Category Archives: Entertainment

Shaktimaan Returns: India’s Original Superhero is Finally Back on Pocket FM!

India, 10th November, 2025: Audio Series platform Pocket FM, has brought the country’s most beloved superhero roaring back to life. Reviving the legend with an all-new 40-episode audio series, Shaktimaan Returns is a nostalgic yet contemporary environmental thriller, backed by none other than the original creator and face of Shaktimaan, Mukesh Khanna. The series, now streaming exclusively and free for all users on Pocket FM, redefines India’s most loved superhero for a new generation, blending nostalgia, purpose, and cinematic sound design to create an immersive storytelling experience unlike anything before.

A New Era. A New Battle. A New Storyline.

This time, Shaktimaan’s mission goes beyond battling evil. In Shaktimaan Returns, he faces an enemy unlike any before, humanity’s own greed and its reckless exploitation of nature. His nemesis, Mahatatva, once a guardian of balance, has turned into a corrupted force determined to restore Earth’s harmony by any means necessary. To save the world, Shaktimaan must embark on a quest to collect five mystical jewels, the Manis of Elements, and discover that true power lies in compassion, and not destruction.

Packed with cinematic soundscapes, the series runs nearly 10 hours of adrenaline, emotions, and moral awakening, proving that the power of light still shines bright in today’s chaotic world. With a cast of beloved characters – Gangadhar Shastri, Gita Vishwas, Mahatma, and TRP Baba, it’s one of the largest superhero productions in India’s audio entertainment space to date.

“For many of us, Shaktimaan was the first hero we truly believed in. Bringing him back wasn’t about rebooting the 90s; it was about showing how timeless Indian heroes can be when told through a modern style of storytelling and with a new storyline,” said Rohan Nayak, CEO and Co-founder of Pocket FM. “For decades, the world has looked to the U.S for its superheroes, from caped crusaders to cinematic universes. But India has its own legends, its own heroes shaped by our values and imagination. Shaktimaan brings a refreshing shift with an Indian superhero who stands for purpose, balance, and moral strength. We’re thrilled to bring him to Pocket FM, and this is just the beginning as we continue to create and reimagine more superheroes for our audiences. Audio is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums, and this project demonstrates how classic Indian IPs can evolve with technology and reach new audiences globally.”

For the man who first gave India its superhero, this revival is deeply emotional. Mukesh Khanna, the original Shaktimaan, said, “Shaktimaan was created to inspire truth, selflessness, and courage in young minds. These values are timeless. When Pocket FM approached me, I was curious to see how those ideals would come alive through audio. But the way they’ve reimagined it, with a fresh storyline while preserving the soul of Shaktimaan, truly moved me. I doubt if any other production house could have done such justice to the character. I’m glad to see that the essence of Shaktimaan is alive and speaking to a new generation in a new voice.”

Bollywood’s Baddies React Villains in Panic Mode!

To celebrate the launch, Pocket FM dropped a hilarious brand film featuring Bollywood’s most notorious 90s villains Gulshan Grover, Ranjeet, Shehzad Khan, Shahbaz Khan, and the original Shaktimaan villain Surendra Pal in full panic mode after discovering Shaktimaan is back!

From “Andheraa…” to “By God” to “Bad Man”, the villains deliver a nostalgia-packed performance as they scramble to deal with their old foe’s return. The film, aptly titled “Distressed Villains”, captures the 90s chaos and humour fans loved, ending with a cheeky salute to the man who made them all go “Sorry Shaktimaan!” once again.

Speaking about the film, Vineet Singh, SVP and Head – Brand Marketing, Pocket FM, said, “We wanted to celebrate Shaktimaan’s return in a way that felt fun, familiar, and full of nostalgia. Who better to react than the very villains who made our childhoods so entertaining? Bringing them together in one frame was pure joy — a reunion of Indian pop culture itself. The idea was to create a moment that makes people smile, reminisce, and realize how deeply Shaktimaan lives in our collective memory.”

With Shaktimaan Returns, Pocket FM honors the nostalgia attached to Shaktimaan while reimagining the future of storytelling through the power of audio series. It stands as a cultural milestone, reviving a legend who continues to inspire generations and reaffirming that the spirit of Indian heroes is alive, evolving, and ready to shine in new forms.

Imagicaaworld partners with global leader Hello Park to launch India’s First Immersive Digital-Physical Playground Experience

A first-of-its-kind asset-light ‘phygital’ playground that merges immersive technology, motion- based gaming and creative learning for kids and families.

Mumbai, November 7, 2025: Imagicaa Next Private Limited, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary for bringing world class future-focused entertainment cum learning experiences ‐ to India., announced a landmark partnership with Hello Park, the world’s largest chain of immersive, digital-physical (“phygital”) play parks for children. This partnership heralds the foray of Imagicaaworld into the Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) category. This asset light, in-city format is planned to be rolled out in malls and high footfall locations in the country. This collaboration entails exclusive rights to bring Hello Park to India, marking a major step in redefining family entertainment and experiential learning in the country.

Present across 50+ locations globally, Hello Park blends interactive projections, gaming, creativity, movement, and learning—turning traditional play areas into intelligent, digital-enabled activity zones. Designed to stimulate imagination, teamwork, sensory development and problem-solving, each Hello Park offers immersive projection zones, interactive games & educational activities, birthday and party experiences, workshops, storytelling & creative sessions, family-friendly dining and entertainment spaces.

Comment from Mr. Jai Malpani, Managing Director, Imagicaaworld Entertainment Limited “The introduction of Hello Park in India is a proud milestone for us and a significant step forward for the country’s entertainment landscape. For years, children’s recreation has largely been seen as either physical play or digital consumption. Hello Park breaks that barrier and brings the best of both worlds together where technology, imagination, movement, and learning beautifully coexist. This in-city format, which is proposed primarily in popular malls, is highly scalable and will be synergistic with our existing outdoor park businesses thus also opening doors for various cross promotional activities with younger audiences and their parents.

We firmly believe that meaningful entertainment should be accessible, inclusive, and enriching. Through Hello Park, we are bringing a globally successful phygital concept to Indian families; designed not only for fun, but for creativity, sensory development, and social interaction. This is entertainment with purpose, and it aligns strongly with our vision of building experiences that are joyful, innovative, and future-ready.

At Malpani Group, our mission has always been to push boundaries and introduce world-class experiences in India. With Hello Park, we are opening a new category of interactive play for children and families. And this is only the beginning. We remain committed to expanding such next-generation entertainment formats across the country, creating destinations that inspire, engage, and celebrate the spirit of a new India.”

Comment from Mr. Alex, Zavyalov, Director and Co-Founder, Hello Park LL.C – FZ: “India is one of the most dynamic and fast-growing family entertainment markets in the world, and we are truly excited to bring the Hello Park experience here. Our parks are built on a simple belief that play should be intelligent, interactive, and inspiring. Children should not just watch screens; they should shape the world inside them. Hello Park turns technology into a tool of creativity, learning, movement and joy.

Partnering with Imagicaa Next gives us the perfect foundation to grow in India. Their deep understanding of Indian consumers and their passion for innovation in entertainment makes this collaboration a natural fit. Together, we aim to redefine indoor play and offer families a space where imagination comes alive in motion, colour and light. We see India not just as a new market, but as a long-term home for Hello Park. This is only the first step, and we look forward to building many more immersive destinations across the country.”

The partnership ensures Hello Park will provide India centers with its global-standard software, hardware specifications, training, and operational support, including regular upgrades. Imagicaa Next will roll out multiple Hello Parks across feasible, high-footfall locations in India.

WAVES Film Bazaar 2025 Announces Co-Production Market, Work-in-Progress Lab, and Viewing Room Lineups

The 19th edition of WAVES Film Bazaar, organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), returns to Goa from November 20–24, 2025, alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), at the Marriott Resort. This year’s edition brings together an exceptional slate across its Co-Production Market, Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab, and Viewing Room, reaffirming WAVES Film Bazaar’s position as South Asia’s most vital global film market and co-production platform.

The Co-Production Market 2025 presents 22 feature films and 5 documentaries from 8 countries, spanning 19 languages, celebrating a dynamic blend of emerging voices and industry veterans including Kiran Rao, Vikramaditya Motwane, Shakun Batra, Devashish Makhija, Ira Dubey, Shaunak Sen, and BAFTA-winner Ben Crichton. Selected filmmakers will pitch their projects to international and Indian producers, distributors, financiers, and festival programmers, fostering new collaborations.

This year also marks the inclusion of documentary projects in the Co-Production Market, spanning themes such as arts, environment, education, gender, and sustainability. Additionally, three projects—Shamed, Smash, and Tiger in the Lion Den—feature under NFDC’s Handpicked Focused Projects, while “Gloria” from the Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF) cross-exchange initiative spotlights international co-creation.

The Viewing Room 2025 features 230 entries in 33 languages from 14 countries, including 85 world premieres, connecting filmmakers with international buyers and festival programmers through an advanced digital interface. The curated WAVES Film Bazaar Recommends (WFBR) section spotlights 22 innovative films across formats and genres.

The Work-in-Progress Lab 2025 received 50 entries across 14 languages, selecting five films including the India–Australia co-production Chevittorma and Khoriya, backed by Ashim Ahluwalia. Mentored by a global panel including Philippa Campbell, Sandrine Cassidy, Kiki Fung, Nitin Baid, and Sanyukta Kaza, the Lab provides emerging filmmakers with expert editorial feedback and festival insights. Notably, past WIP selections such as Shape of Momo have gone on to win multiple international accolades.

Yellowstone International Film Festival aims at Reviving Mumbai’s Cinematic Spirit

India, 5th November, 2025: In a city where cinema breathes through every street corner, filmmaker Tushar Tyagi is taking a bold step to ensure Mumbai never loses its place as the beating heart of Indian film culture. With the launch of the Yellowstone International Film Festival (YIFF) in Mumbai, Tyagi is not only creating a platform to honour cinematic excellence but also safeguarding the city’s identity as the cradle of storytelling and artistic expression.

The Mumbai edition is set to honour the best of Indian and international cinema, blending the glamour and depth of global filmmaking with the soul of India’s creative spirit.

From premieres and official selections to panel discussions, masterclasses, and filmmaker interactions, YIFF is creating a space where art and industry will converge.

Speaking about the festival, Tyagi who has founded the festival said “YIFF is being curated as a film and filmmaker’s first Festival. Our aim has always been to champion not just new voices but with that, also dialogue and a platform of learning”.

“This festival is about giving back to the city that gave us storytelling, stars, and the dream of cinema itself.” He added.

The move comes at a critical time when many film festivals across India have struggled to sustain themselves amid financial and logistical challenges. Tyagi’s efforts to bring YIFF to Mumbai mark a resurgence of the city’s film festival culture, offering filmmakers a much-needed stage for their craft and audiences an opportunity to engage with cinema beyond commercial confines.

From films like Caravan, Aisha Can’t Fly, Holy Rosita and 100 Sunset to sessions with industry heavyweights like filmmakers Hansal Mehta and Shoojit Sircar, editor Nitin Baid and costume designer Anna Singh among others, the festival is pushing the envelope for audiences this edition.

For Mumbai, a city synonymous with filmmaking, hosting a vibrant and inclusive festival is vital to maintaining its cultural fabric. It reinforces the city’s role as a hub where art, ideas, and innovation meet.

Desi Toons 2025 by Green Gold Animation Shines at IndiaJoy

Desi Toons 2025 powered by Green Gold Animation steals the spotlight at IndiaJoy, marking a defining moment for India’s animation industry

Hyderabad, 04th November, 2025: The 8th edition of IndiaJoy 2025, India’s most influential festival shaping the creative economy, reached a resounding high as Desi Toons 2025 powered by Green Gold Animation emerged as one of its most defining highlights. Held on November 1^st at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), the conclave celebrated the power of Indian storytelling and showcased how creativity, culture, and technology are converging to shape India’s next decade of animation leadership.

The day-long animation conclave brought together India’s most prominent creators, producers, and policymakers from the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sectors, creating a vibrant forum to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and future pathways of India’s growing creative economy. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Mr. Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of ITE&C, Government of Telangana; and Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO of Green Gold Animation and President of TVAGA, in the presence of leading figures from the AVGC and film industries.

Since its inception, Desi Toons, a flagship initiative conceptualized by Green Gold Animation, has become a cornerstone of India’s animation movement. Over the years, it has evolved from a creative conclave into a strategic industry platform, catalysing original IP creation, cross-border collaboration, and policy conversations that continue to influence the growth of India’s AVGC sector. The 2025 edition, themed “The Power of Originals: India’s Cultural Stories for the World,” reflected India’s ongoing shift from a service-driven market to a creator-led ecosystem recognized globally for its originality and storytelling depth.

Desi Toons, in its latest edition, continues to shine as India’s premier animation conclave celebrating the country’s thriving animation sector and uniting studios, creators, broadcasters, and licensing leaders under one platform. The event stands apart for its dedicated focus on Indian original IPs, meaningful industry networking, and exclusive pitching opportunities that nurture creative growth.

Mr. Rajiv Chilaka, Founder & CEO of Green Gold Animation and President of TVAGA, emphasized how Desi Toons is helping rewrite India’s animation narrative. “Desi Toons has evolved into a strategic platform that reflects how far India’s animation industry has come, and how much further it can go. For too long, India was seen as a back-end production hub. Today, we are creating original IPs that travel across cultures, languages, and geographies. The real opportunity lies in combining creative courage with business strategy, building studios that don’t just produce animation, but build sustainable, scalable brands. Through Desi Toons, our goal has always been to bring creators, policymakers, and investors to one table so that ideas can turn into enterprises. The conversations that begin here are shaping the industry’s future, both in India and globally.” 

Throughout the day, discussions and masterclasses explored how Indian studios can build global-ready IPs and the role of policy, investment, and education in scaling the industry. The sessions featured an impressive line-up including Nag Ashwin (Kalki 2898 AD), Ashwin Kumar (Mahavatar Narasimha), Sai Abhishek (Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia), Ashish Kulkarni (Punnaryug Artvision), and Gaurav Mathur (Epic Games), among others – each bringing a unique perspective to India’s creative renaissance.

Mr. Nag Ashwin, Director of Kalki 2898 AD, reflected on how platforms like Desi Toons are helping India step into a leadership role in the global creative ecosystem. “Events like Desi Toons matter because they remind us that creativity doesn’t exist in isolation – it thrives in ecosystems. What Green Gold Animation has done with this platform is to make collaboration visible and accessible. India is now at a point where we can lead with both imagination and infrastructure. The challenge ahead is not talent, but it’s translating that talent into global-quality projects. Desi Toons gives us the space and the confidence to do that.”

Adding perspective on the changing animation landscape, Ashwin Kumar, Director of Mahavatar Narasimha, remarked “Desi Toons captures the pulse of India’s creative economy at the right time. The industry is maturing, technology is accelerating, and audiences are ready for stories that come from India but speak to the world. What I find most powerful is that it brings together people who don’t usually share a room – artists, producers, policymakers, and educators. That kind of convergence is what turns an industry into a movement. Green Gold has built more than a conclave here; they’ve built a mindset for the future.”

From a broadcaster’s lens, Sai Abhishek, Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids at Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia, highlighted how Indian animation is gaining global credibility. “We’re at an inflection point where India is shifting from a contributor in the global animation supply chain to a creator of global intellectual property. What Desi Toons does brilliantly is bridge the gap between creativity and commerce. It encourages studios to think like storytellers and entrepreneurs at the same time. For us at Warner Bros. Discovery, it’s inspiring to see that kind of creative ambition coming from India – it’s the sign of a mature market that’s ready to compete on the world stage.”

A major highlight of this year’s edition was the launch of the Desi Toons Animation Pitch, a first-of-its-kind platform that gave Indian animation studios the opportunity to present their original IPs directly to broadcasters, OTT platforms, and investors. This initiative underlined Green Gold Animation’s long-standing commitment to empowering India’s animation ecosystem by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and market access.

Over the years, Desi Toons has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around India’s creative economy, helping bridge policy and practice while inspiring new creators to think globally. Its success also reflects Telangana’s leadership in building India’s animation hub, with Hyderabad emerging as a global destination for animation, VFX, and gaming.

The 2025 edition welcomed a diverse audience – from industry veterans and studio heads to students and animation enthusiasts – making it a powerful collective of creativity, vision, and ambition. As the curtain closed on this year’s event, one thing was clear: Desi Toons 2025 powered by Green Gold Animation was not just a showcase of talent but a statement of intent, that India is ready to define the next era of animation on the global stage.

Hyderabad Comic Con X Dreamhack India concludes with celebration of pop-culture fandom and gaming

Hyderabad, 3rd November, 2025: The Maruti Suzuki Arena Hyderabad Comic Con, powered by Crunchyroll, along with Dreamhack India concluded its three-day run from October 31st to November 2nd at Hitex exhibition Centre, bringing together fans of comics, anime, gaming, cosplay, and everything in between to the pop culture universe.

The convention saw a turnout of more than 40,000 including over 400 cosplayers. Organized by Comic Con India under the aegis of NODWIN Gaming, the event featured international guests, writer and executive producer Mike Costa, who is best known for shaping Netflix’s Lucifer and artist J. Gonzo, renowned for his captivating covers on classics like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghost Rider, and Alien. Along with 17 comic artists and creators, 9 performers, and over 80 exhibitors from across India, offering interactive experiences.

Maruti Suzuki engaged visitors with a fun reflex game and their impressive Maruti Suzuki Arena display.  The Crunchyroll booth was a hit, lighting up the space with an Anime playlist that had fans vibing all day. Over at Android Land, PANFEST was hosted where BGMI fans dropped into open lobbies where they battled out with their close opponents.

Amar Chitra Katha and Tinkle offered a special VR experience, letting fans immerse themselves in their vibrant story worlds. The Running Man Rage Room gave participants a chance to let loose, exactly as its name suggests. Adding to the fun were the Predator Badlands Zone and the Zootopia 2 Zone, each offering their own unique sides.

The convention also hosted the Hyderabad Qualifiers of the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026. Pracheta Banerjee won the city Qualifier with a cash prize of INR 50,000 and will represent Hyderabad at the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2026 finals.

DreamHack India celebrated its sixth anniversary. India’s largest digital festival featured retro gaming zones, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) areas, KO Fight Night and chess tournaments in Rapid and Blitz formats. In KO Fight Night, KMR YoshiKiller claimed victory in Tekken 8, taking home INR 1,00,000 while JLQ Hallmark emerged victorious in Super Smash Bros and won INR 40,000.

The Meet & Greet Zones powered by official talent partners RNT (Revenant Esports) were packed with fans eager to meet their favorite gaming personalities, including Scout, Kaashvi, Sensei IGL, Ghatak  Trace GOD, along with many others.

Red Bull athletes and GodLike creators such as, Jonathan, V3nom, Zgod, Sharkshe, Bachu, Dobby Mizo along with popular gaming creator Payal added to the excitement at the Red Bull Tetris National finals which was hosted at Dreamhack India 2025.  Rob, aka Harun Robert, famously known for his show M.A.D., also had a meet and greet session with his fans at the Red Bull Tetris National finals.

Three days also featured an incredible lineup of performers like Syed Bashaar, Vivek Muralidharan, Karan Singh,Celinedee Matahari, Kayden Sharma, MC Maahaa, Black Diamond,  Geek Fruit, and Team Artista making it a truly unforgettable experience for fans.

Following the success of the Hyderabad edition, Comic Con India is set to debut its first-ever Guwahati edition on November 22nd – 23rd, 2025, marking an exciting expansion into India’s Northeast region.

Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India said, “Hyderabad is the first stop of this season of Comic Con India, and the response here, as always, has been absolutely phenomenal. The energy and enthusiasm that fans brought to the event is something we always hoped for. People of all ages were celebrating their love for pop culture. There were kids who dressed as characters like Shinchan, Ironman, Zoro and more. Whether it was meeting their favorite artists, striking poses with beloved cosplay characters, or diving into the many immersive experience zones, the city truly came alive with excitement, further highlighting the cultural phenomenon that Comic Con India is.”

Salman Khan Hails I-POPSTAR Maan Panu’s Track ‘I’m Done’ as a Winner

Salman Khan Gives a Shoutout to I-POPSTAR’s Maan Panu, Calls His Track ‘I’m Done’ a Winner

Mumbai, India, 3rd November, 2025: Amazon MX Player’s I-POPSTAR continues to make waves across the country with its fresh, original music and rising independent voices. The show, which brings together some of India’s most promising musicians competing to become the nation’s first I-POPSTAR, has already become a hub for discovering breakthrough talent and the latest proof of that is Maan Panu’s viral single, “I’m Done.”

Released on September 17, 2025, under Warner Music India as part of I-POPSTAR: Vol. 1 (Episodes 1–3), the track has officially taken over social media. Written and composed by Maan himself, the 2-minute-39-second song captures the emotions of closure, growth, and self-discovery with a catchy 146 BPM beat. Its relatable lyrics “I don’t have any regret that you left” and easy replay value have made it a favorite for reels and short-form videos, with fans using the hook as a self-liberation anthem.

Adding a massive boost to the song’s momentum, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan took to Instagram to share his love for the track. Posting a photo of himself in rugged cowboy attire beside a horse, he wrote: “An amazing track after a very long time… Congratulations! Wish this was one of my songs.”

Salman’s endorsement has supercharged the song’s popularity, sending fans streaming and sharing it in huge numbers. Within hours, “I’m Done” became a trending sound across platforms, reflecting how I-POPSTAR is successfully turning emerging musicians into national sensations through their original compositions.

With every episode, I-POPSTAR continues to prove that India’s next big pop movement is homegrown powered by authenticity, creativity, and the voices of its contestants. Catch the next episodes only on Amazon MX Player, streaming free across mobile, Connected TVs, the Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

Bollywood Nights Under the Stars at Infiniti Mall, Malad

Mumbai, 31st October, 2025: Infiniti Mall, Mumbai’s premium destination for luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment is back with another month of open-air movie screenings at its Malad location. This time bringing audiences a lineup of beloved Bollywood favourites through November 2025.

Get ready to relive the charm, music, and emotions of these timeless hits under the stars:

From college romance and musical passion to self-discovery and friendship, November’s screenings promise pure nostalgia and feel-good cinema for every mood.

Grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the movies do the magic, only at Infiniti Mall, Malad.

Little Box of Sweets, A Timeless Tale Returns to Captivate Audiences

After nearly two decades of tenacity, passion, and perseverance, the award-winning film Little Box of Sweets makes its triumphant arrival for audiences, embodying the spirit of its creators who refused to give up on their dream. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and Bohemia Junction, in association with Platoon One Films, are delighted to present a special screening of this cinematic gem at 6 pm on Sunday, 2 November, followed by another event at the British Council Auditorium, New Delhi on Friday, 7 November. The film will also be available for digital streaming on BookMyShow Stream from 7 November 2025 — a fitting finale to a journey that proves that every “little box of sweets” can hold a whole world of dreams.

Produced by Sheenu Das of Slave King and directed by actor-director Meneka Das of Bohemian Rhapsody, Little Box of Sweets is a moving homage to the city of Allahabad (now Prayagraj) and its surrounding rural landscapes, capturing a vivid memory of a time and a place. The evening promises to celebrate the film’s remarkable journey, culminating in its long-awaited digital release across India. At the heart of the story is Asha, a young girl coming of age in a changing country. She fights for her dream of a better life and for the love of the man who inspired her — but discovers that every dream comes at a price.

The evening promises an immersive experience beginning with a short musical interlude. Musicians from the esteemed SOI Music Academy will perform the film’s theme music under the baton of Olivier Award-nominated composer Andrew T. Mackay (of Bombay Dub Orchestra and the stage-play adaptation of Life of Pi). The interlude will also feature classic songs performed by Vijay Das (Co-Producer).

Lusciously shot on S16 mm film by Dusan Todorovic, the film features a collaboration of both UK and Indian talent. The ensemble cast includes Joe Anderson (Twilight Saga, Control, Across the Universe), Tillotama Shome (Monsoon Wedding, Delhi Crime, Lust Stories 2, Sir), and Rahul Vohra (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Gangubhai Kathiawadi). The film received a great deal of love and strong reviews from its original London press screening, with Derek Elley of Variety describing it as “..A simple, saccharine-free love letter to a fast-disappearing India…an impressive directorial debut by (Indian born) UK based actress Meneka Das…..Its simplicity is in the tradition of the ’50s and ’60s films of writer-director Bimal Roy..” Nikki Bedi from BBC Radio added: “One of those little films that captures a spirit that we seem to have somehow lost”.

Little Box of Sweets, A Timeless Tale Returns to Captivate Audiences

After nearly two decades of tenacity, passion, and perseverance, the award-winning film Little Box of Sweets makes its triumphant arrival for audiences, embodying the spirit of its creators who refused to give up on their dream. The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and Bohemia Junction, in association with Platoon One Films, are delighted to present a special screening of this cinematic gem at 6 pm on Sunday, 2 November, followed by another event at the British Council Auditorium, New Delhi on Friday, 7 November. The film will also be available for digital streaming on BookMyShow Stream from 7 November 2025 — a fitting finale to a journey that proves that every “little box of sweets” can hold a whole world of dreams.

Produced by Sheenu Das of Slave King and directed by actor-director Meneka Das of Bohemian Rhapsody, Little Box of Sweets is a moving homage to the city of Allahabad (now Prayagraj) and its surrounding rural landscapes, capturing a vivid memory of a time and a place. The evening promises to celebrate the film’s remarkable journey, culminating in its long-awaited digital release across India. At the heart of the story is Asha, a young girl coming of age in a changing country. She fights for her dream of a better life and for the love of the man who inspired her — but discovers that every dream comes at a price.

The evening promises an immersive experience beginning with a short musical interlude. Musicians from the esteemed SOI Music Academy will perform the film’s theme music under the baton of Olivier Award-nominated composer Andrew T. Mackay (of Bombay Dub Orchestra and the stage-play adaptation of Life of Pi). The interlude will also feature classic songs performed by Vijay Das (Co-Producer).

Lusciously shot on S16 mm film by Dusan Todorovic, the film features a collaboration of both UK and Indian talent. The ensemble cast includes Joe Anderson (Twilight Saga, Control, Across the Universe), Tillotama Shome (Monsoon Wedding, Delhi Crime, Lust Stories 2, Sir), and Rahul Vohra (Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Gangubhai Kathiawadi). The film received a great deal of love and strong reviews from its original London press screening, with Derek Elley of Variety describing it as “..A simple, saccharine-free love letter to a fast-disappearing India…an impressive directorial debut by (Indian born) UK based actress Meneka Das…..Its simplicity is in the tradition of the ’50s and ’60s films of writer-director Bimal Roy..” Nikki Bedi from BBC Radio added: “One of those little films that captures a spirit that we seem to have somehow lost”.