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Priyanka Chopra’s biopic on Ma Anand Sheela faces delay

On The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Priyanka Chopra had revealed her plans to make a biopic on the controversial Ma Anand Sheela. She had also mentioned that she would not only star in the biopic but also co-produce it under her own production banner, Purple Pebble Pictures. But as things stand today, it looks like the biopic is not going to take off anytime soon.

According to reports doing the rounds, there has been an inordinate delay in the initial stage of the film as the writers are yet to decide what part of the Ma Anand Sheela’s life they want to focus on the most.


According to reports, the team wants the biopic to be different from other ventures based on the controversial life of Ma Anand Sheela. Maclain and Champion Way’s Wild Wild Country is already out on Netflix since 2018. Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan is also reportedly planning a web-series on the same personality. Since the competition is really high, the writers are taking their time in ensuring that Priyanka Chopra’s venture stands out from the rest.

Earlier, Chopra had credited director Barry Levinson for bringing the film to her. "I have to credit director Barry Levinson for bringing this movie to me. He will be directing the project. He and his producers have been researching on this subject and developing it for the last few years. He approached me to develop it with him,” PC was quoted as saying.

For the uninitiated, Ma Anand Sheela was the personal secretary of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. She managed the Rajneeshpuram ashram in Wasco County, Oregon, United States. She has been convicted of multiple attempted murders.

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Inside Netflix’s 50% surge: the regional creators and stories driving Southeast Asia’s global rise

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Highlights:

  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
  • Premium VOD revenue in the region reached £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore) last year, with 53.6 million subscriptions.
  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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