Documentary
Shirdi’s 24-hour journey of faith on screen
MUMBAI: Gopi Films, in collaboration with the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, has unveiled 24 Hours Inside the Temple – Shirdi, a soulful documentary that captures a full day in the life of one of India’s most revered spiritual centres.
Directed by Harsh Pandya and Shekhar Jha, the film takes viewers on a mesmerising journey through a complete 24-hour cycle at the sacred Shri Sai Baba Temple, from the first light of dawn to the quiet reverence of midnight prayers. It offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the seamless rhythm of faith, devotion and seva (selfless service) that sustains Shirdi’s spiritual heartbeat.
More than a visual diary of rituals, the film reflects the humanity and humility that define true service. As the filmmakers describe it, every frame pays tribute to the countless individuals who work quietly, sincerely and selflessly to keep the temple alive around the clock.
Lending his voice to the film’s trailer in both Hindi and English, actor Shreyas Talpade called the experience “a feeling, not a performance.” He said, “This documentary isn’t just about rituals; it’s about the heartbeat of faith that never stops. Lending my voice helped me experience the devotion and discipline that define Seva.”
Produced as a non-commercial project, 24 Hours Inside the Temple – Shirdi is an offering of gratitude rather than a production for profit. Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust chief executive officer Goraksha Gadilkar said, “The Shirdi Sansthan’s service system is devotion in action. This project captures that living spirit of Seva which continues, day and night, without expectation.”
Set to premiere in January 2026 on the official digital platforms of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, the documentary is a gentle reminder that true devotion isn’t found only in prayer, it’s alive in every act of service.
Documentary
Netflix and Warner Music ink landmark documentary deal
The streaming giant has just unlocked one of the richest vaults in music history. Its rivals should be worried
CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK: Netflix and Warner Music Group have signed an exclusive multi-year deal to produce documentary series and films drawn from the label’s storied artist roster, the companies announced on Friday — a move that hands the streaming platform access to one of the most formidable catalogues in music history.
Warner Music Group represents legends including David Bowie, Cher, Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin and Joni Mitchell, alongside contemporary superstars such as Charli XCX, Coldplay and Bruno Mars. That is a staggering breadth of material for a platform hungry for prestige content and subscriber growth to match.
Under the agreement, Warner Music will work with Unigram, the production company aligned with the label, which will serve as the studio for its long-form projects. Each title will be developed in collaboration with the artists themselves or their estates, ensuring the kind of intimate access that turns a documentary into an event.
The deal reflects an intensifying race between music-rights owners and streaming platforms eager to turn deep catalogues into premium visual content. Music documentaries have become a vehicle for fan-driven, culturally resonant programming — a trend underscored by Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” film, which grossed over $260 million globally and reminded every platform chief just how lucrative the genre can be.
Netflix already boasts formidable credentials in music storytelling, with “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” and “Quincy” among its highest-profile releases. The Warner deal sharpens that edge considerably. Rival platforms have not been idle: Disney+ has released “The Beach Boys”, while Max has drawn attention with “Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.” Apple Music, meanwhile, has pushed into original content through its Apple Music Live series, producing documentaries and livestreamed concerts featuring Harry Styles and Billie Eilish.
The battle for music’s visual soul, then, is well and truly on. Netflix has just made its boldest move yet.
