Latest news with #RoyKapurFilms
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Online games and self-publishing platforms: movie producers tap new avenues for fresh plotlines
With few movie or show titles finding favour either in cinemas or on streaming platforms, producers and studios are tapping new avenues such as online games and other digital platforms to unearth stories that can resonate with a larger audience. Producer Siddharth Roy Kapur-led Roy Kapur Films has partnered with self-publishing and audiobook platform Pratilipi, a company with which Disney Star (now part of Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd) has also signed a deal. Production company Banijay Asia recently partnered with Nazara Technologies Ltd-owned esports platform NODWIN Gaming Pvt. Ltd to adapt mobile games into reality shows. Indian movies are having a tough time drawing audiences to the theatres. Bollywood, the Hindi film industry and India's largest, is expected to see a meagre 10-20% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first half of 2025, Mint reported on 17 June citing trade experts. But for a few big-ticket releases, the Hindi film business is likely to fall short of the box-office collection in the first half of calendar 2024. Entertainment industry experts say this approach could help studios and producers speak to the youth and audiences in the heartland and stand out in a cluttered market. Movie studios globally already tap popular novels, comics and games for stories that could resonate with a wide audience. Also read | From influencers to moguls: Why digital creators are launching production houses 'Studios and producers worldwide are realising that to consistently succeed in any format, be it movies, OTT shows, or any other, you need to have a great story at the core of it," Ranjeet Pratap Singh, chief executive and co-founder, Pratilipi, said. 'If the core story or IP (intellectual property) is already proven to resonate with a large group of people, it has much better odds of success in a new format." While IP sharing varies widely depending on the partnership, Pratilipi has largely struck deals in which it retains the base IP and non-audio visual derivative rights while the distributor or studio hold the audio-visual rights. Deepak Dhar, founder and group CEO of Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, said in a statement while announcing the partnership with NODWIN Gaming that the production company was focused on creating content that can resonate with evolving youth audiences. 'Gaming is not just a sport; it's a culture, a lifestyle, and a massive content opportunity," added Dhar. Also read | Bollywood's next-gen steps up early as brands tap family legacy for marketing muscle 'Tapping newer, culturally resonant spaces' Entertainment industry experts emphasize there is a clear cost advantage in picking stories that have already been tested and loved on other platforms. Developing a story from scratch involves considerable time and resources, ideation, writing, revisions, test screenings and, often, multiple rewrites. In contrast, when a studio acquires a story from Pratilipi or adapts a game from NODWIN, it would be building on an existing foundation that has a fan following for its characters and fictional universe. This not only reduces the development time but also lowers the financial risk. Also, marketing gets a head start when audiences are already familiar with the source material. Munish Vaid, vice-president, Primus Partners, a management consultancy, acknowledged that studios are now looking beyond traditional scripts and turning to platforms like Pratilipi or NODWIN Gaming because that is where fresh, community-driven storytelling is happening. 'It is also a strategic way to stay relevant in a content-heavy landscape, where standing out requires tapping into newer, culturally resonant spaces. Storytelling today is not just about writing a script but about sensing where stories are naturally emerging and meeting audiences there," Vaid said. Also read | Independent producers, boutique studios veer towards regional cinema for big gains However, stories from publishing platforms or games often need significant adaptation to fit the pacing, tone and emotional depth expected from film or series formats. For example, a story on a publishing app might rely on episodic drama, while a game might have more action and world-building. These elements need to be reshaped for a more passive, cinematic audience without losing the original spirit. The core idea might stay the same, but the treatment, narrative structure and even character arcs usually require thoughtful reimagining. Some critics point out that while tapping digital platforms and online games for stories make for interesting content alliances and announcements, most ideas or scripts will eventually have to be funded and commissioned by OTT platforms. 'Producers no longer want to tell westernised stories and many of these are grassroot tales with local resonance," film producer, trade and exhibition expert Girish Johar said, pointing to the success of a film like the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. The Kannada language action thriller set in coastal Karnataka is lauded for telling a compelling local story that eventually found appeal across the country. Also read | Legal experts warn of increasing IP infringement as AI and digital platforms proliferate
Hans India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Special to be on set where women aren't just in front of the camera: Kritika on Anusha Rizvi's film
Special to be on set where women aren't just in front of the camera: Kritika on Anusha Rizvi's filmActress Kritika Kamra has wrapped up shooting for Anusha Rizvi's upcoming yet-to-be-titled film in Delhi, and she's calling the experience 'pretty special' for all the right reasons. What sets this project apart, according to Kritika, is the strong presence of women both in front of and behind the camera. Sharing her thoughts, Kritika said, 'It's pretty special to find yourself on a set where women aren't just in front of the camera, but are leading from every corner—direction, production, costumes, and more. Working with Anusha Rizvi was truly a gift.' The film brings together a talented female cast including Juhi Babbar and Shreya Dhanwanthary, along with several other seasoned women actors. Kritika, who has often collaborated with remarkable female talent throughout her career, emphasized the impact of such a dynamic environment. 'With this film, Anusha brings such a strong vision and creates a truly open space for collaboration. There's a different kind of energy when powerful women come together—it's nurturing, inspiring, and deeply enriching,' she added. 'We weren't just telling a story; we were sharing lived experiences, supporting each other, and lifting each other up.' The film, extensively shot in Delhi, is now in post-production. Apart from this project, Kritika will next be seen in the much-anticipated web series Matka King, starring Vijay Varma. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nagraj Manjule (Sairat, Fandry), the series delves into the gritty world of 1960s Mumbai, tracing the rise of an enterprising cotton trader who creates a new gambling phenomenon called 'Matka'. Matka King also features Sai Tamhankar, Gulshan Grover, and Siddharth Jadhav, and is written by Abhay Koranne and Manjule. The show is being produced under Roy Kapur Films by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Nagraj Manjule, Gargi Kulkarni, Ashish Aryan, and Ashwini Sidwani.
News18
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Bollywood's Bruno Mars? Vijay Varma Says, ‘Call Me Brun Maska'
Last Updated: Joining in the amusing banter, Vijay Varma re-shared the fan-made post on his Instagram stories and wrote, 'Call me Brun Maska now.' Vijay Varma, known for his powerful on-screen performances in Gully Boy, Pink, and Darlings, is not just admired for his acting process. Besides stupefying fans with his versatility and charming personality, the actor wins hearts with the way he connects with fans. In a similar vein, a fan page posted a collage picture showing the uncanny resemblance of Vijay with American pop sensation Bruno Mars. This unexpected crossover between the actor and the American singer drew widespread attention from social media users and the actor himself. The Bollywood actor was quick to react and embrace the playful fan-made comparison. Joining in the amusing banter, the actor reshared the fan-made post on his Instagram stories with a cheeky reply. Fans can now happily call him 'Brun Maska," and he's loving every bit of it. Vijay Varma's light-hearted response is a reminder that he is not just well-regarded for his powerful on-screen performances but also his relatability and charming personality off-screen. While his acting credits in critically acclaimed projects like IC814, Lust Stories 2, Dahaad, and Mirzapur have earned him accolades, it's moments like these that truly showcase his unique connection with fans. As for his professional front, Vijay recently wrapped up the shoot for his upcoming web series Matka King. Produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur's Roy Kapur Films, the series dives into the gritty underworld of 1960s Mumbai. Mark your calendars! The show is set to stream on Prime Video later this year. The actor recently shared some behind-the-scenes pictures from the sets to mark the successful conclusion of the show. The carousel began with a picture of the actor holding a large Matka-shaped cake. The other slides showed Vijay celebrating the wrap-up with his co-stars and crew. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Varma (@itsvijayvarma) Apart from Matka King, the 39-year-old actor is gearing up for the romantic drama Gustaakh Ishq. The film, featuring Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah and Sharib Hashmi in the lead roles, is expected to tug at the heartstrings with its poetic intensity. First Published: May 30, 2025, 18:35 IST
News18
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Vijay Varma Teams Up With Hansal Mehta; Filmmaker Welcomes Him With Handwritten Note
Vijay Varma and Hansal Mehta were recently clicked together, which fuelled speculations about their collaboration. The duo have now confirmed their union and fans couldn't be more excited to see the talented actor-director duo collaborate. Sharing the news on his Instagram stories, Vijay posted a picture of a bouquet and a heartfelt handwritten note from Mehta, and captioned: 'New beginnings." These two words set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling actor-director collaboration. Take a look: The note from Hansal Mehta conveyed warmth, respect, and deep admiration for Vijay's talent. It welcomed the actor on board and hinted at a powerful creative journey ahead. The gesture was personal and genuine, reflecting the kind of emotionally rich storytelling Mehta is known for. Reportedly, the film also stars Anil Kapoor. Although the project details remain undisclosed, the announcement has already sparked excitement in the industry and among fans. Vijay Varma, known for choosing unconventional and complex roles, seems to have found an ideal partner in Mehta, who is renowned for drawing out raw, impactful performances. This collaboration comes at a time when Vijay is at the peak of his career, enjoying critical acclaim from works like Dahaad, Jaane Jaan, and the Mirzapur series. With Hansal Mehta, known for landmark projects like Scam 1992, Aligarh, and Shahid, at the helm, this pairing feels both organic and explosive. Meanwhile, Vijay Varma recently concluded the shoot for the upcoming web series, Matka King, featuring Vijay Varma in the lead role. Produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur's Roy Kapur Films, the series will stream on Prime Video later this year. Directed by Nagraj Manjule, known for Sairat and Fandry, Matka King is set in 1960s Mumbai and delves into the exciting and often dangerous world of Matka gambling, with Kritika Kamra co-starring alongside Vijay Varma. Additionally, Vijay Varma is set to appear in Gustaakh Ishq, directed by Vibhu Puri. This film also stars Fatima Sana Shaikh, Naseeruddin Shah, and Sharib Hashmi in key roles. Gustaakh Ishq is the third production by Manish Malhotra's Stage 5 Production, founded in September 2023, following their previous titles Train From Chhapraula and Bun Tikki. Apart from his busy work schedule, Vijay Varma has been making headlines for his alleged breakup with Tamannaah Bhatia.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘New beginnings': Vijay Varma joins hands with Hansal Mehta for a new film, actor welcomed with note & hamper
Actor Vijay Varma has confirmed that he will be working on an upcoming film directed by Hansal Mehta. The announcement was made through Varma's Instagram story, where he posted a photo of a bouquet and a handwritten note from Mehta, accompanied by the caption 'New beginnings.' This confirms the actor-director collaboration that had been widely speculated after the two were recently photographed together. Warm welcome from the director In the Instagram story, Vijay shared the note sent by Hansal Mehta, which welcomed him to the project and expressed appreciation for his craft. Along with the note, Mehta sent a bouquet and a gift hamper. The gesture was seen as a personal and respectful acknowledgment of Varma's work. Though the film's title and details remain undisclosed, actor Anil Kapoor is reportedly part of the cast. Actor-director pairing generates buzz The collaboration has caught attention due to both Varma and Mehta's reputations for selecting meaningful and layered projects. Hansal Mehta has directed acclaimed titles like Scam 1992, Shahid, and Aligarh. Vijay Varma has also gained recognition for his recent work in Dahaad, Jaane Jaan, and Mirzapur. Fans have responded with excitement to the pairing. Vijay Varma wraps Matka King Separately, Vijay Varma has finished filming Matka King, a web series directed by Nagraj Manjule and produced by Roy Kapur Films. Set in the 1960s, the series explores the Matka gambling world of Mumbai. Kritika Kamra stars alongside Varma. The show is set to release on Prime Video later this year.
