The Indian Express is set to bring back its renowned SCREEN magazine after an 11-year hiatus. The highly anticipated relaunch will take place in Mumbai on Friday, with a dazzling event that marks SCREEN’s first-ever digital cover, featuring Shraddha Kapoor, the star of the hit film Stree 2. This grand return of SCREEN will not only celebrate its illustrious history but also introduce a contemporary flair that resonates with today’s entertainment landscape.
SCREEN, a well-known name in Indian cinema journalism, has been a prominent voice in the entertainment industry since its inception in 1951. Over the decades, it has chronicled the ups and downs, trends, and transitions of the Indian film industry, making it a go-to publication for both fans and professionals. Now, after more than a decade, SCREEN is returning in a new and vibrant digital form.
The highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the digital cover, graced by Shraddha Kapoor, whose career has skyrocketed following her performance in Stree 2, a horror-comedy that achieved massive success at the box office. Kapoor’s presence is set to be a significant draw for the event, not just because of her star power, but also for her wide appeal across audiences.
The digital cover launch will be followed by a series of engaging and insightful panel discussions. The first major session, titled ‘SCREEN Live,’ will spotlight Shraddha Kapoor as she opens up about her career, personal life, and the immense fame she has garnered, especially after the success of Stree 2. She will share the stage with Jyoti Sharma Bawa, Entertainment Editor of The Indian Express, in a conversation that promises to give fans a deeper look into the life of one of Bollywood’s brightest stars. The session will also feature a special segment led by Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group, and will conclude with a Q&A session, giving the audience a chance to interact directly with the actress.
In addition to the focus on Kapoor, the event will include a dynamic conversation between acclaimed director Rajkumar Hirani and talented actor Vijay Varma. Hirani is known for his work on some of Bollywood’s most beloved films, including *Munnabhai MBBS*, *3 Idiots*, and Dunki, starring Shah Rukh Khan. His films are not just box office hits but have also garnered critical acclaim for their storytelling, humor, and social relevance. Meanwhile, Vijay Varma, who has been making waves with his powerful performances, was recently seen in Netflix’s IC 814.
The discussion between Hirani and Varma, moderated by Shubhra Gupta, Film Critic for The Indian Express, is expected to delve deep into their artistic processes, personal philosophies, and the challenges and triumphs they’ve experienced in their respective careers. This session, titled ‘Creator x Creator,’ is poised to be a highlight of the event, offering a rare glimpse into the minds of two highly respected figures in the film industry. Fans of both cinema and storytelling are sure to appreciate the insights shared during this conversation.
The relaunch of SCREEN magazine is part of a broader rebranding of The Indian Express’s entertainment section, which has already established a substantial online presence. Attracting between 20 million and 45 million unique users monthly, the entertainment coverage by The Indian Express has been a trusted source for news, interviews, reviews, and insights from the world of cinema and television. With the relaunch of SCREEN, the section is expected to become even more dynamic, continuing to offer cutting-edge content about the Indian film industry.
The event is supported by various partners, including Ixigo, the official presenter, and e-Tail as the e-commerce partner. Other contributors include Smaaash as the entertainment partner, HEXO as the AI partner, Innate Essentials as the beauty partner, Pack TEK as the packaging partner, Stranger & Sons as the liquor partner, and Stehlen utensils for life as the dining partner. The wide array of sponsorships underscores the significance of SCREEN’s relaunch and its impact on the entertainment industry.
As SCREEN re-enters the media landscape, it is clear that its influence and legacy are still very much alive. Fans of Indian cinema, as well as industry insiders, are eagerly awaiting the magazine’s return and the fresh content it will offer in its new digital format. For decades, SCREEN has been synonymous with high-quality journalism in entertainment, and its relaunch marks a new chapter that blends the rich history of Indian cinema with the evolving digital age.
Shraddha Kapoor’s presence on the first digital cover represents both the magazine’s past and future—a nod to the golden era of Indian cinema while embracing the future of entertainment. Kapoor’s role in Stree 2 is a perfect reflection of this balance, as the film itself is a blend of traditional Bollywood storytelling with modern, genre-blending elements that appeal to today’s audiences.
As Stree 2 continues to break records and Shraddha Kapoor solidifies her place among Bollywood’s elite, the conversation at the SCREEN relaunch event is expected to offer fans a chance to hear directly from the star about her experience, her approach to acting, and the future of her career.
Meanwhile, the discussion between Rajkumar Hirani and Vijay Varma will bring together two distinct yet complementary voices from Indian cinema. Hirani’s thoughtful, socially conscious films and Varma’s edgy, diverse roles offer different perspectives on what it means to be a creator in today’s entertainment world.
The relaunch of SCREEN, with its combination of insightful discussions, star-studded appearances, and exciting digital content, is shaping up to be one of the most significant media events of the year. By embracing its rich heritage while also looking forward to the future of entertainment, SCREEN is poised to reclaim its place as a leading voice in Indian cinema journalism.