Latest news with #SankranthikiVasthunam
Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
The rise of small-town stories on OTT: Grassroots-themed shows are proving to be cost-effective, culturally rich
Much like the wave that took over Bollywood around the early 2010s, when movie plotlines shifted to small towns, original shows on video-streaming platforms too are being set in tier-two and tier-three locations. The trend may have started with shows such as Panchayat in April 2020. Now, it has spread as makers take shows to small, remote parts of the country, whether it is Punjab in Kohrra or the northeast in the latest season of Paatal Lok, cashing in on local dialects and talent. While the common perception is that OTT is an upmarket, metro phenomenon with limited viewership in smaller towns, executives said that in the effort to widen audience reach, writers and makers are setting stories in the hinterland, which makes it cost-effective to put together and allows for new faces and real locations. Even metro audiences increasingly seek rooted stories from beyond the cities. 'Culturally relevant storytelling helps audiences connect with their roots and see their lived realities on screen, which fosters deeper engagement," said Raghavendra Hunsur, chief content officer of ZEEL. Also Read | Regional OTTs bank on native loyalty as viewership lags behind foreign players While the metros account for a significant portion of OTT consumption, there's been a notable and steady rise in viewership in tier-two and tier-three cities, with a major portion of ZEE5's audience from these regions, Hunsur added, noting that such stories increasingly resonate with urban audiences as well. 'The emotional depth, sociocultural nuance, and grounded storytelling offer a refreshing break from the gloss of typical urban narratives," he pointed out. Titles such as Aindham Vedham, Sankranthiki Vasthunam, Ayyana Mane, Vikkatakavi: The Chronicles of Amaragiri and Bhaiyyaji are prime examples of stories set in small-town India streaming on ZEE5. Nostalgia, depth In the fast-paced urban life, stories set in small towns or rural settings bring a sense of nostalgia and depth, agreed Nitin Gupta, chief content officer at Chaupal, a platform specialising in Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri content. The service's titles such as Shikaari and Zila Sangrur have drawn viewers with their raw portrayal of village life and culture. The upcoming Sarpanchi 2 and Shahi Majra 2 are built on the success of their first seasons. The early adopters for any medium, including OTT platforms, tend to come from larger cities, according to Arpit Mankar, head of non-Bollywood category at Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd. However, as these platforms expand, smaller towns catch up. 'We have seen this trend across Pay TV, FM radio, and even YouTube. This shift naturally drives a demand for more authentic, culturally resonant narratives that cater to a broader audience base," Mankar said. Also Read | Smaller OTT platforms cash in on regional movie acquisitions as bigger players go slow; build on originals He added that as a result, small-town stories have become a critical part of content strategy. They offer a chance to connect with diverse audiences by capturing the humour, aspirations, and unique struggles of everyday India. These stories resonate with audiences by reflecting local traditions and the universal experiences of small-town life. While metro-centric content is getting increasingly repetitive, looking and sounding the same, regional tales find more draw from the fact that many viewers who live in big cities come from smaller towns, producer and director Hemal A Thakkar said. 'OTTs are also looking to cater to the lowest common denominator now, which are not urban viewers. The stories have to be accessible to all," said filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra, who directed the Netflix original Maharaj set in pre-Independence Bombay. Malhotra pointed to the success of rooted tales even on the big screen, be it Lapataa Ladies or films made in southern languages. A wider lens "The shift was long overdue. Audiences in smaller towns were always there—what was missing were stories that reflected their lives with honesty. As platforms began to realise that relatability often outshines gloss, the storytelling lens naturally widened," said Dhruvin Shah, founder and CEO of JOJO, a Gujarati-language platform. Platform executives and content creators emphasised that the metros are not the only OTT market anymore. Also Read | Overseas markets emerge as big opportunity for local streaming platforms as diaspora seeks more regional content Charu Malhotra, co-founder and managing director of Primus Partners, said from a production point of view, smaller towns offer lower costs, whether it is rentals, permits or crew accommodation. There is also a growing talent pool in these regions: actors, technicians and writers who understand the local texture better than anyone else. 'Beyond cost, there's a richness in talent that's often untapped. By working with local talent, we not only control budgets but also nurture a sustainable creative ecosystem. It's not just about saving money, it's about investing in grassroots storytelling, which in turn feeds the larger vision of creating inclusive, pan-Indian OTT content," said Kaushik Das, founder and CEO of AAO NXT, an Odia-language OTT platform.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Mega 157': Nayanthara joins Chiranjeevi's film with Anil Ravipudi
Nayanthara has joined the cast of the upcoming movie starring Chiranjeevi. Tentatively titled Mega 157, the Telugu movie will be directed by Anil Ravipudi. Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela will produce the movie under the banners Shine Screens and Goldbox Entertainment respectively. The makers announced Nayanthara's casting with a video. In the video, Nayanthara is seen speaking in Telugu as she gets ready and travels to meet Ravipudi. On her way, she listens to a famous number from a Chiranjeevi movie in the car. Later, the actor is seen being very impressed with the script of Mega 157. The video ends with Nayanthara meeting Ravipudi and confirming her role in the movie. She's fierce, She's fabulous and She's everyone's favourite ❤️🔥 Welcoming on board #Nayanthara to light up the screens once again with Megastar @KChiruTweets 💥 — Get ready for another BLOCKBUSTER ENTERTAINER from Hit Machine @AnilRavipudi 😍#ChiruAnil… — Shine Screens (@Shine_Screens) May 17, 2025 Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara previously acted together in Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) and Godfather (2022). Meanwhile, Ravipudi last directed Sankranthiki Vasthunam, the blockbuster Telugu movie starring Venkatesh, Meenakshi Chaudhary and Aishwarya Rajesh. The movie, which hit the screens on January 14, 2025, collected close to ₹300 crore at the box office. ALSO READ:'Mega 157': Chiranjeevi's next with Anil Ravipudi launched; Venkatesh Daggubati sounds the clapboard Chiranjeevi was last seen in Bhola Shankar, directed by Meher Ramesh. The film was a remake of the 2015 Tamil movie Vedalam, starring Ajith Kumar. Nayanthara was recently seen in the Netflix original Test, also starring Siddharth, R Madhavan and Meera Jasmine.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Nayanthara joins Chiranjeevi for Anil Ravipudi directorial 'Mega157', Set for Sankranti 2026 release
Megastar Chiranjeevi has joined hands with 'Sankranthiki Vasthunam' director Anil Ravipudi for the movie tentatively titled ' Mega157 '. he makers officially announced the female lead of the film, who is also Lady Superstar, Nayanthara . The announcement was made in a lively and engaging video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the film's team. The clip shows Nayanthara connecting with her Telugu-speaking staff, enjoying some of Chiranjeevi's evergreen songs during a car ride, and going through her script with enthusiasm. She even recreates one of Chiranjeevi's iconic dialogues, all while flashing her signature cheerful smile. The video ends with director Anil Ravipudi joining her to make the news official. — Shine_Screens (@Shine_Screens) Sharing the video they wrote, "An actress who effortlessly charms the masses and enchants the classes The ever graceful queen, #Nayanthara joins the journey of #Mega157 Witness her elegance and emotion on the big screen alongside Megastar @KChiruTweets in an @AnilRavipudi Entertainer #ChiruAnil SANKRANTHI 2026 –రఫ్ఫాడించేద్దాం" by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo This film marks Nayanthara's third film with Chiranjeevi, following her memorable roles in 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy' and 'Godfather'. Expressing his joy, Chiranjeevi on X wrote, "Welcome back for the hatrick film #Nayanthara! Glad to have you on board for our #Mega157 journey with @anilravipudi. SANKRANTHI 2026 రఫ్ఫాడించేద్దాం" Fans of both stars are thrilled to see this pairing come alive once again, especially under the direction of Anil Ravipudi, who is known for his unique blend of After the success of Sankranthiki Vasthunam, expectations are high from the director that 'Mega157' will carry the same entertaining humour, emotion, and mass appeal. The makers have confirmed that the shooting of 'Mega157' will commence very soon. The film is slated for a Sankranti 2026 release, a festive period that often witnesses big blockbuster launches in Telugu cinema. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Will Dhanashree Verma make her acting debut with a dance-themed Telugu film? Here's what we know
Choreographer Dhanashree Verma is reportedly making her acting debut soon in an upcoming Telugu film , ' Akasam Daati Vastaava '. The movie is being positioned as a dance-focused narrative and is produced by Dil Raju , known for backing hit films in the South such as 'Sankranthiki Vasthunam', 'Varisu', and 'HIT: The First Case'. According to The Hollywood Reporter India, the movie is directed by Sri Sasi Kumar, and the full cast is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. 03:03 DHANASHREE VERMA SPOTTED AT AIRPORT ARRIVAL Dhanashree herself shared a series of pictures from the sets of the film a few days ago. The photo dump featured behind-the-scenes moments and her visit to several temples. She captioned the post, 'And it's a wrap 🎥🎞️🔥🔥🔥 My first film, my special one — and this one's for you, Hyderabad 🤙🏻 The feeling of completing your first film HITS DIFFERENT 🔥 So pumped, excited & nervous. Had the best time with my super team & Dil Raju Productions. See you in the theatres 🎞️ God's Plan 🧿.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How To Write Faster for Work (Find Out Now) Grammarly Learn More Undo check out the post here: Insider sources indicate that renowned choreographer Yashwanthkumar Jeevakuntala has been roped in to play the male lead, while Malayalam actress Karthika Muralidharan will take on a significant role. Portions of the film featuring Dhanashree have already been shot in Mumbai, with the remaining sequences completed in Hyderabad. Dhanashree gained widespread recognition through her vibrant and energetic dance videos on YouTube and Instagram. Known for seamlessly fusing classical Indian dance with contemporary flair, her performances have garnered a massive online following and frequent collaborations with celebrities. She married Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal in December 2020. The couple parted ways earlier this year, with their divorce being finalised in March 2025. Best Hindi Movies | Best Tamil Movies | Best Telugu Movies | Best english Movies | Best Malayalam Movies |
India Today
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Dhanashree Verma to make her acting debut with dance-centric Telugu film
Dhanashree Verma is all set to step into the world of acting with her debut in the Telugu film 'Akasam Daati Vastaava'. Touted to be a dance-centric project, the film is backed by acclaimed producer Dil Raju, known for delivering South Indian hits like 'Sankranthiki Vasthunam', 'Varisu', and 'HIT: The First Case'.Directed by Sri Sasi Kumar, 'Akasam Daati Vastaava' features a fresh ensemble cast, details of which are expected to be announced soon, according to The Hollywood Reporter reports suggested that choreographer Yash will play the lead role, while Malayalam actor Karthika Muralidharan is set to appear in a pivotal role. Sources also revealed that Dhanashree has already shot portions of the film in Mumbai, with the remaining sequences filmed in Hyderabad. Born and raised in Mumbai, Dhanashree holds a degree in dentistry. While pursuing a career in the medical field, her passion for dance led her to train under the legendary choreographer Shiamak Davar. She eventually went on to establish her own dance academy, the Dhanashree Verma rose to prominence through her dynamic dance videos on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where she is known for blending traditional Indian dance forms with modern styles. Her high-energy performances and collaborations with popular celebrities have further boosted her popularity the personal front, Dhanashree married Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal on December 22, 2020. However, it was reportedly in February 2025 that the couple filed for divorce, which was finalised in March Reel
