iWorld
ZEE5 to premiere ‘Helmet’ on 3 September
Mumbai: ZEE5 has announced the premiere of a social comedy “Helmet” on 3 September.
Produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Dino Morea’s DM Movies, “Helmet” stars Pranutan Bahl, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, and Ashish Verma. The film is directed by Satramm Ramani with screenplay and dialogues by Rohan Shankar.
“Helmet” is a quirky depiction of the entrenched taboos and diffidence surrounding the simple act of buying condoms in the nation’s heartland, said the streaming platform in a statement.
“We, at ZEE5, are proud to present a film like ‘Helmet’ which is not only entertaining, but also has a strong message attached to it,” said ZEE5, chief business officer, Manish Kalra. “Through the journey of the protagonists, it highlights the problem our country is currently facing and tries to give a solution in a unique & interesting manner. We are sure the audience will have a great laugh, but also take notice of the overall objective that we aim to achieve with this film.”
“I’m thrilled that the world premiere of our film ‘Helmet’ will unfold to audiences world over on ZEE5. ‘Helmet’ is a light-hearted take on a subject that has been wrapped up in so much ignominy. The film wonderfully demonstrates that hilarity is sometimes found in the most unexpected places,” added Sony Pictures Films India, managing director, Vivek Krishnani.
“This is a film which has been made with a sense of humour with a sweet message,” said producer Dino Morea. “I am also excited about the wonderfully talented ensemble cast, the refreshing storytelling by Satram, my director and the way both entertainment and a certain intelligent sensibility blend together.”
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
