Hollywood
Star Movies & Star Movies Select HD to air ‘Whiplash’ and ‘Fantastic Four’
MUMBAI: Films have always had the power to have audiences live in a world other than their own. It seeks to be a form of a dream, an experience that showcases a life through multiple genres, be it action, romance, drama, comedy and even horror. Keeping the very same dream alive by unraveling unique stories, Star Movies and Star Movies Select HD bring forth two films that have influenced the audience in their own unique ways, the unforgettable modern classic, Whiplash and acompletely fresh perspective on the classic superhero franchise, Fantastic Four.
Whiplash will air on 14 May at 9 pm whereas Fantastic Four will be broadcasted on 15 May at 1 pm with a repeat telecast t 9 pm.
On Saturday, 14 May, Star Movies Select HD brings to us an exhilarating drama from ayoung American Director Damien Chazelle – a tale that challenges the common portrayals of a relationship between a mentor andhis student. The story of Whiplash portrays the clash between the passion of a 19 year old drummer and the obsession of an eccentric mentor – Terence Fletcher. It’s no wonder that J.K. Simmons who played the conductor went on to win an Academy Award for his performance. The movie went on to win a total of 87 awards in 2015.
On Sunday, 15 May prepare yourself to face an unstoppable force with four accidental superheroes fighting to save the Earth, on the television premiere of Fantastic Four. This story is a stark departure for one of the most popular franchise as it showcases a fresh perspective to the famed superheroes.
Hollywood
Paramount eyes $24bn Gulf support to fund Warner Bros Discovery merger: Reports
Sovereign funds line up funding as media giants chase streaming scale
NEW YORK: Paramount Skydance is in talks to secure nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from Gulf sovereign wealth funds to support its planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a WSJ report.
The funding push comes as Paramount Skydance advances its proposed $110 billion deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, which carries an equity valuation of $81 billion and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
At the heart of the financing plan are three major Gulf investors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is expected to contribute roughly $10 billion, while the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi-based L’imad Holding are likely to make up the remainder.
Crucially, the proposed investments are structured as non-voting stakes. This means the Gulf backers would not have direct control in the combined entity, a move designed to ease regulatory concerns in the United States. Paramount executives reportedly do not expect the deal to trigger scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or the Federal Communications Commission.
If completed, the merger would bring together a formidable portfolio of entertainment and news assets, including CNN and CBS. The combined entity aims to better compete in a fast-evolving media landscape where streaming platforms are steadily pulling audiences away from traditional television.
The deal reflects a broader shift in global media, where scale is increasingly seen as essential to survive the streaming wars. By pooling content libraries, technology and distribution, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery are betting on size and synergy to drive future growth.
The involvement of deep-pocketed Gulf investors also underscores the growing role of sovereign wealth in shaping global media consolidation, particularly at a time when high-value deals demand equally large financial backing.
With shareholder votes and regulatory milestones still ahead, the proposed tie-up remains one of the most closely watched media deals of the year. If it clears the final hurdles, it could redraw the competitive map of the global entertainment industry.
