Exploring The Global Audience of Japanese Arts Anime and Manga with WAVES Contest Taking Place At Amachi Mumbai In May 2025: Read To Know More

Celebrating India's Growing Passion for Animation and Comics With Anime and Manga Contest

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), has announced the launch of the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!). This exciting initiative aims to tap into India’s growing passion for anime and manga, providing a platform for artists to display their creative prowess.

WAM! encourages creators to craft localized adaptations of popular Japanese styles, catering to both domestic and international audiences. Participants will have the chance to gain industry exposure, with opportunities for publishing and distribution. The contest will unfold through state-level competitions across 11 cities, culminating in a grand national finale at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai.

WAM! is part of the broader Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES). WAVES 2025 is scheduled from May 1st to 4th at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. The summit will gather industry leaders from around the globe to discuss innovations and growth prospects in media and entertainment.

With over 70,000 registrations already recorded for the Create in India Challenges, WAM! promises to spotlight India’s vibrant anime and manga community while fostering artistic exchanges between Indian and international creators. This contest not only celebrates artistic expression but also positions India as a key player in the global entertainment landscape.

Verticals and Categories

Eligibility Criteria

Events Calendar

Participation Guidelines:

• All competitions will be held offline; participants must attend in person.

  
  

• Registration opens at 9:00 AM, followed by a debriefing at 9:30 AM.

  
  

• The competition will take place from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

  
  

• Cosplay competitions and other performances will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the same day.

  
  

• The WAM! Finale will be held at the WAVES summit from May 1 to 4, 2025, at Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens, Mumbai.

  
  

• Winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Anime Japan and other international events, supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

WAM! Cosplay Competition

The WAM! Cosplay Competition is open to individuals, including students, staff, and external participants, with no registration fees. Cosplays must be based on characters from anime, manga, gaming, or Indian comics, encouraging creativity and originality. Costumes and props should be self-made, with no restrictions on craftsmanship, but props and weapons must be non-functional and cleared during pre-event inspection. Participants must maintain decorum, with any offensive behavior leading to disqualification. Judging will be based on costume accuracy, craftsmanship, performance, creativity, audience engagement, and an interaction segment where participants may answer questions about their character or costume. Each performer will have 90 seconds for performance and 1 minute for introduction and interaction, with judges’ decisions being final. The top three cosplayers will receive cash prizes, and all participants will be awarded e-certificates.

What is WAM?

WAM! provides Indian creators with a distinctive chance to create localized adaptations of popular Japanese art styles, appealing to audiences both in India and abroad. With significant marketing support and opportunities for international recognition, the contest seeks to create a robust platform for creative expression in manga and anime.

What is MEAI?

The Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) is a nationwide organization committed to promoting the media and entertainment sector. With a membership exceeding 3,300, including media giants, animation studios, VFX companies, VOD and OTT platforms, gaming firms, journalistic entities, and educational institutions, MEAI is instrumental in shaping the industry's future. The association hosts various B2B and B2C events and delegations, often collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Furthermore, MEAI provides advisory services to state and central government bodies, leveraging its expertise to influence policies and strategies that foster industry growth.

 #event #waves #wam #meai #art

Kriti Sanon has joined Dhanush for the shooting of "Tere Ishk Mein."

Kriti Sanon kicks off filming for Tere Ishk Mein, diving into an exciting new role with director Aanand L. Rai and co-star Dhanush by her side.

Swati Bhat

Kriti Joins the madness of TIM

https://youtu.be/IBJ7MIEN5NI?si=jpxrOqHey9agAQjw

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon, renowned for her versatile performances and captivating screen presence, is set to enchant audiences once again in her upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein, where she will star opposite the talented actor Dhanush. The production team has recently commenced shooting for this highly anticipated movie in the vibrant city of Delhi, a location known for its rich cultural backdrop and bustling energy. According to a series of pictures that have been shared on various social media platforms by the film's team, Dhanush has been actively engaged in filming his segments at some of the most prestigious colleges in Delhi, which are not only iconic but also add a youthful and dynamic essence to the narrative of the film.

Kriti Sanon, who arrived in Delhi just yesterday, is expected to join Dhanush on set today. She was accompanied by her rumored beau, Kabir Bahia, which has sparked curiosity and excitement among fans and media alike. The couple's presence adds a layer of intrigue to the filming process, as fans are eager to see how their off-screen chemistry might translate into on-screen magic. As the shooting progresses, the excitement surrounding the film continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting glimpses of their favorite stars in action.

According to a reliable source from the film unit, "Filming started with Dhanush a few days back, and today, Kriti begins her shoot." This marks a significant milestone in Kriti's career as she embarks on her journey portraying Mukti. This role is said to be particularly challenging and promises to showcase a new, intense side of her acting prowess. Kriti's portrayal of Mukti is expected to delve into deep emotional layers, allowing her to explore the complexities of the character and bring forth a performance that resonates with the audience. As she steps into this new role, both Kriti and her fans are filled with anticipation for what is sure to be a memorable performance that highlights her growth as an actress.

The music for "Tere Ishk Mein" has been composed by AR Rahman, with lyrics penned by Irshad Kamil. The release date of "Tere Ishk Mein" will be by the end of 2025, as it will be available in both Hindi and Tamil.

Title Announcement of TIM

https://youtu.be/fCZhBqz-hQU?si=0q0YgISsbzudLBOp

Who is Kabir Singh Bahia?

Kabir Singh Bahia, born in London in 1999, is a British entrepreneur and son of Kuljinder Singh Bahia, CEO of Southall Travel. He founded Worldwide Aviation and Tourism Limited in 2020. An avid cricket and football fan, Kabir is rumored to be dating Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon.

"Tere Ishk Mein" release date

28 November 2025

#AnandLRai #ARRahman #Dhanush #Krtisenon #Tseries #entertainment #bollywood #upcoming #tereishkmein #2025release

Unveiling the Spectacle: A Comprehensive Review of Chhaava (2025)

Swati Bhat

*Chhaava*, directed by Laxman Utekar, is a grand cinematic experience that brings the historical tale of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj to life. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century India, the film delves into the life, struggles, and victories of this valiant king, son of the legendary Shivaji Maharaj. With a stellar cast led by Vicky Kaushal, the film presents a mix of intense action, drama, and historical spectacle. But does it succeed in delivering a well-rounded experience? Let’s take a deep dive into the performances, direction, visual effects, costume design, and music of this highly anticipated film.

At the heart of *Chhaava* is Vicky Kaushal’s powerful portrayal of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Known for his versatility, Kaushal embraces the role with exceptional commitment. He brings a raw intensity to the character, capturing the warrior king’s resilience, emotional depth, and complex inner struggles. His commanding screen presence anchors the film, and Kaushal convincingly embodies the larger-than-life figure of Sambhaji, balancing strength with vulnerability. This is undoubtedly one of his finest performances, marked by his nuanced delivery and passionate embodiment of a historical figure who fought with both courage and honor.

Rashmika Mandanna, though playing a smaller role, brings an added layer of emotional resonance to the film. As the queen, she portrays both grace and strength, offering a perfect counterbalance to Kaushal’s intensity. The chemistry between them provides some of the most heartfelt moments in the film.

Veteran actors Akshaye Khanna and Ashutosh Rana also add depth to the narrative with their nuanced portrayals. Khanna, playing the antagonist, delivers a chilling performance that adds tension and conflict to the storyline. His portrayal of a ruthless and calculating villain stands in stark contrast to Kaushal’s portrayal of Sambhaji, creating an engaging dynamic between the two.

Laxman Utekar brings his directorial vision to the forefront, delivering an epic tale that captures the grandeur and scale of 17th-century India. The film’s narrative structure carefully balances intimate character moments with sweeping action sequences. While the first half of the film is somewhat slow-paced, setting up the emotional stakes and complex relationships, the second half picks up momentum and plunges into the heart of the historical drama. Utekar captures the grit of the era, effectively portraying the warrior spirit of the Maratha Empire. The film does falter at times with pacing. Certain scenes feel rushed, particularly those exploring the emotional nuances of Sambhaji Maharaj’s character. The film’s dialogue-heavy moments, though powerful, sometimes lean on the melodramatic side, making it feel overly intense in some spots.

The use of visual effects in *Chhaava* is one of its most striking features. The film’s battle sequences, in particular, are a spectacle to behold. From wide-scale warfields to close-up combat, the VFX enhances the action, making it feel both epic and immersive. The visual effects team has clearly put effort into recreating historical battles, and the result is a series of breathtakingly choreographed fight sequences. The use of VFX adds a level of grandeur to these scenes that would have been difficult to achieve with practical effects alone. However, there are moments when the CGI becomes too pronounced, distracting from the otherwise raw intensity of the story. At times, the VFX feels a bit excessive, which may pull the viewer out of the experience. Nonetheless, when executed well, it helps elevate the overall cinematic experience, particularly during the larger-than-life battle scenes.

The costume design in *Chhaava* deserves special mention for its meticulous attention to historical accuracy. The filmmakers have made a concerted effort to ensure that the costumes reflect the period, providing an authentic representation of the Maratha Empire’s regal attire. Vicky Kaushal’s Sambhaji Maharaj is outfitted in elaborate armor, cloaks, and jewelry that highlight his royal stature while emphasizing the warrior king’s role on the battlefield. Rashmika Mandanna’s costumes complement her role as the queen, with graceful sarees and jewelry that symbolize her status and strength. The film’s attention to detail in the costumes helps to immerse the audience in the historical period and gives a sense of authenticity to the world being created on-screen.

The music in *Chhaava* is an essential part of the film’s emotional impact. Composed by a talented music team, the soundtrack blends traditional Indian instruments with sweeping orchestral arrangements, perfectly capturing the grandiosity of the historical setting. The background score intensifies the action sequences, adding an additional layer of emotion to the film’s dramatic moments. The music helps amplify the film's themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and courage, giving a much-needed emotional resonance to the story. Some of the songs in the film stand out for their stirring melodies, while others capture the tension of the historical conflicts. While the soundtrack isn’t as prominent as in some epic period films, it still plays a vital role in setting the tone of each scene.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, *Chhaava* is a film that balances history with spectacle, delivering a powerful narrative about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his legacy. Vicky Kaushal’s exceptional performance anchors the film, while Laxman Utekar’s direction brings the historical drama to life on a grand scale. The visual effects, while impressive, occasionally feel overdone, but they contribute to the epic nature of the battle sequences. The costumes and music further enrich the film, adding authenticity and emotional depth to the experience.

Though *Chhaava* has its flaws, especially in terms of pacing and the use of visual effects, it remains a highly engaging film for fans of historical dramas. The film succeeds in capturing the spirit of a complex historical figure and the era in which he lived, making it an essential watch for anyone interested in the history of India.

#bollywood #entertainment #filmreview #vickylaushal #chaavva