Category: cinema

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Ram Madhvani, Mahaveer Jain discuss cinema’s role in nation building at IFFI 2025: “We have forgotten the tragic hero”

National Award-winning filmmaker and Emmy-nominated director Ram Madhvani, and acclaimed Indian film producer Mahaveer Jain came together at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa for an engaging conversation on “The Power and Impact of Our Stories on Nation Building”. The engaging session was moderated by Divyansh Jain, the youngest producer and director of the film industry at present. Founded in 1952, IFFI remains the only South Asian film festival accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) in the Competitive Feature Films category. Each year, it continues to curate and celebrate landmark cinema from across the globe. The insightful session featuring Mahaveer Jain and Ram Madhvani explored storytelling, the values that guide creators, and the cultural influences shaping their work, while also highlighting filmmakers’ responsibility and cinema’s emotional impact. Talking about the cultural values that India holds, cinematic philosopher Ram Madhvani shared, “India has always been a civilisation shaped by stories. Whether it is the Ramayana or the Mahabharata, these epics were more than tales; they were moral compasses, emotional guides, and reflections of who we are. As creators today, we inherit that legacy. Our responsibility is to craft stories that not only entertain but also carry forward the values, questions, and memories that define us. I believe storytelling is a sacred act, one that allows us to understand ourselves better and to show the world who India truly is.’’Further speaking about India’s cultural and spiritual legacy, renowned producer Mahaveer Jain emphasized the importance of sharing the country’s ancient wisdom with global audiences through cinema and entertainment. He noted “We have solutions for everything in the ancient wisdom that our own sages have given us,” noted Mahaveer Jain. “If India can gift something to the entire world, it is this our ancient wisdom. This wisdom is what we should be propagating through the entertainment medium, which is also what I request you all to do,” he observed. Speaking about his filmmaking approach and the emotion he strives to evoke in audiences, visionary director Ram Madhvani shared, “I am interested in tragedy. We have forgotten the tragic hero. We have the romantic, action and comedy heroes, but the tragic hero or heroine Meena Kumari, Dilip Kumar, even Shah Rukh Khan are people who actually affected us. Tragedy is a thing I feel that we are missing. In everything that I do, the one nerve that I want to press, to cleanse you is to make you cry. With everything that you are going through in your life if I can use the work that I am putting out there to try and see how you can achieve catharsis, that is what I would like to do.”He also added, “Guide was one of the greatest spiritual films made in India. I aspire to make another one!”The International Film Festival of India continues to serve as a vital platform where filmmakers, producers, and storytellers come together to explore cinema’s role in shaping culture, identity, and national narrative. Also Read: MEGA EXCLUSIVE: Tiger Shroff to headline Neerja director Ram Madhvani and Mahaveer Jain’s grand, SPIRITUAL action thriller designed for a global audience.

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biographycinemadeathEntertainmentindian-cinema

Veteran actor Asrani passes away after prolonged illness at 84

Senior and versatile Hindi film actor Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, passed away this evening at around 4 PM after battling a prolonged illness at Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu, Mumbai. He was 84. He was cremated at Shastri Nagar, Santacruz, in the presence of his close friends and family, informed his manager Babubhai Thiba. Originally hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Asrani’s demise marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, especially in the realm of comic acting. Asrani, widely celebrated for his impeccable timing and memorable expressions, was a household name across generations. Over several decades, he carved a niche for himself in Bollywood with performances that effortlessly blended humour with relatability. His ability to bring laughter to audiences made him one of the most cherished comic actors in the industry. Born in Jaipur, Asrani ventured into Hindi cinema at a time when comic actors were often confined to stereotypical roles. However, he broke these conventions with his versatility, delivering performances that ranged from subtle wit to over-the-top hilarity. Many of his roles, particularly in films from the 1970s and 1980s, continue to be celebrated by cinephiles and casual viewers alike. Beyond his comic genius, Asrani’s dedication to his craft and humble persona off-screen earned him the respect of peers and co-stars. Over the years, he collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hindi cinema, leaving an indelible mark in both lead and supporting roles. His performances were not just about laughter; they often carried an underlying humanity that resonated deeply with audiences. The film fraternity and fans across India are mourning the loss of this iconic actor. Tributes are pouring in from fellow actors, directors, and admirers who remember Asrani not just for his comic brilliance but also for his contribution to the evolution of Hindi cinema. His legacy as a master of comic timing and memorable performances will continue to entertain and inspire generations to come. Asrani was last seen in Kajol starrer show The Trial Season 2, where he played the role of an advocate, once again proving his versatility and commitment to bringing depth to every character he portrayed.

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bollywoodcinemadistributionEntertainmentmovies

EXCLUSIVE: Thamma vs Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat screen-sharing battle begins; makers of Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer demand ALL shows in single and two-screen cinemas

The much-anticipated Diwali releases, Thamma and Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, are just days away, and the excitement across the trade, industry, and audiences is palpable. As with every major festive clash, the battle for screens has intensified. Bollywood Hungama has learned that the first round of this tussle between the distributors of both films has already begun. A trade source told Bollywood Hungama, “Thamma, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, is being distributed by PVR Inox Pictures. Its distributor-partner in the Mumbai circuit, August Entertainment, has sent a mail to cinemas in the territory informing them about their screen-sharing requirements. They have asked for all shows in single-screen cinemas and two screen theatres. They have also asked for 12 shows in three-screen multiplexes; it means 100% showcasing in two of the three screens and a show or two in the third screen as well.”The mail from August Entertainment further states that they want 15 shows of Thamma in four-screen theatres, 18 shows in five-screen cinemas, 21 shows in six-screen multiplexes, 24 shows in seven-screen multiplexes, 27 shows in eight-screen multiplexes, 30 shows in nine-screen plexes and 33 shows in 10-screen theatres. It’s important to note that this move has come directly from August Entertainment, which is handling the release of Thamma in the Mumbai circuit. How distributors in other regions respond, and whether they follow suit with similar demands, remains to be seen. Nevertheless, the exhibitors have expressed reservations. An exhibitor told us, “We would definitely want to show Thamma as it looks exciting. But single-screen cinemas should also be given a chance to play Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat. In fact, it’s the single-screen theatres where the Harshvardhan Rane-film can score big time. And let’s not forget that the Marathi film Premachi Goshta 2 and the Gujarati film Chaniya Toli are also up for release this Diwali. Some cinemas would want to accommodate it as well. Hence, we hope a solution can be found.”Another exhibitor remarked, “The mail from August Entertainment mentions that the rule exists only for non-PVR, non-Inox and non-Cinepolis cinemas. We feel it’s not fair and it should be uniform for all cinemas.”Meanwhile, a trade expert commented, “Just a few weeks ago, we saw what happened during the Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 vs Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari clash. At that time, the makers of the former asked for 100% shows in single-screen, two-screen and three-screen cinemas. Even in theatres with four screens and more, they asked for nearly 80-90% of showcasing. At least, the distributors are reasonable in the case of Thamma.”Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana flashes fake vampire teeth as he and Rashmika Mandanna promote Thamma in Delhi.

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