Tag OTT

2nd December 2024: Celebrating the brilliance of the Indian OTT industry, Filmfare successfully held the Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 on December 1, 2024. The event recognized outstanding achievements in web original series and films. Among the evening’s top honours, The Railway Men won Best Series, while Amar Singh Chamkila was named Best Film, Web Original. The comedy category saw Maamla Legal Hai emerge victorious as Best Series, Comedy, showcasing the diversity of Indian storytelling.

The Danube Properties Filmfare OTT awards 2024 celebrated 50 categories spanning acting, direction, storytelling, and technical artistry. In the acting categories, Rajkummar Rao impressed audiences with his award-winning performance, securing Best Actor, Series (Male): Comedy for Guns & Gulaabs. Kareena Kapoor Khan captivated with her powerful portrayal in Jaane Jaan, earning Best Actor, Web Original Film (Female). Vedang Raina received the Best Debut Male, Film award for The Archies, marking a promising start to his career. Meanwhile, Manisha Koirala was crowned Best Actor, Series (Female): Drama for Heeramandi, further solidifying her legacy in the industry. Critics’ choices celebrated exceptional storytelling, with Guns and Gulaabs named Best Series, Critics’ Choice, and Jaane Jaan won Best Film, Critics’ Choice. In the drama categories, Diljit Dosanjh won Best Actor, Web Original Film (Male) for Amar Singh Chamkila, while Ananya Panday charmed her way to Best Actor (Female), Critics – Film for Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Jaideep Ahlawat bagged 2 awards – Best Actor Critics’ Male(Web Original film) for Jaane Jaan and Best Supporting Actor (Web Original Film) for Maharaj.

The technical awards spotlighted innovation and artistry, with Heeramandi winning Best Cinematography, Series, Amar Singh Chamkila earning Best Editing, Web Original Film, and Kaala Paani taking home Best Sound Design, Series. These accolades, along with numerous others, underscored the industry’s commitment to quality and creativity.

A memorable moment of the evening came when R Madhavan, who won the award for Best Supporting Actor, Series (Male): Drama for The Railway Men, dedicated his achievement to the victims of the Bhopal Tragedy, moving the audience with his heartfelt tribute. Another standout moment was when Ananya Panday spoke about winning her first Best Actor award. She graciously expressed her gratitude and admiration for her fellow nominees, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Parineeti Chopra, Bhumi Pednekar, and Divya Dutta. A truly emotional moment was Manisha Koirala winning Best Actor, Series (Female): Drama for Heeramandi. Reflecting on her journey, she shared how, years ago, she faced cancer with uncertainty, but now, holding her fifth Black Lady award marked her third decade in acting—a testament to her resilience and dedication. Another memorable moment was Gagan Dev Riar winning Best Actor, Series (Male): Drama for Scam 2003: The Telgi Story. He shared how receiving the prestigious award felt like a childhood dream come true, calling it a moment of immense pride and joy.

Additionally, the event was adorned by some of the prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Rajkummar Rao, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Manisha Koirala, Ananya Panday, Abhishek Bachchan, Ravi Kishan, Sonakshi Sinha, Daisy Shah, Vedang Raina, Kay Kay Menon, Huma Qureshi, Vijay Varma, Manish Malhotra, Imtiaz Ali, Patralekha, Sanya Malhotra, Madhur Bhandarkar, Sajid Ali, Sparsh Srivastava, Nidhi Bisht, Lakshya, Saurabh Sachdeva, Ahsaas Channa, Karishma Tanna, Fardeen Khan, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Gulshan Devaiah and Raja Kumari among others.

The day unfolded in two exciting segments, with the celebrations brought to life by hosts Meiyang Chang and Sharib Hashmi. Their wit and charisma kept the audience engaged throughout the event.

In its continued commitment to mental health awareness, Filmfare partnered with ITC Fiama for the second consecutive year to honour OTT content that sparks meaningful conversations on mental health, promoting acceptance and well-being. This year, the movie Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan was also honorarily recognized for its impactful portrayal of mental health challenges and its contribution to promoting awareness.
This year also marks the continuation of the celebrated Filmfare OTT Short Films Awards, a distinct platform that honours creative excellence in short-format storytelling. Recognizing talent across five key categories, winners included Deshkari for Best Short Film (Fiction), Jayaraj R for Best Short Film (Director), and Satya for Best Short Film (People’s Choice Award), and more, exemplify the creativity and talent thriving in this space.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Mr. Rohit Gopakumar, Director of Worldwide Media and CEO of ZENL, BCCL TV and Digital Network shared “The Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 exemplifies Filmfare’s enduring commitment to acknowledging brilliance in storytelling and performance. This year’s winners have set new benchmarks for creativity and innovation in the OTT landscape, and we’re proud to recognize and celebrate their remarkable achievements with the support of our partners.”
Mr. Jitesh Pillaai, Filmfare, added, “ The Filmfare OTT Awards have become a hallmark celebration of creativity, diversity, and innovation in India’s rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. We are excited to witness the expanding talent pool and the captivating stories emerging on these platforms. As we continue to spotlight the very best in digital entertainment, we are proud to honour the artists whose contributions make it unforgettable.”

Mr. Rizwan Sajan, Founder & Chairman, Danube Properties Dubai, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Filmfare in recognizing the trailblazing talent shaping the OTT revolution. The Danube Properties Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 stand as a testament to the passion, creativity, and innovation driving the evolution of entertainment in India. This year’s winners exemplify the resilience and brilliance of India’s vibrant OTT landscape, and we are honoured to celebrate their exceptional achievements.”

Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Hyundai Motor India is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with Filmfare, supporting events like the Filmfare OTT Awards that reflect our values of innovation and creativity. The Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 highlight the power of digital storytelling in bridging cultural and emotional connections, and we are excited to celebrate the creators and performers leading this change.”
The fifth edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 honoured creative, artistic, and technical greatness across the Hindi web original shows and films released between August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Fans can watch the show on Filmfare.com and on its social media touchpoints.
Partners:
Title Partner: Danube Properties Dubai
Co-powered by: Hyundai Motor India Limited & Uttar Pradesh Mahakumbh 2025
In Association with: ITC Fiama, KPT Pipes, Campa Energy & Uttar Pradesh Tourism
Radio Partner: Mirchi
Audio Partner: Gaana
Education Partner: Bennett University
Trophy Partner: The Award Gallery

Here are the list of winners:

POPULAR AWARD WINNERS
Best Supporting Actor, Series (Male): Drama
R Madhavan (The Railway Men)

Best Supporting Actor, Series (Female): Drama
Mona Singh (Made In Heaven Season 2)

Best Supporting Actor, Web Original Film (Male)
Jaideep Alhawat (Maharaj)

Best Supporting Actor, Web Original Film (Female)
Wamiqa Gabbi (Khufiya)

Special Recognition
Arjun Varain Singh ( Kho Gaye Hum Kahan)

Best Debut Director, Film
Arjun Varain Singh (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan)

Best Debut Director, Series
Shiv Rawail ( The Railway Men)

Best Debut Male, Film
Vedang Raina (The Archies)

Best Series, Critics
Guns and Gulaabs

Best Director, Critics-Series
Nikhil Advani (Mumbai Diaries Season 2)

Best Actor, Series (Male), Critics: Drama
Kay Kay Menon (Bambai Meri Jaan)

Best Actor, Series (Female), Critics: Drama
Huma Qureshi (Maharaani Season 3)

Best Actor, Series (Male): Comedy
Rajkummar Rao (Guns And Gulaabs)

Best Actor, Series (Female): Comedy
Geetanjali Kulkarni (Gullak Season 4)

Best Film, Critics
Sujoy Ghosh (Jaane Jaan)

Best Actor ( Male ), Critics – Film
Jaideep Ahlawat (Jaane Jaan)

Best Actor ( Female ), Critics – Film
Ananya Panday (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan)

Best Music Albums, Films
A R Rahman ( Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Series
The Railway Men

Best Director, Series
Sameer Saxena & Amit Golani (Kaala Paani)

Best Film, Web Original
Amar Singh Chamkila

Best Director, Web Original Film
Imtiaz Ali ( Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Actor, Series (Male): Drama
Gagan Dev Riar (Scam 2003: The Telegi Story)

Best Actor, Series (Female): Drama
Manisha Koirala (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Actor, Web Original Film (Male)
Diljit Dosanjh ( Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Actor, Web Original Film (Female)
Kareena Kapoor Khan (Jaane Jaan)

TECHNICAL AWARD WINNERS
Best Story, Web Original Film
Zoya Akhtar , Arjun Varain Singh & reema Kagti (Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan )

Best Original Story, Series
Biswapati Sarkar (Kaala Paani)

Best Dialogue, Series
Sumit Arora (Guns and Gulaabs)

Best Original Screenplay, Series
Raj & DK, Suman Kumar (Guns and Gulaabs)

Best Adapted Screenplay, Series
Kiran Yadnyopavit , Kedar Patankar and Karan Vyas (Scam 2003 – The Telgi Story)

Best Dialogue, web original film
Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Original Screenplay, Web original Film
Imtiaz Ali and Sajid Ali (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Cinematographer, Series
Sudeep Chatterjee (ISC), Mahesh Limaye (ISC), Huenstang Mohpatra and Ragun Herian Dharuman (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Production Design, Series
Subrata Chakraborty & Amity Roy (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Editing, Series
Yasha Jaidev Ramchandani (The Railway Men)

Best Costume Design, Series
Rimple, Harpreet Narula & Chandrakant Sonawane (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best VFX, Series
Filmgate AB & Hive Studios (The Railway Men)

Best Cinematographer, Web Original Film
Sylvester Fonseca (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Production Design, Web Original Film
Suzanne Caplan Merwanji (The Archies)

Best Editing, Web Original Film
Aarti Bajaj (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Background Music, Series
Sam Slater (The Railway Men)

Best Original Soundtrack, Series
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Raja Hasan & Sharmishta Chatterjee (Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar)

Best Sound Design, Series
Allwin Rego And Sanjay Maurya (Kaala Paani)

Best Background Music, Web Original Films
A R Rahman (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Sound Design, Web Original Film
Dhiman Karmakar (Amar Singh Chamkila)

Best Short Film (Director)
Jayaraj R (Vakuppu)

Best Short Film (Fiction)
Deshkari

Best Short Film (People’s Choice Award)
Satya

Best Short Film Actor – Male
Saurabh Sachdeva

Best Short Film Actor – Female
Madhura Gokarn (OCD)

Best Supporting Actor, Series (Male): Comedy
Faisal Malik (Panchayat Season 3)

Best Supporting Actor, Series (Female): Comedy
Nidhi Bisht (Maamla Legal Hai)

Best Comedy, (Series) Special
Maamla Legal Hai

Best Non Fictional, Original Series
The Hunt for Veerappan

2nd August 2024: The month of August is poised to be a cinematic treat for audiences, with multiple exciting titles lined up for release in both theatres and on OTT. Be it a fantasy-fueled spectacle inspired by Tolkien’s world of Elves and Dwarves, or the thrilling adventures of apes in the reboot of a multi-billion dollar film franchise, watch out for these unmissable titles this month!

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season Two sets the stage for the arrival of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary villain, Sauron, as he casts a dark shadow over Middle-earth’s Second Age. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity.Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will unite and fight fiercely to hold on to what matters to them the most: each other. The second season of this acclaimed fantasy drama premieres on August 29, exclusively on Prime Video, in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and English, alongside multiple other international languages, reaching audiences in 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli – August 02 on Netflix

The engrossing documentary highlights visionary film director SS Rajamouli’s remarkable contributions to Indian cinema, including his revolutionary work on award-winning films like Baahubali and RRR. By integrating interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal anecdotes from his family and celebrity friends, it paints a vivid picture of the director’s influence in the world of filmmaking, which extends to a global scale. Directed by Raghav Khanna and produced by Anupama Chopra, Modern Masters arrives on Netflix on August 2.

Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes – August 02 on Disney+Hotstar

Set a few hundred years after the events depicted in its 2017 predecessor, Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes follows a young chimpanzee named Noa (Teague), who joins forces with a speaking human he named Nova (Allan) to rescue his clan from the clutches of a ruthless clan led by Proximus Caesar (Durand). As they embark on a harrowing journey, Noa is forced to question everything he has known about the past, making choices that will shape the future of apes and humans. Starring Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, and Peter Macon, among others, the latest installment in the Planet of the Apes reboot series is directed by Wes Ball, and it spans several generations after Caesar’s reign.

Stree 2 – August 15 in Theatres

Featuring RajKummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor in lead role, the horror-comedy is amongst the highly anticipated films of 2024. Boasting a stellar supporting cast such as Pankaj Tripathi, Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Banerjee, the film marks the much-awaited return of the spooky yet hilarious world, as the small town of Chanderi is being haunted again, this time by a headless entity. Directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan and Jyoti Deshpande under the banners of Maddock Films and Jio Studios, this sequel to the 2018 blockbuster Stree is the fifth instalment in the Maddock Supernatural Universe, set to hit the theatres on 15th August.

JACKPOT! – August 15 on Prime Video

In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly teams up with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena), who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must lock horns with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs. JACKPOT! is directed by Paul Feig and written by Rob Yescombe, and it’s slated to premiere on Prime Video on August 15.

Step into the ring with Filmfare’s newest and most captivating interview series, ‘In the Ring with Filmfare.’ This groundbreaking talk show, hosted by Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, presents in-depth and unfiltered conversations with the brightest stars of film and OTT. Each episode is recorded in front of a live audience, providing a unique and engaging atmosphere. The second episode, featuring the talented Bhumi Pednekar, is available on Filmfare’s YouTube channel from 26th June, 2024.

‘In the Ring with Filmfare’ is more than just an interview series; it’s a bold and energetic platform that delves into the true essence of the artists. By pushing boundaries and exploring raw, unfiltered conversations, this show offers a unique and intimate look into the lives and minds of your favorite celebrities, providing fresh insights into the entertainment industry and sparking meaningful dialogue.

The highly anticipated second episode featuring the fearless Bhumi Pednekar, is available on Filmfare’s YouTube channel from 26th June, 2024. In this episode, Bhumi opens up about her journey, sharing powerful insights on body shaming, work-life balance, social responsibilities, and her admiration for a co-star. Here are some highlights from her candid conversation:

Expressing about body shaming and her first film, Bhumi Pednekar said, “Since my first film, my weight has been a constant topic of conversation. Whether the comments were good or bad, I have developed a certain appreciation for it, especially given the message of my debut film. However, I no longer wish to discuss my weight—there has been enough said about it. I have made a conscious decision to stop abusing my body.”

Speaking about work-life balance Bhumi said, “I believe that you should do everything in moderation, including working. Unfortunately, in India, there is a culture that makes us feel guilty for asking for a holiday. It’s as if requesting a break implies, we are not dedicated to our work. This mindset overlooks the reality that burning out means we genuinely need time to rest and recharge.”

Talking about the social responsibilities and trolls on that, Bhumi said, “I can completely understand that we are doing this for PR. Of course, we are doing this for PR because I want people to be inspired by what I am doing. Every time we release something, it is cause and action-related. If I am the face of power, my greatest soft power is influence. I strive to reflect this in my films as well.”

Speaking about a co-star who shares similarities with her, she reveals, “I think Rajkummar and I have very similar value systems. His journey has been truly remarkable, and I resonate with it deeply. The way he approaches each role, with such dedication and hard work, is truly brilliant. He is someone who understands my insecurities and complexities as an actor.”

Don’t miss this captivating episode of ‘In the Ring with Filmfare’ featuring Bhumi Pednekar. Tune in to Filmfare’s YouTube channel from 26th June, 2024, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that promises to challenge norms and offer fresh insights into the world of entertainment.

Looking for the perfect way to unwind and indulge in some top-notch entertainment this weekend? Look no further than our curated list of must-watch OTT releases! From gripping thrillers to heartwarming dramas and everything in between, we’ve got you covered with the latest and greatest offerings from the world of streaming. So grab your popcorn, kick back, and get ready to immerse yourself in the best that the digital world has to offer!

Love Storiyaan

Platform: Prime Video

Date: 14th February

Led by Karan Johar, “Love Storiyaan” presents a heartfelt series exploring love’s intricacies through six genuine narratives. Each episode depicts the remarkable journeys of diverse couples, highlighting their resilience amidst obstacles for love. Inspired by the India Love Project, the series celebrates love’s ability to overcome cultural, religious, gender, and even adversarial barriers. It serves as a tribute to the potency of love, drawing from real stories curated by the India Love Project, founded by former journalists Priya Ramani, Samar Halarnkar, and Niloufer Venkatraman, showcasing tales of love that transcend all challenges.

Vaat Vaat Ma Adla Badali

Platform: ShemarooMe

Date: 14th February

Directed by Kartavya Shah, ‘Vaat Vaat Ma Adla Badali’, guarantees a captivating mix of romance starring Gujarat’s heartthrob, Malhar Thakar, and the talented Puja Joshi. It’s a cinematic journey that explores the complexities of love in Ahmedabad. The story revolves around Anand (Malhar Thakar) and Khushi (Puja Joshi). Anand’s lively family, including his parents, sister, and grandmother, adds depth to the plot. As Anand, who dreams of becoming a politician, nears marriageable age, his father encourages him to explore matrimony. Khushi enters the picture, hailing from a family with both parents. The tapestry of cultures unfolds as Anand’s vibrant Pol culture clashes with Khushi’s sophistication. Despite parental objections, the couple ties the knot and tries to unite their families by moving in together. The collision of these worlds promises a charming tale of love, cultural diversity, and the intricacies of relationships. Watch ‘Vaat Vaat Ma Adla Badali’ on ShemarooMe.

The Kerala Story

Platform: Zee5

Date: 16th February

“The Kerala Story” on Zee5 is about a group of women from Kerala. They are pressured into changing their religion to Islam and joining a group called the Islamic State. Shalini Unnikrishnan, one of these women, tells her story. She dreamed of becoming a nurse but was tricked by some people who pretended to be her friends in college. They forced her to join the Islamic State, and she ended up being locked up in Afghanistan. The movie is directed by Sudipto Sen and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. It stars Adah Sharma, Yogita Bihani, Sonia Balani, and Siddhi Idnani.

Raisinghani vs Raisinghani

Platform: SonyLiv

Date: 12th February

“Raisinghani vs Raisinghani” on SonyLiv follows the Raisinghani family as they face a challenging legal battle that strains their family ties and principles. Starring Jennifer Winget and Karan Wahi in the main roles, the series explores how the family copes with this ordeal. Premiering on February 12, 2024, viewers will witness the Raisinghani family’s journey as they confront difficult decisions and conflicts while trying to uphold their values.

House of Ninjas

Platform: Netflix

Date: 15th February

Centred around the Tawara family, the sole remaining ninja clan.“House of Ninjas” immerses viewers in a captivating Japanese drama. Haunted by a troubled past, this unconventional family finds themselves thrust back into the clandestine world of shadowy missions as they confront a crisis of unprecedented proportions threatening to plunge Japan into chaos. Despite their efforts to leave their ninja legacy behind, the Tawara family is compelled to once again unleash their hidden skills to safeguard their nation from impending doom. As they navigate through a web of secrets and challenges, the fate of Japan hangs precariously in the balance, testing the bonds of family and the resilience of tradition in the face of adversity.

Players

Platform: Netflix

Date: 14th February

“Players” is a rom-com centred around Mack, a New York sportswriter, and her best friend Adam, who excel at orchestrating hook-up schemes. Their dynamic shifts when Mack meets Nick, a correspondent, prompting her to confront a pivotal decision: continue her casual escapades or pursue a deeper connection. Gina Rodriguez portrays Mack, a journalist embarking on an unexpected emotional journey. Damon Wayans Jr. stars as Adam, Mack’s longtime friend and co-conspirator in their hookup endeavours. Their carefully constructed world is disrupted when Mack encounters Nick, played by Tom Ellis, leading her to grapple with the choice between love and familiarity. “Players” explores themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery as Mack navigates the blurred lines between romance and casual encounters.

Scammy Boys

Platform: Zee5

Date: 16th February

Directed by Rahhat Kazmi Films and Directed by Shoaib Nikash Shah, “Scammy Boys” follows the gripping tale of best friends Pankaj and Piyush as they chase wealth and fame through scams. Their lives take a perilous turn when they cross paths with corrupt policeman Joshi, thrusting them into the dangerous world of a drug cartel. As they fight to break free, they’re trapped in a web of deceit and danger. Starring Ashmit Patel, Rudra Soni, Ayushman Saxena, Roopa Choulagain, and Rajiv Rana, this thrilling ride promises suspense, action, and the test of true friendship. Don’t miss the adrenaline-pumping twists in “Scammy Boys”. Watch it on Zee5 from February 16th.

Love is Blind Season 6

Platform: Netflix

Date: 14th February

The highly anticipated sequel of ‘Love is Blind’ is here, featuring a new group of singles from Charlotte, North Carolina, diving into blind dates to find genuine connections. Without judging based on appearances, they form emotional bonds before deciding to get engaged. Transitioning to real-world living, they face challenges testing their relationships. Witness these hopeful journeys of singles that explore modern dating dynamics and the pursuit of authentic connections.