Movies
PVR INOX hosts special screening of ‘Wish’ for Make-A-Wish Foundation kids
Mumbai: PVR INOX Ltd, India’s leading multiplex chain, partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation to organise a special screening of Disney’s upcoming film ‘Wish’ for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. The film was showcased today at PVR ICON, Phoenix Palladium, Lower Parel and was attended by 50 children accompanied by their guardians and the team of Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Through this initiative, PVR INOX, in collaboration with Make-A-Wish Foundation, helped to fulfil the cherished wishes of 50 children between the ages three and 18 of watching a film in a cinema. Disney’s film ‘Wish’ will take viewers through the journey of a young girl who wishes upon a star, leading to the arrival of a trouble-making star from the sky to join her. The film resonates with the Foundation’s core message that every wish has the potential to come true.
PVR INOX Ltd co-CEO Gautam Dutta shared his thoughts, “The movie ‘WISH’ encapsulates the innocence and wholesomeness of childhood. It was an absolute honour for us to collaborate with Make-A-Wish Foundation and contribute to their mission of spreading joy across the globe by making wishes come true for medically-challenged children. The children had a delightful time at the event, and we at PVR INOX will continue to commit to such noble activations in the coming future.”
Make-A-Wish Foundation managing trustee & board chairperson Paulomi Dhawan mentioned, “For more than 28 years, Make-A-Wish has granted wishes for children with critical illnesses worldwide. Bringing a smile on the face of a critically ill child when their wish is granted is so fulfilling. A small wish delivers a profound impact. It offers Hope, Strength and Joy to the child and the family to fight the many challenges they face. We are grateful to PVR INOX who so graciously held this special screening of Disney’s movie ‘WISH’ to enthral these young ones, giving their “wishes to go” the power to dream and recover soon.”
In the upcoming film, “Wish,” the central character Asha, is portrayed by Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose. The film features voiceovers by actors Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk, and Evan Peters, amongst others and is Disney Pixar’s 62nd animated feature film.
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.
