iWorld
Netflix announces the date and releases the trailer for its new Marathi film, 15 August
MUMBAI: After receiving a hugely positive response on its first regional title Firebrand, Netflix today launched the trailer of its upcoming licensed original Marathi film, 15 August. Produced by veteran Bollywood actor Madhuri Dixit Nene and her husband, Dr. Shriram Nene, the film is all set to release on the service across 190 countries on March 29, 2019.
Set in a Mumbai chawl, the film follows the course of a series of zany mishaps that occur on a single day, as its residents prepare for the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony. The film revolves around how the course of the day unfolds on a not-so-typical Independence Day – when a lover, in his quest to win over his beloved, ends up creating complete mayhem, compelling all the residents to unite and help him out of his mess. The film beautifully highlights what independence, love, and affection mean to the residents of the colony. This slice-of-life Marathi film delves into the real struggles of the Indian urban middle-class India and, in a soaring climax, shows us how love ultimately sets us free.
On donning the producer’s hat, Madhuri Dixit Nene says, “There’s always been a part of me that wanted to create and back meaningful films, and there couldn’t be a better starting point for me than 15 August. This is an endearing, relatable story that has been brought to life beautifully by the talented Swapnaneel Jayakar and actors Rahul Pethe, Mrunmayee Deshpande, and Adinath Kothare.”
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
