Category Archives: Business

EV Startup Vidyut Expands BaaS Offerings with dollar2.5M Funding from Flourish Ventures

India, 27 February 2025: Vidyut, a full-stack electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem platform, has raised $2.5 million in funding from global fintech investor Flourish Ventures. The funding will fuel expansion of Vidyut’s Battery-as-a-Service offerings in both passenger and commercial EV segments. This investment reinforces Vidyut’s mission to accelerate India’s clean energy transition by making EV ownership accessible and affordable for SMBs.

 “With proven unit economics, strong 15% month-on-month growth, and long-term OEM partnerships, this investment will help us scale our innovative financing and lifecycle solutions across new vehicle segments,” said Xitij Kothi, Co-Founder, Vidyut. “Vidyut has solved one of EV financing’s biggest challenges – battery degradation risk. By analyzing real-time performance data across state of health, discharge patterns, and usage metrics, we accurately predict battery life and value. This data-driven approach enables us to offer usage-based financing that aligns with actual asset performance, making EVs both affordable and financially viable for businesses in a way traditional finance cannot replicate. We’re excited to partner with Flourish Ventures to make EVs accessible and profitable for businesses nationwide.”

 Founded in 2021 by ex-Swiggy and Bounce executives Xitij Kothi and Gaurav Srivastava, Vidyut revolutionized commercial EV financing. By unbundling batteries from EVs and offering them on a pay-per-km subscription basis, Vidyut reduced upfront 3W EV costs by 35-40%, making them significantly cheaper than ICE vehicles from day one.

“We at Flourish Ventures believe that finance will have a key role in enabling actions towards climate change. As the economy transitions to sustainable solutions like electric vehicles, access to credit will play a key role to adoption in India,” said Harsh Gupta, Principal, Flourish Ventures. “With its unique Battery-as-a-Service offering, Vidyut provides innovative financial solutions that help users reduce their upfront costs while addressing common concerns around battery life and replacement costs. We are continually impressed by the team and the growth they have demonstrated, and we look forward to their continued impact in accelerating the transition to climate-friendly solutions.”

 In 2023, Vidyut expanded its offering to include EV resale and lifecycle management solutions, a move that has seen rapid customer adoption and market traction. In Sep 2024, the company entered the passenger EV market through a partnership with JSW MG Motor India, marking India’s first BaaS model for four-wheelers that cuts upfront vehicle costs by 30%.

 With key industry partners like TATA Motors, JSW MG Motor India, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, Piaggio, Euler Motors, and a strong distribution network across 30 cities, Vidyut has empowered micro-entrepreneurs and fleet operators to make the sustainable choice, while increasing their earnings by 10-15% through EV adoption.

 With its data-centric approach, Vidyut has in a short span of time also launched an EV resale platform for the three-wheeler commercial vehicle segment, which manages the entire process—from inspection and valuation to sale and RTO documentation. This new platform has streamlined the resale process for commercial EV owners and has helped customers realise upto 10-15% better than ICE counterparts in secondary markets.

NTPC Electron Quiz 2025: Noida Winners Announced, Semi-Finals Set to Begin

New Delhi, 27th February 2025: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, successfully concluded the NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 in Noida, witnessing participation from 64 teams representing 16 colleges from across Delhi-NCR. After a competitive battle of wits, FMS, Delhi’s team comprising Ankita Shandilya and Shashank Tyagi secured the top position. The first runner-up title was claimed by Muhammad Mahatab and Shushant Adlakha, also from FMS, Delhi.

With their remarkable performance, the top two teams from Noida have qualified for the national semi-finals, set to take place on 27th February 2025 at NTPC Power Management Institute (PMI), Noida. They will compete against winners from eight other regional competitions—Ranchi, Kolkata, Patna, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Raipur, and Lucknow. A total of 18 teams will participate in the semi-finals, out of which the best six will advance to the grand finale on 28th February 2025.

The NTPC Electron Quiz 2025 offers substantial cash prizes at both regional and national levels. At the national level, the champions will be awarded Rs 50,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000, respectively.

As NTPC marks its golden jubilee, this edition of the Electron Quiz continues to promote industry-academia collaboration and encourage students to showcase their analytical and problem-solving skills, reinforcing NTPC’s commitment to knowledge development and future leadership.

Startup Mahakumbh Launches ‘Startup Maha Rathi’ with Rs30 Cr Prize Pool

New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in collaboration with Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), IVCA, HDFC, among others, announced the launch of the Startup Maha Rathi challenge as part of the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh. A flagship initiative aimed at empowering Indian startups through every nook and corner of the country with funding, mentorship, and strategic guidance, this challenge aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed economy (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. The challenge is set to provide access to up to a ₹30 crore fund, mentorship from industry experts, and networking opportunities with global investors. In addition, it will also entail special awards for innovative startups from emerging states and union territories through a dedicated program.

Startup Maha Rathi – Rising towards Viksit Bharat – is designed to open doors for budding entrepreneurs across 11 key sectors, including AI & DeepTech, BioTech & Healthtech, Gaming & Sports, Fintech, Incubators & Accelerators, Mobility, Agritech, B2B & Precision Manufacturing, D2C, ClimateTech, and Defence & SpaceTech. The program would be awarded by the Honourable Minister of Commerce and Industry and is aimed at equipping startups with the necessary resources to scale their operations and contribute to India’s technological and economic advancement. Startups selected through this initiative will gain exposure to global markets through Startup India, access to mentorship from industry veterans, investor networking opportunities, and national-level recognition by DPIIT.

The competition will follow a structured, multi-phase selection process, beginning with the application launch on February 26, 2025, and culminating in an exclusive live pitching finale from April 3-5, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. While each startup shortlisted for the grand jury round receives a guaranteed ₹1 Lakh, the top two startups from each sector will be awarded ₹10 Lakh respectively, while the next five will receive ₹5 lakh each. The next 5 startups in each track will gain access to ₹3 lakhs each in addition to financial grants, participating startups will receive expert guidance and investor access through a jury comprising 100+ leading VCs, angel investors, and domain specialists from Startup India and organizations such as Avaana Capital, LetsVenture, KDEM, IVCA, HDFC among many others.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, said, “The Startup Maha Rathi initiative marks a pivotal stride toward achieving India’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’ By offering strategic financial support and expert mentorship, this initiative will empower the nation’s most promising startups to scale, innovate, and drive transformative change, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, added, “India’s startup ecosystem is at an inflection point, and initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that high-potential ventures receive the right support to thrive. By enabling a strong innovation-driven culture, the initiative will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of disruptive entrepreneurs.”

Commenting on the initiative, Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, DPIIT, said, “Our mission is to focus on bridging the gap between startups and investors and this initiative will provide a structured, high-impact platform for startups to showcase their innovations and gain direct access to funding and mentorship.”

Anjali Bansal, Founding Partner, Avaana Capital, stated, “Initiatives like Startup Maha Rathi provide catalytic support to entrepreneurs solving for India’s critical priorities—green growth, sustainability, energy transition, food systems, agriculture, and deep tech. The programs not only showcase India’s entrepreneurial strength but also reinforce our ability to develop scalable solutions aligned with national priorities and position India as a global leader to accelerate towards a sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive Viksit Bharat.”

Prashant Prakash, Founding Partner, Accel, remarked, “Aimed at evaluating more than 5,000 startups, Startup Maha Rathi presents a unique opportunity to identify and invest in startups that have the potential to drive India’s economic transformation. We are proud to collaborate on this initiative and support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses with the right financial and strategic backing.”

Indian Bank Organises Mega SHG Credit Campaign

Chennai, February 27, 2025: Indian Bank today organized a Mega SHG Credit Campaign at Thiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, to empower the Women SHG members in the State. The Bank sanctioned SHG loans amounting to over Rs.1500 Crores to various beneficiaries. Shri Binod Kumar, MD & CEO of the Bank handed over the sanction tickets to the beneficiaries in a program held at Thiruchirapalli.

The event saw the participation of around 1,000 women SHG members. During the occasion, the Bank also recognized NGOs, who have made considerable efforts in promoting SHGs and providing rural women a better social status. To further encourage self-reliance, the Bank provided a platform for showcasing products manufactured by local SHG members. By supporting the income-generation initiatives of these rural women, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to improving the living conditions of rural families and their upliftment.

The bank also entered into an MoU with M/s. Sri Vethaa Diary Pvt Ltd aims to facilitate hassle-free loans to dairy farmers in the district through digital diary loans, a recent initiative by the Bank. Shri Chandrasekaran. V, General Manager (FI/Rural Banking / SLBC / RRB), along with senior officials of the Bank, was present at the event.

ServiceDesk Plus by ManageEngine Receives ITIL Certification for 14 ITSM Practices

Chennai, India — Feb. 27, 2025 — ManageEngine, a division of Zoho Corp. and a leading provider of enterprise IT management solutions, today announced that ServiceDesk Plus, its flagship AI-driven unified service management platform, has achieved ITIL-certification for 14 key ITSM practices, awarded by PeopleCert, a premier global training and certification provider. The certification and inclusion of ManageEngine as a Silver-tier member in PeopleCert’s ATV program validates ManageEngine’s efforts towards building an ITSM platform aligned with industry-recognized best practices.

PeopleCert’s ITIL-ATV Program

ITIL continues to be the most widely recognized ITSM best practice standard globally, guiding organizations focused on streamlining their service delivery workflows. PeopleCert’s ATV program verifies the ITIL alignment of IT service management vendors by undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the tool’s functionality and the ITIL proficiency of staff engaged in functions like development, sales and implementation on the vendor’s side.

ManageEngine’s position in the ATV program signifies the organization’s proficiency in the ITSM domain and its expertise in building a service management platform that is closely aligned with ITIL. This empowers customers to design and implement industry-recommended best practice workflows right out of the box on the ServiceDesk Plus platform.

Dmitry Isaychenko, portfolio director at PeopleCert, added, “Businesses trust ITIL for success. For them, ITIL is not just a brand but a source of proven best practices. Claims of ITIL adherence raise their expectations regarding the quality of implementations. This is why PeopleCert launched the ATV accreditation program. Today, we are delighted to welcome ManageEngine as an ITIL-accredited tool vendor. Together, we can help customers make more informed decisions when selecting ITSM tools and planning long-term investments in their implementations.”

14 Key ITSM Practices Certified With ITIL Alignment

This certification marks ServiceDesk Plus’ ITIL alignment for 14 practices, which include Change Enablement, Deployment Management, Incident Management, IT Asset Management, Knowledge Management, Measurement and Reporting, Monitoring & Event Management, Problem Management, Release Management, Service Catalogue Management, Service Configuration Management, Service Financial Management, Service Level Management and Service Request Management.

Currently, ManageEngine has been onboarded as a Silver-level member with plans to move up the tiers by certifying more ManageEngine staff in the coming year. “We are excited to partner with PeopleCert and join their ITIL-ATV program. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to building a best-in-class service management platform that adheres to industry best practices,” said Kumaravel Ramakrishnan, director of technology at ManageEngine. “For over 20 years, ServiceDesk Plus has been empowering customers to streamline service delivery for IT and other business teams. We will further this with deep investments in cutting-edge tech like AI to deliver transformative value to customers and prospects. ServiceDesk Plus will continue to evolve as an intelligent service management platform that aligns with industry best practices, providing transformational business outcomes to enterprise IT teams.”

Ludic’s New Ad Film for Sliders Campaign Delivers Laughs and Fun

India-wide release, 27th February 2025: Ludic, a footwear-first lifestyle brand known for its distinct and playful approach to fashion, launched its flagship Slider collection with a relatable and engaging ad campaign. Featuring the tagline “Comfort aisa, ki ab kya bataayein,” the ad combined nostalgia with comedy and has been well-received by audiences across all ages, from Millennials to Gen-Z, proving that comfort is cool for everyone, a trend that never dies.

With its second film, it brings comfort into focus through a hilarious exchange between a doctor, a father and his teenage son. When the doctor informs the family that the son’s legs must be amputated, the son remains unfazed — until his father excitedly points out that he can now use his son’s Ludic Sliders. In a comedic twist, the son is willing to wear the Sliders on his hands rather than part with them, emphasising just how comfortable they are. With its clever storytelling, the ad reinforces the idea that Ludic Sliders are the ultimate choice for all ages, delivering unparalleled comfort and style.

The new Slider collection is the result of over eight months of meticulous development, designed to push the envelope of comfort in footwear. Made from the ground up, these Sliders break the mold – quite literally – offering an all-new level of ease and style.

Ishit Jethwa, the Founder of Ludic, said, “At Ludic, we believe comfort is for everyone—whether you’re a college student, a working professional, or someone simply looking for everyday ease. The Slider collection is a reflection of this belief, designed to offer a seamless blend of comfort and style for all age groups. Once again, collaborating with Braindad was a fantastic experience in bringing this vision to life. The film perfectly encapsulates the brand’s essence—fun, functional, and deeply relatable. The humor-driven narrative not only entertains but also reinforces how Ludic embraces wit and playfulness, making comfort the true hero of the story.”

Vishal Dayama & Devarsh Thaker, Co-founders, Braindad added, “Collaborating with Ludic for this ad campaign has been an exciting journey – it’s a brand that not only embraces bold and fresh ideas but actively encourages them. From day one, they trusted us and gave us the creative freedom to push boundaries and create a campaign that truly reflects Ludic’s playful yet relatable personality. This made all the difference, allowing us to bring Ludic’s vision to life in a way that feels authentic and undeniably fun.”

Ludic sliders are built with rugged CloudFrame™ material and a recovery EVA footbed designed to promote muscle recovery and deliver an unwinding experience. The no-stitch design enhances durability, while the unique shape ensures a secure fit, preventing slippage. Available in six vibrant colourways, these sliders combine style, comfort, and versatility, making them perfect for any occasion. Priced accessibly, the sliders reflect Ludic’s commitment to offering quality products without compromising affordability. The collection is now available on Ludic’s website and leading e-commerce platforms, ensuring convenient access for customers nationwide.

VFAE Launches ‘Shiva Shakthi’: Robotic Elephant for Ethical Alternative in Kerala

Thrissur, 27th-02-2025 – In response to the ongoing crisis surrounding captive elephant welfare and public safety in Kerala, Voices for Asian Elephants (VFAE) has launched Shiva Shakthi, a life-sized robotic elephant, at Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple near Mala, Thrissur. This pioneering initiative offers a humane and culturally sensitive alternative, allowing temples to uphold sacred traditions without the cruelty and dangers associated with live elephants. VFAE is now accepting requests from temples seeking to adopt their robotic elephant, which the organization will consider sponsoring.

The launch of Shiva Shakthi comes as Kerala grapples with a surge in tragic incidents involving captive elephants. In just two months of 2025, six people have lost their lives due to captive elephant-related incidents. A festival in Koyilandi, Calicut district, turned into a tragedy, leaving three people dead and 50 injured when two distressed elephants, tormented by fireworks and exhaustion, panicked. Another captive elephant in Thrissur gored his mahout and ran 14 kilometers in distress before being recaptured. In 2024 alone, 24 captive elephants died due to neglect, mistreatment, and disease. Over the past six years, 154 elephants have perished in Kerala, alongside countless human casualties.

“We have an opportunity to rewrite history, to lead the way in compassionate traditions. The high-tech, high-touch robotic elephant is the future—it allows us to preserve our sacred customs while upholding the values of ahimsa (non-violence) that are deeply rooted in our culture. This is not about abandoning tradition; it is about evolving with wisdom and kindness. If we truly respect our heritage, then we must embrace progress that honors all living beings—human and elephant alike,” said Sangita Iyer, Founding Executive Director of VFAE.

Shiva Shakthi stands 10 feet tall, weighs 600kg, and is crafted from fiber and rubber, offering a lifelike presence. Its eyes, ears, tail, and trunk move electrically, and it can even carry up to four people, ensuring temples can conduct rituals without inflicting suffering. The robotic elephant was designed by Four He-Arts Creations in Chalakudi, marking a breakthrough in ethical festival practices.

“We believe in the concept of robotic elephants, and we’re seeing increasing awareness among temples regarding the ethical concerns and safety risks posed by live elephants. We are deeply grateful to Voices for Asian Elephants for their generous sponsorship of Shiva Shakthi,” said C.D. Sreenath, President of Vijnanadayini Sabha, the public trust managing Chakkamparambu Sree Bhagavathi Temple.

This initiative follows the successful pilot project at Sree Sankaran Kovil, where VFAE introduced Tamil Nadu’s first robotic elephant. More temples are recognizing that tradition does not need to come at the cost of cruelty.

Beyond addressing captive elephant welfare, VFAE is also committed to protecting wild elephants. VFAE’s dedication extends far beyond temple festivals. The organization has Donated 4 acres of private land in Kerala’s South Nilambur, securing a vital corridor for 340 wild elephants. Prevented 1,139 train-elephant collisions in West Bengal using AI-driven EleSense technology. Planted 50,300 elephant-friendly trees, restoring habitats while employing 200+ tribal individuals in Odisha.

V. K Venkitachalam Secretary -Heritage Animal Task Force, Thrissur attended the ceremony representing VFAE.

GoDaddy Study: 37Percent of Indian Female Small Business Owners Are Primary Earners

National, 27 February 2025 – Indian women entrepreneurs are leading households financially and spearheading artificial intelligence (AI) adoption to power their small businesses. GoDaddy’s 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey reveals these women are redefining success with confidence and resilience, using technology to streamline operations and inspire a new era of business opportunity and innovation in a post-COVID world.

In India, over a quarter (27%) of small businesses surveyed are women-owned, with 74% of these reporting as having launched their business in the last five years. These statistics highlight the growing presence of women in entrepreneurship in India and underscore their resilience, especially considering the challenging economic climate brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago.

AI is championing women’s entrepreneurship

Women entrepreneurs are not just running their businesses, they are excelling with unwavering confidence. A staggering 90% of those surveyed expressed their belief in their capabilities, a testament to their well-founded strength in the business arena. Additionally, 58%AI will help their small business compete with larger, better-resourced companies in the next year.

For example, Indian women are reporting saving 12 hours per week by using AI tools –such as GoDaddy Airo®, an AI-powered experience that simplifies website creation, logo design, and digital marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. This time saved equates to over one working day per week, time which they spend on coming up with creative ideas (47%), learning new skills or improving current ones (41%), and planning the future of the business (34%).

Women entrepreneurs are resilient in the face of economic uncertainty

Despite mixed emotions about the current Indian economy, with only 38% feeling very optimistic, women entrepreneurs remain resilient. 81% believe their business will grow in the next 3-5 years, which is higher than men (77%).

And these are not just predictions. Over one-third (37%) of women entrepreneurs in India are
the primary income earners for their households. These women are contributing to local economies, creating new jobs , and supporting families.

Female business leaders are embracing digital tools to grow

In addition to finding fulfillment in creating their source of income (58%) and supporting their family (52%), women entrepreneurs take joy in learning new skills to run their businesses (44%).

“With AI-powered tools like GoDaddy Airo, women entrepreneurs can free up time to spend it on what really matters to them,” said Laura Messerschmidt, President of International Markets at GoDaddy. “Whether that is growing their business, focusing on family or enhancing their skills, Indian women are inspiring the next generation of successful women business leaders.”

Entrepreneurship is playing an increasingly pivotal role in women’s lives with 79% of respondents saying it has enhanced their quality of life, offering a sense of fulfillment and empowerment with the opportunity to pursue their passion.

“GoDaddy’s findings confirm that technology is a powerful equalizer, enabling women to redefine their roles in business,” continued Messerschmidt. “GoDaddy is here to support Indians dreaming of becoming their boss but haven’t found the time to start their own business. Starting a business is never easy, but GoDaddy Airo makes it a whole lot easier.”

Key capabilities of GoDaddy Airo include brand creation, digital marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO), navigated in an intuitive user-friendly interface with no technical expertise required. GoDaddy Airo generates custom logos, websites, and email addresses within minutes, develops targeted social media campaigns aligned with local events, and enhances online visibility with built-in AI SEO.

TECNO Unveils AI Ecosystem with Cutting-Edge CAMON 40 Series

New Delhi, February 27th, 2025: TECNO, an innovative, AI-driven technology brand, has just unveiled more details about the upcoming launch of its latest flagship imaging and AI smartphone, the CAMON 40 Series, as well as its newest AI-driven product ecosystem, including the AI laptop MEGABOOK S14 and AI glasses series, at MWC Barcelona 2025.

These innovations will debut at the “TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch” event on March 4, reinforcing TECNO’s commitment to pioneering AI adoption and improving the intelligent connected experience for consumers in emerging markets.

The Newest AI-driven CAMON 40 Series: Redefining Mobile Photography with Powerful Snap Anytime

With a legacy of redefining smartphone photography, TECNO’s CAMON Series has consistently delivered superior imaging experiences and cutting-edge technology to users worldwide. As the flagship camera phone product line of TECNO, the CAMON 40 Series is expected to set a new benchmark with advanced features, offering unprecedented snap photography while introducing incredible AI-enhanced experiences. Designed for effortless interactions, the CAMON 40 Series will enable users to capture fleeting moments instantly while enjoying a highly efficient device that can meet users’ unique needs.

The CAMON 40 Series will bring a significant leap forward in mobile photography, combining cutting-edge hardware with TECNO’s advanced AI imaging technology. It will introduce a groundbreaking advancement that revolutionizes the snap photography experience with zero-delay performance and a one-tap button. This innovation will enable users to capture dynamic moments with unprecedented speed and creative freedom. Powered by TECNO AI and the latest MediaTek Ultimate processors, the series will deliver smoother multi-skin tone imaging processing and AI Imaging Creation.

TECNO AI is set to be another major highlight of the new series. From image generation to content creation, to intelligent search, and smart calling, the TECNO CAMON 40 Series powered by TECNO AI will bring practical AI features to consumers’ daily lives. More details will be disclosed at the launch event.

Newest AI Flagship Laptop S14 and TECNO AI Glasses Series: Seamless Connectivity and Productivity Powered by TECNO AI

Guided by the philosophy of “TECNO AI, So Easy”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the infinite potential of practical AI across its entire product ecosystem, making cutting-edge innovation more accessible and delivering exceptional experiences tailored to users in emerging markets. Building on this vision, TECNO will introduce a significant upgrade of its AIoT ecosystem with the AI flagship MEGABOOK S14 laptop and its debut AI glasses series, enabling smarter, more intuitive interactions across devices.

The new AI-powered MEGABOOK S14—the world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop—redefines portable productivity with AI-enhanced tools, revolutionizing on-the-go work and creativity. Meanwhile, TECNO’s first AI glasses series, including the TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, merges powerful AI functions with advanced imaging capabilities and a sleek design. These interconnected devices form a unified, intelligent ecosystem, enriching everyday experiences through seamless AI integration. With this comprehensive and user-centric approach, TECNO is shaping the future of AI-driven innovation across all aspects of life.

TECNO warmly invites all MWC Barcelona 2025 attendees to visit its booth at 6B11, Hall 6, Fira Gran Via, and experience the revolutionary imaging technologies and AI-powered smart lifestyle offered by the CAMON 40 Series, AI PC MEGABOOK S14, and TECNO’s first AI glasses series.

The Eye’, Featuring Shruti Haasan’s to Have its India Premiere at Wench Film Festival

Mumbai, India, February 27, 2025: Acclaimed Indian actress and musician Shruti Haasan is set to make her international debut as a leading lady in the much-anticipated British psychological thriller The Eye, directed by Daphne Schmon. The film will have its India premiere as the opening feature of the 5th Wench Film Festival, founded by Sapna Bhavnani—India’s pioneering festival dedicated to horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films—taking place from February 27 to March 2, 2025.

The Eye tells the haunting story of Diana (played by Shruti Haasan), who journeys to the remote island where her husband Felix (Mark Rowley) drowned, seeking closure by scattering his ashes. However, her grief soon turns to intrigue when she learns of the mysterious ‘Evil Eye’ ritual—an ancient practice that might bring Felix back but demands a dark and unsettling sacrifice.

The film was shot on location in Athens and Corfu, harnessing the atmospheric beauty of Greece to heighten the film’s eerie and suspenseful tone. Following its initial screening at the London Independent Film Festival and its showcase at the Greek International Film Festival, The Eye continues to generate excitement among global audiences.

Speaking on the eve of the Indian premiere of her film, Shruti Haasan shared, “Psychological thrillers have always been a genre that fascinates me. To be part of a story that dives deep into human emotions, grief, and the supernatural is incredibly exciting. Besides the fact that the film has a riveting storyline and top-notch production quality, what makes this project even more special is that it was created under an all-women-led production house, which aligns with my passion for supporting women in the film industry. Furthermore, this film champions a sustainable way of filmmaking, something that the world desperately needs. If we want to continue telling our stories, we must be able to tell them in a manner that is conscious of our impact.”

Talking about The Eye, director Daphne Schmon said, “The Eye is both a love letter to Corfu, the island where my family is from and an exploration of the dark psychological impulses surrounding grief. The story demanded an actor who could embody its emotional depth and complexity, and Shruti Haasan was the perfect fit. Her ability to navigate Diana’s grief, paranoia, and resilience with such authenticity is truly remarkable. It was only an artist of Shruti’s caliber who could do justice to this role, and she has delivered a stellar performance that will leave a lasting impact.”

Produced by Fingerprint Content, The Eye represents a fresh and compelling approach to filmmaking, integrating sustainability into the production process. The film’s team has taken significant steps to ensure an environmentally responsible shoot, setting a precedent for future projects.