Hollywood
“Boonie Bears: Guardian Code” special screening held on Mother’s Day
Mumbai: “Mother’s Day” celebrated at a special screening of “Boonie Bears: Guardian Code” kids’ film with moms & their children well-known mommy bloggers from Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore & Chennai treated themselves & their kids to a special siesta. This screening held in various multiplexes was a joyful ride & witnessed them taking selfies in various poses with the standees & backdrops of the film. They were so connected with the film that one can see them rooting for the 2 brothers fighting against all odds to get their lost mother back. In the end, some of them were noticed getting teary-eyed watching the brothers reunite with their mother.
Critics from all the national publications and online-digital platforms have given good favourable reviews to the first-ever Boonie Bears film from the universally loved global franchisee to be released in Indian theatres.
“Boonie Bears – Guardian Code” is a cute alluring journey of two lovable Bear Cubs Briar & Bramble who have been living happily with their mother Barbara in the forest of Crystal Peaks until a devastating fire separates them from their mother. Many years later they get a mysterious clue about their mother being alive. Determined to unravel the mystery of her disappearance with grit & courage, the bear brothers ultimately emerge victorious by confronting the truth & rescuing her from the villains. The title of the Hindi version is called “ “Boonie Bears – Mumma Ki Khoj” & the Bear Cubs are called Bunnu & Munnu.
This is the eleventh animation feature film from the globally beloved “Boonie Bears” animated franchise which has captivated audiences across 82 countries worldwide since 2012.
Ultra Media & Entertainment Group director Rajat Agrawal quoted, “ We are extremely thrilled to bring Boonie Bears to Indian cinemas. The sheer fan following that the franchise had been enjoying globally is a testament of its universal appeal. The emotional quotient of the film will resonate well with the Indian audience. We also have been observing that there is a dearth of good films for children in India. Hence we also strategically timed the release to sync it with the summer vacation of the children, so that they can enjoy it in the theatres with their family in leisure “
The adventures of Bonnie Bears have transcended language barriers, fascinating audiences of all ages with their endearing antics & heartwarming narratives. They have become a cultural phenomenon, enchanting generations with their timeless charm & universal appeal.
Boonie Bears, an international franchise has evolved into a highly cherished animated universe with 10 films & extensive TV series spanning 11 seasons with 728 episodes worldwide since its debut on 22 January 2012. Alongside it, Boonie Bears has also expanded its reach with five books, further enriching its immersive universe. It is currently being streamed on Netflix, Sony & Disney globally.
The “Boonie Bears” film series is based on the wildly popular animated television show produced by Fantawild Holdings Inc. Boonie Bears series started its worldwide theatrical journey in 2014, Boonie Bears : Guardian Code garnered a Worldwide Box office of $220 million. The film is acquired & released in India by Ultra Media & Entertainment Group.
Television series: Boonie Bears was first shown on television in 2013 with BB: Homeward & in 2014 with BB: Robo-Rumble. It garnered huge traction & became the most popular children’s show globally. Following this an array of TV series was aired which spanned 11 seasons with 728 episodes worldwide since its debut.
Hollywood
WBD sets April 23 vote on $110bn Paramount Skydance merger
Investor approval key step, but regulators loom over mega media deal
NEW YORK: Warner Bros. Discovery has set April 23 as the date for shareholders to vote on its proposed $110 billion merger with Paramount Skydance, marking a crucial step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
The all-cash transaction offers WBD shareholders $31 per share, a hefty 147 per cent premium to its unaffected stock price, signalling strong intent to push the deal across the finish line. The company’s board has unanimously backed the merger and is urging investors to vote in favour.
Even if shareholders give the green light, the deal is far from done. Regulators in the United States and Europe are expected to scrutinise the merger closely, weighing concerns around competition and potential price impacts for consumers.
To keep investors on side, WBD has built in a safety net. If the deal is not completed by September 30, shareholders will receive a quarterly “ticking fee” of $0.25 per share until closure.
The proposed merger would significantly reshape the media landscape, combining the assets of Warner Bros. Discovery with those linked to Paramount Global and Skydance Media. It would also cement the growing influence of David Ellison, who has been steering Skydance’s aggressive expansion strategy.
“The WBD Board has been guided by the singular principle of securing a transaction that maximises the value of our iconic assets and delivers as much certainty as possible to our shareholders,” said Warner Bros. Discovery board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr.. “This historic transaction will expand consumer choice and create new opportunities for creative talent.”
Warner Bros. Discovery chief executive officer David Zaslav added that the company is working closely with its counterpart to close the deal and unlock value for stakeholders.
With investor backing likely but regulatory hurdles ahead, the proposed merger is shaping up to be a defining moment for the global entertainment industry, where scale, content and competition are increasingly intertwined.
