30, Dec 2025
Airtel Launches Exclusive Cartoon Network Classics for Enhanced Entertainment
Pune, Dec 30:- Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today announced the launch of the “Airtel Cartoon Network Classics” an exclusive value-added service available on Airtel Digital TV in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery. The new channel brings together some of the most iconic animated franchises from Cartoon Network, creating a dedicated destination for timeless storytelling and family-friendly entertainment.
Airtel Cartoon Network Classics brings back a beloved lineup of timeless favorites such as Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, Johnny Bravo and several other classics. Curated for audiences who grew up with these much loved and timeless shows, the channel will also allow families to introduce new generations to the animated stories that became part of the cultural zeitgeist of the ’90s and 2000s while continuing to resonate today.
Commenting on the launch, Pushpinder Singh Gujral, DTH-Business Head, Airtel said;
“Airtel Cartoon Network Classics adds a unique entertainment layer to our portfolio and offers customers a chance to reconnect with iconic stories and characters that are loved even today. We are pleased to make this channel available to all our DTH & IPTV users and look forward to bringing more such experiences to our customers.”
Priced at INR 59 per month and available on Channel 445 in both English and Hindi language, the ad-free channel can be accessed across both connected set-top boxes such as Xstream and IPTV, as well as non-connected HD and SD boxes, enabling uninterrupted viewing without the need for any additional equipment.
Talking about the collaboration, Arjun Nohwar, Managing Director, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said;
“Cartoon Network Classics celebrates the enduring legacy of characters and stories that have entertained audiences worldwide for generations. At Warner Bros. Discovery, our focus is on keeping these stories accessible and relevant for today’s audiences. Through our collaboration with Airtel, we are pleased to bring these iconic favourites to Indian screens in a new and accessible format, enabling fans to reconnect with cherished childhood memories while introducing a new generation to the original cartoons that helped shape global pop culture.”
The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery adds to Airtel’s increasing array of value-added entertainment services, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality, distinctive, and family-friendly content. By introducing Cartoon Network Classics as an exclusive offering, Airtel is expanding its content leadership and deepening interaction with viewers of all ages.
Customers can activate Airtel Cartoon Network Classics through set-top box, missed call, through the Airtel Thanks app. With multiple easy-to-use options, subscribers can begin enjoying their favorite classic cartoons within seconds, without any complex steps or waiting times.
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- By Neel Achary
30, Dec 2025
From Franchises to Fresh Formats, Amazon MX Player Powered India’s Streaming in 2025
Mumbai, Dec 30:- In a year where Indian OTT viewing shifted from mindless scrolling to intentional, high-stakes selection, Amazon MX Player emerged as the ultimate destination for stories that truly matter. Viewers gravitated towards shows that felt familiar yet bold, rooted yet entertaining. By blending the raw grit of unscripted reality with star-studded original dramas, Amazon MX Player became the engine that made India stream, offering a slate that moved seamlessly across power, ambition, friendship, and fear, all within a free-to-watch ecosystem.
The year kicked off with StreamNext, where Amazon MX Player outlined an ambitious roadmap of 100 titles, including 40 Hindi Originals, streaming for FREE. Strong, long-running franchises continued to anchor viewership, led by Ek Badnaam Aashram Season 3 Part 2 starring Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala, the show shattered streaming myths by attracting over 250 million viewers, consistently dominating the Ormax Media charts as India’s most-watched series. The strength of the scripted slate was further bolstered by returning giants like Half CA Season 2 starring Ahsaas Channa, Hunter Season 2 with the powerhouse duo of Suniel Shetty and Jackie Shroff, Jamnapaar Season 2, and Gutar Gu Season 3. These titles didn’t just bring back familiar faces; they delivered the high-intensity drama and emotional vulnerability that contemporary viewers crave. The service proved its versatility with Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery, a psychological thriller inspired by real events that relied on atmospheric investigation rather than spectacle, starring Karan Tacker and Kalki Koechlin.
Reality programming became a primary driver of excitement in 2025, evolving into idea-led formats that captured the national imagination. Rise and Fall, hosted by the unfiltered Ashneer Grover, featuring faces like Pawan Singh, Arjun Bijlani, Kiku Sharda, Dhanashree Verma and more, became a breakout social experiment on power dynamics, amassing a staggering 500 million views and ranking among the Top 2 reality shows in India as per Ormax ratings. Performance-led shows also hit new peaks, with Hip Hop India Season 2 featuring Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, which emerged as the country’s 1 reality show between Jan-Jun 2025 as per Ormax trending for 11 consecutive weeks, while competitive formats like Battleground and I-
Newer originals like First Copy and Aukaat Ke Bahar, featuring Munawar Faruqui and Elvish Yadav respectively, brought fresh takes to the service with creator-led shows, while youth-focused narratives like Lafangey and Gamerlog
This scale of storytelling attracted a roster of premium sponsors, including Samsung, boAt, Lux Cozi, Haier, and Sprite, reinforcing the service’s position as a preferred destination for brands aiming to connect with India’s streaming audiences. By the end of 2025, Amazon MX Player’s growth was undeniable, crossing 1.4 billion app downloads and reaching 250 million monthly active users. Now widely available across Prime Video, Fire TV, and the Amazon Shopping App, the service concludes the year not just as a streaming service, but as a cultural staple that prioritizes consistency and stories that feel close to home.
26, Dec 2025
IGP turns Secret Santa chaos into a product-led Christmas campaign
As the season of carols, cheer and celebration filled the air, IGP, a global D2C multi category gifting platform, unveiled its festive campaign ‘Tis the Season of Gifting’, an idea rooted in why people gift and the shared moments that define December. As families reunite, friends reconnect and teams come together to celebrate milestones at work, the campaign positions gifting as an act of intention, one that acknowledges relationships, deepens bonds and creates moments that stay long after the season ends. The idea shapes IGP’s Christmas presence this year, guiding how the brand shows up across experiences, technology and collaborations.
One of the most common expressions of gifting during Christmas is Secret Santa, especially across offices and friend circles. While the tradition brings excitement and anticipation, it is often accompanied by confusion around participant coordination, name draws, fairness, reminders and last minute chaos, taking away from the joy of the experience. Recognising this recurring festive challenge, IGP identified an opportunity to simplify how groups gift together during Christmas.
As part of the campaign, IGP launched Find My Santa, its in house Secret Santa generator designed to bring structure and ease to group gifting. Built for offices, families and friend circles, the tool enables automated and fair randomised pairing, wishlist creation, reveal and assign date scheduling, and automated reminders, eliminating manual coordination. With this launch, IGP strengthens its evolving gifting ecosystem by addressing not just what people gift, but also how groups experience gifting together.
Bringing the campaign to life on ground, IGP also took the festive spirit directly into workplaces through an immersive Christmas pop up experience at the Office Atrium, Times Square. The activation witnessed a footfall of over 10,000 employees across two days, transforming the office atrium into a lively Christmas destination. Employees were able to explore a curated range of Christmas cakes and desserts, festive gift hampers, decor, ornaments and other seasonal bestsellers, making it easy to discover and shop for Secret Santa and Christmas gifts within the workplace itself.
A key highlight of the pop up was IGP’s on the spot personalisation technology, one of the strongest gifting trends this year. Through IGP’s in house personalisation machines, visitors added names, messages and custom details in real time, transforming everyday gifts into thoughtful keepsakes. The festive atmosphere was further amplified through Christmas decor installations, a themed photobooth, Santa Claus meet and greet, lucky draws and festive offers, creating shared moments of joy at the workplace.
Commenting on the campaign, Tarun Joshi, Founder and CEO, IGP, said,
“With ‘Tis the Season of Gifting’, we wanted to bring the focus back to why people gift. December naturally brings people together at home, with friends and at work, and gifting becomes a way to acknowledge shared moments and relationships. Our campaign is built on the belief that thoughtful gestures create lasting emotional connections.”
As part of the Christmas campaign, IGP collaborated with like minded brands and organisations to extend festive cheer beyond commercial spaces. In a digital collaboration with Chumbak, the brand hosted a Christmas giveaway on social media featuring festive hampers curated by both brands. In a purpose led collaboration with Goodfellows, IGP will partner with the organisation to bring Christmas cheer to senior citizens through curated gifting at events in Mumbai and Pune, reinforcing IGP’s belief in gifting as an emotional expression.
Through ‘Tis the Season of Gifting’, IGP reinforces that Christmas is not just about exchanging gifts, but about celebrating relationships, acknowledging moments and spreading joy through thoughtful gestures.
12, Dec 2025
Cityflo and SOCIAL bring Mumbai its first experiential Bar Hop on a high-energy party bus
Mumbai, Dec 12: Cityflo, the premium mobility platform transforming intra-city travel, partnered with SOCIAL to host Mumbai’s first-ever experiential Bar Hop designed to introduce a new way for the city to move, connect, and celebrate. The event, which took place on Saturday, December 6, brought 30 guests together for a four-hour, high-energy ride across three SOCIAL outlets, transforming a commute into a cultural experience.
For Cityflo, the Bar Hop marks the start of a new direction which explores how buses, traditionally seen only as a functional transit medium, can become spaces for culture, community, and shared experiences.
The journey began at Capital SOCIAL, where guests sampled #drnks from the new Big Drop menu before boarding the Cityflo party bus. With a DJ onboard and guided interactions, the ride set a new benchmark for what an onboard experience can feel like. The group then travelled to Khar SOCIAL and finally to Versova SOCIAL, enjoying a different drink at each stop, along with games, music, and a format that celebrated Mumbai’s neighbourhoods through movement.
Speaking on the collaboration, Sankalp Kelshikar, Chief Marketing Officer, Cityflo said,
“Cityflo has always been known as a dependable, reliable partner for the daily home-to-office commute. With this collaboration, we wanted to create a unique onboard experience that shows a bus can be a fun, engaging space on wheels that everyone in the city can be part of.
Our partnership with SOCIAL was a seamless fit. Their approach to designing hyperlocal, culturally rich experiences aligns closely with Cityflo’s vision of building bespoke solutions for the city’s hubs. The success of this event sets the tone for the new formats we’re excited to unlock across community-led gatherings, concerts and more, alongside serving your everyday commute”, adds
Speaking about the success of the debut edition, Divya Aggarwal, Chief Growth Officer, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said:
“Mumbai is a city that lives between neighbourhoods; constantly moving, constantly discovering. We wanted to create an experience that didn’t just introduce a new drinks menu but reflected how the city truly connects. The Bar Hop was our way of turning mobility into a cultural canvas: a space where strangers become a community, where each stop becomes a story, and where the journey is just as memorable as the destination. For us, this is what innovation looks like not just a new product, but a new way to experience it. The response reminded us that Mumbai is always ready for ideas that bring people together in meaningful, joyful ways.
For SOCIAL, featuring playful reinterpretations, bold new signatures, and all-day highballs. Guests experienced a different #drnk at every stop, turning the night into a tasting trail that reflected the spirit of the city.
The first edition of the Cityflo x SOCIAL Bar Hop brought together movement, culture, and community three elements central to Cityflo’s evolving view of what urban mobility can become. With strong turnout, vibrant citywide buzz, and an enthusiastic response, the event lays the foundation for more immersive, mobility-led experiences in the months ahead.
10, Dec 2025
Sony SAB’s Itti Si Khushi Unfolds Twist as Hetal’s Secret Shocks Anvita on Wedding Night
Sony SAB’s Itti Si Khushi follows the heartfelt journey of Anvita (Sumbul Touqeer Khan), who has always stood strong for her father Suhas (Varun Badola) and her siblings. Her life takes a complicated turn when Virat (Rajat Verma) the man who abandoned her on their engagement day returns wanting another chance, while Anvita is clear she cannot trust him again. As she moves forward with Sanjay (Rishi Saxena), whose hidden motives create new challenges, Anvita must navigate old wounds and a new, uncertain path.
In the upcoming episodes, Anvita’s first wedding night is shattered when she learns a series of hidden truths about her mother, Hetal (Neha SK Mehta). The woman who once abandoned her children has not returned out of love but with an ulterior motive, and Anvita discovers that Hetal had been secretly living in her in-laws’ house under Sanjay’s protection so the children’s adoption could proceed smoothly. Her unpredictable behaviour intensifies, swinging from emotional warmth to distress, until she suddenly collapses. At the clinic, Anvita is told that Hetal’s mental state is unstable and requires careful monitoring, forcing her to confront the reality that her mother’s return is far more complicated than she believed, pulling her back into emotional turmoil just when she hoped to begin her new life.
But as these truths unravel, one question looms: will Anvita’s new beginning survive this storm, or will her past pull her under once again?
Speaking about her birthday this year, Sumbul shared,
“This sequence is a turning point for Anvita. She’s trying so hard to embrace this new phase of her life, but her past keeps resurfacing in ways she can’t control. Learning that her mother was hiding in her in-laws’ house, understanding the truth behind her behaviour, and then watching her collapse it’s overwhelming for her. Playing Anvita through this moment of fear, responsibility, and emotional conflict has been incredibly challenging. I think viewers will truly feel her pain and the weight of what she’s going through.”
9, Dec 2025
Why India Can’t Stop Watching Micro Dramas
Micro-dramas have become India’s fastest-growing form of storytelling — short, emotionally charged narratives lasting just 60 to 120 seconds. Rooted in melodrama, these bite-sized stories draw inspiration from soap operas, Korean and Chinese short-form trends, and Bollywood-style twists. Their power lies in delivering high-stakes drama through cliffhangers, reversals, and heightened emotion, a formula that drives tens of millions of views and fuels binge-worthy “snack seasons” under ten minutes long.
Revenge Arcs
Revenge stories dominate the micro-drama space, where protagonists plot dramatic comebacks against those who betrayed them. These narratives often blend class conflict with personal vendetta, offering instant emotional gratification through swift justice. Zupee Studio’s Maut Ki Ghati exemplifies this genre, a high-stakes thriller where betrayal and retribution unfold rapidly. Such arcs resonate deeply with Tier-2 and Tier-3 audiences, satisfying a hunger for emotional payback and moral equilibrium.
Forbidden or Will-They-Won’t-They Romances
Lovers separated by family opposition, hidden identities, or social barriers form the emotional core of this trope. These stories sustain tension across ultra-short episodes, drawing viewers into a slow burn of longing and unspoken confessions. Taboo Match, hosted on Kuku TV, delivers this tension through a forbidden step-sibling romance entwined with family secrets and blackmail all packed into under two-minute thriller episodes. The emotional tug-of-war between love and duty echoes the charm of K-dramas, condensed into a quick, addictive format.
Sudden Reversals of Fortune
Audiences are endlessly captivated by stories where everything changes overnight escapes from monotony that celebrate hope and transformation. These plots often follow humble heroes who discover hidden wealth, secret identities, or lost royal lineage. Billionaire Heir on Pocket FM fits this mold perfectly, chronicling a dramatic rise from poverty to power. Such tales offer feel-good, aspirational storytelling that blurs the line between fantasy and wish fulfillment.
Family Power Struggles
Drawing inspiration from India’s long-running television serials, family sagas remain the heart of micro-dramas. They revolve around domestic conflict, saas-bahu rivalries, inheritance battles, sibling betrayals, and generational power plays. These stories mirror the ongoing clash between tradition and rebellion, delivering a nostalgic yet contemporary dose of drama to regional audiences. Baap Baap Hota Hai, from Story TV, dives into family power dynamics and inheritance tensions in tightly edited highlight clips that capture classic soap opera energy.
Contract or Fake Marriages
A fan-favourite trope, fake or contract marriages strike the perfect balance of conflict, chemistry, and surprise. Typically beginning as a sham union arranged for inheritance, business, or revenge these stories gradually bloom into genuine love. Zupee Studio’s Where Love Returns captures this transformation beautifully, blending misunderstandings, revelations, and emotional vulnerability into highly shareable, viral moments.
9, Dec 2025
Sascha Sippy Marks Dharmendra’s Birthday With an Emotional Tribute to India’s Iconic Matinee Idol
Mumbai, Dec 09 : Today, on what would have been Dharam-ji’s birthday, Sascha Sippy honours the legendary star with a deeply emotional tribute, making this remembrance even more poignant.
“Had GP Sippy Sahib been here with us today, he would have been the first to champion this tribute to Dharam Ji, honouring the legend who defined the film’s greatness,” said Sascha Sippy.
Sascha Sippy, custodian of the iconic Sholay legacy, has issued a heartfelt tribute following the passing of Dharmendra, fondly known as Dharam-ji, one of India’s most beloved matinee idols.
Sascha has shared a deeply emotional message on social media following the passing of Dharmendra, lovingly known as Dharam-ji. Describing the news as “a shocker for me,” Sascha expressed the profound grief he felt.
“It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Dharam-ji, India’s ultimate matinee idol. A true legend who left an indelible mark on the hearts of our nation and every fan of the silver screen. His generosity and kindness to one and all will never be forgotten,” said Sascha Sippy.
In his post, Sascha wrote: “Farewell Dharam-ji. A legend whose kindness and humility touched everyone. Sholay was built on his spirit, and the memories I shared with GP Sippy sahib remain unforgettable. Through my toughest times, he stood by me with love and strength. His absence leaves a void.”
Sascha also acknowledged Dharmendra’s unwavering support during difficult phases of his personal and professional life. His generosity, guidance and encouragement served as a pillar of strength during challenging times, making his passing deeply personal for him.
Sascha’s tribute highlights Dharam-Ji’s pivotal role in making Sholay – the magnum opus, recalling how GP Sippy sahib built the film with him at its core. The widely remembered moment when Dharam-ji supported the casting of a young Amitabh Bachchan remains one of the defining decisions in Indian cinema. During the making of the film, Dharam-ji carried the responsibility of Sholay on his shoulders, lending it the warmth, spirit and emotional depth that helped define its timeless identity.
The post also reflects on cherished memories shared between Dharamji and Sascha.
As I was the chosen custodian of the Sippy legacy and SHOLAY in 1999, I had the honour and privilege of meeting Dharam-ji with my late grandfather the legendary GP Sippy sahib. At the 25th anniversary press conference Dharam-ji was one of the first to arrive and certainly the last to leave. Dharam-Ji and Hema-ji arrived separately, interacted with the press and in the private lunch thereafter reminisced with GP Sippy sahib and our family about the many special moments that occurred in the making of SHOLAY. 5 hours later Dharam-ji and Hema-ji left together in one car!
“Dharam-ji was always a source of support when I had plans to make SHOLAY in 2000 and went out of his way to help. Another indication of his generosity. I will truly miss him as when my grandfather GP Sippy sahib passed away and I went thru very tough times not only was Dharam-ji was a source of support and inspiration but of love and encouragement when it felt like the World was against me.” He further added.
Dharmendra leaves behind a towering legacy, one that is cinematic, cultural and deeply personal to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit endures through his unforgettable performances, the relationships he nurtured and the timeless place he holds in the hearts of millions.
On Dharam-ji’s birthday, this tribute becomes even more meaningful a celebration of a life that shaped Indian cinema and touched countless hearts.
It is without doubt that had GP SIPPY sahib been alive, the 50th year celebrations would be dedicated in his honour. Dharam ji’s absence makes it heart wrenching to celebrate, and therefore we reminisce and honour the life of India’s greatest matinee idol.
Sascha also acknowledged the monumental efforts of everyone who Contributed shape Sholay into the timeless classic it became. He paid special respect to Hema Malini ji, whose grace and strength remain inseparable from the film; Amitabh Bachchan ji, whose unforgettable performance defined an entire generation of cinema; and Jaya Bachchan ji, whose quiet power added depth and emotion to the narrative. Amjad and Sanjeev Kumar were the backbone of the story, He further recognised the dedication of the entire cast, the brilliant technicians, the creative teams behind the scenes, and the British crew whose technical expertise contributed significantly to the film’s scale and visual identity, and ofcourse the GP Sippy Sahib. Their collective artistry, discipline and passion continue to be celebrated as the backbone of Sholay’s enduring legacy.
6, Dec 2025
Multiplex Association of India Flags Concerns Over Netflix’s Warner Bros. Acquisition
Mumbai, Dec 06: The Multiplex Association of India (MAI), representing multiplex operators across the country, today expressed deep concern over the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by streaming platform Netflix.
India’s cinemas depend on a steady and diverse flow of compelling films to attract audiences and sustain a vibrant theatrical ecosystem. The acquisition of one of the world’s leading studios by a dominant streaming platform that has historically deprioritised theatrical releases poses a direct competition and economic threat to India’s theatrical and broader film economy.
Kamal Gianchandani, President of the Multiplex Association of India, commented:
“The Indian theatrical market thrives on choice, scale, and cultural diversity. Warner Bros. has historically been a key partner to Indian cinemas, contributing consistently to our release calendar with successful global and local titles.
Cinemas in India are more than entertainment venues. They are cultural hubs and significant economic contributors. They support millions of livelihoods across production, distribution, exhibition, F&B, and ancillary services.
Netflix has consistently made it clear through its limited and highly restrictive approach to theatrical releases that it does not believe in the cinema-first model. If this acquisition proceeds, the risk is two-fold, a meaningful reduction in high-quality content for cinemas, and the potential for shortened or non-existent theatrical windows.
This would inevitably impact revenues, limit consumer choice, and weaken the broader ecosystem of film production, distribution, and exhibition in India. A consolidation of this magnitude warrants careful scrutiny. MAI will continue to highlight these concerns to regulatory authorities both in India and internationally.”
5, Dec 2025
Kelvin Cinema makes a grand comeback with a modern two-screen multiplex – Kelvin Gold Cinema
Guwahati, Dec 5: One of Assam’s most storied cinema halls has begun a new chapter. Kelvin Cinema, founded in 1935 by Jeevanram Goenka in the bustling lanes of Fancy Bazar in Guwahati, is returning in a contemporary avatar while holding firmly to its iconic past.
Now, nearly nine decades later, Kelvin is stepping into the future. Kelvin Gold Cinema has unveiled a new two-screen multiplex within the original Kelvin compound in Fancy Bazar, offering a total seating capacity of 499, including 24 ultra-luxurious recliners. The modern space features a sleek, futuristic design and auditoriums fitted with the latest cinematic technology.
The inauguration of Kelvin Gold Cinema was done on Wednesday evening in the presence of CMD NEDFi PVSLN Murty, eminent film trade analyst and media personality Komal Nahta, dignitaries of Assamese cinema Ravi Sarma, Zerifa Wahid, Pranjal Saikia, Purnima Pathak Saikia, Manjula Barua, Manju Borah, Mridula Baruah, Jahnu Barua, Seema Biswas, Manisha Hazarika, Rima Das, Kopil Bora and journalist & author Padmashree Patricia Mukhim.
For decades, the Goenka family played a central role in shaping Assam’s business and cultural landscape. After early success in Shillong, they expanded into cinema exhibition and soon turned Kelvin into a landmark. The hall hosted the premieres of several Assamese films, jubilees of several Hindi films and introduced viewers to technologies that were ahead of their time.
Kelvin Cinema’s legacy is dotted with milestones that still evoke nostalgia. The theatre recorded an unmatched 53-week run of ‘Jai Santoshi Maa’ and became the first in Guwahati to screen English films, drawing packed audiences for classics like ‘Ben Hur’ and ‘The Ten Commandments’. For generations of film lovers, Kelvin remained more than a cinema. It was a place where the city discovered new film formats, broadened the city’s cultural imagination, and experienced the thrill of landmark movie runs.
Shankar Lall Goenka, the guiding force of the Kelvin legacy,
said the reopening carries both emotion and excitement for the family. “Kelvin has lived through the memories of generations. Bringing it back in a modern form feels like carrying a legacy forward while creating something new for today’s audience,” he said. “The warm response we are already receiving from young movie lovers and families tells us that Kelvin still holds a special place in Guwahati.”
The new multiplex Kelvin Gold Cinema is powered by Christie 2K Laser projection, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, Pulz IsoWave audio systems and immersive 3D capabilities. The recliners come with on-seat food and beverage service, USB charging ports and ample legroom. Visitors will also find an expanded menu of snacks, beverages and combo meals, offering both indulgent and healthier choices. With ample parking and easy access, the venue aims to serve families and filmgoers from across Guwahati.
Gold Cinema Director Ratan Jain said that Kelvin Gold Cinema hopes to offer a royal movie experience to the city’s community once again. Gold Cinema Director Hasmukh Shah added that the goal was to build an urban entertainment space that resonates with the present-day viewer.
Tickets are available for booking through www.goldcinema.co, Gold Cinema mobile apps as well as BookMyShow. Visit Kelvin Gold Cinema on 7th Floor, Kelvin Cinema Compound, S.R.C.B. Road, Guwahati, Assam to experience Guwahati’s new premier entertainment destination.
25, Nov 2025
Manoj Bajpayee Encourages Fans to Visit Nagaland After Filming The Family Man Season 3
Manoj Bajpayee Urges Fans to Visit Nagaland “At Least Once in Their Lifetime” After Filming in North-East for The Family Man Season 3
The Family Man Season 3 premiered on Prime Video on November 21, and fans across the globe have been deep into binge mode ever since. Among the many things the new season has been praised for including the performances, the action, the writing, and the scale but also the subtle, respectful, and visually rich portrayal of the Northeast, especially Nagaland and parts of Assam. For Manoj Bajpayee, this shoot wasn’t just another schedule. It was a first-time encounter with a part of India he had never seen up close.
Sharing his experience of visiting the region for the first time, Manoj said,
“Nagaland is so amazing that it’s difficult to describe in words. I had never visited this part of the country before, and coming here for The Family Man shoot has been truly enriching. We spent a few weeks filming, and every day gave us wonderful experiences. The people, the food, the culture – everything felt so warm and genuine.”
Reflecting on how deeply the place impacted him, he added,
“It’s been a complete eye-opener. I really want to urge everyone to visit Nagaland at least once in their lifetime. The place feels so pure, untouched and clean — the kind of natural beauty you don’t see very often. One thing that surprised me was how early the day starts here. We’d wake up at 4:30 or 5 AM, and the sun would already be shining like it’s 9 or 10 in the morning. Everyone is up and active early, and it just shows how closely people live with nature.”
Calling it a must-visit destination, Manoj continued, “There are very few places where you see human life adjusting itself so beautifully around the environment, the flora and fauna. Nagaland is exactly that — incredibly green, and the people are extremely welcoming and warm-hearted. It’s a must-visit place.”
He also spoke warmly about working with Northeastern actors such as Paalin Kabak, Rigen Ngomle, Poonam Gurung, and Vihotu Swu.
“I’m also very happy that so many actors and artists from the Northeast are part of The Family Man Season 3,” expressed Manoj. “Talking to them and getting to know them has been a surreal experience. They are so global in their thinking, tech, fashion, and learning, yet so deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. I’m sure that after watching Season 3, a lot of people will want to come and experience this beautiful place for themselves.”
That admiration flows both ways. Paalin Kabak, who plays Stephen in Season 3, has also expressed heartfelt gratitude for the experience of working on the show. His recent Instagram note reflects the warmth and mutual respect shared on set. “From attending @bajpayee.manoj bhai’s workshop during my NSD days… to sharing the screen with him in The Family Man Season 3, I quite consider this a masterclass in acting, one that was truly priceless,” wrote Paalin.
Written by Raj, DK, and Suman Kumar, featuring dialogues by Sumit Arora, the groundbreaking series is directed by Raj & DK, with Suman Kumar and Tusshar Seyth joining as directors this season. Headlined by Manoj Bajpayee as the nation’s beloved Family Man, Srikant Tiwari, this season also boasts returning favourites Sharib Hashmi (JK Talpade), Priyamani (Suchitra Tiwari), Ashlesha Thakur (Dhriti Tiwari), Vedant Sinha (Atharv Tiwari), Shreya Dhanwanthary (Zoya), and Gul Panag (Saloni), among others, in key roles, with Jaideep Ahlawat and Nimrat Kaur joining the ensemble as the formidable new antagonists. The Family Man Season 3 is streaming now exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
