It looks like everyone and their parents went to watch the latest Super Marios Bros. Movie over the weekend as the film has managed to set the cash registers on fire! The first instalment in what can only be called the next big animated franchise, the Mario Brothers scored a whopping $377 million globally in its 5-day opening weekend. With this amazing feat, the Super Mario Bros. Movie has become the highest-opening animated film in history. The box office record is a clear statement that family audiences do not care about reviews as the film opened to average to decent reports from the critics.
Super Mario Bros break records
The animated family offering by Universal and Illumination struck the right chords with the audience over the weekend. The film raked in about $204.6 million in the first five-day weekend in its domestic market of the USA. Whereas, an estimated international earning of $173 million was also recorded taking the cumulative to $377 million global total. Mario did not just break records for an animated film but also videogame adaptation films passing Warcraft’s $210 million and Frozen 2’s $358 million.
Surprisingly, the film also surpassed industry expectations by a big margin. Industry predictions set the film to make $225 million over its opening weekend which was easily surpassed by the film. Mario’s success does come as a surprise as I watched it during Thursday early previews with a packed theatre in Mumbai consisting of people from all age groups be it kids or senior citizens. Similar to the Minions trend back in 2022, Mario also witnessed people dressing up as the characters from the series to watch the film in theatres, making it a celebration.
On the other hand, Ben Affleck’s ‘Air’ also made its debut in the USA grossing $20 million in its opening weekend. Air brought a much-needed counter-programming to the box office storm of Mario Bros. catering only to adult audiences with its R-rating. Whereas, John Wick Chapter 4 also held its own in its third weekend at the box office raking in $14.5 million. It will be interesting to see if the Super Mario Bros. Movie manages to hit the $1 billion or $2 billion mark at the box office during its final run.
It won’t be unfair to say that the Indian cinema industry is dominated by male-centric films. We have heroes who are larger than life fighting villains in slow motion all while women characters get sidelined. It was the era of the ‘Angry Young Man’ which propagated the narrative of male dominant storytelling. Indian classics like Sholay or Agneepath feature a similar male-dominant narrative but what goes unnoticed are the strong female characters present in them. Unfortunately, women in the majority have been underrepresented in most films of the past era. The ‘Masala’ films often tend to portray women as eye candies who don’t really bring much to the story narrative-wise.
For the relief of the audience, parallel cinema exists! However, it will be an understatement to say that women-centric films are only limited to parallel cinema as many examples in the recent past have made them mainstream. The essence of women actors has now changed in India with men taking a backseat in some of the best films released in India. In our Exhibit women’s special edition, we wanted to have a look at all women-centric films from India that deserve your attention –
Raazi
Alia Bhatt has cemented herself as a bankable star on her own with solo films like Raazi and Gangubai Kathiawadi. While the latter also deserves a mention in the list, Raazi stands out as it’s not just a women-centric film but also a patriotic one. Missions, spies, and deceit are some story points that keep the audience hooked to the screen. Raazi is a complete package as this spy thriller excels in every aspect. Alia Bhatt moves the audience with her heartbreaking performance towards the end of the film.
English Vinglish
This Sridevi film portrays how women are treated in a patriarchal Indian household. English Vinglish revolves around Shashi Godbole, a middle-class housewife who struggles to speak fluent English. Her confidence is damaged trying to get a hold of the English language and decides to join an English-speaking class. Sridevi plays Shashi as a persistent and hard-working woman who does not let challenges overthrow her goals. The film ultimately depicts that even if a woman has dedicated her life to taking care of her family, she can go out in the world and find her own voice.
Margarita With A Straw
Margarita With A Straw is one of the few Indian films that depict the story of a differently-abled person with respect and sensibility. It stars Kalki Koechlin in the lead role as a teenager with cerebral palsy who shifts to America for higher studies. Kalki plays Laila who is an outgoing girl regardless of her disability. The film ultimately speaks about same-sex relationships which have not been done in India extensively.
Pink
The film brought about a feminist wave across the country and let the nation know that when a girl says ‘No’ it means ‘No’. The gripping thriller revolves around the life of three women fighting a legal battle against men from an influential family and ultimately winning it. Pink not just sheds a thorough light on consent in sexual relationships but also talks about victim blaming. Pink highlights and underlines that a woman’s clothing or lifestyle are not indicative of the fact that ‘She’s asking for it’.
Thappad
Taapsee Pannu has been at the forefront of women-centric films in the country with films like Pink and Thappad. The basic storyline of the film revolves around a slap and how a husband does not have a right to slap or physically hurt his wife. Films in India have not addressed the issue of domestic violence by large and it was only with Alia Bhatt’s Darlings is where viewers got to see the issue acknowledged. However, Thappad remains the first film in the modern Hindi film industry to shed a light on this issue.
Since the early days of pop music, female pop stars have challenged societal norms and expectations, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. In the 1960s, artists like Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin brought soulful vocals and dynamic performances to the forefront of pop music, while in the 1970s, disco icons like Donna Summer and Gloria Gaynor inspired millions with their empowering and uplifting anthems. In the 1980s, Madonna revolutionized the industry with her provocative lyrics, daring fashion, and unapologetic sexuality, while Whitney Houston became one of the biggest voices of her generation, dominating charts and breaking records with her powerful vocals and emotive performances.
Our Exhibit Women’s special edition would be incomplete without talking about the women pop stars who rule the world right now. Check them out –
Taylor Swift
Swift’s music is known for its autobiographical and deeply personal themes, often drawing on her own experiences with love, heartbreak, and growth. Her songwriting and vocal abilities have been praised for their honesty and authenticity, and her ability to connect with her fans has made her one of the most successful musicians of her generation.
In addition to her music, Swift has been active in various philanthropic endeavours, including supporting education and disaster relief initiatives. She has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and political engagement, encouraging her fans to participate in elections and speaking out against discrimination and inequality. Taylor just back in December sold more than two million tickets during her Eras Tour presale making it the most tickets ever sold for an artist in a single day. There are no two thoughts about Taylor Swift being the biggest female pop star of our generation.
Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish grew up in a family of musicians and began writing and recording her own music at a young age. Her breakout single “Ocean Eyes” was released in 2016 and quickly gained viral popularity, leading to a recording contract with Interscope Records.
In addition to her music, Eilish has become known for her distinctive style and unapologetic approach to self-expression. She often wears oversized and baggy clothing, which she has explained is a deliberate choice to avoid being objectified or judged based on her body. Eilish has been open about her struggles with mental health and has used her platform to advocate for the importance of seeking help and breaking down stigmas surrounding mental illness.
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s music is known for its nostalgic and cinematic qualities, often incorporating elements of pop, rock, and hip-hop into her signature sound. Her lyrics frequently explore themes of love, heartbreak, and Americana, with a focus on the darker and more complex aspects of these topics. Despite her commercial success, Lana has faced criticism for her lyrics and image, with some accusing her of promoting harmful stereotypes about women and romanticizing abusive relationships. Del Rey has defended herself against these criticisms, arguing that her music is a reflection of her own experiences and emotions, and that she does not condone violence or abuse.
Despite these controversies, Del Rey remains a highly influential and acclaimed musician, with a devoted fan base and multiple Grammy nominations to her name
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga undoubtedly had me in a chokehold when her song ‘Hold My Hand’ for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ was released earlier last year. Gaga’s music is known for its catchy hooks and empowering messages, often incorporating elements of dance, electronic, and rock music. Her theatrical performances and unique fashion sense have made her a cultural icon and inspiration to many fans around the world. Gaga is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in the areas of LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
In addition to her music career, Gaga has also made a name for herself as an actress, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in movies like “A Star is Born” and “American Horror Story.” She’ll be seen flaunting her acting skills in the upcoming Joker 2 film alongside Joaquin Phoenix.
Rihanna
Rihanna will forever be ‘Queen Riri’ for me after she blessed the latest Black Panther film with the ‘Lift Me Up’ single. Rihanna’s music is known for its blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences, and her distinctive vocals and catchy hooks. She has won numerous awards for her music, including multiple Grammy Awards, and is considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her music videos are also highly acclaimed, often incorporating cinematic storytelling and striking visuals.
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has also made a name for herself as a businesswoman, with multiple successful ventures in the fashion and beauty industries. She founded the Fenty Beauty makeup line in 2017, which has become a major player in the beauty industry with a focus on inclusivity and diversity. Her little promotion of the Fenty Beauty brand during her Super Bowl performance created waves across the internet.
Adele
Adele has managed to carve a niche for herself in the music industry with soulful songs that put you in a spell. Adele’s debut album, “19,” was released in 2008 and featured the hit singles “Chasing Pavements” and “Hometown Glory.” The album’s success propelled Adele to international fame and earned her two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. She followed up with her second album, “21,” in 2011, which became a worldwide phenomenon and broke numerous records, including spending 24 weeks at the top of the US Billboard 200 chart. The album included hit singles such as “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain,” and won Adele six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
In 2015, Adele released her third album, “25,” which featured the hit singles “Hello,” “When We Were Young,” and “Send My Love (To Your New Lover).” The album was another commercial and critical success, earning Adele five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for the second time.
Who would’ve thought that a Super bowl performance could break Twitter? But if the performance was headlined by Rihanna then it does not sound like something that’s unbelievable. Queen Riri performed during the Super Bowl Halftime show where her abdomen gained more attention than the performance altogether. As Rihanna opened the show with Bitch Better Have My Money people were quick to notice her bulging stomach leading to pregnancy speculation online. As a result and naturally, Twitter went into a frenzy leading to an outage!
Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance breaks Twitter
The ‘Diamonds’ singer powered a medley of some of her best songs while suspended on a platform high above the field for the Super Bowl Halftime show. The part that got the internet shocked the most was that she did it while pregnant with her second child. Soon after the performance, her representatives confirmed to the Associate Press that Rihanna is indeed pregnant and expecting her second child which took over the internet by a storm. Fans quickly took to Twitter to basically stan on Queen Riri which led to 9,922 Twitter outages as reported by Downdetector.
While the website that tracks user-reported outages mostly reported outages within the application, there were also some issues reported with Twitter’s website portal. The reported crash is likely linked to the high volume of posts made about the performance just moments after the halftime show ended. Super Bowl Sunday has always been a huge traffic driver for social media as NFL, the halftime show, advertisements, and movie trailers all gain major attractions.
The speculations of Rihanna expecting a second child went rampant on Twitter as topics like ‘SHES PREGNANT’ started hitting the trending page on the platform. What fueled the fire was her cradling her stomach which appeared to be sporting a baby bump throughout her performance. Her halftime show medley performances included some of her best songs like – Bitch Better Have My Money, Where Have You Been?, Only Girl in the World, We Found Love, Rude Boy, Work, Wild Thoughts, Pour It Up, All of the Lights, Run This Town, Umbrella, and Diamond. Check out some of the funniest tweets from Rihanna’s pregnancy reveal below –
In what comes as a shocking revelation in the entertainment industry, Disney has announced that it is planning to lay off 7,000 workers to cut costs across the company. Disney’s CEO Bob Iger who recently took command of the company again after retiring for nearly two years announced the layoffs and company-wide restructuring on Wednesday. Bob stated that the move is “necessary to address the challenges we’re facing today” The rumours about layoffs began emerging right after Iger took over the CEO position again sidelining Bob Chapek back in November 2022 after stepping down in 2020.
Disney announces layoffs
While there have been headlines about the tech industry facing major layoffs due to the economic slowdown, this will be the first major layoff taking place in the entertainment industry. Disney is making the changes as a part of its efforts to reduce costs in a challenging economic environment. Iger revealed that the company is targeting $5.5 billion of cost savings across the company and the layoffs will help in achieving that number. However, it is not revealed which departments will be affected by the layoffs yet. The $3 billion out of the $5.5 billion target will be availed by slashing content except for sports. The remaining $2.5 billion will be made from non-content cuts like layoffs and more. Disney executives have revealed that about $1 billion in cost-cutting was already underway since the last quarter.
As of October 1, 2022, Disney employed 220,000 people thus eliminating 7,000 jobs result in about 3% of its workforce getting axed. Before the announcement, the company released an earnings report that exceeded expectations set by Wall Street. Disney clocked $23.5 billion in revenue over the three months ending in December marking an 8% growth over the same period a year prior. On the other hand, the company’s streaming service, Disney+ actually lost subscribers for the first time since its launch in 2019. The company’s streaming platform lost around $1.5 billion last quarter and dropped a whopping 2.4 million subscribers. During his call with investors, Bob Iger stated that the company will be taking a hard look at the cost of everything they make. One can expect a lot of changes to the content Disney puts out in the next year and more.
The recent moviegoing experience is often overshadowed by event films like marvel and DC blockbusters which are predominantly sci-fi in nature. The genre keeps pumping out these visually overwhelming films that are m mostly backed by captivating CGI characters battling each other somewhere in Space or mostly in the USA. While it is easy to look over the sci-fi genre as popcorn flicks that entertain the masses, there are some hidden gems lurking inside that definitely deserve your attention.
Our relationship with the digital world is rapidly changing. The prominence of AI and machine learning is seemingly beginning to reach the mainstream thanks to tools like ChatGPT. As we all know, films and any form of art actually is a reflection of the society that either showcases people a mirror or predicts the future in some form or the other. The changing landscape of the world surely hasn’t reached the point where a Tony Stark-Esque billionaire is building his very own Ultron in his backroom science lab (or maybe there is? but it surely begs us to ask the question – What if?
This curiosity among humans surely will not be explored for the longest time but there are films that have charted this territory really well. In our 17th anniversary special edition, we wanted to have a look at all the best sci-fi films that sadly remained underrated. Check them out right now –
Snowpiercer (2013)
Bong Joon Ho definitely won all the laurels and even an Oscar for his film Parasite but it was long before that when he directed the post-apocalyptic thriller Snowpiercer. It was based on a French graphic novel and revolves around humanity losing its battle against global warming which results in another ice age. The remnants of humanity take to a self-sustaining circumnavigational train which has a segregated class divide in it. Besides being an interesting sci-fi film, it also is a chilling portrayal of the class divide and how it might stay prevalent even at times of a global wipeout.
Edge of Tomorrow (2013)
Edge of Tomorrow is undoubtedly one of the most underrated films ever by Tom Cruise. The sci-fi time loop film actually ended up being loved more on home video than in the theatres which is surely a tragedy given how good it actually is. It is a smart spin on two sci-fi tropes that are time travel and alien invasion that barely loses its touch through the entire runtime. Plus the lead pair Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt are surely a treat to look at through the crisp runtime of nearly two hours.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
I remember walking into a theatre to watch Blade Runner 2049 as a college student and scratching my head the entire time to figure out what was going on. It was only half a decade later when I revisited the film and understood the underlying themes of existentialism it so beautifully portrayed. The film revolves around Ryan Gosling’s character K who is charged with retiring machines. Here, machines are more human than the people who mercilessly order their deaths. His path soon becomes intertwined with Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) and the two are forced to team up to solve a mystery.
Annihilation (2018)
Paramount studios did not do right by this film as it was released in February, a month that is not associated with blockbusters to any degree in Hollywood. The result? Annihilation became an uncelebrated addition to the list of forgettable sci-fi films when it actually deserves the opposite of it. The film made its way to Netflix just three weeks after its theatrical release where the OTT audience surely appreciated it. The film revolves around a group of explorers entering a mysterious zone where plants and animals are rapidly mutating due to an alien presence.
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Another Emily Blunt sci-fi film makes its way to the underrated list. What can we say? She’s a phenomenal actress still waiting for her mainstream appreciation. The film revolves around a United States congressman David who discovers his ‘Free Will’ decisions were actually being dictated by a mysterious group known as the ‘Adjustment Bureau’. When one of the events of David’s life does not go as planned by the bureau, his life goes haywire. The film is not just a fantastic sci-fi watch but also has undertones about secret societies and the notorious Illuminati.
Minority Report (2002)
For a film released in 2002, the Steven Spielberg directorial Minority Report was undoubtedly way ahead of its time. The film was surely a box office success when it was released 21 years back making $358 million against a budget of $102 million. However, its prevalence in recent times stays fairly underrated. The Tom Cruise starrer is set in the year 2054 where a specialized police department titled ‘Precrime’ arrests criminals before a crime is committed by them using a foreknowledge technology called ‘Precogs’. While the film’s main theme sounds pretty straightforward, it dives deep into the mind-bending concepts of determinism, free will, government interference, and citizen freedom.
Arrival (2016)
When we think about an alien invasion film, our perception leans towards over-the-top action entertainers like Republic Day. However, director Denis Villeneuve wanted to bend people’s expectations with Arrival and successfully did the same. The film dives deep into the contemplative nature of an alien invasion rather than an apocalyptic one and emphasizes forming contact with the extraterrestrial. Amy Adams leads the way in this film as a linguistic professor tasked with forming contact with the aliens.
Dune (2021)
Maybe if Dune did not release in the middle of the pandemic then it could’ve received a greater box office reception. However, it failed to get the cash registers ringing as expected even with an amazing critical response. The film is based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune and primarily covers only the first half of the book. A sequel is in the making and will be released in 2023. Set in the distant future, the film revolves around the noble House Atreides being forced to go to war against the hostile desert planet of Arrakis.
Ex Machina (2014)
Alex Garland’s directorial debut was made on a humble budget of $15 million and managed to not just double its money at the box office but also earn two Academy nominations. The film revolves around the story of a young programmer named Caled who is selected in a lottery to participate in a top-secret experiment revolving around an AI. The film revolves around the AI learning what it means to be a human.
Ad Astra (2019)
There are only a few sci-fi films that are based on the psychological genre. The film revolves around an astronaut who ventures into space research in order to find his lost father. The film will remind viewers of the animated film Wall-E where humanity’s greed has driven it beyond just Earth and onto the Moon.
Her (2013)
Before Joaquin Phoenix ruled the box office with his spine-chilling performance in the film Joker, he made us believe that humans and artificial intelligence can be deeply in love. Her is a refreshing take on the dystopian world trope as it showcases a tender viewpoint of what ‘smart’ devices are capable of. The film is beautiful and packed with raw emotions that are sure to make you tear up.
Lucy (2014)
Scarlett Johansson’s Lucy was made on a modest budget of $40 million but ended up earning a massive $463 million at the global box office. Johansson plays the character of Lucy in the film that gains psychokinetic powers after a bag of drugs is absorbed into her bloodstream. The film explores the limitations of our brain and what can happen once it is unlocked.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Moviemaking bigshots James Cameron and Robert Rodriguez joined forces to make Alita: Battle Angel. The film was an adaptation of one of the most beloved mangas of all time. While James Cameron was set to direct the film, he got busy directing the super-successful Avatar franchise.
Gravity (2013)
Gravity managed to bag 7 Oscar wins including Best Directing and Editing, however, still remains criminally underappreciated by the general audience. The film revolves around Dr Ryan Stone on her first space mission who meets with an accident.
The Adam Project (2022)
It is a tragedy that a film featuring Ryan Reynolds, Zoe Saldana, and Mark Ruffalo remains underrated. The film revolves around a time traveller/fighter pilot Adam Reed stealing a jet in order to go back to 2018 and save his wife’s life.
Looper (2012)
Looper is packed with action, thrill and sci-fi mixed in a time loop setting. The film is based in a distant future where time travel exists but can only be afforded by the rich as it’s a luxury. Whenever a mob wants to get rid of someone, it sends the target into the past where the protagonist is hired to finish the job.
High Life (2018)
Robert Pattinson has featured in a number of whacky films before he picked up the mantle of Batman. High Life revolves around the character of Monte and his daughter who struggle to survive in space. While its IMDB rating stands at an abysmal 5.8, it surely is one of the best sci-fi films of all time.
The ever-evolving landscape of the music industry churns out a number of big names every decade. Be it The Beatles or Taylor Swift, there are a number of talented music artists and bands that left a lasting impression in the world of pop culture. However, there is also a big chunk of artists who remained underrated throughout their careers that deserve to be talked about. In our 17th anniversary special, we wanted to have a look back at the underdogs and celebrate their musical impact on the world. Here are 17 underrated artists from around the world –
Carly Rae Jepsen
I am sure you remember 2012’s smash hit song ‘Call Me Maybe’ but staple dance pop is not just where Carly excels. Her 2019 album ‘Dedicated’ is one of the finest pieces of music released in recent times and more people need to pay attention to Carly!
John Mayer
John Mayer has definitely carved a place for himself in the music industry for over two decades but he still remains in the underrated category. Even now, most people know Mayer for his eccentric pretty boy image but he has evolved to become much more than that.
Rick Astley
Yes, I know you have been ‘Rickrolled’ many times on the internet by meme pages and trollers. However, the ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer could not make his way out of the hit song and has remained criminally underrated over the years having peaked in the 80s.
Alessia Cara
The 25-year-old artist definitely has a long way to go in her musical career, but that does not change the fact that she is underappreciated in the current pop scene. Her 2021 album ‘In The Meantime’ is an example of how much she has evolved from her ‘Scars to Your Beautiful’ days.
Harry Nilsson
Harry Nilsson was regarded as the most underrated singer-songwriter in the post-war era. While Nilsson is not a forgotten artist to any degree, people mostly only know him for songs like ‘Coconut’ without realising his profound knowledge of pop culture.
Topaz Jones
Until now, Topaz Jones has had only one mainstream hit with the 2016 single ‘Tropicana’ which garnered 11 million Spotify streams. However, the rap artist has since then struggled to find a mainstream hit.
Kimbra
Kimbra is a lot more than the girl who featured in a Gotye song. She has the ability to fuse genres like pop, R&B, jazz, and rock to create a unique sound that stands apart from the crowd.
Ravyn Lenae
It is not uncommon for contemporary artists to fly under the radar but Lanae is a lot more than just that. While her music lies in the roots of R&B and soul, her vocals and musical sensibilities transcend the limitations of any genre.
Katy B
Katy B influenced the UK charts back in 2011 but was on a hiatus for the longest time. The artist has now returned to the music industry with new tunes for her fans.
MC5
MC5 is considered one of the forefathers of punk rock and garage rock. While they have been cited as one of the most important bands in the development of alternative rock, not a big chunk of people are actually aware of them.
The Rare Occasions
Who would’ve thought that a euphoric rock band created nearby Boston would become infamous for its rock songs? Their hit songs like ‘Notion’ and ‘origami’ are bound to keep you hooked for a long time.
Dayglow
This one-man band with songs like ‘Close To You’ and ‘Hot Rod’ has carved a fanbase for itself.
Bebe Rexha
Bebe Rexha might have featured on hit songs like ‘Me, Myself & I’ but has not yet evolved as a solo artist. Bebe is poised to be a big star but for now, remains underrated.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan is on his way to becoming perhaps one of the most notable LGBT musicians around the world. His singles ‘Bloom’ and ‘My My My’ are beyond just catchy.
Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie has carved herself a fanbase that is limited to only UK. However, her global recognition is still a long way to go.
Charlie Puth
Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not like Charlie Puthhas not made a number of chartbusters. But in recent years, his popularity seems to have taken a dive putting him in the underrated category.
Grimes
Grime has become the indie darling of the past decade but is seldom mentioned in discussions about successful artists. It looks like grimes is not interested in breaking into the mainstream as her indie bubble serves her well.
They say sharing is caring, but Netflix believes in the opposite. Earlier, people were allowed to share their Netflix passwords with friends, colleagues, relatives, etc. However, according to the new rule, sharing your Netflix password with people outside the household can be hailed as a criminal offence.
Sharing a password with others is not new; even the platform creators know about it. Netflix, being one of the top most OTT platforms in the world, is already tasting a subscriber loss in the last couple of years, and that’s the sole reason the platform is testing a new way of allowing account sharing, but for an additional fee.
The platform addressed the issue long ago, but they only looked into it seriously once they started noticing a revenue fall. The company lost a massive number of subscribers for the first time in 10 years and realized the need to end password sharing for their benefit. As per reports, to stop password sharing, the company might start charging per head.
Netflix has been testing the new password-sharing option in some countries and charging $3 (₹250 approx) for people who wish to use their friend’s Netflix account. The company has not revealed its plan to start the same in India yet, but the day is not far when you’ll have to pay an additional amount for consuming Netflix content from your friends’ accounts.
Netflix is trying its best to cover the loss by initiating new schemes, and charging people for account sharing is one of them. Recently, they started a new affordable ad-supported plan in the US, and the results are positive. In India, Netflix offers four plans – mobile-only plan @₹149, basic plan @₹199, standard plan @₹499, and premium plan @₹649.
Ahead of CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2023, Lenovo unveiled a bunch of affordable devices loaded with standout features. The annual tech event is destined to happen from 5th January to 8th January 2023 and will showcase the best of the tech world. The list of devices unveiled by Lenovo ahead of CES includes IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (12”, 8), IdeaCentre Mini (1L, 8), Lenovo Tab M9 and Lenovo 500 USB Type-C® Universal Dock.
IdeaPad Flex 3i Chromebook (12”, 8)
The IdeaPad Flex 3i is a ChromeOS-powered two-in-one thin and light chromebook with plenty of connectivity options. The yet-to-be-launched chromebook sports a slightly larger 12.2-inch display than the previous generation and is available in two configurations – 4GB + 64GB or 8GB + 128GB with updated Intel N100 or N200 Processors and with either integrated Intel graphics or dedicated NVIDIA graphics.
The two-in-one chromebook can be used as a laptop or tablet and can be held in various modes, such as stand-in tent mode, on a table or a desk. The chromebook is promised to have a long battery life of up to 12 hours and a couple of stand-alone features like Rheinland low blue light certification, an optional backlit keyboard, and an ergonomic drop-hinge that lifts the keyboard 15 degrees for a comfortable typing experience.
IdeaCentre Mini (1L, 8)
Another exciting gadget Lenovo unveiled ahead of CES 2023 is its next-gen IdeaCentre Mini, a sleek 1L desktop PC with a built-in power supply unit (PSU) and an updated design. The sleek and compact device can be placed anywhere and will play another role as a room decor. The chassis of the IdeaCentre Mini is designed in such a way that it allows easy access to its dual-vortex cooling fan and memory chip.
The IdeaCentre Mini (1L, 8) features the latest Intel Core processor, two DDR4 memory chips, SSD storage8 of up to 1 TB, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, and ample ports with a Type-C Thunderbolt 4.0. Through Lenovo Smart Storage Solution, one can store all the files in the cloud and access them with a tablet, smartphone, or laptop when needed and when they are away from the desk.
Lenovo Tab M9
The lightweight M9 tablet boasts a 9-inch display with a 1340 x 800 px resolution to help you have never-ending entertainment with a satisfying multi-media experience. The Tab M9 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 (octa-core) chipset, and its display is housed in a stylish dual-tone metal casing. The M9 has a 5,100 mAh battery with support for 15W charging via USB-C.
The tablet offers up to 128GB of storage and is enhanced by Dolby Atmos® spatial audio experience with dual stereo speakers, making it a perfect choice for someone who wants to enjoy OTT shows and movies on the go. The M9 tab offers a comfortable in-hand experience and is backed by the MediaTek® Helio G80 Octa-Core processor, Android™ 12 operating system, along with a 2MP front-facing camera and an 8MP main shooter.
You can’t say you haven’t heard the name Disney. The mass media and entertainment conglomerate has been in the show business for about 100 years, and thanks to its iconic cartoon character ‘Mickey Mouse’, who helped them become a household name throughout the globe. The company was founded by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney on October 16, 1923, with the name Disney Brothers Studio.
Laugh-O-Gram
Disney Brothers Studios wasn’t the first company co-founded by Walt Disney. Before Disney, he started a film studio, Laugh-O-Gram, with his friend and animator Ub Iwerks. In here, Walt made a short film called ‘Alice in Wonderland, the first in his series of famous Alice Comedies. The company went bankrupt, but the short became a hit after New York film distributor Margaret J. Winkler bought it.
Walt Before Mickey
Walt’s fate changed when he got a contract to create six Alice Comedies series, but before signing it up, he decided to move from Kansas City to Hollywood. He convinced his business associate Iwerks to move, and he agreed due to the then circumstances – Walt’s brother, Roy, was recovering from tuberculosis there, and he wanted to become a live-action film director.
In 1926, the first ever official studio was established at Hyperion Avenue,and it was named Walt Disney Studio. Margaret J. Winkler, the distributor of the Alice Comedies series, handed over the distribution work to her husband, Charles Mintz. The relation between Walt and Charlez wasn’t going well, as Walt wanted to move away from the mixed format to all animation.
In 1927, Charlez decided to start a new series of films under the distribution of Universal Pictures. He asked Walt to create a new character, and as a result, along with Iwerks, he created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, one of the peppiest artworks from the studio. Later on, Charlez decided to reduce fees of Walt instead of raising them, and it became the reason Walt backed out with Iwerks.
The Birth of Mickey Mouse
Walt lost the rights to Oswald’s character in 1928, and to conquer that, he co-created a new character who resembled Oswald in appearance, Mickey Mouse, one of the most famous cartoon characters in the world. The world thinks that Walt Disney is the man who created Mickey Mouse, but it was actually his best friend, Ub Iwerks, who designed the cartoon in 1928.
Mickey is the offspring of two fathers, Walt – the known father and Iwerks – the father who never got the limelight. Mickey is an anthropomorphic mouse who usually wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves. He is one of the world’s most recognisable fictional characters of all time, and his calm personality is inspired by the character of Champ, portrayed by Charlie Chaplin in many silent films.
The Gutsy Move by Walt Disney
After the formation of Mickey Mouse and enjoying the success of movies from the Silly Symphonies series, Walt decided to make Disney’s first-ever feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. When Walt decided to go for a realistic approach to make the film, his brother Roy warned him by saying it would bankrupt the studio.
However, Disney decided to trust his guts and created scenes from the movie as if they were live-action. It took Disney three years to make the movie, as the budget lifted from $0.15 million to $1.5 million. The gutsy move helped the movie to become the highest-grossing film of all time; it collected around $8 million at the box office, equivalent to $150,796,296 in 2021.
La La Disneyland
The idea of creating an amusement park came into Walt Disney’s mind when he visited Griffith Park with his daughters, Diane and Sharon. While watching them ride the merry-go-round, he started thinking about the idea of a place where adults and their children could have fun together, and the answer to his question resulted in him constructing Disneyland.
The Halt of a Walt
Walt Disney Studio and the other ventures associated with the company made Walt Disney one of the most popular personalities in the world. The pioneer of the American animation industry died on 15th December 1966 after a month-long fight with lung cancer. He was the first to be nominated for Academy Awards in six categories, and throughout his career, he won 22 Oscars from 59 nominations.
The Disney Renaissance
After the death of Walt Disney, the company continued making live-action films but almost abandoned the animation industry until the late 1980s when the “Disney Renaissance” began with the 1989 released movie – The Little Mermaid. The Renaissanceperiod was from 1989 to 1999, when the company produced critically and commercially successful animated films, mostly musical adaptations of well-known stories.
Valuation
Assets: US$203.63 billion (2022)
With over 2,00,000 employees, Disney’s current* net worth is about $98.88 billion.
Television and Entertainment Networks Owned by Disney
American Broadcasting Company (ABC)
National Geographic Channel
ESPN (Disney owns an 80% stake)
A&E (50% equity holding with Hearst Corporation)
The History Channel (50% equity holding with Hearst Corporation)
Fusion TV
NBC Universal
Disney Junior
Disney Radio
Disney Channel
Streaming Services Owned by Disney
Disney+
ESPN+
Hulu
Hotstar
ABC+
Studios and Other Companies that Disney Owns
Pixar Animation Studios
Marvel Entertainment Inc
Caravan Pictures in Hollywood
Core Publishing
Walt Disney Studios
Vice Media (10% stake)
Lucasfilm Ltd
Hollywood Records
Theme Parks Owned by Disney
Walt Disney World Resort
Magic Kingdom Park
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Paris
Fantasy Land
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Mermaid Lagoon
American Waterfront
Mickey’s Toontown
Avengers Campus
Arendelle – World of Frozen
Image of Adventureland
Adventureland
Image of Liberty Square
Liberty Square
Image of American Waterfront
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Key People
Walt Disney, Founder
Roy O. Disney, Founder
Susan Arnold, Chairwoman
Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer
7 Interesting Facts about Disney!
Before changing its name to the Walt Disney Company in 1986, the company operated under names like Disney Brothers Studio, Walt Disney Studio and Walt Disney Productions.
When Charlez threatened Walt to start his own studio and kept most of his animation staff with him, Iwerks was the only animator who remained with Walt.
Mickey Mouse was originally named Mortimer Mouse, but Walt’s wife urged him to change it to Mickey Mouse, and the rest is history.
Disneyland Park (previously Disneyland), a theme park constructed in 1955 in Anaheim, California, is the only park designed and constructed under the direct supervision of Walt Disney.
The Jungle Book (1967) was one of the last films Walt worked on, and it remained as Disney’s most successful film for the next two decades.
The actors who voiced Mickey (Wayne Allwine) and Minnie (Russi Taylor) began dating, and the cartoon romance became real life as they got married.
When Mickey Mouse turned 50, they put him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to celebrate his achievement in the entertainment industry. He was the first animated character to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
