Pooja Pillai is an entertainment journalist with Asian Media Group, where she covers cinema, pop culture, internet trends, and the politics of representation. Her work spans interviews, cultural features, and social commentary across digital platforms.
She began her reporting career as a news anchor, scripting and presenting stories for a regional newsroom. With a background in journalism and media studies, she has since built a body of work exploring how entertainment intersects with social and cultural shifts, particularly through a South Indian lens.
She brings both newsroom rigour and narrative curiosity to her work, and believes the best stories don’t just inform — they reveal what we didn’t know we needed to hear.
Australian cricketer David Warner is set to make a surprising appearance in the upcoming Telugu action film Robinhood, directed by Venky Kudumula. The film, which stars Nithiin in the lead role, has already generated buzz for its thrilling storyline and star power. Warner’s cameo adds an unexpected twist, connecting the worlds of cricket and cinema in a way that’s sure to excite fans of both.
The news of Warner’s involvement was revealed by producer Y Ravi Shankar during a promotional event for another film, Kingston. Shankar shared that Warner had shot his portion for Robinhood, marking his debut in Indian cinema. While he jokingly apologised to director Venky Kudumula for revealing the news without permission, the announcement has only heightened anticipation for the film.
From smashing sixes to stealing scenes—Warner makes his Tollywood debutGetty Images
Robinhood follows the story of Honey Singh, played by Nithiin, a modern-day Robin Hood who steals from the rich to help the poor. The character is bold, fearless, and unafraid to take on challenges, promising a mix of action, adventure, and suspense. The film, originally slated for release last year, is now set to hit theatres on March 28.
Produced by Naveen Yerneni and Y Ravi Shankar, the movie also features Sree Leela in a key role. The music is composed by National Award winner G.V. Prakash Kumar, with cinematography by Sai Sriram.
Warner’s cameo is particularly special given his connection to Indian culture. A fan of Telugu cinema, he has often expressed his admiration for Allu Arjun’s iconic role in Pushpa and even mimicked the character’s signature moves during IPL matches. His appearance in Robinhood feels like a natural extension of his love for Indian entertainment, following his earlier stint in an Indian advertisement.
With its gripping plot, talented cast, and Warner’s unexpected cameo, Robinhood is shaping up to be a must-watch film this March. It’s a mix of cricket and cinema, bringing together two worlds in a way that’s bound to leave audiences entertained.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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