Hindi
Maidaan triumphs at the Septimius Awards
Mumbai: The glittering Septimius Awards in Amsterdam, renowned for honoring the very best in global cinema, has just announced its 2024 winners – and Maidaan, the sports biographical drama has secured the prestigious ‘Best Asian Film’ Award.
Held at the iconic Tuschinski Theater on 20 August, the Septimius Awards are a celebration of cinematic excellence on a grand scale. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Europe,” this event is a magnet for the industry’s elite, where the world’s top filmmakers and actors come together to honor creativity and innovation. This year, the ceremony was graced by a stellar lineup of BAFTA, Emmy, and Oscar winners, including the likes of Jenny Beavan, David Parfitt, Kevin Willmott, and Sir Christopher Hampton.
On winning this international accolade director Amit Ravindernath Sharma shared, “This is a truly special feeling, and words cannot fully capture the joy I am experiencing at this moment. Maidaan is a labor of love, and I am deeply grateful for the continuous outpouring of affection it is receiving. The global recognition the film is garnering is both humbling and a source of immense pride.”
Maidaan, with its compelling narrative and visionary direction, resonated deeply with the values of the Septimius Awards, earning its place as the Best Asian Film of 2024. This accolade not only highlights the film’s artistic brilliance but also underscores its significance on the global cinematic stage, marking a new milestone in international cinema.
Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and produced by Zee Studios, Boney Kapoor, Arunava Joy Sengupta, and Akash Chawla, Maidaan features Ajay Devgn as Coach Syed Abdul Rahim along with Priyamani, Gajraj Rao and Rudranil Ghosh. The movie was released theatrically on 10 April 2024.
Amit Ravindernath Sharma’s groundbreaking TVCs include Pooja Didi – Facebook, Dove #StopTheBeautyTest, Lifebuoy – Help A Child Reach Five, Silent National Anthem, Google Reunion, have won prestigious awards like The Cannes Lions, D&AD, London International Awards, The Golden Award of Montreux, Spikes Asia, Adfest, and many more.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
