Category Entertainment

Remakes have been the rage, especially in Bollywood, where they’ve been a beloved trend for quite some time. Filmmakers frequently choose hit storylines from regional films to cater to Hindi-speaking audiences. While some remakes stay true to the original, others miss the mark. Recently, adaptations and remakes like ‘Shaitaan’, based on the Gujarati blockbuster ‘Vash’, have been creating buzz. Today, let’s delve into some popular Original Regional Hits that served as inspiration for Bollywood adaptations, stirring up everyone’s curiosity.

Vash – Shaitaan

Vash, available on ShemarooMe, is a gripping Gujarati supernatural horror thriller directed by Krishnadev Yagnik, featuring Hiten Kumar and Janki Bodiwala in pivotal roles. With outstanding performances and eerie visuals, Vash has garnered global acclaim, earning recognition as a standout in Gujarati cinema. Its popularity and quality prompted Bollywood to create the Hindi remake, Shaitaan, starring Ajay Devgn, Jyotika, and Madhavan, now streaming on Netflix. The story revolves around a family’s tranquil trip to their ancestral farm, which takes a terrifying turn when they encounter a mysterious antagonist. As the daughter falls under the antagonist’s spell, a battle between good and evil ensues.

Drishyam – Drishyam

“Drishyam,” available on Disney+ Hotstar, served as the inspiration for its Bollywood remake of the same name. Directed by Jeetu Joseph, the Malayalam version stars Mohanlal, while the Hindi adaptation on Jio Cinema features Ajay Devgn, directed by Nishikant Kamat. Both versions received acclaim for their captivating suspense thriller plot. The story revolves around an ordinary man’s family accused of a crime. He relies on his wits and cinematic knowledge to outsmart the law, unraveling a complex web of investigation. With talented casts and intense storylines, “Drishyam” promises an enthralling cinematic experience, delving into the depths of human nature.

Arjun Reddy – Kabir Singh

“Arjun Reddy,” streaming on Netflix, inspired the Bollywood hit “Kabir Singh,” starring Shahid Kapoor. Both films received acclaim for their intense drama. While “Arjun Reddy,” directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga starred Vijay Deverakonda and Shalini Pandey in pivotal roles, “Kabir Singh,” starred Shahid Kapoor and Kiara Advani, and mesmerized audiences with raw intensity. The story follows a brilliant yet self-destructive medical student navigating heartbreak and coping mechanisms like anger and substance abuse. Both, Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh garnered widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative and powerful performances.

Sairat – Dhadak

“Sairat,” a riveting romantic drama on Zee5, inspired the Bollywood remake “Dhadak.” Directed by Nagraj Manjule, “Sairat” delves into the forbidden love story of Parshya and Archie, challenged by caste barriers. This Marathi masterpiece captivated audiences with its powerful narrative. In its Hindi adaptation, “Dhadak,” directed by Shashank Khaitan, the story retained its essence with Ishaan Khattar and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. “Sairat” broke barriers, making it a must-watch for those craving immersive romance and thought-provoking storytelling.

Mala Aai Vhhaychy! – Mimi

“Mala Aai Vhaychay!” served as the inspiration behind the Kriti Sanon starrer “Mimi.” Directed and written by Samruoddhi Porey, “Mala Aai Vhaychay” stars Urmilla Kanetkar Kothare, Stacy Bee, and Samruoddhi Porey, while the Hindi adaptation “Mimi” stars Kriti Sanon, Pankaj Tripathi, and Sai Tamhankar in pivotal roles. The story deals with the growing surrogacy practices in India, where women are used as surrogates by foreigners. The film is an emotional drama that tells the story of one such surrogate mother who bears a foreigner’s child. With skillful blending of humor, drama, and social commentary, the film depicts a compelling and relatable journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

Mumbai, 23rd May 2024: In the vibrant streets of Mumbai, a new kind of bawaal (uproar) is brewing—one that melds the gritty rhymes of hip-hop with the savory slices of New York-style pizza. The instigator? None other than Chaitnya Sharma, better known as SlowCheeta, whose latest EP, Scene Mein Bawaal, has captured the city’s imagination. Now, in an unexpected twist, this musical fervor has spilled over into the culinary world with a never-seen-before collaboration with Rocket Man Pizza for a groundbreaking ‘Kar De Kaa?’ menu.

But wait – this isn’t just a collaboration; it’s a cultural dialogue. SlowCheeta’s EP, with its standout track “Kar De Kaa?”, challenges listeners with its raw portrayal of the Indian hip-hop scene’s struggles and triumphs. The phrase “Kar De Kaa?”—a rhetorical query in the dialects of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar meaning “Should I do it?”—echoes the audacity of challenging the impossible. It’s this spirit that Rocket Man Pizza has sought to channel into its new menu.

Each pizza on the limited-edition menu is not just a dish but a narrative, embodying the cheeky, daring ethos of “Kar De Kaa?”. Imagine biting into the ‘Slow Tikka’—a bold concoction of three peppercorn chicken tikka, brie, and truffle oil, or the ’90s Ke Ladke’, which reimagines the Bombay-style mutton keema on a modern pizza canvas. Additionally, the ‘Kar de Kaa?’ pizza itself is a meal to remember—rich butter paneer paired with stuffed pickled chilies, a feta drizzle, and grilled lacha onions, each bite a blend of creamy and spicy notes that echo the audacious spirit of the track. Meanwhile, the ‘Bawaal’ pizza brings the monsoon’s spirit into play, its tandoori achari mushrooms and masala corn cream topped with corn and pickled onions capturing the essence of Mumbai’s beloved rainy season street snack, Bhutta.

SlowCheeta himself sees this collaboration as an extension of his art. “Food and music are universal languages that cross-cultural barriers,” he explains. “This menu isn’t just about flavor; it’s about feeding the spirit of anyone who dares to dream big.”

On the other side of the collaboration, Rocket Man Pizza’s founders, Chef Anand Morwani and Rohan Mangalorkar view this as a continuation of their own story. Starting with Detroit-style pizzas and transitioning to lighter, New York-style sourdough bases, their journey has been anything but conventional. “The ‘Kar De Kaa?’ menu embodies our philosophy of innovation and audacity,” says Morwani. “It’s about pushing boundaries, in both taste and tradition.”

As Mumbai’s foodies and music lovers alike queue up to taste these lyrical dishes, the ‘Kar De Kaa?’ menu serves as a delicious reminder of the city’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. This collaboration isn’t just about adding a new flavor to the menu—it’s about creating a moment in time where music meets meal, where lyrics lace through layers of cheese and sauce, and where every bite tells a story of hustle, harmony, and hope.

To experience this unique blend of flavors and rhythms, order this limited edition menu from Rocket Man Pizza’s website or Swiggy / Zomato from May 24th to June 2nd, 2024. And for those yet to hear it, SlowCheeta’s “Scene Mein Bawaal” is streaming across all major platforms, promising a musical journey as bold and indomitable as the pizzas it inspired.

*Antrangini directed by Kajal Suri & written by Dr Neelam Verma will be staged on
-Sunday 26th May at 6pm,
in Shri Ram Centre, Mandi House,
New Delhi

The total duration of this Musical Dance Drama presented by RobrooTheater Group in Hindi and Awadhi is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Written by Dr Neelam Verma, the eternal love of Radha-Krishna is portrayed by the writer Dr Neelam Verma in a new light. Krishna comes to meet his Antrangini, Radha for the last time after the Battle of Mahabharat. What compels Krishna to come to Radha once again? Why was Radha impatient to meet her Krishna once again? The composition explores the purpose and relevance of their reunion.

Radha is Krishna’s contemporary. She must have been aware of what all happened after Krishna moved from Vrindavan to Mathura and then to Dwarka. After the devastating Battle of Mahabharat, she must have been desperate to meet him and reassure him in her own way.

On the other hand, though seperated from Radha for a long period, who else could Krishna confide in to express his inner turmoil?

This play strengthens the justification that Radha was truly Krishna’s love and inspiration….his Antrangini!

Besides the love between Radha & Krishna, there is a sensitive take on Yashoda’s motherhood and her concern for her foster son whom she had nurtured with utmost care and affection.

Antrangini is a yet unexplored expression of the mystical love between Radha and Krishna.

The Musical Dance Drama is presented under the meticulous Design and Direction by Kajal Suri.

Bangalore 18th May 2024: To celebrate International Museum Day (IMD) on the 18th of May 2024 this year, The ‘Indian Music Experience Museum’ is organizing a series of week-long events to raise awareness and highlight the role of museums as an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among people. Indian Music Museum Experience will host an array of vibrant activities celebrating the diverse musical heritage of India with a special focus on youngsters. Events that have been planned include community drumming sessions, where participants can join a drum circle to explore the art of communication through percussion, facilitated by the Drum Jam Foundation. Additionally, children can attend a workshop on “Konnakol and Instrument Making,” which introduces them to various instruments and the basics of Konnakol. This hands-on session also includes crafting a harmonica from paper, ice cream sticks, and toothpicks.

“International Museum Day is celebrated each year as a reminder to preserve, and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage. In keeping with this year’s theme, ‘Museums for Education and Research,’ which underlines the important role that museums play in fostering learning and education, we are encouraging youngsters to visit museums, as it fosters a deep connection to our rich tradition. By participating in our specially curated events and programs, youngsters can connect with their roots, gain a broader perspective of our cultural diversity, and be inspired to carry forward the legacy of our rich and diverse heritage. We have planned several activities beginning tomorrow, which will provide an immersive and educational experience to foster a deeper appreciation of India’s rich musical traditions” Preema John, Director, Indian Music Experience Museum said.

Part of the week-long celebrations at IME also includes an “Open Stage @ IME” featuring performances in music, spoken word, and comedy. In addition, Vikram Sridhar will also lead “Strung Together – Storytelling,” a session that weaves stories of India’s single string instruments like the Iktara, Kinnaram, and Sruti, highlighting their role in community singing and cultural cohesion

18th May 2024: One of the most popular, versatile, and widely loved content creators, who effortlessly experiments between comedy and beauty, Ankush Bahuguna, attended the 77th Cannes Film Festival, marking his debut. Representing India on the global stage, Ankush donned a Rajdeep Ranawat ensemble at the Brut x Nespresso Party and India Pavilion Party that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, showcasing the rich and intricate Indian cultural artistry.

Ankush hit up the Brut x Nespresso Party, exuding regal splendor in a masterpiece by the ace designer Rajdeep Ranawat. Draped in a striking printed silk jacket and pants, paired with a sheer shirt adorned with crystals, Bahuguna epitomized Ranawat’s signature blend of sophistication and glamour. His riveting look was impeccably complemented by a pair of Patina lace-up shoes, meticulously custom-made for Bahuguna by Tōramally, a homegrown footwear brand by Rahul Shastri. With the addition of exquisite jewelry from Amrapali, his appearance was nothing short of mesmerizing, radiating the essence of royalty with every graceful step he took.

15th May 2024 Gurugram: Today, Devyani International Limited (DIL), one of the largest Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) operators in India, and PVR INOX Limited, the largest and the most premium cinema exhibitor in India, proudly extend their association and announce a strategic partnership to jointly establish a company in India for development and operation of food courts within shopping malls.

This significant partnership not only deepens the trust in each other’s expertise within their respective business domains but also reinforces the existing partnership. This partnership will empower Devyani International & PVR INOX to reach a wider audience and expand their market presence.

Mr. Ravi Jaipuria, Non-Executive Chairman, Devyani International Limited said “This partnership further consolidates DIL’s position in the food courts business in India and has paved the way for additional growth and expansion opportunity. We are elated to have embarked on yet another association with PVR INOX and elevated our collaboration. DIL is committed to expanding its food courts business in India as one of the strategic future growth pillars.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited said “We are happy to announce this strategic association, with Devyani International Limited (DIL), a partner we truly admire. Through this opportunity, PVR INOX will be able to pivot into a pre-ticketed F&B revenue stream as opposed to the current post-ticketed F&B revenue that’s very movie lineup dependent. It is the first of the many steps we intend to take to further expand our F&B business. Also, our ability to co-promote both movies and food to a 150 million audience would be the USP of this collaboration.

Mumbai, 15th May 2024: In an era where mothers tirelessly juggle countless responsibilities, often prioritizing their family’s well-being above their physical health, Ritebite Max Protein is addressing this overlooked need with its innovative campaign, #MyMummyStrongest, this Mother’s Day. The campaign is dedicated to introducing physical strength into the much-celebrated narrative of the strong mom, encouraging mothers to prioritize their physical well-being.

Moving beyond a one-time gesture, the brand aims to empower mothers to cultivate a long-term commitment to self-care, fostering not only physical fitness but also mental well-being. By encouraging moms to view the gym as a “second home” dedicated to their health, Ritebite Max Protein’s campaign beautifully spreads awareness about the essential role self-care plays in a mother’s life.

In collaboration with Schbang, the brand created pre-launch buzz for their campaign. The strategy, featuring a self-filmed video and a humorous approach in an in-house reel, sparked curiosity and speculation among audiences. It effectively captured their attention, leaving them eager to learn more about the forthcoming initiative.

By collaborating with the renowned @WeightlifterMummy, a 68-year-old fitness enthusiast, Ritebite Max Protein aims to ignite a movement where more mothers can experience the transformative benefits of regular physical training. WeightlifterMummy aka Roshini Devi Sangwan overcame age and health challenges, becoming a beacon of inspiration for those who might have set aside their fitness goals. Through her inspiring story, she proves that age is just a number when it comes to health and well-being. This partnership sends a powerful message to mothers everywhere, demonstrating that prioritizing physical fitness is both achievable and essential at any stage of life.

MUMBAI—10th May 2024 —Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, has rolled out a new, entertaining brand film as a part of its campaign – Everyone’s Talking Amazon Prime. The campaign reinforces the brand’s position as the home for all the shows and movies that everyone’s talking about in India today. Through a high-octane and humorous film, with an appearance by Pankaj Tripathi as the much-loved Kaleen Bhaiyaa from Mirzapur, the ad film underscores the incredible fandom and popularity that Prime Video’s shows and movies enjoy amongst Indian consumers, across all languages and age groups.

The new brand film further builds on the ‘Everyone’s Talking Prime’ campaign that was launched last year with a film featuring Manoj Bajpayee (The Family Man), asking for suggestions on what to watch and getting flooded with a barrage of recommendations. The focus of the new film, like the previous one, is on the fans, who don’t hesitate to jump in (quite literally in this case!) and recommend their favorite titles, to anyone looking for streaming suggestions. The campaign reiterates Prime Video’s philosophy of customer obsession, which ensures that all content on the service deeply resonates with viewers and leaves a lasting impression on them.

“Our remarkable journey spanning seven years in India has been a testament to our commitment to redefining the entertainment landscape of the country. We have always sought to bring forth authentic storylines and rooted narratives across genres, languages, and formats, that resonate with customers, both locally and globally. A look at the shows and movies launched in just the last year and a half – from Farzi, Jubilee, Bawaal and Dahaad to Indian Police Force, Poacher, Wedding.con, Inspector Rishi, Road House and Fallout, among others, each show or movie has succeeded in becoming someone’s favourite story to recommend,” said Sushant Sreeram, country director, Prime Video, India. “With our latest brand film, we not only celebrate the compelling line-up of shows and movies that we are bringing to customers, but also reflect fan-speak on how these are quickly becoming widely talked about and watched. I am confident our forthcoming line-up will continue to entertain and delight our customers, just the way our shows and movies have done till now.”

The latest brand film opens to an intense round of wrestling, with each wrestler trying to gain the upper hand when, unexpectedly in the middle of the match, one of them asks the other to recommend something to watch. What follows is a hilarious free-for-all, with coaches, judges, match officials and even the audience jumping into the fray to suggest their own favorite Prime Video show or movie, building a human pyramid in the process. The air reverberates with the names of many fan-favorites and award-winning titles like Indian Police Force, Ae Watan Mere Watan, Bawaal, Dahaad, Farzi, The Boys, Roadhouse, and many more. Amidst the chaos, we see an incredibly calm Pankaj Tripathi in his Kaleen Bhaiyya avatar flanked by two of his men, watching all this action. Unable to resist, he finally consents to recommending Mirzapur, in his typical Kaleen Bhaiya style and also sums up the proceedings with his characteristic voice-over ‘Jo shows aur movies sabki zubaan par, woh sab Amazon Prime par’.

The film is supported by a 360-degree campaign on TV, digital, social media, and outdoor along with social innovations that bring the premise of the film alive. Conceptualized by Manja and the Prime Video creative team, the films have been scripted and produced by Nirvana Films with director Prakash Varma at the helm.

Sony Entertainment Television’s show ‘Kavya – Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon’, sees Adhiraj Pradhan (Mishkat Varma) engulfed in a malicious web of false accusations but Adhiraj’s wife, Kavya (Sumbul Touqeer Khan), rises to the challenge, determined to clear his name and unveil the truth. The forthcoming week promises a riveting courtroom drama wherein Adhiraj’s mother, Malini Pradhan, and Kavya join forces to establish Adhiraj’s innocence beyond doubt.

Talking about the ongoing track, actor Sumbul Touqeer Khan says, “I truly believe when faced with adversity, truth, and love always triumph; and when it comes to seeking justice, there is no holding back. You must do what it takes to fight for what is right. In the ongoing track, Kavya’s husband has been held accountable for something that is not his fault. Being an IAS officer, Kavya is adamant about clearing his name and is doing her best to stand by her husband’s side during these testing times. Not only this, with support from Adiraj’s mother, Kavya feels more confident, and together, they will be a force to reckon with as they meticulously uncover the truth.”

Noida/ Dubai, May 9th, 2024 – FanTV, the leading decentralized social app with over 4 million users, has announced a strategic partnership with Mysten Labs to drive mass adoption of Web3 technology. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in FanTV’s mission to revolutionize the content creation and consumption market and expand its creator base and user engagement, FanTV aims to onboard over 100,000 creators and 10 million users.

By harnessing the expertise of Mysten Labs and leveraging the capabilities of the Sui blockchain, FanTV is poised to reshape the social media landscape and empower creators worldwide.

Prashan Agarwal, Founder and CEO of FanTV, stated, ” At FanTV, our vision has always been to empower creators and users. Content creators and users have primarily been the product while the respective platform reaps majority of the benefit. FanTV is hyper-focused on disrupting that status quo. We believe that content creators and consumers are the backbone and should be rewarded proportionately for their contribution. Through our collaboration with Mysten Labs, we are committed to driving innovation and democratizing the content creation ecosystem. Our goal is to onboard over 100,000 creators and 10 million users, ushering in a new era of decentralized social media in the next 12-18 months.”

FanTV had earlier raised $5.5 mn in their seed round led by Multicoin capital with Krafton, IOSG Ventures, Woodstock Fund.

FanTV’s unique watch-to-earn offering has garnered widespread acclaim, attracting over 4 million users and more than 20,000 creators. With the global video streaming market projected to surpass USD $1.9 trillion by 2030, FanTV is well-positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning creator economy and foster community-driven content creation.

“Prashan and his team have built a groundbreaking product with seamless UI / UX experience, and seeing FanTV attract millions of real users speaks volumes about the love from creators and users,” said Adeniyi Abiodun, Chief Product Officer at Mysten Labs. “We are excited to witness their continued success in the Web3 social space.”

FanTV’s ambitious goal of onboarding over 100,000 creators and 10 million users underscores its dedication to driving innovation and fostering community engagement. With the support of Mysten Labs and the capabilities of the Sui blockchain, FanTV is poised to redefine the future of decentralized social media.