Uunchai makers appeal to viewers to come to theatres, film won't release on OTT soon
The movie, which revolves around four friends in their twilight years, marks the return of director Sooraj Barjatya to filmmaking after 2015’s Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.
Motivated by the positive response to "Uunchai", the makers of the film on Tuesday said the movie will not be available for streaming for a while as they want it to have "a strong and long-run" at the theatres.
The Rajshri Productions movie, which released on November 11, continues to run in cinema halls in its fourth week. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Boman Irani, and Danny Denzongpa, "Uunchai" has reportedly done well at the domestic box office.
In a statement shared by the production banner on Instagram, the cast and crew thanked everyone for the overwhelming love showered upon the Hindi-language adventure drama.
"A special shoutout to every member of the audience who went to the theatre with family and loved ones and contributed to making 'Uunchai' an exclusive BIG screen experience. As 'Uunchai' continues to run in theatres in its 4th week, we as a unit stand proud and humbled. It is the desire of our hearts to see 'Uunchai' have a strong and long run at the theatres and therefore, 'Uunchai' will not have an online release very soon," the team said in a statement.
"Uunchai" is the result of seven years of passion, hard work, and love, they said.
The movie, which revolves around four friends in their twilight years, marks the return of director Sooraj Barjatya to filmmaking after 2015's "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo".
Watching a pirated version of the film, delaying the watch, or waiting for the film to release online would mean "robbing" oneself of a magical experience, the team added.
"From its conception to its release, every day, we have kept you, our audience in mind and have crafted an experience that we would want you to cherish and remember! The experience of watching a film on the big screen is simply magical! "So, step out today, go to a theatre near you. Take family and friends along. Relive the experience of buying tickets. Celebrate 'Uunchai', celebrate films and theatres again with movie lovers known and unknown! Fill up the theatres with your love for films! As makers, your entertainment is our only motivation. See you at the theatres!" the statement concluded.
"Uunchai" also stars Neena Gupta, Sarika, Nafisa Ali Sodhi, and Parineeti Chopra in pivotal roles.
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.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.