Latest news with #GlobalBulletin
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.K. Culture Secretary Hails ‘DDLJ' Bollywood Musical as Symbol of Growing India Ties (EXCLUSIVE)
U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy is pointing to the British premiere of Bollywood musical 'Come Fall in Love — The DDLJ Musical' as evidence of strengthening cultural bonds between Britain and India, following her recent ministerial visit to the subcontinent. 'It was a privilege to represent the U.K. government in India last month where I met with my ministerial counterparts to help strengthen the deep cultural ties between our two great countries,' Nandy said. 'That deepening bond between our nations is evident in one of Bollywood's most beloved stories coming to the UK. I hope that 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' is a great success in Manchester showcasing a talented British cast, including many local performers from the North West.' More from Variety Shah Rukh Khan Makes Surprise Visit to 'DDLJ' Musical Rehearsals Ahead of U.K. Premiere (EXCLUSIVE) U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy Rules Out Streamer Levy (EXCLUSIVE) 'DDLJ' Musical Unveils Full U.K. Cast - Global Bulletin The culture secretary's comments come as Aditya Chopra's English musical comedy adaptation of Bollywood blockbuster 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' ('DDLJ') opened Wednesday night at Manchester Opera House. The production runs through June 21. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: 'We're proud to welcome the U.K. premiere of 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' to Manchester, a city that celebrates creativity, diversity, and international storytelling. This iconic reimagining of a beloved Indian film is a landmark moment for cultural collaboration between the U.K. and India, and we're honored that Manchester is at the heart of it.' The musical is based on one of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters in Indian cinema history. 'DDLJ' holds the record as the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its 1995 release. The stage adaptation features 18 new English songs performed by a cast that includes both rising British talent with local links to Manchester and the North West, as well as internationally renowned South Asian artists. Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani said: 'It is always a great honor for us to take India and its stories to the world. We are thrilled to open 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' at the magnificent and historic Manchester Opera House. 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' is not only YRF's treasured IP but it is one of the biggest IPs in the history of Indian cinema, a story that has resonated with people worldwide for over 30 years now.' Widhani added: 'We look forward to sharing this magical version of 'DDLJ' with those who cherish the original film, as well as introducing the charm of DDLJ to new audiences for the first time.' He also praised Nandy's 'brilliant effort in forging deep cultural ties with India.' The production stars Jena Pandya ('Bhangra Nation,' 'Mamma Mia') as Simran and Ashley Day ('An American in Paris,' 'Dynasty') as Rog, supported by a company including Irvine Iqbal ('The Father and the Assassin') as Baldev, Kara Lane ('The Addams Family') as Minky, and Millie O'Connell ('Six') as Cookie. The award-winning creative team includes book and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Tony winner for 'Mean Girls,' Olivier Award winner for 'Legally Blonde'), music by Bollywood hitmakers Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani, and choreography by Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford ('Frozen,' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'). The production also features scenic design by two-time Tony Award winner Derek McLane ('MJ the Musical,' 'Moulin Rouge!') and Indian dance co-choreography by Shruti Merchant. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prabhas' ‘The Raja Saab' Locks Release Date
Prabhas' 'The Raja Saab' has set its theatrical release for Dec. 5, with the teaser arriving June 16. The project marks the Indian star's first horror entertainer, a departure from his typical action fare. Director Maruthi, known for blending humor with genre elements, helms the supernatural thriller. People Media Factory backs the production, with T.G. Vishwa Prasad producing. Karthik Palani handles cinematography while Thaman S. composes the score. More from Variety Rekha, Muzaffar Ali's Indian Classic 'Umrao Jaan' Returns in 4K Restoration - Global Bulletin 'Nine Puzzles' Becomes Disney+'s Most-Watched Korean Series of 2025 - Global Bulletin Prabhas' 'Salaar' Tops Nielsen Mobile Streaming Charts as JioHotstar Dominates, Multilingual Content Surges in India The cast includes Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Ridhi Kumar alongside Prabhas. The film will release across multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. December has become a competitive window for Indian cinema releases, with 'The Raja Saab' aiming to capitalize on the year-end theatrical market. The horror-comedy hybrid represents Prabhas' continued genre experimentation following his pan-Indian success with the 'Baahubali' franchise and recent actioners. Netflix India's action-drama series 'Rana Naidu' returns June 13 with a second season promising higher stakes and personal vendettas. The series follows Rana, a fixer for the wealthy, as he faces his most dangerous adversary yet in Rauf while protecting his family. Real-life uncle-nephew duo Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati reprise their roles as the feuding father-son pair, with new addition Arjun Rampal bringing 'baggage and brutality,' according to Netflix. 'Season 2 is bigger, darker, and way more intense,' said creator-director Karan Anshuman. Producer Sunder Aaron noted the sophomore season delivers more 'heart, fire, and drama' than its breakout 2023 predecessor. India's Yash Raj Films has released the title track for director Mohit Suri's romantic drama 'Saiyaara.' The song features melodies Suri has 'carefully collected and curated for over five years.' The track introduces Kashmiri composers-singers Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami to Bollywood, with music by Tanishk Bagchi and lyrics by Irshad Kamil. 'There is so much love, longing and heart in this song that I fell in love with it instantly,' Suri says of what he calls 'an extremely fresh romantic album.' The film stars debutant Ahaan Panday, and Aneet Padda, with YRF's Akshaye Widhani producing. 'Saiyaara' releases July 18 worldwide. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rekha, Muzaffar Ali's Indian Classic ‘Umrao Jaan' Returns in 4K Restoration
India's biggest multiplex chain PVR Inox is bringing Rekha and Muzaffar Ali's 1981 classic 'Umrao Jaan' back to the country's theaters in a 4K restoration beginning June 27. The film, starring Rekha in her Indian National Film Award-winning performance as a courtesan-poetess in 19th-century Lucknow, has been restored by the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission. The restoration was supervised by director Ali himself, working from a 35mm release print preserved at the NFAI after original negatives proved too fragile. Ali is also releasing a limited-edition coffee table book featuring behind-the-scenes photographs and production materials. More from Variety 'Nine Puzzles' Becomes Disney+'s Most-Watched Korean Series of 2025 - Global Bulletin Diane Kruger Brings Beloved 'Bluey' Stories to German Audiences - Global Bulletin Disney+ Scores UEFA Women's Champions League Rights in Five-Year European Deal - Global Bulletin ''Umrao Jaan' was not just a film — it was a journey into the soul of a lost culture,' Ali reflected. Rekha added that the character 'lives within me, breathes through me, even now.' The re-release is part of PVR Inox's Timeless Classics initiative, celebrating landmark Indian cinema. Nippon TV has launched Gyokuro Studio in Tokyo and Nippon TV LA Business Office to accelerate international expansion. The Tokyo-based Gyokuro Studio, headed by Kenichiro Akiyama, aims to develop 10 unscripted titles annually, reaching 100 titles over 10 years through global co-creation with top talent and production houses. Meanwhile, Tom Miyauchi will lead the Los Angeles hub focusing on North American and LATAM content sales, IP distribution, and local production partnerships. The Japan entertainment powerhouse, which owns nearly 90% of its content IP and streaming giant Hulu Japan, seeks to build sustainable global presence beyond its Emmy-winning 'Dragons' Den'/'Shark Tank' format success. Award-winning Indian documentary 'Turtle Walker,' directed by Taira Malaney, will screen at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, June 9-13. The Tiger Baby and Emaho Films production, made with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, follows sea turtle conservationist Satish Bhaskar's journey along India's coastlines in the late 1970s. The film won the Grand Teton Award at Jackson Wild Media Awards and premiered at Doc NYC in November 2024. ''Turtle Walker' is a quintessential Indian story focused on the wildlife of our country,' said producer Zoya Akhtar. The international co-production aims to inspire marine conservation efforts globally. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ed Sheeran and Weezer Join Coachella Bill, as Both Weekends' Set Times Are Announced
Two prominent last-minute additions have been made to the Coachella 2025 lineup, with the announcement of set times revealing that Ed Sheeran and Weezer have both joined the bill. Festivalgoers won't get both artists in the same weekend, though. They are playing virtually in the same time slot in the same venue on respective Saturdays, with surprisingly early start times. Weezer will perform in the Mojave tent on April 12 at 3:10 p.m., and Sheeran will take the same stage at 3 p.m. on April 19. Weezer is scheduled to play for a brisk 45 minutes, while Sheeran has a full hour. More from Variety Travis Scott to Make India Debut With 'Circus Maximus' Tour - Global Bulletin Get Festival Ready With These 15 Fashion Essentials The Best Clear, Stadium-Approved Bags to Snag Ahead of Festival Season The announcement of set times clears up a few mysteries, like how the equally billed Saturday headliners Green Day and Travis Scott will share performance duties on Saturday night of each weekend. Green Day is scheduled to play those nights from 9:05 to 10:45 p.m. PT, and after a healthy set break, Scott will take the stage at midnight. On the other two nights of each weekend, with no after-hours attraction on the main stage, things should wrap up somewhat earlier. On the two Friday nights, Lady Gaga will take the stage at 11:10, and on the Sunday night bills, Post Malone will cap things off starting at 10:25. Coachella announced the times via social media posts; see the full lineups for both weekends on the festival's Instagram post, below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coachella (@coachella) A few artists who were initially announced as part of the lineup are missing, though those were announced prior to Saturday's set time unveiling. FKA Twigs announced Friday that she would have to miss the festival due to visa issues. Prior to that, Anitta had announced in late March that she would be MIA on account of 'unexpected personal reasons.' For Sheeran, his surprising addition is part of a slow rollout of promotion, information and music for his upcoming album, 'Play.' No release date has been announced for the record, and it's said not to be looming immediately, but a first single from the album, 'Azizam.' Sheeran has made some pop-up appearances recently, busking in front of surprised passers-by, while also previewing tracks from the forthcoming record for tastemakers. He'll next be embarking on a tour of Europe from late May through August. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
JioHotstar Reaches 100 Million Subscribers, Transforming India's Streaming Market
Streamer JioHotstar has surpassed 100 million subscribers, the company revealed Thursday, marking a significant development in India's digital entertainment sector. The milestone underscores the platform's successful strategy in converting streaming services from a premium offering to an essential component of daily media consumption for many Indian viewers. The achievement reflects the company's approach to content accessibility through strategic pricing models and telecommunications partnerships that have expanded its reach across the country. More from Variety India's Champions Trophy Cricket Triumph Delivers Record Numbers for JioHotstar Venkatesh's 'Sankranthiki Vasthunam' Powers Indian Box Office to $116 Million in January - Global Bulletin India's JioStar Launches Unified Streaming Platform JioHotstar, Eyes Billion-Screen Reach The streaming service has established itself particularly in sports broadcasting, securing rights to major cricket tournaments including ICC events, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and the Women's Premier League. JioHotstar has implemented technical innovations in its sports coverage, including 4K ultra-HD streaming, AI-enhanced analytics, real-time statistical displays, interactive features, multi-camera perspectives, and voice command functionality. These technologies have been deployed during recent major sporting events such as the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 and the current IPL 2025 season. JioHotstar's content portfolio has been instrumental in its subscriber growth. The platform offers what it describes as the world's most extensive selection of television programming, a comprehensive Hollywood library, digital specials in multiple Indian languages, year-round unscripted content, and 'Sparks,' a recent initiative featuring India's popular content creators. The platform has extended its live streaming capabilities beyond traditional sports broadcasting to include cultural events, notably streaming Coldplay's 'Music of the Spheres' concert and 'Mahashivratri: The Divine Night,' which featured ceremonies from over 20 Jyotirlinga temples across India. 'We have always believed that world-class entertainment should be accessible to all, and crossing 100 million subscribers is a testament to that vision,' said Kiran Mani, CEO of digital at parent company JioStar. 'This milestone not only underscores India's limitless potential but also strengthens our commitment to pioneering category-first experiences at an unprecedented scale.' JioStar was formed through the $8.5 billion merger of Disney's Star India with Reliance's Viacom18 and streaming platforms JioCinema and Hotstar. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More
