EMOMEE launches first show on Netflix, marks global streaming debut 15 months after launch

EMOMEE, the fast-growing children's entertainment brand helping children build life skills through its beloved characters, E, Mo & Mee, has officially launched its first show on Netflix.

Just 15 months after launch, EMOMEE has grown into one of India's fastest-rising preschool IPs, reaching families in over 100 countries, crossing more than a billion views, building a community of over 2.5 million subscribers, and earning national recognition on Shark Tank India, where the founders received offers from all five Sharks.

The Netflix launch marks EMOMEE’s global streaming debut and an important milestone in its ambition to build a world-class children’s entertainment franchise from India.

The first series, EMOMEE: Big Skills for Little Ones, Minis, features 20 curated 11-minute episodes that bring together the brand's most-loved stories around core life skills such as confidence, kindness, curiosity, emotional intelligence and problem-solving. Designed for preschoolers and their families, the series transforms everyday moments into engaging adventures that make learning life skills genuinely fun.

"This launch represents much more than a new distribution platform. It is another milestone in building EMOMEE into a global entertainment company. Every step we've taken - from growing a loyal audience to expanding onto streaming platforms - is helping us build a long-term franchise that will extend beyond content into consumer products, licensing and live experiences," said Pooja Jauhari, Founder & CEO of EMOMEE.

Built on the belief that entertainment can prepare children for the future, EMOMEE creates stories that help young audiences develop the life skills they'll need in an increasingly complex world. Every episode is designed around meaningful themes including resilience, communication, empathy, confidence and curiosity, wrapped in playful adventures that children love.

The Netflix launch is the latest step in EMOMEE's broader growth strategy as the company continues expanding its global footprint across streaming, live experiences, consumer products and licensing. Later this year, EMOMEE will showcase its growing slate and franchise ambitions at MIPCOM as it builds new international distribution and licensing partnerships.

Also Read: Netflix announces biggest South Indian slate of 2026, plans new Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films every week

Shantanu Maheshwari inspires young creators at Arena Animation’s Perspectives 2026 in Mumbai

Arena Animation, a pioneer in animation, gaming, visual effects, and digital media education and a training brand of Aptech Limited, successfully concluded the Mumbai edition of Perspectives 2026, its flagship annual industry engagement platform, bringing together over 1000 students, industry professionals, creative leaders and renowned personalities from the Media & Entertainment ecosystem.

Celebrating 30 years of creative excellence, this year's edition was built around the theme of inspiring the next generation of creative professionals by connecting them with real-world industry perspectives, emerging artificial intelligence (AI) powered creative workflows, emerging technologies and career opportunities within the rapidly evolving AVGC-XR (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics and Extended Reality) sector.

The event featured distinguished personalities including Dr. Amit Behl, acclaimed actor and television personality, Mr. Shantanu Maheshwari, a versatile actor, dancer and performer, Actor Aditya Deshmukh, a popular face across Marathi and Hindi entertainment, Mr. Vaibhav More, Director, Designer & Animator who delivered a special session on AI in Animation & VFX, Mr. Vineeth S, Country Manager – Media & Entertainment, Ark Infosolutions, along with Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director & Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited and Mr. Shajan Samuel, Sr. Vice President & National Sales Head- (Arena Animation), Aptech Limited.

The day-long event blended industry learning with immersive student experiences through keynote sessions, AI demonstrations, celebrity interactions and talent showcases, reinforcing Arena Animation's commitment to nurturing industry-ready creative professionals.

Students gained first-hand insights into the evolving creative economy, the growing influence of AI in content creation, emerging industry skill requirements and career opportunities across animation, VFX, gaming, digital design and filmmaking. The celebrity interactions further inspired participants through personal stories of perseverance, career evolution and continuous learning.

Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) collaborated as the Industry Partner and Huion as the Technology Partner for Perspectives 2026. These collaborations underscore Arena Animation's continued focus on building stronger industry-academia linkages, enhancing experiential learning and ensuring students gain exposure to evolving technologies, industry standards and career opportunities shaping India's rapidly growing AVGC-XR ecosystem.

Beyond industry interactions, Perspectives 2026 transformed into a vibrant student festival featuring Arena’s Got Talent, Cosplay Ramp Walk, interactive engagement activities, AI showcases and the popular Khau Gully Food Zone, providing students with multiple platforms to celebrate creativity, collaboration and self-expression.

The event also highlighted Arena Animation's strategic focus on strengthening industry-academia collaboration, integrating emerging technologies into learning and encouraging original intellectual property creation through initiatives such as Arena Animation Originals. These initiatives reflect the institute's vision of developing globally competitive creative professionals equipped with future-ready skills.

Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director & Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited, said, "As Arena Animation celebrates three decades of shaping creative talent, Perspectives has evolved beyond an industry interaction into a platform where inspiration meets opportunity. The creative economy is witnessing rapid transformation with AI, immersive technologies and digital storytelling redefining how content is created. Through Perspectives 2026, we wanted our students to experience these changes first-hand by learning directly from industry leaders, technology experts and creative professionals who are shaping the future. Equally important was giving our students a stage to showcase their own creativity, confidence and passion. At Arena Animation, our endeavour is to create professionals who are not only technically proficient but also innovative, adaptable and globally employable."

Dr. Amit Behl, said, "The creative industry today offers immense opportunities for young people willing to learn, adapt and stay passionate about their craft. It was wonderful interacting with Arena Animation students who displayed remarkable enthusiasm and curiosity. Their creativity and energy reaffirm that India's next generation of storytellers, artists and creators is ready to make a global impact."

Mr. Shantanu Maheshwari added, "Every creative journey begins with a dream, but it is discipline, continuous learning and resilience that transform dreams into careers. Meeting these talented students and witnessing their passion through Arena’s Got Talent and other activities was truly inspiring. I hope they continue believing in themselves and embrace every opportunity that comes their way."

With India's AVGC-XR sector witnessing unprecedented growth and creative technology reshaping the future of entertainment, advertising, gaming and digital experiences, Arena Animation continues to strengthen its academic ecosystem by integrating AI-enabled workflows, industry collaborations and experiential learning into its curriculum.

As it marks 30 years of creative excellence, Arena Animation remains committed to empowering aspiring artists, designers, storytellers, animators and innovators with industry-relevant skills, global exposure and future-ready education, while contributing meaningfully to India's growing creative economy and AVGC-XR ecosystem.

Also Read: Shantanu Maheshwari continues Campus Beats: The Game of Love promotions despite ankle injury

Akshay Kumar begins shooting for alien action thriller Samuk

Akshay Kumar has officially gone into alien territory. The actor has begun shooting for his much-awaited survival-action thriller Samuk, marking the reunion of him and producer-filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah for their seventh collaboration. Directed by Kanishk Varma, the film has gone on floors in London and is being mounted as a large-scale Pan-India theatrical release with global production ambitions.

According to industry sources, Akshay Kumar began filming for Samuk on August 23, 2026. As per an earlier report by Variety, the shooting was expected to commence in London as the makers are expected to shoot approximately 90 per cent of the film in the England capital, with the remaining portions planned in Mumbai. The production is being executed as one continuous schedule rather than being divided into multiple shooting legs.

The film, which has been in development for over two years, combines military realism, survival horror and alien mythology. The makers have brought together an international technical team to create the world of Samuk, including Academy Award-nominated creature effects designer Alec Gillis, who has worked on major creature-driven franchises including Alien and Predator. Gillis has designed the central alien creature for the film.

AKSHAY KUMAR - VIPUL AMRUTLAL SHAH REUNITE – ALIEN ACTION THRILLER 'SAMUK' SHOOTING BEGINS... #AkshayKumar is heading where he hasn't gone before – alien territory.

The actor has begun shooting for #Samuk, an ambitious survival-action thriller that brings together an… pic.twitter.com/dc4HMlStnn — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 24, 2026

The action is being designed by British action director Luke Tumber, further adding to the international scale of the project. The makers have also opted for extensive practical filmmaking, with the creature and action elements being developed to work as much as possible in a live-action environment.

Vipul Amrutlal Shah had earlier told Bollywood Hungama, “We are going to shoot extensively abroad. We plan to release it in 2027.” Speaking about the scale of the project, he had explained that the film was being developed to meet the expectations of audiences who now have access to global cinema through streaming platforms.

For Vipul Shah and Akshay Kumar, Samuk marks their seventh film together and another departure into a new genre. The producer has previously spoken about Akshay’s deep involvement in the project, revealing that the actor has been actively participating in discussions around various aspects of the film.

With filming now underway in London, Samuk is gearing up as one of Akshay Kumar’s most ambitious upcoming theatrical projects, bringing together a homegrown action star, an international creature-design team and a survival thriller set against an alien backdrop.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar’s alien thriller Samuk to begin London shoot on August 23

Ajay Devgn returns with Drishyam The Conclusion, set to release on October 2, 2026, poster out

Ajay Devgn is set to return as Vijay Salgaonkar in Drishyam The Conclusion, the final chapter of the popular Drishyam franchise. The upcoming film is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Panorama Studios.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film has been written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. The story will once again follow Vijay Salgaonkar, the character played by Ajay Devgn, as the franchise moves towards its concluding chapter.

Drishyam The Conclusion is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak. The makers have announced that the film will arrive in theatres on 2nd October 2026.

With Ajay Devgn reprising one of his most recognised roles as Vijay Salgaonkar, the film is positioned as the concluding chapter of the franchise. The announcement has also set the stage for the return of the character whose story has remained central to the Drishyam series.

Also Read: Ajay Devgn extends heartfelt birthday wishes to Drishyam director Abhishek Pathak; says, “Can’t wait for Drishyam 3!”

SCOOP: John Abraham undergoes his BIGGEST physical transformation yet for Maria IPS; ages from 20s to 60s for Rohit Shetty’s flick

After Singham Again (2024), blockbuster filmmaker Rohit Shetty began working on a gritty action entertainer based on the life of decorated police officer Rakesh Maria. In January this year, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to reveal that the film has been titled Maria IPS. Now we bring to you another interesting piece of information about this film.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham will be seen in a never-before-seen avatar in the film. Maria IPS spans nearly 40 years in the life of Rakesh Maria, tracing his journey from his 20s to his 60s. For the portions featuring Maria in his 20s and 30s, John bulked up and put on muscle to look the part. For the scenes where the character is in his late 50s and 60s, the actor underwent another physical transformation, losing weight to sport a leaner and fitter look.”

The source further said, “John has never undergone this kind of physical transformation for a film before. Audiences will get to see him across different stages of Rakesh Maria’s life, and his transformation is sure to take them by surprise.”

The shoot of Maria IPS began in July 2025, with the first schedule taking place at Ellora Studios near Mumbai, where a police station set was erected. During the two-week schedule, John Abraham and Rohit Shetty filmed several dramatic police station scenes and high-intensity interrogation sequences.

In February, we reported that portions of Maria IPS were also shot at various Western Railway premises. Vineet Abhishek, Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway (WR), exclusively told Bollywood Hungama, “John Abraham shot at the WR Headquarters in Churchgate, Lower Parel railway station and Mumbai Central railway station for Maria IPS.”

Also Read: SCOOP: John Abraham reunites with The Diplomat director Shivam Nair for two-hero action thriller

Anushka Ranjan and Aditya Seal welcome twin baby girls, Vira and Mahi

Aditya Seal and his wife, actor Anushka Ranjan, have stepped into parenthood with double the joy. The couple has welcomed twin baby girls and shared the news with their fans on social media. Along with announcing the arrival of their daughters, Anushka and Aditya also revealed their names, making the occasion even more special for their followers.

The twins were born on August 23, 2026. The couple introduced their daughters as Vira Ranjan Seal and Mahi Ranjan Seal through an adorable announcement card featuring illustrations of two little girls. Aditya also shared a heartfelt note on Instagram, expressing his happiness and gratitude as the family begins this new chapter. "My sunshines are here to brighten our lives. Our hearts are full of love and gratitude. Vira ♾️ Mahi #TeamGirl."

 

View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Aditya Seal (@adityaseal)

The couple had announced Anushka’s pregnancy earlier this year through a series of maternity photographs. In May 2026, Anushka spoke to HT City about sharing the news and explained why they had waited before making the announcement. She said, “We are a little late in sharing the news as the baby is set to arrive in September. We wanted to give ourselves some time, hence the delay. Also, it has been an overwhelming moment for us to share the news with all. I was more nervous than ever, even announcing my wedding was easier than this, but now I am at peace and relaxed, as people’s response and the way our friends reacted is so emotional for us.”

Anushka and Aditya first met on June 26, 2017, at an event organized by Anushka’s NGO, Beti. Their friendship eventually developed into a relationship, and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in Mumbai in November 2021. Nearly five years into their marriage, they have now welcomed their twin daughters, Vira and Mahi.

SCOOP: Emraan Hashmi starrer Gunmaster G9 teaser to play in theatres with Yash starrer Toxic

The teaser of Gunmaaster G9, starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh and Aparshakti Khurana, is set to premiere theatrically ahead of the screening of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, offering audiences an early glimpse of the much-awaited action-romance.

While Gunmaaster G9 is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026, the makers are kickstarting the film’s promotional campaign well in advance with a dedicated theatrical teaser premiere.

Rather than being attached to the print of Toxic, the teaser will be screened separately ahead of the film, giving Gunmaaster G9 a distinct theatrical showcase. With Toxic expected to draw substantial audiences, the move is poised to give the teaser an expansive reach while creating early curiosity around Emraan Hashmi’s next.

The film also marks a notable creative reunion. Soham Rockstar Entertainment and Deepak Mukut bring together Emraan Hashmi, Himesh Reshammiya and director Aditya Datt once again, following their collaboration on the 2005 musical blockbuster. Mukut is also reuniting with Himesh Reshammiya following the success of Sanam Teri Kasam.

Positioned as an action-romance, Gunmaaster G9 arrives at an interesting juncture in Emraan Hashmi’s career, following the strong response to Awarapan 2. The announcement of its release date had already generated considerable interest among the actor’s fans, and the theatrical unveiling of the teaser is expected to build further momentum around the film.

Starring Emraan Hashmi, Genelia Deshmukh, Aparshakti Khurana and introducing Abhishek Singh, Gunmaaster G9 is produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir and presented by Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026.

Gunmaaster G9 is a SRE Studio LLP production.

Also Read: Gunmaaster G9 director Aditya Datt reveals Aparshakti Khurana was his first choice to play the villain; says, “He has never played an out-and-out commercial and crazy-ass villain”