgohain said,

“Bishnu Kharghoria’s contribution to Indian cinema especially to Assamese films is profound and timeless. His performances reflect rare integrity, emotional depth, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. We are honoured to celebrate a life dedicated to cinema.”

The second edition of GAFF, organised by Trending Now Media, with support from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, will be held from January 22 to January 25, 2026, at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati.

A towering presence in Indian and particularly Assamese cinema, Bishnu Kharghoria is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished actors of his generation. Bishnu Kharghoria began his film career with Bristi in 1974 and went on to build an illustrious career spanning several decades. He delivered numerous memorable performances in landmark films such as Kollol (1978), Firingoti (1992), Xagoroloi Bohudoor (1995), Pokhi (1998), among many others that shaped Assamese and Indian cinema. His exceptional talent has been nationally and internationally recognised- he received the National Film Award (Special Mention) for Xagoroloi Bohudoor in 1995 and again for Baandhon in 2012. In addition, he won the Best Actor Award at the Singapore International Film Festival in 1996 for Xagoroloi Bohudoor, reaffirming his stature as one of India’s most respected veteran actors.

The Lifetime Achievement Honour will be presented during GAFF 2026 as a tribute to Bishnu Kharghoria’s remarkable journey and his invaluable contribution to the evolution of Indian cinema.

As the spirit of nationalism fills the air, it’s the perfect time to brighten your screens with stories of courage, emotion, and freedom. Alongside flag hoisting, family dinners, and a well-earned day off, indulge in meaningful binge-watching with Airtel IPTV—bringing the best of cinema and streaming to the comfort of your home.

With 29+ top streaming apps, 600+ live TV channels, and an extensive on-demand library, Airtel IPTV offers a cinematic experience like no other. From gripping dramas and legal thrillers to international favourites and heartwarming reality TV, there’s something for everyone this Republic Day.

Must-Watch Series & Films:

• Freedom at Midnight – Season 2 (SonyLIV): Streaming from 9 January 2026, this series explores post-1947 India’s political struggle, capturing the human stories of Partition and independence.

• The Night Manager – Season 2 (Amazon Prime Video): Premiered 11 January 2026, a sophisticated spy thriller featuring greed, deception, and moral conflict—perfect for Republic Day evenings.

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (JioHotstar): Premiered 19 January 2026, a character-driven prequel to Game of Thrones, celebrating chivalry, loyalty, and political intrigue.

• Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web (Netflix): Premiered 14 January 2026, an intense Emraan Hashmi-led thriller about smuggling, betrayal, and high-stakes drama.

• Hijack – Season 2 (Apple TV): Released 14 January 2026, a high-octane thriller exploring crisis management and human psychology under extreme pressure.

• 120 Bahadur (Amazon Prime Video): Re-released 16 January 2026, depicting the heroic Battle of Rezang La during the 1962 Sino-Indian War—a tribute to bravery and sacrifice.

• Stranger Things – Season 5 (Netflix): Streaming with One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 from 12 January, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the emotional final season.

Bonus Patriotic Picks for Republic Day:

• Border (Amazon Prime Video): Classic war film on the 1971 Indo-Pak War, a must-watch for patriotic fervour.

• Shershaah (Amazon Prime Video): The inspiring story of Captain Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra awardee, from the Kargil War.

• Uri: The Surgical Strike (ZEE5 & Airtel Xstream Play): Dramatization of the 2016 surgical strike, blending reality with thrilling action.

• Raazi (Amazon Prime Video): A gripping spy thriller about an Indian intelligence operative embedded in a Pakistani military family.

With Airtel IPTV, every story shines brighter on the big screen. Plans start at just ₹699, and as a special Republic Day festive offer, new subscribers can enjoy up to 30 days of free service via the Airtel Thanks App.

Pongal is more than a festival it is a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and prosperity. Embracing this spirit, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road presents Pongal Utsav, a thoughtfully curated South Indian Harvest Food Festival that pays tribute to age-old traditions, community bonding, and the joy of sharing a wholesome meal.

Reflecting Novotel’s commitment to cultural authenticity and immersive culinary experiences, Pongal Utsav will be hosted from January 10 to January 14, 2026, at The Square, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant.

The festival brings the essence of the harvest season—gratitude, abundance, and togetherness—to the table through a harvest-inspired menu that celebrates South India’s rich culinary heritage. Curated by Executive Chef Owaize Ahmed Khan and his culinary team, the menu showcases time-honoured recipes from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

The culinary journey begins with traditional favourites such as Medu Vadai, crisp and golden, and Kuzhi Paniyaram, soft, spiced, and comforting. The highlight of the festival, Ven Pongal, is slow-cooked with rice, lentils, ghee, and pepper, and served with classic accompaniments including Sambar and Coconut Chutney.

Guests can further indulge in regional delicacies such as Kara Kuzhambu, Avial, and seasonal Poriyals, perfectly paired with steamed rice and traditional condiments. The experience concludes on a sweet note with Sakkarai Pongal, symbolising prosperity and sweetness for the year ahead.

Set in a warm and inviting ambience, Pongal Utsav at The Square promises a soulful dining experience that honours South Indian harvest traditions with authenticity and care.

Event Details:
What: Pongal Utsav – South Indian Harvest Food Festival
Where: The Square, Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road
When: January 10 to January 14, 2026

Neela Mediatech has announced the release of a special 3D animated episode of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah to mark the festival of Makar Sankranti. Titled “The Great Gokuldham Kite Festival,” the episode will premiere on 12 January at 6:30 PM on the Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah 3D Animated Series YouTube channel. The episode will be available in eight languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayalam, Bangla, Telugu, and Kannada, making it accessible to audiences across regions.

By anchoring digital content around widely celebrated Indian festivals, Neela Mediatech is building a content approach rooted in cultural continuity and emotional resonance. The Great Gokuldham Kite Festival captures the spirit of Makar Sankranti by celebrating togetherness, community bonding, and shared traditions brought alive through the show’s signature humour and fun storytelling.

A long-standing favourite among viewers, the Gokuldham Society’s Makar Sankranti kite festival has featured multiple times in the television show. This animated special builds on that legacy, offering a fresh visual interpretation of a well-loved festive moment. An unexpected disruption during the celebrations triggered by an unusual kite creates chaos across Gokuldham Society, as the episode explores how the residents respond when a joyful tradition takes an unforeseen turn, while retaining the cultural warmth and humour associated with the festival.

The release further strengthens Neela Mediatech’s ongoing focus on developing IP-driven animated content, games, and merchandise that blend culture, technology, and scalable digital storytelling formats for younger digital-first audiences.

As the door closes on “Stranger Things,” Samsung Electronics and Netflix are giving fans a chance to celebrate the final season of the iconic show that has shaped pop culture for nearly a decade. Starting Jan. 12, Samsung Galaxy users in 186 countries can download an exclusive “Stranger Things” theme and wallpapers via Galaxy Store — available at no additional cost for a limited time to those who download or launch the Netflix app.

Iconic Imagery From a Cultural Phenomenon

Since its debut in 2016, “Stranger Things” has been one of the defining titles behind Netflix’s rise as the world’s leading entertainment service. The series became a global megahit, driving viewership and conversation across regions and generations. Following the release of Season 5, Part 1 on Nov. 27, 2025, it ranked No. 1 in 91 countries and recorded 59.6 million views in its first five days, marking the strongest opening performance for an English-language series on Netflix to date. It also became the first series in Netflix history to place all five seasons in the Global Top 10 at the same time, holding that record for five consecutive weeks. All episodes from the final season are now streaming globally, only on Netflix.

Samsung’s exclusive content inspired by Season 5 builds on that momentum. Available from Jan. 12 through Feb. 22, the collection includes a special theme and five wallpapers featuring live-action characters and settings from the show, including Hawkins and the Upside Down. Reflecting the unique atmosphere of the show, the visuals allow fans to bring elements of the series into their everyday lives.

A Long-Standing Partnership Celebrating Great Storytelling

Samsung and Netflix have a long-running partnership, bringing compelling, high-quality content inspired by some of the world’s best-loved shows. The latest collaboration follows their recent partnership to offer special themes for the worldwide hit film “KPop Demon Hunters,” while the companies previously worked together to celebrate the launch of Season 4 of “Stranger Things.”