Hindi
Universal to set distribution office in Mumbai
MUMBAI: In order to capitalise on the steady increase in the viewership of international cinema in India, Universal Pictures International (UPI) has decided to establish its theatrical distribution operation in Mumbai.
The Mumbai office marks UPI‘s 14th international operating wing since the company transitioned from its joint venture with Paramount Pictures in 2007. “Establishing operations in India have always been an ambition of UPI and with 2012 bringing us arguably Universal‘s best slate in several years, we have high aspirations for the market,” said Universal Pictures president – international David Kosse.
The distribution house will be headed by managing director Sarabjit Singh who will report to Universal Pictures International president of distribution Duncan Clark. Singh has been with Paramount Films of India Ltd (UIP) as general manager for more than a decade now.
This year, UPI brought in more than $400 million with the box office hit Fast and Furious Five that has grossed more than $600 million in global box office to date; Bridesmaids with more than $100 million in international box office and Johnny English 2 with nearly $40 million in international box office to date. Last year, UPI grossed around $ 300 million internationally with Despicable Me.
Hindi
Kridhan Infra enters film production with AI-led feature film
Infra firm debuts AI-powered film marking RSS centenary
MUMBAI: Kridhan Infra Limited is swapping hard hats for headsets. The infrastructure company has announced its entry into film production and media technology through its subsidiary, Kridhan Mediatech Private Limited, with the nationwide theatrical release of Shatak: Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, an AI-led feature film.
With Shatak, the company is not just stepping into cinema but staking a claim in what it describes as one of the world’s early full-length AI-driven feature films. Artificial Intelligence has been embedded across the creative and production process, from script visualisation and environment creation to modelling and production design.
The film commemorates 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, tracing defining moments, personalities and historical phases that shaped its journey. By combining archival storytelling with algorithm-powered creativity, the project attempts to blend heritage with high technology.
For Kridhan Mediatech, this is only the opening scene. The subsidiary’s broader ambition spans AI, CGI, virtual production systems and scalable content models for both theatres and digital platforms. The move signals a strategic diversification for Kridhan Infra, traditionally rooted in engineering and construction.
The timing aligns with India’s growing push to become a global AI powerhouse. At the 2026 AI Impact Summit, prime minister Narendra Modi urged innovators to design in India and deliver to the world. Kridhan Mediatech’s initiative positions itself squarely within that narrative, aiming to export technology-enabled storytelling beyond domestic audiences.
India’s media and entertainment industry, valued at over Rs 2.5 lakh crore, alongside a rapidly expanding AI economy projected to cross Rs 1.4 lakh crore in the coming years, offers fertile ground at the intersection of cinema and code.
“With Shatak, we proudly present one of the world’s first AI-led full-length feature films while marking our strategic entry into film production and media technology through our subsidiary,” the company said in a statement. “Our vision is to combine India’s rich narrative heritage with forward-looking innovation. This is just the beginning of building globally competitive, technology-enabled cinematic experiences.”
From infrastructure to imagination, Kridhan’s latest venture suggests that in today’s India, even storytelling can be engineered.
