Hindi
Rare classics of silent era to screen at Kolkata film festival
MUMBAI: To give a nostalgic feel to film buffs of how silent films were screened in tents a century ago, the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) that is to get under way from Sunday, will screen some rare classics of the silent era at the state-run multiplex Nandan.
It is here that a makeshift camp has been made to recreate the environment in which films used to be screened once upon a time. The camp will accommodate around 200 people.
Named after one of India‘s first filmmakers, the Hiralal Sen Mancha will screen 15 black and white classics during the week-long carnival to celebrate the completion of 100 years of Indian cinema.
This Sunday, India‘s first full-length feature film released in 1913, Dadasaheb Phalke‘s Raja Harishchandra, will be shown. Based on the mythological story of King Harishchandra, the film will be shown in the DVD format.
Phalke‘s film Kalia Mardan, which presents the story of how a young Lord Krishna wins over a giant serpent will also be screened.
Jyotiprasad Agarwala‘s Joymati (1933) will take viewers back to 17th century Assam to tell the painful story of a medieval princess who is tortured and killed by the evil prime minister for refusing to betray her husband.
Kalipada Das‘ 1931 film Jamai Babu, a comedy remembered for having rare visuals of Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial and the sprawling Maidan in the heart of the city.
Besides, classics from the legendary New Theatres studio founded by the Dada Saheb Phalke awardee BN Sircar, Chandidas, Dhoop Chhaon and Mukti will also be shown.
Altogether 189 films from 60 countries will be screened at twelve venues during the eight-day KIFF.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
