Movies
NCPA & Zee Theatre partner to present Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav
Mumbai 2024: The National Centre for the Performing Arts’ Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav returns this summer. Co-powered by Zee Theatre, the three-day Marathi theatre festival (from the 17 to 19 May) encompasses a variety of vibrant activities such as poetry readings, venue tours, workshops and plays.
The festival opens with the premiere of Patra Patri, a tongue-in-cheek epistolary play about changing times, featuring two stalwarts – Vijay Kenkre and Dilip Prabhavalkar. In stark contrast to this humorous offering is Kavi Jaato Tenvha, a musical play-reading on the poetic works of Manik Sitaram Godghate, known by his pen name Grace. The festival also offers two workshops; one on the fundamentals of acting by renowned actor Priyadarshan Jadhav and the other about stage design by noted art director Macchindra Shinde.
NCPA head of theatre & films Bruce Guthrie shared, “The NCPA’s commitment to Marathi theatre and cultural groups is demonstrated through initiatives like Pratibimb. This festival aims to preserve and nurture Maharashtrian culture. It is a celebration and a collaboration between the NCPA and established and emerging artists, creating a vibrant space for artistic expression in the Marathi theatre community. The upcoming Pratibimb festival promises an enticing blend of mainstream and innovative performances. With no fewer than three premieres, it gives our audiences a chance to see the fantastic plays first at the NCPA. Alongside these, enriching readings, workshops, and tours will be held, all designed to provide a comprehensive experience of the vibrant world of Marathi theatre. This diverse lineup ensures there’s something for every theatre enthusiast eager to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Marathi theatre. We also offer greater access with many of the performances subtitled in English, so people who don’t speak Marathi can still experience the plays. We invite our audiences to join this celebration and immerse themselves in Pratibimb’s rich tapestry of experiences.”
This year, Pratibimb also features two intriguing love stories. Playwright Irawati Karnik, renowned for delving into the complexities of human behavior and relationships, presents her highly acclaimed work, “Jar Tar Chi Goshta.” Complementing this, Niranjan Pedanekar’s “Love is Hanikarak” offers a darker perspective on love.
Emerging from the NCPA’s prestigious “Darpan” playwriting competition, “Golkonda Diamonds” by Yogeshwar Bendre explores the perennial struggle of individuals against the overwhelming forces of the system. Building on the success of last year’s winning play, “Kalgitura,” by Datta Patil, the festival also presents “Dagad aani Maati” that delves deeper into themes of provenance and identity.
Witness these captivating stories unfold on stage and immerse yourself in this unique theatrical experience. Tickets are now available on BookMyShow.
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.
