iWorld
Sector 36’s electrifying album drops ahead of its release
Mumbai: As the release of the crime thriller Sector 36, starring Vikrant Massey and Deepak Dobriyal, approaches, excitement builds with the launch of its album. Featuring a mix of devotion, emotion, and contemporary sound, each track reflects the film’s intense narrative. Directed by Aditya Nimbalkar and produced by Jio Studios and Maddock Films, the film has already generated buzz with its track ‘Dumroo.’ The four-track album features a range of musicians who capture the film’s energy and essence, immersing listeners in a world of crime and suspense.
The first track, Dumroo, sung by Mohit Chauhan and Anupam Amod and composed by Dhunkey, released earlier this week and received a strong response for its thunderous beats and devotional chants. Following it, Saaya, composed, produced, and sung by Kanishk Seth with lyrics by Yashwardhan Goswami, captures the film’s tension. Maan Kafira, sung by Amit Mishra, composed by Gourav Dasgupta with lyrics by Farhan Memon, reflects inner conflict with a blend of rebellious and soulful tones. The final track, Ruan, sung by Kamakshi Khanna with additional vocals by Savera, composed by OAFF and Savera with lyrics by Sameer Rahat, explores themes of despair, fear, and inner turmoil.
“Creating ‘Saaya’ was a deeply fulfilling experience. This song speaks to that part of us we often ignore – the shadows we carry within. Composing this song gave me the space to explore a sound that feels meditative yet modern, reflecting the inner search for meaning. This song is close to my heart as it reflects intense feelings, suspense and passion that I hope resonates with every listener,” added Kanishk Seth while talking about ‘Saaya’.
Delving into the depth of their track ‘Ruan’, OAFF and Savera expressed, “With ‘Ruan’, we wanted to capture the quiet strength that comes with vulnerability. Kamakshi’s voice brought that to life in a way that was both tender and powerful. Sameer Rahat’s evocative lyrics really brought out the atmosphere of the film and we hope the track speaks to the heart.”
The album is a collection of songs that will take you on an emotional and spiritual journey, pulsating with energy, devotion, and human depth. Prepare to be captivated by the rhythms and emotions of Sector 36, where every beat tells a story and every note heightens the suspense. The film is available exclusively on Netflix starting 13 September 2024.
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
