iWorld
Tata Play Binge’s October entertainment extravaganza: The new launches we loved
Mumbai: Lights, camera, October action! As the vibrant colours of October begin to fade and we cosy up in our blankets, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the cinematic and episodic treasures that graced our screens this month. In the last month, the entertainment industry brought us a stellar lineup of films and series that kept us glued to our seats. From thrilling blockbusters to heartwarming dramas, the past month was nothing short of a cinematic rollercoaster. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and join Tata Play Binge as we explore the top movies and series that shone brightly in October.
Gadar 2 on ZEE5
Gadar 2 is a Bollywood action drama film directed and produced by Anil Sharma. It is a sequel to the 2001 film Gadar: Ek Prem Katha and features the same old cast of Sunny Deol, and Ameesha Patel but now along with Utkarsh Sharma, and Aamir Naik in prominent roles. The storyline provides the original fans a glimpse into the Tara Singh family now set in 1971 as Tara Singh returns to Pakistan to rescue his imprisoned son Charanjeet “Jeete” Singh. The film became a commercial success as it grossed 685.19 crores worldwide, making it the seventh highest-grossing Bollywood film ever. This high-octane drama had everything the 90’s kids look for in a Bollywood Masala movie. So grab that popcorn and witness the iconic hand pump moment again in Sunny Paaji style.
Permanent Roommates Season 3 on Amazon Prime Video
TVF’s Permanent Roommates made its debut on YouTube in 2014, and its groundbreaking success led to a lineup of web series being produced as it opened up the content industry to the concept of long-format shows. Now, after a seven-year hiatus, the beloved cast, Nidhi Singh and Sumit Vyas and others reunite for Season 3. In this new season, Tanya contemplates leaving the country for new experiences, while Mikesh secretly resists the idea. The series not only delves into their lives but also explores their parents’ journeys. With five engaging episodes, it follows their quest for permanent residency in Canada and the events that unfold, while keeping the essence of Tannu and Mikki alive all through the season. With the quirks of Mikesh accompanied by the antics of Tanya, this season of Permanent Roommates will leave you wanting more, yet satisfied with the way the series concludes. Binge on all the episodes if you haven’t yet!
Kaala Paani on Netflix
Kaala Paani presents a compelling narrative set in the near future on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known for their unexplored history. In 2027, a deadly virus threatened the island, but authorities initially dismissed it, putting lives at risk. The series, created and co-directed by Sameer Saxena, explores the moral and ethical dilemmas in handling such sensitive situations, making it thought-provoking. The exceptional cast, including Mona Singh and Ashutosh Gowariker, delivers powerful performances, while the series weaves themes of human greed, politics of emotions, inclusivity, and man vs. nature into a heart-wrenching tale of separation and choice.
Scam 2003: The Telgi Story on SonyLiv
‘Scam 2003’ follows in the footsteps of its acclaimed predecessor, ‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’. This time, it delves into the world of Abdul Karim Telgi, a humble fruit seller who ascended to become the mastermind behind a colossal stamp paper fraud. While Gagan Dev Riar delivers a compelling portrayal of Telgi, the series, helmed by showrunner Hansal Mehta and directed by Tushar Hiranandan takes us through the intricate web of forgery and government corruption that fueled Telgi’s empire, offering a peek into his manipulative tactics and the entangled network of collaborators. With only a portion of the episodes released, ‘Scam 2003’ is yet to fully unveil the scale of Telgi’s operations leaving viewers intrigued but awaiting more.
Aakhri Sach on Disney+ Hotstar
Aakhri Sach is a crime thriller series inspired by the tragic Burari incident, which revolves around the suspected suicides of 11 family members spanning three generations. The show follows a dedicated police officer, Anya played by Tamannaah Bhatia, tasked with investigating the unsettling mass suicide. However, as the series unfolds, it grapples with the challenge of balancing the gruesome reality of the event with fictional storytelling. The story still manages to grip the audience even after the end is known. This definitely should be on your watchlist if you haven’t binged on it yet.
John Wick : Chapter 4 on Lionsgate Play
The awaited return of Keanu Reeves as the legendary assassin John Wick! Directed by Chad Stahelski, the film is the latest instalment in the action-packed franchise. In this chapter, John Wick faces off against the High Table, the organisation that has marked him for death. With an arsenal of weapons and his unparalleled combat skills, John Wick takes on new adversaries. As John Wick embarks on a mission to earn his freedom, the film promises more intense action sequences, complex choreography, and breathtaking visuals, making it a thrilling addition to the franchise.
Wondering how to get a subscription to these OTT apps? We have Tata Play Binge for you. Viewers can avail the entire package of 22+ apps (Disney+ Hotstar, Apple TV+, ZEE5, SonyLIV, Hallmark Movies Now, MX Player, Lionsgate Play, Aha, VROTT, Sun NXT, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, Koode, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, Voot Kids, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, and ShortsTV) and Games under one subscription, in one app, without having to subscribe or remember the password of every app. Sounds amazing? It is amazing!!
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video plans are available for Tata Play DTH subscribers only.
Download the Tata Play Binge app to enjoy the best of entertainment across 22 OTT platforms
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.
