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Akshay Kumar takes up yet another cause-based film

Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, who has previously toplined such social dramas as Airlift (2016), Jolly LLB 2 (2017), Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2018) and PadMan (2018), is gearing up to add yet another issue-driven film to his credit.

According to reports, Kumar is reuniting with filmmaker R. Balki after the thunderous success of their maiden venture, PadMan, which opened to great critical response earlier this year.


Titled Mahila Mandal, their next movie is likely to be a woman-centric subject just like PadMan which dealt with the issue of menstruation and hygiene. “The film is being called Mahila Mandal. In keeping with its title, it revolves around women. Nonetheless, the role that Akshay plays is of immense significance,” an industry source divulges the information.

If industry insiders are to be believed, Mahila Mandal revolves around a bunch of women scientists who worked on India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan (2014).

The casting process for the roles of women scientists has also begun and from what we hear a story narration has been given to Vidya Balan and Nimrat Kaur and both the actresses have agreed to come onboard.

We are now waiting for an official announcement of the project.

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Inside Netflix’s 50% surge: the regional creators and stories driving Southeast Asia’s global rise

AI Generated

How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Highlights:

  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
  • Premium VOD revenue in the region reached £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore) last year, with 53.6 million subscriptions.
  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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