Hindi
Producer Sunjoy Waddhwa speaks on the success of Ranneeti
Mumbai: With rave reviews and viewer adulation, the Sphereorigins produced series ‘Ranneeti: Balakot and Beyond’ has managed to raise the benchmark of Indian OTT programming.
The show starring Jimmy Shergill, Ashutosh Rana, Lara Dutta, and Ashish Vidyarthi, among others and directed by Santosh Singh has managed to grab eyeballs with its gripping portrayal of hybrid warfare post the deadly Pulwama attacks, also being lauded for its authentic representation and storytelling.
“Ranneeti is indeed a great story with top-class acting providing a near-realistic portrayal of IAF as a professionally battle-hardened service. The episodes are riveting to watch, with direction and scenes of air battles in particular being of high quality, I would say, amongst the finest so far on Indian screens,” said Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani (Retd), former vice chief IAF conveying his wishes to the team behind the series.
However, it is learnt that bringing this complex narrative to life was no easy feat, with the creators facing numerous challenges in crafting a show that balanced technical accuracy with engaging drama. With over two years spent in research and development, the teams worked on multiple drafts before zeroing in on the final version.
“The original concept and research was ideated by Sanjay Chopra who is a pilot himself and I was very keen to make a Series on defence forces. One of the greatest challenges was ensuring that we honoured the real-life experiences of those involved in hybrid warfare. We had to approach the storytelling with empathy and sensitivity, particularly for viewers who may have personal connections to the themes explored.” said Sphereorigins Multivision Pvt Ltd producer and MD Sunjoy Waddhwa who is also known for producing path-breaking television shows like Balika Vadhu, Saraswatichandra, Peshwa Bajirao, Pandya Store and Saat Phere among the huge repertoire of the company.
The scale of “Ranneeti” was another significant challenge. The show being one of the most grand series made in India, required the teams to scout real-like locations to keep the authentic element of the show intact. Eventually, Ranneeti was shot at multiple locations like Kashmir, Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai, Belgrade and Novi Sad, across India and Serbia.
“We wanted to be authentic in all manners as best as we could while still creating a drama that would keep the audience hooked. Anything different could have ruined the experience for the viewer. There were logistical challenges, from scouting locations to coordinating shoots across various regions. Our team managed to navigate these hurdles and bring together a cohesive production ” Waddhwa added.
It is learned that to ensure the authenticity of the material, defence experts and aerial action experts were also brought in to work on the show, in addition to working with military artillery and fighter jets to ensure credibility and authenticity.
“…I had goosebumps during the depiction of the Balakot attack, especially the farewell party scene and the Wolf pack prep. I am so glad that it’s covering Abhinandan in detail, his role is illustrious. As was the lady AWACS controller …. I would like to extend my best wishes to the entire team of Ranneeti.” Said Air Marshal Gautam Nayyar congratulating the team.
A mammoth task to produce and execute, Ranneeti with the scale and storytelling of this calibre is what has enthralled fans across the country. Here’s hoping we get to see many more such shows and looking forward to yet another season of the show!
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
