Hindi
Novex acquires Shemaroo library; sets up system to track piracy
MUMBAI: Novex Communications has acquired sole cable TV distribution rights for the films and film programmes of Shemaroo library.
Novex plans to increase the rights from 1800 to 2000 movie titles of various languages from Shemaroo‘s library by the end of this month.
As of now, popular titles like Raja Hindustani, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Mr India, Mann, Masti, Hum Kisise Kum Nahi, Gangajal, Kuch Na Kaho, Murder, Jaan-e-Mann and Omkara are with Novex.
Apart from this, Novex has put in place systems wherein they can track any cable network in any city at any time to check the film, or film show, being telecast. This system enables them to constantly check copyright violation of their property.
Thus, to telecast films and film shows acquired by Novex on local cable channels, a cable operator or multi-system operator (MSO) needs to sign a contract with Novex.
“We have signed up licensing agreements with all the multi-system operators for screening of the movies from the Shemaroo library,” says Novex Communications promoter Ketan Kanakia.
Further elaborating on this, Kanakia adds: “We have already initiated action against the errant cable operators and carried out raids in various cities like Dhulia, Nandurbagh, Nagpur, Sholapur and Akola of Maharashtra. In fact, the Maharashtra government has already approved implementation of Detention Under Gunda Act to curb copyright violation. Now, we are going across the country to ensure that we get what is our due.”
Every month all the registered MSOs are sent posters of Hindi and local language film titles, a demo DVD and one letter educating them about the company, their rights and activities by Novex Communications.
“This is the first time ever that a copyright holder has dispatched posters declaring the film titles held by them. It is because of this that anybody actually and legally has the titles as well as ready software with them. The day a deal is signed, we deliver the software and permissions. Unlike some other very old companies claiming to hold the film rights, we have nothing ambiguous about our titles. And that is why we are able to print them on the posters and send across,” says Kanakia.
Hindi
Zee5 and Applause Entertainment team up for whodunnit ‘Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa’
Rajat Kapoor directs star-studded murder mystery streaming from 10 April.
MUMBAI: Zee5 is serving up another killer collaboration and this time, the murder mystery comes with a generous side of dark humour and family dysfunction. The streaming platform has partnered with Applause Entertainment and Mithya Talkies to bring Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a fresh, twisted whodunnit written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and actor Rajat Kapoor. The film will stream exclusively on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
The movie reimagines the classic murder mystery genre with a contemporary, darkly comic edge. It revolves around a group of friends and family who smile, drink, and celebrate together until the silence snaps and long-buried secrets spill out. The stellar ensemble cast includes Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa, Saurabh Shukla, Chandrachoor Rai, Neil Bhoopalam, Koel Purie, Palomi Ghosh, and Rajat Kapoor himself.
This latest offering continues the successful partnership between Zee5 and Applause Entertainment, which has previously delivered diverse hits such as Mithya, Bloody Brothers, and Jab Khuli Kitaab.
&TV Business Head of hindi Zee5 and chief channel officer Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has consistently delivered distinct, high-impact storytelling. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, reinforcing our focus on genre-led content with a compelling whodunnit premise and a strong ensemble cast.”
Applause Entertainment business head for movies Sunil Chainani added, “This film adds yet another compelling layer to our slate with Rajat Kapoor’s unmistakable voice.”
Rajat Kapoor shared, “What interested me was not just the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who smile at each other, but there’s so much that is not said.”
The film promises razor-sharp writing, layered performances, and simmering tension, inviting viewers not just to solve the crime but to unravel the complex relationships at its heart.
If you love a good murder mystery served with wit and emotional depth, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa looks set to be your next addictive watch. Mark your calendars, the whodunnit drops on Hindi Zee5 from 10 April.
