The inaugural International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir concluded with calls for more local participation. Organizers and attendees emphasized the need for training programs and infrastructure development. The festival screened over 130 films and featured master classes and celebrity appearances. Government officials acknowledged the success while planning future initiatives for filmmaking in the region. The aim is to foster a vibrant film culture and discover local talent.
Zee5 revamps streaming platform with AI-led discovery, expands free and premium content
Zee5 has launched a revamped streaming experience with AI-led discovery. The platform now organizes content into five distinct sections for easier navigation. Personalization plays a central role, surfacing relevant content based on audience preferences. Zee5 also secured rights to the FIFA World Cup and expanded its English entertainment slate. The revamped free service, Free 5, will offer diverse content without a subscription.
Orenda Group announces Rs 100 crore Media Growth Fund with a slate of three international films
Orenda Group has joined Manasi Parekh, Parthiv Gohil and Rashaana Shah to announce a 100-crore Alternative Investment Fund focused on Indias media and entertainment sector. The four-year Orenda Media Growth Fund plans to invest across films, media start-ups, original IP and media-tech ventures.
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, along with PM Modi and other celebrities, have joined the viral ChatGPT '80s photo trend. The AI trend lets users transform their pictures into retro 80s, 90s and early-2000s-inspired looks using simple prompts.
The revised draft rules for television, radio and associated services address some industry concerns but leave questions over OTT, FAST and open-internet services unresolved, media executives said. Broadcasters are also examining penalties, authorisation renewal provisions and requirements for temporary live sports uplinking. The ministry has invited comments by October 2.
An alleged photo of Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji from the sets of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer King went viral on Reddit, with netizens divided over whether it was a genuine leaked image or AI-generated. The post was later deleted.
National Film Awards to move to Gujarat's Kevadia for first time in 72 years
The National Film Awards ceremony is set to move out of Delhi for the first time in 72 years, with the 72nd edition scheduled to be held at Ekta Nagar, formerly Kevadia, in Gujarat on September 22. President Droupadi Murmu will present the awards to the winners.
Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away
Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath, celebrated for his distinctive contributions to cinema including the award-winning Sayahnam, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.
'Bigg Boss 20 is divorcee special': Mahhi Vij calls it her, Isha Rikhi and Mary Kom's second innings
Mahhi Vij, Isha Rikhi and Mary Kom found common ground as they discussed their personal lives and divorces, with Isha also asserting her desire to be known for her own identity. Meanwhile, Mary Kom opened up about her emotional connection to Manipur and expressed her helplessness over the ongoing conflict in
'Cannot Accept Ranbir Kapoor As Ram'
'After Ramayan, will Ranbir Kapoor be accepted again in a film like Animal?'
'Manoj Bajpayee is my enabler. Till Taandav nobody knew me, and for 10 years I was trying to make films. Manoj enters my life and suddenly, one after the other, I start getting opportunities.'
Nagarjuna On Bigg Boss: 'Thought I'd Get Bored'
'Now, here I am, doing my 10th season, and loving yet another opportunity to reach out to audienceS at home.'
BCCL partners with OpenAI to enhance journalism discovery for readers globally
Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd has partnered with OpenAI to improve content discovery. ChatGPT will now attribute BCCL journalism with direct links to original articles. This collaboration aims to connect users with reliable information from BCCL publications. Both companies will explore AI applications for new products and services. Editorial independence remains a core principle for BCCL's journalism.
PVR Inox says senior executive Pramod Arora was not asked to quit
PVR Inox said its promoters received anonymous communications in April alleging impropriety by certain employees, but a preliminary examination found no evidence of kickbacks. The multiplex operator also denied that senior executive Pramod Arora was asked to leave, saying he resigned for personal reasons after the allegations surfaced.
YouTube pushes Indias content industry towards owning IP
Indian content creators are building and monetizing their own intellectual property. YouTube is emerging as a key destination for premium, long-form original shows. Balaji Telefilms partnered with YouTube for five fiction shows, retaining IP ownership. This shift addresses a gap between linear television and premium subscription platforms. Connected TV viewing is creating new opportunities for diverse content across verticals.
JioStar vice chairman Uday Shankar said sports, particularly cricket, has been a major investment for the company, helping it build a digital audience of 600 million monthly active users. However, he said soaring cricket media rights costs have made the business increasingly difficult.
