Latest news with #BlackWarrant
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound', 'Stree 2' lead IFFM 2025 nominations
New Delhi, Neeraj Ghaywan's "Homebound", horror-comedy "Stree 2" and hit shows like "Black Warrant" and "Paatal Lok 2" are among the films and shows nominated for the 2025th edition of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound', 'Stree 2' lead IFFM 2025 nominations IFFM, which celebrates the best of Indian cinema and streaming, on Monday unveiled its nominations list for the 2025 edition, which will take place between August 14 and August 24, in Melbourne, Australia. The IFFM Awards Night, during which the winners of the categories will be announced, is slated to take place on August 15. It honours cinematic excellence across film and OTT categories, according to a press release. Besides "Homebound", which had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, nominees in the Best Film category are "Kalki 2898AD", "L2: Empuraan", "Maharaj", Meiyazhagan", "Stree 2", and "Superboys of Malegaon". The Best Indie Film category includes Aranya Sahay's "Humans in the Loop", "Feminichi Fathima" from Fasil Muhammed, and "Baksho Bondi", a Bengali drama from Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi. Other films in the category are "Angammal", "Boong", "Village Rockstars 2", and "We are Faheem and Karun". In the Best Actor category, Khatter and co-star Vishal Jethwa are nominated for "Homebound" alongside Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan for his debut role in "Maharaj". It also features Abhishek Bachchan for his role in "I Want to Talk" and Malayalam superstar Mohanlal for "L2 : Empuraan", Adarsh Gourav , Gugun Kipgen and Manoj Bajpayee . Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore , Shraddha Kapoor , and Kareena Kapoor Khan are in the Best Actor category alongside Anjali Sivaraman , Bhanita Das , Geetha Kailasam , Shamla Hamza , and Tillotama Shome . The Best Director race has contenders in "Superboys of Malegoan" director Reema Kagti, Ghaywan, "Humans in the Loop" director Sahay, "Boong" director Lakshmipriya Devi, "We are Faheem and Karun" director Onir, "Village Rockstars 2" director Rima Das, "Bad Girls" director Varsha Bharath and "Angammal" director Vipin Radhakrishnan. Web series "Black Warrant", "Gyaarah Gyaarah", "Kota Factory Season 3", "Paatal Lok Season 2" and "Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper" are nominated in the Best Web Series segment. Series "Khauf", "Manorathangal" and "Thallivattam Palayam" are also in the list. In the Best Actor Web Series, the contenders are Ananya Pandey for "Call Me Bae", Monika Panwar for "Khauf", Nimisha Sajayan for "Dabba Cartel", Parvathy Thiruvothu for "Manorathangal" Rasika Dugal for "Mirzapur 3", Shabana Azmi for "Dabba Cartel" and Tillotamma Shome for "Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper". Actors Abhishek Kumar , Ali Fazal , Jaideep Ahlawat , Jitendra Kumar , Mammootty , Manav Kaul and Zahaan Kapoor are competing in the Best Actor Web Series category. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Anurag Kashyap slams Netflix boss Ted Sarandos for ‘not understanding India', mocks him for celebrating success of shows he didn't even produce: ‘Indian team is run by bad television people'
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has launched a fresh attack on Netflix, accusing the platform of failing to grasp the nuances of Indian audiences and storytelling. In a recent interview with The Juggernaut, Anurag didn't hold back, calling out the streamer for relying on what he sees as superficial and misinformed strategies in the country. He also doubled down on his criticism of co-CEO Ted Sarandos for believing the 'bulls**t' he is fed about Indian audiences by his local team, whom he described as 'bad television people'. 'I started a debate because the problem is, they do the same kind of sh**y stuff because they don't understand India,' Anurag said. 'For example, I wrote about Ted Sarandos. And I wrote about how they understand India only as it's taught to them. He doesn't understand India. So whatever the India office tells them, they believe that bulls**t. They totally believe that bulls**t.' According to Anurag, the quality of Netflix India's content mirrors the same formulaic programming that once plagued Indian television, only now, audiences are being asked to pay for it. 'They are doing exactly what bad television has been doing to India. The thing is, they're charging money for it. And what they're charging money for, that same crap is available for free on other platforms, channels, and places,' he said. 'They don't understand why they're losing value in the country. And they buy into any bulls**t.' The director also criticised the platform for lacking originality and courage, especially when it comes to producing bold or unconventional stories. 'What makes me angry is that he pats his own back for the shows they didn't even have the courage to produce,' Anurag added. 'All good shows on Netflix are acquired. Squid Game was acquired. When they produced the second season, you saw the result. Adolescence was acquired. Black Warrant was acquired. All good shows are acquired. What they don't believe in is the only thing that works. For example, a show like Kohhra, which they won't promote. Trial by Fire, they won't promote that either.' In his view, Netflix's strategy is increasingly being dictated by algorithms and a singular obsession with subscriptions, with little regard for content quality. 'They are so driven by algorithms. They are only interested in subscriptions. India's biggest power for Netflix is its 1.4 billion population. That's what they're chasing, subscriptions,' he said. 'But they don't understand that they need to be better than their competitors for the subscriptions to come. It won't come to them otherwise. And they don't understand what quality is.' Anurag didn't mince words when describing the internal culture of the streaming giant in India: 'They have tech people. Tech people who've hired bad television people. It's full of people from bad TV. And none of them get it. It has become like the old days of bad TV.' Also Read | Netflix ghosted Anurag Kashyap after he submitted a 900-page handwritten script for a series: 'They don't have the courage to produce good projects…' Anurag lamented the lost potential of the streaming era in India, saying, 'There was a breath of fresh air when OTTs came in. Suddenly we were watching new shows. Look at India now. I see more people watching Korean shows than watching Netflix ones.' He also claimed that the people in charge are more interested in maintaining their status than delivering quality storytelling. 'Whatever idea they've bought into… they really don't understand. They don't know how to handle things. They don't know how to do anything. They panic. They need your reaction. Because most of the people there are just trying to save their jobs. They've suddenly found a lifestyle they never dreamed of having, and they don't want to lose it.' He concluded: 'Nobody is interested in quality work, or cinema, or storytelling.' This isn't Anurag's first run-in with Netflix. Earlier this year, he posted a long note on Instagram in which he praised the global success of Adolescence while criticizing Sarandos and Netflix India's leadership. In a sharp comment on Sarandos' congratulatory post about the show, Anurag wrote: 'Now coming to my envy and jealousy. Ted Sarandos recently put a post where he says, 'every once and a while one comes along that pushes into brand new territories, defies the limits of creativity and features career defining performances.' And I hope he means it. Because for Netflix India is a totally opposite shitshow. If they were pitched this, most probably they would have rejected it or turned it into a 90-minute film (that too seems like an impossibility because it doesn't have an ending that is black and white).' He also revealed that he had tried collaborating with Netflix twice after the success of Sacred Games, but was met with 'apathy and dumbness.' He labelled the current leadership at Netflix India as 'morally corrupt.'
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Netflix's 'Black Warrant,' 'Criminal Justice,' 'The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case': It's a hat-trick for Applause Entertainment
Each of these series sparked widespread discussion and trended across platforms, reinforcing Applause's reputation as a creative force that thrives on bold ideas, socially resonant themes, and genre-defining storytelling. read more In a remarkable first half of the year, Applause Entertainment, a venture of the Aditya Birla Group, has delivered three of 2025's most talked-about and widely watched shows across India's leading OTT platforms. Black Warrant on Netflix, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter on JioHotstar, and The Hunt: The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case on Sony LIV, have not only dominated streaming charts but also emerged as fan favourites and garnered critical acclaim. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Each of these series sparked widespread discussion and trended across platforms, reinforcing Applause's reputation as a creative force that thrives on bold ideas, socially resonant themes, and genre-defining storytelling. As the studio completes its 8th year this August, with a prolific slate of over 55+ titles across genres and formats, Applause Entertainment stands as a testament to the power of team work and long-term creative vision. From Scam 1992 and Criminal Justice to Tanaav and Black Warrant, among others, the studio has built a dynamic and diverse storytelling ecosystem, one that continues to set benchmarks and reimagine what premium Indian content can look like. Reflecting on the studio's recent successes, Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment, 'At Applause, our job is to keep telling stories ambitious, audacious, disruptive, and rooted in their imagined reality. The medium may change but strong storytelling always finds its way to audiences. Black Warrant with Vikramaditya Motwane, Criminal Justice with Rohan Sippy, and The Hunt with Nagesh Kukunoor, each tackle very different worlds, yet they've all struck a chord. That's the thrill of this game; not just chasing hits but working with diverse creators to build a body of work that entertains audiences and creates memories. For us, it's about staying curious, taking creative risks, and constantly raising the bar.' Applause Entertainment continues to evolve, with an exciting pipeline that includes new series, subsequent seasons, movies, documentaries, and passion project, 'Gandhi', with Hansal Mehta. From creating landmark IPs and powerful franchises to expanding the talent ecosystem, the studio strives to remain at the forefront of India's streaming revolution, building a legacy of storytelling that is fearless, relevant, and timeless. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
Aamir Khan in 'Sitaare Zameen Par', Sanya Malhotra in 'Mrs', Rahul Bhatt in Netflix's 'Black Warrant': Top performances of 2025 so far
From powerful comebacks to quietly revolutionary portrayals, these actors have set the tone for a year where storytelling is defined by soul over spectacle read more We're only halfway through 2025, and already, the screen has been graced by performances that don't just entertain—they resonate. These aren't just roles, they're reflections of humanity, captured with depth, nuance, and unforgettable presence. From powerful comebacks to quietly revolutionary portrayals, these actors have set the tone for a year where storytelling is defined by soul over spectacle. Aamir Khan in Sitaare Zameen Par Marking his much-anticipated return to the big screen, Aamir Khan gives a performance that is both tender and thought-provoking. In Sitaare Zameen Par, he steps into emotionally rich territory, portraying themes of empathy, identity, and second chances with his trademark sensitivity. It's not just a comeback—it's a reaffirmation of his unmatched ability to connect with audiences on a deeply human level. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Adarsh Gourav in Superboys of Malegaon Adarsh Gourav continues to cement his place as one of India's most versatile young actors. In Superboys of Malegaon, he disappears into the skin of a small-town filmmaker, capturing both the absurdities and the aspirations of everyday life. His performance balances humor, vulnerability, and understated grit, breathing life into a character that could have easily become a caricature in lesser hands. Rahul Bhat in Black Warrant Festival favourite Rahul Bhat takes on the role of DSP Rajesh Tomar, a senior jailer at Tihar Jail, in a performance that is both commanding and deeply internal. Known for his selective approach to roles, Bhat's choices are rarely about volume—they're about depth. And in Black Warrant, he delivers yet another masterclass. With quiet authority and layered intensity, he anchors the drama, reminding us why a Rahul Bhat project is always worth the watch. Abhishek Banerjee in Stolen With Stolen, Abhishek Banerjee continues his streak of genre-defying performances. His role in the film is subdued yet emotionally arresting—a man caught between trauma and survival. Banerjee brings a rawness to the screen that's impossible to ignore. Sanya Malhotra in Mrs Sanya Malhotra delivers a career-defining performance in Mrs, a film that hinges entirely on her quiet magnetism. As a woman grappling with societal roles and inner turmoil, she embodies resilience with haunting grace. There's no loud defiance here—just a subtle, simmering strength that unfolds scene by scene, making this one of the most powerful portrayals of womanhood in recent memory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
8 years of Mom: From Nawazuddin Siddiqui to Adarsh Gourav, actors who became OTT stars after appearing in Sridevi's film
It is eight years since Sridevi's last film Mom released in theatres. The movie was among the last few films to see Pakistani artists as well on the big screen, and in a good mix with the Indian actors. A few of the Indian actors back then did not even realize that they would be creating history soon after the movie releases. Nawazuddin Siddiqui took a year and introduced the concept of OTT to India with a memorable character, and Adarsh Gourav, who was almost unrecognized at the time, would grow ten-fold on OTT over the next eight years. Right from Triptii Dimri to Riva Arora, female actors also made their mark, thanks to the new way of entertainment, and became a popular face after Mom happened. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Adarsh Gourav in Mom Now stream Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Manjhi: The Mountain Man and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, among other entertainers, on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium Indian actors who became OTT powerhouses since Mom released Nawazuddin Siddiqui A year after appearing in Sridevi's Mom, Nawazuddin Siddiqui introduced India to the very concept of OTT with Sacred Games. In the role of Gaitonde, the actor left a mark that has been etched onto every Indian's mind for life. Adarsh Gourav From playing a small-time antagonist who nobody recognized when Sridevi's Mom released to bagging The White Tiger opposite Priyanka Chopra and Rajkummar Rao and now even working in Hollywood with Alien: Earth, Adarsh Gourav truly came a long way, all thanks to OTT. Triptii Dimri Barely recognized at the time of Mom, Triptii Dimri truly became an OTT star with her performances in Bulbbul and Qala. While many know her as Bhabhi No 2 in Ranbir Kapoor's Animal, Triptii received love thanks to OTT. She was even recognized for Laila Majnu thanks to the movie's OTT release. Rajshri Deshpande Like Nawazuddin, Rajshri did get recognition for her performance in the one film (in her case it was Angry Indian Goddesses), but this actress also became part of some known OTT titles like Sacred Games, Choked, The Fame Game and Black Warrant, which speaks for itself. Her latest appearance was in Black Warrant, where she played the role of the journalist Pratibha Sen. Riva Arora You might remember her as the child artist in Vicky Kaushal's Uri: The Surgical Strike, but Riva Arora has also explored OTT. She was a part of Tripling (for one episode), played younger Gunjan Saxena in Janhvi Kapoor's film, was a part of Kaali Khuhi as well as Rakul Preet Singh's Chhatriwali. She is now seen in the TV series, Power of Paanch, streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.
