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Warner, Universal hatch home video deal for China, Russia
MUMBAI: Warner Home Video (WHV) and Universal Pictures International (UPI) have agreed to distribute each other’s titles in China and in Russia respectively.
The reciprocal agreement looks to capitalise on both companies’ distribution expertise and is intended to provide a legitimate alternative to pirated product in both markets. CAV Warner Home Entertainment, a joint entertainment distribution venture between Warner Home Video and China Audio Video, will use its continuing relationships with retailers throughout China to distribute Universal home entertainment titles, whilst UPI will distribute WHV titles in Russia through its existing operating company based in Moscow.
The collaboration allows both studios to strengthen and build distribution processes in these new markets and offer consumers in both countries affordable, high quality product as an alternative to inferior illegitimate goods. In the next several months, UPI will release 20 new WHV titles in Russia and will continue to exploit hundreds of WHV catalogue titles already available in Russian.
WHV president Jim Cardwell says, “China and Russia are two expanding economies and we hope by offering consumers high quality, affordable product we can take a bite out of piracy. We are honoured to work with Universal and to help expand legitimate home entertainment markets that will benefit Hollywood, local retailers and movie fans”.
In November, CAV Warner will initially release about 15 Universal films and will continue to release between 20 to 30 new films every few months for the next two to three years. Currently, more than 200 WHV titles are already on shelves at over 1500 retail locations throughout China.
Retail partners in both countries will soon offer their customers Universal titles like Ray, The Interpreter and The 40 Year Old Virgin as well as WHV titles including blockbuster new releases such as Batman Begins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
