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Hashtags like '<keyword id="22042294" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Boycott-Netflix" source="keywords">Boycott Netflix</keyword>' and '<keyword id="22042296" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ban-Maharaj-Film" source="keywords">Ban Maharaj Film</keyword>' trended on social media on Thursday with a section of users calling for a ban on "Maharaj", claiming the upcoming period drama hurts religious sentiments. The film, which premieres on <keyword id="19897536" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Netflix" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Netflix" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Netflix">Netflix</keyword> on Friday, marks the debut of Bollywood star Aamir Khan's son <keyword id="20041937" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Junaid-Khan" source="keywords">Junaid Khan</keyword>. Hashtag "AamirKhan" was also trending on X. According to the makers, "Maharaj" is set in pre-independent India and is based on the <keyword id="22042673" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharaj-Libel-Case" source="Orion">Maharaj Libel Case</keyword> of 1862, which was ignited by "allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure". Directed by <keyword id="20558107" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Siddharth-P-Malhotra" source="keywords">Siddharth P Malhotra</keyword> and produced by <keyword id="19958176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aditya-Chopra" source="keywords">Aditya Chopra</keyword> under <keyword id="22042672" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="YRF-Entertainment" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="YRF Entertainment" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="YRF Entertainment">YRF Entertainment</keyword>, the movie also stars Jaideep Ahlawat. In an unusual move, the movie is releasing on the streamer without any promotions. No teaser or trailers have been put out by the makers for the film, barring a poster featuring Jaideep and Junaid. They are standing side by side with Ahlawat's character sporting a 'tilak' on his forehead while Junaid's character, reportedly a journalist, is dressed in a waistcoat. VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi was one of the many X users who called for a ban on "Maharaj". "Won't tolerate the disrespect of Sanatan Dharma (Sanatan Dharma ka apmaan sehen nahin karenge). Ban <keyword id="22042295" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maharaj-Film" source="keywords">Maharaj Film</keyword>. #BoycottNetflix," Prachi wrote on the microblogging site. According to a press release issued by Netflix last month, "Maharaj" follows Karsandas Mulji, a journalist and social reformer, who was a pioneering advocate for women's rights and social reform. A student at Elphinstone College in Mumbai and a protege of the scholar-leader Dadabhai Naoroji, Mulji wrote on widow remarriage, stood up for the oppressed, and sowed the seeds of reform in society. "It all came to a head in the Maharaj Libel Case of 1862, which was ignited by allegations of misconduct by a prominent figure, the case garnered widespread attention and scrutiny, setting the stage for what many consider to be one of the most significant legal battles of all time," the streamer said. Until when "Hindu saints" will continue to be insulted in films, asked another X user. Another alleged that Aamir was launching his son in a "Hindumisic movie creating a false image of Sadhus and the Vallabh Sampradaya, by quoting an incident during the British regime (sic)". Such content could alienate the Hindu youth from Sanatan Dharma, he said using '#BoycottNetflix' and asked people to demand a ban on "Maharaj". "#BoycottNetflix... Can they dare to do films on other communities, No...!!!! They know the consequences. Hindus are still in deep sleeping (sic)," a user wrote. One of the X users, however, pointed out double standards when it comes to movies on Hinduism and Islam. "Since the film is 'Maharaj'... it's on your gods and goddesses and religion, you are calling for a boycott. When it's about the other community, there is an attempt to sell as much hate as possible through films," the user said, referring to controversial movies such as "72 Hoorain" and "Hamare Barah". The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the June 14 release of Annu Kapoor's movie "Hamare Baarah" after taking note of allegations that the film is derogatory to the Islamic faith and married Muslim women. The film also underwent a title change (earlier called 'Hum Do Humare Baraah') as per a directive by the Central Board of Film Certification. The boycott calls for "Maharaj" appear to be a recap of what happened with Aamir's film "Laal Singh Chaddha". Many posts calling for a boycott of the 2022 movie recalled an earlier controversy in 2015 when Aamir had said he was alarmed by a number of incidents of growing intolerance in India. Nayanthara-starrer "Annapoorani" also courted controversy for hurting religious sentiments when it became available on Netflix after its theatrical run. The makers eventually pulled down the film from the streamer and the actor issued an apology on social media. "Maharaj" also stars Shalini Pandey with Sharvari in a special appearance. The film is part of the multi-year creative partnership between Netflix and Yash Raj Films' digital arm YRF Entertainment.

Hashtags 'Boycott Netflix' and 'Ban Maharaj Film' trend on social media ahead of Aamir Khan's son Junaid's debut

<keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> has produced plenty of crass slapstick comedies over the years, but <keyword id="1718975" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Humshakals">Humshakals</keyword> seems to beat them all. There’s no method in this madness as <keyword id="136180" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="director-Sajid-Khan">director Sajid Khan</keyword> attempted to create a <keyword id="2368861" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Multi-starrer-entertainer">multi-starrer entertainer</keyword> <keyword id="6485088" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="wit">wit</keyword>hout sparkling wit, intelligence and a tight <keyword id="6371619" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="plot">plot</keyword> that would have produced some rollicking fun and an intriguing escapade. But Humshakals never rose above <keyword id="2368891" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tiresome-gags">tiresome gags</keyword> and <keyword id="2368890" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Banal-humour">banal humour</keyword> in spite of some <keyword id="2368892" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Good-acting">good acting</keyword>. Still, here’s the surprise of surprise, the movie has hit <keyword id="18712" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Gold">gold</keyword> at the <keyword id="827271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Domestic-Box-Office">domestic box office</keyword>, raking in Rs 40.13 crore nett in the first three days (trade figure Rs 34.91 crore). It is the 4th biggest opening weekend this year after <keyword id="6593120" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Jai-Ho">Jai Ho</keyword> (Rs 60.68 crore), <keyword id="6427325" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gunday">Gunday</keyword> (Rs 43.93 crore) and Holiday (Rs 41.32 crore). 
 
“Humshakals Fri 12.50 cr, Sat 12.59 cr, Sun 15.04 cr. Total: Rs 40.13 cr nett India biz,” tweeted Bollywood trade analyst and film critic, Taran Adarsh. Overseas total is approximately $2.02 million or Rs 12.16 crore from 40 countries, according to Adarsh. However, Monday collections at home saw a sheer drop of more than 60%, reaching a little over Rs 5 crore as per industry estimates. Total <keyword id="1996076" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Domestic-collections">domestic collections</keyword> after Day IV stood at Rs 45.23 crore nett, which means the movie is all set to hit the <keyword id="2368887" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rs-50-crore-mark">Rs 50 crore mark</keyword> at home by Day V. Although it is a <keyword id="87291" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="big-budget-movie">big budget movie</keyword> and cost a whopping Rs 75 crore including P&amp;A, <keyword id="106474" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fox-Star-Studios">Fox Star Studios</keyword> and <keyword id="22777" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vashu-Bhagnani">Vashu Bhagnani</keyword>’s Humshakals has acted smart and already bagged Rs 45 crore by selling its satellite and music rights. 
 
Humshakals hit nearly 3,000 screens and it is the third <keyword id="2368881" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Widest-release">widest release</keyword> of 2014, behind Jai Ho and Holiday. Going by the <keyword id="2368884" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Opening-day-performance">opening day performance</keyword>, it ranks third this year – Rs 12.50 crore nett on Friday (June 20). Salman Khan-starrer Jai Ho tops the list with Rs 17.50 crore while Ranveer Singh-Arjun Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra-starrer Gunday amassed Rs 15.50 crore on <keyword id="2368879" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Debut-day">debut day</keyword>. 
 
 
 Coming back to the critical part of the movie, we were literally at a loss to track the <keyword id="1097560" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="storyline">storyline</keyword>. Here are three male stars – <keyword id="333" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saif-Ali-Khan">Saif Ali Khan</keyword> (<keyword id="2368848" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ashok-Singhania">Ashok Singhania</keyword>, the tycoon), his best friend <keyword id="1420" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Riteish-Deshmukh">Riteish Deshmukh</keyword> (<keyword id="6358442" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kumar">Kumar</keyword>) and <keyword id="17416" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ram-Kapoor">Ram Kapoor</keyword> (Ashok’s <keyword id="529153" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Wicked">wicked</keyword> <keyword id="2368847" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamaji-Kunwar-Amarnath-Singh">Mamaji Kunwar Amarnath Singh</keyword> who is after his wealth) – but to complicate matters, you will find them all in triple roles. Also, true to Bollywood ishtyle, Ram Kapoor manages to pack off Ashok and Kumar to a <keyword id="495099" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="mental-asylum">mental asylum</keyword> where their <keyword id="2368862" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Doppelgangers">doppelgangers</keyword> are being treated. 
 What follows is pure mayhem, especially when a third set of Ashok and Kumar (this time created with the help of plastic surgery) comes on board to dupe the real duo. The baddie (Ram Kapoor) also gets his fair share of lookalikes and all three <keyword id="2368864" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Male-leads">male leads</keyword> caper around as females in various outfits and hair-dos. The climax at the <keyword id="118569" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="House-of-Commons">House of Commons</keyword> was as muddled and wobbly as the <keyword id="2368854" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Multi-layered-plot">multi-layered plot</keyword> and fails to tickle us. Sajid also got hold of three dazzling female leads – <keyword id="654350" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamannaah-Bhatia">Tamannaah Bhatia</keyword> (<keyword id="2425" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shanaya">Shanaya</keyword> who is Ashok’s lady love), <keyword id="8112" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bipasha-Basu">Bipasha Basu</keyword> (<keyword id="792912" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="mishti">Mishti</keyword>, Kumar’s love interest) and <keyword id="7427" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Esha-Gupta">Esha Gupta</keyword> (Dr <keyword id="1385858" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shivani-Gupta">Shivani Gupta</keyword> who was taking care of Ashok and Kumar in the asylum) – but they had little to do in this movie. 
 Going by its <keyword id="25892" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="box-office">box office</keyword> performance, the audience must have given a thumbs-up to Humshakals. But even a commercially successful movie may have a great many pitfalls. As film critic Saibal Chatterjee so aptly says, “Humshakals is an execrable comedy of horrors that plumbs the depths of stupidity and crassness... Sorry, Mr Khan, no matter how much money your film ends up with at the box office, the joke is entirely on you!” 
 
Images: Indiatimes

Box Office: Humshakals Strikes Gold But There’s No Method In This
Madness

When you are in Bollywood, don’t expect critical appreciation to go hand in hand with <keyword id="25892" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="box-office">box office</keyword> success. Last Friday (March 21), a total of five movies hit the theatres, but with the sole exception of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/movies/Box-Office-RaginiMMS-2-Thrills-All-Gang-Of-Ghosts-Lacks-Finesse/articleshow/32673836.cms">Sunny Leone-starrer Ragini MMS 2</a>, the other four failed to impact the <keyword id="827271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Domestic-Box-Office">domestic box office</keyword>. As we discussed yesterday, Gang of Ghosts turned out to be an average movie but this time, let us have a look at the other three. 
 
Both <keyword id="875510" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ankhon-Dekhi">Ankhon Dekhi</keyword> and <keyword id="6526" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lakshmi">Lakshmi</keyword> are exceptional movies but look like box office bombs, unless they turn out to be <keyword id="1165784" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sleeper-hits">sleeper hits</keyword>. Written and directed by <keyword id="51" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajat-Kapoor">Rajat Kapoor</keyword> (he also plays one of the lead roles), the multi-starrer flick Ankhon Dekhi had poor response on Day 1 and could not even cross Rs 5 crore during the opening weekend, as per industry estimates (official numbers are yet to come in). It is the same tale of lacklustre <keyword id="2168413" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="BO-performance">BO performance</keyword> with Nagesh Kukunoor-directed Lakshmi although this one should be the most lauded, going by its sensitive yet realistic treatment of <keyword id="6357490" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Human-trafficking">human trafficking</keyword>, <keyword id="6476483" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Child-prostitution">child prostitution</keyword> and <keyword id="1834687" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sexploitation">sexploitation</keyword> of <keyword id="624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Women">women</keyword> in general. As for <keyword id="2165865" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kolkata-Junction">Kolkata Junction</keyword>, a drama-thriller directed by <keyword id="10158" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Anjan-Dutt">Anjan Dutt</keyword>, the opening weekend collections reportedly stood at Rs 9 crore. 
 Theme-wise, these three flicks vary widely, but one can also notice the similarities without much effort. All three of them are <keyword id="1108336" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="low-budget-movies">low-budget movies</keyword>, don’t have so-called ‘hot’ star cast (although the veterans have actually acted their hearts out), the promotion part has been pretty low key and finally, none of them hit too many screens like the big-budget films do. Should we call that a sure-shot recipe for box office disaster? The promotion part needs to strategised well if good movies are to get great response. 
 
 
 Coming back to <keyword id="819874" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="the-movies">the movies</keyword>, we must say Ankhon Dekhi is worth the watch. It is a typical Rajat Kapoor film – funny, satirical and at the same time, deeply touching. It tells the tale of Raje Bauji (<keyword id="62834" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sanjay-Mishra">Sanjay Mishra</keyword>), a Delhi-based man in his late 50s, who only believes what he sees. The <keyword id="6374782" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="journey">journey</keyword> that follows walks you through the life of a commoner and the compromises he is compelled to make to survive in a hostile world. As one <keyword id="210839" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Critic">critic</keyword> says, “It is cinematically ecstatic... made beautifully on a very low budget… high on performances.” 
 
Nagesh Kukunoor-directed Lakshmi is an exceptional story of trauma and tragedy, courage and triumph. <keyword id="250" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Singer">Singer</keyword> <keyword id="294857" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Monali-Thakur">Monali Thakur</keyword> makes her acting debut as Lakshmi, a 13-year-old who has been kidnapped and sold into prostitution. The ruthless reality portrayed by every single character makes us squirm and ask ourselves the very question the movie is asking – are we being human? 
 
It’s not surprising that <keyword id="6354925" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kolkata">Kolkata</keyword> Junction has done a bit better at the ticket windows than the other two. After all, who can escape the allure of an entertaining drama-thriller featuring the likes of <keyword id="6354338" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naseeruddin-Shah">Naseeruddin Shah</keyword>, <keyword id="29287" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="kay-kay-menon">Kay Kay Menon</keyword>, <keyword id="6354732" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonali-Kulkarni">Sonali Kulkarni</keyword>, <keyword id="4666" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jimmy-Shergill">Jimmy Shergill</keyword>, <keyword id="17610" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sandhya-Mridul">Sandhya Mridul</keyword> and <keyword id="6059" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rituparna-Sengupta">Rituparna Sengupta</keyword>? Both the storyline and the performance are bound to thrill the audience and the numbers may look better after the second weekend. 
 
Images: Indiatimes

Ankhon Dekhi, Lakshmi
Disappoint At Box Office But Capture Hearts

After a long time, here is a <keyword id="1978999" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Comedy-thriller">comedy thriller</keyword> that thrills and entertains. <keyword id="363758" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Suspense">Suspense</keyword> is intricately woven into the storyline; the brilliant acting of veterans Madhuri and <keyword id="734132" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naseeruddin">Naseeruddin</keyword> enthral you; and there is no lack of sparkling wit – <keyword id="20399" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arshad-Warsi">Arshad Warsi</keyword> and <keyword id="766698" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Huma-Qureshi">Huma Qureshi</keyword> make sure of that. But in spite of a delectable <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> mix of <keyword id="1723" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="fun">fun</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="52355" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="humour">humour</keyword>, thrill &amp; suspense, romance &amp; deceit, <keyword id="94542" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Abhishek-Chaubey">Abhishek Chaubey</keyword>'s <keyword id="696067" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dedh-Ishqiya">Dedh Ishqiya</keyword> has failed to recreate the crowd-pulling power of the earlier movie <keyword id="33639" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="ishqiya">Ishqiya</keyword> (2010). Nor can it repeat Ishqiya's stupendous <keyword id="1996041" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Box-office-success">box office success</keyword>. 
 
In contrast, <keyword id="1434830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yaariyan">Yaariyan</keyword>, literally a newcomers' movie and made by the <keyword id="202523" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="debutante-director">debutante director</keyword> <keyword id="803235" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Divya-Khosla-Kumar">Divya Khosla Kumar</keyword>, has raced past the critically acclaimed Dedh Ishqiya. Released on January 10, the bubbly tale of adventure and <keyword id="125717" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="college-romance">college romance</keyword> has a <keyword id="2014756" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="First-weekend-collection">first weekend collection</keyword> of around Rs 16.50 crore nett while its four-day total has climbed to Rs 19 crore nett. <keyword id="2014759" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gross-collections">Gross collections</keyword> stand at Rs 22.20 crore at the <keyword id="827271" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Domestic-Box-Office">domestic box office</keyword> after Day 4 (January 13). 
 
But more on that later. First, let’s have a close look at Dedh Ishqiya and what all it offers. The sequel of the earlier movie has seen one major change in cast, though. It’s the comeback film of <keyword id="6358652" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Madhuri-Dixit-Nene">Madhuri Dixit-Nene</keyword>, but she can’t match the spunky ruthlessness of Ishqiya’s <keyword id="3844" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Vidya-Balan">Vidya Balan</keyword>. Just like the real Madhuri, <keyword id="241381" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Begum-Para">Begum Para</keyword> is sheer magic throughout the flick because of her ethereal grace. But her on-screen manipulations pale before the earthy Vidya who managed to mesmerise all in her earlier outing. And when those sparks are missing, can the <keyword id="25892" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="box-office">box office</keyword> catch fire? 
 
Obviously not, going by the numbers. Dedh Ishqiya has also opened on January 10 and grossed around Rs 14.25 crore at the domestic box office after Day 4 (January 13), according to industry estimates. The <keyword id="382940" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="opening-weekend">opening weekend</keyword> saw collections of around Rs 11.50 crore nett although the <keyword id="1988011" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Screen-count">screen count</keyword> stood at 1,000-1,200 at home. But then, the <keyword id="2014761" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Occupancy-rate">occupancy rate</keyword> was abysmally low, just 20%, and it faltered even in the state of <keyword id="6357713" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</keyword> where a strong support was predicted. Collections in the <keyword id="1235960" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mumbai-circuit">Mumbai circuit</keyword> were low as well. 
 But in spite of a <keyword id="182563" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="BO">BO</keyword> slowdown, the flick has earned some glowing accolades from noted critics. According to Anupama Chopra of the Hindustan Times, “Dedh Ishqiya is worth watching just for Abhishek Chaubey’s ambition. He is not constrained by the demands of the box office.” 
 Termed as genuinely smart and spicy, with many layers of truths and realities, the movie takes you through a semi-realistic <keyword id="2014763" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poetic-journey">poetic journey</keyword> and a <keyword id="2014764" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Decadent-world">decadent world</keyword> that you don’t encounter every day. The story of <keyword id="2014765" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Love-and-deceit">love and deceit</keyword> intertwines and flows smoothly as <keyword id="2014746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Khalujaan">Khalujaan</keyword> (Naseeruddin) and his nephew <keyword id="964492" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Babban">Babban</keyword> (Arshad), a thief duo posing as a nawab and his attendant, set their eyes on Begum Para and her assistant <keyword id="2014767" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Muniya">Muniya</keyword> (Huma), respectively. The rest becomes a classic journey of revelation and a rare insight into human nature. 
 
“Dedh Ishqiya is an absolute delight because all its parts fit beautifully. The <keyword id="42054" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cinematography">cinematography</keyword>, <keyword id="6363322" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="sets">sets</keyword> and <keyword id="571210" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Costumes">costumes</keyword> are exquisite. The editing is sharp. Most importantly, <keyword id="2014744" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Darab-Farooqui">Darab Farooqui</keyword>’s story is plotted wonderfully by <keyword id="33638" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vishal-Bharadwaj">Vishal Bharadwaj</keyword> and Chaubey’s screenplay,” writes <keyword id="122490" type="POSITION" weightage="80" keywordseo="film-critic">film critic</keyword> Deepanjana Pal. 
 
But at this point, we are not sure whether the average Bollywood fans will give this movie a wide berth or not because of its subtle artistry and multi-layered messages. 
 
 
 
Yaariyan, the other release, features an overused youth-centric theme. But it tries to pose as vibrantly young and refreshingly different in approach. Starring <keyword id="975571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himansh-Kohli">Himansh Kohli</keyword> (<keyword id="3898" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lakshya">Lakshya</keyword>), <keyword id="1923885" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="dev-sharma">Dev Sharma</keyword> (<keyword id="11610" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Neil">Neil</keyword>), <keyword id="1972144" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="serah-singh">Serah Singh</keyword> (<keyword id="25517" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="jenny">Jenny</keyword>), <keyword id="621559" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rakul-Preet-Singh">Rakul Preet Singh</keyword> (<keyword id="29620" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saloni">Saloni</keyword>) and <keyword id="86267" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nicole-Faria">Nicole Faria</keyword> (<keyword id="1282028" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jia">Jia</keyword>), this one unfolds the story of close-knit <keyword id="2014775" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="College-mates">college mates</keyword> on a journey of discovery. But before they can come to terms with different <keyword id="6358061" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="relationships">relationships</keyword> and discover values that will keep them going, you will get tired of the regular dose of Bollywood masala punched into the mixture. 
 Thematically, it has an uncanny resemblance to <keyword id="3778" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Karan-Johar">Karan Johar</keyword>’s Student Of The Year. However, the movie is a potpourri of several other things as well – from national sentiments to international violence and tolerance, from dressing scantily to thinking less like a modern individual and a general avoidance of <keyword id="2014777" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tangible-adult-themes">tangible adult themes</keyword>. But we are eager to accept those as the infallible Indian core values and tend to ignore the under-dressing as part of the modern gear. 
 Although the <keyword id="1308674" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="production-budget">production budget</keyword> of this flick is not too high, some Rs 19 crore according to koimoi.com, the movie has been shot across states and continents – in <keyword id="6358070" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mumbai">Mumbai</keyword>, <keyword id="6355478" type="COUNTRY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Australia">Australia</keyword>, <keyword id="48118" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sikkim">Sikkim</keyword> and <keyword id="6358045" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Darjeeling">Darjeeling</keyword>. And the <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="music">music</keyword> of this movie is simply awesome, which is another reason behind its instant success. 
 
At the end of the day, it will be unfair to compare Dedh Ishqiya and Yaariyan. They belong to <keyword id="2014794" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Different-genres">different genres</keyword> and will attract different kinds of audience, to say the least. But it will be interesting to wait and see who wins the <keyword id="2014796" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Money-game">money game</keyword> at the box office. Films, even good films, are made to churn money and losing at that level does not speak well for a movie. 
 
Images: Indiatimes

Madhuri-starrer Dedh
Ishqiya Stumbles At Box Office; Yaariyan Romps Past

It’s been a long shoot for the team of <keyword id="22746" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="rohit-shetty">Rohit Shetty</keyword>’s upcoming movie <keyword id="1665132" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dilwale">Dilwale</keyword>; they have been shooting in different parts of the world, amidst challenging weather conditions in Iceland and Bulgaria for over 140 days now. However, much to the relief of the cast and crew who must have started missing home by now, the shoot is in its last leg now, hinting at the ‘beginning of the end’. 
 
The ongoing schedule in Hyderabad will soon wrap up as the climax is being shot with the whole cast, including <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Must-Read-Lessons-on-life-from-Doctor-Shahrukh-Khan/articleshow/49410600.cms">Shah Rukh Khan</a>, <keyword id="6354713" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="kajol">Kajol</keyword>, <keyword id="210696" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kriti-Sanon">Kriti Sanon</keyword>, <keyword id="383666" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Varun-Dhawan">Varun Dhawan</keyword>, <keyword id="337442" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Varun-Sharma">Varun Sharma</keyword>, <keyword id="31951" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Boman-Irani">Boman Irani</keyword>, <keyword id="9351" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Johnny-Lever">Johnny Lever</keyword>, <keyword id="769924" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chetna-Pande">Chetna Pande</keyword>, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Looking-forsome-Motivation-Here-we-bring-15-inspiring-stories-of-Bollywood-stars/Sanjai-Mishra/slideshow/48856113.cms">Sanjai Mishra</a>, <keyword id="475128" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pankaj-Tripathi">Pankaj Tripathi</keyword>, <keyword id="17190" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mukesh-Tiwari">Mukesh Tiwari</keyword>, and Nawab Shah. Red Chillies Entertainment, <keyword id="1671" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shah-Rukh-Khan">Shah Rukh Khan</keyword>’s production house, shared a video on YouTube yesterday, allowing us to peek into the action that is happening behind the camera in the ongoing shoot. 
 
The climax is a wedding sequence, and everybody looks dapper, clad in suits, sarees and gowns. From the little that we get to see in the small clip, we can judge that the climax would show the characters of Varun Sharma and Chetna Pande getting married in a church and every other actor happily joining them in the celebration. 
 
What catches our eye, however, is that unlike every other Rohit Shetty’s movie, Dilwale doesn’t have an action-packed ending with cars flying in the air and the hero beating the goons to pulp. Instead, it’s a very sweet and happy ending, albeit not showing any of the lead pairs of SRK-Kajol or Varun-Kriti getting married, but that’s the beauty of a multi-starrer; you never know which character takes the lead. Actor <keyword id="1586498" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sanjai-Mishra">Sanjai Mishra</keyword> tickles the funny bones with his unusual beard, and Boman Irani teases our eyes with his bright yellow blazer. We also get to see our <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/5-cult-romances-that-show-Kajol-SRK-are-the-best-paired-on-screen-couple/articleshow/47730374.cms">favorite on-screen pair Kajol and SRK</a> dancing hand in hand. 
 
Watch the video to know more. 
 
 
 
Dilwale releases on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Shah-Rukh-Khan-Kajol-to-melt-our-hearts-this-December-with-Dilwale/articleshow/47707718.cms">18th December</a>, along with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical drama <keyword id="6391813" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bajirao-Mastani">Bajirao Mastani</keyword>, which stars Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, along with Ranveer Singh. 
 
Image courtesy Red Chillies Entertainment

Here’s a sneak peek into the climax of Dilwale

Yash Raj Chopra, the <keyword id="243905" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="King-of-Romance">king of romance</keyword>, who taught generations about the ideas of perfect love and relationships, breathed his last on 21st October 2012. Three years down the line, his magic hasn’t faded and the legacy is being carried forward by his son Aditya Chopra, who recently announced his next movie called Befikre, starring <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Ranveer-Singhs-dream-comes-true-to-be-directed-by-Aditya-Chopra-in-Befikre/articleshow/49244237.cms">Ranveer Singh</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/The-lead-actress-of-Befikre-announced-and-its-not-Anushka-Sharma/articleshow/49325234.cms">Vaani Kapoor</a>. 
 
On his third death anniversary, we list down some facts about Chopra senior that would make you want to watch his movies all over again. 
 1. <keyword id="2238" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yash-Chopra">Yash Chopra</keyword> originally wanted to be an engineer. Just think of all the cinematic excellence it would have cost to <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword>. 
 
2. He started off his career as an assistant to I.S Johar and his elder brother Baldev Raj Chopra. 
 
3. The first ever movie that he directed was called Dhool Ka Phool, which was produced by B.R. Chopra. He was 27 at that time. 
 
4. He was the man behind the camera when Shashi Kapoor made his debut with the social drama Dharmputra, which won the prestigious National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. 
 
5. With the 1965 movie Waqt, he started a trend of multi-starrer movies in Indian cinema, a trend which is still being followed in Hindi cinema. He also received his first Filmfare Best Director Award for this movie. 
 
6. When rest of the filmmakers were blindly following the trend of making action films, Chopra, who didn’t like the action genre, dared to make extravagant love stories, and succeeded. 
 
7. Without the support of Yash Chopra, Bollywood could have lost the lyricist genius it has today in Javed Akhtar. It was Yash Chopra who inspired Akhtar to be a lyricist after he broke up with Saleem Khan, his long-standing scriptwriting partner. 
 
8. On the top of Mount Titlis in Switzerland, there is a standee from the movie Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge. It has been placed there in honor of Yash Chopra, who went to Switzerland to shoot most of his memorable scenes. 
 
9. There is a hotel suite and a train in Switzerland, named after him. 
 
10. His last directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan would have been his last even if he would not have succumbed to dengue. He had announced his retirement from direction after JTHJ, but looks like destiny didn’t want him to do so, and honored his last wish in a heart-breaking way.

Remembering Yash Chopra, the King of Romance, on his 3rd death anniversary

Mumbai, The trailer of the upcoming streaming series '<keyword id="18566324" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bambai-meri-jaan" source="Orion">Bambai Meri Jaan</keyword>' was unveiled on Monday in Mumbai's Bandra area. The crime thriller series stars <keyword id="29287" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kay-kay-menon" source="Orion">Kay Kay Menon</keyword>, <keyword id="657031" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Avinash-Tiwary" source="Orion">Avinash Tiwary</keyword>, Kritika Kamra, and <keyword id="12319844" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nivedita-Bhattacharya" source="Orion">Nivedita Bhattacharya</keyword> along with Amyra Dastur in pivotal roles. The trailer begins with a birdeye view of the Mumbai of the 1970 as the plot unfolds taking the viewers through the life of <keyword id="18648736" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="dara-kadri" source="Orion">Dara Kadri</keyword> (essayed by Avinash), a petty criminal who is born to an honest officer in the Mumbai police force (portrayed by Kay Kay Menon). The trailer shows Dara rising up the ranks as he encounters the likes of Haji (inspired by don Haji Mastan, and portrayed by Saurabh Sachdeva) as he digs his claws deep into crime. The trailer boasts of many retro elements like the styling, the lighting, the BGM, the DI, photography, the angles and the production design which was actually once hit by a cyclone during the making of the series The trailer gives the viewers a glimpse of the pain a father undergoes as he sees his family being torn apart by lost ethos, greed, and corruption. It is also reminiscent of the Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi-starrer 'Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai' however the premise differs but the broad brush strokes on the canvas seem similar. Talking about his role in the upcoming series, Kay Kay Menon said: "My character Ismail Kadri is multi-layered and complex. He is an honest cop and a doting father who isn't perfect. On one hand, he is deeply committed to cleaning the city of Bambai of all crime, on the other, to save his family, he is forced to become a pawn to the city's crime syndicate. "Even as Ismail fights against all odds not to give in to the evil surrounding him, he sees his own flesh and blood rising as the city's new gang lord. Shujaat and Rensil's vision for this character was so clear and precise that it was easy for me to essay this role. Thank you, Prime Video and Excel Entertainment, Rensil and Shujaat, for making me a part of such a gut-wrenching story." The series is set in a world rather, the Mumbai of the 1970s where gang wars, crimes, and treachery were a common occurrence. Against this backdrop, the fictional series is a captivating saga of an honest cop who sees his son choose the path of crime to overcome a life of poverty and struggle. Avinash Tiwary said: "When I first read the script and about my character, Dara Kadri, I was awestruck and hesitant at the same time. The character I play in 'Bambai Meri Jaan' is something that very few actors get an opportunity to sink their teeth into, this early in their career. "The way I saw it, there are villains and then there is Dara, a dynamic young man who believes that honest hard work won't get you money and power. From nothing (hunger) to something (provider for the family and his people) to everything (power), bhook is an integral part of his journey. "To become someone everyone bows down to, one who is feared and revered in equal measures, he has to turn into a cold-blooded monster. As a director, Shujaat's creativity, attention to detail, and his ability to inspire and motivate each one of us to give our best, really enabled me to bring Dara's character to life the way he and Rensil had envisioned while writing the script. I am looking forward to reactions from viewers from India and around the world." The story of the show has been penned by crime journalist and author S. Hussain Zaidi, with the series created by Rensil D'Silva and Shujaat Saudagar and directed by Shujaat Saudagar. Produced by Excel Media and Entertainment, the show is set to land on Prime Video on September 14.

Web series Bambai Meri Jaan promises to teleport viewers back to Mumbai of 1970s

<ul><li><keyword id="4241922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="altbalaji" source="Orion">ALTBalaji</keyword>'s Cartel is a story of a first family business, that rules the divided factions of the underworld in the city of Mumbai.</li><li>The multi-starrer release has bagged 13 brands. </li></ul>ALTBalaji has associated with numerous youth-centric brands for its thriller entertainment series, Cartel. The popular brands appeal perfectly with the show's message, which is for the youth and matches the target audience's interests. With 80% of ALTBalaji's audience less than 35 years of age, the partnership with youth-centric platforms helps brands reach out to their target audience. The brands that have tied up for the association include Ferns and Petals as official gifting partners who have signed in for a co-branded digital association by giving a 20% discount to ALTBalaji subscribers on their next billing. Invisible Lounge kept the Cartel theme alive by celebrating the launch with a Gangsta-party. Ixigo is associated with us as a travel partner for most of our shows as the audience of such shows are mostly the Indian youths of the country who love to travel, thereby allowing them 20% discount coupons exclusively for ALTBalaji subscribers. Growfitter, the show's fitness partner, is giving a free one-month Growfitter Premium Subscription for the audience who have watched the first episode on the very first day and, three lucky winners will also be gratified with Google home minis. Youth snackable branded concept video and social media association slated with Dunzo. While Ugaoo has gifted plants as Nature partners, Mission Green Mumbai has associated as the NGO partners who will undertake exclusive tree plantation activity to save Aarey in Mumbai, an area ruled by the fictional Angre family from the show. Apart from these, brands like Reliance, Voyage, Flyrobe, Ugaoo, USTREAK have also been associated with the show as accessories, digital, Esports, nature, and wardrobe partners. ALTBalaji has also been associated with Josh, India’s fastest-growing and most engaged short-video app, and will see multiple collaborated activities, including actor videos, social media content, contests, giveaways, and much more. Josh also started the #CartelChallenge for their users to generate uber-cool videos with Cartel dialogues. Multiple engaging partnerships also include brands like Reliance and Flyrobe have exclusive Cartel collections for the fans to flaunt their favorite actors' mannerisms. For youth who love gaming apart from Binge-watching ALTBalaji, USTREAK would be hosting tournaments by Gamers and ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP with the actors of Cartel. Voyage is also giving away Cartel Sunglasses as gift hampers (for Men and Women). Bollywoo has created merchandise featuring show dialogues for fans to join the Cartel fever. Commenting on multiple brand partnerships, <keyword id="3381161" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="divya-dixit" source="Orion">Divya Dixit</keyword>, SVP -Revenue &amp; Marketing at ALTBalaji, says, "Cartel is a tentpole property for us with a stellar star cast and storyline. The team went all out to promote this show and reach the intended audience via successful partnerships. All of these brands have been chosen carefully and are helping us gain maximum momentum. The brand associations purely depend on the show's content and target audience and how both the brands can benefit from each other's audience base." ALTBalaji's content bouquet includes premium, disruptive content and original series across genres. With originality, courage, and relentlessness at its core, ALT stands out for being avant-garde, non-conformist, inclusive, effervescent, and has something for every individual. With a vast library of 87 originals across genres that cater to all kinds of audiences, the shows at ALTBalaji are a mix of thriller, crime, drama, romance, youth drama, horror, comedy, amongst others.

ALTBalaji's Cartel partners with 13 youth-centric brands to engage with its target audience

<ul><li>The pandemic and the ensuing lockdown has changed our lives, perhaps forever. It has brought about many behavioural changes among consumers. While some were temporary, there are many that will perhaps become permanent.</li><li>People discovered the many conveniences of <keyword id="1245953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ott" source="Orion">OTT</keyword> platforms during the last 2 years and the sector is only expected to grow from here.</li><li>Baskar Subramanian, Co-founder and CEO, <keyword id="751982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amagi" source="Orion">Amagi</keyword> writes why OTT is getting consumer love and why the streaming media is here to stay. </li></ul>The pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns completely transformed our entertainment experience. From 'Let's go for a good movie', we moved to 'What should we watch on <keyword id="128682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="netflix" source="Orion">Netflix</keyword>?'. Movie premiers and live sporting events like IPL and others have moved to OTT. For example, Netflix released the Kangana Ranaut starrer Thalaivi and Zee5 released Bob Biswas starring Amitabh Bachchan exclusively on OTT platforms. Homegrown web series like The Family Man, Sacred Games, Aarya, Special Ops, Aashram, Mirzapur and more undoubtedly elevated the popularity of OTT platforms among the tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z population who had embraced OTT over Cable TV or DTH subscriptions even before the onset of the pandemic. Post the pandemic, however, the trend has only increased, fuelled by the many conveniences that OTT offers over traditional broadcast. With streaming TV, the fight for the remote is laid to rest. Every person in a household can watch their favorite shows on their personal devices. Content can be viewed even while travelling, and consumers are spoilt for choice with languages, content variety, and on-demand viewing. Consumers have made their preferences clear - more people are cutting the cord, shifting from paid TV subscriptions to internet-based streaming services. Boston Consulting Group predicts that the OTT content market is at an inflection point in India and is likely to reach a market size of $5 billion by 2023. From just two OTT platform providers in 2012 to about 40 players at present, the OTT revolution has come a long way in India. Estimates from Phando Corp suggest that monthly active users (MAUs) for India’s OTT video sector have grown at a blistering rate of 300% since 2019 to reach 680 million in 2021, with rural and tier 2 &amp; 3 cities consumption reaching an 80% share. West Versus India Several factors including the widespread availability of broadband infrastructure, the ubiquity of mobile phones and other connected portable devices, and quest for personalised experiences have spurred the adoption of OTT consumption in the Western world. At the same time, technology investments, the emergence of new apps, features, and independent platforms for OTT content have also been growth drivers. Tech companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Apple, YouTube, connected device providers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, and studios such Disney, MGM, Paramount, Sony are among the major corporations who have entered the OTT space, giving a plethora of programming choices to the consumers in the West. The growth in OTT platforms combined with the subsequent content boom has seen vernacular content from different regions gaining international popularity. South Korean dystopian drama broke all records by becoming the most watched content on Netflix by netizens around the world. Similarly, Indian dramas such as Sacred Games and Delhi Crime were viewed and enjoyed by a global audience. As a result, all eyes are now firmly set on opportunities in emerging economies, specifically in the Indian subcontinent, with major players from the west entering the foray with attractive subscription offers, and diverse content catalogues. Some have chosen to collaborate with or acquire local brands to establish a firmer foothold in the region. For example, with the launch of Disney Plus in the US back in 2019, the streaming service promptly expanded to many other countries, including India. However, instead of getting a dedicated app for Indian users, the company acquired the Hotstar streaming platform and soon rebranded to Disney+ Hotstar. The coming together of Disney and Star TV Network (20th Century Fox) attracted tens of millions of subscribers in India and provided them access to a premium catalogue of content from Disney and Star TV. One of the challenges in India is the ability to monetize online content. Research suggests that the Advertising-led Video on Demand (AVOD) model is far more popular than Subscription-led video on demand (SVOD) models given the reluctance of viewers in India to pay for online content. While about 60% of total video viewing in India happens on YouTube, Netflix has 40 Mn monthly active users. Disney Plus Hotstar too has reached the critical mass with its freemium model, well-supported by relevant collaborations, such as sports (read cricket), which drives volume. Also, a KPMG study reveals that, unlike the West, only 10% of viewers access OTT platforms for watching original content. Rather, OTT is used primarily for the convenience of anytime and personal viewing of movies, music, sports or to catch-up with TV content. Driving OTT Growth in India As a country with a population of 1.23 billion, India is the next big market for OTT platforms. Some of the growth drivers for OTT players in India, based on the precedent from the West include: ● Investments in Content Video streaming services are expected to spend around ₹1,920 crore to create original content for India in 2021, driven in part by the sharp rise in audiences during the 2020 lockdown. The platforms will further increase spends, including on sports, to ₹30,000 crore, during 2021-25, according to the latest FICCI-EY media and entertainment industry report. Around 500 original titles are likely to be released in 2021 across platforms, as opposed to 385 titles in 2019 and 220 in 2020. The investment in original content makes sense given that viewers are learning to pay for the content they consume, especially original content. In 2020, 29 million subscribers paid for 53 million OTT video subscriptions (not counting subscriptions bundled along with data plans), a figure that is estimated to increase to 39 million subscribers for 71 million subscriptions in 2021. Netflix has more than 40 originals scheduled for 2021 and is expanding its slate by nearly three times compared to 2020. Amazon Prime Video has 50 local originals in various stages of development and 30 in various stages of production. Demand for original content will likely double by 2023 compared to 2019 levels. ● Content – the New Battlefield for Viewers Increasing number of consumers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities have spurred the production of regional content. Alt Balaji has seen a change after the pandemic. Before the pandemic, the top 8 cities in India contributed to 70% of their total audience; post-April 2020, 60% of the traffic is from other tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Old favourite shows are being re-aired on OTT platforms, while investments in new content production continue. Recently Amazon announced the acquisition of MGM, for $8.45 billion, giving it access to MGM’s library of 4000 film titles and 17,000 TV shows. We have witnessed the emergence of a wide variety of content including Indian content since India has a diverse market with over a dozen languages that are widely spoken across the country. OTT players are shifting their focus towards localisation of their platforms, to be able to connect with the Indian users, be it in terms of regional languages, geography and user experience etc. India already has about 40 OTT players and 10 music streaming apps in existence catering to various entertainment and media demands. This has opened the doors for OTT platforms to promote regional and hyperlocal content. In fact, a leading OTT player recently released 11 shows during the lockdown- all locally curated shows. The share of regional language consumption on OTT platforms is expected to cross 50% of total time spent by 2025, easing past Hindi at 45%. ● Government Regulations The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has, in the past year, stressed the need for some form of regulation of OTT Platforms to streamline the sector. In this regard, the MIB recently notified the Information Technology (Guidelines for Intermediaries and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021. The new rules require OTT platforms to set up a robust three-tier grievance redressal mechanism. The first level will comprise regulation by the OTT Platform itself through a grievance officer. The second level will be an institutional self-regulatory body formed by publishers of content and their associations. This self-regulatory body will comprise industry experts headed by a retired Supreme Court/ High Court judge /eminent personality in the relevant field. At the third level is an inter-department committee constituted by the MIB that will provide oversight and hear appeals for decisions taken at level two or if a complaint is referred to the inter-department committee by MIB. Regulation might help improve the quality of content in the future. ● The Future of OTT - New Applications and Content Innovations There is no doubt that the future of <keyword id="6357922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="television" source="Orion">television</keyword> is OTT, and the industry is at a nascent stage. Content is the force that defines the direction of evolution in the industry. New applications such as learning, education and fitness are being explored. Pricewaterhouse Coopers reported that in 2018, more than 40% of new internet users in the world were children. Edtech platforms like Byjus and Unacademy use the OTT streaming approach for education. Similarly, possible applications for learning management in corporations are being explored. While fitness was never considered an activity that could be done remotely, the pandemic saw this notion change. According to a Bobble.AI report, besides video conferencing apps and websites, fitness applications such as Lose Weight, Cure.fit, recorded a 104.53% rise in daily active users. Video streaming platforms are also creating content to cater to this trend. Disney+ Hotstar has partnered with Brilliant Wellness, to introduce content from its fitness experts, yoga, and spiritual gurus. -- India’s large population and relatively young age demographics make the business environment dynamic and interesting. Digital savvy young consumers in India are spread over a wide geography and have a vast range of preferences, languages and appreciate multi-cultural entertainment. As content and technology come together to create a solution that caters to this unique business environment, OTT and streaming media are here to stay.

How India is ‘Cutting the Cord’ to drive an OTT revolution

Before 2015 gets its first blockbuster hit, let’s take a look at actresses who would fight out for the Best Actress award during the award season next year. 
 
 
<ol>
	<li> <keyword id="710" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sonam-Kapoor">Sonam Kapoor</keyword></li>
</ol> The <keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> fashionista , who surprised everyone with her entertaining act in Khubsoorat, was seen playing a lead role in last week’s big release, Dolly Ki Doli. In the movie, Sonam plays a con, who robs men by posing as a bride. Her male co-stars in the movie are Pulkit Samrat, Rajkumar Rao and Varun Sharma. 
 
 
<ol>
	<li value="2"> <keyword id="598" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Deepika-Padukone">Deepika Padukone</keyword></li>
</ol>
After almost owning 2012 and delivering one of the superhit movie of 2014, Happy New Year, Deepika is all set to take 2015 by a storm. Two of her biggest and most-awaited releases are Piku and Baji Rao Mastani. While Piku with Amitabh Bachchan is already wooing fans with its first look; in Baji Rao Mastani, her fans will see her with once again with her off screen beau Ranveer Singh. 
 
 
<ol>
	<li value="3"> <keyword id="2165" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kareena-Kapoor">Kareena Kapoor</keyword> 
		Bebo just had one release in 2014. However, in 2015, Mrs Khan will treat her fans with not one or two, but 4 releases. She’ll be seen in movies including Bajrangi Bhaijaan, </li>
</ol>
 Badtameez Dil, Golmaal 4 and Shuddhi. 
 
 
<ol>
	<li value="4">
		Katrina Kaif</li>
</ol>
After giving us a blockbuster hit in Bang Bang in 2014, Katrina Kaif will be seen in movies like Phantom and Jagga Jasoos in 2015. In Jagga Jasoos she’ll be seen romancing Ranbir Kapoor; while in Phantom, Katrina will do some kickass action with Saif Ali Khan. 
 
 
 
<ol>
	<li value="5"> <keyword id="1655" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Priyanka-Chopra">Priyanka Chopra</keyword></li>
</ol>
In 2014, she walked away with numerous awards. Will Priyanka Chopra create history yet again with her 2015 releases? We have hopes, as PC will be seen in three movies this year. This includes Baji Rao Mastani, Dil Ko Dhadakne Do and Rock on 2! 
 
 
<ol>
	<li value="6"> <keyword id="6357860" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anushka-Sharma">Anushka Sharma</keyword></li>
</ol>
PK girl Anushka Sharma has two films in her kitty this year. While Dil Ko Dhadakne Do directed by Zoya Akhtar is a multi-starrer; in Bombay Velvet, she would be seen romancing Ranbir Kapoor. 
 
Image credits: Indiatimes

Which Actress Will Rule Bollywood In 2015?

<keyword id="143" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Bollywood">Bollywood</keyword> horror flicks are not just about creaking doors, swinging chairs and a filthy, grey-haired witch casting spells. As the erotic horror film, Ragini MMS 2, releases on Friday the 21st, let us take a look at some of the most spine-chilling horror movies Bollywood has churned out over the years. Get ready for the edge-of-the-seat experience. 
 
1. Mahal (1949) 
Aayega aanewala... does the song give you goosebumps? That’s the magic of this song, crooned in the movie by the spirit of a woman who is waiting for her dead lover. It effectively adds to the eerie setting of this story of reincarnation, starring <keyword id="6363061" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Ashok-kumar">Ashok Kumar</keyword> and Madhubala. Intriguing and haunting, Mahal is a must-watch, especially for Kamal Amrohi’s direction and the fine performance by the lead pair. 
 
2. Bees Saal Baad (1962) Starring Biswajeet and <keyword id="6442163" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Waheeda-Rehman">Waheeda Rehman</keyword>, Bees Saal Baad is still remembered for the spooky song, Kahin deep jale kahin dil. Loosely based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles, this flick is deliciously spooky in places, with many mind-numbing moments. Here you have a mysterious lady in a flowing white saree, the ghungroos, the haunting voice singing at night and many more incidents to keep you hooked. And the climax is juicy enough to entertain the connoisseurs of suspense thrillers. 
 
3. Gumnaam (1965) 
Gumnaam takes inspiration from <keyword id="162689" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Agatha">Agatha</keyword> Christie’s novel, And Then There Were None (also known as Ten Little Niggers). The basic plot of the film goes like this – 10 strangers stranded on an island get killed one by one. The film has everything that’s synonymous with edge-of-the-seat experience – suspense, thrill, fear, perfect characterisation and of course, a haunting song, Gumnaam hai koi. 
 
4. Jaani Dushman (1979) 
The story of Jaani Dushman is based in a village, which is notorious for the mysterious killings of brides dressed in red. The bidaai song Chalo re doli uthao kahaar is an indication that another bride is going to be attacked by a mysterious monster. The creature can’t be killed as every time someone tries to kill it, it leaves its own body and possesses the body of the person who tries to kill it. The multi-starrer film was a box-office hit. 
 
5. 100 Days (1991) 
More than a horror film, 100 Days is a spine-chilling entertainer starring <keyword id="6355846" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Madhuri-Dixit">Madhuri Dixit</keyword>, <keyword id="297" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Jackie-Shroff">Jackie Shroff</keyword> and <keyword id="675553" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="40" keywordseo="Jaaved-Jaffery">Jaaved Jaffery</keyword>. Madhuri is gifted with extrasensory perception and she gets sudden glimpses of future incidents. One day, she sees her sister being murdered and after a few days, her sister gets killed the way Madhuri has envisioned it. Can she find the killer and unravel the mystery? Watch the movie and find out! By the way, it is a remake of the Tamil film Nooravathu Naal. 
 
6. Raat (1992) Produced by <keyword id="6355246" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Ram-Gopal-Varma">Ram Gopal Varma</keyword>, Raat is an epic horror film. Leading lady <keyword id="36561" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="revathi">Revathi</keyword>’s life becomes a roller-coaster ride after a cat is accidentally killed by her father’s car. From spine-chilling encounters to possessed souls and haunted house – every possible bloodcurdling element is packed here. Raat is, indeed, one of the best horror movies ever made in Bollywood. 
 
7. Vaastu Shastra (2004) 
A family including a couple and their son, as well as the wife’s sister, shifts to a new house. Just when they begin to live happily, the boy starts interacting with kids whom no one else can see. Initially, the parents dismiss it as child’s fancy but as things start to take a gory turn, they begin to take notice. But unfortunately, it’s too late by then. 
 
8. 1920 (2008) 
Haunted houses are hot favourites of those who love the horror genre and 1920 is a period film that portrays a haunted haveli (castle). A married couple comes to live in the haveli and experiences mysterious happenings, which are out of human control. If you believe in God and His power to save one from evil spirits, you will enjoy this film. 
 
9. 13 B Although this movie is marred by poor direction, the plot makes it a must-watch. The protagonist, R. <keyword id="4759" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Madhavan">Madhavan</keyword>, shifts to a new house 13-B but under a mysterious scheme of things, his life gets connected to a TV serial. Whatever happens in the TV serial, also happens with his family in real life. What’s more, that serial only comes on their TV. The film hooks you from the first frame till the last. 
 
10. Ragini MMS (2011) 
The movie has been partially inspired by the 2007 Hollywood horror flick, Paranormal Activity. It also takes cues from the real life incident of a Delhi-based girl called Deepika. She reportedly fell prey to a spirit’s wrath at a haunted house where her boyfriend took her and tried to make an MMS without her knowledge. The film was produced by <keyword id="378" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Jeetendra">Jeetendra</keyword> and <keyword id="154993" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Shobha-Kapoor">Shobha Kapoor</keyword> of Balaji Telefilms. 
 
Image: Indiatimes

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