Documentary
DBS Bank India hosts screening of “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga”
Mumbai: DBS Bank India hosted an exclusive, invite-only screening of the documentary “Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A Singapore Saga” in Delhi.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as Singapore High Commission H.E Simon Wong, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA) CEO Subhash Chandra National, National Medical Commission, Ministry of Health secretary Dr. B Srinivas, Delhi Development Authority member finance Vijay Kumar Singh, YSM,SM,VSM (Retd), ex-director general, resettlement Major General Sharad Kapur, Sansad Ratna Awards Committee chairman Adv. Priyadharshni Rahul and Ministry of Commerce – CIO, Invest India Sunita Mohanty. DBS Bank India MD and head of institutional banking group Rajat Verma delivered the opening remarks, kicking off the event.
The documentary is commissioned by the Tagore Society Singapore and sponsored by DBS Bank India. It captures Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s role in spearheading the Azad Hind movement from Singapore. Scripted and directed by Lakshmi Raman Venkat from Gravitas Media, it features engaging narration by renowned quiz master Siddhartha Basu.
Through the eyes of a Singaporean history buff recounting Netaji’s life to a young visitor from India, the documentary takes viewers on a captivating journey. It skilfully links landmarks that played a crucial role in Netaji’s journey to the progression of the Indian freedom movement.
The documentary delves into contributions of the Indian National Army (INA) and the remarkable involvement of women, particularly through the establishment of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment. It also features a reenactment of Netaji’s ‘Great Escape’ in January 1941, filmed at Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata. In the documentary, Subhashini Ali, the daughter of Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal (nee Swaminthan), one of Netaji’s closest aides in the INA, shares anecdotes about her mother’s role in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
DBS Bank India MD and head– group strategic marketing & communications Shoma Narayanan said, “We are honoured to be associated with a compelling documentary that captures the connection between India, Singapore, and a historic figure: Subhas Chandra Bose. His spirit of resilience and dedication continues to inspire generations in both countries. Through our collaboration with the Tagore Society Singapore, we wanted to commemorate a period of history that transcended geographical boundaries. This association embodies our commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences for customers and communities, setting us apart as a different kind of bank.”
The production team from Lakshmi’s company, Gravitas Media, comprising Rajendra Nanoskar, Prakash Parmar, Santosh Mithbawkar, and Wilson Thomas, meticulously brought Netaji’s story to life. Their efforts unearthed remarkable stories of Netaji’s time in Singapore, enriching the documentary’s narrative.
DBS Bank India, the largest foreign bank in the country by branch presence, continues to curate experiences that go beyond traditional banking. Through strategic partnerships, the bank aims to engage a broader audience and reinforce its brand promise of ‘Live more, Bank less’.
Documentary
Netflix and Warner Music ink landmark documentary deal
The streaming giant has just unlocked one of the richest vaults in music history. Its rivals should be worried
CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK: Netflix and Warner Music Group have signed an exclusive multi-year deal to produce documentary series and films drawn from the label’s storied artist roster, the companies announced on Friday — a move that hands the streaming platform access to one of the most formidable catalogues in music history.
Warner Music Group represents legends including David Bowie, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell, alongside contemporary superstars such as Charli XCX, Coldplay and Bruno Mars. That is a staggering breadth of material for a platform hungry for prestige content and subscriber growth to match.
Under the agreement, Warner Music will work with Unigram, the production company aligned with the label, which will serve as the studio for its long-form projects. Each title will be developed in collaboration with the artists themselves or their estates, ensuring the kind of intimate access that turns a documentary into an event.
The deal reflects an intensifying race between music-rights owners and streaming platforms eager to turn deep catalogues into premium visual content. Music documentaries have become a vehicle for fan-driven, culturally resonant programming — a trend underscored by Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” film, which grossed over $260 million globally and reminded every platform chief just how lucrative the genre can be.
Netflix already boasts formidable credentials in music storytelling, with “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” and “Quincy” among its highest-profile releases. The Warner deal sharpens that edge considerably. Rival platforms have not been idle: Disney+ has released “The Beach Boys”, while Max has drawn attention with “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.” Apple Music, meanwhile, has pushed into original content through its Apple Music Live series, producing documentaries and livestreamed concerts featuring Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.
The battle for music’s visual soul, then, is well and truly on. Netflix has just made its boldest move yet.
