BY SACNILK

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) It is quite some time before people start flocking to cinema halls or other entertainment events. For now, they will stick to their stay-at-home lifestyle even after the lockdown is lifted, and even after the coronavirus crisis is over. And that's expected to have a ripple effect on the television industry with the trend of long format making a comeback on the small screen post-pandemic.## Signaling gloomy days for film business and live entertainment gigs, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned out to be a major inflection point for changing the way people consume entertainment content, registering fast pace growth of television and OTT platforms.## "Collective public experience will be replaced by collective family viewing, that too within the confines of their respective homes," producer-director Vivek Budakoti of banner Katha Kottage, told IANS.## According to a recent report by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), TV consumption continues to show a growth of 40 percent over a pre-COVID period now at 1.24 trillion minutes -- the increase led by both reach and average time spent. It also stated that the Hindi GEC in HSM (Hindi speaking market) is at an all-time high with 8.5 billion impressions with mythological shows leading the way.## "This trend will be there for time being before people go back to cinema halls. Web platforms will gain traction amidst TV and cinema. It may sort of work as a bridge between two seasoned mediums," Budakoti pointed out.## Actor Sharad Malhotra feels "even after lockdown is removed and the situation gets normal people" will think twice before stepping out for a film.## "Long-running shows will be in demand more than before," Sharad added.## To this, actress Vahbiz Dorabjee added: "There is a possibility that the trend of long-running shows will be back. This pandemic will stay in people's minds for a very long time. Even after it goes, it is going to take a long time to settle down because people won't be able to forget this deadly virus so soon."## The change has started reflecting already. At a time when limited series are in vogue, Disney+ Hotstar has commissioned 234 episodes of the animated series "Selfie With Bajrang".## One can say that television has always been a haven for long-running shows with popular "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah", "Kumkum Bhagya" and "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai" being the case in point.## Adaa Khan noted that "daily soaps are like dal chawal. Long-running hit shows like ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' already exist. You should have a constant story to tell and it should click with masses", with actress Jasmin Bhasin pointing out: "Long-running shows always existed depending upon being hit. If people love specific shows they continue seeing it. The story has to constantly hold the audience's interest."## But one can't overlook the fact that finite concept was fast seeping into the industry, with sequels and limited series becoming a new reality of the television landscape.## Benaifer Kohli, producer of the hit show "Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!", feels "even a finite show, if it works, can be converted into a long-running show."## "Because you don't want to close a show which is being loved by the public. So, you automatically tend to lend more stories and make it a long-running show...Long-running shows will be the order and trend of the day in the times to come," Kohli told IANS.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is donating 1000 PPE kits for doctors and other medical staff who are battling at the frontline to keep us safe from the deadly COVID 19.## Vidya has also collaborated with celebrity shout-out platform Tring to raise donations to provide additional 1000 PPE kits, along with Manish Mundra of Drishyam Films and photographer cum film producer Atul Kasbekar.## Vidya Balan took to Instagram urging all to donate to the cause. She wrote: "Namaste, it is critical that we provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits to our healthcare workers for their protection in this #WarAgainstCovid19. I am donating 1000 PPE kits for our medical staff and have partnered with Tring to raise a donation for another 1000 PPE kits which are in immediate need across India for our doctors and medical staff."## The actress also announced a reward to whoever is donating. She wrote: "For your contribution, I will send you a personal thank you video message recognizing your generosity."## The "Mission Mangal" star also shared a video message on Instagram where she talks about the shortage of PPE kits in India's hospitals and explains why is it necessary to donate for the same.## In the video, Vidya says: "In the war against COVID 19, our healthcare professionals are like soldiers at the border fighting for our health and freedom. Just like we equip our soldiers for a battle, we must do the same with our medical staff."## "There is a critical shortage of PPE that is personal protective equipment for our senior doctors, residents, nurses, and ward boys in their daily work. They come into constant contact with affected patients and if one medico is affected, the entire unit of 8-12 healthcare workers is quarantined for 2-3 weeks. As a result, a lot of our hospitals are not functioning at full capacity. Join me in changing this now," she added.## Akshay Saini, co-founder of Tring stated: "We are very grateful to Vidya who has been very generous and has donated 1000 PPE kits in her individual capacity, in addition to the several other donations she is doing."## Each PPE kit worth Rs 650 consists of one coverall laminated and waterproof, nitrile gloves, goggles, face shields, 3-ply surgical mask, and shoe covers, informed the actress.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Aamna Shareef has turned poet during novel coronavirus lockdown.## On Saturday, the "Kahiin Toh Hoga" fame actress took to Instagram and shared a self-composed poem, depicting the ongoing health crisis.## "Phone rakhte hi sunaayi nahi deti... doston Ki awaaz hai, apno se hi door rehna, yeh kaisa andaaz hai, daulat ke peeche bhaag Raha Tha Isiliye Kya Dosti Naraaz Hai," Aamna's wrote.## She also posted a video in which she is seen reciting her poem, titled "Dua Karti Hoon", which is co-written by her husband Amit Kapoor.## Speaking of her acting stint, Aamna is currently reprising the iconic antagonist Komolika in the reboot show of "Kasautii Zindagii Kay".## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) Marvel Cinematic Universes third "Spider-Man" film and the sequel to the hit "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" have been pushed, amid the shuffle in release dates owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.## Hollywood studios have been revamping release schedules due to the ongoing crisis. Now, Sony Pictures has pushed back its two untitled "Spider-Man" sequels for several months, reports variety.com.## The studio announced that Marvel-Sony's "Spider-Man Far From Home" sequel has moved from July 16, 2021, to November 5, 2021. Sony Pictures Animation's "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse" sequel has been delayed by six months from April 8, 2022, to October 7, 2022.## Tom Holland's "Spider-Man: Far From Home" was one of the most successful films of 2019, grossing $1.13 billion at the worldwide box office. The rescheduled film is the third installment in the franchise, which launched in 2017 with "Spider-Man: Homecoming".## "Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse", which grossed $375 million worldwide, won last year's Academy Award for Best Animated Movie.## Holland's video-game adaptation "Uncharted" has moved forward from October 8, 2021, to July 16, 2021, a slot which was previously occupied by his "Spider-Man Far From Home" sequel.## The studio has also updated "The Nightingale", starring Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, from its Christmas Day release. Based on Kristin Hannah's 2015 bestseller "The Nightingale" tells the story of two sisters coming of age in France on the eve of World War II, and their struggle to survive the Nazi occupation of France. The film has not been shot yet.## The studio has also moved back the Kevin Hart drama "Fatherhood" six months from October 23, 2020, to April 2, 2021. Paul Weitz is directing "Fatherhood" from a screenplay he wrote alongside Dana Stevens. It is based upon the memoir of "Two Kisses For Maddy: A Memoir Of Loss And Love" by Matthew Logelin.## Sony also pushed back its action-comedy "Man From Toronto" nearly a year to September 17, 2021, from November 20, 2020. The studio moved "Hotel Transylvania 4" forward by four months from December 22, 2021, to August 6, 2021.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) The wait to watch Benedict Cumberbatch wield magic on the big screen in the title role of "Doctor Strange" just got longer. The film has been pushed back amid the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 crisis.## Disney has moved "Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness" to March 25, 2022. The studio had recently moved it to November 5, 2021, but decided to shift the dates again to the following March, reports variety.com.## In "Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness", Cumberbatch is set to return as the Sorcerer Supreme after his 2016 debut, and subsequent appearances in "Thor: Ragnarok", "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Avengers: Endgame". He will be joined by Benedict Wong and Chiwetel Ejiofor, who are expected to reprise their roles as fellow sorcerer Wong and Strange's compatriot-turned-nemesis Karl Mordo. Elizabeth Olsen has come on board to reprise her role as Scarlet Witch, aka Wanda Maximoff.## Rachel McAdams will not reprise her role as Strange's colleague Christine Palmer.## Additionally, Disney moved "Thor: Love And Thunder" up a week, from February 18, 2022, to February 11, 2022. It removed two films, an untitled live-action movie set for March 25, 2022, and an untitled 20th Century Fox film slated for April 8, 2022, from its schedule. It replaced the latter with a Disney live-action film, and also listed an event movie for July 9, 2021.## Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Disney has revamped its release schedule. Among its major delays are: "Mulan", which was supposed to debut on March 27 and is now scheduled for July 24; "Black Widow" has been moved from May 1 to November 6, taking a spot vacated by "The Eternals", which is now set for February 12, 2021; and "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings", which moved from February 12, 2021, to May 7, 2021.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 25 (IANS) "Mission: Impossible 7" and "Mission: Impossible 8", the next two much-awaited chapters in Tom Cruises action spy adventure franchise, have been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.## The seventh part, which was originally slated to release on July 23, 2021, will now open four months later on November 19, 2021. The eighth installment was set for August 5, 2022, and will instead release on November 4, 2022, reports variety.com.## The shoot of "Mission: Impossible 7" was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cruise was about to start filming in Venice, Italy when Paramount studio decided to halt the shoot in late February.## Christopher McQuarrie is directing the next two "Mission: Impossible" follow-ups, having previously helmed 2015's "Rogue Nation" and 2018's "Fallout". Cruise's most recent outing as Ethan Hunt, in "Mission: Impossible – Fallout", was also the most commercially successful.## Paramount also announced new release dates for several movies, including Chris Pratt's post-apocalyptic thriller "The Tomorrow World" (July 23, 2021) and animated adventure "Paw Patrol" (August 20, 2021).## As part of the scheduling changes, "Dungeons And Dragons" has been pushed back from November 19, 2021, to May 27, 2022. Paramount also removed its horror film "Spell", which was slated to release on August 28, 2020, from the release calendar.## For more and latest news about Hollywood, stay tuned with us.

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 25 (IANS) Actress Raveena Tandon has come up with a social media campaign #JeetegaIndiaJeetengeHum to stop the spread of rumors amid the COVID-19 crisis, and also urge people not to attack the frontline workers.## Several healthcare workers in India have been attacked as they battle to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. So, Raveena has made a special video in which she is seen appealing people to understand the severe health crisis and also appreciate the crucial role of doctors amid the COVID-19 outbreak.## "I feel it's extremely important for all of us to do our bit by encouraging the real heroes, our doctors, and nurses who are stepping out everyday and fighting this deadly coronavirus. They haven't met their families to keep us and our families safe and that's why through my campaign -- #JeetegaIndiaJeetengeHum -- I request everyone to give these medical forces their due respect and at the same time not spread false rumors. I'm hopeful we will all see the light sooner together," she said.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Los Angeles, April 24 (IANS) Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth, whose OTT film "Extraction" released on Friday, finds homeschooling his children more "challenging" than he expected.## Hemsworth opened up on life amid lockdown with his wife Elsa Pataky, and his three kids -- daughter India, seven, and twin sons -- Sasha and Tristan, six. The actor said he is struggling to get the children to concentrate on their studies at home, reports aceshowbiz.com.## "Homeschooling them is an absolute challenge. It's three hours of negotiation and maybe 20 minutes of actual work. (My children) just crave interaction with other kids so much, obviously, and that's a challenge," said the actor, who is quarantining with family at home in Australia.## "We're just enjoying being together. We've been dragged all over the world for so many different reasons over the last few years," he added.## During the lockdown, Hemsworth, who is known for playing Thor in Marvel's Cinematic world, is offering guided meditation to help children with stress and anxiety in association with his fitness and wellness app, which he recently made free for a limited period amid the public health crisis.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Indian captain Virat Kohli and former South African captain AB de Villiers share a great camaraderie on and off the field and it was clearly visible when both the star player came for a live Instagram chat today (Friday, April 24). ## The duo has been involved in many memorable partnerships for Royal Challengers Banglore in the Indian Premier League. Not only in the IPL but also when both the players often seen facing each other for their respective national teams. ## Both Virat and AB talked a lot about the ongoing health crisis around the world, the ways to combat and how can they help others at this time. Apart from the current health situation, the duo also talked about cricket. In order to play for their country, both the player picked the greatest combined ODI XI of India and South Africa that includes 7 Indian and 4 South African players. ## Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (C, WK), Yuzvendra Chahal, Dale Steyn, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kagiso Rabada## South Africa's Gary Kirsten named the coach of the team who also coached the 2011 World Cup-winning Indian team. The duo also seemed to be agreed on Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the captain of the side. ## During the live Instagram chat, both also join hands for a noble cause when they decided to go for online auction. Both will put up the stuff from their iconic partnership in IPL 2016 for auction to raise funds for the fight against Corona Virus.## "In 2016 IPL match against Gujarat Lions, we both scored centuries, it was a good partnership, it was an enjoyable one, I got 120 odd and you got your hundred towards the end, it was the Green game, we did our bit for creating awareness about the environment," AB de Villiers said.## "The plan now is to get our kits to go for an online auction, the green kits would go for auction, people can go and bid and all the proceeds will go the COVID-19 fund and it is a cause which will provide food to the maximum number of people," De Villiers added.## Virat Kohli also thanked the fans who stood by RCB in any ups and downs over the years. The star player also shares the experienced playing for RCB since the very first session and said that he doesn't see himself playing for any team other than RCB. ## "No matter what happens, I'm never leaving RCB," Virat Kohli told AB de Villiers, who has been associated with the franchise since 2011". Virat Kohli is associated with RCB from the first season of IPL and scored 5412 runs in 177 matches for the team while AB de Villiers has scored overall 4395 runs in 154 matches.## Follow for more...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Being locked down 24 hours inside our home is sure to have an impact on mental health. To avoid that, Hrithik Roshan has shared some 'lockdown tips' with fans. The Bollywood superstar suggests a daily dose of vitamin D to take care of mental health even as we continue to be confined at home.## In a selfie he shared on Instagram, Hrithik sits in the sun. "Get your shot of Sun. Every day. 10 mins...Find a way. #stayalert #mentalhealth #vitd #staybright #lockdowntips," the actor wrote.## Fans of the actor replied to his post with praises and love, but most of them seemed more interested in gushing about his looks than involving in any serious discussion on mental health.## One fan wrote: "Smoldering handsomeness".## Another fan posted: "Handsome hunk, I can do anything for you!"## Another fan expressed: "I do everything Hrithik Roshan tells me."## Hrithik Roshan has been spending the lockdown with his ex-wife Sussanne Khan, who has temporarily moved in with him, to take care of their two sons Hrehaan and Hridhaan.## Talking about mental health, Hrithik has recently started learning piano, which he feels is "great for activating both sides of the brain".## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Former Miss World Mansuhi Chhillar has urged state governments to distribute sanitary pads along with daily ration to the underprivileged.## Manushi lauds the government's decision to include sanitary pads as essential commodities amid the COVID-19 crisis. However, she explains that underprivileged women have become prone to severe risks due to shortage of funds in the hands of daily wage earners because of SARS-CoV-2 -- the terminology now being used by the medical fraternity to describe the novel coronavirus globally.## "I'm hugely thankful that sanitary pads have been listed as an essential commodity by the government of India during the SARS-CoV-2 crisis. However, we need to focus on how women, especially from the economically handicapped strata, can get pads free of cost. I also urge the governments of various states to kindly look into distributing sanitary pads along with daily rations to the underprivileged," she said.## Manushi backs Project Shakti, a non-profit program, that has joined hands with local women across India and has empowered them to make a living by educating them to make biodegradable sanitary pads. The initiative works towards raising awareness on menstrual hygiene among women in the local communities of these women.## "The issue is that due to the shortage of funds, particularly among the daily wage earners, most would be looking to spend their money on just food and women's sanitation might not be a top priority for many families. This would increase the health hazard for millions of women in India as sanitary pads come at a certain cost and the financial crisis is definitely going to push women to be at risk," she added.## Manushi said she has spoken to organizations who are working non-stop in ensuring pads are distributed free of cost.## "But it would be great if administration, from a district level to city to state-level comes forward to help the needy."## On the work front. Manushi is all set to make her Bollywood debut in the historical drama "Prithviraj" opposite Akshay Kumar later this year.## Stay tuned...

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Bollywood actor Sonu Sood has penned an emotional poem saluting all corona warriors including doctors, medical staff, cleaning workers and delivery boys, who are working relentlessly to keep us safe, and also ensuring our lives go on smoothly.## The poem speaks of the nation's unity and the need to fight together in these turbulent times.## In a video released on YouTube, the actor recites: "Maana ki ghani raat hai, iss raat se ladne ke liye, pura Bharat ek sath hai... Teri koshish meri koshish rang layegi, fir ussi bheed ka hissa hongey, bas sirf kuch he dino ki baat hai... Maana ki ghani raat hai, magar pura Bharat ek sath hai."## "This is something really close to my heart, something I really wanted to do for all Indians out there, especially our Corona warriors. I hope with my poem, I'm able to motivate people to stay positive and make them believe that we will come out of this stronger than ever. It's my tribute to all the heroes fighting this deadly battle," he said.## The actor has decided to provide meal kits to over 25,000 migrants on a daily basis in Mumbai during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. Before this, Sonu started a ration drive to help the needy during the ongoing lockdown. He also offered his hotel in Juhu for healthcare workers including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.## Stay tuned...