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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rasa Movie Review: Experimental but engaging, this film is a delectably made thriller
Story: A talented young chef gets the opportunity to train under a celebrated yet enigmatic chef, Anant, but soon uncovers a dark secret and twisted practices behind his culinary magic. Review: An Indian independent film releasing in theaters in the current scenario is pleasantly surprising. 'Rasa,' an experimental thriller directed by Angith Jayaraj and Preetish Jayaraj , stands out with its well-written plot. While the visual treatment and production values are strictly budget-bound, the concept of Rasa manages to keep the viewer hooked until its somewhat literary—rather than cinematic—conclusion. A young chef, Varun ( Rishi Bissa ), is dealing with personal trauma while working a dead-end job at a small restaurant. Despite having studied at a top culinary school in France, he has lost interest in pursuing his career, burdened by his father's suicide and massive student loans. He stumbles upon an opportunity to compete for a chance to assist the enigmatic, storied Chef Ananta ( Shishir Sharma ), whose exclusive meal invites are priced in lakhs and seem to work wonders on his guests. He wins the contest. The mysterious Ananta declares that he will be his chosen successor, but Varun must prove himself with a meal that 'surprises' the veteran chef. Varun soon finds himself in a remote, verdant spot where a concrete fortress-like structure houses 'Ananta'—the restaurant that promises to evoke the emotion (rasa) of bliss. Inside, he encounters a strange setup: prep chefs that function like mute robots and a chirpy procurement manager ( Vishishtha Chawla ) whom he befriends. As the days go by, meeting Ananta's exacting standards proves nearly impossible. The chef also confides a dark secret about his magical ability to mesmerise through food. As Ananta begins crafting his final tasting menu infused with various emotions, Varun uncovers stranger and more sinister aspects of his mentor. The story culminates in an imperfect climax, suggesting that magical and mystical experiences may not always lead to happy endings. This film is a spirited venture from three artistic collaborators—Rutuja Patil, Angith Jayaraj, and Preetish Jayaraj—who also take on production, costume, and other key roles. Veteran actor Shishir Sharma lends gravitas and intensity to the film, delivering lines that border on the outlandish with finesse. Bissa and Chawla make confident debuts. While the acting anchors the narrative, the story is solid enough to warrant a suspension of disbelief. The cooking, prep, and tasting sequences are handled effectively, which is no small feat given the cinematic legacy of chef-based films. A post-viewing analysis will likely uncover two major plot flaws, but such imperfections are common in Indian cinema, regardless of scale or budget. What stands out is the film's ability to root itself in the original Indian idea of Rasas dictating life choices, explored in a contemporary frame. Themes like a near-depressed Varun dealing with personal loss and debt make it relatable, while breezy dialogues help balance the sombre tone. A shorter runtime and tighter pacing could have improved its overall impact. 'Rasa' is a commendable attempt at a concept-driven feature that breaks away from the formulaic. It may not be visually dazzling or packed with stylised elements or songs, but it leans on the strength of storytelling, a haunting background score, and strong performances. Above all, it's an acquired taste—but one worth sampling.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Kacholia, SRK-backed Sri Lotus IPO sets price band: All you should know
Shri Lotus Developers IPO: Shri Lotus Developers and Realty, a real estate developer backed by several Bollywood celebrities and ace investor Ashish Kacholia, has set the price band of its maiden public issue in the range of ₹140 to ₹150 per equity share. The company aims to raise ₹792 crore through a fresh issue of 52.8 million equity shares. There is no offer for sale (OFS) component. The lot size for an application is 100. Accordingly, a retail investor would require a minimum investment amount of ₹15,000 to bid for one lot or 100 shares. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), the company has reserved not more than 50 per cent of the issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), 35 per cent for retail investors and 15 per cent for non-institutional investors (NIIs). Kfintech Technologies is the registrar for the issue. Monarch Networth Capital and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors are the book-running lead managers. According to the RHP, the issue will open for subscription on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, and close on Friday, August 1, 2025. The anchor investor period shall be one day prior to the opening date, i.e. Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The basis of allotment of shares is likely to be finalised on Monday, August 4, 2025. The stock will be listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE, tentatively on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The company plans to use ₹550 crore from the net issue proceeds for investment in subsidiaries Richfeel Real Estate, Dhyan Projects and Tryksha Real Estate for part-funding development and construction costs of ongoing projects like Amalfi, The Arcadian and Varun, respectively. The remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes. The company is backed by several Bollywood celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Hritik Roshan, Tiger Jackie Shroff, Manoj Vajpayee, and more are also part of the shareholders list of the company, as shown in the RHP. In December 2024, the company raised around ₹400 crore through a private placement of 26.61 million shares at ₹150 per share. Investor Ashish Kacholia had also purchased 3.3 million shares for ₹50 crore. About Sri Lotus Developers Mumbai-based Sri Lotus Developers is involved in the development of residential and commercial premises, with a focus in redevelopment projects in the ultra luxury segment and luxury segment in the western suburbs. It is led by promoter Anand Kamalnayan Pandit. The company classifies its projects into three main categories, including Greenfield Projects, Redevelopment Projects and Joint Development Projects. It specialises in high-end developments, including 2BHK and 3BHK flats priced between Rs 3 crore and Rs 7 crore, as well as larger units and premium office spaces. In the fiscal 2024-25 (FY25), Sri Lotus reported a revenue from operations of ₹549.68 crore, up 19 per cent from ₹461.57 crore in the previous fiscal. The company's net profit increased 90 per cent to ₹227.8 crore in FY25 from ₹119.8 crore in FY24. It reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) of ₹228.96 crore, up 82 per cent from ₹158.5 crore in the previous fiscal. Ebitda margins expanded from 34.35 per cent to 52.57 per cent in the same period.
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Upcoming IPO: Sri Lotus Developers IPO opens on July 30; price band set at ₹140-150 apiece
Sri Lotus Developers IPO price band has been fixed in the range of ₹ 140 to ₹ 150 per equity share of the face value of Re 1. The Sri Lotus Developers IPO date of subscription is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30 and will close on Friday, August 1. The allocation to anchor investors for the Sri Lotus Developers IPO is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 29. The Sri Lotus Developers IPO lot size is 100 equity shares and in multiples of 100 equity shares thereafter. Sri Lotus Developers IPO has reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer is reserved for retail investors. Tentatively, Sri Lotus Developers IPO basis of allotment of shares will be finalised on Monday, August 4 and the company will initiate refunds on Tuesday, August 5 while the shares will be credited to the demat account of allottees on the same day following refund. Sri Lotus Developers share price is likely to be listed on BSE and NSE on Wednesday, August 6. Sri Lotus Developers IPO consists entirely of a new issue, with the goal of raising ₹ 792 crore. Out of the total amount raised, ₹ 550 crore will be directed toward its subsidiaries—Richfeel Real Estate Private Limited, Dhyan Projects Private Limited, and Tryksha Real Estate Private Limited—to partly finance the development and construction expenses of ongoing projects: Amalfi, The Arcadian, and Varun, respectively. The lead managers for the issue are Monarch Networth Capital and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors. Sri Lotus Developers, located in Mumbai, is a real estate company that focuses on both residential and commercial property development, particularly in the realm of redevelopment projects targeting the ultra-luxury and luxury markets within Mumbai's western suburbs. As of June 30, 2025, the firm has successfully developed a cumulative area of 0.93 million square feet encompassing both residential and commercial initiatives. As per red herring prospectus (RHP), Arkade Developers Ltd (with a P/E of 22.03), Keystone Realtors Ltd (with a P/E of 48.18), Suraj Estate Developers Ltd (with a P/E of 14.91), Sunteck Realty Ltd (with a P/E 43.26), Mahindra Lifespaces Ltd (with a P/E of 91.43), and Hubtown Ltd (with a P/E of 68.20). In the financial year 2025, Sri Lotus Developers recorded a revenue of ₹ 549.68 crore, an increase from ₹ 461.58 crore in the prior year. The net profit skyrocketed to ₹ 227.89 crore, up from ₹ 119.81 crore the previous year. As of FY25, the company's total debt was reported at ₹ 122.13 crore. Sri Lotus Developers and Realty boasts a remarkable lineup of pre-IPO investors, featuring Bollywood legends such as Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and prominent investor Ashish Kacholia. The company's IPO is set with a price range of ₹ 140-150 per share, matching the price from its private placement round in November 2024 when it secured ₹ 400 crore. During that round, shares were allocated at ₹ 150 each to 118 investors, which is the same as the upper limit of the IPO price range.
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Upcoming IPO: Sri Lotus Developers IPO opens on July 30; price band set at ₹140-150 apiece
Sri Lotus Developers IPO price band has been fixed in the range of ₹ 140 to ₹ 150 per equity share of the face value of Re 1. The Sri Lotus Developers IPO date of subscription is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30 and will close on Friday, August 1. The allocation to anchor investors for the Sri Lotus Developers IPO is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, July 29. The Sri Lotus Developers IPO lot size is 100 equity shares and in multiples of 100 equity shares thereafter. Sri Lotus Developers IPO has reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer is reserved for retail investors. Tentatively, Sri Lotus Developers IPO basis of allotment of shares will be finalised on Monday, August 4 and the company will initiate refunds on Tuesday, August 5 while the shares will be credited to the demat account of allottees on the same day following refund. Sri Lotus Developers share price is likely to be listed on BSE and NSE on Wednesday, August 6. Sri Lotus Developers IPO consists entirely of a new issue, with the goal of raising ₹ 792 crore. Out of the total amount raised, ₹ 550 crore will be directed toward its subsidiaries—Richfeel Real Estate Private Limited, Dhyan Projects Private Limited, and Tryksha Real Estate Private Limited—to partly finance the development and construction expenses of ongoing projects: Amalfi, The Arcadian, and Varun, respectively. The lead managers for the issue are Monarch Networth Capital and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Varun Badola on playing an alcoholic, unreliable father in Itti Si Khushi; says ‘I had to first forgive the character to play him on screen'
Actor Varun Badola is all set to make a powerful impact with his upcoming show Itti Si Khushi, even before its official launch. The recently released promo of the show has already struck a chord with viewers and industry peers for its sensitive portrayal of resilience and emotional complexities within a broken family. In Itti Si Khushi, Varun plays Suhas Divekar—a character that challenges the usual image of a father. Suhas is charming yet unreliable, loving yet emotionally absent. He drowns his guilt and pain in alcohol, complicating his relationships with his family. It's this deeply flawed but relatable character that intrigued Varun and tested his skills as an actor. Opening up about his process of portraying Suhas, Varun shared, 'If Suhas had been a straightforward character, just an alcoholic and good-for-nothing, it would've been easier to understand and portray. It's very easy to make such a character look like a villain. But the brief I received was very clear: no matter what he does or how he behaves, Suhas must remain lovable. That's where the complexity lies, and that's what made it so exciting. ' He further added, 'One wrong step and Suhas could easily come across as negative. To keep him endearing, you have to accept him as he is. And as an actor, somewhere deep inside, I had to forgive him first to play his character onscreen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo That's not easy.' Revealing the emotional struggle behind playing Suhas, Varun admitted, 'With every scene I read, there were moments I found myself disliking him, questioning his choices. And honestly, out of all the shows I've done, this is probably one of the most challenging roles I've taken up.' Concluding his thoughts, Varun said, 'Suhas is a beautifully written character, and I truly hope I do justice to the role.'
