Movies
Jio Studios announces Kannada debut with Kotee
Mumbai: Leading content studio Jio Studios announced its debut in Kannada cinema with the exciting announcement of drama thriller Kotee, featuring the talented Dhananjay and helmed by director Param. The occasion was marked with the launch of the film’s teaser at an event in Bangalore.
One of the foremost content creators in the country, following a string of recent blockbusters including Baipan Bhari Deva (Marathi), Article 370, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, Shaitaan, and Laapataa Ladies, Jio Studios is set to further solidify its position as a leading creative force with its foray into Kannada.
In the upcoming Kotee, Dhananjay plays the character of a young man named ‘Kotee’, which translates to a crore in Kannada. A writer transforms his experiences into a story. An actor translates the story on to the cine screen. Dhananjay is one of those sensitive actors who lives the role, rather than enact it.
Excited about his role and elaborating the myriad hues of Kotee’s world, Nata Rakshasa Dhananjay said, “People think if they can get a crore rupees, or are able to earn so much, they can feel settled in life. Our man Kotee thinks so too. You can find a Kotee in every home, every family, and it could be a brother or son. Such people think that by earning so much, they can solve their problems, and live happily ever after.”
He further added, “The fun part of life is that there is a Kotee in each one of us. Playing the role allowed me to explore the layers of ‘Kotee’ hidden deep inside me. Watch the movie to discover the ‘Kotee’ in you”.
Param, making his directorial debut with Kotee, brings a wealth of expertise in storytelling with his successful stints with TV serials and reality shows for Colors Kannada and has taken up the challenge of adapting his talent to the larger canvas.
Commenting on his debut as a film maker, Param said, “It’s an indescribable feeling to see my vision come to life on the silver screen with ‘Kotee’. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Jio Studios and Jyoti Deshpande for believing in my story and giving me the wings to soar. Their unwavering commitment towards nurturing storytellers is not just about making films, it is about growing content, amplifying diverse voices, and shaping narratives. As Jio Studios continues to expand its footprints, we hope to recreate a similar success story in Kannada cinema as well”.
Among the star cast, model Moksha Kushal hailing from Coorg makes her debut as leading lady opposite Dhananjay, marking a vital break for her. Ramesh Indira, who won popular acclaim as the negative character in ‘Sapta Saagaradache Ello’ plays a prominent role in the movie. Rangayana Raghu, Tara, Prithvi Shamanuru, Sardar Satya and Tanuja Venkatesh are seen in other prominent roles.
Kotee boasts of a solid team with Vasuki Vaibhav composing music for the five songs in ‘Kotee’, three of which have been written by Yogaraj Bhat and one by Vasuki himself. The background score, set by Nobin Paul of ‘777 Charlie’ and Malayalam super hit ‘2018’ fame, which is edited by Prateek Shetty of ‘Kantara’ fame. Camera work is by Arun Brahman, who partnered Param in his small screen journey as cinematographer.
The release of the film’s teaser has sparked widespread excitement about Dhananjay living the title role through his natural acting, and Ramesh Indira emerging as a major ‘villain’. Kotee is set to release on 14 June 2024.
Hollywood
Disney to cut 1,000 jobs in major restructuring drive
Layoffs span ESPN, studios and tech as company pivots to growth
MUMBAI: The magic isn’t disappearing but it is being reorganised. The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to cut around 1,000 jobs as part of a sweeping restructuring effort aimed at sharpening its edge in an increasingly unpredictable entertainment landscape. The move, led by CEO Josh D’Amaro, reflects a broader internal reset as the company rethinks how it operates, allocates resources and competes in a fast-evolving industry. In a memo to employees, D’Amaro acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but framed it as a necessary step to ensure Disney remains “efficient, innovative, and responsive” to rapid shifts in consumer behaviour and technology.
The layoffs will span multiple divisions, including marketing, film and television studios, ESPN, technology teams and corporate functions. Notifications have already begun, signalling that the restructuring is not a distant plan but an active transition underway.
Importantly, the company has clarified that the cuts are not performance-driven. Instead, they form part of a wider transformation strategy aimed at building a leaner, more agile organisation, one better equipped to respond to streaming dynamics, digital disruption and evolving audience expectations.
The timing is telling. The global entertainment industry is in the middle of a structural shift, with traditional television revenues under pressure and box office returns becoming increasingly volatile. Meanwhile, streaming platforms and digital-first competitors continue to redraw the rules of engagement, forcing legacy players to rethink scale, speed and storytelling formats.
For Disney, long synonymous with blockbuster franchises and timeless storytelling, the pivot is both strategic and symbolic. The company is doubling down on technology, direct-to-consumer services and content ecosystems that align with modern viewing habits, where audiences expect immediacy, personalisation and cross-platform experiences.
Even as the restructuring unfolds, D’Amaro struck a note of optimism, reiterating Disney’s commitment to creativity and long-term growth. Support measures for affected employees are expected as part of the transition, though details remain limited.
In essence, this is less about cutting back and more about reshaping forward. As Disney redraws its organisational map, the message is clear, in today’s entertainment world, even the most magical kingdoms must evolve or risk being left behind.
