Movies
FNP Media unveils “The Date” with a stellar cast
Mumbai: FNP Media, the esteemed media wing of the renowned Ferns N Petals brand, has kickstarted 2024 on an exhilarating note with the release of its much anticipated short film, “The Date,” on 5 January.
Crafted under the direction of filmmaker Shubham Sinha, the film boasts Vinayak Pathak in the lead role, supported by the talented Karan Sharma and Heer Kaur. Unfolding over a captivating runtime of 14 minutes and 31 seconds, “The Date” invites audiences into a suspenseful drama, highlighting the profound real-world consequences of one’s choices in life.
FNP Media & Ferns N Petals founder & MD Vikaas Gutgutia expressed, “So far, FNP Media has consistently received recognition and love for its cinematic endeavors. Our mission has been to continually present thought-provoking narratives and offer something fresh with each project. With ‘The Date’ as our inaugural film for the year, we aimed to deliver exceptional acting and a storyline that intrigues audiences”
This film stands as yet another milestone for FNP Media, showcasing its commitment to delivering compelling content. “The Date” is set to captivate audiences with its enthralling storyline, expert direction, and stellar performances by the cast. Delving into the complexities of human connections, the film promises an experience that explores the profound concept of redemption. Now available on FNP Media’s YouTube channel, the film beckons viewers into a realm of suspense and thrills.
FNP Media, a venture under the Ferns N Petals brand, specialises in producing captivating short films, web series, and TV commercials. With an impressive portfolio that includes hits like “Happy Birthday,” “2 Rupey ka Sikka,” “2100 FT,” “Gudgud,” “Aaina,” “Purple Scarf,” and more, the media entity has garnered millions of viewers worldwide. From compelling advertisements to engaging web series and gripping short films, FNP Media is dedicated to delivering compelling storytelling, ensuring an entertaining and unforgettable experience for its global audience.
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.
