Tag: Bollywood

Awards

Screen Awards 2025: A Cultural Milestone Goes Digital-First with YouTube

allycaralgoa

The Indian Express Group has announced a groundbreaking transformation of one of India’s most iconic film award shows — Screen Awards 2025. This year, the awards take a digital-first leap, streaming exclusively on YouTube to bring together the grandeur of Bollywood with the dynamism of digital creators.

Backed by the editorial credibility of the Indian Express Group and chosen by the Screen Academy, an independent body of acclaimed filmmakers and artists, Screen Awards 2025 promises recognition based on merit and integrity.

📌 Why It’s Historic:

  • First time Screen Awards will be fully digital-first, streamed worldwide on YouTube.
  • Bollywood superstars will share the spotlight with YouTube creators, symbolizing the convergence of cinema and new-age storytelling.
  • A 3-month-long cultural festival featuring red carpet events, behind-the-scenes coverage, creator-led content, and fan engagement.

📌 Industry Voices:

  • Anant Goenka, Executive Director, Indian Express Group, emphasized that the awards aim to celebrate creativity beyond box-office numbers, spotlighting India’s most original voices.
  • Gunjan Soni, MD YouTube India, called it a milestone collaboration that blends Bollywood’s stars with YouTube’s fandom-driven creator ecosystem.
  • Priyanka Sinha Jha, Curator of Screen Awards, highlighted the legacy of Screen as India’s first jury-based film award and now, the first to go fully digital.

📌 Why YouTube?
With YouTube reaching 4 out of 5 Indian internet users and entertainment videos generating over 7.5 billion daily views worldwide in 2024, the platform offers unmatched scale. Connected TVs (CTV) — YouTube’s fastest-growing screen in India — ensure accessibility across devices, bridging traditional and digital audiences.

📌 Legacy Meets Future:
Since its inception in 1995, Screen Awards has been a pioneer in Indian entertainment. From being the first jury-based film award to hosting Oscar representatives, it has always been about credibility and innovation. With this YouTube partnership, Screen Awards once again sets a new standard, symbolizing India’s entertainment future.

👉 Screen Awards 2025 is not just another awards night. It is a digital cultural festival — a stage where cinema, creators, and communities converge.

Events in Goa

Goa State Film Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Film Legends, Music & Awards

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji, Goa – August 14, 2025: The Goa State Film Festival 2025 has officially begun, bringing together the 10th, 11th, and 12th editions in a grand celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity. The festival was inaugurated with great enthusiasm by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, at INOX, Panaji.

Joining him at the opening ceremony were prominent dignitaries including Smt. Delilah M. Lobo (MLA & Vice Chairperson, ESG), Shri Damu Naik (film personality & Ex Vice Chairman, ESG), Shri Rohit Monserrate (Mayor, CCP Panaji), Shri Sarpreet Singh Gill (IAS, Secretary, Dept. of Information & Publicity), Shri Ashwin Chandru (IAS, CEO, ESG), and Shri Dipak Bandekar (Director, Dept. of Information & Publicity).

The festival’s opening night was further illuminated by the presence of legendary actor and television presenter Mohammad Ali, whose remarkable career spans over 1,200 films across Telugu and other languages. A cultural feast followed, featuring musical performances by acclaimed singer Jolly Mukherjee, Goa’s own Mukesh Ghatwal, and comedic acts from Sagar Karande and Ankur Wadhave of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame.

Celebrating Young Talent – 48 Hours Short Film Competition Winners

Highlighting the emerging talent in filmmaking, the winners of the 48 Hours Short Film Competition were announced:

  • Best Film (First Prize): Ful ani Savli (Flower and Shade)
  • Best Film (Second Prize): Before Sunrise
  • Best Director: Glen Cardozo (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Cinematographer: Tejas V. Naik (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Editor: Yuri B. Carvalho (Ful ani Savli)
  • Best Actor (Male): Niraj Arrie (Lift)
  • Best Actor (Female): Rati Bhatikar (Ful ani Savli)

Ful ani Savli emerged as the standout winner, capturing both artistic and technical accolades.

Four Days of Cinema, Culture & Community

Running from August 14 to 17, the Goa State Film Festival 2025 will showcase 19 feature films and 4 non-feature films, reflecting a diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles. In addition to film screenings, visitors can enjoy a Food Court and explore Handicraft Stalls set up at the INOX courtyard, offering a vibrant festival experience that extends beyond cinema.

Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a culture lover, or simply looking for a weekend escape, the Goa State Film Festival promises four days of inspiration, storytelling, and celebration of Goa’s creative spirit.

📍 Venue: INOX Courtyard, Panaji, Goa
📅 Dates: August 14–17, 2025
🎟️ Entry: Open to all cinema lovers

Films

Aamir Khan Reveals Sitaare Zameen Par Cost ₹122 Crore, Partner Backed Out After OTT Rejection

Tanisha Cardozo

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan has never shied away from taking risks—and his latest move with Sitaare Zameen Par proves just that.

In a revealing conversation with entertainment journalist Matthew Belloni on The Town podcast, Aamir disclosed previously unknown financial and strategic details about the making and release of his film. The most striking revelation? Sitaare Zameen Par cost him between ₹122 crore and ₹133 crore after his production partner exited the project over creative differences.

A Bold Rejection of OTT

According to Aamir, the fallout stemmed from his decision to decline a ₹120 crore offer from Prime Video. The offer, according to trade analyst Komal Nahta, would’ve more than covered production costs. But Aamir was committed to experimenting with an alternative release model: a traditional theatrical run followed by a YouTube pay-per-view release priced at ₹100.

Aamir explained, “They didn’t like me turning down money, so they preferred that I buy them out… So the film has actually cost me about $14 million (₹122 crore).”

Worldwide Reception & Revenue

Despite initial skepticism, the film has performed impressively. Industry tracker Sacnilk reports that Sitaare Zameen Par has grossed ₹276 crore worldwide, and YouTube is now backing the release with its own marketing push. Aamir emphasized that YouTube’s support includes a dedicated marketing budget, separate from the theatrical campaign.

Aamir hinted that his revenue split with YouTube is better than the conventional 50-50 with theatres, though he didn’t reveal exact numbers.

Opening Doors for Indie Cinema

Aamir sees this as more than a personal risk—it’s a potential game-changer for Indian indie filmmakers. “This creates an opportunity for smaller films that struggle to find space in theatres. Now they can consider digital-first models with serious monetization.”

The Cast & Crew

Directed by RS Prasanna, the film stars Aamir Khan, Genelia Deshmukh, and ten debutantes: Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra, and Simran Mangeshkar.

The music is composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy with lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya.

What’s Next?

Aamir’s gamble is still unfolding. While he hasn’t made a profit yet, the performance of the YouTube release will determine whether this pay-per-view route can disrupt traditional OTT dominance. Whether it becomes a blueprint or a cautionary tale remains to be seen—but it’s undoubtedly bold.

Entertainment

Shah Rukh Khan Wins First National Film Award for Best Actor in ‘Jawan’

Tanisha Cardozo

After over three decades of cinematic excellence, Shah Rukh Khan has received his first National Film Award—an honour that marks a significant milestone in a legendary career.

At the 71st National Film Awards, SRK was named Best Actor for his performance in Atlee’s action-packed blockbuster, Jawan. He shares the prestigious award with Vikrant Massey for his role in 12th Fail.

“A Moment I Will Cherish for a Lifetime”

In a heartfelt video message shared on Instagram, the 59-year-old actor expressed deep gratitude:

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility. To be honored with the National Award is a moment that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Despite having his arm in a sling due to an injury sustained during his upcoming film King, SRK appeared composed and reflective. He described the award as more than an accolade—it’s a message:

“It’s a reminder that what I do matters… to keep working, keep creating, and keep serving cinema.”

A Tribute to Teamwork and Vision

Shah Rukh thanked the jury, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, and acknowledged the pivotal roles played by directors Rajkumar Hirani, Siddharth Anand, and especially Atlee—who helmed Jawan.

“Atlee sir, this is like you say, ‘mass’,” he said with a smile.

He extended warm thanks to his management and creative team:

“They bear with me, my eccentricities and impatience… This award, without their perseverance and love, would not be possible.”

About Jawan

Jawan was one of 2023’s biggest cinematic spectacles, grossing over ₹1,100 crore globally. In the film, SRK took on dual roles—Vikram Rathore, a fierce Army officer, and Azad, his idealistic jailor son—mesmerizing audiences with both mass appeal and emotional depth.

A Legacy Reinforced

Known as the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan’s filmography spans romance, drama, action, and social commentary. This National Award not only cements his legacy but marks a powerful reminder of the endurance and evolution of his craft.

With this recognition, SRK has turned another page in a story that continues to inspire generations of fans and filmmakers alike.

Entertainment

A Moment of Pride: Manisha Koirala Conferred Honorary Doctorate by University of Bradford

Tanisha Cardozo

Bollywood icon Manisha Koirala has added a new feather to her illustrious cap. The celebrated actress has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bradford, United Kingdom — a recognition she describes as a moment filled with deep emotion and gratitude.

Sharing the news on Instagram, Manisha wrote,

“It’s a huge honor to receive an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford, especially in the year it’s been named the UK City of Culture 2025. Even more meaningful to share this recognition alongside the talented Daniel Lee, Creative Director of Burberry.”

Manisha proudly posted a photograph from the ceremony, donning her academic robes and cap, her face glowing with pride. A few days prior, she also posted a video clip from the graduation ceremony, giving her followers a glimpse into the meaningful celebration.

In a heartfelt reflection, she stated,

“Today, I received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bradford. I stand here not as someone who came through the traditional path of education, but as someone who learned through life—through hard work, failure, resilience, and service.”

Her message struck a powerful chord — especially among aspiring artists, women, and anyone who has walked an unconventional path to success.

She continued,

“This honor means more than I can put into words. It’s proof that no matter where you start, your journey matters.”

The timing of the award makes it all the more special, coinciding with Bradford’s selection as the UK City of Culture for 2025, a celebration of cultural diversity, creativity, and inclusivity.

Manisha Koirala, who made a powerful return to the screen as Mallikajaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is admired not only for her cinematic contributions but also her candidness about surviving cancer, her advocacy for health, and her work toward empowering women.

This honorary doctorate marks yet another chapter in her inspirational journey — one that continues to touch lives across generations and geographies.