MARATHI’S MEGA WEB SERIES, ‘RAANBAAZAAR’

All geared up to set screens ablaze, ‘Raanbazaar’, Marathi entertainment’s biggest web series till date is ready to stream from 20th May, 2022 . The drama’s power-packed storyline is brought to life with a stellar cast including Prajakta Mali, Sachin Khedekar, Mohan Agashe, Tejaswini Pandit, Mohan Joshi And Urmila Kothare to name a few. It is being touted as a gamechanger for Marathi OTT, having been made to fit global standards.

 

 

 

The explosive trailer hit everyone like a storm, with a nail-biting, edge of the seat show it put on. Superlative performances from actors with a dubious, mysterious vibe, captivates and stuns at the same time. Viewers are given a glimpse of hard-hitting dialogues and gut -wrenching scenes which make up the gritty world of Raanbaazaar.

 

 

 

The series is set to launch on 20th May, 2022  on leading Marathi Entertainment OTT, Planet Marathi, A Every week three episodes from the series will be released keeping audiences on the edge of their seat with this thriller.

 

 

 

After the poster release, the makers have decided to lift the veil on the series plotline.  Written and directed by Abhijit Panse who is well known for his fiery, burning work including ‘Rege’ and ‘Thackeray’, this is yet another revolutionary story he will be involved in. Speaking on the eve of its launch Writer-Director Abhijit Panse comments “This series is unlike any of the work I have done in the past or for the fact marathi entertainment has seen. The aim was to create a locally rooted drama on international standards. It was a tough task but I am happy we emerged successful. The audaciousness and bravado of this series is sure to set high benchmarks for thrillers in Indian entertainment”

 

 

 

Raanbaazaar’ is a peek into the diabolical world of power and politics.  Revolving around riveting, gripping turn of events, the series follows the coming together of two unidentified prostitutes who unknowingly shake the very core of Maharashtra’s politics. It brings to fore dark secrets, gray characters  and the frightening game of power in which humans are mere pawns. Producer Akshay Bardapurkar fresh off the blockbuster success of his recent production ‘Chandramukhi’ was equally elated “We have not created the Raanbaazaar universe for mere shock value. The idea behind backing such a strong drama is to tell an extremely potent story that will catapult us in the big league players of political, thriller content. I am happy the final product has come out so beautifully and I cannot wait till audiences get a chance to watch it”

 

 

 

The makers released the first look of the movie earlier this week and are already being flooded with rave reviews. Actress Tejaswani Pandit who plays a prominent role in the series shared  “When I first heard the narration I got goosebumps. It was a great challenge to get under the skin of the character, but the lessons it taught me as an actor will stay with me forever. I hope audiences have the same experience watching the series that I had on just hearing the story” .

 

 

 

Veteran actor Sachin Khedekar who has also joined the cast expressed his confidence in the series  “Raanbaazar is a once in a lifetime series.  It was extremely important to get each tone of the character right, because the storyline lies heavily on the back of its characters and you need to do justice. The series is our labour of love and I am impatiently waiting for it to release and see how the audience react” Actress Prajakta Mali, who has another major part of the series commented on the launch “It was a humbling experience as an actor shooting for Raanbaazaar. Each nuance, every move whether captured on screen on no, was rehearsed in my mind. It brought out the best in me as an actor, and even though I knew the storyline , each time we shot a scene it was surreal. Honestly, I cannot wait for it to be released!”

 

 

 

Raanbaazaar has been presented by Planet Marathi OTT; a Vistas Media Capital company, Akshay Bardapurkar and produced by Ravana Future Productions, Abhijit Panse and Anita Palande.

When Shilpa Shetty took a sweet dig at dating coach Anveshi Jain

Anveshi Jain, town’s popular dating coach, who has helped others in finding love, is now on the lookout to find one for herself. Anveshi recently participated in Shilpa Shetty’s Amazon Prime Series - Hear Me, Love Me. The show is about finding love and she had all the might to find it for herself with Shilpa as her wingwoman. While talking about the show and Shilpa as the host, Anveshi said, “Hear me, Love me is an extremely unique concept that comes with all the laugh and luck for the contestants. Especially the fact that Shilpa Shetty is hosting the show, made me excited during the shoots as she is such a calm and composed person. With her as a wingwoman, you honestly couldn’t ask for any better.” 

Shilpa was seen taking a sweet dig at Anveshi by asking her about being single that too when is a dating coach herself. Laughing a bit on the issue, Anveshi is all praise about the actor and the way she connects with the people. Adding more, Anveshi said “I have grown up seeing Shilpa Shetty’s movies and dancing on her iconic songs. Receiving advices from her, is surely a wonderful experience. She is, to be honest, the wonder woman of our country. A lady with so many roles like an entrepreneur, a cook, a writer, a yoga instructor, an actor and now a dating show host - Unbelievably amazing.” 

At the work front, Anveshi will be seen in an upcoming web series for ALTBalaji.

“Lucky are those who get a character name like Shampoo” – Deepak Kalra

Known for his antics and exemplary acting skills, the talented actor Deepak Kalra is all set to tickle your funny bones with his character Shampoo, in Viu’s upcoming web series Banned. Based on comedy musical drama, the series revolves around four Punjabi jatts who form a musical band but eventually get caged for their anti social act in their songs.

Deepak plays one of the four boys, named Pulkit aka Shampoo. I am sure just like me, you too must be wondering on his character name, well we have an answer for you from the man himself, “Usually shampoo is known to add a shine. Similarly my character is the shining star among the four boys (laughs).”

“Well the true reasoning for the name is - there is this phrase ‘shampoo phail jaata hai’, hence my character name - since I am the most notorious among the cast and I am the one who gets along with anybody and everybody. I connect instantly with people and become friends” exclaims Deepak.

To catch the phenomenal performance of Deepak Kalra as Pulkit in Banned, stay tuned to Viu.com

Annup Sonii to feature in a web series based on real-life crime

Annup Sonii, who has for long been anchoring the reality-based television show, Crime Patrol, is now set to feature in a web series based on real life-crime. 

The new web series which is said to be similar to his previous show in terms of its genre will mark Anuup’s return to acting.

Annup who is excited to play the protagonist in each of the eight episodes, will portray eight different characters in the eight episodes. A source informs, “The makers of the show are brainstorming on the cases they wish to explore, with Annup also helping them zero in on the final list. Special emphasis is being given to the writing, because they don't want to unnecessarily sensationalise topics.

Being created for an online platform, the currently untitled show is scheduled to go on floors by the end of the year.

Annup confirms, “The concept is interesting and excites me as an actor. Currently, things are yet to be finalised. An announcement can be expected by the end of this month.”

“I would imitate Chris Gayle when he’s batting” – Krunal Pandya

Viu’s ‘What The Duck 3’ gives us some of the most insightful look into the lives of our beloved cricketers. In the third episode of its latest season, everyone’s favourite brother-duo, the Pandya brothers divulge into some truthful conversations about their cricketing as well as personal life.

On their equation with the West Indies players, Krunal Pandya shared, “It is not only because of IPL, we have loved the West Indies since childhood. I have always admired how they just look quite secured. In my experience till now with Pollard and Mumbai Indians, I have found them to be very easy-going. That is the best thing about them, there is no judgement there too.”

“Chris Gayle was always one of my favourites. When I play against RCB, I would imitate him by doing his gestures. The same ones that he does when he is about to bat. Just for fun. They are extremely chilled out” Krunal added further.

For more insider stories visit Viu India channel on YouTube or follow #YouTubeCricketStories. Episode will also be available on Viu app and viu.com.

Rannvijay Singha excited for his entry in Viu’s Kaushiki

Viu’s recently launched web series Kaushiki has become the talk of the town lately for its exemplary concept. The storyline revolving around a group of friend is engaging the masses and keeping them glued to the screen. The viewers will be in for some more entertainment as they will get to witness the entry of the talented actor Rannvijay Singha in one of the upcoming episode. 

A source close to the production house informs us about the new developments, “In one of the forthcoming episode of the series, Rannvijay Singha will make his entry as a cop. He will be playing an impactful role of ACP Sumer Singh. His entry will surely mark as a twist in the tale.” 

The actor Rannvijay Singha took it to the social networking site Instagram to express his excitement, “Loved playing ACP Sumer Singh, you guys will get to see me on Kaushiki this Friday, 18th May in the 7th episode! Also I might have a surprise for you all!” 

To know the surprise and to catch on Rannvijay’s phenomenal performance as ACP Sumer Singh, stay tuned to Kaushiki only on Viu.

Saare Jahan Se Achha web show hosted by Prakash Jha

Prakash Jha is all set to host a web show titled Saare Jahan Se Achha. The series will showcase the lives of ordinary individuals who try to create a change in the lives of many through their efforts.

“I am full of gratitude after interacting with the common people who went out of their way to make a change in the lives of other people around them without any expectations in return. Sometimes small contributions make a big impact and it is essential that the story of these people is told; so that the positivity spreads.” Said Prakash Jha speaking on the occasion.

Debutant Director Prakash Bhardwaj commenting on the occasion said; “In an atmosphere when there is so much negativity floating around us in Social Media and News, we were in dire need of something that will make us proud of our fellow citizens and their efforts that help us lead a better life. When the concept was narrated, Prakash sir readily agreed to host it.”

Mzee Singh who was the CEO of the production house; which last produced Sanjay Dutt’s comeback film Bhoomi is producing the web show. “It’s a pleasure and honor to work with a veteran like Prakash Prakash Jha. Digital is the medium of the future. We are looking at creating a series of 52 such inspiring  films, once this is released.”

ROY KAPUR FILMS BRINGS CO–CREATOR OF NARCOS TO INDIA

NARCOS

What is common between Pablo Escobar, Species II and Hoodlum? Christopher Brancato, the esteemed showrunner and co-creator of the hit American crime-drama web-television series Narcos. And he is coming to India! 

As part of its plans to create ground-breaking content for the Jio platform, Siddharth Roy Kapur’s Roy Kapur Films has invited Brancato to India to conduct a very special masterclass on creating, writing and directing original series. Brancato is being accompanied by Carole Kirschner, the Director of the Writers Guild of America’s showrunner program. The Masterclass session will kick-start from Monday in Mumbai and will be attended by a select group of writers, filmmakers, producers and show-runners who have been invited by Roy Kapur Films and Jio. 

The workshop will sharply focus on creative development for high quality series, and sharing best practices in implementing the showrunner and writer empowered model. This is Siddharth’s step towards building a strong foundation for a robust creative writing system in India for the Jio Originals platform set to launch next year.

“It is always good to learn from the best in the business and benefit from their experiences, especially when one is trying to forge new paths and break established norms. That is what we are aiming to do at RKF, and we couldn’t have asked for better guides than Chris and Carole as we work towards producing world class content for tens of millions of Jio subscribers. I am very excited about this initiative and eager to experience the interaction between Chris and Carole and some of the best creative minds in our country,”shares Siddharth.

'Tantra'- Vikram Bhatt's new web series for his channel VB on the Web

Ace Director and Producer Vikram Bhatt is all set to produce a new web-series for his channel VB on the Web. VB On The Web is Indian filmmaker Vikram Bhatt's official web channel. The channel hosts filmmaker's original content in the form of web series across different genres. The previous series from this platform like Twisted, Maaya and others have been well appreciated by the audience. 

The team is coming up with a new web series titled 'Tantra' starring Aditi Arya, VidurAnand, Salina Prakash, KarimHajee and Sandeep Bharadwaj playing the central characters in this web-weekender. 'Tantra' is a unique battle of a family feud and corporate politics played on the battleground of black magic. A game that is already this dirty is sullied further when everything is put on the board, murder, death, betrayal, deceit and above all trust. 

This web series will be produced under Vikram Bhatt's own banner LoneRanger Productions Pvt. Ltd., and the digital project will have an ensemble cast comprising of certain veteran actors. The story of this web series is written by Vikram Bhatt himself and directed by SidhantSachdev. 

Speaking about this new series the director said, "I am excited to be working on my 4th web series with Vikram Sir and to direct an ensemble cast against the background of a story that revolves around Blackmagic. Tantra, written by Vikram Sir, will keep the audience intrigued asking for more. It is a genre he deals best with." 

The writer and producer Vikram Bhatt added "Tantra is the first tri-weekly series on air across all platforms. The series is being directed by, SidhantSachdev. Sid is young & enthusiastic in his approach and has worked on three of our web series earlier viz. Hadh, Gehraiyaan and Spotlight-2.He has a knack for telling the story through its treatment. Tantra has a bunch of talented actors like Aditi Arya, an ex-miss India, playing the central character, VidurAnand is the male lead, while SalenaPrakash, Karim Hajee and Sandeep Bharadwaj are playing pivotal roles in this 48 episode series. As the story unravels, it will keep the audience glued to our youtube channel."

Richa to do a South African web show

Richa Chadha is one of the few actresses who has been experimenting and exploring a lot of different genres and formats of entertainment. She has always surprised us with a new powerful character everytime we have seen her on screen. Her recent project on video on demand series Inside Edge received a great response worldwide. She plays an actress who owns a cricket team and the show reveals the game behind the game. Post this. she got a lot of offers from various digital platforms which she is segregating with her team, on which one she can opt for. 

According to sources, she has also been offered a South African web series which she is considering. The makers saw Richa's performance in Inside Edge and loved her so much that they offered her a web series which is based on cricket being a beloved sport of the country too. One of the debut web series director Danie Hogan has approached her and the series has an interesting concept and she is in process discussing with her team about the same. 

When asked Richa she said, "Digital entertainment has been emerging globally and after all the positive response for Inside Edge I would love to explore digital content. There are more prospects that have come my and I am still discussing with my team about the same. Currently, discussion on this show is on and we will soon be working on it soon after my commitments in India"

Qyuki partners with Emotionalfulls to recreate the magical experience of the 90's presented by Parle G in association with Mango Bite

Parle G, a household brand for decades revisits the magical era of 90's with ‘Woh Din’. This five-part web series is a reminiscence of the simplicity of the days gone by, one that was marked by our love for cricket, movies and household biscuit, Parle G.

Woh Din is the story of a nine-year-old boy named Babu and his best friend Shreedhar growing up in the small town of India. The series sketches the joys of childhood beautifully with an endearing story line and in the process, integrates Parle G  into it effortlessly; so much so that it goes on to become a third character in the show.

Each of us have had our brush with Parle G at some point while growing up. The coming together of Woh Din and Parle-G is the pathway that leads backs to warm anecdotes, so vivid in our minds, yet never to return. Each 20-minute long episode chalks the ethos of the era, just as we have lived them.

Juhi Mehta head of Brand Solutions -Qyuki shares, “The growing appetite for web series makes the foray into the digital space as a natural progression for any brand. However, Parle G deviates from the pop culture identify so heavily present in the digital forum. Qyuki Digital Media helped provide the much required  ‘’away from the norm’’ experience. Woh Din serves as the perfect brand solution simply because it is a story about growing up in the 90’s, the decade so widely popularized by the brand over the years.  The sheer magic of family and familiarity, the cultural shocks with new beginnings, almost everything that a kid in the 90’s has experienced, has been dished out in an all-new manner. You can call it Qyuki’s latest attempt at redefining pop culture! ”

Mayank Shah, Head, Biscuits Category says, “With young consumers consuming media across multiple screens beyond TV, our goal was to produce engaging content that captures emotional moments and how the brand was part our growing up years. With growing appetite for web series among youngsters, it is a natural progression for any brand. Qyuki’s ‘Woh Din’ serves as the perfect brand solution simply because it is a story about growing up in the 90’s, an era so widely captured by the brand and its ethos. We’ve all had our share of Parle-G and with time, it has acquired a taste of nostalgia within us.Sandeep Jha co-founder EmotionFulls added “The idea to recreate the 90's has been an ongoing desire for long. Having grown up in that era, we wanted the new generation to know what it was like back then. More importantly, we wanted to provide our generation something to reminisce about.  What better brand than 'Parle-G' to partner with, one that has witnessed it all while being an important part of our childhood”.   

The juggernaut of fun-filled contests on Web Talkies’ ‘Manoranjan ke 100 Din’ continues with ‘Samadhan Ki Samasya’

Continuing its streak of innovative shows coupled with unique contests, Web Talkies, the latest digital home entertainment brand in the country, is set to launch another competition linked with its popular satirical show, ‘Samadhan Ki Samasya’. Based on a hapless helpline operator who does not have a clue on how to solve the tricky situations faced by the callers, the contest calls for creative answers to the question ‘Why do you hate Samadhan’? The participant with the best answer will be awarded a brand new smartphone. Moreover, 10 2^ndprize winners will get a chance to grab amazing goody bags while 50 3^rd prize winners will win special gift vouchers. 

The show, ‘Samadhan Ki Samasya’ has been well appreciated for the whacky scenarios through which the operator and potential problem-solver, S.D. Nagagoje aka Samadhan, becomes the problem himself.  With subtle political undertones and social commentary combined with oodles of humour, the show has quickly become a favourite with Web Talkies’ viewers.

“Viewers share an interesting love-hate relationship with Nagagoje,” Web Talkies Virendra Shahaney said while speaking of the show and the contest. “Keeping his popularity in mind, we thought it would be great to pose a direct question and gauge the different parameters through which viewers relate with the operator’s character. Everyone has, at some point of time, been in this unenviable situation of handling a job or a situation for wh

ich they are completely ill-equipped. Thus, we wanted to explore the different emotions felt by viewers towards a helpline operator who obviously, needs some help himself.”

The ‘Manoranjan ke 100 Din’ campaign was launched by Web Talkies to celebrate the completion of 100 days of entertaining its viewers with fun-filled and variety original entertainment content. On from the 23^rd of September to 21^st of October, a series of contests have already been featured in this campaign, garnering massive response from viewers. With ‘Why do you hate Samadhan’, Web Talkies hopes to continue the exciting stream of audience interaction and endear them further to the characters of its popular web properties.

About Web Talkies:

Launched in July 2016, Web Talkies is a new brand of home entertainment. Conceived and co-founded by former head of fiction programming at Sony Entertainment Television Mr. Virendra Shahaney and backed by Promoter of the Siddhivinayak Group Mr. Kundan Dhake – Web Talkies aims to be amongst the top 5 players in Indian entertainment space in next two years. With its wide range of offerings like original content in fiction and non-fiction space, internationally successful licensed content, Indie content and AFPs, Web Talkies aims to emerge as the destination of choice for the current generation of global Indians.