iWorld
Voot Select enters Karnataka with its first Kannada original
Mumbai: Video-on-demand service Voot Select is all set to enter the Kannada market with its maiden Kannada language series ‘Humble Politiciann Nograj’ releasing exclusively on the platform on 6 January 2022.
Produced by Applause Entertainment in association with Firstaction Studios and Danish Sait, ‘Humble Politiciann Nograj’ is written and directed by Saad Khan. Sait will be seen in the title role. The 10 episodic original is a satirical comedy based on the popular and critically acclaimed Kannada film with the same name.
The character Nograj enjoys a strong following in the Kannada market owing to its journey from being a voice on the radio to making it to the silver screen. By introducing it to the digital ecosystem Voot Select aims to ride on Nograj’s fandom to broaden its base and win over viewers from the region.
To ensure the widespread promotion of its first Kannada original Voot Select will leverage Viacom18’s television network presence with special integrations on Colors Kannada’s ‘Nannamma Superstar’ and on Colors Kannada Cinema’s Talk Show. In addition to local activations in the Karnataka market that will target consumers the series will also be promoted through social media activation and a robust influencer marketing programme.
Viacom 18 head – SVOD & international business Ferzad Palia said, “At Voot Select, we have been constantly growing our content offering. The release of our first Kannada original reinforces our commitment to cater to audiences across the country and serve them entertainment in a language of their choice. ‘Humble Politiciann Nograj’ is the first in a robust list of regional originals that will drop over 2022. Over the next 12 months, we will significantly dial-up our regional language roster, while we continue to strengthen our Hindi, international, sports & kids offering.”
‘Humble Politiciann Nograj’ is filled with unexpected twists and turns to depict the corrupt and chauvinistic Nograj’s journey from being an MLA to vying for the most prestigious post in Karnataka, that of the chief minister. Ace comedian Danish Sait will be seen as Nograj, a conceited and self-serving civil servant. The funny political potboiler will also star Prakash Belawadi, Vinay Chendoor, and Disha Madan in pivotal roles.
“The art of taking something serious and turning it around with a dash of humour is a difficult thing to do. We approached writing the script keeping in mind that if our jokes are funny on paper, it would mostly translate to the visuals as well. The different shades of ‘Humble Politiciann Nograj’ as a zany character shine through his eccentricity. Danish is a thinking actor and embodies Nograj with ease and comic finesse. Also, the genre of our show touches on political satire, and since all our characters are fictitiously funny, we are confident that it will leave our audiences entertained,” stated director Saad Khan.
iWorld
Sony LIV acquires worldwide digital rights for Marathi romance Toh Ti Ani Fuji
Film shot in Japan and India to stream exclusively on the platform from 10 April 2026.
MUMBAI: Love knows no language, but this Marathi romance is about to speak to audiences far beyond its roots and it’s doing so with a scenic detour through Japan. Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired the worldwide digital rights for the Marathi-language romance feature Toh Ti Ani Fuji (also known as Main, Woh Aur Fuji), with an exclusive direct-to-digital release on Sony Liv scheduled for 10 April 2026. Sony Pictures Networks India will retain exclusive worldwide theatrical and linear rights.
Filmed extensively in Japan and India, the film marks an unprecedented Marathi-language romance set on an international canvas. It explores how relationships evolve under the pressures of distance, time, and shifting emotional realities, using Japan not merely as a backdrop but as an emotional landscape that mirrors the characters’ inner journeys.
Written by Irawati Karnik and directed by Mohit Takalkar, the story follows a deeply passionate relationship that gradually turns toxic due to contrasting personalities, shifting priorities, and unfair emotional expectations. Seven years after their separation, the former couple unexpectedly reunite in Japan, reopening old wounds and unspoken desires while questioning whether love altered by time can ever find its way back.
Producer Shiladitya Bora said the partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India reflects the growing belief that “regional is the new mainstream.” He added that the film’s multi-language digital release on Sony LIV will help it connect with newer audiences across India and the world.
Director Mohit Takalkar described the film as an exploration of how love changes in today’s urban world, shaped by ambition, geography, and the pressure to evolve. “It began as a very personal exploration of relationships, and to see it reaching a wider audience feels deeply satisfying,” he noted.
Actors Lalit Prabhakar and Mrinmayee Godbole highlighted the film’s intimate yet universal take on love, separation, and rediscovery. Godbole particularly praised how filming in Japan added a global dimension while keeping the story deeply personal.
From a toxic romance that travels from India to Japan and back, Toh Ti Ani Fuji promises an emotionally layered story that feels both specific and universal. For Sony LIV viewers, this first-of-its-kind Marathi film offers a chance to experience love, loss, and second chances with a refreshing international flavour.
The film streams exclusively on Sony LIV from 10 April 2026.
