Tag: Film Industry

Films

Johnny Depp to Star as Ebenezer Scrooge in Paramount’s Upcoming ‘Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol’

Tanisha Cardozo

Johnny Depp is set to return to major Hollywood cinema in Paramount Pictures’ upcoming film, Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol, taking on the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is being described as a “thrilling ghost story set in Dickens’ London,” tracking one man’s eerie encounters with the past, present, and future as he searches for redemption. Actress Andrea Riseborough is also confirmed to star alongside Depp.

This project represents Depp’s first full-scale studio movie since the high-profile legal disputes with Amber Heard, which dominated headlines for years. During that period, Depp primarily focused on independent films, European tours, and art exhibitions, including his collection A Bunch of Stuff heading to Tokyo. He recently wrapped filming for Day Drinker with Penélope Cruz and is preparing for the Paramount project.

Paramount has tentatively scheduled the release of Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol for November 2026, a date eagerly awaited by fans. Insiders report that Depp has nearly finalized his role as Scrooge, signaling a major comeback in his acting career. The film is expected to bring Depp back into the spotlight of big-studio Hollywood cinema, marking a new chapter in the actor’s post-legal drama journey.

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Veteran Actor Satish Shah Passes Away at 74; Film Industry Mourns a Legend

Tanisha Cardozo

Veteran actor Satish Shah, one of Indian cinema and television’s most cherished performers, passed away today at the age of 74. According to reports, he had been battling kidney-related issues and breathed his last at Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai.

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news on social media, expressing his grief and calling Shah’s passing a great loss to the entertainment industry. He shared that the actor suddenly fell ill at his home and was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to kidney failure.

Satish Shah was best known for his versatility and impeccable comic timing. Over his illustrious career, he starred in several iconic television and film projects, including the hit sitcom Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, and memorable movies like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Main Hoon Na, Fanaa, and Om Shanti Om. His last on-screen appearance was in the 2014 film Humshakals.

Born into a Kutchi Gujarati family from Mandvi, Shah graduated from St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and trained at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. In 2015, he was appointed as a member of the FTII Society, recognising his contribution to Indian cinema.

Throughout his career, Satish Shah became a household name for his natural wit, warmth, and the ability to effortlessly blend humour with heart. His characters resonated deeply with audiences across generations, earning him enduring respect and admiration within the film fraternity.

The actor’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian entertainment, leaving behind an irreplaceable void. Fans and colleagues continue to remember him not only for his performances but also for his generosity and vibrant personality.

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.