Factual
BBC Worldwide’s theatrical distribution deals for ‘Deep Blue’ documentary
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has announced that it is is making the global movie industry dive into Deep Blue with its new theatrical distribution deals
BBC Worldwide and Greenlight Media have signed a deal with Optimum Releasing for it to acquire distribution rights in the UK, Ireland, Malta and Gibraltar for the feature-length ocean documentary Deep Blue. Optimum Releasing will release the film in a few months time in around 30 cinemas.
Other deals were signed last week at the Berlin Film Festival. Hopscotch will distribute Deep Blue in Australia and New Zealand; Cineart will do the same in Belgium; A-Films has taken Deep Blue for the Netherlands; Odeon is releasing it in Greece; and Shani Films is the distributor in Israel.
Deep Blue recently released in Germany. The box office figures were up eight per cent week on week with admissions standing at 225,000. When the movie opened in Germany it beat the Hollywood competition such as the Oscar nominated Lost In Translation and Finding Nemo.
Deep Blue is the first of several co-productions planned between BBC Worldwide and Greenlight Media pursuant to a multi-picture deal. It explores life above, below and far beneath the ocean’s surface. Its source of inspiration was the television series Blue Planet which was co-produced by the BBC and Discovery. The film is narrated by actor Michael Gambon Path to War.
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
