Movies
VR Global Media launches $250M fund to expand global entertainment play
Firm begins $120M first phase to back films, tech and sports ventures
MUMBAI: VR Global Media has unveiled an ambitious $250 million capital programme aimed at scaling its global entertainment footprint, kicking things off with an initial $120 million raise.
Structured over a five-year horizon, the fund is designed to bring more institutional discipline into entertainment financing, an area often seen as high-risk but high-reward. The company plans to deploy the capital across film production, distribution, exhibition, sports franchise ownership, and even fintech solutions for the creative economy.
The first phase marks a significant step in formalising capital flows into India’s entertainment sector, which has long punched above its weight creatively but lagged in structured funding.
Speaking on the development, VR Global Media ceo Ravi Shankar Shastri said, “This capital reinforces our commitment to transforming Indian film entertainment into a globally scalable, professionally governed asset class. By combining disciplined capital deployment with creative vision and advanced technology, we are building a platform focused on transparency, scalability and long-term value.”
The company is working closely with UV Creations, which brings a proven track record of investing over $150 million across projects in India and overseas. Its portfolio includes films like Mirchi, Bhaghamatee and Saaho, featuring names such as Prabhas, Anushka Shetty and Shraddha Kapoor. Upcoming projects include Vishwambhara, starring Chiranjeevi and Trisha Krishnan.
According to VR Global Media co-CEO Vikram Srinivas Reddy, the company is adopting a slate-based strategy that spreads risk across big-ticket productions, mid-budget films and content-driven titles. “This approach allows for disciplined capital deployment and a steady pipeline of content, aligning us with global studio financing models,” he said.
Beyond content, VR Global Media is also investing in technology. Plans are underway to set up an AI-powered media technology and analytics lab, along with a global capability centre in Hyderabad. These initiatives aim to bring data science into project selection, financial modelling, sports analytics and IP monetisation.
The broader idea is to create a connected ecosystem where creators and capital meet more seamlessly, turning what has traditionally been a fragmented industry into a more structured and predictable one.
With a diversified strategy and a clear push towards institutional funding, VR Global Media is betting that the next phase of entertainment growth will be driven as much by smart capital as by compelling storytelling.
Movies
NFDC to release Malayalam film Achappa’s Album nationwide on April 24
Time-travel family drama blends humour and emotion across generations
NEW DELHI: National Film Development Corporation, under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is set to bring its latest Malayalam feature Achappa’s Album to theatres across India on April 24, 2026.
Positioned as a family fantasy with a comedic and emotional core, the film centres on a time-travel twist that sees a father and son unexpectedly swap lives. What follows is a reflective yet light-hearted look at generational perspectives, life choices and the timeless urge to revisit the past.
Directed by Deepti Pillay Sivan and written by Sanjeev Sivan, Anirban Bhattacharya and Umesh Nair, the film leans on a simple premise to explore deeper emotional terrain.
Speaking about the film, director Deepti Pillay Sivan said, “The film explores deep human relationships through a simple yet engaging time-travel narrative. We are grateful for NFDC’s pivotal support in bringing this story to the silver screen.”
The film features a diverse ensemble cast led by veteran Mohan Agashe, alongside Anjana Appukuttan, Aadinath Kothare, Priyanka Nair and Sidhanshu Sanjeev Sivan. Behind the camera, the project is backed by a seasoned crew including cinematographer Manoj Pillai, editor Sreekar Prasad and composer Gulraj Singh.
Highlighting the organisation’s vision, National Film Development Corporation managing director Prakash Magdum said, “This film reflects our commitment to nurturing unique voices in Indian cinema. By combining an imaginative concept with emotional depth, Achappa’s Album has the potential to resonate with audiences across all generations.”
With its mix of fantasy, humour and heartfelt storytelling, Achappa’s Album looks set to offer a refreshing cinematic ride, one that travels through time while staying rooted in family bonds.
