Hindi
DAR Group enters into distribution
MUMBAI: After venturing into film content and marketing with films like Lalbaug Parel (Marathi) and Haunted 3D (Hindi) through its divisions DAR Motion Pictures (DMP) and DAR Entertainment Marketing (DEM) respectively, DAR Media (a DAR Capital Group company) has now launched a wholly owned subsidiary focused on film distribution – DAR Film Distributors Private Ltd (DFD).
DAR Investments business head Vivek Rangachari said, “Having successfully established ourselves into the film content and marketing space, entering distribution was the next logical and appropriate step in our evolution as a fully integrated movie company.”
The company has also appointed Murli Chhatwani from Cinergy as the business head for the new division. Chhatwani comes with a 13 years experience in the domestic business of Indian films. He began his career with Devgan Entertainment in 1998 and was associated with Eros International from where he moved to Studio18 – A Division of Viacom 18 heading their domestic distribution.
Rangachari added, “Like in the case of our film content and marketing businesses, our focus and driving factor in the distribution business will also be strong content. While our initial focus will remain on acquiring and distributing quality content in Hindi and other regional languages as well as International content in the Indian market, eventually we also do plan to enter the international distribution market at an appropriate time. We are very bullish about this business and are confident that Murli with his vast experience will spearhead the business in the right direction.”
Chhatwani added, “As a company DAR has, since its inception a couple of years ago, always fascinated me, not just through their selection of challenging and path breaking projects, but also through their sincerity in pursuing quality yet commercial content. Hence I had absolutely no hesitation in taking up this role when the opportunity came knocking and am confident that I will definitely help DAR‘s distribution arm evolve as a frontrunner in its space.”
As part of the initial line-up, DAR Distribution has already released Tell Me Oh Kkhuda in the East Punjab territory and will be distributing their first Marathi acquisition Ya Gol Gol Dabyatla in November.
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
