iWorld
Sony LIV and Windows Productions join forces to ignite the magic of Bengali cinema
Mumbai: Sony LIV has teamed up with Windows Productions to present the exclusive digital premieres of three captivating blockbuster Bengali films – Fatafati, Lokkhi Chhele and Haami 2. This collaboration significantly enhances Sony LIV’s regional language catalogue and provides a broader array of content appealing to Bengali-speaking audiences.
Boasting an impressive 8.1 rating on IMDB and hailed as the summer’s blockbuster hit, Fatafati chronicles the journey of Phullora Bhaduri, a talented tailor who defies societal norms and strives to become a fashion influencer. Directed by Aritra Mukherjee and starring Bengali heartthrobs Ritabhari Chakraborty and Abir Chatterjee, the film challenges body shaming and inspires viewers to embrace their uniqueness.
Inspired by a true story, Lokkhi Chhele, directed by Kaushik Ganguly, revolves around a newborn baby with four arms. With an impressive 8/10 rating on IMDB, the movie delves into the shackles of human superstition and the profound influence of human beliefs, offering a thought-provoking tale set in rural surroundings with a global appeal. It boasts a stellar performance by Ujaan Ganguly, Aditi Marik, Ritwika Pal, and Purab Seal Acharya in pivotal roles.
After the phenomenal success of Haami, the makers came up with a fresh story in Haami 2 that follows an extraordinary eight-year-old boy with a remarkable talent for mathematics. As his gift becomes a source of income for his parents, the movie humorously explores the complexities of modern-day parenting. Written and directed by Nandita Roy and Shiboprosad Mukherjee the film stars Gargee Roy Chowdhury, Ritodeep Sengupta, Shreyan Saha, Aritrika Chowdhury, Anjan Dutt, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Shiboprosad Mukherjee among others.
Sony LIV head of content Saugata Mukherjee:
We are thrilled to join forces with Windows Productions in bringing forth the much-awaited OTT premieres of Fatafati, Lokkhi Chhele and Haami 2. In keeping with our keen focus on programming in regional Indian languages, this a very special collaboration. Our aim is to celebrate Bangla stories and storytellers, give them a platform to showcase and reach out to audiences from across the globe.
Windows Production co-founder Shiboprosad Mukherjee:
We are thoroughly excited that three of our films, which have been loved and blessed by the audience, will soon start streaming on Sony LIV. For Bengal, it’s an important event that a national player is entering this market and we are proud to associate with Sony LIV. The three films are completely different from each other. While Fatafati is a heart-warming love story that deals with the issue of body positivity, Lokkhi Chhele, I feel, is one of the best films by Kaushik Ganguly till date and also the boldest film of 2022. Haami 2, on the other hand, is a sweet story of Laltu and Mitali Mondal and their sons, one of whom is a child prodigy.
Stay tuned for the release of Fatafati on 4 August and watch out for updates on the release dates of Lokkhi Chhele and Haami 2.
iWorld
Warner Chappell Music launches India ops, Jay Mehta to lead unit
WMG shifts to direct model, unifying publishing and recorded music
MUMBAI: Warner Chappell Music has officially launched direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift by parent Warner Music Group to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
The move replaces the company’s earlier sub-publishing model with a full-fledged, on-ground operation, aimed at giving Indian songwriters stronger access to global networks, rights management tools, and creative infrastructure.
To lead the push, Jay Mehta has been handed an expanded mandate. Already serving as managing director of Warner Music India, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing across India and neighbouring South Asian markets, effectively bringing the two sides of the business under one roof.
The unified structure is designed to streamline how artists and songwriters work with the company, offering a more integrated ecosystem that spans compositions, recordings, and global distribution.
Warner Music Group managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC Jay Mehta said, “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity.”
The timing is no coincidence. According to CISAC, creator collections in India jumped 42 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7 billion in 2024, while IFPI ranks India as the 15th largest recorded music market globally. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift, with independent and non-film music gaining ground over traditional Bollywood soundtracks.
Warner’s bet is that a direct presence will help it capture this changing dynamic. The company is also offering India-based creators access to its proprietary tools, including AI-powered royalty matching systems and real-time analytics platforms, aimed at improving transparency and earnings visibility.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot said the move is about shaping a publishing ecosystem that “works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl underlined India’s importance to the company’s global strategy, noting that the new structure creates a “unified powerhouse” for both creators and audiences.
With local studios, global reach, and tighter integration across its business lines, Warner is clearly doubling down on India. And as streaming habits evolve and independent music rises, the company is positioning itself to be not just a participant, but a key architect of the country’s next music chapter.
