Hindi
Ad Guru Turns Reel Hero with Mythical Thriller for the Masses
MUMBAI: From 30-second ad epics to full-length cinematic spectacle Prasoon Pandey is finally making the leap, and it’s nothing short of mythic. Prasoon Pandey, one of the most celebrated names in Indian advertising, is stepping behind the camera for his feature film debut, a massy, contemporary mythological thriller backed by Movieverse Studios and Ellipsis Entertainment. Known globally for his award-winning commercials, Pandey now swaps storyboards for the silver screen, bringing with him decades of visual flair and narrative punch.
Written by Vaibhav Vishal, the yet-untitled film blends cultural depth with modern storytelling, and promises to push genre boundaries with its unique tone and scale.
“This isn’t just a directorial debut, it’s a long-overdue cinematic event,” said Movieverse owner IN10 Media Network MD Aditya Pittie. “We’ve waited for a story that matched Prasoon’s legendary vision. This one had him hooked and us too.”
Pandey, who has 17 Cannes Lions, Clio, and D&AD awards to his credit, is the first Asian to feature on Campaign Magazine’s 100 most influential advertising filmmakers list. “I wasn’t going to do a film just for the sake of it. This script hit differently,” he said. “It stayed with me, long after I’d read it. That’s when I knew this is the one.”
Movieverse Studios CEO Vivek Krishnani echoed the excitement: “We’re committed to cinematic storytelling that stirs the soul and stuns the eye. With Prasoon and Ellipsis on board, this film promises both.”
The film also marks another milestone for Ellipsis Entertainment, whose partners Tanuj Garg and Atul Kasbekar have a knack for scouting offbeat-yet-relatable stories. “Prasoon’s been a friend and a creative icon. It took us years and many scripts but we’re thrilled this is the one that finally got a yes,” said Kasbekar.
Comparisons with ad-filmmaker-turned-directors like Ram Madhvani and Suresh Triveni are inevitable, but Pandey’s visual grammar and storytelling signature remain in a league of their own.
Casting is currently underway, and the makers promise a stellar ensemble to match the story’s ambitious canvas.
For now, one thing is certain: when an ad legend like Prasoon Pandey steps into the world of cinema, the lines between art, mass appeal, and mythology are about to blur in the best possible way.
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
