Category Entertainment

India’s most powerful stories often rise from its smallest towns – from temple courtyards, riverbanks, dense forests, and bustling bazaars where culture is not performed for spectacle but lived every single day. Across languages and regions, storytellers are returning to these deeply rooted spaces, discovering that when narratives emerge from authentic tradition, they carry an emotional weight that travels far beyond geography.

Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz | Punjab (ZEE5)

Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz immerses viewers in a family of Ragi singers devoted to Sikh customs, where music is prayer and tradition is inheritance. Against this devotional backdrop, the series delicately explores the tension between faith and individuality, as a son grapples with carving his own path without severing the spiritual ties that bind him to his father and community. Punjab here is not just a location but a rhythm, discipline, devotion, and generational memory, shaping every decision and emotional fracture within the family.

Stree | Chanderi (JioHotstar)

In the narrow lanes of Chanderi, Stree transforms local folklore into a wildly entertaining yet culturally sharp narrative. Rooted in the legend of a mysterious female spirit who kidnaps men at night, the film blends horror and humour while subtly examining gender dynamics within a small-town ecosystem. The town’s gossip networks, festive energy, and collective belief systems make the folklore feel lived-in rather than imagined, proving how deeply myths are woven into everyday life in India’s smaller communities.

Kantara | Karnataka (Prime Video)

Moving to coastal Karnataka, Kantara draws from the sacred ritual of Bhoota Kola and Daiva worship, placing indigenous belief systems at the centre of a gripping tale about land, power, and identity. The forests, rituals, and ancestral traditions are not decorative elements but living forces that dictate morality and justice within the community. By grounding its drama in local spiritual practice, Kantara demonstrates how stories born from soil and shrine can achieve both cinematic spectacle and cultural authenticity.

Dashavatar | Konkan (ZEE5)

Along the Konkan coast, Dashavatar (ZEE5) celebrates Maharashtra’s traditional folk theatre form inspired by the ten avatars of Vishnu, while examining the generational shifts that challenge age-old art forms. Notably, the film made history as the first Marathi film to enter Oscar contention in 2026, marking a landmark moment for regional cinema. At its heart lies the emotional journey of an ageing performer confronting changing times, making the story not just about performance but about preserving identity in a rapidly evolving world.

Masaan | Varanasi (Netflix)

On the ghats of Varanasi, Masaan captures the quiet intensity of small-town life where tradition and modern aspiration collide. Set against the sacred rituals along the Ganga, the film sensitively portrays characters negotiating love, loss, caste, and societal expectations. The city’s spiritual weight and conservative social codes shape every conflict, showing how even the most intimate personal struggles are deeply influenced by cultural context.

What connects these stories is their rootedness. India is not a singular narrative but a mosaic of dialects, rituals, landscapes, and inherited belief systems. When filmmakers embrace this diversity whether through Punjab’s devotional music or Chanderi’s folklore, they create stories that feel intimate yet universal. Because when culture is treated not as a backdrop but as a living character, the impact lingers long after.

Tune in to these stories if you want to explore India’s culture even more, Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz now streaming exclusively on ZEE5

For Aamir Dalvi, stepping onto the set of Kennedy meant stepping into Anurag Kashyap’s way of seeing cinema. It was a space where performance was not pushed, emotions were not explained, and silence was treated as dialogue.

Talking about working with Kashyap, Aamir says the director dismantled many of his instincts as an actor. “Anurag never wanted anything loud or dramatic from me. At first, it’s unsettling, because as actors we’re trained to fill silence, to justify emotion. Here, he was asking me to trust it.”

That trust, Aamir explains, did not come overnight. Even after Anurag sir saw the first shots of the character, the process remained about observation rather than instruction. “He wouldn’t over-explain scenes or spell out emotions. Sometimes he’d just watch and say very little, or in fact nothing. What spoke instead was his smile or a shift in energy. It was like a vibe check after each shot. With sir, you slowly realise he wants the character to exist, not perform. That kind of faith pushes you into uncomfortable territory, but it also frees you.”

It is this approach that shaped Salim Kattawala into a presence rather than a personality. Quiet, controlled, and deeply unsettling, the character never announces himself. “When you stop performing and allow stillness to take over, the character begins to breathe on its own,” Aamir shares. “That’s when it becomes dangerous, because it feels disturbingly real.”

Though Kennedy marks his first Bollywood film as an antagonist, Aamir says working with Kashyap shifted his focus away from labels. “This was my first time playing an antagonist in a Bollywood film, and it came with a certain weight. But Anurag sir never framed it as good or bad. He only spoke about honesty. I kept thinking that if I’m going to be remembered for this, it has to be honest, even the ugly parts.”

That emotional honesty followed him home. “There were days later when I felt heavy and unsettled, even though the scenes were quiet. Nothing dramatic had happened, yet something stayed with me. That’s when I realised the character had entered me quietly, the same way he enters the film.”

He ends with a thought that lingers. “If a character leaves me disturbed and unfinished, I know something has been done right. Salim didn’t leave me soon after the shoot ended. He stayed, and I think that’s exactly what Anurag sir wanted the audience to feel too.”

Starring Rahul Bhat alongside Sunny Leone, Kennedy unfolds as a bleak, immersive noir where survival comes at a cost. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the film premieres on ZEE5 on February 20.

Feb 14th: Story TV – India’s leading short drama platform has launched a brand new campaign featuring cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal and TV anchor-actor Shefali Bagga.

The campaign captures a lively exchange between Yuzi – Chief Story Officer and Shefali as they brainstorm ideas for a new shortdrama. What begins as a creative discussion quickly turns into a playful back-and-forth, reflecting the engaging, dramatic, and entertaining essence of Story TV’s shortdramas.

The campaign highlights Story TV as India’s leading shortdrama platform which creates India’s most popular shortdrama shows. Story TV is currently home to India’s most viewed shortdrama with 200 million plus views and several of its shortdramas have crossed 100 million views.

Talking about the campaign, Nishant Kumar, CMO of Story TV, said, “Story TV was founded on a singular obsession: mastering the art of the ‘instant hook.’ While we pioneered the ‘1-Minute Break’ in India, our vision has evolved. Our stories aren’t just filling gaps in time; they are capturing the global imagination, one minute at a time.

In an era of shrinking attention and soaring expectations, Story TV is transitioning from a platform to a global cultural powerhouse. Our collaboration with Yuzvendra Chahal and Shefali Bagga during the T20 World Cup is a deliberate move to sit at the intersection of India’s two greatest religions: Cricket and Cinematic Storytelling.”

He added, “Much like a T20 match, where every ball can change the game, our shortdramas deliver high-stakes, twist-filled narratives that demand attention. Yuzi’s legendary unpredictability and Shefali’s sharp, fast-paced energy perfectly mirror the Story TV DNA. We are moving beyond just a ‘break’ *to being the destination for bite-sized binge watching on a global scale.*

Sharing his thoughts on his appointment as the Chief Story Officer, Yuzvendra Chahal said, “I had a great time teaming up with Story TV on this. As an athlete when you are always in the limelight it does become a bit challenging at times to showcase your fun creative side. I love acting and I shoot a lot of fun short videos. Shooting for this film helped me discover my acting and writing skills. The script gave me an opportunity to just be myself on screen, tell a story in under a minute and just spin a lot of fun.”

Reflecting on her experience, Shefali Bagga said, “Entertainment has shaped so much of who I am, and discovering short dramas felt like a natural next step. I had been hearing about this format for some time, and when Story TV shared the idea, I was instantly on board. It was exciting to try something new while staying true to myself. I had a wonderful time shooting this campaign with the team.”

With a library spanning 600 plus shortdramas, Story TV’s features a wide range of dramas across a diverse genre including romance, love, sports, thriller and more. With 5 crore plus downloads, shortdramas starring industry’s leading actors and users spending over 80 minutes per day watching its shortdramas, Story TV over the last 6 months has emerged as the 2nd most downloaded app worldwide in the Entertainment category globally as per Sensor Tower and consistently ranks number 1 on the Play store.

Mumbai, Feb 14: Marking a historic milestone, Sony Pictures Networks India takes Indian Idol beyond India, with its maiden international edition set on Yas Island Abu Dhabi. Adding to the extravaganza and elevating the ‘Yaadon Ki Playlist’ experience, renowned Indian playback singer and composer Madhubanti Bagchi will grace the episode as a guest. Known for her versatility, Madhubanti Bagchi is the voice behind some of India’s most favourite songs like Aaj Ki Raat from Stree 2, Peelings from Pushpa 2: The Rule, Shararat  from Dhurandhar, as well as Bengali favourites like Sesher Isharay, Bhalo Lege Jaay, among many more.

Indian Idol has long served as a strong platform for discovering remarkable voices and shaping careers that resonate with audiences across the country. The special episode from Yas Island enhances the scale and energy, bringing in a fresh dimension to the show. As one of the world’s leading entertainment and leisure destinations, Yas Island is home to award-winning theme parks, world-class attractions, and global live events, making it a natural and compelling fit for a show that celebrates ambition, spectacle, and star-making moments.

Vishal Dadlani adds, “Moments like these are defining for young emerging artists as they inspire confidence, sharpen ambition, and truly spotlight the scale at which Indian Idol operates. Given how widely Indian music today is being consumed, shared, and celebrated across the world, this special episode at Yas Island further exposes contestants to a larger stage, preparing them for the global music industry.”

Badshah adds, “This special episode brings a whole new level of excitement for everyone. Indian music and talent are celebrated and followed across the globe and shooting the episodes in Yas Island will further boost the contestants’ confidence to new heights. Performing on a global stage will surely push them to raise their game.”

Aditya Narayan adds, “Indian Idol has continued to set new benchmarks in identifying and nurturing talent. The show has always celebrated dreams, and this international episode reflects how the show continues to grow in scale and ambition.”

Catch Indian Idol’s Yas Island special episode exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV on February 21 and 22, 2026 at 8:00 pm

Kolkata, Feb 13: This Valentine’s Day, Platform 8 is set to celebrate love in all its imperfect beauty with the premiere of its upcoming Bengali web series Khanikta Premer Mato, launching on 14th February, 2026. Directed by Rahool Mukherjee, the modern romantic comedy offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of contemporary relationships, emotional growth and second chances.

Khanikta Premer Mato features a compelling ensemble cast led by Rahul Dev Bose as Ujaan and Megha Chowdhury as Mohona, whose performances anchor the emotional core of the series. Avery Singha Roy delivers a refreshing portrayal of Shreya, while Durbar Sharma brings warmth and maturity to the role of Priyam. The supporting cast includes Rishav Chakraborty as Soumya, Moupiya Goswami as Sohini, Ayan Bhattacharya as Boss, and Debi Saha as Srabanti, each adding depth and texture to the storytelling.

Music plays a vital role in the emotional fabric of the series. The soundtrack features soulful and mesmerizing songs sung by Aishwarya Sen, Rishabv Chakraborty, Shilajit Chakraborty, Utsha Saha and Atar Mukherjee, elevating the romance, heartbreak and healing that define the story.

“Khanikta Premer Mato reflects the changing language of love in today’s world, where emotions are real, relationships are complex and vulnerability is strength. At Aakash Aath and Platform 8, we are committed to telling stories that feel honest and contemporary and this series beautifully captures that spirit. Launching it on Valentine’s Day makes it even more special, as it celebrates love in all its imperfect yet meaningful forms,” said Ms. Priyanka Bardia, Director, Platform 8.

“Khanikta Premer Mato is a deeply personal journey for me, as the story kept revealing new emotional layers the deeper I went into it,” said director Mr. Rahool Mukherjee. “Working with the entire cast, our committed crew and the creative team at Platform 8 led by Ms. Priyanka Bardia made the process truly enchanting, rooted in collaboration, trust and a shared love for honest storytelling.”

“Ujaan is a character many of us can relate to—someone who loves deeply but struggles with understanding and expression. Khanikta Premer Mato is not just a love story; it’s about timing, growth and emotional maturity. Portraying Ujaan allowed me to explore the fragility of modern relationships and I believe audiences will see a reflection of themselves in him,” said Mr. Rahul Dev Bose.

 “Mohona is independent, expressive and unafraid to question what she truly wants from love. This story speaks about choosing clarity over comfort, which is very relevant today. Khanikta Premer Mato handles romance with warmth and honesty and I am excited for viewers to experience this journey with us on Platform 8,” said Ms. Megha Chowdhury.

“Shreya is warm, emotionally intuitive and quietly strong—someone who heals while she loves. Playing her was about celebrating empathy, friendship and the courage to step in when love needs a second chance. Khanikta Premer Mato captures the quiet, real emotions of modern relationships and that honesty is what makes the story so special,” said Ms. Avery Singha Roy.

“Priyam is thoughtful, grounded and emotionally mature—someone who believes love grows through patience and understanding. Portraying him was about exploring quiet strength and the beauty of choosing empathy over ego. Khanikta Premer Mato speaks about the small, often overlooked moments that shape relationships, making it a deeply relatable and emotionally resonant story,” said Mr. Durbar Sharma.

The story is penned by Sadeep Bhattacharya, with the screenplay written by Aritra Sengupta and Sayantan Dhara, bringing freshness and emotional depth relatable to the narrative.

The series follows Ujaan and Mohona, two polar opposites who fall in love but begin to question their compatibility during a transformative trip to Darjeeling. As emotional differences surface, their relationship slowly unravels, leading to a painful separation. In the aftermath, an unexpected romance blossoms between Ujaan’s elder cousin Priyam and Mohona’s best friend and flat mate Shreya. In a gentle role reversal, the new couple attempts to mend broken hearts by reuniting Ujaan and Mohona. Blending humor, heartbreak and healing, the story explores whether love is about chasing perfection—or learning to grow through understanding and adjustment.

Blending humor, heartbreak, healing and music that linger long after, Khanikta Premer Mato promises to resonate with audiences who believe that even fleeting love can leave a lasting impact.

TV Show of Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra Inspires Birth of “Luv My India” – India’s First Nationalist Lifestyle Movement

Mumbai, Feb 13: The first nationalist lifestyle brand in India, “Luv My India”, announced that a TV show featuring Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra turned into an inspiration for its journey. What emerged as an inspiration is now transforming into a national initiative that encourages Indians to show their nationalism in their everyday activities.

Luv My India was set up by communication expert Vandana Sethhi, a professional with more than 30 years of experience in marketing and advertising. Luv My India is a concept, a mission, and a cultural shift in how the nationalism is performed and presented; it is not only a brand.

A turning point moment for Vandana Sethhi was watching Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra speak on national identity. She was deeply moved by his outstanding nationalism and dedication for India, which motivated her to get involved instead of simply feel pleased in silence.

“I am truly proud of my country, but I had done just nothing to express it. “I was not only impressed by Ambassador Vohra’s statements, but they encouraged me to take steps forward,” Vandana Sethhi added. “I realized that loving your country is a responsibility, not just an emotion.”

Impressed by his thoughts, Vandana reached out to Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra to share her concept for “Luv My India”. Dr. Vohra accepted to serve as the initiative’s Chief Mentor after the conversation progressed into an effective discussion of thoughts. The relationship encourages the objective of bringing patriotism into everyday life instead of practicing it only on special occasions.

An Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1973 batch, Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra was Ambassador of India in several countries, such as Poland, Lithuania, South Sudan, Armenia and Sudan. India’s foreign connections and global footprint have been significantly strengthened by his long career of diplomatic service.

Speaking about his association with Luv My India, Dr. Deepak Vohra said “I am not an Indian because I live in India. I am an Indian because India lives in me”. “When Vandana reached out and shared her vision, I immediately connected with the thought behind Luv My India. I feel deeply happy that one of the daughters of India has taken this initiative. True nationalism is not limited only to special days, it must reflect in how we live, how we think, and how we carry ourselves every day. I am proud to be associated with this movement.”

Sharing her thoughts on the association, Vandana Sethhi added “Listening to Ambassador Dr. Deepak Vohra speak about India with such conviction inspired me deeply. Having him as Chief Mentor is both a huge honour and a massive responsibility. His voice, experience, passion and love for the nation add tremendous strength to this movement.”

Luv My India was founded on a basic question Why should patriotism be confined to Republic Day or Independence Day only? Why are Indians unable to express their pride on an everyday basis?
Offering t-shirts, shirts, stoles, scarves, coats and other premium lifestyle products with an Indian theme, the brand mixes tradition and modern design. The goal of these actions is to make patriotism popular, important and a component of everyday life.

“Luv My India” not only sell goods, but it also promotes pride, creates identity and acts as a reminder that nationalism is a way of life instead of mere feeling. Luv My India is gradually gaining prominence as an example of confident, conscious and firmly rooted nationalism.

Mumbai, Feb 13: Marking World Unani Day, Unani Ki Kahaani, a new documentary narrated by actor Jim Sarbh, is set to premiere today exclusively on the Discovery Channel at 7:00 PM. The film showcases Unani medicine not merely as a traditional system, but as a philosophy of health that continues to hold relevance in a modern world grappling with chronic illness, lifestyle disorders, and fragmented approaches to care.

Produced in collaboration with Hamdard Laboratories, Unani Ki Kahaani traces the evolution of Unani medicine, from its origins in ancient Greece to its development and practice on Indian soil. Through this journey, the documentary raises fundamental questions: What does it really mean to be healthy? Why are symptoms being managed but not cured?

At its core, the film explores Unani’s foundational belief in the balance of body, mind, spirit, and environment rather than viewing disease in isolation. The documentary also reflects on moments such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when India looked not only towards modern medicine, but also inward, towards its own long-standing systems of care and preventive wisdom.

Jim Sarbh’s narration lends a contemporary tone to the storytelling, guiding viewers through complex ideas with curiosity, and allowing the subject to unfold with clarity and depth.

Speaking on the documentary, Mr. Abdul Majeed, Chairman and Managing Trustee, Hamdard Laboratories, said, “Unani Ki Kahaani is an attempt to reflect on healing as a larger idea that looks beyond symptoms to balance, prevention, and long-term wellbeing. On World Unani Day, the documentary invites viewers to revisit a system of medicine that has quietly evolved with time, while staying rooted in nature and human understanding. Through Unani medicine, we are committed to help everyone improve their overall health and understand that healing is not just about fixing what is broken, but restoring harmony.”

Talking about his experience, Actor Jim Sarbh said, “Narrating Unani Ki Kahaani was a learning experience. I was struck by how this system of medicine connects history, culture, and the idea of living in balance.”

The narrative weaves together historical figures such as Hippocrates and Ibn Sina, alongside Indian pioneers including Hakim Ajmal Khan, Hafiz Abdul Majeed, and Hakeem Abdul Hameed, highlighting how Unani evolved as a living, adaptive system shaped by multiple civilizations and cultures.

The documentary features voices from across modern medicine, Ayurveda, Unani practice, academic research, and public health institutions of national importance. Through this, it brings together diverse perspectives to examine how traditional knowledge and contemporary healthcare can coexist with each other. The documentary aims to make these ideas accessible to today’s audiences, particularly younger viewers seeking context, depth, and holistic healing to all their health issues.

Unani Ki Kahaani premieres today, February 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM, exclusively on the Discovery Channel.

Feb 13th:  Prime Video debuted the official teaser trailer and premiere date for its groundbreaking new series, Spider-Noir, starring Nicolas Cage in his first leading television role, premiering worldwide on May 27, 2026. Produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video, the hotly anticipated series will debut domestically on MGM+’s linear broadcast channel on May 25, then globally on Prime Video on May 27 as a binge release, in more than 240 countries and territories. For a special and unique viewing experience, Spider-Noir will be available to stream two ways, in “Authentic Black & White” and “True-Hue Full Color” for audiences to choose their own adventure to watch.

Spider-Noir is a live-action series based on the Marvel comic Spider-Man Noir. Spider-Noir tells the story of Ben Reilly (Nicolas Cage), a seasoned, down on his luck private investigator in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life, following a deeply personal tragedy, as the city’s one and only superhero.

Full cast includes Academy Award®-winning actor Nicolas Cage (Adaptation, Pig), Emmy Award®-winning actor Lamorne Morris (Fargo, New Girl)), Li Jun Li (Sinners, Babylon), Karen Rodriguez (The Hunting Wives, Acapulco), Abraham Popoola (Atlas, Slow Horses), with SAG Award®-winning actor Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire, Day of The Fight), and Emmy Award®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin, Harry Potter). Guest star cast includes Lukas Haas, Cameron Britton, Cary Christopher, Michael Kostroff, Scott MacArthur, Joe Massingill, Whitney Rice, Amanda Schull, Andrew Caldwell, Amy Aquino, Andrew Robinson, and Kai Caster.

Spider-Noir is produced by Sony Pictures Television exclusively for MGM+ and Prime Video. Emmy Award®-winning director Harry Bradbeer (Fleabag, Killing Eve) directed, and executive produced the first two episodes. Oren Uziel (The Lost City, 22 Jump Street) and Steve Lightfoot (Marvel’s The Punisher, Shantaram) serve as co-showrunners and executive producers. Uziel and Lightfoot developed the series with the Academy Award®-winning team behind Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Amy Pascal. Lord and Miller executive produce for their shingle Lord Miller along with Aditya Sood and Dan Shear. Amy Pascal also serves as an executive producer via Pascal Pictures. Cage and Pavlina Hatoupis also serve as executive producers.