English Entertainment
‘The Passion Recut’ takes centrestage on Star Movies on 1 March
MUMBAI: A first from Star Movies as it airs The Passion Recut without any commercial breaks on Wednesday 1 March, a day when the Christian holy season of Lent begins, 40 days before Easter.
On that day Star Movies presents the Mel Gibson film The Passion Recut at 9 pm. In a break from convention the telecast will feature no commercials to ensure that audiences feel the complete authenticity of the subject with dialogues in Latin and Aramaic. There will be English and Hindi subtitles.
For the uninitiated this film depicts the final hours of Jesus Christ, starting from his prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane where Satan sends a serpent to his betrayal at the hands of Judas Iscariot. It goes on to show the trials he endured under Pontius Pilate who wanted to set him free and King Herod as well as the torture and ridicule he suffered in between.
Once the death sentence is pronounced, he carries a heavy wooden cross to Golgotha amidst throngs of jeering citizens and horrendous beatings, while a few citizens do what they can to help Him. Throughout this time, we are shown memories from his past with his mother and Disciples, where he gives his teachings. Finally, he is crucified, dies, and is buried, but resurrects from the dead three days later.
Interesting facts:
– When this Latin and Aramaic language film was announced, Mel Gibson stated that his intent was to release it without subtitles, letting the performances speak for themselves.
– However, subtitles were added later. Also, he stated that regardless of the cost of the project, that this would be “good for the soul”
– James Caviezel who plays Christ experienced a shoulder separation when the 150 pound cross, dropped on his shoulder.
– It took over 10 hours to put Caviezel into the scourged makeup
– Caviezel was given a prosthetic nose and a raised hairline. His blue eyes were digitally changed to brown on film
– Maia Morgenstern, who plays Mary (mother of Jesus), is only six years older than Caviezel
– The assistant director of the movie was hit by lightening during filming.
– Because of their experiences during film production, many of the cast and filming crew converted to Catholicism after the completion of the film. Among those who converted was an atheist who played Judas Iscariot.
Mel Gibson laid his money, his career and his reputation on the line in an attempt to fulfill a dream. There were plenty of sceptics who mocked him. But for every critic who mocked and every voice who spoke with fear and loathing, there were dozens more who accepted, embraced and adored this film. Its box office success may have forever changed the film industry, as we know it. But, more important than its box office figures, only the subject of this film knows how many lives were brought closer as a result of Mel Gibson’s labour of love.
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
