Hindi
Ayushmann Khurrana named brand ambassador for 25 Ficci Frames
MUMBAI: Lights, camera, celebration! As Ficci Frames gears up for its 25 anniversary, Indian cinema superstar Ayushmann Khurrana has been announced as the brand ambassador for the event, becoming the face of India’s media & entertainment industry. This silver jubilee edition promises to combine star power, disruptive innovation, and global relevance, making it a landmark occasion for India’s thriving creative landscape.
This year’s theme, “RISE: Redefining Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence,” reflects Ficci Frames’ transformative role in shaping the narratives, creativity, and evolution of India’s media and entertainment industry. Over 25 years, the event has emerged as the premier platform for industry collaboration, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and creative talents to discuss the future of entertainment.
Expressing his excitement, Ficci Media chair & entertainment committee and Jiostar CEO- entertainment, Kevin Vaz said, “The silver jubilee edition of Ficci Frames is a celebration of 25 years of excellence and a tribute to the legacy we have built in shaping India’s Media & Entertainment industry. Ayushmann Khurrana, with his incredible journey of creativity, innovation, and connection with audiences, represents the very ethos of Ficci Frames. His association will elevate this milestone event and inspire future generations of storytellers and creators.”
Sharing his thoughts on being the first brand ambassador for Ficci Frames, Khurrana said, “It is a huge honour for me to be announced as the first Brand Ambassador for Ficci Frames in its silver jubilee year! As someone who arrived in Mumbai from Chandigarh with nothing but dreams in my eyes, I could never have imagined this incredible journey, one where my work has not only touched lives but also become a part of India’s rich pop culture tapestry. In my new role, I am committed to working closely with the exceptional Ficci team to champion disruption, celebrate innovation, and highlight the excellence our industry consistently delivers.”
Ficci Frames has long been a beacon of leadership in India’s creative ecosystem. Previously chaired by Yash Chopra and co-chaired by Karan Johar, the event is now led by Kevin Vaz, alongside co-chairs Meta India VP & MD Sandhya Devanathan, and Warner Bros. Discovery GM, south Asia Arjun Nohwar.
Notable global icons, such as Hugh Jackman, James Murdoch, and Mukesh Ambani, have graced the Ficci Frames stage in the past. Indian cinema legends like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Amitabh Bachchan have also contributed to its star-studded history.
Held annually in Mumbai, the silver jubilee event promises to dive into cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, digital content creation, and the metaverse, while continuing to highlight traditional media. The programme will feature keynote addresses, B2B meetings, masterclasses, policy roundtables, and the Best Animated Frames Awards (BAF).
With Khurrana leading the charge, this year’s Ficci Frames is set to redefine the boundaries of media and entertainment innovation, paving the way for the next 25 years of creative excellence.
Hindi
ZEE5, Applause announce new film Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa
Rajat Kapoor’s dark comedy thriller to stream on ZEE5 from April 10
MUMBAI: ZEE5 and Applause Entertainment have announced their next direct-to-digital collaboration, Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa, a darkly comic whodunnit set to stream from April 10.
Produced in association with Mithya Talkies and written and directed by Rajat Kapoor, the film marks the latest addition to a growing slate of genre-diverse titles from the two partners. Their previous collaborations include dramas, psychological thrillers and dark comedies, with this outing leaning into a layered murder mystery.
The film features an ensemble cast including Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waluscha De Sousa and Saurabh Shukla, among others. The narrative promises a mix of satire, strained relationships and hidden tensions, inviting viewers to look beyond the crime to the dynamics that lead up to it.
ZEE5 business head hindi and chief channel officer Andtv Kaveri Das said, “Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment has been instrumental in building a strong slate with titles such as Bloody Brothers, Mithya and Jab Khuli Kitaab. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa is a natural progression, aligning with our focus on genre-led content that resonates with audiences.”
Applause Entertainment business head movies Sunil Chainani said, “This collaboration with ZEE5 continues to stand out for its diversity of genres and narrative styles. Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa adds a sharp, darkly comic whodunnit to that mix, driven by Rajat Kapoor’s distinct voice.”
Sharing his creative approach, Rajat Kapoor said he was drawn to the emotional layers behind the genre. “I was interested not just in the mechanics of a whodunnit, but the emotional violence that precedes physical violence. These are people who appear close, yet carry unspoken tensions that eventually surface.”
The partnership between ZEE5 and Applause continues to build on a shared focus on distinctive storytelling, with each project exploring a different tone and genre.
With its mix of humour, tension and ensemble storytelling, the film aims to offer more than just a mystery. It promises a closer look at the secrets people keep, and the consequences when they finally come to light.
