Movie Channels
Viacom18’s Rishtey Cineplex now in Europe, N America
MUMBAI: Viacom18 has announced its plans to launch its Hindi movie channel, Rishtey Cineplex’ in the international markets.
Kicking off with high-impact launches in Europe and North America (US and Canada), the channel is an extension of the well-established Rishtey brand, and will be targeted at global film enthusiasts.
To be launched in Europe on 29 September and in North America in October, Rishtey Cineplex will appeal to the sensibilities of global film enthusiasts with its blockbuster content.
The channel will showcase the best from Viacom18’s wide library of films as well as newly acquired movies from across genres. The channel will air audience favourites like, Bajirao Mastani, Airlift, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Kapoor and Sons, Ki & Ka and upcoming films like, Force 2, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil amongst others.
Viacom18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “The Indian film industry has grown in terms of both reach and revenue and is now the largest producer of movies in the world. Our cinema, led by Bollywood movies, continues to increase its pull with the overseas Indian diaspora. Rishtey Cineplex, Viacom18’s first premium Hindi movie channel, has curated an impressive repertoire of Indian titles. It is our endeavour, to take Indian cinema, as a holistic entertainment package, to our loyal viewers in Europe and North America; allowing us to further strengthen our presence in these regions.”
Viacom18 Hindi mass entertainment, CEO Raj Nayak said, “Rishtey Cineplex has every ingredient that a movie buff would want to be engaged with. Global audiences today celebrate Indian films, and with the channel’s launch in Europe and North America, we are bringing this celebration to their living rooms. Indian films now have a universal appeal, as a result of which they taste tremendous success in International markets. The trend in consumption has been extremely encouraging and we are certain that the viewers will lap-up our content offering with great zeal.”
Along with films, the channel will showcase many interesting concepts including vignettes from various Film Festivals, behind-the-scenes trivia and coverage of exclusive Red Carpet extravaganzas amongst others.
IndiaCast gorup CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “After Colors and Rishtey, we now introduce our brand new offering, Rishtey Cineplex for the viewers in Europe and North America. The Indian and the South Asian expatriate population is growing across the world, and so is their love for Indian films. Our offerings have always resonated with such audiences catering to their intrinsic viewing needs. With Rishtey Cineplex we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with our partners along with our audiences.”
Viacom18 has planned an extensive marketing blitzkrieg with a high-decibel launch for Rishtey Cineplex in these markets. A focused 360-degree marketing plan is being orchestrated tapping mediums such as print, radio, outdoor, cinema, digital, cross-channel promotions,and on-ground activations in select locations.
Movie Channels
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat Premieres 14 Feb on Zee
Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat world TV premiere 14 Feb at 8pm passion meets politics.
MUMBAI: Cupid’s arrow just got a plot twist and it’s heading straight for your TV screen. This Valentine’s Day, Zee Cinema is turning up the heat with the world television premiere of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, a raw, rule-breaking romantic drama that proves love doesn’t always come wrapped in roses.
Set to air on Saturday, 14 February at 8pm, the film stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, directed by Milap Zaveri. It dives headfirst into obsession, heartbreak, and the kind of unconditional love that leaves scorch marks. Rane plays Vikramaditya, a powerful politician whose all-consuming passion for actress Adaa spirals into chaos when his feelings go unreturned unleashing a storm of emotion, misunderstanding, and life-altering consequences.
The timing couldn’t be sharper. Audiences are clearly craving intense love stories over sugar-coated ones, and this film taps straight into that vein. Harshvardhan Rane already has a loyal fanbase from his cult hit Sanam Teri Kasam, which cemented his status as the go-to guy for heart-wrenching romance especially among younger viewers who keep the film on repeat.
Milap Zaveri captured the film’s beating heart, “This film is about love that doesn’t follow rules. With Valentine’s Day being a time when audiences gravitate towards romantic narratives, the television premiere of Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat on Zee Cinema felt like the perfect fit. The continued love for intense romances shows there is a strong emotional appetite for such stories.”
Rane himself called it a story rooted in messy, honest emotion, “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat explores love in its most intense and vulnerable form where emotions are messy and deeply human. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from passion or pain on Valentine’s Day making it even more special as it reflects the many shades of love people experience.”
Sonam Bajwa added her take, “Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat is not a conventional love story, it’s raw, intense and emotional. Valentine’s Day is usually associated with happy romance but this film explores love in its most vulnerable form.”
So if your Valentine’s plans include more than chocolates and clichés, tune in to Zee Cinema at 8pm on 14 February. Because sometimes the most unforgettable love stories aren’t the ones that end neatly, they’re the ones that leave you questioning just how far passion can push before everything changes.
