Movies
Eros’ Telugu film ‘Dictator’ completes first schedule in Hyd; moves to Europe
MUMBAI: Eros International Media has completed the first schedule of its Telugu production – Natasimha Balakrishna’s Dictator in Hyderabad.
Eros International Media managing director Sunil Lulla said, “Telugu cinema is going through an exciting phase and we are very happy to associate with the best talent in the industry. After the success of our maiden Telugu production, Srimanthudu, we are happy to share that the shooting part of our upcoming Telugu movie Dictator with Natasimha Balakrishna and Sriwass is going on in full swing. With Dictator, we aim to further expand and strengthen Eros’ footprint in south Indian cinema.”
Produced by Eros International in association with Vedaashwa Creations, the film is directed by Sriwass and marks as Balakrishna’s 99th film. The action entertainer also stars Anjali and Sonal Chauhan along with Ravi Kishan, Sayaji Shinde, Nazar and Prudhvi amongst others.
Veteran writer M Ratnam is the dialogue writer, while writer duo Kona Venkat and Gopi Mohan have penned the story for the film.
Sriwass said, “We have successfully completed the first schedule recently and I’m thankful to Eros for making available all the resources that I needed for filming. We’re now going ahead with full gusto for our upcoming foreign schedule in Europe where we will be canning some talkie, action and songs. I’m confident that Dictator will become a hugely successful milestone in Eros’ journey. Dictator is going to be an eye feast for the audience as we’ve got a great story that will be told with great production values.”
The film is being picturised in Hyderabad, Delhi and some locations in Europe.
Hollywood
Paramount seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
