Hollywood
Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai win Despicable Me 4 early access voting frenzy!
Mumbai: Minion mayhem is about to erupt across India, but moviegoers in Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai are in for a special treat! These three cities have emerged victorious in a thrilling online voting battle for the PVR INOX Early Access Show of the highly anticipated animated film, Despicable Me 4. With a staggering 25,000 fans participating Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai secured the highest number of votes, granting them the exclusive privilege of an early screening on 30 June 2024. The winning cities were determined through an intense online voting process conducted on the PVR and INOX apps and websites. This innovative approach by PVR INOX reflects the high level of enthusiasm and participation among Despicable Me fans across India.
Starting today, June 26, movie lovers in Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai can secure tickets for this special Early Access Show. Don’t miss this chance to be among the first in India to witness the return of Gru, his loyal Minions, and the whole Despicable Me crew! To commemorate this victory and heighten the excitement, PVR INOX is offering additional perks for moviegoers in the winning cities. Every ticket holder for the Early Access Show in Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai will receive a complimentary popcorn tub, adding a delightful touch to their movie experience. Additionally, a select group of lucky attendees will be randomly chosen to win exclusive Despicable Me 4 merchandise, taking home a cherished memento of this special event.
PVR INOX Ltd CEO – revenue & operations Gautam Dutta expressed his excitement about the Early Access Show and the voting process: “With the Early Access Show, we’re putting the power back in the hands of our audience. This isn’t just a movie screening; it’s a celebration of the magic of cinema and the immense love for the Despicable Me franchise! The voting battle was a thrilling experience, and around 25,000 fans participated, one of the highest participation for any film contest so far. We’re ecstatic to bring the Early Access Show to Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai on June 30.”
PVR INOX’s Early Access Show breaks new ground, empowering audiences and shaking up the traditional movie experience. Through real-time polling on the PVR and INOX apps and websites, fans actively influenced which cities received early screenings for select films. This innovative approach not only caters directly to movie lovers’ desires by giving them a say in the release schedule but also generates significant pre-release buzz and excitement for the film itself.
The Despicable Me franchise stands as a titan in the animation industry. It holds the prestigious title of the highest-grossing animated film franchise of all time, solidifying its place among the top 15 highest-grossing film franchises overall and one of the highest-grossing media franchises ever. The secret to its success lies in its unique blend of heartwarming moments, side-splitting humour, and a cast of unforgettable characters, including the ever-popular Minions, that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Despicable Me 4 serves as the highly anticipated sequel to Despicable Me 3 (2017), marking the fourth instalment in the main series and the sixth film overall. Fans can expect the return of the delightful mix of mischief and mayhem that has become synonymous with the franchise and some exciting new surprises.
After narrowly escaping incarceration, the villainous Maxime Le Mal and his accomplice, Valentina, seek revenge on Gru and his family, including his newborn son, Gru Jr. This looming threat forces Gru to relocate his family for their safety. In their new neighbourhood, they encounter the Prescotts and their daughter, Poppy. Gru and his mischievous Minions form an unexpected alliance with Poppy to counter the formidable duo of Maxime and Valentina. With a dynamic plot, beloved characters, and the ever-entertaining Minions, Despicable Me 4 promises to be a hilarious and heartwarming addition to the Despicable Me saga.
Hollywood
David Zaslav could net up to $887m as Warner Bros Discovery sells up
Media mogul strikes gold as Paramount Skydance deal triggers massive windfall
NEW YORK: While the average office worker might hope for a nice clock and a round of applause upon leaving, David Zaslav is looking at a slightly more substantial parting gift. The chief executive officer of Warner Bros Discovery is positioned to receive a windfall of up to $887 million following the company’s blockbuster $110 billion sale to Paramount Skydance.
In a twist of corporate fate that feels scripted for the big screen, the deal marks the finale of a high-stakes bidding war. It comes after Netflix, once the frontrunner, decided to exit stage left and abandon its pursuit of the HBO Max parent company.
While most people receive a standard final paycheck, the filing released on Monday suggests Zaslav’s exit package is built a little differently. If the deal closes as expected in the third quarter of 2026, the numbers break down like this:
The cash out: A severance package of $34.2 million, covering his salary and bonuses.
The equity: $115.8 million in vested shares he already owns.
The future fortune: A massive $517.2 million in unvested share awards, essentially “future stock” that turns into real money the moment the ink dries on the merger.
Perhaps the most eye-catching figure is the $335 million earmarked for tax reimbursements. However, this particular pot of gold has an expiration date.
The company noted that these reimbursements are tied to specific tax-code rules that significantly decline as time passes. If the deal hits a snag and drags into 2027, that tax payout drops to zero. With hundreds of millions on the line, the chief executive officer likely has every incentive to ensure the closing process moves at double-speed.
