Category: Entertainment

In the middle of M. Night Shyamalan’s new thriller, Trap, a young girl gets the chance of a lifetime to dance onstage with her idol, a singer known as Lady Raven, portrayed by Shyamalan’s daughter Saleka. The girl is naturally nervous, but a stage manager reassures her, saying, “It’s not about being good; it’s about having fun!” This line also serves as advice for the audience, who may have certain expectations from a Shyamalan film—be it a chilling twist (The Sixth Sense), confusing plot elements (Lady in the Water), or something so absurd it becomes laughable (The Village). However, Trap invites viewers to enjoy the ride and laugh along with it rather than be frightened or confused.

Shyamalan himself described the film’s concept as “if The Silence of the Lambs happened at a Taylor Swift concert,” a terrifying scenario that also sounds like a dark joke, more likely to appear in a Batman comic than in real life. Consequently, Trap is more humorous than horrifying, with the plot shape-shifting between sinister and absurd—an approach that seems intentional. The movie doesn’t aim to be “good” in a traditional sense but rather aims to provide viewers with a wild and entertaining experience.

The film’s success largely hinges on Josh Hartnett’s performance. The actor, enjoying a resurgence in his career following his role in Oppenheimer last year, stars as Cooper, a father who takes his daughter Riley (played by Ariel Donoghue) to a Lady Raven concert. However, Cooper has a dark secret—he’s a serial killer known as “The Butcher,” a fact that’s only a surprise if you haven’t seen any of the film’s trailers. The concert is actually an elaborate trap set by authorities to capture Cooper, who must find a way to escape without arousing suspicion, especially from Riley. Hartnett shines as he navigates Cooper’s dual personas, moving seamlessly from an awkwardly affectionate father to a calm and calculated fugitive. As Cooper realizes the increasing difficulty of leaving the concert with his daughter, Hartnett infuses the character with subtle anxiety—his smiles become strained, his lies more convoluted, and his posture stiffens, enough for Riley to sense that something is wrong.

Hartnett’s portrayal is key to unlocking the film’s unique appeal. Trap may have its share of plot holes, but it’s far from mindless. Shyamalan skillfully balances tension and humor by keeping the story anchored in Cooper’s perspective. The film suggests that to a serial killer like Cooper, what most people see as normal is actually strange and perhaps even amusing. Cooper seems to relish the challenge of weaving through the arena, creating distractions that simultaneously delight him and disturb others, all while trying to navigate a crowd of concertgoers and law enforcement. His interactions with others are awkward and stilted, with strange pauses, as if he’s always one step ahead in a world that moves too slowly for him. The result is a film that’s oddly funny, right down to a mid-credits scene designed for laughs. Cooper’s ridiculous maneuvers in and out of restricted areas while returning to Riley are reminiscent of a heightened version of the restaurant scene in Mrs. Doubtfire, and the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways, each time revealing Shyamalan’s gleeful manipulation of the narrative.

Like Shyamalan’s recent work, Trap draws on everyday fears about parenting, embedding them in an otherwise outlandish story. Cooper’s psychopathy stems from a troubled relationship with his mother, yet he has managed to be a good father to Riley. At the concert, he’s frustrated that his identity as The Butcher threatens to spoil Riley’s fun, especially when she needed a break after being alienated by her friends. Trap explores the idea that while parents may know their children better than anyone else, they cannot always control what happens to them, protect them from harm, or avoid hurting them inadvertently. Despite the film’s efforts, this poignant message feels somewhat underdeveloped as the plot progresses. The tension surrounding whether Cooper will be caught overshadows the emotional weight of Riley’s strained relationship with her father.

Shyamalan once described his film Lady in the Water, which was a box office flop and widely panned by critics, as a kind of “jazz”—a chaotic mix of elements that doesn’t necessarily follow traditional narrative rules. This description also fits Trap, a film that embraces its disorderly nature, with offbeat, seemingly out-of-tune moments that might alienate viewers looking for a conventional horror movie. Yet, the film’s oddities come together to form a cohesive whole, and its peculiarities are strangely satisfying, especially at this stage in Shyamalan’s career. At its core, Trap is quintessentially Shyamalan—a film about a serial killer that ends up being endearingly ridiculous. Now, that’sa twist.

After months of elaborate pre-wedding festivities, Anant Ambani, son of India’s wealthiest individual, concluded his highly anticipated marriage to pharmaceutical heiress Radhika Merchant in a grand ceremony in Mumbai. The event drew a star-studded guest list that included global celebrities like Kim and Khloé Kardashian, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra, and former UK prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, alongside prominent figures from Indian entertainment, sports, business, and politics.

The Ambani family, known for their leadership of Reliance Industries, spared no expense for the occasion. The wedding took place at the Ambani-owned Jio World Convention Center, where roads were closed for a red-carpet arrival amidst Mumbai’s rain. Guests arrived dressed in elaborate traditional attire, setting potential trends in Indian wedding fashion. International attendees also adhered to the dress code, showcasing designs by renowned Indian fashion houses.

Inside the venue, transformed to resemble Varanasi, celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and John Cena were seen enjoying themselves, with videos circulating widely on social media showing the Ambani family joining Indian singer Daler Mehndi on stage. Anant arrived in a golden sherwani, later changing for the ceremony, while Radhika stunned in a meticulously crafted ensemble by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, adhering to Gujarati traditions with her attire changes throughout the event.

Nita Ambani, Anant’s mother, spoke of her inspiration drawn from Varanasi for the wedding’s theme, emphasizing its cultural and artisanal richness. Her own attire, a peach silk ghagra designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, symbolized the extensive craftsmanship involved in the wedding’s preparations.

The event, managed by renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra, remained secretive about details leading up to the wedding, generating widespread speculation and interest across social and traditional media platforms. Pre-wedding rituals included a star-studded sangeet featuring performances by Justin Bieber and a private haldi ceremony, both imbued with traditional significance.

Anant Ambani, a Brown University graduate and director at a Reliance-operated energy business, married Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical entrepreneurs Viren and Shaila Merchant. The wedding dates were chosen auspiciously according to Hindu tradition, reflecting meticulous planning and cultural adherence.

Criticism amidst awe surrounded the event’s opulence, with estimates placing costs in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Local residents expressed mixed feelings, highlighting economic benefits alongside concerns about ostentatious display of wealth in Mumbai, where local businesses reportedly thrived during the celebrations.

The festivities extended to the Ambani family’s residence, Antilia, culminating in a divine blessings ceremony and a reception themed “Indian chic,” marking the culmination of seven months of festivities. The wedding journey began with an engagement party followed by a communal dinner for villagers, a pre-wedding bash attended by global figures, and a Mediterranean cruise featuring performances by international artists.

Anant’s sister Isha’s wedding in 2018 similarly captivated global attention with its extravagant celebrations, reinforcing the Ambani family’s penchant for lavish events that blend tradition with international allure.

Jaya Prada, Bollywood actor will attend the event

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) has announced plans to host a ‘Star Awards Night,’ to celebrate excellence within the community. The event set to take place on Aug,16 at the Matrix Club in Naperville will also celebrate India’s Independence.

According to a release, ‘FIA Star Awards Night’ will recognize excellence across more than 19 categories, including Best Community Service Organization, Entrepreneur of the Decade, Community Leader of the Year, Best Medical Professional, Fashion Icon, and others.

In conjunction with the awards ceremony, this year’s event will also mark FIA’s grand celebration of India’s Independence Day. To commemorate the special occasion, Sparsh Shah, a talented singer, rapper, and Guinness World Record holder born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, will perform patriotic songs to open the event.
The organizers also announced that Jaya Prada, a renowned Bollywood star and multiple Filmfare Award winner will grace the event with her presence. Considered by many as the most beautiful face to grace Indian cinema, Jaya Prada left the film industry at the peak of her career, as she joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1994 and entered politics.

Sunil Shah, chairman and founder of FIA, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, “In our continued tradition of honoring the community leaders who selflessly serve us, we have added more categories to the awards list. For the first time, we will have two award-winning international celebrities flying specifically for this FIA event to Chicago, Sparsh Shah and Bollywood Celebrity Jaya Prada.”

Pratibha Jairath, president of FIA, said, “This will be a mega-event. The presence of our community members in Chicago at this prestigious event would be incredibly meaningful as we come together to honor those who have excelled in their respective fields and made a positive impact on our community.”

“With over four months of meticulous planning dedicated to selecting the award winners, this promises to be one of the most significant events Chicago lands has ever witnessed,” she added.

The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) is one of the oldest and largest non-profit grass-root umbrella organization. committed to promoting the cultural, social, and economic welfare of the Indian community in the United States. Through various events and initiatives, the organization strives to foster unity and celebrate the rich heritage of India.

Indo-American Arts Council & The Town Hall Present
a fusion of Bollywood glamour with classical Indian music on Saturday, July 20, 2024  at The Town Hall, NYC

The Bollywood & Beyond concept has been curated considering the two different types of music blending together and bringing the flavours of Indian music to the audiences. Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam will start the concert with her famous Bollywood numbers followed by Dr. Subramaniam performing his original fusion compositions which are based on Indian ragas and performed with Indian & western instruments. Towards the end, both Dr. Subramaniam and Kavita ji will collaborate for some fusion compositions with voice with some really interesting alaaps and trade offs.

Global violin icon Dr. L. Subramaniam and multi-platinum singer Kavita Krishnamurthi, towering figures in Indian and world fusion music, will headline Bollywood & Beyond at The Town Hall in New York City on Saturday, July 20, at 8:00pm.

This concert is a presentation of Town Hall and the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC). A soulful, expressive singer with a powerful voice, Kavita has long been a star playback singer in the Indian film industry, interpreting offscreen the songs that the on-screen actors later lip sync.

It is a demanding art, as the vocalist must account for the actions and emotions that drive the film’s entire musical storyline. She followed her first major Bollywood hit, “TumseMilkar Na Jaane Kyon,” from the Hindi film Pyaar Jhukta Nahin (1985), with two enormously popular songs from the movie Mr. India (1986).

After giving voice to heroines and leading ladies in countless hit films, by the 1990s, Kavita had become a major star. But success in playback singing did not limit her. Kavita has also performed with orchestras, sung ghazals, devotionals, and Hindi pop, collaborated with jazz, pop, and classical Western artists, and

explored global music fusion, most notably with her husband, Dr. L. Subramaniam.

Born in a musical family (both his parents were accomplished musicians), Dr. L. Subramaniam was a child prodigy who followed in the footsteps of his father, a distinguished Carnatic violinist. He studied with his father and performed his first concert when he was six. “My mother would play the veena (a stringed instrument) but was also a singer,” he recalled in an interview, “and it was my father’s dream to bring the violin to the fore and make it a solo instrument.

Till then, the violin, in Carnatic South Indian music, was primarily used as an accompaniment. I wanted to play like him and be like him because he was my guru, teacher, and father.” Before fully dedicating to music, he completed his studies as a medical doctor. (For good measure, he later got a Masters degree in Western Classical music at CalArts and a PhD. for his thesis on Raga Harmony from Jain University, Bangalore.)

Fulfilling his father’s dream, “which was to bring the violin to the world stages,” Dr. Subramaniam seemed to cross musical borders from the beginning of his music career. He brought the Carnatic tradition of South India to Western Classical music, most notably as a soloist and composer for orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic Orchestra (with a piece commissioned by Maestro Zubin Mehta), the Houston Symphony, and the Berlin State Opera.

“The idea here is not to make an orchestra play Indian music,” Dr. Subramaniam once explained. “But to create something where both Western and Indian musicians feel like they’re playing their own music while creating something unique. With this context, we combine elements of Carnatic music with parts of Western classical music, like harmony and counterpoint, to build something entirely original.”

He has written music for films, including Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, and Little Buddha, and ballet, including the Kirov Ballet and the Alvin Ailey Company. He also collaborated with Western jazz and pop musicians (including the late Beatle George Harrison, jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, and singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder), performed jugalbandis (classical music duets) with North Indian musicians, and explored global music fusion.

Backed by a seven-piece band comprising Indian and Western instruments, anchored by tabla player Tanmoy Bose, in Bollywood & Beyond Kavita Krishnamurti and Dr. Subramaniam will offer a program that will blend different types and genres of music, including Kavita’s Bollywood hits, Dr. Subramaniam’s original compositions based on Indian ragas and performed with Indian and Western instruments, and fusion-based duets. Bollywood & Beyond is a rare

opportunity to explore Indian music, from classical tradition to film music to global fusion, with two of its greatest stars.

A Rare Opportunity to Explore Indian Music with Two of its Greatest Stars, Global Violin Icon Dr. L. Subramaniam And Multi-Platinum Singer Kavita Krishnamurthi Accompanied By Tanmoy Bose (Tabla) And Full Ensemble

Global violin icon Dr. L. Subramaniam and multi-platinum singer Kavita Krishnamurthi, towering figures in Indian and world fusion music, will headline Bollywood & Beyond at The Town Hall in New York City on Saturday, July 20, at 8:00pm.

This concert is a presentation of Town Hall and the Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC). A soulful, expressive singer with a powerful voice, Kavita has long been a star playback singer in the Indian film industry, interpreting offscreen the songs that the on-screen actors later lip sync.

It is a demanding art, as the vocalist must account for the actions and emotions that drive the film’s entire musical storyline. She followed her first major Bollywood hit, “TumseMilkar Na Jaane Kyon,” from the Hindi film Pyaar Jhukta Nahin (1985), with two enormously popular songs from the movie Mr. India (1986).

After giving voice to heroines and leading ladies in countless hit films, by the 1990s, Kavita had become a major star. But success in playback singing did not limit her. Kavita has also performed with orchestras, sung ghazals, devotionals, and Hindi pop, collaborated with jazz, pop, and classical Western artists, and explored global music fusion, most notably with her husband, Dr. L. Subramaniam.

Born in a musical family (both his parents were accomplished musicians), Dr. L. Subramaniam was a child prodigy who followed in the footsteps of his father, a distinguished Carnatic violinist. He studied with his father and performed his first concert when he was six. “My mother would play the veena (a stringed instrument) but was also a singer,” he recalled in an interview, “and it was my father’s dream to bring the violin to the fore and make it a solo instrument.

Till then, the violin, in Carnatic South Indian music, was primarily used as an accompaniment. I wanted to play like him and be like him because he was my guru, teacher, and father.” Before fully dedicating to music, he completed his studies as a medical doctor. (For good measure, he later got a Masters degree in Western Classical music at CalArts and a PhD. for his thesis on Raga Harmony from Jain University, Bangalore.)

Fulfilling his father’s dream, “which was to bring the violin to the world stages,” Dr. Subramaniam seemed to cross musical borders from the beginning of his music career. He brought the Carnatic tradition of South India to Western Classical music, most notably as a soloist and composer for orchestras around the world, including the New York Philharmonic Orchestra (with a piece commissioned by Maestro Zubin Mehta), the Houston Symphony, and the Berlin State Opera.

“The idea here is not to make an orchestra play Indian music,” Dr. Subramaniam once explained. “But to create something where both Western and Indian musicians feel like they’re playing their own music while creating something unique. With this context, we combine elements of Carnatic music with parts of Western classical music, like harmony and counterpoint, to build something entirely original.”

He has written music for films, including Salaam Bombay!, Mississippi Masala, and Little Buddha, and ballet, including the Kirov Ballet and the Alvin Ailey Company. He also collaborated with Western jazz and pop musicians (including the late Beatle George Harrison, jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, and singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder), performed jugalbandis (classical music duets) with North Indian musicians, and explored global music fusion.

Backed by a seven-piece band comprising Indian and Western instruments, anchored by tabla player Tanmoy Bose, in Bollywood & Beyond Kavita Krishnamurti and Dr. Subramaniam will offer a program that will blend different types and genres of music, including Kavita’s Bollywood hits, Dr. Subramaniam’s original compositions based on Indian ragas and performed with Indian and Western instruments, and fusion-based duets. Bollywood & Beyond is a rare opportunity to explore Indian music, from classical tradition to film music to global fusion, with two of its greatest stars.

About Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC): The IAAC supports all the artistic disciplines in classical, fusion, folk and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India. We work cooperatively with colleagues around the U.S. to broaden our collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding. Our focus is to help artists and art organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists from India to exhibit, perform and produce their work here. The IAAC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are taxdeductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. For information, please visit www.iaac.us. The Town Hall Presents: BOLLYWOOD & BEYOND: DR. L. SUBRAMANIAM AND KAVITA KRISHNAMURTHI

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest home-grown video streaming platform and a multilingual storyteller, is thrilled to announce its next direct-to-digital, Rautu Ka Raaz. Produced by Zee Studios and Phat Phish Records and directed by Anand Surapur, Rautu Ka Raaz features Nawazuddin Siddiqui in the lead role as Inspector Deepak Negi. The mystery thriller also stars Rajesh Kumar, Atul Tiwari and Narayani Shastri in supporting roles and is set in the picturesque village of Rautu Ki Beli in Uttarakhand. The film had its Gala Premiere at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year where it received a warm welcome and is now set for its digital premiere on 28th June.

The film revolves around the mysterious death of a warden at a blind school in Rautu Ki Beli, a sleepy town which hasn’t witnessed a murder in over a decade and a half. This is where SHO Deepak Negiaka Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his team step in as they are tasked with solving this rare and high-profile murder investigation. The film showcases a unique and jovial camaraderie between SHO Deepak Negi (played by Nawazuddin) and sub inspector Dimri (played by Rajesh Kumar) who are forced out of their lazy state of being owing to this murder investigation. So, get ready to witness a mystery thriller unraveling the laziest murder investigation ever.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global, said, “At ZEE5 Global, we pride ourselves on delivering engaging stories to our viewers, and ‘Rautu Ka Raaz’ exemplifies this commitment. This finely crafted murder mystery offers a thrilling combination of suspense and drama. After the stellar success of ‘Haddi,’ ZEE5 Global is delighted to collaborate again with ZEE Studios and the immensely talented Nawazuddin Siddiqui to present this unique and compelling plot. We believe ‘Rautu Ka Raaz’ will resonate with audiences worldwide, further cementing our status as the world’s largest destination for South Asian content.”

Umesh Kr Bansal, Chief Business Officer, Zee Studios added, “Rautu Ka Raaz is not just a film; it is an exploration of human emotions set against the backdrop of a thrilling mystery. With Nawazuddin Siddiqui at the helm, viewers can expect a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. We are proud to present this gripping tale in partnership with ZEE5 Global, and we believe it will captivate audiences from start to finish.”

Director and Producer Anand Surapur said, “Rautu Ka Raaz is a small-town film that transports viewers to the breathtaking landscapes of Uttarakhand and its surrounding areas. The film’s stunning visuals, coupled with a gripping narrative, will draw audiences in from start to finish. We are incredibly fortunate to have the remarkable Nawazuddin Siddiqui leading our talented cast. His unparalleled acting prowess breathes life into this powerful story, delivering a performance that will be etched in the audiences’ minds for years to come. Without giving away too much, I can say that Rautu Ka Raaz is full of suspense and drama, but it stays true to the smalltown pace of life and hence, even the characters operate at their own rhythm. In fact, this is what sets the film apart from other mystery thrillers”.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui added, “The trailer of Rautu Ka Raaz is a tantalizing glimpse into the gripping world that awaits the viewers. I am someone who enjoys watching crime dramas, and hence, I can confidently say that this film will be an entertaining watch with a unique twist. What really sets Rautu Ka Raaz apart are the quirky characters and the lazy but breathtaking backdrop of Uttarakhand. The trailer encapsulates the film’s suspenseful plot and highlights the film’s USP i.e a smart cop unravelling a lazy murder investigation. We had a Gala Premiere at IFFI last year where we received a warm response and now with the film’s release on ZEE5 Global, I am looking forward to the film reaching ZEE5 Global’s viewers across 190+ countries.”

India had an extraordinary year at the Cannes Film Festival, securing three significant awards and a notable honor, which industry experts believe will positively influence the country’s independent cinema.

Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” won the competition grand prix, Anasuya Sengupta received the best actress award in the festival’s Un Certain Regard section for “The Shameless,” and Chidananda S. Naik’s “Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know” was named the best film in the La Cinef section. Additionally, Indian cinematographer Santosh Sivan was honored with the annual Pierre Angénieux ExcelLens in Cinematography award.

“All We Imagine as Light” marked the first Indian film in competition in three decades since Shaji N. Karun’s “Swaham” in 1994. Other Indian films at Cannes included “Sister Midnight” in the Directors’ Fortnight, “Santosh” in Un Certain Regard, and “Girls Will Be Girls,” which had previously won two prizes at Sundance, in the Cannes Écrans Juniors sidebar. Overall, nine Indian films featured across various Cannes sections.

Despite this success, financing independent films in India remains a daunting challenge. Most of the funding for films like “All We Imagine as Light,” “The Shameless,” “Sister Midnight,” and “Santosh” came from European sources. Nandita Das, an actor and filmmaker who has served on Cannes juries and whose film “Manto” was part of Un Certain Regard in 2018, hopes these wins will lead to increased Indian funding for independent films.

Das remarks, “Now we are all feeling very proud and happy with this win [for ‘All We Imagine as Light’], but which producer in India would have actually produced this film? A lot of the money is really coming from Europe.” She emphasizes that a producer’s role extends beyond financing to supporting the director in realizing her vision. “I’m very obviously happy that Payal could do this film, but I feel like she could do it because she had that support and those producers from Europe. Now, whether this will percolate into people having more faith in indie films in India, and therefore support it? I don’t know.”

Das reflects on India’s arthouse Parallel Cinema movement that thrived from the 1950s to the 1980s but waned in the 1990s. “It’s now that time where I hope there will be a revival of that independent voice and space for more independent films,” she says.

Mohaan Nadaar, from The Production Headquarters, which funds debut and women empowerment Indian-themed films, financially backed “The Shameless.” Nadaar believes that the Cannes wins validate independent cinema, suggesting that funding for indie films in India will “eventually” become easier. “When people realize that these films will also eventually get sold in the international market worldwide and raise monies,” he explains, citing “All We Imagine as Light,” which has been sold to North America and other territories.

Regarding local distribution of Indian indies, Nadaar expresses cautious optimism. He plans to release the queer love story “The Shameless” in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, stating, “There’s an audience for it.” He notes, “There’s a lot of LGBT and queer movie demand also here. It will do well if it releases sensibly across limited screens.”

Producer and box office analyst Girish Johar shares Nadaar’s views, acknowledging that while Cannes-winning films will gain attention, their theatrical market in India is limited to around 100 screens in metropolitan areas. Johar adds that the Cannes success has instilled a “sense of pride,” and now, out of 20 indie films pitched to Indian producers, “there is an iota of hope that one or two can be greenlit by them.”

Looking beyond Cannes to the Oscars, where India recently won for the “Naatu Naatu” song in “RRR” and the live-action documentary short “The Elephant Whisperers,” there is anticipation that “All We Imagine as Light” will be India’s official entry in the international feature category. Filmmakers must apply to the Film Federation of India, which appoints a committee to select the entry. Past decisions have been inconsistent, from overlooking “The Lunchbox” in 2013 to shortlisting Pan Nalin’s “Last Film Show” in 2022. India has only three nominations—“Mother India,” “Salaam Bombay,” and “Lagaan”—and no wins in this category.

Das points out, “The kind of films that have gone to the Oscars has been very arbitrary and erratic, depending on who is in that committee and what their wisdom is telling them. So I don’t think it’s such an obvious choice, when we’d be happy for it to go.”

“Last Film Show” producer Dheer Momaya believes “All We Imagine as Light” should “definitely” be India’s entry, citing its strong response at Cannes and recognition among voting members. He criticizes the timing of the Indian selection process, which announces its candidate in late September or early October. “By then you’ve already lost that opportunity, that first mover’s advantage to cement yourself in the voters’ heads,” he says, noting that favored contenders start their Oscar campaigns as early as July.

With the Oscar voting membership becoming more diverse, Momaya is hopeful that international voters will relate to “All We Imagine as Light.”

Das concludes, “The more local a film is, the more global it is, especially for something like the Oscars. You want the film to truly depict the context of that country, tell a story that is truly quintessential of that country, not something that’s more generic. So in that sense, this [‘All We Imagine as Light’] film seems to fit that space of being authentically Indian.”

Global, 21st May 2024: May 28th marks the 141st birth anniversary of one of India’s most influential revolutionaries, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar who played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence against British rule. And on this day, ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, is setting the stage for the world digital premiere of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.

The biographical period drama promises an honest portrayal of Savarkar’s extraordinary life, shedding light on his relentless struggle against British colonial rule. Directed, co-written, and co-produced by the talented Randeep Hooda himself, the movie boasts an impressive cast led by Randeep Hooda in the titular role and Ankita Lokhande as his wife, Yamuna bai Savarkar. Audiences can stream Swatantrya Veer Savarkar starting May 28 exclusively on ZEE5 Global.

Swatantrya Veer Savarkar is an authentic biographical drama, chronicling the life journey of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the most dreaded Indian revolutionary ever. He is one of India’s most influential yet controversial figures in the struggle for independence and yet very little is known or written about him in popular culture. He is infact the originator of ‘Hindutva’ and ‘Akhand Bharat’ and the inspiration behind great leaders and freedom fighters like Netaji, Bhagat Singh and Khudi Ram Bose. The film narrates Savarkar’s story solely from his perspective, fearlessly embracing his ideals and beliefs that were initially contentious but eventually found their way into the fabric of modern India.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5 Global said, “With the world digital premiere of ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,’ we at ZEE5 Global aim to highlight the life of one of India’s most influential yet controversial revolutionaries. This film is part of our ongoing effort to cater to distinct viewer preferences worldwide, providing content that resonates, educates, and inspires. We believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate unsung heroes and bring their remarkable legacies to a global audience.”

Randeep Hooda said, “I am really looking forward to the world digital premiere of Swantantrya Veer Savarkar on ZEE5 Global and what better day to pay a tribute to the most influential revolutionary of the Indian Armed Revolution than his 141st birth anniversary, 28th May. I must admit that I learnt a lot more about this inspiring hero after I started working on this project and I want to share this film with as many people as possible to counter the false narrative spread in popular culture to bury his legacy. It was an honour playing the life of this influential yet maligned revolutionary who has left such rich and inspiring legacy behind. I would urge every Indian to watch this film to know the hidden chapters of Indian History and decide for themselves if he was deservedly Veer or not.”

Ankita Lokhande said, “Portraying Yamuna bai, the wife of the legendary Veer Savarkar, was a truly fulfilling experience as an actor as this is a character unlike anything I have essayed before, and I feel truly honored to have brought her story to life. During filming, I had the opportunity to learn about Yamuna Bai, and I was blown away with the kind of strength and support she showed towards her husband. I learned so much being her. This role has definitely helped me to grow as an actress, and I hope to get more of such opportunities to portray such women on screen in my upcoming films as well. As an actor, it is a privilege to be a part of a project that entertains, educates and celebrates the unsung heroes of our history. It has been a humbling and an enriching journey, and I hope viewers will feel the same way after watching the film on ZEE5 Global”.

Stream Swatantrya Veer Savarkar exclusively on ZEE5 Global starting May 28!

Users can download the ZEE5 Global app from Google Play Store / iOS App Store. It is available on Roku devices, Apple TVs, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TVs. Users can also access ZEE5 Global on www.ZEE5.com

ZEE5 Global is the digital entertainment destination launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), a global Media and Entertainment powerhouse. The platform launched across 190+ countries in October 2018 and has content across 18 languages: Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Punjabi, including six international languages Malay, Thai, Bahasa, Urdu, Bangla and Arabic. ZEE5 Global is home to 200,000+ hours of on-demand content.

Indian-American television producer and versatile artist, Aashna Patel, has earned a nomination for the 51st Daytime Emmy Award, 2024, in the Legal/Courtroom Program category. The ceremony will be broadcast on June 7 on CBS.

Patel has been recognized for her contributions to the syndicated shows “Justice For the People with Judge Milian” and “We The People with Judge Lauren Lake.” Her illustrious career spans television, film, theater, and voiceover work.

In under two years, Patel has produced 405 episodes across nine court shows, collaborating with renowned networks and platforms such as NBC, CNN, Disney, Warner Brothers, E! Entertainment, and the Travel Channel.

As a host, Patel has explored diverse topics including entertainment, food, lifestyle, wellness, fitness, and travel, with her work featured on airline channels such as American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America, and Air Canada.

Patel has also interviewed numerous celebrities on the red carpet, including Tom Hanks, Jennifer Aniston, and Dwayne Johnson, and has emceed various charity events.

Beyond television and film, Patel’s musical talents include releasing a pop album with Universal Music, Canada, and performing national anthems at NBA and MLB games.

Additionally, she is a performance coach for executives at major companies like Google and Facebook, and serves as a spokesperson for brands in health, wellness, beauty, and technology.

Her voice-over work includes projects for Warner Bros and Disney. Currently, Patel is writing her first children’s book.

Sky Islands features the Extended Talking Gong Ensemble, with percussionist Ibarra, Claire Chase on flute, Alex Peh on piano, and Levy Lorenzo on percussion alongside the Bergamot String Quartet comprising violinists Ledah Finck and Sarah Thomas, violist Amy Huimei Tan and cellist Irène Han.

This preview performance is followed by a panel discussion with the performers and climate scientist Daniel Ibarra on the real-life ecosystems or “sky islands” that inspired Ibarra’s composition and exploring how art and science can amplify the urgency in the fight against climate change. The event will be held on Tue, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Asia Society New York.

A musical call to action, Sky Islands draws awareness to dwindling biodiversity, changing climate, and global community practices.

“Sky islands” are distinct ecosystems at high altitude ranges, known for becoming hotspots for biodiversity and unusual forms of life. Geographically isolated with few or no outside predators, sky islands are home to many species of small mammals that don’t exist anywhere else in the world, making them wondrous areas where we can see evolution “sped up”.

Ibarra was intrigued by the “sky islands” on the mountain tops of rainforests in her home region of Luzon, Philippines, home to the world’s largest number of unique mammal species. In this latest musical work commissioned by Asia Society, Ibarra captures, through sound and sculpture, the beautiful and somewhat magical existence of sky islands.

Sky Islands takes inspiration from the musical traditions of Luzon’s sky islands and features Philippine Northern style interlocking rhythms and melodies found in bamboo and gong and flute music of the Kalinga and Cordilleras Region in Luzon. Highlighting Luzon’s rainforests—an endangered region with 31 endemic species, including the Philippine Eagle, and a region that has both volcanic and non-volcanic mountains amidst diverse fauna—Sky Islands aims to connect audiences to these fragile and beautiful ecosystems.

Sky Islands is commissioned by Asia Society, with support from Fromm Music Foundation at Harvard University, NYSCA, and NYFA Anonymous Was A Woman Environmental Artists Grants. This program is part of the COAL + ICE exhibition and series of programs at Asia Society, Feb. 13-Aug. 11, 2024, designed to provoke thought and action on climate change.

Tickets for the May 28 performance and panel discussion are $8 Asia Society Members, $15 Nonmembers. Students/Seniors may use coupon SENSTU at check out. Tickets may be purchased at here or by calling the Asia Society Box office at 212-517-ASIA (2742).

The world premiere of Sky Islands will be presented at Asia Society New York on Thu, Jul 18 and Sat, Jul 20 at 7:15 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets for the July performances are $20 Asia Society Members, $30 Nonmembers. Students and seniors: use coupon code SENSTU at checkout. Tickets may be purchased at AsiaSociety.org/NY or by calling the Asia Society Box office at 212-517-ASIA (2742).

Members of the media interested in complimentary tickets to the May 28 work in progress performance and discussion or the July performances should email pr@asiasociety.org

The most successful duo of Mohanlal and Shobana is making a comeback as shooting for Malayalam superstar Mohanlal’s 360th film commences on Monday in the state.

Shobana herself announced this, expressing her happiness, and noted that this would mark their 56th film together.This marks the 14th film produced by Renjith for his own Rejaputra films.

Actor Shobana and Mohanlal who are celebrated as Mollywood’s evergreen couple onscreen is all set to reunite in this epic film.

“The director is Tharun Moorthy. Can you guess who is the hero? Yes, it is none other than Mohanlal. It is Lalji’s 360th film. Would like to wish him all the best. This is our 56th film together. So, I am super excited. Just hope everyone loves the film,” the charismatic actor said.

Mohanlal and Shobana were last seen in Mampazhakalam. The two of them have starred in several movies including ‘Thenmavin Kombathu’, ‘Pavithram’, and Manichithrathazhu.

Netizens went gaga over the announcement. “After a long time, the legendary pair is rejoining,” commented one user. “Omggg this is such big news I’ve wanted this to happen since a freakin long time! I literally can’t wait to see you two back on screen,” another user commented. Yet another user wrote, “What a legend to have completed 40 years, and then gifting us another film. Bro we’d been waiting to see you. Thank you and God bless you.”.

While Shobana took a bit of a hiatus from acting and has been busy with stage performances, Mohanlal has gone on to act in several movies. He was last seen in Malaikottai Vaaliban. He will soon be seen in Barroz, which also stars Guru Somansundaram and Komal Sharma.

The film depicts Mohanlal portraying the role of a taxi driver, reminiscent of roles that propelled him to superstar status. Directed by Tarun Murthy, with the story penned by K.S. Sunil and cinematography by Shaji, the film features popular comedian turned character actor Jagdish in a significant role. The film is expected to hit the theatres during Puja holidays in October.

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, unveiled the trailer of the second season of its much acclaimed series, ‘The Broken News’ today. The show which is based on the BBC Studios format ‘Press’ is directed by Vinay Waikul and written by Sambit Mishra.

The new season will see Sonali Bendre, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Shriya Pilgaonkar reprise their roles as Ameena Qureshi, Dipankar Sanyal and Radha Bhargava respectively. Returning after a gap of two years, the new season will see the fight for ideologies between the two broadcast news channels, ‘Josh 24×7’ and ‘Awaz Bharti’ scale new heights and will premiere on 3^rd May, exclusively on ZEE5 Global.

In this thrilling new season, the ‘sach’ versus ‘sansani’ battle escalates beyond the newsroom, evolving into a personal struggle for survival.

The upcoming season produced by BBC Studios Productions India will continue to capture the fictional lives, lies, loves, and struggles of journalists and their battle between truth and sensationalism. The upcoming chapter marks the homecoming of many actors such as Faisal Rashid, Indraneil Sengupta, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Taaruk Raina, among others. Additionally, the new season will see the entry of actors – Akshay Oberoi, Suchitra Pillai and Geetika Vidya Ohlyan in pivotal roles.

The trailer for the second season features Radha Bhargava, previously incarcerated due to Sanyal, now released on bail. She is poised for a comeback, determined to cleanse the broadcasting system by dismantling Dipankar and his manipulative tactics. Recognizing that unbiased news reporting alone cannot combat Josh 24×7’s propaganda, she is prepared to engage in unorthodox methods to purge the corrupt system.

In Radha’s absence, Ameena shoulders the responsibility of fighting the ‘Sach’ battle alone, venturing into the streets to uncover truth amidst personal risk. Dipankar’s brand of ‘sansani’ news dominates TRPs but he is compelled to utilize his ‘sansani’ ideology to sway public opinion and further his personal and corporate agendas. However, the pertinent question remains the same: Breaking news ki race mein ab break hoga har rule! Jab sach bhi bane sansani, kya Dekhaga India?

Actor Sonali Bendresaid, “The Broken News will always be special to me as it marked my OTT debut. We truly were ecstatic with the response to the first season and I am glad that we are returning with another season. In the first season, Ameena and Radha were a team however, in this new season, Ameena will be fighting the battle for ‘Sach’ on her own. Working with the wonderful team at ZEE5 Global, BBC and our director Vinay Waikul has also been a true pleasure. He’s a visionary director who has poured his heart and soul into ensuring that viewers remain engaged and hooked throughout. I’m thrilled for the show to release on ZEE5 Global and can’t wait for audiences to see and react to what we’ve created. I am confident that everyone will enjoy watching season 2 as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Actor Jaideep Ahlawat said, “I am thrilled to dive back into the world of ‘The Broken News’ for its second season on ZEE5 Global. This time around, viewers can expect more newsroom drama, action and lines getting blurred as things get personal. Playing Dipankar has been a true delight and it was great getting back together with the gang of The Broken News. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how the audiences’ receive Season 2 on ZEE5 Global.”

Actor Shriya Pilagoankarsaid, “I couldn’t be more thrilled for the return of ‘The Broken News’ on ZEE5 Global. This show holds a special place in my heart, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating its comeback for quite some time now. The dynamic between Radha and Dipankar is going to be intensely personal this season, as they both strive to outmaneuver each other at every turn. It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride for the viewers, with twists and turns keeping them guessing until the very end. Working alongside Jaideep sir and Sonali ma’am has been an incredible experience for me. They are both powerhouses of talent, and I’ve learned so much from sharing the screen with them. I can’t wait for audiences to see the magic that we’ve all created together.”

Director Vinay Waikul said, “I am thrilled to direct another season of The Broken News, bringing the high pressure and dynamic environment of newsrooms and the battle between truth and sensationalism to audiences again. The first season was immensely appreciated by all and this season promises to keep audiences engaged as we take this newsroom drama to the next level. I am thankful to the producers, writer, talented actors and crew members for making this show a memorable experience”.

ZEE5 Global is the digital entertainment destination launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), a global Media and Entertainment powerhouse. The platform launched across 190+ countries in October 2018 and has content across 18 languages. The platform brings together the best of Originals, Movies and TV Shows, Music, Health and Lifestyle content in one destination. In addition, ZEE5 Global offers features like 15 navigational languages, content download options, seamless video playback and Voice Search. The platform also recently launched ZEE5 Global Add-ons in the US where one can access and subscribe to multiple South Asian streaming platforms like Chaupal, Oho Gujarati, NammaFlix, Simply South and iStream all in one single destination, ZEE5.

ZEE5 Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZEE5GlobalCorp

ZEE5 Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ZEE5 Global/

Director Blessy’s survival epic Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), starring Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, continues its triumphant streak at the box office, buoyed by a wave of positive reception. Based on Benyamin’s 2008 novel of the same title, Aadujeevitham draws inspiration from the harrowing real-life ordeal of Najeeb Muhammad, also known as Shukoor, who, in the 1990s, journeyed to the Persian Gulf states to support his family but found himself trapped in a life of servitude as a goat herder in the desert for over three years.

Prithviraj’s portrayal of Najeeb stands as a cornerstone of the film’s acclaim, widely hailed as one of his most compelling performances to date. The revelation that Prithviraj hadn’t met the real-life inspiration until after filming wrapped sparked intrigue, prompting reflections on how he managed to encapsulate the character’s essence without direct interaction.

Following the film’s success, Prithviraj engaged in a poignant exchange with Najeeb, bridging the chasm between reel and real experiences. Reflecting on the journey, Prithviraj shared, “In 2008, when Blessy first approached me for this role, I grappled with how to approach it. Should I seek insight from you directly, or should I interpret the Najeeb envisioned by Benyamin and Blessy? Ultimately, we decided that I would portray the Najeeb conceived in our minds, based on the novel and Blessy’s vision. That’s the Najeeb you’ll witness in the film. There’s a stark contrast.”

During their conversation, Prithviraj inquired if Najeeb, amidst his days herding goats, could discern the passage of time. Najeeb somberly responded in the negative, stating, “The sun rose and set… that’s all I knew,” leaving Prithviraj momentarily speechless.

Najeeb delved into the depths of his anguish, revealing, “I often thought escape was impossible. There were no gods left to pray to. I contemplated death as preferable to continued existence. Many times, I lay on the sand, hoping some creature would end my suffering. Yet, upon waking, thoughts of my family consumed me. My wife was eight months pregnant when I arrived there. Her well-being was my sole preoccupation.”

The exchange also includes reflections from Najeeb’s wife and son, offering poignant insights into their shared ordeal.

Prithviraj, moved by Najeeb’s resilience, remarked, “At times, I’ve felt you’re chosen by a higher power to share your story with the world. You are divine providence’s emissary.” Najeeb, though bearing the scars of his past, managed a pained smile in response. When asked if he would ever return to that place, Najeeb’s immediate response was a resolute “No.” “It’s still a nightmare,” he added.

Najeeb further revealed, “Even my wife and family learned of my trials only after the novel’s publication, through Benyamin’s work.”

This book describes end to end playing techniques of Mridangam and elaborates unique concepts in Music

“My style in Carnatic Music, especially playing Mridangam, an ancient South Indian classical percussive instrument is very unique,” says T. Shankaranarayanan Nandakumar, while describing the objective of writing of his new book, “Intricacies of Mridangam”  is being released in hardcover both Barnes and Nobles and Amazon. “I want to pass on this rich knowledge and skills that I have received from my Masters to the new generation, who are often not familiar with the nuances of this ancient musical instrument.”

World renowned for his mastery of the Mridangam and with expertise in various other percussion instruments, including konnakol (vocal percussion), thavil, ghatam, kanjira, and morsing, Nandakumar is a well-known south Indian music artist, showcasing his versatility in Carnatic music and has devoted his entire life to the cause of popularizing Indian classical music around the world.

Nandakumar developed a string interest in music at a very young age. Throughout his professional career, he has accompanied many well-known names in Carnatic music and continues to perform all over the world. As a percussionist, TSN has accompanied luminaries in Carnatic music, including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M. D. Ramanathan, Bhimsen Joshi, T. N. Krishnan, M. Balamuralikrishna and others. His role as an accompanist has greatly enhanced the events with the performances of these eminent artists.

Through his musical engagements, TSN engages in cultural diplomacy, fostering an appreciation for Indian music and drumming traditions. This indirect form of education occurs as audiences experience the artistry and cultural depth of the mridangam during performances. He has taken up his life mission to perpetuate Indian ancient art form and has dedicated himself in teaching the same to hundreds of students worldwide.

With the mission to spread the knowledge and provide education on this ancient Indian musical instrument, Nandakumar established TSN’s Percussive Arts Centre. Inc (TSNPAC), where students are trained in diverse instruments. Since its inception in 1998 in Mumbai, India, TSNPAC has evolved into a hub for students to refine their skills and collaborate within the realm of Carnatic arts. Upon migrating to New Jersey, USA, TSN seamlessly incorporated TSNPAC, offering courses in higher learning for Carnatic percussion enthusiasts in the United States. Today, TSNPAC stands as a beacon for aspiring artists seeking to master the intricacies of Carnatic percussion.

Nandakumar’s belief that “Music is like a horizon which is never ending and has no boundaries” has enabled him to take music with him wherever he goes. Since his coming to the United States, Nandakumar continues his life’s mission through stage performances at prestigious orchestras, participation in global music events, educational initiatives and contributions, collaborations, global impact, and philanthropic endeavors. He has demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility through charity work, including organizing a 24-hour non-stop Akanda Seva Bhajan in aid of India’s tsunami victims.

According to Nandakumar, playing Mridangam requires mastering of several intricacies and mathematical calculations. This new volume is aimed at providing the skills to an enthusiastic learner of Mridangam to be able to play with any artist without practice.

TSNPAC conducts Mridangam Arangetram annually, where students, without prior rehearsal, accompany main artists like A. Kanyakumari, culminating in a graduation ceremony. Notably, TSNPAC’s influence extends globally, with dozens of professional student performances, including drumming, at the Cleveland Thyagaraja festival. TSNPAC’s significant milestones include a decennial celebration marked by a grand performance featuring over 100 students.

TSN’s participation in international festivals and workshops has contributed to the global awareness of Indian percussion, showcasing the richness of Indian drumming traditions and providing a platform for cross-cultural exchange. By actively participating in musical collaborations and performances in the United States, TSN not only showcases the beauty of the mridangam but also educates audiences about the intricacies and significance of this traditional Indian percussion instrument.

“Through music, you can reach god,” says Nandakumar who wants to spread this path to the Almighty. “I feel very good about my accomplishment in spreading my knowledge about music to everyone. I have students all over the world, students of Indian origin and from other nationalities, some of them have become full-time musicians and are accompanying renowned artists,” Nandakumar says with pride.

In recognition of his great accomplishments, TSN was honored with The Lifetime Achievement Award by the Shanti Foundation in Chennai. He was awarded the “Best Teacher Award” from several organizations with the most prominent being awarded by Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and the Cleveland Thygaraja Aaradhana Festival and by the Shanmukhananda Fine Arts, Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai in 2007, Bharat Ratna Dr. M. S. Subbulakshmi Sangeetha Pracharya Award), and Visionary Award by Academy of Indian Music, USA.

Dedicating his entire life to the spreading of Carnatic Music, Nandakumar has been highly sought after as a teacher in India and abroad. He has conducted several musical concerts, lectures, demonstrations, and workshops at universities in the United States abroad like Lamar University of Houston and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. TSN conducted special classes in percussive arts at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Pittsburgh, and the Academy of Indian Music in New Jersey and Switzerland. He also conducted 24 hours nonstop Akanda Seva Bhajan (Offered a Prayer through the medium of music) with his students in Mumbai for the tsunami-affected victims of India.

Nandakumar says, “My aim of contributing to Carnatic music by spreading knowledge has been successful and I forever am indebted to my parents and my teacher. I feel even more proud that some of my students have become masters of mridangam and it’s an honor knowing that the knowledge I shared with my students is now spreading around the world, imparting to many generations.”

Nandakumar’s new volume, “Intricacies of Mridangam” gives an overview of the ancient South Indian Classical Carnatic music style for the percussive instrument, mridangam. This book describes end to end playing techniques of Mridangam and elaborates unique concepts in Music, which are explained with examples as well as some original creations and compositions from the author.

The funds generated from the sale of the book will support (TSN’s Percussive Arts Centre. Inc) TSNPAC’s initiatives, such as organizing events that offer students the chance to participate in full-fledged concerts.

“Intricacies of Mridangam” is now available for purchase online! You can find it at the following links: Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/intricacies-of-mridangam-nandakumar-t-s/1145052967?ean=9798877049864 and at: Amazon on: https://a.co/d/bGpdmcv

A lawyer sits opposite his client, delivering a grave ultimatum.

“You have one month to secure a co-signer for your visa,” he solemnly states. “Otherwise, you’ll be forced to depart from the United States.”

Such dismal scenes are commonplace at Khalil Immigration Law, where individuals facing defeat often seem to vanish into thin air. Even the office’s decor fails to inspire confidence, with a plaque offering a tepid reassurance: “We’ll do what we can!”

This surreal setting is just one of many eccentric locales viewers encounter in the newly released film “Problemista.” The story follows Alejandro, portrayed by writer-director Julio Torres, as he embarks on a frantic journey to remain in the US and fulfill his aspirations.

Early in the movie, we witness a pivotal moment between Alejandro and his lawyer, Mr. Khalil, played by Laith Nakli. Faced with impending deadlines, Khalil urges Alejandro to find a solution promptly. Could a newfound acquaintance serve as his sponsor?

“I mean, we’ll see,” Alejandro responds with a shrug.

Rather than proposing a groundbreaking legal strategy, Khalil’s reaction is unexpectedly lighthearted. “We’ll see,” he echoes, envisioning the phrase adorning a new plaque in the waiting room. “That’s a much better motto for us.”

Such humorous interludes pepper “Problemista,” a film that underscores the uncertainties inherent in the US immigration system and the surreal hurdles confronting those who navigate it.

Despite the absurdities, Alejandro persists against the odds, contending with the erratic behavior of his employer, art critic Elizabeth Asencio, portrayed by Tilda Swinton, whose default mode seems to be confrontation.

For Torres, the film is both a work of fiction and a reflection of personal experiences. Having migrated from El Salvador to pursue his education in the US, Torres empathizes deeply with Alejandro’s struggles. Recalling his own anxiety while transitioning from a student visa to a work visa, he admits, “I would wake up and my heart was already racing.”

Similarly, Nakli, who portrays the well-intentioned but ineffective immigration lawyer in “Problemista,” finds parallels between his own journey and Alejandro’s plight. Despite achieving success in his acting career, Nakli’s past legal troubles continue to cast a shadow over his life.

In 1998, Nakli, originally from the UK and a former bodybuilding champion, faced federal charges related to conspiracy to possess and distribute controlled substances. Reflecting on his remorse, he expressed profound regret for betraying the trust of the country that welcomed him.

Transitioning from bodybuilding to acting, Nakli found himself haunted by his past, yet hesitant to share his story due to shame. Despite the closure of his deportation case under the Obama administration, Nakli remains vigilant, aware that any misstep could reignite legal proceedings.

The perpetual uncertainty weighs heavily on Nakli, reminiscent of the tense atmosphere depicted in “Problemista,” where waiting room scenes evoke a palpable sense of dread.

Nakli’s decision to pursue a presidential pardon underscores the ironic juxtaposition of his role as an immigration lawyer in the film. Torres believes Nakli’s experience highlights the unforgiving nature of the immigration system, which disproportionately affects immigrants like Nakli.

“Problemista” offers a satirical lens through which to examine the labyrinthine bureaucracy of immigration. Torres drew inspiration from his own struggles, recalling the absurdities of navigating the visa process through unconventional means, such as the gig economy and online platforms like Craigslist.

The film’s surreal elements mirror the Kafkaesque realities of immigration, where legal pathways are convoluted, and success often hinges on bending the rules. Despite the challenges, Torres maintains that “Problemista” isn’t merely an exposé but a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.

Both Alejandro and Torres embody the spirit of a “problemista” – individuals who thrive amidst challenges and find creative solutions to navigate life’s complexities.

As Nakli awaits a decision on his pardon application, he remains hopeful for a fresh start. Recognizing the transformative power of second chances, he embraces the possibility of redemption and a renewed sense of belonging in the country he calls home.

While uncertainties loom, Nakli’s resilience echoes the hopeful message of “Problemista,” where perseverance and resourcefulness ultimately triumph over adversity. Unlike the ghostly figures of rejected immigrants depicted in the film, Nakli’s story is one of resilience and the enduring pursuit of a brighter future.

Christopher Nolan’s biographical film Oppenheimer took center stage at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on Saturday, with multiple winners acknowledging the significance of last year’s actors’ strike. Cillian Murphy secured the award for best actor, while Robert Downey Jr. clinched best supporting actor, and the Oppenheimer ensemble triumphed with outstanding performance by a cast.

In his remarks at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Irish actor Murphy expressed gratitude for being recognized by his peers, reminiscing about his early struggles as an aspiring actor. He stated, “Twenty-eight years ago when I was trying to become an actor, I was a failed musician, and I felt extremely like an interloper. But looking out on all of you guys here today, I know I’m part of something truly wonderful.” Oppenheimer chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, often hailed as “the father of the atomic bomb.”

Accepting the accolade for outstanding cast, British actor Sir Kenneth Branagh lauded the actors’ union strike, which caused delays in numerous Hollywood projects last year. He expressed appreciation, saying, “Thank you for fighting for us, thank you for every Sag-Aftra member whose support and whose sacrifice allows us to be standing here better than we were before.”

Lily Gladstone, star of Killers of the Flower Moon, claimed the title of best leading actress and also addressed the impact of the strike in her speech. “This has been a hard year for all of us,” remarked Gladstone, emphasizing solidarity with other unions.

The SAG Awards often serve as a barometer for predicting winners at the upcoming Academy Awards, slated for March 10. While Murphy is a frontrunner for the best actor category, the competition is tighter for best actress, with Gladstone and Poor Things star Emma Stone vying for the honor.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph from The Holdovers secured best supporting actress, while Robert Downey Jr. from Oppenheimer was recognized as best supporting actor. In television categories, Succession clinched best ensemble drama cast for its fourth and final season, and The Bear was awarded best ensemble comedy cast.

Barbra Streisand received this year’s lifetime achievement award, presented by Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper. Reflecting on her journey, Streisand reminisced, “I didn’t like reality, I wanted to be in movies. Even though I knew I didn’t look like the other women on screen. My mother said ‘you’d better learn to type’. But I didn’t listen. And somehow, some way, it all came true.”

During the In Memoriam segment of the show, tributes were paid to notable figures such as Matthew Perry, Harry Belafonte, Sir Michael Gambon, Tina Turner, and others. The Devil Wears Prada stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt reunited to present the first award of the night, offering a nostalgic sketch featuring iconic lines from the movie, nearly two decades after its release.

Idris Elba, the London-born actor, hosted the ceremony, marking the 30th SAG Awards, which were streamed on Netflix for the first time. Elba injected humor into the proceedings, joking, “Personally, I can’t wait to get home, and have Netflix recommend this show to me.”

The nominations for the 96th Academy Awards have been unveiled, and there are a couple of glaring omissions that caught the attention of many. Notably, actress Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were left out of the list for their contributions to “Barbie.” Additionally, the star of “Killers Of The Flower Moon,” Leonardo DiCaprio, was notably absent from the Best Actor category. Despite these surprises, “Oppenheimer” dominated the nominations with an impressive 13 nods, alongside “Poor Things” and “Killers Of The Flower Moon” (minus its male lead) with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively.

Lily Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio’s co-star in “Killers Of The Flower Moon,” made history earlier this year by becoming the first indigenous actress to win a Golden Globe. Now, she is in the running for an Oscar. On the other hand, Team Barbie faced heartbreak with its star and director missing out on nominations. However, America Ferrera’s name did make the cut among the Best Supporting Actress contenders. Ryan Gosling, who sang “I’m Just Ken,” earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and the song itself got a nod for Best Original Song.

The acting nominations for “Oppenheimer” were as expected, with Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, and Emily Blunt earning nods for Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. It’s worth noting that the first two actors secured victories at the Golden Globes in their respective categories. The nominee list also included other Golden Globe winners from the year, such as Emma Stone and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.

This year, the Academy, responsible for presenting the Oscars, introduced a diversity rule for Best Picture nominees. To compete in this category, films must meet at least two out of four “representation and inclusion standards.” The aim of this rule is to enhance the portrayal on screen and, subsequently, increase employment opportunities for traditionally under-represented communities, including women, LGBTQ+, and various racial, ethnic, and disabled groups.

The Oscar nominations were announced by actors Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid. The highly anticipated award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on March 10 (early morning of March 11 for India), with Jimmy Kimmel returning as the host.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the list of nominees for the various categories:

BEST PICTURE

– Oppenheimer

– Barbie

– Killers Of The Flower Moon

– Poor Things

– The Holdovers

– American Fiction

– Maestro

– Past Lives

– The Zone Of Interest

– Anatomy Of A Fall

BEST DIRECTOR

– Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer)

– Martin Scorsese (Killers Of The Flower Moon)

– Yorgos Lanthimos (Poor Things)

– Jonathan Glazer (Zone Of Interest)

– Justine Triet (Anatomy Of A Fall)

BEST ACTRESS

– Lily Gladstone (Killers Of The Flower Moon)

– Emma Stone (Poor Things)

– Carey Mulligan (Maestro)

– Sandra Huller (Anatomy Of A Fall)

– Annette Bening (Nyad)

BEST ACTOR

– Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)

– Bradley Cooper (Maestro)

– Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction)

– Paul Giamatti (The Holdovers)

– Colman Domingo (Rustin)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

– Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers)

– Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer)

– Jodie Foster (Nyad)

– America Ferrera (Barbie)

– Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

– Robert Downey Jr (Oppenheimer)

– Ryan Gosling (Barbie)

– Robert De Niro (Killers Of The Flower Moon)

– Sterling K Brown (American Fiction)

– Mark Ruffalo (Poor Things)

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

– Anatomy Of A Fall

– The Holdovers

– Maestro

– May December

– Past Lives

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

– American Fiction

– Barbie

– Oppenheimer

– Poor Things

– The Zone Of Interest

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

– Io Capitano (Italy)

– Perfect Days (Japan)

– Society Of The Snow (Spain)

– The Teachers’ Lounge (Germany)

– The Zone Of Interest (UK)

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

– The Boy And The Heron

– Elemental

– Nimona

– Robot Dreams

– Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

– Bobi Wine: The People’s President

– Four Daughters

– Eternal Memory

– To Kill A Tiger

– 20 Days In Mariupol

In addition to the major categories, there are nominations in various technical and artistic categories:

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

– The ABCs Of Book Banning

– Island In Between

– The Barber Of Little Rock

– The Last Repair Shop

– Nai Nai & Wai Po

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT

– The After

– Invincible

– Knight Of Fortune

– Red, White And Blue

– The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar

BEST ANIMATED SHORT

– Letter To A Pig

– 95 Senses

– Our Uniform

– Pachyderme

– War Is Over! Inspired By The Music Of John & Yoko

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

– American Fiction

– Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny

– Oppenheimer

– Killers Of The Flower Moon

– Poor Things

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

– I’m Just Ken (Barbie)

– What Was I Made For (Barbie)

– The Fire Inside (Flamin’ Hot)

– It Never Went Away (American Symphony)

– Wahzhazhe (Killers Of The Flower Moon)

BEST SOUND

– The Creator

– Maestro

– Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

– Oppenheimer

– The Zone Of Interest

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

– Oppenheimer

– Poor Things

– Killers Of The Flower Moon

– Napoleon

– Barbie

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

– El Conde

– Maestro

– Oppenheimer

– Killers Of The Flower Moon

– Poor Things

BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP

– Golda

– Maestro

– Oppenheimer

– Poor Things

– Society Of The Snow

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

– Barbie

– Killers Of The Flower Moon

– Napoleon

– Oppenheimer

– Poor Things

BEST FILM EDITING

– Anatomy Of A Fall

– The Holdovers

– Killers Of The Flower Moon

– Oppenheimer

– Poor Things

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

– The Creator

– Godzilla Minus One

– Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol 3

– Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

– Napoleon

The excitement builds as the cinematic world eagerly awaits the outcome of the 96th Academy Awards, set to unfold in March.

 ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, has announced the addition of Buhe Bariyan in their US market, yet another hit-comedy title aimed at expanding its Add-ons content library. The newly released Add-on Chaupal aims to provide customers in the US a wide selection of South Asian content in languages like Punjabi, Bhojpuri, and Haryanvi.

Buhe Bariyan, the movie, is not just a cinematic treat but is also an inspiration for all those women who are looking for some sort of strength in their lives. The movie is about the lives of a group of women, played by ace artists from the film industry namely – Rubina Bajwa, Gurpreet Bhangu, Nirmal Rishi, Seema Kaushal, Rupinder Rupi, Dharminder Kaur, Baljinder Kaur, Malkeet Rauni, and Jaswinder Brar, who have in some way, or the other been abused by either their partners or abused by the societies or in their marital homes. The actors have played their parts perfectly and one is sure that their roles can be resonated with a lot of women across. The core of the film has Neeru Bajwa who plays the role of Prem Kaur, an upright police officer who gets involved in the lives of these women and the story takes on from there.

The movie brings up a lot of important issues that have crippled society where women are looked down upon and not treated well. Neeru Bajwa starrer, Kali Jotta, which was released earlier this year, and it is now streaming on OTT platform Chaupal, also showcased a portrayal of women who could neither speak up about their traumas nor take any action as victims of domestic abuse.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global mentioned, “Punjabi movies have always delivered a strong performance for us in the US. Our Add-on partner Chaupal’s large Punjabi content library now added in, opens up a huge gamut of content options for our viewers in the US. Buhe Bariyan weaves a powerful narrative, and we are confident that the addition of this title is bound to delight our audiences.”

Nitin Gupta, Chief Content Officer, Chaupal remarked, “In the spirit of year-end festivities, we extend our heartfelt gift to esteemed audiences in Punjab and beyond. Watch an array of big releases from the year gone by exclusively on Chaupal, that can be enjoyed by all. Among these treasures, Buhe Bariyan stands out as a delightful offering that touches on an important issue of society and invites families to partake in its timeless charm and to immerse themselves in the joy of classic cinema with us.”

Users can download the ZEE5 Global app from Google Play Store / iOS App Store. It is available on Roku devices, Apple TVs, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TVs. Users can also access ZEE5 Global on www.ZEE5.com

About ZEE5 Global

ZEE5 Global is the world’s leading South Asian streaming platform. It brings together the largest offering of content across 18 languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, , Marathi, Oriya and Bhojpuri, and  six international languages Malay, Thai, Bahasa, Urdu, Bangla and Arabic wigth all content being subtitled in English, ZEE5 Global is home to 200,000+ hours of on-demand content. The platform brings together the best of Originals, Movies and TV Shows, Music, Health and Lifestyle content in one destination. In addition, ZEE5 Global offers features like 15 navigational languages, content download options, seamless video playback and Voice Search. ZEE5 Global now also launches ZEE5 Add-ons where you can access and subscribe to multiple South Asian streaming platforms like Chaupal, Oho Gujarati, Namma Flix. Simply South and iStream all in one single destination, ZEE5.

ZEE5 Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZEE5GlobalCorp

ZEE5 Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ZEE5 Global/

(AP) Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” dominated the Golden Globe Awards nominations with nine nods for the blockbuster film, including best picture musical or comedy as well as acting nominations for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and three of its original songs.

It was closely followed by its release date and meme companion Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which scored eight nominations, including best picture drama and for actors Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr. and Emily Blunt.

In a statement, Gerwig said she, “can’t wait to bring the Barbie party to the Globes.”

The revamped group, now a for-profit endeavor with a larger and more diverse voting body, announced nominations Monday for its January awards show, after scandal and several troubled years, including one without a broadcast. Cedric the Entertainer and Wilmer Valderrama presided over the announcements from the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the show will also take place on Jan. 7.

Films nominated for best motion picture drama included “Oppenheimer,” Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” Celine Song’s “Past Lives,” Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” and Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest.”

In the best motion picture musical or comedy category, “Barbie” was joined by “Air,” “American Fiction” “The Holdovers,” “May December” and “Poor Things.”

Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” and Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” both received seven nominations each. “Poor Things” saw nominations for Lanthimos, its actors Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, and Tony McNamara for screenplay. “Killers of the Flower Moon” got nods for Scorsese, for direction and co-writing the screenplay with Eric Roth, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro.

Stone, who was also nominated for the Showtime series “The Curse,” said in a statement that she was “Feeling extremely bewildered and thankful for it all.” She also said her “Poor Things” character Bella Baxter is her favorite.

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DiCaprio praised Gladstone in his statement: “She is the soul of our film and helped to bring this sinister and painful part of our nation’s history to life,” he wrote. The film is about the murders of wealthy Osage individuals in Oklahoma in the early 20th century.

“Barbie” tied for second-most nominations in Globes history with “Cabaret,” from 1972. Robert Altman’s “Nashville” remains the record-holder with 11 nominations. It went into the morning as a favorite and got a big boost from its three original song nominations, including “I’m Just Ken,” and one of the year’s new categories, recognizing cinematic and box office achievement. One person who was not nominated was America Ferrera, who delivered the movie’s most memorable monologue.

“Succession” was the top-nominated television program, with nine nods including for series stars Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook and Kieran Culkin, followed by Hulu’s “The Bear.”

As always there were some big surprises, like Jennifer Lawrence getting nominated for her bawdy R-rated comedy “No Hard Feelings” for best performance by a female actor in a musical or comedy. She was nominated alongside Robbie, Stone and Fantasia Barrino (“The Color Purple”), Natalie Portman (“May December”) and Alma Pöysti (“Fallen Leaves”).

Barrino heard the news from her husband who she immediately called back to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

“My voice is shot because I’ve been screaming, crying and just telling God, ‘Thank you.’ I almost allowed fear to hinder me from this role, to keep me from this role,” she told the AP through tears. She’s been on the road for work and said she’s excited to go home and experience it with her children.

“The Color Purple” was expected to do better. The adaption of the stage musical got only two nominations total, both for actors, for Barrino and Danielle Brooks for her supporting performance. Left out was Colman Domingo, who was nominated for best drama actor for “Rustin.”

Cord Jefferson’s comedy “American Fiction” also came up with only two nods, best musical or comedy and for lead actor Jeffrey Wright, who plays a frustrated writer.

“I don’t think it’s totally healthy to think about these things too much, but they’re there, so one does,” Wright told the AP Monday. “I’m really pleased that the film is being recognized more so than my own personal recognition.”

Sofia Coppola’s widely acclaimed “Priscilla” got only one nomination, for actor Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal of Priscilla Presley. Her category mates in best female performance in a drama include Gladstone, Annette Bening for “Nyad,” Sandra Hüller for “Anatomy of a Fall,” Greta Lee for “Past Lives” and Carey Mulligan for “Maestro.”

The Globes won’t have to worry about anyone criticizing its “all male” directors this year, however. Gerwig was nominated as was Celine Song, for her romantic debut “Past Lives,” alongside Nolan, Scorsese, Cooper and Lanthimos.

Netflix got the most nominations overall, with 13 total for a slate which included “Maestro,” “May December” and “Rustin,” followed by Warner Bros., which made “Barbie” and “The Color Purple” with 12.

Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” was not nominated at all. Instead, its star Joaquin Phoenix was recognized for “Beau is Afraid” in the lead actor comedy/musical category, with Wright, Matt Damon (“Air”), Nicolas Cage “Dream Scenario,” Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka”) and Paul Giamatti (“The Holdovers”). Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” with Adam Driver, and Wes Anderson’s starry “Asteroid City” also got zero nominations.

The voting body has now grown to 300 members, following backlash to a 2021 report in the Los Angeles Times that found that there were zero Black members in the group that was then composed of only 87 foreign journalists.

Perhaps as a result, there were more international films and actors nominated in prominent categories including the Finnish comedy “Fallen Leaves,” the courtroom thriller “Anatomy of a Fall” and the harrowing Auschwitz drama “The Zone of Interest.”

The 81st Golden Globes will be the first major broadcast of awards season, with a new home on CBS, but no word yet on a host. It’s been tumultuous few years behind the scenes in the aftermath of the L.A. Times report, which also exposed ethical lapses like its members accepting lavish gifts and travel from awards publicists and studios.

The Globes had long been one of the highest-profile awards season broadcasts, second only to the Oscars. Before the pandemic, it was still pulling in around 19 million viewers. The show was touted as a boozy, A-list party, whose hosts often took a more irreverent tone than their academy counterparts.

Some years, the HFPA were pilloried for nominating poorly reviewed films with big name talent with hopes of getting them to the show, the most infamous being “The Tourist,” with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. In the past decade, they’ve more often overlapped with the Oscars.

This year, NBC’s Tuesday night broadcast got its smallest audience ever for the ceremony, with 6.3 million viewers.

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming service for South Asian content, announced a strategic move to aggregate multiple South Asian streaming platforms within the ZEE5 Global platform with the launch of Add-ons in the US. ZEE5 Global Add-ons will offer subscribers in the US a single-window to access their favorite South Asian entertainment platforms on the ZEE5 Global platform itself, with Add-ons pricing starting from just $1.49 onwards.

ZEE5 Global Add-ons was unveiled by Amit Goenka, president, Digital Businesses and Platforms, and Archana Anand, chief business officer, ZEE5 Global, at an event at Mumbai’s Hotel Taj Land’s End on November 28. The show was attended by various Hindi film, TV and web series celebs as well as regional names. Subhash Ghai, Anu Malik, Gulshan Grover, Amisha Patel, Luv Sinha, Aamir Ali, Rohitashv Gaur, Aasif Shaikh, Shubhangi Atre Poorey, Sharad Kelkar and others were spotted at the launch.

Said Goenka: “We have become No. 1 in the US market, and also Europe, Australia and Middle-East and more, that too within a short span of four years, Our user base is 15 times that of our nearest competitor. And because we have reached  this pinnacle, we thought we can go further.”

“The launch of Add-ons on ZEE5 Global is a significant milestone, further cementing our leadership position as the No.1 South Asian streaming platform,” said Anand. “Add-ons will bring the best of South Asian content from multiple streaming platforms within ZEE5 Global for the diaspora in the US and soon globally, and at the best possible value.”

ZEE5 Global Add-ons currently offers content across languages from streaming platforms like Simply South (all South Indian languages), Oho Gujarati (Gujarati), Chaupal (Punjabi, Bhojpuri and Haryanvi), NammaFlix (Kannada), EPIC ON (Hindi) and iStream (Malayalam) with at least six more about to join. As a first for ZEE5 Global, Gujarati content will be available on the platform to delight the huge Gujarati-speaking population in the US.

ZEE5 Global Add-ons partner titles will further add to the platform’s huge catalogue of over 250,000 hours of movies, TV shows, and originals across languages. Currently, audience fragmentation looms large, their being over 30 South Asian streaming platforms.

Goenka added, “As digital entertainment consumption and delivery models evolve in the global landscape, addressing the growing consumer demand for engaging content and a seamless, personalized experience that combines accessibility and affordability is the need of the hour. With the launch of our aggregator platform, ZEE5 Add-ons, we aim to unite the entertainment ecosystem for the discerning viewer to build a robust monetization opportunity for multiple players in the global markets. We are pleased to have on board some of the most renowned names offering South Asian content to the diaspora, and we look forward to building a healthy partnership by enhancing capabilities in the realm of content creation and distribution by establishing ZEE5 Global Add-ons as the single destination for all South Asian content.”

Sharing her vision for ZEE5 Global Add-ons, Anand added, “As the foremost South Asian streaming platform in the United States, ZEE5 Global has played a crucial role in connecting the South Asian diaspora with their cultural roots. Building on our leadership, the natural progression was to evolve into the premier aggregator for South Asian entertainment. Add-ons will help address challenges such as content and consumer fragmentation and empower subscribers to effortlessly access their preferred content at one destination. It also benefits our partners, who can bank on our extensive reach in the US and save on customer acquisition and marketing costs.”

Users will now have just one app to download, only one login and a single password to remember. Billing and payment is also simplified through a single platform for all streaming subscriptions. Personalized recommendations across languages, unified user interface and search across platforms, and an ad-free viewing experience are just some of the other key benefits for consumers in the US.

In addition to Add-ons, ZEE5 Global is set to launch the largest consumer giveback program, the Great ZEE5 GiveAway, for its US consumers over the next few weeks in association with multiple partners like Quicklly, the leading online South Asian marketplace in the US, wherein with every purchase of ZEE5 or any Add-On pack, all new or existing subscribers will stand to win guaranteed gifts with sweepstakes ranging from gift cards to all-expenses-paid trips to destinations like Hawaii, Las Vegas and more.

A unique India-to-US Referral Program will also be rolled out shortly. Subscribers in India will be able to share their unique referral link with friends or family in the US and earn Rs.500 for each successful referral. The best part is: no capping on the number of referrals, so there is no upper limit to how much one can get.

Speaking at the event, Anand also announced a massive campaign against global piracy to be launched soon with ZEE5 Global, offering a logical and legitimate option for consumers tempted by the content variety and low costs offered by pirate platforms.

Tied in with her aspiration around ZEE5 Global being at the forefront of making South Asian entertainment larger on the global stage, the launch event also featured a panel discussion titled “The Coming of Age of South Asian Entertainment: The Time is Now.” The panel discussion, moderated by Anupama Chopra, featured Manoj Bajpayee, Guneet Monga, Vishal Bhardwaj and Pratik Gandhi besides Anand. The panelists discussed a range of topics around the subject covering how South Asian content is finally taking centrestage, their own perspectives about the South Asian audience, how storytelling has evolved and whether crossing over was a personal aspiration for them.

Antarctica has witnessed the release of around 66.9 trillion tons of freshwater into the oceans over the last 25 years, according to scientists from the University of Leeds. The research indicates that nearly 67 trillion tons of ice have melted into the ocean during this period, with 59 trillion tons added back to the ice shelves. Despite this, there is a net loss of 7.5 trillion tons. The western side of Antarctica’s ice shelves, in particular, has been heavily impacted, with human-induced global warming identified as the likely culprit.

In the analysis of 162 ice shelves surrounding Antarctica, 71 have seen a reduction in volume from 1997 to 2021. The study highlights that most ice shelves on the western side have experienced loss, while those on the eastern side have generally remained unchanged or even expanded in volume. The research involved examining over 100,000 satellite radar images to comprehensively evaluate the “health” of the ice shelves.

The potential repercussions of ice shelf loss or reduction are substantial for Antarctica’s ice system and global ocean circulation. This could impact the vital “conveyor belt” responsible for transporting nutrients, heat, and carbon throughout the polar ecosystem. Dr. Benjamin Davison, the lead researcher from the University of Leeds, explains the varying conditions around Antarctica: “The western half is exposed to warm water, which can rapidly erode the ice shelves from below, whereas much of East Antarctica is currently protected from nearby warm water by a band of cold water at the coast.”

The study’s findings challenge expectations, with almost half of the ice shelves shrinking without signs of recovery. Dr. Davison notes the impact of ocean temperature and currents, emphasizing that the susceptibility of the western side to warm waters beneath the ice shelves contributes to their erosion.

The researchers attribute these changes to global warming, arguing that if natural climate fluctuations were responsible, there would have been indications of ice regrowth, especially on the western ice shelves.

Ice shelves, acting as extensions of the continental ice sheet, float on the surrounding seas, serving as significant barriers that regulate the pace of glacier ice flowing into the oceans. As these barriers diminish or weaken, the acceleration of glacial ice loss occurs.

Notable ice losses were observed on the Getz Ice Shelf, with a total of 1.9 trillion tons of ice lost during the study period. Calving, where large ice portions detach and drift into the sea, accounted for only five percent of this loss, while the remainder was attributed to base melting. The Pine Island Ice Shelf experienced a loss of 1.3 trillion tons, with approximately 450 billion tons due to calving and the rest from base melting. Conversely, the Amery Ice Shelf on Antarctica’s eastern side gained 1.2 trillion tons, attributed to its colder surrounding waters.

This influx of freshwater can alter the density of salty ocean water, potentially disrupting the global ocean conveyor belt—an essential component for global ocean circulation. A separate study in the journal Nature Climate Change suggests that this disruption may already be underway.

Professor Anna Hogg, a co-author of the study, comments on the consistent losses observed through melting and calving, stating, “With 48 shelves losing over 30% of their original mass in just a quarter-century, it’s clear evidence of Antarctica’s response to a warming climate.” The ongoing research underscores the urgency of addressing climate change to mitigate the far-reaching impacts on Antarctica’s ice shelves and the global climate system.

Vir Das made history by taking home the trophy for the best unique comedy at the 2023 International Emmy’s, for his comedy special ‘Vir Das: Landing.’

Comedian-actor Vir Das made history by bagging the prestigious Emmy Awards for best unique comedy for his Netflix show ‘Vir Das: Landing’. After accepting the honor in New York City, Vir returned to India on Wednesday. During an interaction with the media at the New Delhi airport, he talked about his experience of winning the trophy.

He said, “I am very happy to bring this home. Now, I have a show in Panchkula so I will go to Panchkula and then to Benagluru. This award will tour India like me and I am very excited. We are here because of the people who have come before us, like Johnny Lever.This is the first award for Indian comedy internationally but hopefully not the last, hopefully, many comedians can win it.”

Johnny Lever is an Indian film actor and one of the most noted comedians in Hindi cinema. Lever is one of the first stand up comedians in India.

Das added, “There is love for India in every joke of mine and there will be love in every joke in the future as well. If you love your nation, write about it.”
The award for the Comedy Category was a tie, with ‘Derry Girls Season 3’ also receiving the recognition.

‘Vir Das: Landing’ marks his fourth Netflix comedy special that presents a show about what it means to be truly global while looking for a home. To carry your country across the world with you, whatever that country is, and to find your feet.

A show about growing up in India, seeing the globe, love troubles, colossal failures, social media madness, the perils of outrage, unplanned drugs, war-zone boarding schools, metaphorical mathematical equations, the current state of comedy, getting nominated, getting intoxicated, and ultimately just getting situated.

‘Vir Das: Landing’ which premiered on the OTT platform Netflix, was competing with Le Flambeau from France, El Encargado from Argentina, and Derry Girls Season 3 from the UK.

Earlier, Vir’s third standup special ‘Vir Das: For India’ received a 2021 International Emmy Nomination for “Best Comedy.”

As the comedian received the prestigious award which he shared with UK comedy series ‘Derry Girls’, Vir Das shared his vote of thanks.

In his statement, the Indian comedian said, “This moment is truly surreal – an incredible honor that feels like a dream.  Winning an Emmy for ‘Vir Das: Landing’ in the ‘Comedy Category’ is not just a milestone for me but for Indian comedy as a whole. It’s heartening to see ‘Vir Das: Landing’ resonate globally, thanks to Netflix, Akash Sharma and Reg Tigerman who made it special. My journey from crafting local stories to receiving a global accolade has been both challenging and rewarding, and Netflix has been instrumental in that growth. I’m excited about the continued exploration of diverse narratives, from Noida to the International Emmys – India gets you there.”

Global, 15th November 2023:  ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content,  announced the world digital premiere of the recently released Kannada movie, ‘Ghost’ today. After creating a resounding impact in theatres last month, ‘Ghost’ has garnered praise from both audiences and critics for its dynamic storyline and powerhouse performances.

The highest grosser of the year in Kannada revolves around an exciting chase between a cunning criminal and a determined police officer. It has spared no effort in entertaining viewers with its non-linear screenplay, breathtaking elevation scenes, and top-notch action sequences that showcase the renowned actor Shiva Rajkumar in a compelling new light. The highly acclaimed movie that collected over 3M USD at the box office is now set to have its digital premiere on November 17th exclusively on ZEE5 Global.

‘Ghost’ envelopes the details of a prison hijack in Karnataka led by a mysterious criminal named Dalavayi Muddanna (Shiva Rajkumar) while following an intense chase between Dalavayi and the determined ACP Chengappa (Jayaram). With hidden gold bars, unexpected twists, and an engrossing storyline, the film keeps its viewers engaged as the characters navigate through a complex web of suspense and betrayal, leading to an exciting climax.

Directed by M. G. Srinivas and produced by Sandesh Productions, the film stars Shiva Rajkumar in the lead role alongside Jayaram and Prashant Narayanan in other prominent roles. The film also boasts noteworthy cameo appearances by Dattanna, Archana Jois, and veteran actor Anupam Kher, adding depth and nuance to this thrilling narrative.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global, said, “We’ve seen great success with thrillers globally, thanks to stories deeply rooted in South Asian culture that offer an exciting cinematic experience. Our new addition, ‘Ghost,’ is a thrilling Kannada chase drama Packed with excitement, it’s a complete must-watch entertainer that we’re proud to add into our bouquet.”

Director M.G. Srinivas mentioned, “I am overwhelmed by the incredible response ‘Ghost’ has received in theatres, and I am delighted that the film’s reach will now expand globally through ZEE5 Global. The exceptional performances by Shiva Rajkumar, Prashanth Narayan, Jayaram, and other talented ensemble, along with the remarkable contribution of Anupam Kher, have truly brought the vision of ‘Ghost’ to life. I am thrilled to share our labour of love with audiences worldwide and look forward to the film’s continued success on the digital platform.”

Actor Shiva Rajkumar who is seen in the role of Ghost, said, “Since the movie’s release, I’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions within me. Initially, I was anxious about how my performance would be perceived by the audience, but I am elated to see the kind of reviews the film has received. ‘Ghost’  has a unique narrative with a fresh perspective to the thrilling tale. My character in ‘Ghost’ embodies multiple shades, each serving a different purpose. While the term ‘ghost’ often evokes fear, the film presents a nuanced play on the concepts of good, bad, and the complexities in between. I am excited to know that the film is now available to an even wider audience on ZEE5 Global.”

Jayaram who is seen in the role of ACP Chengappa, said, “Being a part of ‘Ghost’ working with a powerhouse of talents like Shiva Rajkumar, Director Srinivas has been an exciting journey for me, and I am happy to see the movie being appreciated by critics and fans alike. The interesting story and the relationships between the characters have made this film a special project for me. The way the movie explores human emotions is fascinating, and I am thrilled that more people can now enjoy it on ZEE5 Global.”

The Grammy nominations for 2024 were unveiled on Friday morning, and SZA emerged as the front-runner with an impressive nine nominations, closely followed by Victoria Monét and Phoebe Bridgers, each securing seven nods. Sharing the third spot with six nominations each were Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift, Boygenius, Jon Batiste, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and Brandy Clark.

The 2024 Grammy nominations were disclosed by a lineup of artists including Kim Petras, St. Vincent, Jon Bon Jovi, Muni Long, and others. Anticipation had been high for SZA and Swift, given their acclaimed 2022 albums, “Midnights” and “SOS,” respectively. Swift set a new record with six nominations this year, breaking the record for the most nominations in the Song of the Year category, accumulating seven in total, though she has yet to secure a win in this category.

The Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. As the music industry awaits the event, let’s delve into some notable surprises and snubs from this year’s nominations.

Surprise: Victoria Monét Triumphs

Earlier in the year, Victoria Monét faced disappointment at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she was denied a performance, with her team deeming it “too early in [her] story” for such an opportunity. However, those sentiments are likely regretted now as Monét received her first Grammy nomination, along with six others, including one for Record of the Year. Her nominations span multiple categories, such as Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Album.

Original Quote: “Earlier this year, Victoria Monét did not get to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards, taking to X to explain that her team said it was ‘too early in [her] story’ for that opportunity.”

Surprise: Pop Dance Category is an Australian Wonderland

Two Australian artists, Kylie Minogue and Troye Sivan, found cause for celebration as their songs made it to the nominations list. Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam,” a widely acclaimed earworm in queer spaces and online, secured a nomination, marking her sixth overall and potentially her second Grammy win. Troye Sivan, recognized for his internet phenomenon single “Rush,” received his first-ever Grammy nod after over a decade in the music industry.

Original Quote: “Two Aussies have means for celebration today and their songs will provide the perfect soundtrack.”

Snub: Peso Pluma Overlooked in Best New Artist Category

Despite a significant year with features on hits like “Ella Baila Sola” and collaborations with KAROL G, Becky G, El Alfa, and more, Peso Pluma was overlooked in the Best New Artist category. His album “GÉNESIS,” released in April, showcased his boundary-pushing approach to corridos tumbados, making his absence in the category notable.

Original Quote: “Peso Pluma had a big year with his feature on the breakout hit, ‘Ella Baila Sola,’ and a quick ascent to fame working with the likes of KAROL G, Becky G, El Alfa, and more.”

Surprise: Barbie Racks Up Four Nods in One Category

The cultural phenomenon that was Barbie in 2023, with its star-studded soundtrack, garnered significant attention from the Recording Academy. It dominated the Best Song Written for Visual Media category, securing four nominations for tracks like Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj’s “Barbie World,” Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For,” and the Ryan Gosling rock-ballad “I’m Just Ken.”

Original Quote: “Barbie was the moment—the closest we got in 2023 to the days of monoculture.”

Surprise: Rihanna’s Black Panther Song Gets Grammy Love

Rihanna’s song “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, marked her return to music after a seven-year hiatus. The Grammy nomination suggests anticipation from both the Recording Academy and her fans for a potential full-length project in the future.

Original Quote: “When the song “Lift Me Up” was released, the public heralded it as Rihanna’s return to music because she hadn’t released an album in seven years.”

Snub: Foo Fighters Do Not Receive Album of the Year Nod

Despite the Foo Fighters’ highly anticipated return to music with the album “But Here We Are,” following the tragic loss of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, the band did not secure a nomination for Album of the Year. Earlier predictions from outlets like Rolling Stone had anticipated the Foo Fighters to receive recognition for turning a terrible tragedy into an artistic triumph.

Original Quote: “The Foo Fighters’ longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins died in 2022, prompting the band to step away from the spotlight.”

Surprise: The First-Ever African Music Performance Category Picks Strong Contenders

The Recording Academy introduced the Best African Music Performance category to acknowledge the growing influence of afrobeats and African music in the United States. Notable nominations in this category include Asake, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Tyla, all receiving their first-ever Grammy nominations. The inclusion of Tyla’s song, “Water,” reflects the song’s popularity with its blend of amapiano, afrobeats, pop, and R&B.

Original Quote: “The Recording Academy introduced the first-ever Best African Music Performance category following the success of afrobeats and African music in the United States.”

The 2024 Grammy nominations present a mix of expected recognitions and unexpected twists, with artists like SZA, Victoria Monét, and Phoebe Bridgers leading the pack. As anticipation builds for the awards ceremony on February 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, music enthusiasts will be keen to see which artists take home the prestigious trophies in their respective categories.

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content,  today announced the world digital premiere of ‘Ghoomer’. With an inspiring storyline, the movie features a stellar cast of Shabana Azmi, Abhishek Bachchan, Saiyami Kher, Angad Bedi and a special appearance by none other than Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. Helmed by R. Balki, Ghoomer is all set to make an indelible mark via its OTT release on 10^th November exclusively on ZEE5 Global.

Produced by Hope Film Makers and Saraswati Entertainment, Ghoomer is an emotional story with multiple layers. In ‘Ghoomer,’ Saiyami Kher plays Anina Dixit, a talented cricketer whose dreams are shattered by a tragic accident leading to the loss of her right arm. Paddy (played by Abhishek Bachchan), a former test cricketer, becomes her coach and helps her become the first-ever one-armed spinner, propelling her to play for the Indian National Team. The coach gives her new hope, trains her with unconventional techniques and invents a Ghoomer bowling style to turn her fate around. ‘Ghoomer’ shows how people can win over tough times and get another shot at success beating all odds.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global said, “Outstanding stories of might and perseverance hold the power to unite viewers across the globe. With the digital premiere of the critically acclaimed film Ghoomer on ZEE5, we hope to inspire viewers across the globe as the film’s remarkable story highlights the unbreakable human spirit. The title further expands our robust blockbuster movies library and is sure to resonate deeply with viewers worldwide.”

Director R. Balki said, “Ghoomer on ZEE5 Global will finally take the film to the widest possible audience the film deserves. Loved unanimously by those who have seen it in its limited release in the theatres, this magical story of a one-armed girl who is given a new lease of life by a man who believed in the impossible and changed the rules of the game, can atleast be witnessed by every home around the globe. I am thrilled now Ghoomer will finally reach the hearts of millions.

 Abhishek Bachchan shared his excitement, stating, “Working alongside Saiyami Kher and under R. Balki’s brilliant direction was an enriching experience that allowed us to delve deep into the intricacies of our characters. The success of this Ghoomer should be credited to the stellar team both on and off-screen who brought this story to life. I am thrilled that the film is set to make its digital premiere on ZEE5 Global, bringing this heartfelt tale to a wider audience who can now enjoy the film from the comfort of their homes.”

 Saiyami Kher mentioned, “Ghoomer has been the best experience of my life. The film has my blood, sweat, toil and my entire heart. Getting to play a differently abled cricketer, getting to work with the genius R. balki. Getting to share the screen with AB, Shabana ji and Angad has been a dream. This film is everything I could have asked for. I am delighted that the film will now be accessible to a wider audience on ZEE5 Global, allowing viewers to experience the magic of life, live Anina and paddy sir’s journey and get inspired by Anina’s courage.”

Viewers can catch ZEE5 Global’s unmissable slate and stock up on their yearlong entertainment by subscribing to the Annual pack and grabbing the limited-time special offer price.

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, announced its next direct-to-digital film, Kadak Singh today. This will mark the second collaboration between national award-winning director, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury and ZEE5 Global after the success of Yami Gautam starrer ‘Lost’ and the third direct-to-digital collaboration between national award-winning actor, Pankaj Tripathi and ZEE5 Global after the success of ‘Yours Truly’ and ‘Kaagaz’. Produced by Wiz Films (Andre Timmins, Viraf Sarkari & Sabbas Joseph), HT Content Studio (Mahesh Ramanathan), and KVN and co-produced by Shyam Sunder and Indrani Mukherjee, Kadak Singh also stars Sanjana Sanghi, Jaya Ahsan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Dilip Shankar, Paresh Pahuja and Varun Buddhadev in prominent roles and is set to premiere on ZEE5 Global later this year.

Kadak Singh is an engaging thriller filled with mystery and suspense. The movie follows the perplexing journey of AK Shrivastav (Pankaj Tripathi) as he battles retrograde amnesia, uncovering a web of conflicting narratives from his past. Amidst the process of piecing together his life, the film delves into his quest to expose the truth behind a significant financial crime.

Pankaj Tripathi going live on Instagram two days ago and seeming a little lost and confused and ending the live abruptly, leaving people perplexed now makes sense as he seems to be playing out his character suffering from retrograde amnesia live for his virtual audience, giving them a sneak-peek into his character. The direct-to-digital film, Kadak Singh is set to premiere on ZEE5 Global later this year.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Globalsaid, “We are proud to unveil ‘Kadak Singh,’ our latest direct-to-digital release. We’ve delivered outstanding original content this year, earning the love of global audiences and are pleased to bring this film which marks our third collaboration with the phenomenal Pankaj Tripathi. We have full confidence that viewers will find ‘Kadak Singh,’a film well worth watching.”

Viraf Sarkari, Director Wiz Films and Producer of Kadak Singhsaid, “It’s been 12 years since I first thought of this story & started developing this film. I am so happy to finally realise this dream. We have done our best to put the best team of actors, director & crew to be a part of this film. On behalf of Wiz Films & my partners Andre Timmins& Sabbas Joseph I’d like to thank our Director Annirudha Roy Chowdhury, our producers KVN & Suprith, HT Content Studio’s Mahesh Ramanathan, & our co producers Shyam Sunder & Indrani Mukherjee, our writer Ritesh Shah and Music Director Shantanu Moitra for their love & support. Hope the audiences enjoy watching this film as much as we all did while making it”.

Director, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury said, “Kadak Singh is a special film and talks about the responsibility of one government official towards the common people. Pankaj Tripathi and Sanjana Sanghi have done a fabulous job at portraying this complex father daughter story. Infact, I was in a paradise full of great actors including Parvathy and Jaya Ahsan and collaborators where each one of them has really pushed the boundary to deliver a terrific thriller. The highlight of this film is that it has relationships in different forms and how these relationships provide different perspectives and help the story move forward. It is also about a dysfunctional family coming on their own and becoming functional after a series of events leading to a rollercoaster of emotions. I hope that the film enriches people as it is a commentary on the society, and I am looking forward to another successful collaboration with ZEE5 Global”.

 Viewers can catch ZEE5 Global’s unmissable slate and stock up on their yearlong entertainment by subscribing to the Annual pack and grabbing the limited-time special offer price.

ZEE5 Global is the digital entertainment destination launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), a global Media and Entertainment powerhouse. The platform launched across 190+ countries in October 2018 and has content across 18 languages: Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Punjabi, including six international languages Malay, Thai, Bahasa, Urdu, Bangla and Arabic. ZEE5 Global is home to 200,000+ hours of on-demand content. The platform brings together the best of Originals, Movies and TV Shows, Music, Health and Lifestyle content in one destination. In addition, ZEE5 Global offers features like 15 navigational languages, content download options, seamless video playback and Voice Search.

Users can download the ZEE5 Global app from Google Play Store / iOS App Store. It is available on Roku devices, Apple TVs, Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TVs. Users can also access ZEE5 Global on www.ZEE5.com

In contemporary film criticism, there’s a well-established rule: avoid revealing a movie’s ending unless your audience is particularly niche. Delving into the details of a final scene or closing shot is often met with disdain from the spoiler police. Yet, once in a while, a film’s ending is so emotionally charged, so impactful in its own right, and as the culmination of everything preceding it, that it warrants separate consideration. Martin Scorsese’s exceptional film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” adapted from David Grann’s 2017 book that delves into the systematic and macabre murders of wealthy Osage landowners in 1920s Oklahoma, is precisely one of those instances. The concluding moments of the film are so compelling that they underscore Scorsese’s profound connection with the material and enable us to express our own emotions about it. In my case, the movie lingered with me for days, even weeks, with memories of it resurfacing unexpectedly, like messages etched in smoke. If you haven’t seen “Killers of the Flower Moon” yet, please consider this your warning to stop reading here. However, if you’ve watched it and are haunted by it, this is an opportunity for us to share in that haunting together.

The film is set in Osage territory in the early 1920s in Oklahoma. Lily Gladstone delivers a mesmerizing performance as Mollie Burkhart, an Osage Indian whose oil-rich land, previously acquired through coercion by the U.S. government, has made her a wealthy woman. Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio), an ambitious but not particularly bright World War I veteran, pursues and marries Mollie. Much of this decision is influenced by his uncle, the corrupt cattleman William Hale (Robert De Niro), although Ernest seems to genuinely love Mollie. Nonetheless, he willingly becomes part of Hale’s nefarious plan to murder affluent Osage to obtain their oil rights.

One by one, Mollie’s family members are brutally murdered, with their deaths masked as accidents or coincidences. Ernest is aware of or directly involved in at least two of these murders, and he actively participates in the planned murder of his own wife. In reality, these heinous acts were part of a series of crimes, many of which remain unsolved and may have claimed the lives of around 100 members of the Osage nation, if not more. An upright Bureau of Investigation agent named Tom White (Jesse Plemons) arrives to investigate the community’s murders and eventually solves the case. However, Scorsese places the story’s emphasis on Mollie, her family, and Ernest’s terrible betrayal of the woman he genuinely loved. The primary narrative concludes with Mollie’s reluctant and painful acknowledgment of her husband’s role in the murders. But this ending is followed by a coda in which Scorsese himself makes an appearance, a moment where the storyteller reaffirms Mollie as the heart of this saga and reminds us that while life is fleeting, history endures.

This coda draws inspiration from the radio serials of the 1930s and 1940s, a time when home entertainment involved gathering around a device that sparked the imagination through sound, rather than visuals (which were reserved for the movies). In real life, the Osage murders were dramatized in a 1933 episode of “The Lucky Strike Hour,” with the approval of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s chief, J. Edgar Hoover, who recognized its potential for positive public relations. “Killers of the Flower Moon” ends with a reimagined recreation of the broadcast recording, featuring a mostly male voice cast (including Larry Fessenden and musician Jack White) narrating the aftermath of the case. We learn that Hale and Burkhart were convicted but later pardoned, and the Osage perspective is presented through a voice actor using cartoonish pidgin English.

Through this coda, Scorsese conveys how events are remembered and retold and how they become part of history, typically by individuals who didn’t directly experience them. While storytelling keeps these stories alive, it’s often the people who suffered the most who lack the means to share their stories with the wider world. In the early 1930s, about a decade after the actual events, the story of the Osage murders was retold by a group of white voice actors dressed in suits and equipped with various Foley effects. Almost 95 years later, that story is recounted in meticulously researched form by a white journalist. And approximately a century later, it becomes a movie created by a white director, possibly the world’s greatest living director.

Scorsese has occasionally made uncredited appearances in his films, whether through his voice or brief glimpses on screen. It’s as if he has immersed himself so deeply in the act of storytelling that he can’t resist including himself in the narrative, even if subtly. He’s the artist who can’t help but secretly embed his own image on the canvas, akin to Jan van Eyck’s self-reflection in his painting.

However, Scorsese’s presence in “Killers of the Flower Moon” as a radio producer who steps up to the microphone for the last word in the reimagined “Lucky Strike Radio Hour” broadcast is distinct. In a few brief sentences, he encapsulates the essence of Mollie Burkhart’s obituary. She passed away in 1937, a full-blood Osage, and was laid to rest next to her family members who had preceded her in death. Then he adds a poignant detail. Although his tone is measured, you can’t help but wonder if his own heart is breaking as he reads it: “There was no mention of the murders.”

With this statement, Scorsese seems to be conveying how Mollie Burkhart’s life was assessed and summarized at the time of her death. In his book, Grann had provided more details about her story. In restructuring the material for the film, Scorsese attempts to further restore her dignity, although he recognizes the paternalistic nature of the notion of “restoring dignity.” A person’s, especially a woman’s, dignity is a personal matter, and does she truly need another person, particularly a man, to tidy it up and return it to her?

In a single sentence, Scorsese, a man who is dedicated to storytelling, implicitly acknowledges the inherent fallacy of this idea. Directors are generally self-assured individuals, at times to the point of hubris. However, in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Scorsese’s concluding words are an act of humility, offered by a filmmaker who is aware that he is nearing the twilight of his career.

The film’s closing image is an Osage celebration, a circle of dancers depicted as a kaleidoscopic whirl. Mollie’s spirit, her history, lives on in them. Yet Scorsese, the outsider, wants to pay homage to her as well. He has done his utmost to bring her to life for us through Gladstone’s performance, in a film so vivid and empathetic that it leaves an indelible after-image. This is the greatest tribute he can offer to Mollie Burkhart. Nevertheless, he understands that it falls short of being enough.

In a stunning feat, Indian actor Vijay’s latest blockbuster, “Leo,” raked in an astounding $16 million (₹140 crore) worldwide on its opening day. This phenomenal success was unveiled in a report by CNBC. Notably, “Leo” managed to outshine the collections of Shah Rukh Khan’s “Jawan,” which had hit the screens on October 19, 2023.

“Leo,” an action-packed thriller, was unveiled in multiple languages, encompassing Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. A social media post by the renowned film trade analyst Ramesh Bala, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), disclosed that the movie swiftly crossed the remarkable ₹100-crore (US$ 12 million) milestone at the global box office within its opening day.

Citing information from industry tracker Sacnilk.com, CNBC confirmed that director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s “Leo” had scripted history by achieving the ‘most significant worldwide opening for a Kollywood (Tamil) film.’ Notably, this film marks the third installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), following “Kaithi” (2019) starring Karthi and “Vikram” (2022) featuring Kamal Haasan. “Leo” drew inspiration from “A History of Violence” (2005), an adaptation of the graphic novel bearing the same title.

The star-studded cast of “Leo” includes Vijay in the lead role as Leo Das/ Parthiban, Sanjay Dutt portraying Antony Das, Arjun as Harold Das, Trisha taking on the character of Sathya, and director-cum-actor Gautham Vasudev Menon stepping into the shoes of a forest ranger. Complementing this ensemble are Madonna Sebastian, George Maryan, Mathew Thomas, Mansoor Ali Khan, Mysskin, and Sandy Master.

The film, initially announced in January 2023, marked Vijay’s 67th cinematic venture. The musical score for this cinematic spectacle was crafted by Anirudh Ravichander, known for his work on “Kaavaalaa.” Manoj Paramahamsa lent his expert touch as the cinematographer, and the editing was masterfully executed by Philomin Raj. The production of this cinematic marvel was overseen by S S Lait Kumar and Jagadish Palanisamy, under the esteemed banner of Seven Screen Studio. The script was expertly crafted by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Rathna Kumar, and Deeraj Vaidy.

Vijay’s last appearance on the silver screen was in “Varisu,” which premiered in January 2023 under the direction of Vamshi Paidipally. On the other hand, Trisha graced the screens as Kundavai in Mani Ratnam’s “Ponniyin Selvan: II,” released in April 2023.

The soaring success of “Leo” signifies the unwavering star power of Vijay and the enduring appeal of Indian cinema, captivating audiences across the globe.

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content,  announces the world digital premiere of the biggest Hindi blockbuster of the year, ‘Gadar 2’ today. After a successful theatrical run collecting 63M USD in India and still counting, Gadar 2 is set for another successful innings on ZEE5 Global on 6^th October. Produced by Zee Studios and directed by Anil Sharma, the superhit sequel to the 2001 hit ‘Gadar’ will see Sunny Deol, Ameesha Patel and Utkarsh Sharma reprise their roles as Tara Singh, Sakeena and Charanjeet “Jeete” Singh respectively.

Gadar 2 brings back India’s most loved family of Tara, Sakeena & Jeete; 22 years after its predecessor. Set against the backdrop of Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, Tara Singh, once again, will face every enemy to protect the honor of his country and family. This time, the narrative will delve deeper into the enduring love of Tara Singh and Sakeena and additionally, will see a strong father-son bond between Tara Singh and Charanjeet as the latter lands in Pakistan and ends up being caught and tortured. While the last time, Tara Singh visited Pakistan to get his wife back, this time, he will return to rescue his son.

So, gear up for bigger, better and bolder action sequences from Sunny Deol and a repeat of his most popular dialogue “Hindustan zindabad tha, zindabad hai aur zindabad rahega” which will continue to echo in every Hindustani’s heart for a long time. The movie will also see Sunny Deol reprise his famous handpump scene and sing and dance to the original chartbusters (from the 2001 film) like ‘Udd Jaa Kaale Kaava’, ‘Main Nikla Gaddi Leke’ and recreate the same magic from 2001.

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global said, “Bollywood blockbusters have always transcended geographical boundaries and resonated with global viewers through their powerful and emotionally charged stories. With the World Digital Premiere of Gadar 2, ZEE5 Global is thrilled to present our global viewers with the sequel to one of Hindi cinema’s all-time blockbuster hits that has captivated audiences for over 22 years”.

Shariq Patel, CBO, Zee Studios said, “Gadar 2 brought back India’s most loved family of Tara Singh, Sakeena and Jeete; 22 years after its predecessor. Hindustan Ka Asli Blockbuster will make history once more with its digital premiere on ZEE5 Global”.

Sunny Deol said, “We are absolutely delighted with the overwhelming response that ‘Gadar 2’ has received in theatres. Now with its World Digital Premiere on ZEE5 Global, I am very excited for the movie to reach a wider, global audience. Gadar 2 is a perfect family entertainer which will keep the viewers completely engaged and entertained. I urge everyone to watch it if you haven’t already and watch it again if you have”.

Ameesha Patel said, “Sakeena is a character who has stayed with me throughout my career, and I was so excited to revisit her in ‘Gadar 2.’ The chemistry between Tara and Sakeena is timeless, and the sequel reignites that magic for our fans. ZEE5 Global’s platform allows us to connect with a global audience, and I’m thrilled that viewers from around the world will have the opportunity to witness this epic love story, all over again but with more twists and action”.

Director Anil Sharma said, “The story of ‘Gadar’ is etched in the memories of every movie lover and with Gadar 2, we have tried to recreate the same magic. I am beyond thrilled that Gadar 2 has become one of the most successful Hindi films of all time and now with its World Digital Premiere on ZEE5 Global, I hope that the film breaks more records and reaches more people across the world”.

Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) is gearing up for its 18th edition from October 12 to 22, 2023, across multiple venues in Seattle, WA. This year, TSAFF achieves a momentous milestone as the first and only South Asian film festival whose winning films will qualify for submission to the esteemed Oscars. The significance of a South Asian film festival qualifying for the Oscars illustrates the importance of representation and inclusivity in media as it challenges historically limited narratives and promotes cross-cultural understanding.

With the theme of “Breaking Cinematic Barriers,” this year’s lineup unveils an impressive collection of 83 selected films spanning diverse genres and captivating themes. The carefully curated selection includes 23 features, 60 shorts, 20 documentaries, and 63 narratives; 25 World Premieres, 36 North America Premiere, with 33 Female identified directors. These films, presented in 26 languages, promise an unparalleled global cinematic journey reflecting the rich tapestry of South Asian stories.

Tasveer co-founder Rita Meher expressed her pride in the festival: “As the only Oscar-qualifying South Asian festival, we are committed to presenting a program of unparalleled depth and significance. Our festival winners can directly compete in the Academy Awards run, allowing authentic South Asian narratives to shine on the grandest stage, unfiltered and unmediated.”

The 18th Annual Tasveer Festival kicks off with in-person screenings from October 12th to 15th at premier venues, including the Paccar IMAX Theater at Pacific Science Center. The festival will continue in a virtual format on TasveerTV from October 16th to 22nd, offering audiences the flexibility to engage with the content from the comfort of their homes.

Film + Event Highlights:

Opening Night Film: The opening night will feature the gripping drama of “Munnel (Sand in Tamil)” from Sri Lanka. The film skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, faith, and desperation that immerse us in the post-war landscape of Sri Lanka, where Rudran, an ex-Tamil militant, returns home in search of his vanished lover, Vaani. The film won a jury award at the 2023 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).

Centerpiece: “Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest” presents an inspiring tale from Nepal, chronicling the remarkable journey of mountaineer Pasang Lhamu Sherpa as she challenges racism, gender bias, and political opposition to become the first Nepali woman to conquer Mount Everest.

Washington State/Climate Change Film: “Between Earth and Sky” delves into the life of ecologist Nalini Nadkarni as she explores the effects of disturbance and recovery of rainforest canopies, with a special local focus on the Olympic National Park in Washington state.

LGBTQIA+ Focus: “Blue Sunshine” is a groundbreaking film by and about a Transgender woman, based on the real-life events of Samyuktha Vijayan, who wrote, directed, produced, and acted in it.

Tasveer Youth Collective Focus: “Alone Alone Alone on a Wide Wide Sea” is a creation, in collaboration with Tasveer, from NYU Tisch School of the Arts.

Documentary Focus: “Tortoise Under the Earth” presents an Indigenous Tribal Rights docu-feature, co-presented in collaboration with the University of Washington South Asia Center.

Local Focus: “Alien” poignantly portrays the struggles of Indian immigrants on H1B visas, exposing the dichotomy between America’s dependence on foreign talent and its treatment of these individuals.

Bangladeshi Film: “Pett Kata Shaw” breathes life into ancient South Asian folktales through a supernatural anthology, embracing the burgeoning popularity of the horror genre in contemporary Bengali films.

Closing Night Film: “Catfish,” World Premiere, explores themes of prohibiting queer love, longing, and loneliness in the digital age as a lonely office worker from Pakistan engages in a desperate online attempt at companionship.

Special Partnership: South Asian House proudly hosts a Happy Hour at Tasveer to celebrate the screening of three films produced and executive produced by co-founders Rohi Mirza Pandya (14 YEARS & EID MUBARAK) and Jitin Hingorani (CALL ME DANCER), featuring lead protagonist and dancer Manish Chauhan on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at PACCAR IMAX Theater. The Happy Hour will take place right after the CALL ME DANCER screening and will take place at The Masonry 20 Roy St, Seattle, WA 98109 from 5 to 7pm. More info at www.southasianhouse.com

A riveting story of human emotions, FARAR is set for its world premiere at the 14^th annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) as the ‘Marquee Web Series’ of the festival. The first collaboration under the landmark partnership of Applause Entertainment and Zindagi, FARAR’s global premiere is a strong reinforcement of bridging cross-cultural gaps and creating universally- relatable South Asian content for the diaspora.

Two episodes from the show, based on the themes of friendship, freedom, and hope, will be screened on Saturday, September 23^rd, as part of the four-day festival program. The premiere will be attended by producers Shailja Kejriwal (Juror at International Emmy Awards 2023) and Umnia Iftikhar, director Mehreen Jabbar (Pakistan’s Oscar Selection Committee), and lead actor Sarwat Gilani (JOYLAND, CHURAILS). The six-episode series, also produced by Sameer Nair and Deepak Segal features Mariam Saleem & Maha Hasan, and is set in the sprawling city of Karachi, Pakistan.

Expressing her excitement, lead actor Sarwat Gilani says, “As an actor, being part of FARAR has been an incredible journey of exploration and dedication. This show is not just a story for us; it’s a piece of our souls, a representation of the rich emotions that connect us as humans. As FARAR gets ready for its premiere at CSAFF, my heart is brimming with happiness. This compelling storyline, delicately weaving the tapestry of female friendships and triumphing over obstacles, is now set to captivate and resonate with audiences worldwide.’’

Recognized as one of the most prolific directors from Pakistan, director Mehreen Jabbar adds, “I am thrilled to have our series premiere in Chicago. This vibrant city not only has a thriving South Asian diaspora but also houses a festival that has consistently championed diverse genres and formats. In a time marked by divisions and jingoism, it is truly heartwarming to see the convergence of two of the world’s largest South Asian nations, uniting in celebration of the art of storytelling.”

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Chief Creative Officer (Special Projects) Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., Shailja Kejriwal says, “Personally, nothing gives me greater joy than seeing content from our subcontinent reach a world stage. FARAR’s premiere at CSAFF is extra special as it is our first collaboration with Applause Entertainment.  The potential for South Asian content is unmatched, and we are so thrilled to have such an amazing partner and such brilliant teams on board this journey with us”.

Producer Umnia Iftikhar adds: “Bringing FARAR to Chicago South Asian Film Festival is a moment of immense pride and gratitude for our entire team. This show is a labor of love, a convergence of passion and storytelling. As we premiere here amidst the world, we hope FARAR resonates with the universal emotions that bind us all. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to bridge cultures and ignite conversations, and we are thrilled to share our narrative with this wonderful audience.”

Presented by Applause Entertainment, a Zindagi original FARAR tells the story of three independent women who are navigating the complexities of modern life. The series highlights the universal human experiences of friendship, love, and personal growth, while simultaneously tackling issues such as societal pressures, identity, taboos, and body shaming.

Earlier this week, in a groundbreaking move, Applause Entertainment and Zindagi announced their strategic partnership to energize investment in South Asian content creation that connect with today’s diverse global audience.

About Applause Entertainment

Applause Entertainment is a leading Content & IP Creation Studio with a focus on premium drama series, movies, documentaries, and animation content. A venture of the Aditya Birla Group, led by media veteran Sameer Nair, the studio has produced and released popular series across genres and languages which includes shows like Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, Criminal Justice, Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, Scam 2003: The Telgi Story, Undekhi, Kafas, and others that have gone on to win acclaim and applause. Applause’s feature film Zwigato, directed by Nandita Das and starring Kapil Sharma released in cinemas worldwide to tremendous critical acclaim. The first Tamil cinema ‘Por Thozhil’ struck gold at the Box Office with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The Rapist, directed by Aparna Sen, recently won the prestigious Kim Jiseok Award at the Busan International Film Festival. Applause has partnered with leading platforms like Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Sony LIV, MX Player, ZEE5, and Voot Select for its creative output.

About Zindagi

Zindagi, a flagship channel launched in 2014, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, introduced India to captivating and thought-provoking stories from across the border. With a focus on exploring the human experience through compelling narratives, Zindagi has gained acclaim for its diverse range of shows like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Aunn Zara to originally created shows such as Churails, Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam, Dhoop ki Deewar and so on that transcend borders and languages.

In the last 9 years, Zindagi has traveled its journey from television to OTT (launched in 2020 on ZEE5) and recently returned to television as a DTH value-added service provider. Last year, Zindagi took home over 10 awards for their original shows, including Qatil Haseenaon Ke Naam, which was titled the National winner of ‘Best Anthology Award’ at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2022 as well as ‘Best Programme Title Sequence’ at the Promax India Awards 2022. Another original show Dhoop Ki Deewar won ‘Best Key Art’ and ‘Best Use of Social Media’ in Marketing at various Awards and so on. Zindagi continues to be at the forefront of storytelling innovation, fostering cross-cultural understanding and forging memorable connections between audiences and the South Asian stories it brings to life.

ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, expands its library with Tamil blockbuster ‘DD Returns’. The movie celebrated huge success in theatres with astounding performance and dialogue delivery which made the audiences smile throughout the movie. DD Returns traces the journey of Sathish [Santhanam] who is desperate to save his girlfriend which leads him to a haunted house. Produced by RK entertainment and directed by S. Prem Anand, the film is one of the best Tamil comedy films in recent times with a pinch of horror. The acclaimed movie is currently streaming on ZEE5 Global.

The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Santhanam, Surbhi, Redin Kingsley, Lollu Sabha Maaran, Pradeep Rawat, Masoom Shankar, FEFSI Vijayan, Rajendran and Munishkanth. The horror comedy chronicles around Sathish and his quest to find and rescue his girlfriend – Sofia when her predicament spirals into a do-or-die situation. Satish and his team are forced to play a dangerous game called ‘Win or Run’ organized by the ghosts inhabiting the palace. The cryptic ghosts who devised the lethal game during their lifetime designed it to brutally kill contestants upon failure to advance. Will Sathish and his team emerge victorious and escape the ghosts? Or will someone meet an unfortunate end at the hands of the phantom game designers?

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global said, “Outstanding stories that resonate with our viewers have been at the heart of our Tamil content library. We are now proud to expand our offering further with a prominent title like DD Returns. The horror comedy brings alive the story of one man’s struggle against rules set by paranormal creatures and is sure to entertain our global viewers.”  

 Producer RK Entertainment C. Ramesh Kumar said, “Although horror comedies are generally considered to be cringe, I was confident that Prem will do justice to the script and make a superb film. The cast and crew have worked tremendously to make this film a success. I am certain that the audience will provide immense support to the film post its digital premiere like they did at the box office.’’

 Director S. Prem Anand commented,“I really wanted the film to make a mark in the horror comedy genre. I took my time to envision a perfect balance between the horror and comic elements so that the hilarity of the plot lasts till the end. I wanted it to be a fun-filled experience for the audience and I was glad when they showered us with love in the theatres. I have my fingers-crossed hoping ‘DD Returns’ receives a greater appreciation in the digital space.”

 Actor Santhanam added, “When I was first presented with the storyline of the film, I was really impressed by the tightly knit writing. I am delighted that I was able to bring life to Prem sir’s vision for the film. All of us spent a lot of time and effort on the making of this film but the overwhelming response from my fans made it worth it. I hope the viewers appreciate the movie equally post its launch on ZEE5 Global.”

Viewers can catch ZEE5 Global’s unmissable slate and stock up on their yearlong entertainment by subscribing to the Annual pack and grabbing the limited-time special offer price.

After the raging success of its previous season last year, ZEE5 Global’s iconic singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa returns with an exciting new season that has Himesh Reshammiya, Neeti Mohan, Anu Malikas judges and Aditya Naryanas the host. Streaming on ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, the new season of the Zee TV show is poised to change the game with a new format that includes spontaneous challenges thrown at contestants by the judges after one of their peers has delivered an outstanding act in a particular style or genre. Rather than a set template with weekly rounds one is familiar with, this challenging environment is bound to shake up the room a bit, stimulate a competitive edge amongst the contestants and pack in a new surprise for its viewers in every single episode!

The show can be watched ad free only on ZEE5 Global in countries across the globe, and anytime at one’s convenience on any device of their choice. Viewers can catch up on past episodes and even download episodes and watch the show offline.

Two months ago, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa announced a nation-wide quest for ‘OG’ voices across India. For the first time ever, the audition process went paperless – led by a strong digital leg and even the on-ground phase saw negligible use of paper as a part of the channel’s endeavour of being environmentally responsible.

This season features contestants hand picked by the judges from across India like West Bengal’sAlbert Kabo Lepcha, Kharagpur’s Sonia Gazmer, Delhi’s Sana Arora,Mumbai’s Abdul, Uttar Pradesh’s Nishtha Sharma and Kolkata’s Ranita Banerjee.The talented bunch promise viewers an exceptional musical extravaganza that marks a grand celebration of music this season!

Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Globalsaid, “Our marquee music reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is much loved by fans across the globe, driving us to innovate it further into a brand-new format this year. It draws in fans from every corner of the world who enjoy the immense convenience of watching it ad free at their convenience on ZEE5 Global or catching up on missed episodes, and we are thrilled to bring them this latest season that will surely delight them.”

Here’s what the judges had to say at the show’s launch:

Judge Himesh Reshammiya said, “Although I have been a part of several seasons of this reality show, each season has left me surprised with the kind of talent that has performed on this stage. I truly believe that it is going to be a real treat to watch these raw gems perform, and a brilliant opportunity for them would be to get a chance to sing a song that will be released by Zee Music. The idea is to specifically look for OG singers so that we can give fresh and new voices to our Indian music industry.”

Judge Neeti Mohan added, “I am all set to judge the new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and it’s an honor to be on the same judging panel as the esteemed singers and composers of our music industry – Himesh Reshammiya and Anu Malik. I must say that selecting the best among the best for this season is undoubtedly a challenging task for all of us, but we will do our best to shape the future of the emerging talent that comes our way.”

Judge Anu Malik said, “I am really excited to be part of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa once again, and after witnessing the amazing performances of the new talent during the audition episodes, Himesh, Neeti and I will ensure that we do justice to them by guiding them to the best of our abilities. I believe the franchise has nurtured exceptional talent over the last few decades, and this year as well, the audience will get to watch extraordinary talent perform some mesmerizing songs.”

About ZEE5 Global

ZEE5 Global is the digital entertainment destination launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), a global Media and Entertainment powerhouse. The platform launched across 190+ countries in October 2018 and has content across 18 languages: Hindi, English, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Punjabi, including six international languages Malay, Thai, Bahasa, Urdu, Bangla and Arabic. ZEE5 Global is home to 200,000+ hours of on-demand content. The platform brings together the best of Originals, Movies and TV Shows, Music and Health and Lifestyle content in one destination. In addition, ZEE5 Global offers features like 15 navigational languages, content download options, seamless video playback and Voice Search.

ZEE5 Global Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZEE5GlobalCorp

ZEE5 Global LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ZEE5 Global/

Barbie is on top of the world. Every week since its release on July 21, it’s broken a record: The year’s biggest opening weekend; the largest opening for a female director ever; Warner Bros.’ highest grossing domestic release in history, surpassing Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. But now, it’s breaking a big one: Barbie has become the highest-growing movie of 2023 reaching $575.4 million domestically this week, according to Variety. 

It has already grossed $1.3 billion globally and will soon surpass Super Mario Bros. in its worldwide gross as well.

It’s a big number for any film, but it’s especially significant for Barbie. When I wrote a cover story about the film earlier this year, box office prognosticators initially predicted the movie would make $55 million its opening weekend. It nearly tripled that estimate with a $162 million haul in just those first few days after release. It’s also the first time Warner Bros. has managed to snag the title of biggest release of the year since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II.

Will Barbie be topped this year? Probably not. Here’s why and what it may mean for the future of Hollywood movies.

Unfortunately, Hollywood tends to take away the wrong lessons from the success of idiosyncratic films. After The Dark Knight became a blockbuster, Hollywood decided that gritty was always good—even if it didn’t fit the material (think: Snow White and the Huntsman, the body horror Fantastic Four movie, and Zack Snyder’s dark take on Superman, comics’ most hopeful superhero). Avatar’s history-making numbers spawned a trend of films rendered in 3D for no particular reason. And the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe spawned dozens of imitation cinematic universes, like Universal’s failed “Dark Universe” that ended as quickly as it began after Tom Cruise’s (gritty) The Mummy remake bombed.

In this instance, the same logic would follow: a toy movie performed well, so toy movies will inevitably proliferate. Mattel executives told me that they had already planned to build the brand’s own cinematic universe long before Barbie was ever released, but now other studios are rushing to turn toys into films: Hasbro launched a new entertainment division in August.

It’s difficult to imagine any other movie based on a toy ever reaching Barbie’s heights. Barbie is an icon. She has name recognition across the world equal to Mickey Mouse and Coca-Cola. And, sure, Hot Wheels may be popular, but won’t a Hot Wheels movie just be a racing movie, even if J.J. Abrams is at the helm as executive producer?

Mattel certainly isn’t shying away from taking risks: I’m particularly interested in Daniel Kaluuya’s involvement with what sounds like a very meta Barney movie (as in, yes, the big purple dinosaur); whether Lena Dunham can find a quirky take on Polly Pocket; and if a Magic 8 Ball horror movie can actually prove to be scary. And yet just about every girl in the world has played with Barbie at some point and has (often complex) feelings about her. I could be wrong, but I don’t think many people have strong feelings about the Magic 8 Ball.

Beyond Mattel’s film division, other studios are looking for major takeaways. One obvious one, that I’ve argued before: Make movies for women, and audiences will come! Barbie leans heavily into femininity—the assault of pink has been relentless, and yet people seem to have not tired of it. In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Randall Park hit the nail on the head: “I feel like, just in general, this industry is taking the wrong lessons. For example, Barbie is this massive blockbuster, and the idea is: Make more movies about toys! No. Make more movies by and about women!”

I fear that even if studios heed Park’s advice, in the short-term that will mean Disney hyping up the fact that The Marvels is a female-fronted superhero film, even though superhero movies have traditionally catered to a young male audience, regardless of who stars in them. Or studios might paint a sheen of pink on other films without stuffing the stories without Gerwig’s complex considerations about male fragility, female frustrations, and whether we can reach a state of equity.

 Gerwig happened to make two masterpieces before Barbie about the complex interiority of women: Lady Bird and Little Women. She found a way to pack considerations she has already articulated beautifully in those films into a blockbuster movie, a feat pulled off by a select few artists. (Ryan Coogler’s interrogation of race in the context of an increasingly globalized world in Black Panther and James Cameron’s blunt but effective advocacy for saving our dying planet in the Avatar films come to mind.) It’s easy to make a blockbuster. It’s hard to make a thoughtful one.

Perhaps most depressing for theater owners: Gerwig’s next project is a series of Narnia movies…for streamer Netflix.

Barbie was special. Credit the Warner Bros. and Mattel marketing teams that partnered with seemingly every clothing line, decor company, and makeup brand on earth to turn our social media timelines pink.

Or praise director Greta Gerwig, who could have made a toy commercial and instead stuffed a fun summer romp with meditations on God and feminism and Sylvester Stallone’s bizarre wardrobe.

Or acknowledge that TikTok played a massive role in turning a rivalry between two movies that could not be more different into the Barbenheimer phenomenon that made moviegoing fun again. Think about how many people spent more than five hours in a movie theater—sometimes in the same day—over the course of a hot summer weekend.

In short, Barbie was fun. And we were all in desperate need of fun. Barbie simply had to be experienced in a theater, ideally with friends, and definitely with a flock of other pink-clad moviegoers.

(AP) — The loss of ice in one region of Antarctica last year likely resulted in none of the emperor penguin chicks surviving in four colonies, researchers reported Thursday.

Emperor penguins hatch their eggs and raise their chicks on the ice that forms around the continent each Antarctic winter and melts in the summer months.

Researchers used satellite imagery to look at breeding colonies in a region near Antarctica’s Bellingshausen Sea. The images showed no ice was left there in December during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, as had occurred in 2021.

Researchers said it is likely that no chicks survived in four of the five breeding colonies they examined. Penguin chicks don’t develop their adult waterproof feathers until close to the time they usually fledge, in late December or January, scientists say.

“If the sea ice breaks up under them, the young chicks will drown or freeze to death,” said Peter Fretwell, a researcher at the British Antarctic Survey and co-author of the study published Thursday in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

Overall, the ice around Antarctica reached near record low levels last year. The researchers say that climate change will make such losses more frequent in the future.

Fretwell’s team has also completed a preliminary analysis of known nesting sites — visible in satellite photos because of colored guano, or poop stains, left on white ice — across Antarctica, the only continent where the emperor penguin lives. There are about 300,000 breeding pairs left of the world’s largest penguins.

Of 62 known penguin colonies, around 30% were harmed by low sea-ice levels last year — and 13 likely failed entirely, Fretwell said. “That this could happen doesn’t shock me, but I’m shocked that it has happened already. I thought it would be further down the line,” said Daniel Zitterbart, a researcher who studies Antarctica for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, but was not involved in the new paper.

If penguins aren’t successful breeding in one location, they may look for another site the next year, he said. While it’s possible for the population to recover from one or two bad breeding years, he’s worried about the future. “If you look further out down the line, how many suitable places will be left?” he asked.

The Old Globe is presenting the West Coast premiere of Dishwasher Dreams, written and performed by Alaudin Ullah (filmmaker of the award-winning documentary In Search of Bengali Harlem; featured comedy acts on HBO, Comedy Central, PBS, and more; the hit film American Desi) and directed by Chay Yew (Cambodian Rock Band – Craig Noel Award; Durango – Obie Award), with music by acclaimed tabla percussionist Avirodh Sharma. Performances begin September 16 and play through October 15, 2023, with the opening on Thursday, September 21 in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Tickets are on sale now at www.TheOldGlobe.org.

 What exactly is the American Dream? For Alaudin Ullah’s Bangladesh-born parents, it means opportunity and a stable job. But to comedian Alaudin, America is the home of the New York Yankees and George Carlin. In an autobiographical solo show that the Hartford Courant calls “memorable and meaningful,” Ullah and musician Avirodh Sharma take audiences on a journey of vivid remembrances and discoveries from 1930s Bangladesh to 1970s Spanish Harlem to present-day Hollywood. Through comedy and music, this remarkable play recounts the immigrant experience, how this country gets made, and the dreams of those who make it.

 Dishwasher Dreams is the companion piece of Ullah’s award-winning documentary film In Search of Bengali Harlem, which will be streaming on PBS this fall. Plans for a theatrical release of the film and distribution on other streaming platforms are slated for later this year.

 “The Old Globe is thrilled to be presenting the West Coast premiere of Alaudin Ullah’s exuberantly funny Dishwasher Dreams,” said Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. “And we couldn’t be more honored to have the esteemed Chay Yew, one of the country’s leading theatre directors, at the Globe. Alaudin and Chay’s artful collaboration vibrantly tells the stories of the complexities and struggles of achieving the American Dream, enhanced further by the extraordinary live music by tabla percussionist Avirodh Sharma. I’m certain our audiences will have an exciting evening of laughter and joy.”

 In addition to playwright Alaudin Ullah, director Chay Yew, and musician Avirodh Sharma, the creative team includes Yu Shibagaki (Scenic Design), Izumi Inaba (Costume Design), Anshuman Bhatia (Lighting Design), and Darlene Miyakawa (Production Stage Manager).

Dishwasher Dreams was originally developed under the name Indio through the Joseph Papp Public Theater’s Emerging Writers Group Program. Playwright Alaudin Ullah was part of the program’s inaugural 2010–2011 cohort of writers. In 2018, Castillo Theatre in New York presented the world premiere of Ullah’s play, which was directed by Gabriel Vega Weissman. In 2022, the play was directed by Chay Yew at Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois, and Hartford Stage in Connecticut.

 Dishwasher Dreams will play in the Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, part of the Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park (1363 Old Globe Way). Performances for the five-week limited engagement run September 16 – October 15, 2023, with the official press opening Thursday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. The performance schedule is Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Notes: A 2:00 p.m. matinee is scheduled on Wednesday, October 11, and there are no performances on Saturday, September 23. 

Tickets are available online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623), or in person at The Old Globe’s Box Office in Balboa Park. The Vicki and Carl Zeiger Insights Seminar, scheduled for Tuesday, September 19 at 6:00 p.m., will provide patrons an exploration of the themes and background of Dishwasher Dreams from selected artistic company members. Post-Show Forum events will be held on Tuesday, October 3; Tuesday, October 10; and Wednesday, October 11. Community Nights at The Old Globe will provide festive opportunities to connect over refreshments and conversation for BIPOC community on Saturday, September 16 and LGBTQIA+ community on Friday, October 6. For additional information, visit www.TheOldGlobe.org.

 Dishwasher Dreams is supported by Major Production Sponsors Vicki and Carl Zeiger. Financial support for The Old Globe is provided by The City of San Diego. The Theodor and Audrey Geisel Fund provides leadership support for The Old Globe’s year-round activities.

 The Tony Award–winning The Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional nonprofit regional theatres. Now in its 89th year, the Globe is San Diego’s flagship performing arts institution, and it serves a vibrant community with theatre as a public good. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein and the Audrey S. Geisel Managing Director Timothy J. Shields, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 16 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages, including its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. 

More than 250,000 people annually attend Globe productions and participate in the theatre’s artistic and arts engagement programs. Its nationally prominent Arts Engagement Department provides an array of participatory programs that make theatre matter to more people in neighborhoods throughout the region. Humanities programs at the Globe and around the city broaden the community’s understanding of theatre art in all its forms. 

The Globe also boasts a range of new play development programs with professional and community-based writers, as well as the renowned The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. Numerous world premieres—such as 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bright Star, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!—have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.

Get ready for the much-awaited return of “Made in Heaven Season 2” on Amazon Prime Video, premiering on August 10, 2023. To announce this momentous release date and ignite excitement worldwide, an exuberant promo was crafted in three iconic locations – Mumbai, London, and New York City.

Neha Lohia, an acclaimed female Filmmaker from India now based in the USA, takes immense pride in her role as segment director of the New York portions for the launch promo of Made In Heaven Season 2 which showcases a groundbreaking team with a majority of All Female Directors, writers, and creatives at the helm.

With Reema Kagti co-writing and directing alongside Zoya Akhtar, Alankrita Srivastava, and Nitya Mehra, the show is majorly led by an inspiring female team. Neha’s direction captures the grandeur of an Indian Baraat in the vibrant American backdrop of Times Square. Fueled by her passion for authentic storytelling and admiration particularly for Reema Kagti, one of the show creators, Neha’s creative brilliance shines brightly in this captivating promo.

“This project was both challenging and immensely enjoyable,” shared Neha Lohia. “With a three-camera setup and an enthusiastic team, we turned Times Square into a global celebration. The response from onlookers and the incredible performances from the all-woman band and talented actors made it truly memorable, nobody wanted to stop dancing in this baraat.”

The 7-episode series, co-produced by Excel Media & Entertainment and Tiger Baby, promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, boasting an impressive lineup of directors, including Alankrita Shrivastava, Neeraj Ghaywan, Nitya Mehra, Reema Kagti, and Zoya Akhtar.

Featuring a stellar cast in New York, including Hervender Pal Singh, Kaitlyn N.S. Mitchell, Reena Sharma, Madison Hadley, Christine Mendes, and Kai Whitehead, the promo exudes the spirit of a true Indian wedding celebration touching hearts globally. The all-woman Brass Queens NYC band provided a lively and spirited musical performance, amplifying the grandeur of this Baraat promo.

Assisting in the coordination of this international project were Abhishek Singh from Celebbazaar for the New York leg and Chaitanya Bagai from Tryz Innovationz in Mumbai.

The promo, launched on YouTube and Instagram, surpassed expectations with over 500,000 views within a day, garnering global attention. Audiences eagerly anticipate the return of “Made in Heaven Season 2.”

As the director of the New York portion, Neha Lohia artfully helped build the show’s reputation, co-creating an unforgettable and attention-grabbing visual spectacle with the worldwide creative teams headquartered in India. “Reema has been an inspiration for me and her work in the past with her film particularly Talaash has helped me tremendously in my personal life, I hope to meet her in person someday and share with her how much her work has impacted and healed me. This promo work is my thank you and expression of gratitude to her,” said Neha Lohia, the Segment Director for this promo.

“Made In Heaven Season 2” promises to deliver more spice, mad fun, and unbridled celebrations, leaving audiences worldwide on the edge of their seats. This show has garnered accolades, including nominations for Best Actor at the International Emmy Awards in season 1, and promises to be a heart-stealer in this second round.

The worldwide premiere of “Made In Heaven Season 2” on August 10 invites viewers to embark on a journey of love, celebration, and the complexities of life. Brace yourself for a captivating exploration of high-end wedding planners portrayed by Sobhita Dhulipala and Arjun Mathur in the bustling city of New Delhi. Their performance in this promo itself sets the stage and teases audiences for what lies ahead in the show with their flare and flamboyance.

Prepare to immerse yourself in the opulence and drama of Indian weddings globally while embracing the heartfelt storytelling that brings the world together. Join the grandest baraats, and get ready to revel in the wedding season and relationship dynamics once again!

“Neha Lohia’s Directorial Brilliance Sparks Global Celebration and Anticipation with a Grand Indian Baraat Promo Embracing Indian-Origin Content”

About “Made In Heaven Season 2”: “Made In Heaven Season 2” is a highly anticipated web series returning after four years, streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The show is known for its compelling storytelling, star-studded cast, and captivating visuals, making it a global favorite among audiences giving a taste of India to the entire world.

About Neha Lohia: Neha Lohia is an accomplished award-winning director with a passion for creative storytelling and visual excellence. With an impressive portfolio of successful projects, Neha’s conscious creations, talent, and expertise continue to create a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. Watch the GRANDEST BARAAT promo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKQJvnnl32w More: www.nehalohia.com or www.creatrixentertainment.com

The much-anticipated IAAC Festival of Indian Music is back for its second year, promising three incredible days filled with mesmerizing melodies, soulful rhythms, and a celebration of India’s rich musical heritage. From the 11th to the 13th of August, New York City will come alive with the harmonious sounds of renowned artists, and pay homage to the late Pandit Vijay Kichlu, one of the greatest proponents of Indian classical music.

The line-up of events includes:

• Tribute to Late Pandit Vijay Kichlu
  August 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. ET
  The Consulate of India in New York, 3 E 64th St, New York, NY 10065
  On the opening day of the festival, we pay tribute to the esteemed Pandit Vijay Kichlu, whose contributions to the world of classical music are immeasurable. This emotional journey will be accompanied by exclusive screenings of snippets from the documentary Raga Revelry, shedding light on the extraordinary life and musical journey of Pandit Vijay Kichlu.
• Queen of Folk, Malini Awasthi In Concert
  August 12 at 5:30 p.m. ET
  Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center, 129 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023
  Tickets: Click here
  Prepare to be enthralled as Merkin Hall, Kaufman Music Center, plays host to the soul-stirring melodies of folk music sensation, Malini Awasthi. With her powerful voice and remarkable talent, Malini Awasthi effortlessly captures the essence of Indian folk music, transporting the audience to the culturally diverse landscapes of India. This unforgettable evening promises to be a celebration of the country’s rich folk traditions, showcasing the beauty of its regional music. She will present a collection of foot tapping songs in various languages – Hindi, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi & more. She will also present semi-classical compositions from her vast repertoire. Accompanied by: Anubrata Chatterjee – Tabla, Monty Lalani – Dholak,  Brij Joshi – Keyboard,  Mayank Patel – Octopad, Rohan Prabhudesai – Harmonium.
• Three Generations In Concert
  August 13 at 5:30 p.m. ET
  Symphony Space Level, 2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
• The grand finale of the Music Festival will feature a breathtaking performance by the legendary Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan, accompanied by his exceptionally talented sons, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. Joining them on stage will be Ayaan’s twin sons, Abeer Ali Bangash & Zohaan Ali Bangash, marking a truly remarkable display of three generations of musical brilliance. Symphony Space will reverberate with the captivating sounds of the sarod, enchanting the hearts of all music enthusiasts. It is an incomparable journey where the Guru leads you from the visible to the invisible, from the material to the divine, from the ephemeral to the eternal.

A wonderful and strange mystery of Indian classical music is the fact that one can spend a lifetime trying to obtain knowledge and perfection and still feel that one has only touched a mere drop of an ocean. The learning never stops along the Journey of searching and discovering. Indian Classical music has indeed had a very spiritual and scientific development and growth. This was a phenomenon that existed from Vedic times.

The Sarod Quintet concert will start with a solo presentation by Maestro Amjad Ali Khan. This will be followed by a Sarod duet by Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. They present a traditional Raga of Indian Classical music set to various rhythmic time cycles. Keeping India’s ethos of traditions and legacies alive, Three Generation Quintet represents the 6th, 7th and 8th generation of musicians coming together on stage and performing together. This will be the third segment featuring Sarod Grand Master Amjad Ali Khan and his virtuoso sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash on Sarods.

They will be joined by Ayaan’s Twins Zohaan Ali Bangash and Abeer Ali Bangash. They present a Tribute to India’s ongoing 75th year of Independence celebration. Amit Kavthekar and Anubrata Chaterrjee, two brilliant Tabla (Indian two-piece drums) players provide accompaniment for this concert.

Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, IAAC Chairman, remarked, “Preserving the rich traditions of folk and classical music is of utmost importance in today’s rapidly evolving world. The IAAC Festival of Indian Music serves as a platform to cherish and uphold these age-old traditions, allowing us to connect with our roots and experience the profound beauty of our musical heritage.”

Sunny Thakkar, Music Festival Director, expressed his excitement for the event, saying, “After the grand success of last year’s star studded Festival of Music specially organized for India@75, we are thrilled to curate the festival again this year and continue to bring something special to the audiences in New York City. Our aim is to create an immersive experience that showcases the diversity and magnificence of Indian music. This year’s lineup promises to be an extraordinary journey through the realms of classical, folk, and inter generational performances.”

About Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC):
The IAAC supports all the artistic disciplines in classical, fusion, folk and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India. We work cooperatively with colleagues around the U.S. to broaden our collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding. Our focus is to help artists and art organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists from India to exhibit, perform and produce their work here. The IAAC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law. For information, please visit www.iaac.us.

With Hollywood zeroed in on establishments, superhuman universes and spin-offs, there’s rising rivalry to discover some subject that will stick out.

For Sara Stewart, there is one remarkable exertion: ” Director, musician, and activist Boots Riley created Amazon Prime’s “I’m a Virgo,” a satire set in Oakland, California, about a 13-foot-tall Black teenager named Cootie (Jharrel Jerome). In its debut end of the week, the series was accounted for to be the most famous one on the stage.”

“I can confidently say that “I’m a Virgo” is also the most original new show currently available on Prime or anywhere else. This series has so many big ideas that it’s nearly impossible to pick one out all at once; Visceral harms from capitalism, racism, and the police state, as well as the role of mainstream pop culture in encouraging complicity in all three, are major concerns.

One more motivated move, composed Holly Thomas, was the projecting of Phoebe Waller-Extension in the new Indiana Jones film featuring Harrison Passage.

Indy’s last movie is said to be “Dial of Destiny.” In the film, “we meet Indy in 1969 no less than 25 years over the hill, snoozing through the moon arrival and debilitated to the back teeth of his occupation as a schoolteacher. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena, his cunning goddaughter, wakes him up from his slumber. Together, they set out determined to recover the Antikythera, a time-traveling gadget concocted by Archimedes (yes).”

“It’s a mantle-passing in each sense: From Jones to his younger relative, and from Hollywood legend to millennial side-eye queen. The differentiation is uplifted by Waller-Scaffold’s mooring in the famous creative mind as Fleabag — of which we are continually reminded, on account of Helena’s bare personal responsibility at times tempered by looks at heart.”