Yash Raj Films, one of India’s most iconic production houses, has announced a golden opportunity for aspiring writers through its YRF Script Cell. The initiative invites original, registered synopses from creators across the country — especially those who may not have traditional access to the Hindi film industry.
The goal is clear: to find and nurture authentic, powerful storytelling that could inspire audiences and shape the future of Hindi cinema. The Script Cell isn’t looking for connections or industry résumés. It’s looking for ideas that matter — stories that are compelling, emotional, thought-provoking, or entertaining enough to stand out.
Once a synopsis is submitted and deemed promising, the YRF team will reach out to request the full screenplay for further development consideration. This opens a door that’s often closed to those without agency representation or direct industry ties.
This call-to-action is a step toward democratizing creativity in Indian cinema — and a rare chance for writers to directly pitch their vision to one of Bollywood’s biggest banners.
Submissions must include a registered synopsis, and can be made through the official YRF submission portal.
Bollywood fans were in for a treat at the trailer launch of Thamma, the upcoming horror-comedy from Maddock Films, set to release this Diwali on October 21. While the event featured lead stars Ayushmann Khurrana, director Aditya Sarpotdar, and producer Dinesh Vijan, it was Shraddha Kapoor who stole the spotlight with an exciting surprise.
The original face of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Shraddha announced a brand-new animated theatrical feature titled Choti Stree. This prequel will explore the mysterious backstory of her iconic character from Stree, the film that started the cinematic universe and became a cultural phenomenon.
Shraddha shared her excitement, saying the film will give fans the long-awaited answers about her character’s powers and origins. Producer Dinesh Vijan added that Choti Stree will release six months before Stree 3, and end with a sequence that directly connects to the much-anticipated sequel—effectively making it a narrative bridge between the two.
This strategic move not only expands the universe but also introduces a family-friendly entry point. By using animation, the franchise is tapping into a broader demographic, including children and younger audiences, while retaining the folklore-based roots that have defined the series.
The Maddock Horror Comedy Universe has steadily evolved since the success of Stree (2018), with titles like Bhediya and Munjya adding new layers and mythologies. Thamma, which delves into the legend of the Betaal, adds yet another folkloric thread to the shared universe.
Dinesh Vijan emphasized the studio’s mission: to celebrate India’s rich cultural stories instead of borrowing tropes from Western horror. He also revealed that Thamma will introduce two new characters who will lead future films, all interconnected and culminating in Stree 3.
With Choti Stree, Maddock Films is signaling its serious intent to craft a cohesive and enduring cinematic universe—one grounded in Indian mythology, reimagined for modern audiences, and now expanding into new formats like animation.
As the anticipation for Thamma and Stree 3 builds, Choti Stree adds another compelling chapter to one of Bollywood’s most creative franchises. Fans can expect not just jump scares, but layered storytelling, interconnected lore, and now, an exciting animated twist.
Cinema is about storytelling, and on September 28, 2025, Goa will tell its story through 13 compelling films and documentaries at the Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival. Organized by non-profit Heritage First Goa (HFG) in collaboration with the Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), SKAL International Goa, and Goa Tourism, the one-day festival will be hosted at the ESG auditorium in Panaji as part of the state’s extended World Tourism Day celebrations.
The festival brings together a curated selection of films created by Goan filmmakers, each reflecting the intricate connections between Goa’s cultural heritage, its natural environment, and the sense of belonging rooted in its land. Titles like Bread & Belonging, Islands on the Island, The Birdman of Chorao, Kharvan, I Am Nothing, and Caazu promise to engage audiences in meaningful dialogue through cinematic expression. These narratives will be brought to life not only through the screen but also via panel discussions and live interactions with the filmmakers themselves.
According to Heta Pandit, Director of Heritage First Goa, the festival is a way to deepen the understanding of Goa beyond its party and beach image. “Goa gets lakhs of tourists every year. We want to highlight that Goa is more than just a commodity — it is fragile, layered, and deserving of respect,” she said. Filmmaker Gasper De Souza believes the festival will give younger voices an important platform, while Sonia Filinto, director of Bread & Belonging, emphasizes the need for conversations that bring together people who care about Goa’s future.
The Heritage for Sustainability Film Festival offers a unique blend of storytelling, reflection, and community engagement. Tickets are priced affordably at ₹250 for general admission and ₹150 for students, with a flexible ‘pay as you like’ option to encourage wider participation and support for HFG’s future initiatives.
As part of World Tourism Day, this film festival is not just an event—it is a call to view Goa with fresh eyes and to preserve what makes it truly Goan.
Bon Appetit, Your Majesty is enjoying a royal reception on Netflix, as the fantasy romance drama continues to top the streaming platform’s non-English series chart for a second consecutive week. According to Netflix’s latest global rankings, the series amassed an impressive 6.5 million views between September 15 and 21, outpacing Spanish drama Billionaires’ Bunker, which took the runner-up spot with 3.7 million views.
The Korean drama tells the whimsical tale of Yeon Ji-young, a skilled French chef played by Lim Yoon-ah, who is mysteriously transported back in time to the Joseon dynasty. There, she finds herself caught in palace intrigue and culinary challenges as she attempts to earn her freedom by impressing the enigmatic King Yi Heon, portrayed by rising star Lee Chae-min.
Since its release on August 23 by South Korean broadcaster tvN, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty has steadily climbed the charts. After debuting at No. 4, it soared to the top by its third week and has held strong since, reflecting the global appetite for Korean period dramas infused with fantasy and romance.
Another Korean entry, You and Everything Else, also made waves on the chart, ranking fifth with its heartfelt story about two friends navigating life’s emotional trials. Meanwhile, over in the English-language movie category, summer blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters secured the No. 2 spot with 21.1 million views, just behind romantic comedy The Wrong Paris, which claimed 21.8 million views.
As international audiences continue to embrace Korean content, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty stands as a shining example of how creativity, strong storytelling, and cultural fusion can resonate across borders.
The 71st National Film Awards transformed Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, into a vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence as President Droupadi Murmu honoured the finest in Indian cinema. From revered legends to emerging stars, the awards reflected the breadth and brilliance of storytelling that continues to define India’s cultural landscape.
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of film history, President Murmu conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award on veteran actor Mohanlal. She praised his journey from theatre to screen, his embodiment of India’s cultural heritage, and his deep impact on audiences across generations. From the classical Karnabharam to his poignant role in Vanaprastham, Mohanlal’s contribution has been both prolific and profound. With humility and gratitude, the actor dedicated the award to the stalwarts of Malayalam cinema and reaffirmed his commitment to the art form, calling cinema the “heartbeat of his soul.”
The President emphasized the unique role cinema plays in reflecting India’s democratic spirit and cultural diversity. She noted the growing representation of women in the industry and underscored the importance of equal opportunities, both on and off screen. The spotlight on young talent, children’s creativity, and environmental storytelling highlighted the evolving nature of cinema as a force for awareness and innovation.
Among the standout winners of the evening was Shah Rukh Khan, who won Best Actor for Jawan, a role that demanded both scale and nuance. Sharing the honour, Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail was recognised for its quiet resilience and authenticity. Rani Mukerji, awarded Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway, delivered a performance that blurred lines between reel and real, embodying a mother’s anguish with raw emotion.
The awards also recognised the unsung heroes—supporting actors who breathe life into narratives. Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar won Best Supporting Actor, while Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala were honoured as Best Supporting Actress, showcasing performances that left a lasting impact.
12th Fail was named Best Feature Film, a testament to the power of hope and determination. Non-feature categories also shone brightly, with Flowering Man and God Vulture and Human being recognised for their compelling storytelling and documentary excellence. India’s growing strength in the AVGC space was acknowledged with Hanu-Man taking home the award in that category, and Giddh: The Scavenger earning the Best Short Film honour.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded Mohanlal and reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning India as a global content powerhouse. He highlighted the success of initiatives like Waves 2025 and the International Institute of Cinema and Technology (IICT), launched in partnership with tech giants like Meta, Google, Microsoft and NVIDIA. The focus on indigenous film equipment production, live concert economy, and regulatory reforms reflects the roadmap towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Secretary Sanjay Jaju encapsulated the spirit of the event, calling cinema a celebration of stories, dreams, and shared experiences. This year, marked by legends and landmark moments, echoed the motto “Ek Desh, Hazaron Kahaniyan, Ek Junoon”—a tribute to India’s enduring cinematic passion.
As the hall stood in ovation and hearts brimmed with pride, the 71st National Film Awards reminded the nation that cinema is not just entertainment—it is emotion, legacy, and the ever-beating pulse of a country telling its story to the world.
