TECH COMPARING

Abundantia Entertainment and video creation platform invideo have begun production on Beta Builder, the first film under their partnership to develop AI-driven feature films. Directed by Hridaye A Nagpal, the film went on floors in Mumbai on October 29, 2026, and will combine live-action filming with generative AI technology. The project is part of a collaboration announced in February 2026, under which invideo committed Rs 100 crore over three years towards a slate of five AI-driven feature films. The partnership brings together Abundantia Entertainment’s production experience and invideo’s generative AI technology. Mayur More and Ashlesha Thakur lead Beta Builder Beta Builder follows Jai, a self-taught architect from Dharavi who gets an opportunity to pursue his ambitions in the world of virtual reality. As he attempts to establish himself, he must also challenge the system holding him back, fight for the person he loves and ensure that his community has a say in shaping its future....

After the success of Border 2, Ahan Shetty is gearing up for his next project, Sanki. The actor is set to begin shooting for the film in Bhopal on October 30, with filmmaker Tinu Suresh Desai, known for directing Rustom and Mission Raniganj, at the helm. Positioned as a romantic action entertainer, the film is expected to combine an intense love story with emotional drama and high-octane action. Written by Gyanendra Vasudev, Sanki will explore a love story at its core while incorporating raw and explosive action. The makers have kept the subject and storyline under wraps for now, with plans to reveal further details in due course. The film is scheduled to arrive in theatres in the first half of 2027. Director Tinu Suresh Desai has already reached Bhopal with a large crew and is overseeing the final preparations ahead of the shoot. The production is expected to begin on October 30, marking Ahan’s next on-set outing following his appearance in Border 2. Following the response to Border ...

Ramayana is being positioned as one of the grandest films ever mounted in Indian cinema. With Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi portraying Goddess Sita and Yash taking on the role of Ravana, Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious project brings together some of the industry’s biggest names. But beyond its scale and technological ambition, the film presents a fascinating star-power experiment. Can Yash, who became a pan-Indian phenomenon through KGF, attract as much attention as Ranbir Kapoor, the actor playing the central protagonist? The question isn’t about which character is more important to the story. Lord Rama is the moral and narrative centre of the epic, while Ravana represents its formidable opposition. Rather, it concerns an interesting phenomenon in commercial cinema. Audiences are often fascinated by a larger-than-life antagonist. Hindi cinema has a long history of memorable villains. Gabbar Singh, Mogambo and several other iconic antagonists continue to occupy an extraordin...

Actor Anushka Sen has been named brand ambassador for fashion label Bonkers Corner, marking another association for the actor in the fashion and lifestyle space. Known for her work across television and digital platforms, Anushka has also built a presence in fashion through her contemporary style. Her association with Bonkers Corner comes as the brand continues to focus on streetwear and casual clothing. The partnership is part of a wider campaign by Bonkers Corner centred on brand authenticity and the issue of counterfeit products. The campaign also features Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal (Retd.) and entrepreneur Namita Thapar, bringing together personalities from different fields to highlight the importance of protecting genuine brands and their identity. Bonkers Corner offers streetwear and everyday clothing inspired by contemporary fashion trends. Its collections focus on casual silhouettes and designs aimed at younger consumers. For Anushka, the association adds to her work beyond a...

In a significant legal victory for producer Nikhil Dwivedi’s Saffron Magicworks, the Bombay High Court has set aside an award dated July 3, 2026, passed by the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPPA) against the production house, bringing the proceedings in the present suit to an end. According to a statement issued by Saffron Magicworks, the court set aside the impugned award passed by IMPPA’s Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC), with the court recording that the suit stood disposed of and nothing further survived for consideration in the pending applications. The development follows an interim order dated September 9, 2026, passed by Justice Arif S Doctor, under which the court had restrained IMPPA from declaring Saffron Magicworks a defaulter consequent to the disputed award until further orders. The September order had also recorded a statement made on instructions by counsel for Defendant No. 2 that the party would not act upon the impugned award. Saffron Magicworks h...

Choreographer and filmmaker Ganesh Acharya has turned lyricist for the first time with ‘Kar Mehnat’, an inspirational song from his upcoming directorial venture Ganesh: Dust to Stardust. Sung by Sonu Nigam and composed by Junaid Kumar, the track focuses on hard work, perseverance and the determination to pursue one’s goals despite challenges. The song comes ahead of the film’s theatrical release on December 11, 2026. Acharya, who has spent decades working across choreography, acting and filmmaking, has now added songwriting to his creative pursuits by penning the lyrics for the track. Speaking about the song, Acharya said, “‘Kar Mehnat’ is a very special song for me because, for the first time, I have written lyrics for a song in my own film. I have always believed that there is no substitute for hard work. No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone has dreams, and everyone faces challenges. This song is for every person who is working hard to achieve something in life. I ...