News

During a panel at India’s Film Bazaar, Prime Video India’s content licensing head Manish Menghani and filmmaker Nikkhil Advani (“Freedom at Midnight”) discussed the evolving landscape of streaming content development in India, with “Delhi Crime” creator Richie Mehta moderating.

Menghani traced how the Indian streaming space has transformed since Prime Video’s 2016 launch, identifying Covid-19 as a key inflection point. “The entertainment palette of consumers completely changed in this country. Sixty percent of our consumers today watch content in four or more languages,” Menghani said, noting that over half of content consumed on the service comes from outside viewers’ primary language.

For creators pitching projects, Menghani emphasized that while meetings help creators verbalize their vision, “the rubber hits the road on the paper.” He noted the platform looks beyond just the pitch or cast attachments: “What we are looking for is the story.”

Advani shared his journey transitioning from theatrical films to streaming,...

Boman Irani’s movie “The Mehta Boys” will have its Asian premiere this weekend at the International Film Festival of India (Iffi) in Goa, marking one of the few places it will have a theatrical screening before heading to streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video.

The company will claim other prominent positions during the festival with the world premiere of its unscripted Telugu-language series “The Rana Daggubati Show,” a how-to panel discussion on Nov. 22, and a musical performance at the festival’s closing ceremony on Nov. 28.

Irani’s feature directing debut, “The Mehta Boys” is an emotionally charged drama exploring the complex and turbulent bond between a father and son who are compelled to spend 48 hours together under challenging circumstances. It debuted at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival in September and there won the best feature film award.

The Iffi screening will be attended by Irani and cast including Avinash Tiwary,...

Exclusive: Fresh off the TIFF premiere of their new documentary Vice Is Broke, Get Out producer QC Entertainment has enlisted Gabrielle Union (Riff Raff) to star in The Casket Girls, a new horror film to be directed by Justin Dyck (Anything for Jackson), which they will produce and fully finance.

Written by Thomas Lennon & Robert Ben Garant (Night at the Museum), with revisions by Keith Cooper (Anything for Jackson) & Dyck, The Casket Girls is inspired by the true story of a group of young women sent from France to New Orleans to become brides to French colonists in the early 1700s. They arrived with small chests, or “caskets” of their belongings, hence the name given by locals. According to legend, upon the girls’ arrival, the homicide rate in New Orleans rose dramatically, with stories of men drained of their blood. The girls were blamed and feared to be demons or vampires,...

L’Oréal Paris, the No.1 beauty brand in the world, has announced Alia Bhatt as new global brand ambassador. She joins the brand’s diverse roster of spokespersons like Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning, Camila Cabello, and many others. The award-winning actress, producer and entrepreneur will star in the French beauty brand’s campaigns starting from September 2024.

One of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024, Alia Bhatt’s repertoire of cinema spans languages and genres, which have won her awards and critical acclaim. A true multi-hyphenate, Alia embodies the core values of L’Oréal Paris, representing inclusivity and empowerment, sharing the transformative power of self-belief with women over the world.

“At L’Oréal Paris, we are honoured to welcome Indian actress Alia Bhatt to the family. I admire how Alia uses her global platform and role as a producer to push for inclusivity in...

New film announcement! The inspiring tale Boy from Andaman, which is a collaboration by Richie Mehta (Delhi Crime and Poacher), Imagine Entertainment and Baweja Studios partner is getting ready to go to the floor. The exciting project will directed by Parinaz Jal.

Based on an original idea by Manu Chopra, the script is written by Jal and Chopra.

“Boy” tells the story of Mohan, a post office worker in Mumbai who comes across a letter addressed to “God” from a young boy who has survived the deadly tsunami of 2004 in the Andaman Islands. An unlikely friendship develops between the two through a series of letter exchanges before Mohan decides to travel to Andamans and save the boy.

Boy from Andaman delves into the profound themes of faith as experienced by two characters navigating vastly different realities. Says Chua who is producing for Imagine Entertainment: “I was deeply moved by Manu...

Turkish director Zeki Demirkubuz drama Life scooped the top Golden Bee award for Best Feature Film at Malta’s second Mediterrane Film Festival over the weekend.

This year’s selection was overseen by Italian film festival veteran Teresa Cavina, who pulled together a line-up of 45 works with Mediterranean basin connections, 15 of which were in the main Competition.

In the backdrop to the festival, leading English-language newspaper The Times of Malta continued to probe whether the event’s budget of $4.1M budget (€3.9) was good use of taxpayers’ money on the island nation, with a population of roughly 500,000 people.

Last year, the newspaper heavily criticized the event for allegedly splashing cash on business class fights and luxury hotels for actors, directors and journalists as well as a lavish black-tie closing event, fronted by UK star David Walliams.

Replying to fresh questions from the newspaper, Malta Film Commission head Johann Grech said the...

Turkish director Zeki Demirkubuz’s Life won the best feature film prize at the second annual Mediterrane Film Festival’s Golden Bee Awards in Malta this weekend.

Mahdi Fleifel’s To A Land Unknown won the Jury’s Choice prize, while The Strangers’ Case picked up two awards: best director for Brandt Andersen and best acting for Yasmine Al-Massri.

Mike Leigh received the festival’s career achievement award, while veteran Maltese production coordinator Rita Galea, whose credits include World War Z, received a lifetime achievement award.

The main competition jury was comprised of Jon S. Baird, Margery Simkin, Mario Philip Azzopardi,...

Zeki Demirkubuz’s “Life” was awarded the Golden Bee for best feature film at the second edition of the Mediterrane Film Festival.

Mahdi Fleifel’s Directors’ Fortnight breakout “To a Land Unknown” took the Jury’s Choice prize, while Brandt Andersen’s “The Stranger’s Case” won Golden Bees for Best Director for Andersen and Best Acting for Yasmine Al-Massri.

The awards were handed out at a glitzy ceremony at the grand Fort Manoel in the Maltese capital of Valletta, which served as a location for “Game of Thrones” and “Assassin’s Creed.” BAFTA-winning British filmmaker Mike Leigh was honored with the festival’s Career Achievement Award after giving an extended career talk earlier at the festival with Maltese veteran production coordinator Rita Galea (“World War Z”) receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year’s jury was headed by Scottish filmmaker Jon S. Baird (“Tetris”) and featured casting director Margery Simkin,...

Warner Bros. Discovery joins as a major sponsor, with additional support from SAGindie, Disney, Joy of Sharing, and Tarsadia Foundation

Moira Shourie, Executive Director of Zócalo Public Square, to deliver keynote address

Industry Day to conclude with the LA Special Screening of award-winning director Lucy Walker's new Netflix Documentary Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa

Los Angeles, CA – The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (Iffla) announced today its inaugural annual Iffla Industry Day lineup and partners. This full day of curated events will take place during the festival on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 10:00 am – 11:30 pm at the Landmark Theatres Sunset, 8000 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Industry Day Passes are now available at indianfilmfestival.org.

The Iffla Industry Day is a first-of-its-kind forum designed to bring together revered and aspiring filmmakers from South Asia and its diasporas with experts and decision-makers from companies such as Warner Bros. Discovery,...

The Mediterrane Film Festival announced its complete program ahead of its second edition, taking place in Malta’s capital of Valetta from June 22-30. New titles selected include recent Cannes highlights in Coralie Fargeat’s Demi Moore-led body horror “The Substance” and Roberto Minvervini’s “The Damned,” which join previously announced films like Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Kinds of Kindness” and Jane Schoenbrun’s “I Saw The TV Glow.”

Further program additions include Mahdi Fleifel’s Directors’ Fortnight standout “To a Land Unknown,” which Variety labeled “a confident, angry, fully-realized drama,” and Truong Minh Quy’s Un Certain Regard breakout “Viet and Nam.” An extended version of the Malta-shot “Jurassic World: Dominion” will play as part of the Malta Expanded strand, while on the retrospective end of the program, the festival will honor David Bowie with screenings of Nicolas Roeg’s “The Man Who Fell to Earth” and Lisa Azuelos’s “My Way,...

Fresh out of its world premiere in competition at the Cannes Film Festival, Yorgos Lanthimos’s “Kinds of Kindness” is one of the titles headed to this year’s Mediterrane Film Festival, taking place in Malta between June 22-30.

Other highlights in the festival’s first wave of programming include Jane Schoenbrun’s Sundance breakout “I Saw the TV Glow” and Meryam Joobeur’s Berlinale competition entry “Who Do I Belong To.”

The festival’s sophomore edition marks the first under the curatorial guise of Artistic Director Teresa Cavina, appointed earlier in the year. Cavina reorganized the festival’s program into four strands: In Competition, featuring films from across the Mediterranean; Out of Competition, featuring films from the rest of the world; Mare Nostrum or Our Sea, showcasing films dedicated to sustainability and the environment; and Future Visions, focusing on experimental VR projects.

In a statement, Cavina said that this...

UK director Mike Leigh will receive a lifetime achievement award at Malta’s second annual Mediterrane Film Festival (June 22-30).

The seven-time Oscar nominee will also host a masterclass and participate in an in conversation with Adrian Wootton, CEO at the British Film Commission, with whom the festival has a partnership.

Leigh began his career in theatre and TV with work including Abigail’s Party in 1977. He focused on features throughout the 1990s, winning acclaim for films such as High Hopes, Life Is Sweet, Naked and Secrets And Lies. The latter won the Palme d’Or in 1996.

His following films included Topsy-Turvy,...

Mike Leigh, the veteran director of “Vera Drake,” “Another Year” and “Happy-Go-Lucky,” will be honored at Malta’s Mediterrane Film Festival with its Career Achievement Golden Bee Award.

Leigh will also host a masterclass at the festival, the second edition of which is taking place June 22 to 30 in Malta’s capital city of Valletta. The director, who has earned seven Oscar nominations and won the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or for 1993’s “Naked,” will be in conversation with Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission.

The Mediterrane Film Festival has also revealed its first jury members, who will judge the festival’s competition section, consisting of 12 films from the region. At the festival’s Golden Bee Awards closing ceremony on June 30, prizes will be handed out for best feature film, acting performance, screenwriting, production design, creative technical performance and the special jury award.

Jury...

Jio Studios, the content arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Limited (Ril), is on a roll with several box office hits in a row.

Almost exactly a year ago, Jio Studios had launched a slate of 100 new films and TV shows. Those efforts have now come to fruition. 2023 saw Marathi-language “Baipan Bhaari Deva” and “Jhimma 2,” Bollywood films, Shah Rukh Khan’s “Dunki” and Vicky Kaushal’s “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” and Mithun Chakraborty-starring Bengali-language film “Kabuliwala” become major hits. 2024 has already delivered Bollywood hits “Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya,” “Article 370” and “Shaitaan,” with Kiran Rao’s 2023 Toronto-playing feminist romp “Laapata Ladies” also scoring in its theatrical release.

“We are the only studio to have seven hits in a row. We hit a purple patch, like how [cricket Goat Sachin] Tendulkar was hitting his centuries,” Jyoti Deshpande, president, media and content business, Ril, told Variety. “We’ve always been champions of stories,...

Amazon Prime Video has had several shows that talk about deities and nature conservation. Richie Mehta’s Poacher was a game changer, and two years ago, Suzhal: The Vortex was a murder mystery surrounded by elements of divinity with a connection with nature. Created by Nandhini J.S., Inspector Rishi is a murder investigation tale coupled with the local tales of mythical creatures focusing on the fear created about them. The ten-episode show extensively talks about the small town of Thaenkaadu, which was surrounded by vast forests.

Spoilers Ahead

What Were The Kinds Of Murders Taking Place?

Inspector Rishi began with an incident that occurred twenty years ago. A local tribe conducted a ritual for their deity and killed themselves in a pyre of fire they created. There was no explanation given for these mass suicides, but they set things in motion for Thaenkaadu, a town surrounded by vast forests...

London, England – March 28: Alia Bhatt attends The Hope Gala hosted by Mandarin Oriental and Alia Bhatt in support of Salaam Bombay Foundation at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park on March 28, 2024 in London, England.

Photo Credit: Dave Benett

Award-winning Indian actress Alia Bhatt, in partnership with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, hosted a spectacular charity gala at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. The evening of entertainment and culinary delight was in support of Alia’s chosen charity – Salaam Bombay Foundation – which provides education and job opportunities for disadvantaged adolescents in India to complete school and access better employment.

Guests included Alia Bhatt, actress and model Poppy Delevingne, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Chanel Leena Nair, President and Chairman of the Royal Horticultural Society Keith Weed and Executive Vice President of Omnicom group Asit Mehra. Further prominent guests included Mrs. Natasha Poonawala, Tania Shroff, Anil Agarwal of Vedanta,...

The corridor talk at next week’s Ficci-Frames conference in Mumbai, often Indian media’s top confab, is for once less likely to focus on ‘what if?’ and more on ‘what next?’

That’s because, with the January collapse of the $10 billion Sony-zee merger plans and late February’s confirmation that Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries (which incorporates Viacom18 and streamer JioCinema) is to tie up most of Disney’s streaming and pay-tv businesses in an $8.5 billion deal, Indian media is set to gain a new market leader.

For local and international operators in the world’s most populous nation, the consequences of those tectonic shifts extend across streaming, pay-tv, channels, advertising, sports and content.

The merged Reliance Industries and Disney India (Disney+ Hotstar and Star TV) giant will be able to capture: 35% of total TV viewership; 40% of the total revenue market for broadcasters, including ad sales and affiliate fees...

Created by Richie Mehta, the Amazon Prime series Poacher is based on the investigation of elephant poaching for illegal ivory trading in Kerala, Malaya. A character named Alan becomes involved in the case due to his passion for animals and his dedication to preserving the ecosystem. Richie Mehta drew inspiration from a Kerala-based It engineer named Jose Louies to create the fictional character Alan Joseph in his work. The incident of animal poaching deeply troubles him, igniting his pursuit for justice. He teams up with Mala Jogi, the forest ranger, under the supervision of Neel Banerjee, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the area. However, as the series progresses, we discover there is more to Alan than meets the eye. He conceals the truth about his involvement in the investigation to protect his family. Roshan Matthew, known for his roles in films like Darlings, delivers a noteworthy performance as Alan in Poacher.

Poacher, an Amazon Prime series directed by Richie Mehta, revolves around the investigation of elephant poaching, which is one of the largest cases of its kind in India. A dedicated team, including Forest Service officers, police constables, and civil volunteers, risks their lives to investigate the most significant elephant ivory poachers and bring them to justice. Set in Kerala, Malayattoor, the story follows Mala, a forest ranger portrayed by Nimisha Sajayan, whom we have previously seen in The Great Indian Kitchen and many more. Sajayan’s portrayal of Mala is remarkable, capturing her bravery, risk-taking nature, and passion for wildlife conservation. She is committed to protecting the ecosystem and upholding justice. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Mala’s relentless pursuit of truth as she delves deep into the investigation, determined to capture those involved in the ivory poaching ring. Director Richie Mehta said that the character Mala Jogi drew...

Created by Richie Mehta, the immersive crime drama Poacher covers the untold story of poaching and illegal trading of ivory all over the world. This eight-part crime thriller, streaming on Amazon Prime, is focused on highlighting the real-life mission, Operation Shikar, which successfully uncovered the largest ring of illegal poachers in India. This series is focused on the quest of forest officials to unveil the illegal racket that had been killing countless elephants for their tusks in the forests of Kerala. The wonderful cast has managed to add an extra charm to the presentation of the series.

Mala

Nimisha Sajayan as Mala, a Forest Department Officer, has a strong foothold throughout the series. Being an animal lover, she is strongly opposed to the idea of illegal hunting and wants to break the poaching ring as soon as possible. She jumps to action when her superior, Neel, assigns her the case.

The crime series Poacher is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and covers a subject crucial to wildlife conservation. Alia Bhatt has made her debut as an executive producer in the series, backed by the imminent director, Richie Mehta. The story is based on real-life incidents, highlighting Operation Shikar, which received a national award in 2017 for excellence in outstanding wildlife protection measures. The illegal poaching of elephants in Kerala to trade their tusks, also known as ivory, have been shed light on in Poacher. Will Neel be able to uncover the racket for illegal poaching? Why was Mala so eager to catch the poachers? Will Poonam Verma confess to her crimes? Let’s find out!

Spoilers Ahead

How Did The Police Try To Catch The Poachers?

The Indian amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act in 1991 restricted poaching. Despite the restrictions, illegal poaching had been going on with aid from crime syndicates like the Triads and Yakuza.

Poacher

Starring Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Kani Kusruti, Ranjitha Menon,Maala Parvathi

Directed by Richie Mehta

Poacher is about killing elephants for their tusk. Richie Mehta , known to not spare us any details from the scene of the crime (Delhi Crime) highlights scenes of poachers ripping out the priceless ivory from elephants wailing in unbearable pain.

I don’t know how Mehta shot these never-before scenes of cruelty to animals. We are assured that no animal was harmed during the shooting. We as the spectators are irreparably harmed.

It is not a pleasant sight to see how cruel we humans can be. Poached is an expose on a loveless irredeemably lost civilization which no longer cares about the damage we cause to our own earth every single day.

But we are straying. The focus here is on the plunder of elephants. It is not an easy breezy series to sit through.

“Poacher” is a new live-action TV crime series, directed by Richie Mehta, starring Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew and Dipyendu Bhattachary, streaming February 23, 2024 on Prime Video:

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“…’Indian Forest Service’ officers, ‘Ngo’ workers, police constables and ‘Good Samaritans’, risk their lives trying to track down the biggest elephant ivory poachers in the history of India and bring them to justice…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

In the plethora of content available for audiences, very few characters make a mark in the audience’s mind, and seldom, it is a female character, especially in a cop role. However, with Richie Mehta helming a project, a trend seems to be emerging with a female character at the heart of it, be it Vartika Chaturvedi in ‘Delhi Crime’ or Mala Jogi in ‘Poacher’. Known for his signature style of investigative storytelling, Richie Mehta develops his characters to match the pace of his engaging narratives.

While ‘Poacher’ is a perfect example of an ensemble show, the character of Forest Range Officer Mala Jogi truly stands out, and played aptly by highly acclaimed and appreciated actor Nimisha Sajayan.

As a forest range officer in the Kerala Forest Department, Mala (played by Nimisha) is deeply committed to combating wildlife crime. This commitment is aggravated due to her father’s past involvement in wildlife crime.

At a special screening of the upcoming Amazon Original Poacher in London, the guests heaped praise on the crime series, with overwhelmingly positive and promising reactions. Written, created, and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta and produced by QC Entertainment, Poacher features an accomplished ensemble cast including Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and

Dibyendu Bhattacharya. The series is a riveting fictionalized dramatization of real-life events based on a group of Indian Forest Service officers, Ngo workers, police constables, and good Samaritans who risked their lives trying to track down and bring to justice the biggest elephant ivory poaching ring in the history of India.

Richie Mehta, along with Manish Menghani, director, content licensing at Prime Video India, Executive Producer, Alia Bhatt, and QC Entertainment’s principals Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick visited London for the publicity of the series ahead of its global streaming premiere. Celebrities including Freida Pinto, Gurinder Chadha,...

“Delhi Crime” creator Richie Mehta’s India-set Prime Video series “Poacher” could become a global franchise.

The Amazon original is produced by QC Entertainment, led by partners Sean McKittrick, Raymond Mansfield and Edward H. Hamm Jr., who backed Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning “Get Out” and “Us” and Spike Lee’s Oscar, BAFTA and Cannes-winning “BlacKkKlansman. It is executive produced by Bollywood star Alia Bhatt via her Eternal Sunshine Productions outfit.

The team was in London on Saturday for the U.K. premiere showing of the first two episodes of the series, which bowed at Sundance 2023. Based on true events, Amazon original “Poacher” unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. A second, India-set season is being planned. However, poaching is a global wildlife crime. When Variety asked Manish Menghani, director, content licensing, Prime Video India, about the series going beyond the subcontinent to other parts of the world as a global franchise,...

“Poacher” is a new crime series, directed by Richie Mehta, starring Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew and Dipyendu Bhattachary, streaming February 23, 2024 on Prime Video:

“…’Indian Forest Service’ officers, ‘Ngo’ workers, police constables and ‘Good Samaritans’, risk their lives trying to track down the biggest elephant ivory poachers in the history of India and bring them to justice…”

Click the images to enlarge…...

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, who was last seen in the Hollywood film ‘Heart of Stone’, shared that her decision to be a part of the streaming show ‘Poacher’ was a culmination of many factors.

The actress, who serves as the executive producer on the show, spoke to the media on Thursday on the sidelines of the trailer launch of ‘Poacher’. She shared the stage with actors Dibyendu Bhattacharya and Roshan Mathew, the show’s creator and director Richie Mehta and Prime Video executives.

Talking about her decision to serve as the executive producer of the show, Alia said: “I can’t point to just one thing that led me to become a part of this show as an executive producer. It’s many things put together that appealed to me like the brilliant narrative sketched by Richie, his hard work in terms of flawless research, a stellar cast of some...

The trailer of the crime series, ‘Poacher’ was unveiled on Thursday at a five star property in the Santacruz area of Mumbai. It gives a glimpse into the illegal practice of the merciless and incessant killing of the elephants.

The eight-part series unravels the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. It has been created, written, and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta of ‘Delhi Crime’ fame, and stars Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in pivotal roles.

It shows a diverse group of wildlife custodians consisting of forest crime fighters, police personnel, and good Samaritans, in their relentless pursuit to expose the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history.

The trailer shows how Dibyendu Bhattacharya’s character of the Field Director from the Kerala Forest Department, assembles a team headed by Nimisha Sajayan’s character, to dig deep into a poaching case.

The trailer then spreads out...

The highly anticipated Amazon Original Series, “Poacher,” has unveiled its gripping trailer, offering a glimpse into the intense crime drama created by Richie Mehta. Produced by QC Entertainment and backed by Alia Bhatt as an executive producer under her banner Eternal Sunshine Productions, the series promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

Starring Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, “Poacher” delves into the dark underbelly of crime, weaving a compelling narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. The trailer showcases riveting performances and a gripping storyline that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Set to premiere on February 23, 2024, in multiple languages, “Poacher” is poised to become a global sensation on Amazon Prime Video. With a stellar cast, skilled direction, and an engaging plot, the series is expected to deliver an immersive viewing experience that will leave a lasting impact on audiences.

As anticipation builds for the release of “Poacher,...

Streaming

Prime Video has unveiled the first trailer for “Poacher,” the new series from Emmy-winning “Delhi Crime” creator Richie Mehta, executive produced by Bollywood star Alia Bhatt. An eight-part crime drama based on true events, “Poacher,” which bowed at Sundance 2023, uncovers the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. It is produced by QC Entertainment, the Oscar-winning production and finance company known for Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman.” Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew and Dibyendu Bhattacharya lead the cast.

Mehta said: “I am sure the series will act as an eye-opener in many ways – how interdependent and complex the relationship between humans and other species is and how any negative action can result in an environmental imbalance, leading to dire repercussions.”

Bhatt added: “I hope that Richie’s powerful storytelling compels everyone to champion the urgent need for wildlife preservation and encourages us to embrace co-existence with all living beings.

Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, who is the executive producer for the crime drama series ‘Poachers’ has shared an awareness video about poaching, saying that “murder is murder.”

Written, created, and directed by Richie Mehta, ‘Poacher’ stars Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, the series based on true events and uncovers the largest ivory poaching ring in India.

In the video, shared by Prime Video on Instagram, Alia is seen in a state of shock, as she comes across a loaded rifle, bullet casings, and the silhouette of a lifeless body.

She is heard saying: “Ashok was murder reported at 9 in morning. Third murder in the month. His body was lifeless, mutilated. Ashok was just 10. He didn’t even see his killers. They might think they may get away with it but they won’t. Just because Ashok wasn’t one of us, the crime doesn’t become small because murder is murder.

“Delhi Crime” creator Richie Mehta’s Prime Video series “Poacher” is the first time Los Angeles-based QC Entertainment has ventured into India.

Led by partners Sean McKittrick, Raymond Mansfield and Edward H. Hamm Jr., QC – which stands for Quality Control – backed Jordan Peele’s Oscar-winning “Get Out” and “Us” and Spike Lee’s Oscar, BAFTA and Cannes-winning “BlacKkKlansman,” among many other successful ventures. Set up as a one-stop shop, QC develops, physically produces, finances productions and handles sales and distribution.

Based on true events, Amazon original “Poacher” unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. It bowed at Sundance 2023. The process began with Mehta’s agents at Gersh trying to introduce him to producers who had funding and had a reputation for being hands-on and who were transparent and collaborative. Netflix show “Delhi Crime,” which went on to win the International Emmy for drama series, was brought to QC...

Alia Bhatt To Exec Produce Prime Video’s ‘Poacher’

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has signed on as an executive producer on Poacher, an upcoming Prime Video investigative crime-themed drama series based on real events from QC Entertainment, the film production and finance company with credits for Antebellum, Us, Get Out and BlackKklansmen. Poacher, created, written, and directed by Richie Mehta, the series stars Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew and Dibyendu Bhattacharya and is set in the world of illegal poaching. Bhatt will EP through her Eternal Sunshine Productions business as an associate producer. Suitable Pictures, Poor Man’s Productions are also associate producers. “The impact of Poacher was deeply personal, and Richie’s portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with me and the team,” she said. Bhatt is known for films such as Highway, Udta Punjab, Raazi and Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva

BBC Children’s Builds Out...

An investigative crime series based on true events, Amazon Prime’s original series, Poacher, unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. A first-of-its-kind project, Poacher brings the world of environmental conservation and entertainment together to highlight a critical global concern – illegal poaching.

Today, Prime Video today announced that actor, producer and entrepreneur, Alia Bhatt has come onboard as Executive Producer for Poacher. Alia is known as a champion of nature and has actively lent her voice towards conservation and sustainability. Her association with Poacher as an Executive Producer with her production company Eternal Sunshine Productions, underscores her belief in the story and her commitment to bring important and relevant stories alive and be a voice for the voiceless.

Based on court documents and testimonials, Poacher is a fictional dramatization of events that transpired in the dense forests of Kerala and the concrete jungle of Delhi. The series showcases...

Actress Alia Bhatt will be seen as the executive producer for the crime series ‘Poacher’, created by Richie Mehta. She said that the impact of it was deeply personal, and the Emmy-Award filmmaker’s portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with her.

Talking about coming onboard as the executive producer for ‘Poacher’, Alia shared, “Being part of this incredibly significant project is an honour, for both me and the entire team at Eternal Sunshine Productions. The impact of ‘Poacher’ was deeply personal, and Richie’s portrayal of the urgent issue of wildlife crime resonated strongly with me and the team.”

She added: “The storytelling genuinely moved me, especially knowing it’s based on true events, that sheds light on brutal crimes occurring in our forests. I am confident that ‘Poacher’ will serve as an eye-opener, delivering a powerful message to be more compassionate and considerate towards all living beings.

A New Collaboration: Bollywood sensation Alia Bhatt has stepped into the world of web series production as she joins the team of Amazon Original Series ‘Poacher’ as an Executive Producer.

Unveiling a Gripping Crime Story:

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Richie Mehta, ‘Poacher’ delves into the dark world of wildlife crime, exposing the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. The series promises to unravel a riveting narrative that explores the complexities of the illegal wildlife trade.

Alia Bhatt Associates With Amazon Original Series ‘Poacher’… #AliaBhatt [@aliaa08] comes on board as Executive Producer for #AmazonOriginal series, #Poacher.

Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker #RichieMehta, the crime series unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in… pic.twitter.com/BCuhyPj5sI

— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) February 6, 2024Alia Bhatt’s Strategic Role:

Alia’s association with ‘Poacher’ not only marks her debut as an Executive Producer but also showcases her commitment to supporting compelling storytelling.

Bollywood A-lister Alia Bhatt has boarded Richie Mehta’s already-completed Amazon original investigative crime series “Poacher” as an executive producer.

Created, written, and directed by “Delhi Crime” filmmaker Mehta based on true events, “Poacher” unearths the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. It premiered at Sundance in 2023. The cast features Nimisha Sajayan, Roshan Mathew and Dibyendu Bhattacharya in the lead.

Bhatt is on board via her Eternal Sunshine Productions outfit. She debuted as a producer with 2022 Netflix film “Darlings,” alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. Bhatt helps raise awareness about relevant causes such as environmental sustainability, animal welfare and mitigating human-animal conflict through her platform, Coexist. She also promotes sustainable fashion through her initiative, Mi Wardrobe is Su Wardrobe.

“Poacher” is executive produced by “Get Out” producer QC Entertainment’s Edward H. Hamm Jr., Raymond Mansfield and Sean McKittrick, in association with Suitable Pictures, Poor Man’s Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions.

Prime Video has acquired and set a stream date for “Delhi Crime” creator Richie Mehta’s investigative drama series “Poacher.”

Based on court documents and testimonials, “Poacher” is a fictional dramatization of events that unfolded in the dense forests of Kerala and the urban jungle that is India’s capital Delhi. The series highlights the contributions made by Indian forest service officers, Ngo workers from the Wildlife Trust of India, police personnel and good samaritans who risked their lives to investigate the largest ivory poaching ring in Indian history. It was filmed in real-life settings across Kerala and New Delhi and is primarily in the Malayalam, Hindi and English languages.

Created, written and directed by Mehta, whose Netflix show “Delhi Crime” won the International Emmy for drama series, the “Poacher” cast includes Nimisha Sajayan (Tallinn title “Adrishya Jalakangal”), Roshan Mathew (Busan winner “Paradise”) and Dibyendu Bhattacharya (Emmy nominated series “Rocket Boys...

From ‘Aarya’ to ‘Delhi Crime’: 6 highly awaited third seasons on Ott in 2024

The year 2023 turned out to be truly exciting for the entertainment industry and fans of cinema and content. While the first half of the year witnessed massive blockbusters and a surge in theatre footfalls, the latter half continued the trend with bigger mass entertainers. However, despite such an influx of fresh content, several sequels to earlier hit web shows are gearing up to dominate the Ott platforms in 2024. As we eagerly look forward to the coming year, here’s a list of six highly awaited third-season Ott offerings that promise a thrilling and entertaining 2024.

Take a look

‘Aarya’ Season 3

Co-created by Ram Madhvani and Sandeep Modi, the acclaimed series ‘Aarya’ has fans eagerly anticipating its highly awaited third season. Starring Sushmita Sen in the titular role, the show revolves around her character navigating the mafia world to protect her family.

Girls Will Be Girls To Premiere At Sundance Film Festival 2024: Here’s Everything You Should Know About Chadha & Ali Fazal’s Debut Production! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha’s debut production, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ a female-led drama written and directed by debutante Shuchi Talati, is set to premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival 2024. The film will be screened in the World Dramatic Feature category, marking an extraordinary achievement for producers as well as the director. ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ is one of 16 films chosen to participate in the competitive category of the renowned Film Festival.

The 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival, which aims to provide a space to gather, celebrate, and engage with risk-taking artists who are committed to bringing their independent visions to audiences through independent storytelling, will take place from January 18–28, 2024, in Park City, Utah.

Speaking about the film, producer Richa Chadha earlier said,...

Karan Tejpal’s Indian action thriller has played at Venice, Zurich and London film festivals.

Charades has sold Karan Tejpal’s Indian action thriller Stolen to Blue Finch Films for the UK and Ireland and to ASC Distribution in France following film’s world premiere in Venice Horizons Extra.

The debut feature about two brothers drawn into the kidnapping of a baby in a rural Indian town was the only Indian film in Venice’s 2023 selection before going on to screen at BFI London Film Festival and earning a special mention in the Feature Film Competition at the Zurich Film Festival.

The hunt for justice on the behalf of slaughtered elephants in India is the basis of Poacher, an eight episode limited series from Richie Mehta. A fledgling team of Ngo workers, wildlife conservationists and passionate volunteers venture into the the jungles of Kerala to protect a severely threatened species—uncovering a series of conspiracies and cover-ups that indict several individuals who are tasked with protecting these very creatures from the ivory trade. Editor Beverly Mills offers insight on cutting the limited series, including the challenge of working with foreign language dialogue. See all responses to our annual Sundance editor interviews here. […]

The post “Music Became an Important Voice in the Storytelling”: Editor Beverly Mills on Poacher first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

The hunt for justice on the behalf of slaughtered elephants in India is the basis of Poacher, an eight episode limited series from Richie Mehta. A fledgling team of Ngo workers, wildlife conservationists and passionate volunteers venture into the the jungles of Kerala to protect a severely threatened species—uncovering a series of conspiracies and cover-ups that indict several individuals who are tasked with protecting these very creatures from the ivory trade. Editor Beverly Mills offers insight on cutting the limited series, including the challenge of working with foreign language dialogue. See all responses to our annual Sundance editor interviews here. […]

The post “Music Became an Important Voice in the Storytelling”: Editor Beverly Mills on Poacher first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

In Poacher, the limited series from director Richie Mehta, a group of Ngo workers, wildlife officials and well-intentioned volunteers band together to take down some of India’s biggest ivory poachers. In the process, they uncover conspiracies and cover-ups often involving those who are tasked with protecting these endangered elephants who calls the the jungles of Kerala home. Johan Aidt, the cinematographer of the series, cites the “strong connection” he felt with Mehta, who he collaborated with previously on the first season of Delhi Crime. See all responses to our annual Sundance cinematographer interviews here. Filmmaker: How and why did you […]

The post “I Wanted the Camera To Be an Actor”: Dp Johan Aidt on Poacher first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

In Poacher, the limited series from director Richie Mehta, a group of Ngo workers, wildlife officials and well-intentioned volunteers band together to take down some of India’s biggest ivory poachers. In the process, they uncover conspiracies and cover-ups often involving those who are tasked with protecting these endangered elephants who calls the the jungles of Kerala home. Johan Aidt, the cinematographer of the series, cites the “strong connection” he felt with Mehta, who he collaborated with previously on the first season of Delhi Crime. See all responses to our annual Sundance cinematographer interviews here. Filmmaker: How and why did you […]

The post “I Wanted the Camera To Be an Actor”: Dp Johan Aidt on Poacher first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

Every production faces unexpected obstructions that require creative solutions and conceptual rethinking. What was an unforeseen obstacle, crisis, or simply unpredictable event you had to respond to, and how did this event impact or cause you to rethink your film? Since we were making a series about wildlife crime, and those trying to protect wildlife, much of it was shot in a jungle in South India. And since those areas are lush with flora and fauna, it became important not to disrupt that environment whilst there, nor (and this goes without saying) get injured or die in the process from […]

The post “A Herd of Wild Elephants Was About 50 Meters Away” | Richie Mehta, Poacher first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

Every production faces unexpected obstructions that require creative solutions and conceptual rethinking. What was an unforeseen obstacle, crisis, or simply unpredictable event you had to respond to, and how did this event impact or cause you to rethink your film? Since we were making a series about wildlife crime, and those trying to protect wildlife, much of it was shot in a jungle in South India. And since those areas are lush with flora and fauna, it became important not to disrupt that environment whilst there, nor (and this goes without saying) get injured or die in the process from […]

The post “A Herd of Wild Elephants Was About 50 Meters Away” | Richie Mehta, Poacher first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.

Blame it on my Catholic upbringing, but guilt is my near-constant companion. At work, there’s guilt for not covering more television, which leads to guilt at home for spending too much time watching TV. Even when I can separate from these millions of screens, guilt often rises from having too much fun — or not enough. There’s lingering guilt over childhood misdeeds, and there’s growing guilt right now for spending this review’s lede talking about myself.

The point being: Guilt can come from anywhere. Right or wrong, useful or obstructive, immutable or fleeting, the feeling that you’re doing something wrong (and the ensuing anguish spent wondering just how bad it was) can lead people to do any number of things, and in this year’s otherwise disparate crop of Indie Episodic entries at the Sundance Film Festival, guilt is a driving narrative force — even in its absence.

Willie Nelson in a scene from ‘Willie Nelson and Family’ (Photo Courtesy of Sundance Institute)

The 2023 Sundance Film Festival’s lineup will include 64 Short Films and four Indie Episodic projects. More than 10,000 short film submissions were received, and the 64 selected represent work from 23 countries. 519 Indie Episodic submissions were submitted and the four selected represent five countries.

The 2023 Festival will take place in person from January 19–29. Select films will be available online beginning January 24th.

“Short films and episodic projects are an integral aspect of the overall mission of the Sundance Institute — to empower artists who are taking risks, bringing new perspectives to the forefront, and creating work that entertains and provokes conversation,” stated Kim Yutani, Sundance Film Festival Director of Programming. “These platforms provide artists with the ability to expand beyond the boundaries of traditional cinema, while also motivating a unique creativity through an ever expanding format.”

Indie Episodic

Chanshi...