GECs
Rishtey Cineplex to showcase celebrated journalist, Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s directorial debut ‘Cakewalk’ starring Esha Deol Takhtani
MUMBAI: Rishtey Cineplex – India’s favourite movie destination from the house of Viacom18 is all set to showcase celebrated journalist, Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s directorial debut, Cakewalk. Starring Esha Deol Takhtani who returns to the celluloid after a hiatus, Cakewalk will be India's first short film to air exclusively on television. This 27-minute film is written and directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and produced by Aritra Das, Shailendra Kumar and Dinesh Gupta under the banner of Assorted Motion Pictures and SS1 Entertainments. The film is all set to air on Sunday, February 17th on Rishtey Cineplex at 6.00PM. Voot.
On bringing forth this beautiful narrative to the viewers through television, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network, Viacom18 said, “The film revolves around the professional and personal challenges faced by a chef in her life. It's a slice of life story which has been beautifully portrayed by Esha Deol. When Ram Kamal approached us to acquire the film, what struck us was the simple, yet intriguing narrative encapsulated in just 27-minutes. This is definitely one of Esha Deol's finest performance and will be loved by the viewers who have a penchant for experimental content.”
"I had full faith in Ram Kamal when I signed for the film and knew that he would give his all to make this remarkable,” said actor Esha Deol Takhtani who plays the lead protagonist, chef Shilpa Sen in the movie. "Viacom18 is one of the leading networks in India and I am happy that Cakewalk will be India's first short film to be aired on India’s No.1 movie channel, Rishtey Cineplex." adds Esha.
Said Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee on his debut, “I thank the team of Rishtey Cineplex for having seen potential in this film. This also reinstalls my faith in good content. Here’s hoping that the viewers appreciate our endeavor.”
The film is co-directed by Abhra Chakraborty, and also stars Tarun Malhotra and Anindita Bose. The Music has been composed by Shailendra Sayanti and the title track by Rupali Jagga. Shot in Kolkata the first look of the film was unveiled by veteran actress Hema Malini in London.
"We wanted to set a benchmark with our product and trust me it wasn't a cakewalk," says producer Aritra Das. "Everyone discouraged us, saying that there is no future for shorts. But we are grateful to Viacom18 and their entire team for proving the world wrong," added Aritra.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
