Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Nikkhil Advani: It’s a disservice to content by making it for a particular audience and then passing it on to the digital

Nikkhil Advani: It’s a disservice to content by making it for a particular audience and then passing it on to the digital

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic engulfed the whole world in its claws, dozens of high-profile Bollywood films have had their direct-to-digital premieres, bypassing theatrical release. Filmmakers have valid reasons for not holding their ready-to-release titles and heading to streaming media platforms for their premieres.

Filmmaker Nikkhil Advani says it is not easy to hold back ready projects. He, however, adds that the pandemic has taught him that he should not opt for streaming media platforms if the content is not designed for the medium.


Advani has multiple films in the pipeline, including Bell Bottom, Satyameva Jayate 2 and Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. The Akshay Kumar starrer Bell Bottom is set to release theatrically on August 19. If all goes well, the other two titles will also arrive in cinemas only.

“It is extremely difficult to hold on to projects. The lure, the ease to go direct to digital is always there. But what we have learnt in the last year is that it is a disservice to the content by making it for a particular audience and then passing it on to the digital,” Advani told a newswire.

The filmmaker said his banner, Emmay Entertainment, has formed dedicated verticals for feature films and projects meant for the streaming platforms. In December 2020, his production Indoo Ki Jawani released theatrically while this year, Sardar Ka Grandson, starring Arjun Kapoor, premiered on Netflix.

"Something like a Satyameva Jayate 2 is meant for the theatrical release as it was designed that way. Our second vertical is working on the digital space, developing and producing stuff primarily for the OTT,” he added.

Advani said the case with Bell Bottom is different, as the film's burden is more with producers Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani and Deepshikha Deshmukh of Pooja Entertainment. The Ranjit M Tewari directorial spy thriller will be the first Hindi movie to hit theatres during the second wave of the pandemic.

"The burden of Bell Bottom lies more with the Bhagnanis as well as Akshay Kumar. As far as Emmay was concerned, we developed the story and had a director with us who wanted to make the film. "In effect, both the story and the director were loaned out to the Bhagnanis. They had signed up Akshay and he wanted to do this film so he got the two of us together."

On the digital front, the filmmaker is gearing up for the release of his period action-drama series, The Empire, on Disney +Hotstar. He has the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Mumbai Diaries 26/11, a medical drama that revolves around the frontline heroes who saved many lives during the Mumbai terror attacks.

More For You

Payal Kapadia receives 'historic' Golden Globes nomination

Payal Kapadia receives 'historic' Golden Globes nomination

FILMMAKER Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light", a Mumbai-set story about three women and their friendship, on Monday (9) received two nominations at the 82nd Golden Globes in the Best Motion Picture Non-English Language and the Best Direction - Motion Picture categories.

Earlier this year, the film became the first Indian movie to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes in May.

Keep ReadingShow less
Healing and family secrets unfold in 'The Taste of Mango'
A still from The Taste of Mango.

Healing and family secrets unfold in 'The Taste of Mango'

BRITISH SRI LANKAN director Chloe Abraham’s debut feature, The Taste of Mango, journeys from personal anger and bitterness to empathy and love.

With a patient ear and unending curiosity, she captures the pain and resentment locked over years in family secrets.

Keep ReadingShow less
My Playlist with Five YearsFromNow
Five YearsFromNow

My Playlist with Five YearsFromNow

HYDERABAD-BASED trio Five YearsFromNow have carved out a unique niche with their eclectic sound, blending diverse musical influences into compelling tracks.

Their recently released single Kya Hua takes listeners on an intimate journey of self-awareness and discovery, adding another milestone to their impressive repertoire. With more music on the way, the talented band – Kai Gurung (lyricist and vocalist), Sumanth Krishna Battu (producer), and Shan Paul (drummer) – are undoubtedly ones to watch.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rappers Sean Combs and Jay Z  attend the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2015 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)
Rappers Sean Combs and Jay Z attend the 2015 NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2015 in New York City. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jay-Z, Diddy accused of raping 13-year-old in updated civil suit

MUSICIAN and producer Jay-Z has been accused in a lawsuit filed on Sunday of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside hip-hop star Sean Combs in 2000, according to court documents. The updated complaint is part of a civil case against Combs, and Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, has denied the allegations.

The lawsuit alleges that Carter and Combs assaulted the minor at an afterparty following the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2000. "Another celebrity stood by and watched as Combs and Carter took turns assaulting the minor. Many others were present at the afterparty, but did nothing to stop the assault," the complaint reads.

Keep ReadingShow less
An A-to-Z look at Indian TV in 2024: Highs, lows, and unforgettable moments
Anupamaa

An A-to-Z look at Indian TV in 2024: Highs, lows, and unforgettable moments

THE world of Indian television witnessed another eventful year, filled with new shows, record-breaking serials, celebrity milestones, candid confessions, and some unexpected flops.

Eastern Eye takes a comprehensive look back at the year with an A-to-Z rundown of the highlights.

Keep ReadingShow less