News Broadcasting
Deepak Tijori’s maiden venture ‘Oops!’ set for April release
MUMBAI: Crossover films seem to be making their mark on the Indian screen as several film makers are exploring new terrain. Actor-producer Deepak Tijori’s directorial debut Oops! made under the banner of Tijori Films is all set to hit the theatres in April 2003.
The film’s leading starcast comprises newcomers Kiran, Vikas and Adyasha. The film also stars Mink, Mita Vasisht, Amit Thakur and Kiran Kumar.
The story of Oops! revolves around the lives of two boys who are background film dancers who decide to turn into male strippers to make more money. The movie has cinematography by Thomas A Xavier; music by Ravi Pawar; lyrics by Ajay Jhingran; art direction by Kumar Sagar; dialogue by Brijesh; and is written/directed by Deepak Tijori. The music of the film will be released in March and the music rights have been bought by Crescendo.
“The film, made with a nominal budget of Rs 25 million, is very city centric and yet emotional. It’s all about valuing relationships in life,” says Tijori. “It’s the presentation and packaging of the movie that is modern in its outlook,” he adds. Tijori has already initiated talks about the territorial and overseas distribution rights and the television rights of the movie but nothing has been finailised till now.
The film made in two versions; English and ‘Hinglish’; is being sold as a package deal and both versions will be released simultaneously. “So if one buys the ‘Hinglish’ version, he gets the English version free or vice versa,” he informs.
Oops! has been invited to the American Film Market (AFM) as a part of the Indian delegation where it will be screened in the second week of February.
Tijori Films had a mixed last year as far as TV programming was concerned. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Tijori says that the year 2002 for Tijori Films as an independent production house was “nothing great, but things seem to be looking up in the new year,” he adds. On a positive note, he says “the monopoly of a few production houses seems to be breaking and the channels are realising that it’s not wise to put all their eggs in one basket.”
Not revealing much about his forthcoming projects, Tijori says that he is working on a couple of projects and that talks are underway with some channels.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
