BY SACNILK

Moscow, Jan 1 (IANS) Streaming giant Netflix will have to stream 20 state television channels in Russia starting in March. ## The country's media watchdog Roskomnadzor registered the platform as an "audiovisual service" this week, reports Engadget. ## Among the channels Netflix will have to carry are the flagship Channel One, entertainment network NTV and a Russian Orthodox Church channel called Spas (which means "Saved"). ## Streaming services with more than 100,000 daily users in Russia are included on the register, which was established late last year, the report said. ## Not only must registered platforms offer state TV channels, but they also need to set up a Russian company, according to The Moscow Times. ## Companies on the register also have to abide by Russian laws. For one thing, Netflix will not be allowed to promote "extremism". Critics claim that provision has been wielded against those who support the Kremlin's opponents. ## Other video services in the country reportedly argued that Netflix should be added to the register to level the playing field since it meets the requirements. ## The Russian version of Netflix is operated by Entertainment Online Service, a subsidiary of National Media Group, which has a stake in Channel One. ##

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Filmmaker-writer Rohan Sippy, who has been garnering positive responses for his web series, 'Aranyak', feels that good writing clubbed with good performances are the mainstay for the medium of OTT. ## For him, both the verticals need to work in close association to extract the best out of each other and eventually shape the film or series. ## He shares his observation saying: "I believe that OTT is the writer's medium at the top, very closely aligned with the actors'. When you are getting into drama, comedy, or relationship kind of a thing for your stories, then it's really about actors who can compel you and make you sit down." ## Recollecting his experience of working with actor Pankaj Tripathi, he says: "I had the good fortune of working with Pankaj Tripathi and you can see what he brings to this medium. Be it Pankaj, Param (Parambrata Chattopadhyay) or Raveena; they all can use this medium wonderfully." ## "And of course, all the heads of departments have to work really hard because you are looking to do film quality at maybe four times the speed of films. But, writing and performance really are the heart and soul of this medium", he concludes. ## Stay tuned.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 31 (IANS) Director Hardik Mehta, whose recent web show 'Decoupled' has struck a chord with connoisseurs of humour, feels that for a filmmaker to do complete justice to a script, it's imperative that they don't let their personal inclinations or politics seep into the design and positioning of a scene. ## The director says: "My thought process or politics might not completely align with what Manu (Joseph, the writer and creator of, 'Decoupled') would have proposed in a scene. But as a filmmaker, it's my job, it is my prerogative to ensure that a scene is directed and made in a way that is absolutely convincing." ## For him, keeping the personal inclinations aside and to work together towards a constructive outcome forms the essence of the collaborative process that filmmaking is. ## He says: "That is exactly where collaboration comes in. That has actually been a very interesting part of making this series." ## Stay tuned.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Actor Worship Khanna, who is currently seen as antagonist Vijayendra Singh in 'Meri Doli Mere Angna', is to star in upcoming web series 'Robot'. ## He says: "I'm excited to play a protagonist in the upcoming series, 'Robot'. I will essay the character, Anand, who is a simple and innocent guy working in an office dealing with robots. And after some twist and turn the robot (Rachel) falls in love with me. It is a very beautiful story and I'm sure my audience will enjoy watching me." ## The series of nine episodes also features actors such as Naveen Bawa and Vijay Patkar. ## The 'Kumkum Bhagya' actor looks forward to a healthy and peaceful New year. "I'm looking forward to a healthy and peaceful New year 2022. As Covid-19 is once again increasing I will choose to stay home and welcome the new year with a few of my very close friends. I wish to stay healthy and be able to work more exploring and essaying new characters." ##

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Chennai, Dec 30 (IANS) Tamil anthology 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa' will release on Prime Video on January 14, 2022, its makers announced on Thursday. ## 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa' is the second installment of the Tamil anthology 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai', which was received quite well. ## The new five-episode series will feature stories of hope, determination, and personal discovery, as told through the unique perspectives of five different directors. ## Reflecting on the second lockdown of the COVID pandemic that shook India, the anthology is focused on a message of hope and love amidst despair. ## The second installment of the Tamil anthology will feature director Balaji Mohan's 'Mugakavasa Mutham', featuring actors Gouri Kishan and TeeJay Arunasalam, director Halitha Shameem's 'Loners', featuring actors Lijomol Jose and Arjun Das, director Madhumita's 'Mouname Paarvayaai', featuring actress Nadiya Moidu and actor Joju George, director Richard Anthony's 'Nizhal Tharum Idham', featuring Aishwarya Lekshmi and Nirmal Pillai and Surya Krishna's 'The Mask', featuring Sananth and Dhilip Subbarayan. ## Aparna Purohit, Head of India Originals, Amazon Prime Video India, remarked, "The overwhelming response that we received to our first anthology encouraged us to continue creating narratives of resilience, hope, love, and above all, showcase how humanity came together to battle the crisis. We are happy to present 'Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa', featuring independent, cinematic voices from the Tamil industry, and are confident that the series will infuse viewers with hope and faith as we step foot in the new year." ##

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Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Actor Sandesh Gour, who has been a part of shows like 'Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya', 'Saraswatichandra', 'Shapath', and 'Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai', is gearing up to play a protagonist in upcoming web series 'Atrangi Ishq', 'SCAR' and 'Free Ka Bunglow'. ## He says: "I'm glad to start my new year with three big and interesting projects. In all the projects I'm playing the protagonist. 'Atrangi Ishq' and 'SCAR' are youth dramas and 'Free Ka Bunglow' is a sitcom. I'm making my debut on the digital platform and I'm really excited about it. I feel 2021 is ending on a great point for me and 2022 might be turning point of my life." ## Talking about his roles in the series he shares: "In 'Atrangi Ishq', I'm playing Kabir who's lazy, dictator and possessive guy. He is an orphan and lives with his friend and it is scheduled to be released in February. In my other project 'SCAR' I'm essaying Siddharth. He is an aspiring actor who is innocent, dedicated to his career. And 'Free ka Bunglow' is full of comedy and my audience will see my comic timing." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, Dec 30 (IANS) Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who is known for his performances in films like 'Black Friday', 'Dev D' and 'Lootera', will soon be seen playing a nuclear physicist in the upcoming sci-drama series 'Rocket Boys'. ## The series, which also stars Jim Sarbh and Ishwak Singh, marks Bhattacharya's first brush with the genre. Talking about his role, Dibyendu says, "It is a very interesting character. I'm a nuclear physicist in the series." ## He adds, "All I can say is that it's a role I've never played before and India hasn't seen too many real scientists being portrayed on screen, so it gives me a free hand to dig into my craft. I'm honoured to have been offered this part. I'm excited, it's a story of how brilliant minds changed the course of history." ## The series celebrates the architects of the future of India, Homi J. Bhabha (essayed by Jim Sarbh) and Vikram Sarabhai (played by Ishwak Singh), the renowned scientists who pioneered India's nuclear programme. Directed by Abhay Pannu with Nikhil Advani as the showrunner, 'Rocket Boys' produced by Roy Kapur Films and Emmay Entertainment, will be available to stream on SonyLIV. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

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Seoul, Dec 30 (IANS) Hwang Dong-hyuk, the writer and director of popular Korean survival drama 'Squid Game', has discussed the future of his hit Netflix series. ## During a new interview, Dong-hyuk teased that two more seasons of the thriller series are probably coming soon, reports aceshowbiz.com. ## Speaking with KBS (Korean Broadcasting System), Dong-hyuk said that he is in talks with Netflix about Season 2 "as well as season 3." ## He went on to share: "We will come to a conclusion any time soon." ## Dong-hyuk added: "We know that many people are waiting, so everyone is working hard to prepare for the next season with a positive outlook." ## Netflix confirmed the claims on the same day. ## "It's true that we are discussing a wide variety of possibilities for 'Squid Game', including the production of a Season 3, but nothing has yet been set in stone," the streaming giant said in a statement. ## Back in November, Dong-hyuk shared that he had been working on a Season 2 storyline. ## "I do have a basic storyline for Season 2 - it's all in my head - and I am currently in the brainstorming stage," the writer-director said during a special screening and Q&A. "It will happen, someday, but as for when I cannot tell you the details." ## Dong-hyuk didn't really say much about the potential plot in Season 2. However, he confirmed that the sophomore season would follow Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and his investigation of those behind the deadly, titular tournament. ## Debuting on September 27, 'Squid Game' tells "an imaginative, unorthodox story in which 456 contestants risk their lives in a mysterious survival game -- involving multiple rounds of childhood games -- for a chance to win 45.6 billion won." ## The show quickly becomes a global phenomenon. ## It was officially named the biggest launch for a new show on Netflix, surpassing 'Bridgerton', after it reached 111 million viewers in less than a month. ## Additionally, 'Squid Game' is among Netflix's Top 10 list in around 94 countries. The dystopian show is also the platform's first-ever Korean series to reach the No. 1 spot in the US. ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, December 29 - Akshay Kumar-led "Sooryavanshi" is turning out to be a blockbuster at every front. The movie was released in theaters on November 5 after getting delayed by 18 months due to the covid-19 pandemic. As expected, the cop-drama enjoyed a phenomenal run at the box office and went on to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2021 with a worldwide total of Rs. 293 crores. ## The Rohit Shetty-directed was made available on Netflix after 28 days of the release. While its theatrical run is completed, the movie is now going strong on the streamer. As per the data released by Netflix, "Sooryavanshi" has become the most-watched non-direct OTT Hindi film on Netflix. It was watched by 22.2 million viewing hours in the first 4 weeks. ## Earlier, "Sooryavanshi" had broken into the top 5 of Netflix's most-viewed non-English films globally in the first week itself. It was watched by 7.11 million viewing hours in the first three days of its Netflix release. Overall, "Sooryavanshi" becomes the second most-watched Hindi film on Netflix, after Taapsee Pannu's "Haseen Dilruba", which has been viewed by 24.5 million hours. ## Among the top 5 most-watched Hindi films on Netflix, "Sooryavanshi" is the only film that was first released in theaters, while the other 4 films were direct digital releases. The top 5 Hindi films are as follows - "Haseen Dilruba" (24.5M), "Sooryavanshi" (22.2M), "Mimi" (21.7M), "Dhamaka" (11.3M), "Meenakshi Sundereshwar" (9.1M).## Produced by Dharma Productions, Reliance Entertainment, Rohit Shetty Productions, and Cape Of Good Films, "Sooryavanshi" also stars Katrina Kaif as the female lead while Ajay Devgn and Ranveer Singh played extended cameos as Singham and Simmba, respectively.## Stay tuned...

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Chennai, Dec 29 (IANS) Director Tamizh's 'Seththumaan', which has been produced by Pa Ranjith's Neelam Productions, is to be a part of the Chennai International Film Festival that begins on Thursday. ## Making the announcement on social media, director Ranjith, who is known for the hard-hitting, social cause-espousing films that he produces, said, "Happy to share that 'Seththumaan' from Neelam Productions is going to be a part of the Chennai International Film Festival. Do book your tickets. Sathyam Cinemas on 01-01-2022 at 3 PM." ## 'Seththumaan' hasn't been the most eagerly awaited films for its story has been written by Perumal Murugan, the author of 'Madhorubhagan' better known as 'One Part Woman', which triggered a major controversy with some religious groups taking strong exception to the manner in which traditions had been portrayed in the book. ## Ranjith's production house, Neelam Productions, too put out a tweet to confirm the news. It said, "Feeling great and happy to announce that 'Seththumaan' has been officially selected into the Chennai International Film Festival! Hearty congratulations to the team!" ## The film has sound by Anthony Ruban, who was the sound designer for the critically acclaimed 'Sarpetta Parambarai' and cinematography by Pratheep Kaliraja, who was also the cameraman for the recently-released critically-acclaimed hit 'Writer'. ##

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Hyderabad, Dec 29 (IANS) Actor Manoj Bajpayee is the most popular OTT actor in India in 2021, according to an Ormax Media survey. ## In the survey, actor Manoj Bajpayee topped the list of the most popular OTT actors, followed by Pankaj Tripathi. ## Nawazuddin Siddiqui grabbed third place in the list, while Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who captivated audiences as 'Raji' in 'The Family Man 2', was fourth. ## Radhika Apte, Kay Kay Menon, Saif Ali Khan, Sushmita Sen, Jithendra Kumar, and Tamannah Bhatia bagged spots in the top ten OTT actors. ## Ormax Media took to Twitter to publish the results of the survey, "Most popular OTT actors in India (Sep-Nov 2021): @BajpayeeManoj stays at no. 1, @kaykaymenon02 (no. 6), @thesushmitasen (no. 8), and @tamannaahspeaks (no. 10) make an entry in the Top 10 #OTT #Streaming." ## Stay Tuned To Sacnilk For More Updates.

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Mumbai, Dec 29 (IANS) Senior journalist and screenwriter Manu Joseph, who's the writer and creator of the recently-released comedy series 'Decoupled', harbours sympathy for vocations other than writing because in writing everything is documented as opposed to other professions. ## Talking about what separates writers from other working professionals, Manu says, "One fortune for writers is that all your miseries become material. If a software guy or an engineer goes through pain or crisis, there's really nothing that they could do about their suffering. In that regard, I have sympathy for other professionals because in my profession, ultimately everything is documented." ## He adds how having worked in different verticals of journalism and screenwriting help him craft his stories, "If I have a thought, it would be either in a column, a short story or a novel, nothing is wasted by just remaining in the head. One big contribution of journalism to my fiction writing is that I can never be naive in any situation." ## Talking about his process, he says, "Some writers are very good at collaboration and some writers prefer to work alone, I'm someone who has always worked alone. I don't understand collaborative writing." ## He concludes with what excites him after the completion of the writing process, "To me, after writing, the process of negotiation and defending your work is very interesting. If you're defending your work in front of an intelligent person, it becomes richer, you get more confident of what you have done." ## Stay tuned.