Hindi
Excel Home Entertainment to launch ‘Life of Pi’ on 3D Blu-Ray & DVD
MUMBAI: Home entertainment company Excel Home Entertainment will soon launch the Oscar winning "Life of Pi" on DVD, Blu-Ray and 3D in India.
The movie is an adventure drama film based on Yann Martel‘s novel of the same name; directed by Oscar winning Director Ang Lee starring Irfan Khan, Tabu and debutant Suraj Sharma in the lead role. The movie has won four Academy awards in the categories best director, best cinematography, best visual effects and best original score.
Excel Home Entertainment MD Muslim Kapasi said, "Other than a great plot, the movie has some outstanding performances. The fact that the movie has an Indian connect with an international touch makes it a huge hit among the Indian audience. Ang Lee‘s cinematic brilliance – Life of Pi has many Indians longing for a copy of the DVD and Blu-Ray. We are also offering the 3D version of the Blu-Ray. We are planning a huge release in terms of the numbers as well as a fitting launch spectacle."
As part of the launch activities, movie buffs are invited to participate in an exclusive contest called "Found God!" wherein they can share their personal story on experiences with God. The winners have a chance to win a paid trip to Pondicherry and a day tour in Oscar winning VFX studio Rhythm & Hues.
Bonus features of the merchandise include – Remarkable Vision (an in-depth look at director Ang Lee‘s collaboration with visual-effects studio Rhythm & Hues), Becoming PI (a short clip on Suraj Sharma‘s life changing journey), Epic Journey (the making of Yann Martel‘s literary epic to Ang Lee‘s artistic vision; this feature includes the pre and post production work done on the movie), Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright (a five minute visual effects documentary on Pi and Richard Parker‘s compelling scenes), Ship Sinking Progression (an exclusive documentary on the monumental scene and its making).
Life of Pi will be available on DVD at Rs 599, 2D Blu-Ray (two disc edition with DVD at Rs 999), 3D Blu-Ray (two disc special edition with DVD at Rs 1499) and steel book Blu-Ray (two disc special edition at Rs 1999) at all leading stores across the country. It is also available in four different languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in 5.1 surround sound (DVD) and in 7.1 surround sound (Blu-Ray).
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
