iWorld
Paakashala launches ‘Paakashala Diaries’
Bangalore – Paakashala launched Paakashala Diaries, a first-of-its-kind video initiative that dives deep into the vibrant world of food and the individuals who shape it. This project aims to showcase a multi-cuisine approach that reflects the diverse culinary landscape of India. Hosted by Chandru, a celebrated figure in South Indian cinema known for his role in Ganeshana Maduve, the 1st season promises an engaging exploration of Bangalore’s culinary heritage and beyond.
Unlike traditional cooking shows, Paakashala Diaries is a multi-series video project, each focusing on different aspects of the food industry. This format aims to showcase various culinary contributors and their untold stories. Beyond the surface level of cooking, it delves into the very essence of food culture, exposing the inventiveness, passion, and devotion that characterise India’s illustrious culinary history.
“As a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant brand, Paakashala has always been about bringing diverse flavours together. Through Paakashala Diaries, we aim to pull back the curtain on the culinary world, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the dedication and passion that drive Karnataka’s food scene,” said Paakashala director of marketing and associate VP of operations, Vyjayanti Adiga. “By sharing the stories of those behind the food, we hope to educate and inspire, shedding light on the many layers that make the food industry so dynamic.”
The six episode series consists of:
The first season of Paakashala Diaries consists of six episodes, each focusing on a unique aspect of Bangalore’s food scene.
1. Bangalore Female Food Bloggers
This episode dives into local female food bloggers’ journeys, challenges, and insights, offering inspiration for aspiring content creators and food enthusiasts alike.
2. Food Delivery Partners: Challenges, Experiences & Customer Interactions
This episode sheds light on the often-overlooked delivery partners. It explores their challenges, daily experiences, and the critical role they play in ensuring customers get their meals on time.
3. Bangalore Street Food Vendors
A behind-the-scenes look at the entrepreneurial spirit of Bangalore’s street food vendors, showcasing authentic local flavours and the dedication that goes into each dish.
4. Legendary Restaurant Owners from Bangalore
It features iconic restaurateurs such as P Chandrashekhar Rao, founder of Rao Ideal Solution, who is known for his restaurant industry leadership. Gopady Srinivasa Rao – Owner of several popular eateries including Eshanya Street Food Café, Taaza Thindi, Mayura, Cane-O-La, Nammoora Hotel, and Arogya Ahaara. B Chandrashekhar Hebbar – President of Karnataka State Hotel Association, former President of Bruhath Bangalore Hotel Association, and owner of Anna Kuteera. Vasudeva Adiga – Founder of Paakashala and Nandi Upachar, shares his journey of creating beloved dining spaces. Arun Adiga – Owner of the iconic Vidyarthi Bhavan, a restaurant synonymous with traditional South Indian cuisine, this episode highlights the innovation and perseverance required to build successful restaurants.
5. Bangalore Male Food Bloggers
This episode features male food bloggers sharing their journeys, challenges, and unique perspectives on the food blogging world.
Premieres on: 25/10/2024
6. Paakashala Staff Journeys
This episode focuses on the dedicated Paakashala staff, sharing personal stories of their work, support during challenging times like COVID-19, and the community spirit that drives Paakashala.
Premieres on: 08/11/2024
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.
