Kerala film exhibitors lay out strict conditions for OTT releases from theatres

Kochi (Kerala) [India], December 5: Theatre owners in Kerala have laid out brand new terms and conditions for filmmakers who wish to release their films on OTT platforms after their theatrical run.

Pritish Bagdi

Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK), the organisation of theatre owners in the state, recently announced their refusal to cooperate with crew members of films released on OTT platforms before a 42-day run in cinema halls.

"This is applicable for movies releasing from January 1," he added.

Vijayakumar also revealed that the dispute with Hollywood biggie 'Avatar 2' is resolved, confirming the film's release in the state. "We have decided to pay 55 per cent collection share in the first two weeks. We have also decided not to give publicity contribution and 3D share to Avatar 2 movies and the crew of that movie agreed that," he said. 'Avatar: The Way of Water' stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement, and Kate Winslet. It is helmed by James Cameron. 20th Century Studios India will release 'Avatar: The Way of Water' in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam on December 16, 2022.

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Ronnie Screwvala to come up with new project 'The Support Group'

Mumbai [India], September 23: Producer Ronnie Screwvala is coming up with a web series titled 'The Support Group'.

Swati Bhat

On Wednesday, RSVP in association with House of Talkies announced their upcoming project, 'The Support Group', an edge-of-the-seat series that is truly Indian but unlike anything else out there just yet. Prashant Nair has come on board as the director/showrunner. Produced by RSVP, with Sidharth Jain as the co-producer, 'The Support Group' is the story of 3 characters from very different backgrounds who form an uneasy alliance to escape the consequences of an accidental killing. It is a multi-season series about normal, everyday people pushed to the brink, deeply conflicted by the choices that have led them to the very dark places they find themselves in.

This would be Prashant and Sidharth Jain's ( House of Talkies ) second collaboration, having just completed shooting for the show 'Trial By Fire', a limited series soon to be released on a major OTT Platform. "With 'The Support Group', our goal is to create the kind of show that keeps you on the edge of your seat, full of twists and gasp-out-loud moments you can't help but binge straight through the night. A show that pushes the envelope and doesn't hold back from shocking - but never gratuitously and always with integrity. A show full of iconic moments made to be discussed endlessly during lunch breaks and cocktail hours," Ronnie said.

Echoing the same sentiment, Prashant adds, "It's great to collaborate with RSVP, known for churning out-of-the-box and clutter-breaking successful stories on celluloid. The darkness depicted in 'The Support Group' will be infused with humour and irony, ensuring that for every shudder there's also a laugh. The show will dig deep into the rich cultural heritage and nuances of contemporary life in India as a springboard for what will hopefully be a unique viewing experience." "Really excited to produce my second series with Prashant Nair as director/showrunner and a first with RSVP. Have always looked up to Ronnie and couldn't have found a better mentor and partner for this project. Just as we created a universe of stories based on books, at The Story Ink, with House of Talkies, we are producing a compelling slate of high-concept projects, both series and films, beginning with The Support Group" said Sidharth Jain, Producer, House of Talkies.

Details regarding the series' cast have not been revealed yet.

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ZEE5 announces original espionage-drama series, ‘Mukhbir - The Story of a Spy’ on Independence Day

Mumbai [India], August 17: Directed by Shivam Nair and Jayprad Desai, ‘Mukhbir – The Story of a Spy’ is a tribute to India’s unsung heroes, the secret agents

Swati Bhat

ZEE5, India's largest home-grown video streaming platform, announced today – on India’s 75 th Independence Day - its next original series – Mukhbir – The Story of a Spy. Directed by Shivam Nair and Jayprad Desai, ‘Mukhbir – The Story of a Spy’ is an inspiring story of India’s secret agent in Pakistan who rose to the occasion to save the nation and turn the tide of the war in his country’s favour. The gripping spy thriller is set to premiere on ZEE5 this year and stars Zain Khan Durrani, Prakash Raj, Adil Hussain, Barkha Bisht, Harsh Chhaya, Satyadeep Mishra and Zoya Afroz in prominent roles.

‘Mukhbir – The Story of a Spy’ is the untold story of India’s secret agent who led India to evade several aggressive advances from the enemy country by providing intelligence and by helping India win the 1965 war. Produced by Victor Tango Entertainment, the series spans across 8 episodes and is a tribute to those unsung heroes who live in the shadows and give their life for the safety of the country. This series is an intimate look into the sacrifices they make for their country without ever being named or celebrated.

Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 India, said, “On India’s 75 th Independence Day, we are delighted to announce ‘Mukhbir – The story of a Spy’ and stand proud to bring the story of India’s secret agent who played a monumental role with limited resources during the 1965 war for our global audiences. As the largest homegrown video streaming platform, we have constantly endeavored to curate a slate that reflects India’s cultural diaspora, legacy and unearths the hidden stories of the unknown heroes. ‘Mukhbir’ is one such story with an intriguing plot and an engaging storyline that shall keep the audiences hooked to their screens. Expanding our creative ecosystem, we are happy to partner with Victor Tango Productions in bringing this unknown story to the masses under the aegis of director Shivam Nair and the phenomenal performances of the star cast, who have brought this story to life. We are eager to see the response, as we are certain that the show will undoubtedly strike a chord with everyone connected to or belonging to our country.

Nimisha Pandey, Chief Content Officer – Hindi Originals, ZEE5 said, “Mukhbir is the untold story of a spy who defied the odds and single-handedly enabled India to evade several aggressive advances from the enemy country during the 1965 war. The story speaks of a time when there were barely any advanced gadgets or technology, and espionage meant physically infiltrating the enemy lines, at a time when the rules of spy craft were not even written. Espionage dramas have been high on the audiences’ watch-list for its adventure and thrill coupled with a relatable and humane story of an individual. With Mukhbir, we intend to take viewers on a journey, by narrating a human story of a spy as well as showcasing important events set in the India of early 60s. We are glad to associate with Victor Tango Productions for this riveting story, directed by Shivam Nair bringing out an enthralling performance by the talented star-cast. We are furthermore delighted to announce this show on India’s 75 th Independence Day and are confident that this new series from ZEE5 will be relatable to every viewer, making them proud of our nation and our heroes.”

Producer Vaibhav Modi said, “Creating a period drama with true historic events as the backdrop is a challenge as well as an opportunity. We are grateful to team ZEE5 for extending this opportunity to

Victor Tango and are very proud of ourselves to have turned this challenge into a brilliant series. It's a unique story of how some exemplary men and women work in the shadows to ensure the safety of

India. ‘Mukhbir – The Story of a Spy’ will premiere exclusively on ZEE5 soon”.

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