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Saina Nehwal biopic starring Parineeti Chopra to start rolling on THIS date

The biopic on Saina Nehwal has been in the pipeline for the past couple of years. Earlier Shraddha Kapoor was supposed to play the role of Saina in the biopic and had also started shooting for the film. But after a few days, the actress opted out of the movie and decided to star in Street Dancer.

Later, Parineeti Chopra was roped in for the film and the actress has been preparing for the biopic from the past few months. Finally, on 11th October 2019, the movie will start rolling. Amole Gupte, who is directing the film, told a tabloid, “I have netted a really good talent who has the acting prowess to play Saina.” He further revealed that the first scene will be shot at the International Institute of Sports Management. The filmmaker said, “In the first scene, Parineeti as Saina will be answering questions from the fraternity, including journalists, students, and sports management people.”


While talking about preparing for the movie, Parineeti told the tabloid, “I’ve put all my energies prepping for this role, something I’ve never done for the 10-12 films that I’ve worked in previously and in the process I have finally discovered the person I am and the actor. I’m really excited to start Saina. I think it will be a life-changing experience.”

Titled Saina, the biopic is produced by Bhushan Kumar. Talking about the shoot, he said, “On October 11, we roll, and Parineeti will juggle between her shoots and practice to keep her game up.”

The makers have not yet announced the release of the film, but Amole Gupte wants the film to hit the screens during summer next year. He said, “I make films for a family audience and for that I need children to be free, be it the summer or Diwali vacation. While we have not locked a date, I’m focussed to deliver the film by summer next year.”

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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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