Pen Studios subsidiary company – Pen Marudhar Entertainment has acquired the India Distribution rights of BALAJI TELEFILMS‘ slate of 4 films scheduled to be released this year, which include Mental Hai Kya, Jabariya Jodi, Dream Girl & Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare.

Mental Hai Kya boasts of two powerhouse performers Kangana Ranaut & Rajkummar Rao, who will be seen battling it out, in this quirky thriller on 26th of July.

Sidharth Malhotra & Parineeti Chopra’s Jabariya Jodi explores the concept of ‘groom kidnapping’, albeit in a humorous way! And is set to arrive on 2nd Aug.

Starring Ayushmann Khurrana ‘Dream Girl’ is an out and out comedy, which has Ayushmann essaying the titular role. Fun, mad & quirky the film co-stars Nushrat Bharucha opposite him. The film is set to hit theatres on 13th September.

After the resounding success of her last release (Lipstick Under My Burkha), director Alankrita Srivastava’s next – Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare, starring Bhumi Pednekar & Konkona Sen Sharma is slated to release later this year. Fun, fearless and female is the mantra of this film.

With over 30 years of experience of Pen Studios and 20 years of experience of Marudha, some of the films distributed by them include- Red Chillies’ ZERO,
Sunil Bohra’s ACCIDENTAL PRIME MINISTER, BADLA amongst others.

On the collaboration of BALAJI PEN STUDIOS CMD Jayantilal Gada says “We are extremely happy that SHOBHA ji & EKTA have trusted us with providing service of their content to showcase it nationwide with which they always brought unique new content for the Indian viewers.”

Spokesperson for Balaji Motion Pictures adds, “We are delighted to have such experienced partners, who can optimise the reach and potential of our forthcoming slate.”

Release Date: 26th July, 2019
Cast: Introducing Vardhan Puri & Shivaleeka Oberoi
Director: Cherag Ruparel

Some creative partnerships stand the test of time. The bond between Jayantilal Gada’s PEN India and filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh is only getting stronger by the day. While PEN was earlier associated with Ghosh as producers of the Vidya Balan-starrer films ‘Kahaani’ and ‘Kahaani 2’, they are now set to distribute the upcoming film, ‘Badla’, too. The movie, which stars Amitabh Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu in the lead roles, is set to hit the screens on March 8.

PEN India will distribute the film under the banner of PEN MARUDHAR CINE ENTERTAINMENT. PEN India and Marudhar had announced a merger recently, as well. Talking about his association with Sujoy, Gada says, “Sujoy Ghosh is one of the biggest filmmakers in our country and he’s known for helming movies with strong content. I have always considered content as the prime reason for associating with any project. I am glad that after producing ‘Kahaani’ and ‘Kahaani 2’ that were directed by Sujoy, too, we will be distributing ‘Badla’. I’m certain that the film will be as impressive as his earlier works.”

Trailer of Mere Pyare Prime Minister was released yesterday where all the team members including star-cast of the film seen attending the trailer launch event in the suburbs. Lead actress and national award winner Anjali Patil, Niteesh Wadhwa, Nachiket Purnapatre, child actor Om Kanojia, Adarsh Bharti, Prasad along with the film’s producer P.S. Bharati and Dr. Jayantilal Gada owner of (Pen).

Actress Anjali Patil and Niteesh Wadhwa play the love interest in the film and the little Kanhu’s character is played by Om Kanojia.

The trailer showcases the journey of little Kanhu which embarks to fulfill his dream to build a toilet for his mother’s safety, the struggle which goes to the Prime Minister of the nation. It also has shown the real-life problem faced by people who stay in the slum area. The problem of open defecation and sanitation has shown with a realistic touch.

The film focus on the issue of open defecation and sanitation problems in the country told through the story of a slum boy who wants to build a toilet for his mother.

While most production houses prefer to invest in commercial potboilers that are likely to rake in the moolah, producer Jayantilal Gada’s PEN India Ltd is an exception. The banner, which has backed films like Kahaani (2012), Kahaani 2 (2016) and Shivaay (2016), among others, aims to support films that have promising content. Their upcoming co-production, Helicopter Eela, is another venture that speaks of their commitment to backing content-heavy cinema The film has been produced by Dhaval and Aksshay Gada, and Ajay Devgn.

“Looking at the line-up of films, including Kahaani, Rang Rasiya (2014), Lakshmi (2014) or Do Lafzon Ki Kahaani (2016), it’s evident that PEN is committed to striking a balance between commercial films and those that have good content,” says Gada. His elder son Dhaval adds, “Our dad always wanted us to understand his vision behind producing films. Cinema, for him, is a medium that brings about a change in society.

We will make such films in the future too.” Asked what encouraged him to co-produce Helicopter Eela, which stars Kajol as a single mother and an aspiring singer, Gada says, “It’s a women-oriented film. Also, I enjoyed co-producing Shivaay with Ajay Devgn in the past. The film business is all about taking risks. I want to be perceived as one who does so.”

Talking about choosing against investing in commercial films only, he adds, “Such films do well at the box office, but there’s little risk involved in them. I don’t enjoy that,” he says, adding that another installment in the Kahaani franchise is a project he’d love to explore. Aksshay Gada says, “We have produced great films in the past. I feel proud to help my father and brother in making more films of a similar nature.”

Urvashi Rautela, Boney Kapoor, Amrita Rao At Jayantilal Gada’s Son Akshay Gada’s Wedding Reception

Arjun Rampal, Urvashi Rautela, Amrita Rao, Aftab Shivdasani, and others headlined the star-studded guest list at film producer Jayantilal Gada’s son Akshay Gada’s wedding reception in Mumbai.

The film world used to respect his contribution towards cinema so far. Now, PEN India Ltd chairperson, Jayantilal Gada’s devotion towards performing arts has forced international entities to sit up and take notice. The Academy of Universal Global Peace (AUGP), which is affiliated with the United Nations University for Global Peace, and Holy Angels College, has conferred Jayantilal Gada with an honorary doctorate degree. He has also been ordained as the ambassador of AUGP for peace and humanity in India.

The convocation ceremony was held in the city on September 1, at Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorium, Vile Parle. The degree was presented to Jayantilal Gada by Dr Prof Madhu Krishan Governor, AUGP. Renowned actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik and the entire Gada family was present for the ceremony.

“When the AUGP reached out to me to honour me with a PHD, I was surprised as well as touched. I will ensure that I live up to all the expectations that people will have from me as the ambassador for AUGP for peace and humanity. Becoming Dr Jayantilal Gada from Jayantilal Gada feels overwhelming. I’m grateful that I was considered for the honour,” says the producer.

By highlighting women’s empowerment in Eela and Kahaani, Jayantilal Gada showed his dedication towards highlighting social messages in films. After receiving a PHD, which has made him an ambassador for peace and humanity, he is sure to make more impactful films. “I realise how my responsibilities have increased and I promise to make films that inspire people and spread social messages,” says Jayantilal Gada.

Harvard University, USA, is among the most coveted institutes for higher learning in the world. The university, which boasts of an alumni list of renowned personalities like former US President Barack Obama, Facebook CEO Marck Zukerberg, Hollywood actress Natalie Portman, American business magnate Bill Gates, 48 Nobel Laureates, 32 heads of state and 48 Pulitzer Prize winners, has invited producer presenter Dr.Jayantilal Gada of PEN India LTD to address the students as part of a twoday Harvard India Conference.

Some of the other Indian personalities who would be enlightening the students are spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, political strategist-cum-JD(U) leader Prashant Kishore, actress Tanushree Dutta, Sachin Pilot (deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee), Jayant Rajaram Patil (Indian politician from Maharashtra), Dr. Indu Shahani and Bahubali director SS Rajamouli.

Student organisers of the annual event recently said that the idea behind the conference, which will be held on February 16 and 17, is to discuss and brainstorm on issues weaved around the theme “India at an Infliction Point.”

“Since PEN is among the leading production houses in the country, known for backing quality cinema, who would be better than Dr.Jayantilal Gada to address young minds at Harvard,” says a source.

Gada, who begun his career at his father’s grocery store in Kurla, which is situated in hearts of Mumbai , went on to start a small video library. He left no stone unturned to make his production house, PEN, one of the leading players in the entertainment industry. Also, PEN is the largest content provider of Hindi feature films to television channels, which has offered the country its top software film library.

Priya, social entrepreneur and multifaceted professional from USA, who was also member and advisor on Tech and Innovation policy committee for Hillary for America 2016 Presidential campaign, is all praise for Dr Gada. She says, “Dr Gada personifies the saying, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ He lives up to his mantra of life, which is — even if you have social, language and financial barriers, hard work and perseverance always pays off. He always says, ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’.”

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-KbxvLxQb0

Jayantilal Gada’s film production and distribution company Pen India is planning to expand its reach across TV and digital verticals. After launching its first satellite TV channel ‘Wow Movies and Music’ recently, the production company is entering into the over the top (OTT) market.

In the coming six months, Pen India is planning to launch its subscription video on demand (SVoD) service Play My Movie (PMM). PMM is developed and operated by Play My Movie, a 100% subsidiary of Pen India.