Latest news with #RamSetu
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AI-Driven ‘Hanuman' Film in Works at India's Abundantia Entertainment, Collective Media Network (EXCLUSIVE)
Indian production house Abundantia Entertainment is partnering with Collective Media Network's Historyverse division to produce what they're calling the first of its kind AI-generated, theatrically released motion picture made in India, centered on the story of Hindu god Hanuman. Titled 'Chiranjeevi Hanuman – The Eternal,' the project, set for worldwide theatrical release in 2026 on Hanuman Jayanti, a festival celebrating the birth of the deity, will draw from the sacred texts of Indian epic 'Ramayana' and Puranic literature to create what producers describe as an 'awe-inspiring, visual odyssey designed to be enjoyed as a shared experience in theaters.' More from Variety Prime Video India Charts Aggressive Growth Path With 'Lukkha' Debut and Theatrical Push: 'We're Stepping Up' and Putting 'Scripts Over Stars' (EXCLUSIVE) Child Trafficking Drama 'Dear Men' Tackles India's Darkest Trade in Hard-Hitting Short, Trailer Unveiled (EXCLUSIVE) 'Superman' Kiss Censored in India, Drawing Fire From Fans and Film Community The production is being developed by a team of over 50 engineers from Galleri5, the tech arm of Collective Artists Network, working alongside cultural scholars and literary experts to ensure narrative authenticity. The soundtrack will be created by Trilok, billed as the world's first AI-powered band known for blending Indian spiritual traditions with contemporary sound. Abundantia Entertainment, founded in 2013 by former Viacom18 Motion Pictures COO Malhotra, is known for Bollywood films 'Baby,' 'Airlift,' and 'Ram Setu,' as well as streaming successes like the 'Breathe' franchise for Prime Video. Collective Artists Network has expanded through acquisitions including Under 25 Universe, Terribly Tiny Tales, Collective Creative Labs and Galleri5, and operates the Big Bang Social platform supporting brand-creator collaborations. 'From 'Airlift' to 'Shakuntala Devi' and from 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' to 'Ram Setu,' Abundantia has proudly and successfully championed uniquely Indian stories and storytellers,' said Vikram Malhotra, founder and CEO of Abundantia Entertainment. 'With innovation in our DNA, we constantly push boundaries of story-telling possibilities, and I am delighted that we are partnering with Vijay and his amazing team at Collective to harness cutting-edge tech and tools to tell one of India's most iconic stories.' 'Hanuman Ji is not just a God and a beacon of our culture but he is also a symbol of eternal faith, devotion and strength for hundreds of millions of his worshippers around the world. We take the responsibility of telling this story with immense gratitude and humility,' Malhotra added. Vijay Subramaniam, founder and group CEO of Collective Artists Network, said: 'At Collective, we live where culture, creators, and technology converge. With this film, we have the extraordinary opportunity to reimagine cultural storytelling for an audience that cherishes both tradition and innovation. Our approach is rooted in authenticity and cultural stewardship, ensuring complete transparency about the role of AI in the creative process.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025 What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025
Mint
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Streaming platforms back niche films to target box office revenue before online release
Indian video streaming platforms are working towards backing original films, having realised that some movies are best suited for community viewing on the big screen – just as Apple TV+ did with F1: The Movie. As streaming companies like Apple back theatrical hits in the West and platforms including Prime Video attempt to bring the model to India, experts said the strategy could give them an additional source of revenue. Rather than pay hefty acquisition fees only to stream films, they could also experiment with turning out films by partnering with movie producers. This could provide streaming platforms a chance to come out with more niche, mid-budget experimental films to be taken to cinemas first, with adequate promotions and marketing. F1: The Movie, an Apple Original Film, became Apple Studios' highest-grossing theatrical release globally, since its release this June. The film earned an unexpected ₹87.64 crore in India. Prime Video has been co-producing Indian films such as Ram Setu and Bad Newz, which premiered in the theatres before streaming on the service. With Amazon MGM Studios, the company is producing original movies and taking them to theatres, having announced Anurag Kashyap-directed Nishaanchi for a 19 September theatrical release. Bengali streaming service hoichoi too has ventured into films. 'A good theatrical film can create a tangible brand for OTT platforms, and it is in their favour to support its release in cinemas… plus they will be able to attract bigger talent since every director and actor aspires for his film to go on the big screen," independent exhibitor Vishek Chauhan said. Chauhan added that theatres are no competition for streaming platforms and the perfect way to create hype around a film and monetize it. New syntax 'OTTs, however, are likely to act as independent and arthouse studios and push the envelope when it comes to backing brave content and voices in theatres. Their push could give a new language and syntax to commercial cinema," Chauhan said. In an earlier interview with Mint, Soumya Mukherjee, chief operating officer of hoichoi, said the company is exploring the business of intellectual property ownership for better revenue, and big films anyway always do well on the platform. So, it makes sense to back a film right from the beginning that can eventually stream on the service. 'The fact that the buzz around theatrical release helps the prospects of the film is one of the core reasons (for our foray into theatrical productions)," Mukherjee had said. A senior executive at a streaming platform who did not wish to be identified added that several filmmakers not looking to make typical, commercial films have been concerned about securing theatrical releases over the past few months. 'The space for experimental, mid-budget titles not featuring the biggest stars, seems to be shrinking. In that sense, creators can benefit from the backing of streaming platforms whose sensibilities align with such content and who will at least ensure the movie makes it to cinemas," the person added. Experts pointed out that streaming platforms come with a different set of strengths. They have direct access to audience data – what kind of films are being watched, by whom, in which cities and even at what time. This helps them make more informed decisions when choosing which films to back for theatres. Digital advantage 'OTT platforms are more flexible and tech capable. They can test trailers online, run targeted digital campaigns and even use influencers or social trends to build buzz around a film," said Charu Malhotra, managing director and co-founder, Primus Partners, a management consultancy firm. 'They also understand how to get the most value out of content. If a film goes to theatres first, the platform can then use behind-the-scenes content, cast interviews or fan discussions to keep the buzz alive for its digital release." Malhotra pointed out OTTs also have the advantage of global reach. A film backed by an OTT can reach the Indian diaspora abroad more is a recent example. Even though it was not an OTT release, its post-theatrical run on Netflix gave it global fame. Not that it's going to be easy for video streaming platforms. India is a unique and diverse market, with multiple languages, regions and viewing habits. This makes theatrical distribution challenging. Studios and producers need to deal with varying ticket prices, regional cinema chains and even different festival dates, besides a close-knit, relationship-driven industry. Many global entertainment companies have refrained from active investment and their movie production operations are more or less defunct. In 2016, Walt Disney pulled the plug on its Hindi film production, UTV Motion Pictures. Sony Pictures International Productions remains cautious with few, modestly budgeted titles spread out over months. Warner Bros has no local production arm even though it distributes US films in the country. 'One more challenge is that many of the OTT originals made today, such as drama series or small-budget social stories, don't always have the appeal needed to pull people into theatres. Indian audiences often go to theatres for the experience, especially for films with big stars, action or emotion-heavy stories," Malhotra said, adding that things are, however, changing. Mid-sized films likeKantara andSaiyyara, with no major stars, have emerged as massive hits purely because of word of mouth. These are the kinds of stories that OTT platforms can spot early using their viewer data, Malhotra added.
Hans India
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
India on path to become Vishwa Guru again: Uttarakhand CM
Tirupati: Odisha Governor Dr Kambhampati Haribabu and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami jointly inaugurated the newly constructed Sri Swaminarayan Tradition Akshara Purushottama Mandir at the Heritage Corridor of National Sanskrit University (NSU), Tirupati. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami explained the profound greatness of Sanatan Dharma, stating that human life is fundamentally rooted in Dharma. He highlighted Sanskrit as the foundational language of Dharma and a vital part of India's vast and ancient knowledge systems. Dhami noted that the Government of India was making significant efforts to reestablish India as a 'Vishwa Guru', a global spiritual and intellectual leader. Governor Haribabu echoed these sentiments, describing Sanskrit as a living legacy that continues to guide humanity. He underlined the scientific knowledge embedded in Sanskrit texts, referencing examples such as the construction of Ram Setu, Brahmastra, and Pashupatastra as evidence of its advanced intellectual and scientific depth. He further pointed out that Paninian grammar is highly relevant to modern computational linguistics and artificial intelligence. The Governor also mentioned the wealth of knowledge in Sanskrit texts related to architecture and Vastu Shastra, urging everyone to study the language deeply and embrace its wisdom. Vice-Chancellor Prof GSR Krishna Murthy detailed the university's initiatives in promoting Sanskrit and shared updates on ongoing academic and cultural activities. Mahamahopadhyaya Sadhu Bhadreshdas Swami, President of Akshara Purushottam Dham, New Delhi, also addressed the gathering, offering spiritual insights and extending blessings on the occasion. Other dignitaries present included Registrar K Venkata Narayana Rao, SV Vedic University Vice-Chancellor Prof Rani Sadasiva Murthy, Prof K Ganapathibhat, Saurav Pandey, Dr Gyanaranjan Panda, Vinay K Ruhella, Prof V Ramesh Babu, and Dr Kanapala Kumar, along with deans, faculty members, and students of the university.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ajay Devgn and box office clashes: Some hits and some misses
Son of Sardaar 2's release was postponed due to Saiyaara's success, a common Bollywood tactic. Ajay Devgn, known for box office clashes, has faced mixed results over the years, sometimes winning big, sometimes falling short. The shift indicates strategic thinking in a changing industry where content can disrupt star power. When the makers of Son of Sardaar 2 recently announced the film's release had been pushed by a week—from July 25 to August 1—industry watchers were quick to point fingers at the stunning box office performance of Mohit Suri's Saiyaara. Trade exper Taran Adarsh while announcing the postponment on social media called it a 'Wise Decision'. The romantic drama, featuring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, raked in a whopping Rs 83 crore over its opening weekend, surprising trade experts and reshaping release calendars. This move — to avoid clashing with a film riding high on word-of-mouth and strong weekend numbers — is not new to Bollywood, especially in recent times. Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha was similarly shifted from its initial release window to avoid competing with the juggernaut that was Nag Ashwin 's Kalki 2898 AD, which starred Prabhas and continued dominating the box office for weeks. With Saiyaara now threatening to follow the same path, it's no wonder that Son of Sardaar 2 opted for another date and this time he would be clashing with Karan Johar backed film Dhadak which is led by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri. This will be the second time Ajay and Karan would be clashing, first being Shivaay and Ae Dil Hai Muskhil. But what makes this story more interesting is that the man at the centre of Son of Sardaar 2 — Ajay Devgn — is no stranger to box office clashes. Over the years, he has stood toe-to-toe with some of Bollywood's biggest stars and films, and more often than not, he's emerged victorious or at least held his ground. A deep dive into his past clashes reveals a fascinating pattern of risk-taking, mixed results, and surprising resilience. The Clashes Through the Years: Ajay Devgn vs The Box Office Odds 2022: Thank God vs Ram Setu Ajay Devgn's Diwali comedy Thank God went up against Akshay Kumar 's Ram Setu. The result? Ram Setu took the lead with Rs 74.7 crore, while Thank God managed Rs 36.35 crore. 2022: Runway 34 vs Heropanti 2 This was a rare example where Devgn's directorial gamble Runway 34 (Rs 35.49 crore) outperformed Tiger Shroff's action sequel Heropanti 2 (Rs 21.5 crore), proving that solid storytelling can still pull through over formulaic stunts. 2020: Tanhaji vs Chhapaak Perhaps the most resounding example of Devgn's box office dominance came with Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, which crushed Deepika Padukone 's Chhapaak. While Chhapaak closed at Rs 34.93 crore, Tanhaji stormed past with Rs 279.59 crore, becoming one of the biggest hits of that year. 2017: Golmaal Again vs Secret Superstar During Diwali 2017, Golmaal Again (Rs 205.69 crore) clashed with Aamir Khan-backed Secret Superstar (Rs 63.4 crore). Though the latter was appreciated critically, the box office numbers told a different story. Devgn's mass entertainer comfortably dominated. 2017: Baadshaho vs Shubh Mangal Saavdhan This clash was closer than expected. Baadshaho managed Rs 78 crore, while Ayushmann Khurrana 's Shubh Mangal Saavdhan earned Rs 42.79 crore. Devgn's star power kept him ahead, although the latter received better reviews. 2016: Shivaay vs Ae Dil Hai Mushkil The Ajay Devgn-Karan Johar Diwali duel became infamous for its off-screen drama as much as its box office showdown. Shivaay earned Rs100.45 crore — a commendable figure — but it was Ae Dil Hai Mushkil that had the edge with Rs 113.19 crore, thanks to its music and youth appeal. 2012: Son of Sardaar vs Jab Tak Hai Jaan This was another explosive Diwali face-off — Devgn's Son of Sardaar clashed with Yash Chopra's swan song Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Despite the odds, Son of Sardaar collected a solid Rs 105.10 crore against JTHJ's Rs 120.87 crore, holding its own and winning big in single screens. 2011: Rascals vs Love Breakups Zindagi A relatively easier contest. Devgn's Rascals managed Rs 32.6 crore, while Love Breakups Zindagi fizzled out with just Rs 2.25 crore. 2010: Aakrosh vs Knock Out In a clash of thrillers, Aakrosh (Rs 13.64 crore) led Knock Out (Rs 6.24 crore). Neither was a hit, but Devgn's film fared better. 2010: Golmaal 3 vs Action Replayy The Diwali weekend once again favoured Devgn. Golmaal 3 (Rs 106.64 crore) emerged a superhit while Akshay Kumar's Action Replayy faltered with Rs 29 crore. 2010: Toonpur Ka Superhero vs Tees Maar Khan Even in this quirky clash, Tees Maar Khan dominated with Rs 60.96 crore, while Toonpur Ka Superhero struggled at Rs 3.5 crore. 2009: All the Best vs Blue / Main Aur Mrs. Khanna A triple Diwali clash in 2009 turned out surprisingly well for Ajay. All The Best earned Rs 41.41 crore, surpassing the big-budget Blue (Rs 38.65 crore) and demolishing Main Aur Mrs. Khanna (Rs 7.40 crore). Ajay Devgn, just like most actors, has had a long and checkered history with clashes — sometimes winning spectacularly (Tanhaji, Golmaal Again), sometimes just falling short ( Shivaay). But what stands out is his consistent willingness to compete head-on. Rarely has he moved away from a clash, which makes the delay of Son of Sardaar 2 notable. Ajay Devgn may be one of Bollywood's most seasoned warriors when it comes to box office clashes, but the rise of unexpected competitors like Saiyaara shows how the industry is evolving. In today's market, where content and music-driven youth films can disrupt traditional star power, even veterans like Devgn must choose their battles carefully. The decision to shift Son of Sardaar 2 is not a sign of weakness — it's a mark of strategic thinking in an unpredictable box office era. And if history is anything to go by, expect Devgn to bounce back — solo release or not — with the same grit and gusto that's defined his 30-year career.
Pink Villa
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Who is Satyadev? Telugu actor who worked with Akshay Kumar and is playing a crucial role in Vijay Deverakonda's Kingdom
Vijay Deverakonda starrer Kingdom is slated to release on July 31, 2025. Ahead of the film hitting the big screens, the makers announced that actor Satyadev is playing the crucial role of Vijay's elder brother. But do you know who he is? Let's dive into the details. Who is Satyadev? Satyadev is an Indian actor who predominantly works in the Telugu film industry. He was born on July 4, 1989, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and graduated in Computer Science Engineering. After his education, the actor made his debut in Telugu cinema with the Prabhas starrer Mr Perfect in 2011. He went on to play several minor roles in films such as Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu and Attarintiki Daredi, following a minor role in a romantic drama. After playing the co-lead in Maine Pyar Kiya (2014), he became part of movies like Jyothi Lakshmi, Adivi Sesh-led Kshanam, and many more. Later on, Satyadev made his debut in Hindi with the bilingual film Ghazi, the war actioner, written and directed by Sankalp Reddy. Over the years, Satyadev played several roles as the lead or the main antagonist. Among them, he made the movie Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya, the Telugu remake of Fahadh Faasil starrer Maheshinte Prathikaram. Critics lauded the actor's empathetic portrayal in the remake, noting that it honored the original. In the 2020s, Satyadev delivered a stellar performance in the ensemble cast of Godfather, the Lucifer remake. He played the main antagonist opposite Megastar Chiranjeevi, a role originally portrayed by Vivek Oberoi. In 2022, the actor appeared alongside Akshay Kumar in the movie Ram Setu, playing the role of Anjaneyan Pushpakumaran, Lord Hanuman in a human disguise. Satyadev's personal life and upcoming movie Satyadev used to work as a Virtual Design Architect in corporate companies, even while playing minor roles in films. However, in 2016, the actor decided to quit his job and become a full-time actor in cinema. Talking about Ram Setu star's personal life, Satyadev is married to Deepika. Both of them are also parents to a son named Savarnik, born in 2020. Coming to his next film, Satyadev will be appearing in a crucial role in Kingdom. The Gowtam Tinnanuri directorial is a spy actioner with the actor playing a character named Siva.
