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Intel, Morgan Freeman ink deal to distribute movies over the Internet
MUMBAI: Intel has signed a partnership with actor Morgan Freeman and producer Lori McCreary’s company Revelations Entertainment to distribute movies over the Internet. The scheme will allow consumers to download first-run, pre-DVD release films via a broadband connection.
The formation of the new company – ClickStar – was announced by Freeman and Intel president and CEO Paul Otellini at the Allen and Company Sun Valley Conference.
ClickStar’s strategy is to create an online service in which consumers can access, pay for and download first-run, pre-DVD-release films and artist-created entertainment channels in their homes. This new online destination will be designed to give filmmakers a vehicle to connect directly with fans and offer consumers a new way of experiencing home entertainment. ClickStar will enable new business models resulting in increased revenue opportunities for the film industry.
“ClickStar addresses the growing worldwide consumer demand for digital content — especially filmed entertainment. Our goal is to deliver first-run premium entertainment to film fans around the world and to make film easier to buy than to pirate,” said Freeman said.
“This is a significant step that will transform the consumer’s entertainment experience in the digital home. With Intel’s new digital entertainment platforms and ClickStar’s exciting new digital entertainment service, consumers will be able to watch first-run films and premium content from the comfort of their living rooms,” said Otellini.
ClickStar will be led by former Sony Pictures executive Nizar Allibhoy. The company’s strategy is to provide the marketing and distribution expertise required to enable the release of first-run films before they’re released on DVD and delivered directly to Intel’s digital home entertainment devices.
ClickStar is working with top artists, producers and distribution companies worldwide to build a compelling slate of exciting films that will be available in theaters as well as online. The parties involved with ClickStar share a common belief that consumers want to enjoy digital entertainment and that the best way to address piracy is to deliver compelling and better protected entertainment experiences.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
