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1 min read

Amish Tripathi at 55th International Film Festival of India: The Role of Cinema in Reviving Traditional Stories Amidst Declining Oral Narratives

Updated: 6 days ago

Amish Tripathi, the renowned author of 'The Shiva Trilogy' and 'Ram Chandra Series,' asserted that films have been reflecting the dynamic realities of society for many decades.

Pritish Bagdi

Amish Tripathi at international film festival of india

Amish Tripathi has made insightful observations regarding the role of cinema in reflecting societal realities. He noted that for many decades, films have served as a mirror to the complexities and nuances of society, capturing the essence of human experiences and the cultural tapestry that shapes our lives. According to him, the effectiveness of storytelling is significantly enhanced when the storyteller is attuned and responsive to the cultural and social dynamics surrounding them. This deep connection to the environment allows for the creation of more authentic and relatable narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Mr. Tripathi further elaborated on his thoughts by highlighting a notable disparity in storytelling approaches between the Hindi film industry and regional cinema. He emphasized that the Hindi film industry has often fallen short in fully leveraging the rich and diverse narratives offered by our ancient literature. This literature is filled with timeless tales, moral dilemmas, and profound philosophies that could enrich cinematic storytelling. In contrast, he observed that regional cinema appears to be in a more advantageous position, as it has been more adept at tapping into these varied stories, drawing from local folklore, traditions, and historical events to create compelling films that resonate with their audiences. Such an approach not only glorify cultural heritage but also fosters a deeper understanding of the values and beliefs intrinsic to different communities.






3 min read

Prasar Bharati Launches WAVES OTT: A New OTT Platform at 55th International Film Festival of India 2024

The Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, officially launched ‘WAVES’, the OTT platform of the national public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, during the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.


Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, along with other dignitaries, was also present at the event.

Swati Bhat

Waves OTT is A new OTT launched by Prasar Bharati

Doordarshan, India’s esteemed public broadcaster, has entered the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform arena to address the increasing demand for digital streaming services. The platform seeks to evoke nostalgia while embracing contemporary digital trends by offering a diverse blend of classic and modern programming. Featuring a library that includes timeless shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log, it appeals to audiences seeking cultural and emotional connections with India's heritage. Additionally, it provides news, documentaries, and regional content, underscoring its dedication to inclusivity and diversity. By leveraging its extensive legacy and national trust, Doordarshan's OTT platform effectively bridges the gap between traditional television and modern streaming, catering to both tech-savvy youth and older generations.

‘WAVES’ has emerged as a major aggregator OTT platform, showcasing Inclusive India stories that embrace Indian culture with an international perspective, available in over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Assamese. It spans more than 10 genres of infotainment and offers video on demand, free-to-play gaming, radio streaming, live TV streaming, 65 live channels, various App-in-App integrations for video and gaming content, and online shopping through an ONDC-supported e-commerce platform. 

In a conscious effort to unlock the potential of young creators in the creative economy, WAVES provides its platform to content creators, including National Creator Awardees like Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, Shraddha Sharma, and others. WAVES has also opened its portal to student graduation films from film and media colleges such as FTII, Annapurna, and AAFT.

New Films and Shows on WAVES to be Screened at IFFI

In alignment with the focus of the 55th IFFI on young filmmakers, WAVES will screen ‘Roll No.52,’ a student graduation film from Annapurna Film and Media Studio by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni.

'Fauji 2.0,' a contemporary adaptation of the iconic 1980s Shahrukh Khan series Fauji, 'Kicking Balls' by Oscar-winning Guneet Monga Kapoor, 'Jackson Halt,' a crime thriller, and 'Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge,' themed around mobile toilets, will be showcased on WAVES.

WAVES features live events such as the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti broadcasted live from Ayodhya and the monthly Mann ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The forthcoming US Premier League Cricket Tournament will be streamed live on WAVES starting 22nd November, 2024. WAVES will also initiate a Cyber Security awareness campaign with daily video messages in collaboration with CDAC, MeitY. This initiative is supported by programs like Cyber Crime ki Duniya (a fictional series) and Cyber Alert (by DD News features).

Additional films and shows on WAVES include the fantasy action superhero film 'Monkey King: The Hero is Back', the national award-winning Fouja, Armaan, Vipul Shah’s thriller series Bhed Bharam, the family drama Thode Door Thode Paas featuring Pankaj Kapoor, Kailash Kher’s music reality show Bharat ka Amrit Kalash, Sarpanch, BeCubed by Hotmail Founder Sabeer Bhatia, and women-centric shows and films such as Corporate Sarpanch, Dashmi, and Kariathi, Jaanki. WAVES also offers a selection of popular animated programs including Doggy Adventure, Chota Bheem, Tenaliram, Akbar Birbal, and games like Krishna Jump, Fruit Chef, Ram the Yodha, and Cricket Premier League tournament.

Expanding the diversity of content formats, languages, genres, and reach, WAVES includes live channels such as Doordarshan, Akashvani, and various private channels spanning categories like news, general entertainment, music, devotional content, and sports.

Central Government Ministries and states are collaborating with Prasar Bharati to co-develop and contribute diverse content, including docudramas, dramatized or fictionalized shows, and reality shows with entertainment value, serving as effective vehicles for meaningful messages. Notable content includes a documentary on the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court of India, the NFDC archives titled Cinemas of India, and rare archival content from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, featuring historical photos, journals, and publications. Contributions from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, IGNCA, Ministry of Culture, and India Post enrich WAVES with informative and entertaining programming.

The digital experience of WAVES blends Indian cultural ethos with a modern look and feel, offering a user-friendly interface, cross-platform compatibility, personalized profiles, and curated playlists, enhancing the streaming experience.

This launch represents a significant advancement not only for Prasar Bharati but also for digital media and OTT audiences, as it delivers a comprehensive infotainment ecosystem.

How can I download WAVES for iPhone and iPad?

How can I download WAVES for Windows PC?






2 min read

Riteish Deshmukh: Honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 'Raja Shivaji'

Mumbai [India], February 19, 2024: Actor Riteish Deshmukh is set to direct a film about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life. He will also play the title role.


Swati Bhat

Image courtesy: Riteish Deshmukh Official X


Riteish expressed his excitement about directing the film 'Raja Shivaji' in a statement, saying, "In the annals of history, there comes a figure who transcends mere earthly existence--a legend, an emblem, an eternal flame of inspiration. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is more than a historical character; he is an emotion, a timeless story of courage, and a beacon of hope that has ignited hearts for almost three and a half centuries."

He continued, "Our ultimate desire has always been to immortalize his awe-inspiring journey on the grand canvas of cinema--a voyage of epic proportions, chronicling the ascent of a youngster who defied the unbeatable, kindling the flames of Swarajya. A renegade whose daring knew no bounds, he didn't only govern territory, he conquered hearts, earning the affectionate title of 'Raja Shivaji'. "

The musical composition will be crafted by the brilliant team Ajay-Atul.

"Even after decades, there is only one king on this Earth, whose presence stays forever alive in our hearts, breath, and blood. We are excited as the story of his valor, the thrill of his prowess is poised to echo globally through this film venture," Ajay-Atul added.

Speaking about the project, Genelia stated, "Bringing the epic life of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on celluloid has been our long-standing ambition. We engage on a noble journey, not merely to produce a film, but to weave a narrative thread that enriches the tapestry of our culture and history. 'Raja Shivaji' is our biggest goal and we couldn't have found a greater partner than Jyoti Deshpande and Jio Studios, who have a record of executing the unthinkable. It's not just a big honor but an immense responsibility, and we seek your good wishes as we pursue our calling."

Presented by Jio Studios, made under the umbrella of Mumbai Film Company, 'Raja Shivaji' is directed by Riteish Deshmukh and produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Genelia Deshmukh.

The film will be co-produced by co-produced by Genelia Deshmukh.




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