Taking a look back at the making of Bobby Jasoos, Dia revealed she had to mortgage her first-ever purchased home to make the film. For Dia, producing Bobby Jasoos was all about standing by a story that she believed in, and by an actor she respected immensely. The film was ready to roll. The team was present. Balan had her dates committed. However, when studios and financiers who might have backed the project disappeared, Dia was faced with a choice, whether to pave the way for the film or to let it go. Dia made sure Bobby Jasoos would go to the floor. “I had bought my first home after years of working, and I mortgaged it to take a bank loan so we could make the film. It wasn’t something I did because I thought it was brave. At that moment, it simply felt like standing by my conviction. We had a story we believed in, an extraordinary actor who had trusted us with her time and talent, and a team that was ready to make the film. I felt we had to honour that,” she shared.

Beyond this, there was another conviction at the film’s core, one where the actress headlining the film had to be valued too. “One thing I remain very proud of is that we were able to pay Vidya what we believed she deserved. The entire film rested on her shoulders. If we were willing to recognise and remunerate a male actor for carrying a film, why should it be any different for a woman?” At times when women don’t get a seat at the table, they build one, and that’s exactly what happened here. Dia and Vidya trusted each other enough to build the table themselves rather than waiting for someone to invite them.

“I was young, I believed fiercely in the film and I was willing to put what I had on the line for that belief. Looking back, what stays with me most is not the risk. It is the privilege of having been able to stand behind another woman’s talent and create something together. Women supporting women can change not only whose stories get told, but who gets the opportunity to tell them.”

Bobby Jasoos is directed by Samar Shaikh and it won hearts for telling a quirky tale of Bilqees Ahmed, a Hyderabadi woman who aspires to be a detective despite facing a string of obstacles.

With Gandhari continuing to make its mark globally, the success celebration also marked significant milestones for the film and its key creative partnerships. The film marks Kanika Dhillon’s fourth consecutive successful collaboration with Netflix, following Haseen Dillruba, Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba and Do Patti, further strengthening her association with the streaming platform and her track record of bringing rooted, unconventional Indian stories to a global audience.

For Kanika Dhillon and Taapsee Pannu, Gandhari also marks their third consecutive successful collaboration. Their partnership has now evolved into a recurring creative collaboration built around distinctive female-led stories, with Gandhari taking their association into the action-thriller space. The celebration comes on the back of Gandhari’s strong global performance on Netflix, with the film reaching audiences across international markets and registering a significant response in its opening weeks. The audience love has added another milestone to the journey of both the film and its creators, making the success celebration a moment to acknowledge the collective effort behind the project. The evening wrapped up on a warm and intimate note, with the team celebrating Gandhari’s global audience response, Kanika Dhillon’s fourth consecutive successful Netflix collaboration and the third successful collaboration between Kanika and Taapsee while raising a toast to more stories and creative collaborations ahead.

Reflecting on the response, Taapsee Pannu expressed her appreciation for the audience’s love, sharing how special it feels to see a rooted story connect with viewers across the world. Writer-producer Kanika Dhillon also thanked the audience for embracing the film and expressed her gratitude to Netflix for backing rooted, high-stakes Indian stories that can travel across borders.

Known for his distinctive screen presence and effortless charm, Pankaj Tripathi will take centre stage at IIFA Digital Awards 2027, marking his first-ever experience hosting an awards show.

Making his IIFA Digital Awards 2027 hosting debut, acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi brings his distinctive wit and effortless charm to the celebrations, saying, “For an actor, there are certain moments that come with a little extra nervousness and a lot of excitement and hosting the IIFA Digital Awards for the first time is definitely one of them. I have spent much of my journey standing in front of the camera and telling stories through characters, so stepping onto the IIFA stage in a completely different role is both exciting and humbling. In fact, this will be my first experience of hosting an awards show, which makes the moment even more special for me.

The digital world has transformed the way stories are created, discovered and loved, and IIFA recognising this new generation of storytelling feels very meaningful. To be part of that celebration alongside so many talented artists and creators is an honour. IIFA has always taken Indian cinema to audiences across the world, and I am looking forward to bringing that same spirit, warmth and, hopefully, a little bit of humour to the IIFA Digital Awards stage. I cannot wait to experience the magic of IIFA from the other side of the stage and I hope I can do justice to it.”

The IIFA Digital Awards 2027 will celebrate the evolving landscape of digital storytelling and the artists and creators shaping the next generation of entertainment.

With Pankaj Tripathi taking the stage for his hosting debut, alongside an exceptional line-up of hosts and performers, IIFA 2027 promises two spectacular days of star power, music and entertainment on 22nd–23rd January 2027 at Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The stars are ready. The stage is set. The IIFA experience awaits. Get ready to experience IIFA 2027, the global celebration of Indian cinema!

Recalling the shoot of Drishyam 2, Suwalka reveals that she was initially quite nervous about her courtroom sequence. Having to perform alongside a stellar cast that included Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Rajat Kapoor made the experience even more daunting. She shares, “Shooting for Drishyam 2 was one of the best shoots of my life. Back in 2022, when I landed the role, I was very nervous because I thought I would have to perform my courtroom monologue in front of the whole cast, which includes greats like Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor! Well, that didn’t happen, but I still had to do it in a courtroom full of people and it’s like performing in front of a live audience. And of course, there was the Ajay Devgn!”

What made the experience particularly special for Suwalka was the creative freedom she received from director Abhishek Pathak. Rather than dictating how Samvedna should approach the scene, Abhishek encouraged her to bring her own interpretation to the character and suggested doing a take her way before deciding what worked best. “To the director Abhishek Pathak’s credit, he gave me the creative liberty to perform Gayatri the way I saw fit. He said, ‘Let’s do a take your way and then see if that works,’ and luckily he approved it in one take! And that day when Ajay sir was leaving the courtroom, he patted my back! Best day,” she further stated.

Riding high on the success of her latest release Get, Set, Go, Samvedna Suwalka is now gearing up to step back into the courtroom as Advocate Gayatri Mohan in Drishyam: The Conclusion. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor, Prakash Raj, Jaideep Ahlawat along with Samvedna Suwalka in pivotal roles and is slated to release on 2nd October 2026.

There is an immediate change of mood here. If the trailer pulled audiences into the mystery of The Vvaan, ‘Thummak Thummak’ pulls them straight onto the dance floor. Peppy, colourful and designed to keep the energy high, the track gives Sidharth and Tamannaah the perfect setting to showcase their easy screen presence and infectious chemistry. The two look every bit like they are having a ball with the song, bringing an effortless vibrancy to the dance moves and giving their first on-screen pairing another dimension.

‘Thummak Thummak’ is the kind of unabashedly upbeat Bollywood dance track that exists simply to make audiences smile, move and enjoy the moment.

Under Zee Music label, the song has been composed and produced by Tanishk Bagchi, with Dev Negi and Akasa Singh lending their vocals. The lyrics are by Shabbir Ahmed and Tanishk Bagchi, while Bosco Martis has choreographed the track. Additional programming is by Ankush and additional percussion by Krishna Kishor.

The mystery of Vvaan may be waiting in the forest. The film has been building itself as an ambitious folklore fantasy, with its forbidden forest, ancient beliefs and supernatural forces forming the spine of the story. Thummak Thummak shows that the film isn’t afraid to have fun within that expansive world either.

Backed by some of the country’s most distinctive storytellers, The Vvaan brings together TVF’s Arunabh Kumar, director Deepak Mishra and Ektaa Kapoor for a commercial film that attempts to take Indian folklore into a new cinematic space. While its world is rooted in folklore and fantasy, the film brings together adventure, mystery and humour to shape itself as a complete family entertainer. The ambition extends beyond the film, with The Legend of Vvaan comic book already introducing audiences to the larger folklore surrounding its universe.

Presented by Balaji Motion Pictures, a division of Balaji Telefilms Ltd, in association with TVF and 11.11 Production, The Vvaan stars Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. Written by Arunabh Kumar and directed by Deepak Mishra, with Manu Anand as DOP and Visual Director, the film is produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ektaa R Kapoor, Arunabh Kumar and Niraj Kothari.

The Vvaan arrives in cinemas internationally on September 25, 2026 through Marudhar Entertainment, promising a big-screen fantasy folklore experience where the visuals, music, mystery and scale come together to create a world audiences will want to step into.

Celebrating nearly three decades of a legacy built on authentic music and exceptional talent, the new season takes the experience beyond a conventional singing reality show with a spectacular 360° stage, 100+ musicians and an expansive chorus ensemble, creating the scale and energy of a live concert on television, while bringing the richness of Indian musical traditions to the forefront.

For nearly three decades, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has remained a trusted platform for discovering, nurturing and celebrating musical talent. What has made the property endure is its unwavering focus on real music and authentic voices, even as the format has evolved with changing audiences. Building on this legacy, Zee TV is now creating an entire world dedicated to music, where every element, from the sound and musicianship to the visual experience, comes together to celebrate the art form.

Celebrating the tradition of music from different parts of the country through mesmerising performances, the show creates a richer expression of Indian music while staying true to its soul. The experience is further elevated by a spectacular 360-degree set, a first for an Indian music reality show, bringing the world of ‘Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan’ to life.

The season brings together a stellar quartet of Shankar Mahadevan, Kumar Sanu, Neeti Mohan and Javed Ali as its musical Gurus, bringing decades of experience across diverse musical journeys to the stage. Their role extends beyond evaluating performances, as they share their knowledge and perspective with the contestants through the course of the competition. Actor Shreyas Talpade will host the season, adding another familiar face to this celebration of music.

Speaking about the new season, Raghavendra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer, ZEEL, said, “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is the oldest promise Zee has made to India. For nearly three decades, this franchise has stood for authentic music and real talent, and in that time it has done something no platform and no algorithm can replicate: it has let Indian music recognize its own. At Zee, we believe an iconic property must constantly evolve and reinvent itself while staying true to what makes it special. We don’t rent relevance, we grow institutions. This season, we wanted to go beyond creating another singing reality show and build a complete world dedicated to music. A new generation of contestants, rooted and real, guided by exceptional musical Gurus who nurture and shape their journeys. A hundred-piece orchestra that lets every voice sound as large as its dream. With the richness and diversity of Indian music at its heart, the season brings together the scale, musicianship and grandeur this art form has always deserved, because we believe rawness and grandeur are not opposites. That is the vision behind ‘Hindustan Ka Sangeesthan’, a season where the artist, the musician and the music itself take centre stage. This is not just where singers are discovered. It is where Indian music comes home.”

Speaking about the launch across the USA and Canada, Harish Goyal, Territory Head – Americas, said, “ Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has built a powerful connection with generations of South Asian audiences, and its return in this spectacular new avatar will be especially meaningful for viewers across the USA and Canada. Music transcends languages and brings families and communities together, and this season celebrates that spirit on an unprecedented scale. Through Zee TV and ZEE5, we are delighted to bring ‘Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan’ to audiences across North America, offering them the flexibility to experience this iconic show across both linear television and streaming.”

Speaking about the new season, Mangesh Kulkarni, Chief Channel Officer, Zee TV, said, “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has built a legacy by giving real voices a platform and keeping music at the heart of the storytelling. Zee TV has been a pioneer in the non-fiction space in India, and with this season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, we continue to build on that legacy while taking the experience to an unprecedented scale. The franchise has a loyal audience that has been eagerly waiting for its return, and we recognise the expectations that come with bringing back a legacy as iconic as this. This season, we aim to exceed those expectations with a magnificent stage, a live concert experience, 100+ musicians and a judging panel that brings decades of musical expertise. At its core, however, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa remains what it has always been — a platform where talent speaks for itself.”

Speaking about the new season, Siju Prabhakaran, Chief Business Officer, Zee 5 Global, said, “ Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a celebration of music that has resonated across generations, and its enduring legacy comes from its ability to bring authentic voices and the richness of Indian music to the forefront. With ‘Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan’, the new season takes this legacy forward with an elevated scale, immersive experience and a renewed focus on the diversity of Indian musical traditions. At Zee 5 Global, we are delighted to bring this new chapter of the iconic franchise to audiences across our global markets, connecting them with the music, talent and stories that continue to shape India’s rich musical heritage.”

With ‘Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan’, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa brings its legacy into a new era, creating a world where the artist gets the spotlight, the musician gets heard and music gets the grandeur it deserves.

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa premiered on 19th September 2026, and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 PM, only on Zee TV and Zee 5 Global.

Drishyam The Conclusion takes the franchise forward with a completely new chapter, a fresh narrative and an all-new screenplay. Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, whose carefully guarded world is once again thrown into uncertainty, while Jaideep Ahlawat steps into the franchise as Rajveer Singh Tomar, the determined officer taking on a case that seems almost impossible to crack. With Prakash Raj adding a new dimension to the story, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor return to a world where the past refuses to stay buried.

The association brings together the combined expertise and strengths of Panorama Studios and Zee Studios to take Drishyam: The Conclusion to audiences worldwide. With Indian cinema continuing to find strong resonance across international markets, the partnership reflects a shared focus on identifying, positioning and taking compelling Indian stories beyond domestic boundaries. Leveraging Panorama Studios’ expertise in building successful film franchises and Zee Studios’ established international distribution capabilities, the collaboration aims to expand the film’s theatrical footprint globally and further strengthen the reach of Indian cinema across international markets.

Kumar Mangat, Producer, said, “Drishyam has always been a story about the extraordinary lengths an ordinary family can go to when pushed to the edge. Over the years, Vijay Salgaonkar has become a character audience have connected with deeply, and bringing his story to its conclusion is both an exciting and emotional moment for us. The franchise has travelled across languages and borders because its core is deeply human. We are thrilled that audiences overseas will also get to experience this final chapter in theatres and see how Vijay’s story ultimately unfolds.”

Abhishek Pathak, Director and Producer of the film, further shared, “With Drishyam: The Conclusion, our responsibility was to take a story that audiences already feel deeply invested in and give it an ending that feels worthy of that journey. Vijay Salgaonkar’s world has always been driven by tension, emotion and the instinct to protect family, and the new chapter takes those elements into unexplored territory. The theatrical experience is an important part of this film, and we are excited for audiences across the world to return to this universe and discover what lies ahead.”

A Zee Studios spokesperson said, “At Zee Studios, storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and our association with Drishyam: The Conclusion reflects our belief in stories that have the ability to create a lasting cultural connection. The franchise has demonstrated the power of a deeply rooted Indian narrative to transcend markets, and we are proud to take its concluding chapter to audiences across the world. As the franchise reaches its much-anticipated conclusion, we are delighted to bring this iconic story to audiences worldwide, leveraging our international distribution capabilities to extend its theatrical reach and create meaningful opportunities for Indian content across global markets.”

Presented by Star Studio18, the Panorama Studios production is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam The Conclusion is all set to release theatrically on 2nd October 2026. This association further reinforces the commitment of Panorama Studios and Zee Studios to taking culturally rooted Indian narratives to audiences worldwide and contributing to the growing global presence of Indian cinema.

ICYMI

The record was achieved in February 2026 with 37 performers captured simultaneously in real time, marking a significant technological milestone for Indian cinema. The achievement was certified on 15 September 2026, with the official Guinness World Records certificate being presented to the lead actor, Icon Star Allu Arjun & director V. Arunkumar by Mr.Swapnil Dangrikar, Senior Adjudicator, Guinness World Records, at an intimate ceremony attended by the film’s key cast and crew.

Icon Star Allu Arjun says, “We are extremely proud of this remarkable achievement, which pushes the boundaries of cinema and sets a new benchmark on a global scale. It is a proud moment for the entire team, and we are grateful to Guinness World Records for officially recognising this feat and honouring our efforts. This achievement would not have been possible without the vision and direction of my director, Mr. Atlee, and the incredible work of the entire team. I would also like to thank Sun Pictures for their constant support and for backing a project of this scale and ambition. It is a truly special moment for all of us.”

Director Atlee says, “Growing up, we always heard about Guinness World Records with so much wonder, never imagining that one day we would be blessed to achieve one ourselves. To receive this recognition for bringing 37 motion-capture assets together in a single shoot feels truly surreal and deeply humbling. For me, it is a reminder that when we dream big and work together with complete belief, sometimes the impossible becomes possible. With God’s grace, I’m deeply grateful to my entire team who believed in this dream and made this moment ours.”

In a landmark motion-capture exercise created for the film, 37 performers—from a 4-year-old child to a 70-year-old—were captured simultaneously in real time during a single session. The challenge involved accurately capturing and preserving the integrity of all 37 individual performances simultaneously within one capture volume. To execute the feat, the film’s VFX Producer developed a new motion-capture pipeline and workflow, tailored to Raaka’s scale and technical requirements. For the Guinness World Record attempt, 92 optical motion-capture cameras were deployed within an advanced technical ecosystem integrating capture, calibration, networking, synchronisation, real-time Unreal visualisation, witness cameras, facial capture and multiple specialist teams.

The achievement brings together the scale and ambition of Sun Pictures, Atlee’s vision, Icon Star Allu Arjuns commitment to pushing the boundaries of the performance, Apple Art Studio’s technical expertise, the film’s advanced VFX workflow and technology, and the collective effort of an extraordinary team that made the record-breaking capture possible. Beyond the record, Raaka’s achievement marks a significant moment for Indian cinema on the global stage, showcasing the scale, technical capabilities and ambition driving contemporary Indian filmmaking. It is a proud milestone for an Indian production powered by Indian creative and technical talent, earning global recognition for innovation in cutting-edge filmmaking technology. With Raaka, Indian cinema takes another meaningful step onto the global stage, showcasing the creative and technological possibilities of Indian filmmaking.

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Ishita Deshmukh, the film’s lead actor and an alumnus of the Whistling Woods Actor Studio, has now found herself at the centre of an international cinematic journey, marking another milestone for the institute and its commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Taking to Instagram, Subhash Ghai expressed his pride in Ishita’s achievement while congratulating the entire Gondhal team. He wrote, “Oscar matters. Today Whistling Woods International is proud of our Ishita Deshmukh, an alumnus from Whistling Woods Actor Studio, for her Marathi film Gondhal, which has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscar Awards.”

For Subhash Ghai, Ishita’s achievement is particularly significant as it reflects the journey of talent that Whistling Woods International has sought to nurture, providing aspiring artists with an environment where their craft can evolve and translate into meaningful opportunities in the industry.

His message also recognised the creative force behind Gondhal, as he extended his “special congratulations” to writer-director Santosh Davakhar and praised Ishita for her “outstanding performance” in the film. Subhash Ghai also recalled Ishita’s earlier work, highlighting her lead role in Jaanaki, a Doordarshan television drama produced by Mukta Arts Films, where she featured across 208 episodes.

Her journey was further recognised earlier this year when she won the Best Debut award at the Filmfare Awards. Ishita’s progression from a Whistling Woods Actor Studio alumnus to the lead of a film representing India at the Oscars underscores the larger philosophy that has driven Subhash Ghai’s work in film education, identifying promising talent, nurturing it through professional training and creating a pathway for the next generation of Indian cinema.

As Gondhal takes its next step on the global stage, Subhash Ghai has extended his blessings to Ishita and the entire team, writing, “We cheer and bless the team of Gondhal and Ishita.”

And honestly, it hits close to home – “love” today comes with swipes, matches, unread messages, and occasionally, a full-blown rivalry – seri dhaane (translation: isn’t that right)? Set against the vibrant world of rival dating apps FOUND and Find My Bae, #Love follows founders Tara and Matthew, who’ve built entire businesses matching everyone else… Except for themselves.

Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India, said, “This has been a defining year for Netflix India, as we’ve deepened our investment in storytelling from the South of India — and #LOVE is a title we’re especially excited about. As we expand our slate across Tamil storytelling, this contemporary, feel-good rom-com stood out as a genre and that was ready for a fresh, confident take. #LOVE steps into that space with a modern, chemistry-driven love story about two rival dating-app founders who end up testing their own theories of love on each other. Director Balaji Mohan, together with showrunner and producer Soundarya Rajinikanth, brings a wonderfully playful perspective to the series, while Arjun Das and Aishwarya Lekshmi bring the central relationship to life with chemistry, warmth and humour. The series captures that giddy, unguarded feeling of falling for someone you never saw coming – funny, warm, and exhilarating to anyone who’s ever overthought a text message.”

Speaking about the series, showrunner and producer Soundarya Rajinikanth said, “What drew me to #Love was how effortlessly it captures relationships today without losing its warmth and emotion. Balaji has created characters who are ambitious, flawed and incredibly easy to root for, and Arjun and Aishwarya bring such a refreshing energy to them. It’s exactly the kind of contemporary story we were excited to bring to audiences with Netflix.”

Echoing this, director Balaji Mohan added, “When we made #Love, we wanted to tell a story that feels like it belongs to today. Romance has evolved, the way we meet people has changed, but the emotions at the heart of relationships remain incredibly familiar and timeless. What I love about this series is that it isn’t only about two people falling for each other – friendship, family, ambition and finding yourself are equally important parts of their journeys.”

#Love is written by Nirmal Williams, with Sharada Subramanian and Shweta Chakravarty as co-writers, and produced by May6 Entertainment Factory. Chemistry or compatibility – which will you bet on? Get ready for a whole new kind of modern romance!

#Love premieres October 2, only on Netflix!