9 Essential Film and Streaming Stories for Entertainment Leaders

Indian print media today offers a rich tapestry of developments across cinema, streaming, and film festivals. according to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, here are the key stories every entertainment stakeholder should know.

1. Meghna Gulzar on Daayra

A front-page report in Millennium Post says Meghna Gulzar was first approached in 2020 to make Daayra but began production after completing Sam Bahadur, with the film exploring police, legal and public responses to crimes against women in India. Written by Gulzar, Yash Keswani and Sima Agarwal, the drama follows two senior police officers, played by Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran, as two investigations unfold after a crime sparks national outrage. Gulzar said the film is region-neutral and draws on several real cases across India rather than a single incident such as the 2019 Hyderabad rape case. Meghna Gulzar was first approached in 2020 to make Daayra but began production after completing Sam Bahadur. The film explores police, legal, and public responses to crimes against women in India, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran as two senior police officers. Gulzar said the film is region-neutral and draws on several real cases across India. Why it matters: a major director tackling systemic justice through a region-neutral lens signals a shift in how Indian cinema frames social issues. Tracked by Press Monitor.

2. Hanuman Ansh Crosses Rs 70 crore

A front-page report in The Pioneer says a tiny devotional film titled Hanuman Ansh has become an unlikely box-office success in Indian cinema. Directed by former doctor Vishal Chaturvedi on a tight budget of just Rs 2 crore, the film portrays Neem Karoli Baba and has crossed Rs 70 crore in India net collections. The production has reportedly returned several thousand per cent on its investment, outperforming larger releases like Toxic in daily collections. A devotional film titled Hanuman Ansh, directed by former doctor Vishal Chaturvedi on a budget of just Rs 2 crore, has crossed Rs 70 crore in India net collections. The film portrays Neem Karoli Baba and has reportedly returned several thousand per cent on its investment, outperforming larger releases like Toxic in daily collections. Why it matters: proof that low-budget, content-driven films can outperform big-budget releases. Tracked by Press Monitor.

3. 92 Countries Submit for IFFIK

A front-page report in Morning Standard says that Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for the First International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFIK) from September 7 to 10. The four-day festival aims to bring filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences together in one of India's most distinctive cultural landscapes and will be held in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Jammu. The festival has received an enthusiastic response from global filmmakers, with submissions from 92 countries, of which 135 entries from more than 40 countries have been shortlisted. Jammu and Kashmir is preparing for the First International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFIK) from September 7 to 10, with submissions from 92 countries and 135 entries from more than 40 countries shortlisted. The four-day festival will be held in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Jammu. Why it matters: a globally visible event positioning J&K as a cultural destination. Tracked by Press Monitor.

4. Manoj Bajpayee as Gandhi

A front-page report in Times of India says Manoj Bajpayee is revealed in an exclusive first look as Mahatma Gandhi in Sudhir Mishra's upcoming film, produced by Anubhav Sinha. The film centres on a little-known twenty-one-day episode of India's independence movement, with Delhi as the centre of power as the country moved toward freedom. Manoj Bajpayee is revealed in an exclusive first look as Mahatma Gandhi in Sudhir Mishra's upcoming film, produced by Anubhav Sinha. The film centres on a little-known twenty-one-day episode of India's independence movement, with Delhi as the centre of power. Why it matters: a high-profile biopic from a respected director-actor pair. Tracked by Press Monitor.

5. Rajkumar Hirani on OTT feedback

A front-page report in Times of India says Rajkumar Hirani discusses his approach to storytelling and the unique feedback mechanism of OTT platforms. Hirani notes that unlike films, OTT shows bring direct reactions from viewers, sometimes even from people he has not heard from in ages. He also mentions that for the series Pritam and Pedro, he wrote the script but did not direct it, handing it over to Avinash Arun. Rajkumar Hirani discusses his approach to storytelling and the unique feedback mechanism of OTT platforms, noting that unlike films, OTT shows bring direct reactions from viewers. He also mentions that for the series Pritam and Pedro, he wrote the script but did not direct it, handing it over to Avinash Arun. Why it matters: insight into how top filmmakers are adapting to the streaming feedback loop. Tracked by Press Monitor.

6. Mohanlal Leads Operation Ganga Film Shoot

A front-page report in The Hans India says Mohanlal has joined the cast of director Vishnu Mohan’s ambitious film Operation Ganga, which is inspired by the Ukraine-Russia war evacuation missions. The movie will shoot across one hundred eighty days in locations including Georgia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Delhi, Dehradun, and Kochi, featuring a star-studded cast alongside Arjun Rampal, Adil Hussain, Bhagyashree Borse, and Parthiban. Produced by Sree Gokulam Movies with cinematography by Miroslav Kuba Brozek and music by Shashwat Sachdev, filming for the multi-regional project has already commenced. Mohanlal has joined the cast of director Vishnu Mohan's ambitious film Operation Ganga, inspired by the Ukraine-Russia war evacuation missions. The movie will shoot across one hundred eighty days in locations including Georgia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Delhi, Dehradun, and Kochi. Why it matters: a pan-Indian production with international scope and a star-studded cast. Tracked by Press Monitor.

7. Bobbeeta Sharma's Bhupen Hazarika documentary

A front-page report in Statesman says Bobbeeta Sharma, a well-known Assamese actress and filmmaker, screened her documentary "Bhupen Da Uncut" in Kolkata as part of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations. The film features candid footage from 1999 of the legendary singer-musician discussing his life, collaborations with cultural stalwart Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, his time studying in New York, his marriage to Priyamvada Patel, and unpublished poetry. Sharma wrote about meeting Hazarika as a child in Maryland and noted that the documentary has screened at the FFI in Goa, Warsaw, Luxembourg, and the Nehru Centre in London. Bobbeeta Sharma screened her documentary Bhupen Da Uncut in Kolkata as part of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations. The film features candid footage from 1999 of the legendary singer-musician. Why it matters: archival storytelling preserving cultural heritage for new audiences. Tracked by Press Monitor.

8. Deverakonda Vaishnavi Lead Chaitanya Film

A front-page report in The Hans India says Chaitanya, directed by debutant Aditya Hasan, hits theatres on September 11th. The film stars Deverakonda and Vaishnavi as an aspiring filmmaker navigating love and relationships. Rashmika Mandanna attended the trailer launch, and director Shiva Nirvana praised the project as a Gen Z hit. Chaitanya, directed by debutant Aditya Hasan, hits theatres on September 11th, starring Deverakonda and Vaishnavi as an aspiring filmmaker navigating love and relationships. Rashmika Mandanna attended the trailer launch. Why it matters: a Gen Z-focused romantic drama from a debut director gaining traction. Tracked by Press Monitor.

9. Chandra Siddharth film set for Sept 18 release

A front-page report in The Hans India says filmmaker Chandra Siddharth returns with an unconventional cinema experiment titled 'Fe Paata Korinavaaru Nemalipalem Nundi' releasing on September 18. The film, written by Madan and produced under the Filmotsav banner, marks the debut of Harsha and explores themes of sound therapy, brain mapping, and memories. Filmmaker Chandra Siddharth returns with an unconventional cinema experiment titled Fe Paata Korinavaaru Nemalipalem Nundi releasing on September 18, exploring themes of sound therapy, brain mapping, and memories. Why it matters: experimental Telugu cinema pushing creative boundaries. Tracked by Press Monitor.

10. Tortoise Movie Trailer Launch

A front-page report in The Hans India says director Rithvik Kumar presented the song 'Nee Parichayamt' at Ravulapalem with actors Raj Tarun and Amrutha Chowdary. Producer Vijay Chowdary said the film is an edge-of-seat action thriller with five major twists and an emotional love angle. The release date will be announced soon under the banners SK Golden Arts, Prashwitha Entertainment and NVL Creations. Director Rithvik Kumar presented the song Nee Parichayamt at Ravulapalem with actors Raj Tarun and Amrutha Chowdary. Producer Vijay Chowdary said the film is an edge-of-seat action thriller with five major twists. Why it matters: a Telugu action thriller generating early buzz ahead of its release. Tracked by Press Monitor.

11. Athreyapuram Brothers Wraps Filming

A front-page report in The Hans India says the film Athreyapuram Brothers has wrapped filming with a cast including Srinivas Gavireddy, Sunny Patsa, and Geet Sayini. Produced under the banner of 25 Cinemas, The Fervent Indie Productions, and Gadde Entertainments by VSK Sanjeev, Vangapalli Sandeep, Sankeerth, Praveen Gadde, Rajesh Gadde, and Rakesh Gadde, the makers are now busy with promotional activities and expect to release updates, stills, and posters soon. Ramiz Naveeth handled the camera, Santhu Omkar composed the music, and Anil Pasala edited the film. The film Athreyapuram Brothers has wrapped filming with a cast including Srinivas Gavireddy, Sunny Patsa, and Geet Sayini, produced under the banner of 25 Cinemas, The Fervent Indie Productions, and Gadde Entertainments. Why it matters: an indie Telugu production moving into the promotional phase. Tracked by Press Monitor.

Which of these developments will have the greatest impact on your sector? Let us know in the comments.