iWorld
Juju Baby Music Drops ‘Folk Outta The Box’ EP, reviving Folk with a twist
Mumbai: Juju Baby Music – operating under the banner of Artium Originals – is excited to announce the release of its newest EP, ‘Folk Outta The Box’, an innovative project that breathes new life into the timeless genre of folk music. This groundbreaking collection features fresh reinterpretations of traditional melodies, aiming to captivate both seasoned folk enthusiasts and a younger audience that craves fusion and contemporary sounds.
In a series of weekly releases starting on 11 September, Juju Baby Music will drop one track every Wednesday, giving listeners a steady dose of fresh folk vibes and anticipation for what’s next. Each song in the EP is designed to connect deeply with its audience, blending the familiar warmth of heritage with contemporary flair.
At its core, ‘Folk Outta The Box’ aims to bridge heritage and modernity by reimagining folk tunes for both traditional festivals and contemporary spaces like clubs and live venues. This EP envisions a future where timeless melodies align with today’s tastes, reaching a diverse audience. Juju Baby Music has also harnessed the power of AI technology to create unique visuals for each track, showcasing the potential of tech in music.
The EP includes five dynamic tracks with a rich mix of regional flavours, brought to life by some of the most talented young folk artists from across India. ‘Banna Re’, sung by Pinky Maidasani, captures the vibrant essence of Rajasthan with a fresh, contemporary twist; ‘Mitti Da Bawa’, performed by Swarjit Singh, embodies the lively spirit of Punjab, blending traditional folk with a modern flair; ‘Rongobati’, delivered by Jyoti Prakash, blends traditional Oriya elements with innovative sounds, celebrating the cultural depth of Odisha; ‘Shundori Komola’, brought to life by Sagnika Saha, offers a contemporary take on Bengali folk, highlighting the artistic richness of Bengal; and ‘Vadalri’, performed by Aneri, combines traditional Gujarati melodies with modern rhythms, creating a fresh and engaging sound.
Juju Baby Music renowned music composer/producer and director Gourov Dasgupta said, “With ‘Folk Outta The Box,’ we wanted to reimagine the essence of folk music while preserving its soul. Our goal was to create something that resonates with today’s listeners while celebrating the rich heritage of our traditional sounds. This EP is about embracing our roots and presenting them in a way that feels fresh and relevant for a new generation.”
Artium Originals co-founder and CEO Vivek Raicha added, “At Juju Baby Music, we believe that music is a powerful storyteller, and with ‘Folk Outta The Box’, we’re not just sharing songs, we’re sharing heritage in a way that speaks to the present. This project is a celebration of India’s rich folk traditions, reimagined for today’s world. By blending age-old melodies with modern rhythms, we’re creating an experience that honours the past while embracing the future. We hope this EP resonates with listeners of all ages, sparking a new appreciation for the timeless beauty of folk music.”
Juju Baby Music invites listeners to embark on a musical journey like no other. ‘Folk Outta The Box’ isn’t just an EP—it’s a bridge between the past and the present, a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural tapestry.
Two tracks from the album have been released and received immense love from listeners. To keep the buzz alive and continue entertaining, new tracks will drop every Wednesday. Stay tuned to experience the evolving world of folk music like never before!
iWorld
Prime Video to stream Tamil thriller Exam from May 15
Seven-episode series from National Award-winner A. Sarkunam streams in India and 240-plus countries
MUMBAI: Prime Video announced on April 27th that Exam, a taut seven-episode suspense drama set against the crucible of high-stakes competitive testing, will premiere on May 15th in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
Written and directed by A. Sarkunam, a National Award-winner, the series is produced under the Wallwatcher Films banner by the creative duo Pushkar and Gayatri, who have previously delivered Suzhal: The Vortex (both seasons) and Vadhandhi: The Fable of Velonie for the platform. Dushara Vijayan and Aditi Balan lead the cast, with Abbas in a pivotal role.
The show will stream in Tamil with dubbed versions in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, and subtitles in 15 languages, including English, a distribution sweep that underscores Prime Video’s push to globalise Indian regional content.
Nikhil Madhok, director and head of originals at Prime Video India, framed the series as both timely and commercially astute. “Exam is a very timely and relevant story that captures the emotional intensity of competitive exams and masterfully transforms it into a thrilling high-stakes drama,” he said. “We believe it is a story that will resonate deeply with millions.” Madhok noted that it was a privilege to once again collaborate with Pushkar and Gayatri following the success of Suzhal and Vadhandhi.
For Pushkar and Gayatri, the series is as much a moral reckoning as a thriller. “With Exam, we wanted to dig into ambition, injustice, and those moral crossroads that people face when pushed to the edge,” the creative producers said. “At the heart of this story is a young woman who refuses to remain powerless. Her journey is not about glamorising defiance, but about exploring the emotional and ethical cost of standing up to a system stacked against her.” They described Prime Video as “an incredible collaborator” and “the perfect home” to bring the series to global audiences.
Wallwatcher Films, which Pushkar and Gayatri founded and run, has been on a productive streak with the platform. Beyond Exam, the company is also readying Vadhandhi Season 2 for Prime Video, making the duo one of the platform’s most active regional creative partners.
The real exam, it seems, is for Prime Video itself: can a Tamil drama about systemic injustice and a young woman’s defiance crack audiences from Chennai to Chicago? If Pushkar and Gayatri’s track record is anything to go by, the answer is likely yes, and the results will be out on May 15th.
