BOMBAY TIMES (June 24, 2019)

After successfully entertaining the audience with their films in the ’90s, Pooja Entertainment has signed talented filmmakers Rahi Anil Barve, Vijay Lalwani and Nitin Kakkar to build on their brand of high-on-entertainment and content-driven films. “Just like the game of chess, in showbiz, too, content is queen. In just one move, the game can change completely,” says Jackky Bhagnani, as he prepares to lead Pooja Entertainment into its next phase.

Nitin Kakkar says, “Working with Jackky has been a wonderful experience, and I am looking forward to my association with him. He is determined to back content-driven cinema, and after Filmistaan, I haven’t written anything on my own. I am excited for the film we are making because it will be written and directed by me.”

Rahi Anil Barve, who had directed Tumbbad, says, “After the tremendous response to Tumbbad by the audience and critics, I expected the banner to brief me on a similar genre. But Jackky’s willingness to explore unchartered territory pleasantly surprised me. A freehand to execute your vision is something that every filmmaker aspires for, and Jackky gives you that freedom by putting you at complete ease and believing in you.”

Speaking about his association with Jackky, Vijay Lalwani adds, “What I like about him is that he’s not just a warm and approachable person, but he also doesn’t flinch while backing ideas that are new and edgy. He doesn’t just put a project together, but he goes all out to manifest your vision. And that’s what makes his production house stand out for me.”

Jackky says, “Times have never been better for good content, and it excites me to see great work happening across mediums — be it films, digital or TV. In fact, it is heartening to see some of our films get massive organic hits on OTT platforms. That just goes to show that our connect with the audience has been intact over the years, and we hope that this bond gets stronger with our new line up.”