News Broadcasting
UTV’s three film projects go on floor
MUMBAI: Integrated media major UTV has kicked off the production of three of its films. Projects titled Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh, Blue Umbrella and D are currently on the floor.
The first of its productions Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh, is being directed by Chandan Arora. To be co-produced by UTV with Star, the movie, currently being shot in Lucknow, introduces model Neetu Chandra with Rajpal Yadav and Kay Kay Menon, informs an official release.
Second in line – Blue Umbrella is an adaptation of a Ruskin Bond novel, to be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Featuring Pankaj Kapoor in the title role, the movie is being shot in Dalhousie.
The third production, which is being shot in Mumbai, is in association with Ram Gopal Varma. A prequel to his previous hit, Company, D is being directed by newcomer Vishram Sawant, and stars the Monsoon Wedding fame Randeep Hooda. Varma is quoted in the official release as saying, “My reason for teaming up with UTV is because of my immense belief in their marketing sensibilities and aggressiveness in promoting innovative cinema.”
UMP, the Motion Picture Division of UTV is in the scripting and casting stage for three projects to be directed by David Dhawan, Prakash Jha, Aatish Kapadia/JD. Active discussions are also on with directors like Milan Luthria, Somnath Sen, Priyadarsan, Samir Karnik and Ken Ghosh, among others, adds the release.
The budgets of all these projects vary from Rs 50 million – Rs 250 million. They will be committed to production in early 2005, mostly simultaneously, giving an added boost to the studio model, the release states.
UMP’s distribution model also kicks in with UTV’s own co-production of Ashutosh Gowariker’s Swades, Mahesh Dattani’s Morning Raga and Mahesh Manjrekar’s Virudh among others.
Says UTV’s Motion Picture Division general manager Ram Mirchandani, “Our focus and time is disproportionately spent on script whetting, feedback and even research with focused groups.”
“Our Indian and international distribution model is completely in place and our planned agenda of distributing at least a movie a month worldwide from March/April next year is very much on track,” chips in film distribution division vice chairman Sanjeev Mehta.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
