Hindi
“Fairy Folk” launches online distribution platform in India
Mumbai: The creators of the “Fairy Folk” have announce the launch of their official website, www.fairyfolkthefilm.com, where audiences can now view the film directly and pay any amount they feel is fair. This marks the first-of-its-kind release in India, pioneering a new model of film distribution.
“Fairy Folk,” directed by Karan Gour and starring Rasika Dugal and Mukul Chadda, had its limited theatrical release in March 2024. Despite gaining traction through word of mouth, the film faced significant distribution challenges, including its premature removal from cinemas and the reluctance of digital platforms to showcase independent films.
In response, the team behind “Fairy Folk” has taken an innovative approach by offering the film on their dedicated website. This platform allows viewers to pay any amount they feel is fair, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the film regardless of their financial situation.
“Working on an improvised film like Fairy Folk has been one of my most fulfilling experiences as a performer. I feel proud that, with this film, we have tried something new every step of the way – from experimenting with an entirely improvised film to producing it ourselves, to securing a theatrical release for an indie film; and now, finding our own way to distribute it! This has been a truly independent experience. I’m thrilled that we can now present our labour of love directly to audiences, allowing them to support us in a way that feels right to them”, said Rasika Dugal.
“Creating ‘Fairy Folk’ was a journey filled with both joy and immense challenges,” said Karan Gour. “The struggles of independent film distribution are real, but we’re excited to bring our film directly to the audience through our website. This approach not only democratises access but also supports the spirit of independent filmmaking.”
“Fairy Folk” explores the complexities of human relationships through the lens of magical realism. It tells the story of a genderless woodland being that disrupts the lives of a couple, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Hindi
Jio Studios, Sanjay Dutt team up to revive Khal Nayak
Rights acquired for new version, format under wraps as remake plans take shape.
MUMBAI: The villain is back and this time, he’s rewriting his own script. Jio Studios has partnered with Three Dimension Motion Pictures and Aspect Entertainment to revive the 1993 cult classic Khal Nayak, marking a fresh chapter for one of Bollywood’s most iconic anti-hero stories. The original film, directed by Subhash Ghai under Mukta Arts, was a commercial and cultural milestone, with Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of Ballu becoming one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable performances.
Dutt, along with Aksha Kamboj, has now acquired the rights from the original creators, bringing on board Jio Studios and its President Jyoti Deshpande to steer the project creatively.
While the exact format whether remake, sequel, prequel, or a completely new narrative remains undisclosed, the collaboration aims to reinterpret the story for contemporary audiences while retaining the essence that made the original a defining film of the 1990s.
The move taps into a broader industry trend of reviving legacy intellectual property, particularly characters with strong recall value. “Khal Nayak” was notable for pushing mainstream Hindi cinema into morally grey territory at a time when heroes were largely one-dimensional, making Ballu’s character a standout.
The project also marks the film production debut of Aspect Entertainment, signalling a push towards more technology-led storytelling frameworks. Meanwhile, Jio Studios continues to expand its slate, having built a library of over 200 films and series, with more than 60 titles collectively winning 500-plus awards.
For Dutt, the revival is as much personal as it is strategic, a return to a role that reshaped his career. For the industry, it is another sign that nostalgia, when paired with scale, remains a powerful box-office proposition.
Because in Bollywood, some villains never fade, they just wait for the perfect comeback.
