iWorld
Studio9 launches LGBT-focused Docu-series ‘This Is Me’ on News9 Plus
Mumbai: Studio9 announces the release of ‘This Is Me’, a unique English-language non-fiction docu-series on the LGBTQIA+ community that seeks to enlighten and engage viewers on the many aspects of a community that remains shrouded in misconception, and also to tell intensely personal stories of struggles and triumphs of the community’s members.
The series will premiere on News9 Plus, India’s first news OTT, to commemorate Pride Month 2024. Through a scientific, cultural, and historical lens, the series provides audiences with an intimate look at the science, legality, and socio-cultural challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, primarily in India but also across the world.
‘This Is Me’ features prominent members of the LGBTQ+ community, including India’s first transgender judge Joyita Mondal, India’s first trans celebrity hair designer Sylvie Rodgers, interdisciplinary artist Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee and others, who share deeply personal and moving stories that speak to the indomitable human spirit.
Their stories are complemented by insights from notable lawyers, activists, medical experts, and other professionals, including Supreme Court advocate Sanjay K. Chadha, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rajat Gupta, leading psychologist Dr. Jayanti Dutta and activist Anjali Gopalan among many others. These experts add enlightening and comprehensive perspectives to the narrative that makes ‘This Is Me’ both informative and emotionally powerful.
Over the course of five episodes, the series sheds light on the often misunderstood notions of gender identity and sexual orientation while simultaneously highlighting the significant challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community today. ‘This Is Me’ also explores the historical and social influences that have shaped social perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community over time, to give viewers a deeper understanding of oft-misunderstood subjects such as the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation, the psychological impact of gender dysphoria, and the significance of gender realignment surgery.
Episode Highlights:
Episode 1 – Introduction of key LGBTQI+ figures, exploration of gender fluidity, and societal pressures faced by those defying traditional norms.
Episode 2 – Exploration of various sexual orientations, gender dysphoria, and gender realignment surgery.
Episode 3 – Bullying, lack of family support, and historical impacts of British colonialism on the LGBTQI+ community.
Episode 4 – The transformative power of education and workplace challenges for the LGBTQI+ community.
Episode 5 – Love, marriage, family life, and the legalities surrounding same-sex marriages and adoption.
“Having spent more than two decades in front of the camera, ‘This is Me’ is my directorial debut and a celebration of the triumph of humanity over social norms. It’s a docu-series about the struggles of a few special individuals of the community, whose narratives are interwoven with invaluable factual insights from experts and professionals. Viewers will be moved to tears by the bravery and resilience displayed by my protagonists – the members of the LGBTQIA+ community”, said Studio9 the director of the series and the founder Arpita Chatterjee.
The premiere of ‘This Is Me’ and the spirit it represents will be celebrated by a launch event which will feature the who’s-who of the LGBTQIA+ community, and will celebrate the unique essence of every identity over an evening of wine and cheese.
iWorld
Sony LIV acquires worldwide digital rights for Marathi romance Toh Ti Ani Fuji
Film shot in Japan and India to stream exclusively on the platform from 10 April 2026.
MUMBAI: Love knows no language, but this Marathi romance is about to speak to audiences far beyond its roots and it’s doing so with a scenic detour through Japan. Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired the worldwide digital rights for the Marathi-language romance feature Toh Ti Ani Fuji (also known as Main, Woh Aur Fuji), with an exclusive direct-to-digital release on Sony Liv scheduled for 10 April 2026. Sony Pictures Networks India will retain exclusive worldwide theatrical and linear rights.
Filmed extensively in Japan and India, the film marks an unprecedented Marathi-language romance set on an international canvas. It explores how relationships evolve under the pressures of distance, time, and shifting emotional realities, using Japan not merely as a backdrop but as an emotional landscape that mirrors the characters’ inner journeys.
Written by Irawati Karnik and directed by Mohit Takalkar, the story follows a deeply passionate relationship that gradually turns toxic due to contrasting personalities, shifting priorities, and unfair emotional expectations. Seven years after their separation, the former couple unexpectedly reunite in Japan, reopening old wounds and unspoken desires while questioning whether love altered by time can ever find its way back.
Producer Shiladitya Bora said the partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India reflects the growing belief that “regional is the new mainstream.” He added that the film’s multi-language digital release on Sony LIV will help it connect with newer audiences across India and the world.
Director Mohit Takalkar described the film as an exploration of how love changes in today’s urban world, shaped by ambition, geography, and the pressure to evolve. “It began as a very personal exploration of relationships, and to see it reaching a wider audience feels deeply satisfying,” he noted.
Actors Lalit Prabhakar and Mrinmayee Godbole highlighted the film’s intimate yet universal take on love, separation, and rediscovery. Godbole particularly praised how filming in Japan added a global dimension while keeping the story deeply personal.
From a toxic romance that travels from India to Japan and back, Toh Ti Ani Fuji promises an emotionally layered story that feels both specific and universal. For Sony LIV viewers, this first-of-its-kind Marathi film offers a chance to experience love, loss, and second chances with a refreshing international flavour.
The film streams exclusively on Sony LIV from 10 April 2026.
