Hindi
NRI filmmaker’s features get global release
NEW DELHI: ‘9 Eleven’, a Bollywood feature film by America-based filmmaker of Indian origin Manan Singh Katohora which won the 2012 Rising Star Award at the Canada International Film Festival, has been released in the United States by Databazaar Media Ventures.
The controversial short film ‘Date 25‘, another film by the same filmmaker, has been globally released by 1takemedia, a leading distributor of alternate content.
Earlier last year, the film ‘Nine Eleven’ had been given an Adult certificate without any cuts by the Central Board of Film Certification in India.
The film portrays the life of 10 people who belong to different walks of life. Though each individual has achieved a measure of success in his or her life, their darkest secrets come out in the open when all of them are given some time for introspection, when they meet each other in a bizarre twist of events. They realise that their lives are inter-woven and this literally shakes up their peaceful lives.
The film 9-Eleven is a fast paced thriller with undertones of terrorism. Terrorism need not be political, “ideologically” generated or xenophobic. Terrorism can also be a great motivator for conflict resolution or revenge.
Produced by Amar Durga Films in association with JMD Creations, the film stars Devasish Ray, Priya M., Jyoti Singh, Samir Stewart, Sonny Chatrath, Tejash Natali, Nikkitasha Marwaha, Vicki Yung, Homi Irani, Paul Singh, Chinmay Dhamne, Roni Mazumdar, Sonny Suri, Tanuj M., Ripneet Brar, Mandira Mehra, Nilima Mehra, Nitin Verma, , Rashmi Pradhan, Salsabil Malik, Aisha Rasul, Manvi Puri, Shalabh Agrawal, Sumeet Verma, and Vick Krishna. Kashmera Shah features as a guest artiste in an item number composed by Music Director Jatin Pandit. The lyrics are by Sanjay Chel and the choreography is by Amaan Shabana Khan.
Databazaar Media is an on-demand IPTV/ Internet streaming service that provides users with unlimited streaming of movies, TV shows and music videos in over six Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, English, and Marathi for a flat monthly rate. The service is accessible on a number of devices and platforms such as Roku, NeoTV, Google TV, iPad, connected TVs and DVD players, and on Boxee.
The short feature is the story of Nina, a South-Asian woman who is around 30 years, trying to date the right kind of man online since she is under pressure from her traditional parents about marriage. But all she meets are losers, till the 25th date.
Starring Tina Lee Robles, Taimor Ali, Rita Pahwa, Dr Suresh Khetan, Samir Shah, Vicknesh Krishnaswamy, Venu Nakshathram, Nauman Javaid, Tejash Natali, Achal Dua, Arti Singh, and Jacqueline Lopez., the film’s crew includes Pruitt Allen, Reid Fiester, Vick Krishna, Jay Krishnan, John Pratt, Sommer Long, Jeff Katz, Wajid Ali Syed, Craig Fleming, and Jason Dunmore.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
