Zee unveils new logo: Rebrands Flagship Zee TV with “Ummeed Se Saje Zindagi”

Zee Network, with all its channels, from last nite is sporting a new identity, in the form of a new logo, all blue logo and a new tagline: “Ummeed Se Saje Zindagi”. This new shift is meant to express the network’s move to reinvent itself to suit the evolving viewer. This shift also comes in the wake of the recent Star Plus new paradigm shift with a new logo and a tagline “Rishta Wahi: Soch Nayee”.

However, with more reality shows and re-branding happening at other competitive channels, this shift was an absolute necessity as the last re-branding exercise took place in 2005. This re-branding is done with an attempt to capture more eyeballs and re-establish its numero-uno position under the flagship of Puneet Goenka, CEO & MD, ZEEL. “We are taking this massive re-branding exercise to position Zee higher among viewers recall. We see the timing just right to infuse more energy and bring about a desired change in the programming that viewers today demand. The new positioning celebrates the spirit of woman,” said Puneet.

“The new identity, logo, design and the new positioning with “Ummeed ka Naya Chehra” will be adapted by all the 25 Zee group channels. There will be a change in the programming strategy and the channels look to unveil more family-centric shows, targeted especially at women. This attempt is also to free ourselves of the box we have been living in. Though our flagship channel, Zee TV, will continue to remain focused on wholesome entertainment for the family, our primary viewer - the woman has evolved today to move beyond her desires and establish herself as an individual and get the desired success for herself. Ofcourse, her family’s and children’s well being and success remain prime and important throughout,” added Puneet.

The revamping of Zee TV logo has been done by the in house team of the channel. Explaining the new logo, Goenka said: “The new aqua blue colour logo signifies the upward movement of desires and wishes. The unshackling of the ‘Z’ from the box symbolizes today’s women’s zest for life and confidence to go out in the world beyond her home. The overall design has a progressive feel and reflects the idea of looking into the future. The rainbow of hope is a very important element of the new packaging. It is ethereal and symbolically emphasizes the promise of ‘Umeed Se Saje Zindagi’ celebrating hope and life.” he added.

Zee TV has also worked on the restructuring of its programming and content to replenish the channel in a new way. The channel is going to offer its viewer’s new shows like ‘Shobha Somnath Ki’ and ‘Mrs Kausik Ki Paanch Bahuein’ and also reality show ‘India Ke Jaanbaaz’, with real heroes that will make the common man a superstar. Meanwhile, the ongoing shows will continue to entertain and enthrall the viewers.

‘We have spent almost Rs.10 crore on the creative aspect of this entire revamping. The strategic reason behind this move is very simple. In a cluttered market like today the broadcasters need to refresh themselves from time to time,’ Goenka said.

F&TV World introduces Sahil Kahar as "Model of the Week"...

This week's Male model is "Sahil Kahar" from Mumbai. A bundle of talent to watch out for, Sahil is interested in acting, modelling as well as TVCs. Having dabbled with music videos in Bhojpuri language, Sahil has also acted in a Bhojpuri Film which is all set for a August release. Keenly looking forward to do meaningful roles in Bhojpuri as well as Hindi, he is sure to set a milestone for himself soon.

By public demand, we are once again nominating “Shona Chhabra” as our Female Model this week. This model cum actress from New Delhi who is now based at Bangalore at the moment was spotted by Sundeep Malani who gave her a good launch pad in his Hindi feature film “Jaanleva 555”. She is sure the one to watch out for who is all set to do a short film “Broken Heels” which will be produced by Eon Films. We at FTV wish both Sahil & Shona all the best in their careers and wish them a fabulous future..

In case, you would like to be featured on this “Model of the week” page in our series, mail your portfolios with your contact details on filmsntv@gmail.com. And ya, no need to get disappointed if you don't find your self in the coming week. Who knows, it might be your turn next... Cheers!!

CBFC finally goes online with Bhojpuri Film "Awli"..

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) finally inaugurated an online system of application for film certification yesterday at an interactive session on Cinema and Certification ‘Samvaad CBFC’ which was held jointly by CBFC and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Hotel JW Marriott, Mumbai. Joined in this interactive session with the big wigs of the film fraternity that included Shyam Benegal, Amit Khanna, Shabana Azmi, Mahesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt, Raj Tilak, Rakyesh Onmprakash Mehra and the like, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan inaugurated the system. However, it was not a Marathi or a Bollywood film that was chosen as the application for certification. It was Bhojpuri Film “Awli” that started the process of online application.

Endorsing the e-governance aspects of CBFC and pointing out that the state government of Maharashtra would work with film fraternity, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan welcomed CBFCs initiation to sensitize and familiarize regional officers of CBFC for film appreciation of world cinema. Mr. Chavan also wants “Samvaad” to be institutionalized and made it as an annual event.

Speaking at this event, CBFC chairperson, Leela Samson promised to bring in more transparency in CBFC’s operations and usher in a change from film certification to classification process that would enable film makers to reach out to a target audience group. She however also expressed grave concern over the growing trend of violent and sexually explicit material in the regional cinema. “We are concerned about a growing trend of extremely violent cinema, especially in the regional language cinema while picturisation and lyrics of Bhojpuri cinema are almost pornographic. We will take corrective measures and hope to have industry and civil society’s backing on this,” Samson said at this event.

“We look forward to move to an atmosphere of complete transparency,'' said Leela Samson explaining that applying for classification of a film can soon be initiated online in various regional centres of the country. Samvaad CBFC 2011 also marked the inauguration of CBFC Online system that would enable producers to apply online for Film Classification Certificate. CBFC is also looking at introducing a new fee structure for documentary films and guidelines which are different from feature films.

“Gandu” awarded Jury Prize at Seattle Film Festival

After winning accolades and the National Award this year on the domestic front for his film “Love in India”, director Qaushiq Mukherjee (also popularly known as Q) has bowled over critics internationally again at the 37th Seattle International Film Festival with his film “Gandu” that was previewed at Yale University before making its international premiere at the 2010 South Asian International Film Festival in New York City. Gandu was also officially selected at the 2011 Berlin International Film Festival and was also screened at the Slamdance Film Festival. 

 

Directed by Quashiq, Gandu is the story of a sucker who hates his life and also hates his mother. He raps out his hate, anger, dirt and filth of his existence as he and his rickshawpuller friend enter the world of smack, rap, porn and horror. In this Bengali film, Reality and fiction, surreal and bizarre all come together as it combines bengali rap music, porn scenes, pety crime, masturbation, and sex. A completely expletive movie, it is also one of the first Bengali movie to express such strong issues. The movie reflects largely as to what is happening in the present society.

The 25-day festival, which was held from May 19 till June 12, 2011, featured over 450 films from more than 70 countries. "We chose to give the prize to a movie that bowled us over with its kinetic, brash humor and style-hoping dexterity, a portrait of tortured youth that refreshingly pokes fun at adolescent self-centeredness while simultaneously exploring the anger, despondency and malaise of a generation," the jury was quoted as saying on the Seattle International Film Festival website.

Qaushiq Mukherjee, who walked away with the cash prize of $ 2,500 for his self-proclaimed anti-Bollywood adventure 'Gandu' says that his film is not only a revolution for Bengali cinema but for Indian films in general as he has cut away the Bollywood stereotypes, trading the romance and gloss for graphic sexuality in monotones to give us a 'risky post-modern third act'. After working in advertising for more than a decade and having directed over 50 commercials, "Q" is known for his progressive experimental films such as 'Love in India', 'Bishh' and now 'Gandu'.

CBFC & CII to hold a Full Day Interactive Session on Cinema and Certification

The Central Board of Film Certification along with Confederation of Indian Industry is all set to hold a full day Interactive Session on Cinema and Certification at Hotel J W Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai tomorrow the 14th June. The interactive session will be started with Welcome Remarks by Amit Khanna, Chairman, CII National Committee on Media & Entertainment and Chairman, Reliance Entertainment. It will be followed by a Theme Address by Ms Leela Samson, the Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification. Along with eminent film personalities, Hon’ble Prithviraj Chavanji, Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra will also address the session as the Chief Guest.

Indian Films have played a major role in shaping the future of the society. Movies influence thoughts and action and assure high degree of attention and retention. Certification standards have thus been put in place but with substantial allowance for freedom of expression leaving a vast area for creative art to interpret life and society. The first session “Samman: Respecting Sensibilities” aims to deliberate on respecting these very sensibilities of an artist, as well as that of the society and is woven around this theme. This session will be started with a keynote address by Eminent Film Director & Producer Yash Chopra and moderated by Eminent Film Maker Shyam Benegal. On the panel will be eminent film personalities and other dignitaries that include President of The Film & Television Producers Guild of India Ramesh Sippy, Writer-Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Eminent Film Maker Rituparno Ghosh, Documentary Film maker Anand Patwardhan, Telugu Film Maker Sekhar Kammula and Gita Siddhartha, the President of the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW).

Amit Khanna

Post lunch, the 2nd Session will discuss on the theme “Sopaan: Future Challenges: Cinema and Certification”. In this session, Amit Khanna will address the Keynote speech. Amit Khanna will also address how Film Certification in today’s times is not a set of commands but is also responsive to social changes as film makers lend a larger canvas to their films. They do not fight shy of adventuring into bold and controversial themes. What India is today, is what film makers have thought yesterday. This discussion on Indian Cinema taking a big leap forward will be moderated by ace Ad Film Maker & Founder of Genesis Film Production Prahlad Kakkar. Eminent Actor Shabana Azmi will deliver the Special Address on the issue of Future Challenges: Cinema and Certification. The panelists for the 2nd session will include eminent film personalities and other dignitaries like Eminent Film Maker Mahesh Bhatt and Anurag Kashyap, Rishi Raj Singh from Indian Police Service, Dr. Anjali Monterio, Social Scientist & Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Uday Singh, MD, Motion Picture Dist. Association (India), Film Maker & Conservationist Mike Pandey as well as Ira Bhaskar, Associate Professor - Cinema Studies, JNU. This Interactive Session on Cinema and Certification will conclude with a Question & Answer Session.