Documentary
For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9
MUMBAI: What drives a fan to worship their cinematic idols with the fervor of a devotee? Is it the larger-than-life stories, the charisma of the stars, or something deeper – a bond that transcends the screen? For South Indian cinema lovers, it’s all of this and more. Come 7 December 2024, DocuBay, the global documentary streaming platform from IN10 Media Network, invites you on an exhilarating journey with Fanatics – a stirring original feature that peels back the curtain on the extraordinary world of South Indian film devotion.
From Tollywood to Sandalwood, this documentary delves into the heartfelt, and sometimes overwhelming, passion of fans who turn theaters into temples and actors into deities. Fanatics isn’t just a film; it’s a celebration of an emotion that millions live and breathe – a spectacle that promises to move, inspire, and leave you in awe. Mark your calendars, because this is one cinematic story you won’t want to miss.
Through in-depth storytelling, Fanatics journeys into the cultural heartlands of south India to showcase the acts of devotion and reverence that redefine fandom. From building temples in honour of their idols to life-altering sacrifices, the documentary portrays not only the admiration fans hold but also the darker consequences of such passion. Beginning with Tamil actor-politician MG Ramachandran’s era, the film traces the evolution of fan culture to the present day, including figures like Rajinikanth and Allu Arjun.
The documentary features candid interviews with Indian cinema icons such as Allu Arjun, Kichcha Sudeep, and Vijay Sethupathi, highlighting their perspectives on fan loyalty and the influence it wields on society. The film also examines the risks of fanaticism, including violent rivalries between fan groups.
Arjun reflects in the documentary, “Cinema has become a very strong, integral part of the culture—it’s no longer just a source of entertainment. Stars are highly idolised in the South, more than anywhere else I have seen in the world. Many fans do wonderful charity work, and that is great energy being put to the right cause.”
Sudeep shares his perspective, saying, “When I see people building temples for me or getting tattoos, it honestly scares me because I am a man of flaws. Over time, you begin to understand the purity of their emotions and the immense love they have for you. It teaches you responsibility and makes you a better human.”
IN10 Media Network, managing director, Aditya Pittie expressed the vision behind Fanatics, “At DocuBay, our mission is to curate and deliver intriguing narratives that resonate with global audiences. With Fanatics, we aim to provide an in-depth look at the unparalleled devotion of South Indian cinema fans. This first-of-its-kind documentary reflects our commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling that drives engagement worldwide.”
Fanatics delves into the symbiotic relationship between fan loyalty and the business of cinema, highlighting how this devotion directly influences the box-office success of south Indian films. By presenting stories of fans piercing their tongues, tattooing their bodies, and dedicating their lives to their idols, the documentary balances the awe-inspiring and cautionary tales of fandom.
Produced by Studio 9, Fanatics offers an unfiltered view into the world of extraordinary devotion. The documentary premiered exclusively on DocuBay on 7 December 2024.
MUMBAI: From Ranthambore with roar. This World Tiger Day, BBC Player is sinking its claws into the untamed heart of India with Legendary Tigers of India, a gripping documentary that prowls onto screens this Independence Day, 15 August . Narrated by the late, legendary conservationist Valmik Thapar, the film is more than just stripes and stares. It’s a moving chronicle of survival, strength, and the shifting story of India’s national animal. Thapar, one of the world’s foremost tiger experts, spent a full monsoon-to-monsoon year tracking a new generation of Bengal tigers deep within Ranthambore, one of India’s most iconic tiger reserves.
With intimate access and five decades of experience behind the lens and in the wild, Thapar offers rare glimpses of tigers not just as apex predators, but as emotionally complex, intuitive creatures navigating shrinking habitats and growing human presence.
The film roars to life from Thapar’s own jungle home at the forest’s edge, blending dramatic visuals with a deeply personal narrative. From mother cub dynamics to solitary alpha males, the documentary captures the instinctual ballet of survival, mating, territoriality and raw jungle drama woven through the lens of ecological urgency and reverence.
Premiering exclusively on BBC Player in India via Tata Play Binge and Prime Video (add-on subscription required), this special release is BBC’s tribute to India’s tiger legacy. With India currently home to more than 70 per cent of the world’s wild tigers 3,682, as per the 2023 census the documentary feels both timely and timeless.
In an age of noisy content, Legendary Tigers of India invites audiences to pause, listen, and marvel. Not just at the majesty of the tiger, but at a conservation journey that began with 1,411 tigers in 2006 and roared back in triumph. This isn’t just a documentary. It’s a call to protect what still prowls.
