Latest news with #MinistryofInformationandBroadcasting
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
As 'Baghuni' shines at Cannes, Partha Panda candidly speaks about Odia cinema making global mark
For film producer Partha Panda, it was a moment of pride as the first look of his Odia feature film 'Baghuni' (Dance Like a Tiger) was officially unveiled at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a conversation with ANI, he shared his experience of taking his film project to an international audience, his journey in filmmaking and how the Odia film market is making its mark globally. "It was a very great experience. I met and , who revealed our motion poster, so it was a very wonderful and most memorable experience." As part of the Official program of the Bharat Pavilion at Cannes International Film Festival, hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, the first-look motion poster of the film was released on May 15 in the presence of the film's director and producer, Jitendra Mishra, and producer Partha Panda. The film is a co-production among National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), Glocal Films UK Limited (founded by Odisha-born, London-based producer Partha Panda, and Jitendra Mishra's Cinema4Good Pvt. Ltd, 'Baghuni' is a co-production--the first of its kind for any film from Odisha, with the National Film Development Corporation(NFDC) returning to the state after a 23-year gap in significant cinematic collaborations. On the inspiration behind the film, he shared, "It's about women's empowerment, and a girl holding a protest in a male-dominated society, and how a lady is stepping out and fighting for her rights, so it is all about this." While talking about the film, he added, "We named it 'Baghuni'(Dance Like a Tiger) means Tigress and we had a dance called 'Bagha Nacha', (the Tiger dance is the traditional art form performed in Binka, Sonepur, and some parts of Ganjam district in Odisha), and the story was written by one of the good directors, his name is Jitendra Mishra, so we had a conversation from last 3-4 years ago about the story, so we developed the story, then we were going step by step, so first time in 2023, this story was selected in the NFDC co-production market, then luckily, out of 11 countries, 20 stories were selected and we were one of them, which was a good thing about that, and particularly for Odia language, this type of thing, like NFDC involvement happened after 23 years. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " Partha Panda is an entrepreneur whose journey spans over 15 years of higher education and successful enterprise in the UK. He is a Managing Director, Film Producer & Arts Impresario. Despite being in a different profession, he always remained passionate about cinema. Sharing how his journey in filmmaking started, he added, "Every time I watch a movie from childhood, it's always I wanted to involve in film, but for me, when I was doing my graduation, that time I had an interest, either I wanted to become a director or something involved in the movie industry, but my study and everything was different. In my family, my mom is a good dancer, my dad studied in drama school, so we have a little understanding about that, which came a little from the family. So, the first time I tried was in 2008-09, but I could not finish that project for some reason." "Then I tried again in 2011, but again, we could not find the right person who could do the job together, because in this type of thing, finding the right director or person who can guide you is tricky. I found my friend, Jitendra Mishra. So, I thought, this is the guy with whom I can do the job. So, that's where the conversation started, and we were sort of working on this project for the last four years." Panda further discussed Odisha's cinema. According to him, the Odisha film market is still struggling; however, it is getting better, and with achievements like his film reaching Cannes, it gives a boost to the industry overall. "Odisha market, it's not that strong at the moment. But it's getting better. So, there was last... I don't know, maybe 5 to 10 years, there was a gap where people were not supporting that much, however, now things are improving," he said. Written and directed by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Jitendra Mishra, 'Baghuni' is the first international co-production from Odisha, featuring celebrated Odia actor Sabyasachi Mishra as the lead actor, and boasts a talented crew that includes multiple National Award-winning industry professionals.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Centre notifies new age-based film certification categories under U/A rating
The Union government on Saturday notified revised age-based certification categories for films, aimed at encouraging age-appropriate viewing, particularly for audiences requiring parental guidance. In a gazette notification, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting amended the rules last notified in December 1991, which outline the principles for sanctioning films for public exhibition. Under the amended rules, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is empowered to issue certificates for unrestricted public exhibition with specific endorsements indicating the nature and type of content, marked as 'U/A 7+', 'U/A 13+', and 'U/A 16+'. 'Content suitable for a child aged seven years and above and under the age of seven years with parental guidance shall be classified as 'U/A 7+' rating; (ii) content suitable for a child aged thirteen years and above and under the age of thirteen years with parental guidance shall be classified as 'U/A 13+' rating; and (iii) content suitable for a child aged sixteen years and above and under the age of sixteen years with parental guidance shall be classified as 'U/A 16+' rating,' the notification stated. The CBFC had last year introduced a revised certification framework aligned with prevailing social values and aimed at enhancing age-appropriate content categorisation. The reforms sought to modernise and streamline the overall certification process. The three-tier sub-categorisation under the U/A rating replaces the earlier singular U/A classification applicable to children under 12 years. The certification of films is governed by the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Historically, film certification in India included only two categories—'U' for unrestricted public exhibition and 'A' for adults only, with restrictions on explicit content such as nudity. In 1983, the 'U/A' category was introduced to allow unrestricted public viewing with parental guidance for children under 12, along with an 'S' category, meant for specialised audiences such as doctors or scientists. The 1983 rules had set a single age threshold at 12 years for U/A films, but the 2023 amendment has now refined this with sub-classifications at 7, 13, and 16 years of age.
The Print
4 days ago
- Business
- The Print
IICT landmark step for institutionalising India's cultural, creative strengths: I&B secretary
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was speaking at the CII Summit here at a session — 'India's Soft Power: Catalysing Global Ascendancy'. The IICT has been envisioned as the 'creative counterpart' to the IITs and IIMs. New Delhi, May 30 (PTI) The recent establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai is a landmark initiative for institutionalising the country's cultural and creative strengths, a top official of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said here on Friday. Jaju underscored India's unique civilisational journey and diverse cultural expressions as the foundation of the country's growing global soft power, according to a statement issued by the organisers. Drawing on classical references like 'drishti', 'shruti' and 'kriti' — representing India's visual, oral and written traditions — the Union secretary emphasised how ancient legacies like the Natya Shastra and the Vedas, along with storytelling epics, music and mudras, continue to shape the country's vibrant creative economy. He highlighted the establishment of the IICT as a landmark initiative for institutionalising India's cultural and creative strengths, the statement said. Jaju emphasised that India is a 'storytelling superpower', with many untapped narratives waiting to be transformed into immersive global experiences. He reaffirmed the country's 'potential to become a creative superpower', urging the industry to harness this opportunity through unity, innovation and a shared cultural vision. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in his address, highlighted that India's rising stature on the global stage is a result of a renewed national pride and a transformed self-image. He noted a paradigm shift in tourism post-COVID-19, with travellers increasingly seeking immersive and experiential journeys. India's tourism sector, supported by robust infrastructure development, airports, roads and railways, is witnessing significant growth, particularly in spiritual and domestic tourism, the minister said. Destinations like Ujjain's Mahakal Lok corridor have attracted more than 10 lakh visitors in a month, illustrating the sector's resurgence, he added. With domestic tourism showing greater potential than international travel, India is aiming to align its tourism GDP contribution to global benchmarks, targeting 10 per cent of the national GDP by 2030, Shekhawat was quoted as saying in the statement. Puneet Chhatwal, Chairman, CII National Committee on Tourism and Hospitality, emphasised that India's soft power is deeply rooted in its rich culture, heritage and hospitality, which serve as powerful tools for global engagement and trust-building. He noted that every USD 1 million invested in tourism can generate nearly 100 direct and 250 indirect jobs and significantly increase foreign-tourist arrivals and foreign-exchange earnings. PTI KND RC This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
News18
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Amit Trivedi Reacts To Fawad Khan's Abir Gulaal Getting Stalled: ‘India First'
Last Updated: Fawad Khan and Vaani Kapoor's film Abir Gulaal was postponed indefinitely due to the Pahalgam attack and India-Pakistan tensions. Pakistani actor Fawad Khan's upcoming Bollywood film Abir Gulaal, also starring Vaani Kapoor, will not see a theatrical release in India. According to a source linked to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the decision follows the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22. In light of the incident, authorities opted to withhold the film's release. Composer Amit Trivedi, who worked on the film's soundtrack, doesn't regret the film getting stalled. 'The decision [to not release the film] was taken keeping India first and I am in support of it completely," the musician tells Hindustan Times. As a composer who dedicates considerable time and creative energy to crafting a film's soundtrack, how does it feel when the project doesn't get released? 'Yes, it hurts when a project faces trouble. Not just this film, but anything I work on with all the honesty and hard work becomes a part of me. So, a project getting stalled is bound to disappoint you. We make music for the audience and as artistes, that's all you want (your music to reach the fans). But in this case, the scenario was very different. My country comes first, above everything else," says Amit. Abir Gulaal was set to mark Fawad Khan's much-anticipated return to Bollywood after nearly a decade. The Pakistani actor, widely celebrated by Indian audiences, previously starred in three Hindi films — Khoobsurat (2014), Kapoor & Sons (2016), and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). However, the industry dynamic changed significantly after the 2016 Uri terror attack. In its aftermath, associations such as the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA) and the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) imposed bans on Pakistani artists working in Indian films. While Fawad Khan's comeback with Abir Gulaal was already facing opposition from a few, the protests intensified after the terror attack in Pahalgam when Lashkar-linked terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists. The incident killed 27 people, and the Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar offshoot, took responsibility for the attack. First Published:
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
PM Modi Virtually Inaugurates 3 Amrit Bharat Railway Stations In West Bengal
Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually inaugurated three redeveloped railway stations in West Bengal under the Centre's Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, officials said. The three stations -- Panagarh, Kalyani Ghoshpara and Joychandi Pahar -- are among the 103 Amrit Bharat railway stations inaugurated by the PM across the country through video conferencing from Bikaner in Rajasthan, they said. Prime Minister @narendramodi inaugurated 103 Amrit Stations including Deshnok under Amrit Bharat Station Yojana. He also flagged off a new train service between Bikaner-Mumbai (Bandra Terminus) and gifted various railway projects to Rajasthan. #AmritBharatStations … — Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) May 22, 2025 Panagarh and Kalyani Ghoshpara are under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Railway, while Joychandi Pahar is part of the South Eastern Railway. Both these zonal railways are headquartered in Kolkata. These existing railway stations have undergone a total revamp with new passenger facilities and aesthetics, the officials said. A total of 100 railway stations in West Bengal have been taken up for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, they added.
