Movies
Malayalam hit “Mayaanadhi” premieres in Hindi on Dollywood Play
Mumbai: The mesmerising world of Indian cinema is about to get much more thrilling as Dollywood Play, the celebrated OTT platform, proudly announces the release of “Mayaanadhi” in Hindi. A gripping tale of love, crime, and destiny, “Mayaanadhi” will be available on the Dollywood Play platform in the Hindi language starting from 4 November.
This cinematic masterpiece is set to captivate the hearts of a wider audience, immersing them in a world of passion, suspense, and drama like never before.
Mayaanadhi (Mystic River), directed and co-produced by the visionary Aashiq Abu and brilliantly written by Syam Pushkaran and Dileesh Nair, is a true cinematic gem. The movie revolves around the tumultuous love story between Tovino Thomas, who portrays a wanted criminal, and Aishwarya Lekshmi, an aspiring actress. Their love, fraught with obstacles and danger, forms the core of this riveting romantic thriller. Originally released on December 22, 2017, Mayaanadhi garnered overwhelming critical praise and was hailed for its audacious exploration of sexuality. The Hindu even recognized it as one of the top 25 Malayalam films of the decade, a testament to its exceptional storytelling and cinematic artistry.
Speaking of this exciting release, Dollywood Play founder, promoter, and MD Aneesh Arjun Dev said, “We take immense pleasure in introducing Mayaanadhi in Hindi on Dollywood Play. This exceptional film has garnered widespread acclaim for its daring narrative and extraordinary performances. We are resolute in our commitment to ensure that all our viewers, regardless of the language they speak, have access to exceptional storytelling. The movie transcends linguistic boundaries, and we firmly believe the gripping narrative and the exceptional chemistry between the lead characters will entrance our Hindi-speaking audience.”
Dollywood Play stands as a testament to its commitment to offering diverse and high-quality content for its subscribers. With a rich and varied content portfolio, the platform offers a mix of full-length movies, shorts, clips, and songs. Their forte lies in curating well-organized content across popular genres, including Action, Thriller, Suspense, Drama, Comedy, Romance, and Horror. Today, Dollywood Play continues to be a go-to platform for entertainment enthusiasts, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the ever-expanding world of content.
Mark your calendars for 4 November and get ready to lose yourself in the enticing world of “Mayaanadhi,” as Dollywood Play opens its doors to a cinematic adventure like no other. This thrilling experience is bound to leave you craving for more!
Hollywood
Paramount seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
