The official Instagram account of Netflix India shared the announcement, calling Anuja a “story of resilience, sisterhood, and hope.” Directed by Adam J. Graves, the short film has garnered significant attention following its Academy Award nomination, placing it among the contenders for the coveted Oscar alongside other notable films such as Alien, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger, and A Man Who Would Not Remain Silent.

The narrative of Anuja focuses on a nine-year-old girl named Anuja, who works in a back-alley garment factory alongside her older sister, Palak. As the story unfolds, Anuja is faced with a life-changing decision that not only impacts her future but also her family’s well-being. The emotional and thought-provoking film shines a light on the struggles many children face around the world, forced to choose between dreams of a better future and the harsh realities of their present circumstances.

The film has already received widespread support from influential figures, including Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra and renowned producer Guneet Monga. Chopra, who has openly backed the film, expressed her admiration for its powerful narrative, saying, “This beautiful film shines a spotlight on a subject that affects millions of children around the world, who are faced with the impossible decision between a future they cannot yet see and the immediate realities of their present.” She further praised the film for its ability to provoke deep reflection on the choices that shape our lives.

Guneet Monga, one of the producers of Anuja, echoed Chopra’s sentiments, sharing her excitement about the project. “‘Anuja’ is a story of unparalleled courage, a film made with a lot of heart,” Monga said. “Director Adam J. Graves delivers a message through an empowered and entertaining lens.” Monga, who has earned two Academy Awards for her previous projects The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of Sentence, marks her third Oscar nomination with Anuja.

Additionally, Anuja has received support from a diverse group of producers, including Mindy Kaling, Suchitra Mattai, Krushan Naik, and now, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who has championed the film as one of the “most powerful Brown voices” in the industry today.

With its Netflix release just around the corner, audiences worldwide will have the opportunity to witness Anuja’s impactful story, as it explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the bonds that tie us together in the face of adversity.

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The festivities will kick off on Saturday, March 8th, with the debut of the Sobha Realty IIFA Digital Awards Co-Presented By NEXA. This new segment highlights the evolving landscape of OTT and digital entertainment, underlining IIFA’s commitment to embracing innovation within the industry. The grand finale will take place the following day, on Sunday, March 9th, where cinematic excellence will be honored in a grand ceremony.

During a press meet held in Mumbai on Friday evening, Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, actor Kartik Aaryan, and Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, were among the dignitaries present to officially launch the 25th edition of IIFA. Also in attendance were IIFA founders Andre Timmins, Viraf Sarkari, and Sabbas Joseph.

Reflecting on IIFA’s journey, Shah Rukh Khan expressed his excitement for the event, saying, “Some of my most treasured memories are woven into the journey of IIFA, and celebrating its Silver Jubilee in the vibrant city of Jaipur is nothing short of magical. From its first ceremony at the Millennium Dome in London to 25 years of unforgettable moments, IIFA has become a legacy—an emblem of Indian cinema’s global impact.”

This year’s ceremony will be particularly special as actor Kartik Aaryan takes the reins as the host. Kartik shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to celebrate the global success of Indian cinema as I host IIFA’s historic 25th-anniversary celebration in Jaipur. Hosting this event is something I’ve eagerly anticipated, and I cannot wait to be part of such an extraordinary occasion.”

Andre Timmins, Co-Founder of IIFA, emphasized that the event is not just about the celebration of Indian cinema, but also about cultural exchange. He explained, “IIFA 2025 will honor 25 years of cinematic brilliance and global experiences. Under the guidance of our Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the event aims to boost tourism through innovation. This year is a transformative milestone in our journey, celebrating Indian cinema’s enduring legacy while bridging cultures across the globe.”

In addition to the awards and performances, international sensation Nora Fatehi will take to the stage for a special performance at IIFA 2025. This marks her fourth consecutive year performing at the awards. Nora shared her excitement, saying, “IIFA has always been a celebration of the best in Indian cinema, and I’m honored to be part of its 25th anniversary. This platform has given me incredible memories, and I can’t wait to add another unforgettable performance to the IIFA legacy.”

The 25th edition of the IIFA promises to be a historic and electrifying celebration of Indian cinema, bringing together the biggest stars, unforgettable performances, and a vibrant cultural exchange. Fans from across the globe are sure to experience the magic of IIFA in Jaipur, the heart of Rajasthan, this March.

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The screening was graced by Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, who delivered an insightful address that highlighted the cultural significance of the films and their ability to promote key values such as teamwork, unity, and national pride. He expressed his gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the unique connection between cinema and cricket, which has become a vital part of India’s cultural identity.

“Film, as you know, is India’s most favoured form of entertainment. Cricket, of course, is religion—that’s the state of the film. A film that brings together cricket and storytelling is a winner in and of itself,” Doraiswami remarked in his speech. He further elaborated on the rich tradition of storytelling in India, noting that the country was one of the earliest to embrace cinema as a medium for narrating stories.

“The process of telling stories is a critical part of the human experience. Everything we do, even our religious traditions, is an essence of telling stories,” he said. “Films in India bring together storytelling, music, dance, and provide a cathartic experience in two and a half to three hours.”

The High Commissioner also discussed the significant impact of Indian cinema’s ability to transcend language barriers, with Bollywood emerging as a global powerhouse in film production, despite India’s linguistic diversity. Doraiswami further touched on the increasing collaboration between the Indian and UK film industries, underscoring how the UK’s creative sectors, including film studios, animation, and gaming, have played an integral role in the success of Indian films.

“The film industry is one of the big potential drivers of a future partnership between India and the UK,” Doraiswami stated, highlighting the growing utilization of UK studios in the production of Indian films and the importance of creative convergence between the two countries.

Looking to the future, Doraiswami announced that the inaugural World Audio Visual Summit (WAVE) will take place in Mumbai in February, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the event. The summit will bring together industry leaders, regulators, and creators from both India and the UK to discuss further collaboration.

The evening’s screening featured three films that celebrate India’s sporting triumphs and the unifying power of sport.

’83’, directed by Kabir Khan, recounts India’s historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The film captures the underdog journey of the Indian cricket team, led by Kapil Dev, as they defied the odds to defeat the West Indies and claim their first-ever World Cup title. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Kapil Dev received widespread acclaim, bringing the historic moment to life.

’Dangal’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is a biographical drama based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat. The film traces Phogat’s determination to train his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to become world-class wrestlers while challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes. Aamir Khan stars as Mahavir Singh Phogat, with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra portraying Geeta and Babita, respectively. The film is a powerful exploration of female empowerment and the importance of breaking barriers.

’Chak De! India’ (2007), directed by Shimit Amin, stars Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, a former hockey player who becomes the coach of India’s women’s hockey team. The film focuses on the team’s journey to overcome personal and national challenges as they unite to win the World Cup, offering an inspiring message of resilience and teamwork.

The screening not only celebrated the power of Indian cinema but also served as a reminder of the growing cultural and creative ties between India and the United Kingdom. As both nations look to build on this collaboration, the creative industries stand poised to play an increasingly vital role in fostering bilateral relations in the years to come.

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Hrithik Roshan took to his Instagram to share the exciting news with his followers, along with a fresh poster showcasing him alongside his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, and his uncle, music composer Rajesh Roshan. In his post, Hrithik wrote, “Lights, camera, family! Dive into the world of The Roshans through music, movies, and a bond that defines legacy. Watch The Roshans, arriving on January 17, only on Netflix.”

Fans quickly flooded the comment section with their enthusiasm for the series. One fan commented, “Excited to see ‘legacy of The Roshans’,” while another shared, “Looking forward to see an inspiring documentary on the greats of the Indian film Industry! 17th Jan – Date Saved!”

The docu-series will highlight the life and legacy of the late Roshan Lal Nagrath, a respected music director, and will explore the careers of his son, Rajesh Roshan, a renowned composer, his son, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, and his grandson, actor Hrithik Roshan. The series promises an intimate glimpse into the personal and professional lives of these iconic figures, spanning three generations in the Indian film industry.

Directed by Shashi Ranjan and co-produced by Rakesh Roshan, The Roshans includes interviews with family members and industry colleagues, providing valuable insights into the family’s impact on Indian cinema. The series is set to premiere on Netflix on January 17.

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