Movies
Empowered artistry: Audible’s rising authors & female leads in sports dramas
Mumbai: In a world where storytelling takes myriad forms, the realms of literature and cinema have consistently captivated our hearts. India, a land of diverse narratives, is witnessing a transformative wave, where upcoming authors are crafting tales that resonate globally, while female actors are breaking barriers in the realm of sports-based films. This unique listicle embarks on a journey that amalgamates two powerful forces – the enchanting world of Audible’s upcoming Indian authors and the inspiring portrayals of female protagonists in sports-centric movies. Explore the captivating words that find a voice on Audible’s platform and the spirited performances that grace the silver screen, celebrating the convergence of literature and cinema in India’s contemporary creative landscape.
Ghoomer
R Balki’s upcoming film Ghoomer will release on 18th August 2023 and can be watched at your nearest PVR INOX cinemas. The film revolves around Anina, a young woman batting prodigy who loses her right hand in an unfortunate accident on the eve of her international cricketing debut. An unsympathetic, failed, and frustrated cricketer enters her life, gives her a new dream, and transforms her fate with the most innovative training, making her play for the Indian cricket team again, but this time as a bowler. Ghoomer is the new style of bowling they invent to bamboozle the opposition.
Dangal
The 2016 biopic Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, tells the story of former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his relentless efforts to train his daughters, Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, to become India’s first female wrestlers to compete internationally. The film features outstanding performances by Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Sheikh, and Sanya Malhotra, and the soundtrack adds to the overall impact. Dangal brilliantly portrays a father’s unwavering commitment to turning his daughters into world-class athletes.
Mary Kom
Mary Kom revolves around a young woman who encounters a renowned coach in a boxing gym. She shares her boxing aspirations with him and convinces him to teach her. Despite her father’s disapproval, she follows her passion. The film stars Priyanka Chopra in the lead role.
Chak De! India
Chak De! India revolves around when after failing to score the winning goal, Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), captain of the Men’s Hockey Team is blamed for the team’s loss and fired. Years later he is given a chance to salvage his reputation, when he is offered the position as coach of the Women’s Hockey Team. One of his star players, Vidya (Vidya Malvade), is forced to convince her tradition-minded parents that she should be allowed to play as the team prepares for a big tournament in Australia.
Saand Ki Aankh
Saand Ki Aankh revolves around Chandro and Prakashi, who live in a patriarchal society and are in their 60s, accidentally discover their shooting skills. With the help of an instructor, they participate in various competitions. The film stars Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar in pivotal roles.
Novoneel Chakraborty is a renowned writer acclaimed for crafting more than 10 captivating romantic thrillers. Widely recognised as India’s foremost thriller novelist, he is lauded for his distinctive narratives and unexpected turns. His narratives often delve into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the enigmatic realms of suspense. Often dubbed the ‘Sidney Sheldon’ of India by his avid readers, Novoneel is a versatile professional active in Indian television, digital media, and the film industry. Among his notable literary achievements are well-received titles such as ‘You Die Alone,’ ‘Whisper To Me Your Lies,’ and ‘Half Torn Hearts’ to name a few, each a testament to his mastery of blending romance and suspense into compelling literary experiences.
Renowned for her bestselling novel ‘That Night,’ Nidhi wears multiple hats as an engineer and a headhunter. She balances her intrigue for thrillers and engaging in lively interactions with her boys. For those seeking an immersive experience, Nidhi’s literary creation ‘That Night’ is also available in an audiobook format on Audible, offering an auditory journey that complements her distinctive narrative style. Her characters are thoughtfully etched, each layered with emotions and depth that resonate with her readers’ own experiences.
Ajay shifted from aspiring to be a teacher to an IT career. Reading fuels him and perhaps what makes him feel alive. His debut, ‘You Are The Best Wife,’ was based on his life events and went on to become a bestseller soon after its release. It uplifts hearts to cherish love, peace, and happiness in every moment. His works include ‘Everything I Never Told You,’ ‘A Girl To Remember,’ ‘Her Last Wish’ among many more, all available on Audible. In each of these literary endeavors, Ajay’s storytelling encapsulates the essence of cherishing every moment, instilling a profound message of embracing love, peace, and happiness in the fabric of our lives.
Arvind is a former corporate leader who hails from Dehradun. Despite a career with giants like GE, Dell, and Barclays, he chose an unconventional path, leaving his corporate role as vice president to pursue writing. With five English books, Arvind’s penchant for thrillers fuels his experimentation. Notably, he channels his creativity into painting and supports various social causes. As an active figure on social media, he also aspires to expand his creative endeavors and see his work embraced by discerning readers nationwide. He’s authored some exceptional books like ‘Messed Up! But All for Love’ His latest title is ‘Not Without Your Love,’ and can be accessed on Audible.
Swéta Rana was born into a Gujarati family in Birmingham and now resides in south London. Swéta’s passion for writing has flourished since childhood, encompassing fiction, film reviews, and articles on Indian culture. Her debut novel, ‘Queuing for the Queen’ emerges as a testament to her creative prowess; readers can avail this novel on Audible as well.
Movies
Tamil film Made in Korea tops Netflix global chart, storms 24 countries
Cross-cultural drama races to No.1, marking a global breakthrough for South Indian cinema
MUMBAI: A Tamil tale has gone global at speed. Netflix’s Made in Korea has shot to No.1 on its Global Top 10 Non-English Films list, trending across 24 countries within days of release.
Premiering on March 12, the film, directed by Ra.Karthik and starring Priyanka Mohan, is the only South Indian title to claim the top spot across both licensed and Netflix original films, underlining the growing global pull of regional Indian cinema.
The story, which follows Shenba’s journey from Tamil Nadu to Seoul, has struck a chord for its emotional warmth, scenic visuals and cross-cultural appeal. Early word-of-mouth has powered its rapid climb, turning a modest release into a global talking point.
Monika Shergill, vice-president, content, Netflix India, said, “We are proud that a story like Made in Korea has become the first ever film from our south slate to land at the No.1 spot on our Global Top 10 Non-English Films list. It reaffirms our belief that there is so much more from India for the world to discover and embrace. This film stands out for blending two distinct cultures into one powerful story that explores universal emotions of love, friendship, belonging and family. At Netflix, we remain committed to championing authentic, locally rooted stories and it’s incredibly exciting to see a film like this travel so widely and connect with audiences around the world.”
Priyanka Mohan called the moment deeply personal. “Moments like these are what every artist truly hopes for. We always strive to give our best, but some films become very special in our journey as performers, and Made in Korea is one of them for me. Shenba is a character that touched my heart from the moment I read the script, and bringing her story to life has been incredibly meaningful. Working with Ra.Karthik sir was a wonderful experience. He has such clarity and sincerity in the way he tells stories. I’m also grateful to our producer Sreenidhi Sagar sir and the entire team for their constant support. And of course, my heartfelt thanks to Netflix for giving this story such a wonderful platform and helping it reach audiences everywhere.”
Ra.Karthik struck a similar note. “There are certain films you make with complete faith in the audience, believing they will connect with the emotions you are trying to convey. It is truly heartening to see Made in Korea trending on Netflix and receiving such encouraging responses from viewers, not just in India but across the world. Priyanka Mohan brought incredible dedication and sincerity to Shenba’s character, and that commitment reflects beautifully on screen. I’m grateful to producer Sreenidhi Sagar for trusting this story and to Netflix for providing such a wonderful platform for the film to reach audiences across countries.”
As the film continues to travel across borders, its success signals more than just a hit. It marks a shift, where local stories, told with authenticity, are no longer confined by language or geography. In the streaming wars, the South is not just rising. It is rewriting the script.
