Real-Life Digital Frauds to Reel-Life Thrillers: Indian Titles That Expose the Dark Side of Technology

Real-Life Digital Frauds to Reel-Life Thrillers: Indian Titles That Expose the Dark Side of Technology From influencer Ankush Bahuguna’s 40-hour digital-arrest ordeal to the recent AI-generated deepfake video featuring Janhvi Kapoor, digital deception is becoming an increasingly urgent concern in India. While one highlights the threat of cyber fraud and financial exploitation, the other exposes how artificial intelligence can be misused to manipulate images and violate personal boundaries. As such incidents bring the darker side of technology into the spotlight, Indian entertainment has also been exploring these themes through gripping dramas, thrillers and docuseries. From phishing networks to financial scams and AI-driven manipulation, here are Indian shows and films that shed light on the many faces of digital deception. 1. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story Based on the 1992 securities scam, Scam 1992 follows the rise and fall of stockbroker Harshad Mehta, who rose to prominence in Mumbai’s stock market before becoming embroiled in one of India’s most infamous financial scandals. Starring Pratik Gandhi and directed by Hansal Mehta, the series explores banking loopholes, financial transactions and media investigations that brought the scandal into the public eye. Adapted from The Scam: Who Won, Who Lost, Who Got Away by journalists Sucheta Dalal and Debashis Basu, the series offers a glimpse into the complexities of financial markets and the consequences of exploiting systemic gaps. The story also serves as a reminder that scams can thrive when people and institutions fail to question systems they trust. Where to Watch: Sony LIV 2. CTRL Starring Ananya Panday and Vihaan Samat, CTRL follows an influencer who turns to an AI application to erase her ex-boyfriend from her digital life, only to discover that the technology has a far more sinister agenda. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, the Netflix thriller explores how personal data, AI tools and growing dependence on technology can be exploited to manipulate people. While the film is not based on a specific real-life scam, its themes of digital surveillance, data misuse and online manipulation resonate with growing concerns around cybercrime and deepfake technology. Where to Watch: Netflix 3. Scam 2003: The Telgi Story Moving from the stock market to counterfeit documents, Scam 2003: The Telgi Story chronicles Abdul Karim Telgi’s stamp paper counterfeiting operation. Starring Gagan Dev Riar, the series traces how the racket expanded into a vast network by exploiting weaknesses in the stamp paper system. Based on journalist Sanjay Singh’s book Telgi Scam: Reporter’s Diary, the show explores the scale of the operation and the network that enabled it to grow into a major financial scandal. Much like modern digital frauds, the Telgi scam demonstrates how criminal networks can exploit institutional vulnerabilities at scale. Where to Watch: Sony LIV 4. Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega Shifting the focus from large financial institutions to everyday phone users, Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega explores phishing scams associated with Jamtara, a town in Jharkhand widely linked with online fraud. The crime drama follows young men who use phone calls to trick unsuspecting people into revealing sensitive banking information. It examines social engineering, impersonation and how personal information can be misused for financial gain. In an era of fraudulent calls and digital-arrest scams, Jamtara feels particularly relevant, showing how an ordinary phone call can become a tool for deception. Where to Watch: Netflix

Films and MA+TH Entertainment Networks’ Sumo Didi, A powerful story of grit, resilience, and breaking Stereotypes!

Films and MA+TH Entertainment Networks’ Sumo Didi, A powerful story of grit, resilience, and breaking Stereotypes! Inspired by the remarkable journey of Hetal Dave, India’s first professional female sumo wrestler, the film follows a woman who turns what the world sees as her limitation into her greatest strength National, October 12, 2026: In a world where women are often expected to fit into predefined ideas of strength, beauty and success, Hindi Zee 5 has unveiled the trailer of Jio Studios, Fresh Lime Films and MA+TH Entertainment Networks’ Sumo Didi, an inspiring sports biopic based on the extraordinary life of Hetal Dave, India’s first professional female sumo wrestler. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Akash Chawla, Arunava Sengupta and Amit Chandrra. The film is directed by Jayant Rohatgi and stars Shriyam Bhagnani in the titular role alongside Chaitnya Sharma and will premiere exclusively on Hindi Zee 5 on 23rd October 2026. At its heart, Sumo Didi is the story of a woman who refuses to let society define what she can become. As Hetal finds her calling in the unconventional world of sumo wrestling, she embarks on a journey that challenges perceptions around women, their bodies and their abilities. Shriyam Bhagnani steps into the demanding role of Hetal Dave, bringing alive her determination and emotional journey, with Chaitnya Sharma, Anubha Fatehpuriya, Nitesh Pandey, Raghav Dhir and Meenal Kapoor also featuring in the film. Sumo Didi is shot real location in Japan, Kolkata and Mumbai. The film has also travelled to prestigious international film festivals, including the Tokyo International Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival. Trailer link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJL9MdogzTk

STERNHAGEN GERMANY MARKS AN EVENING OF POLO, HERITAGE AND DESIGN AT THE BHAVNAGAR POLO TROPHY

STERNHAGEN GERMANY MARKS AN EVENING OF POLO, HERITAGE AND DESIGN AT THE BHAVNAGAR POLO TROPHY A celebration of sporting tradition and contemporary craftsmanship, culminating in the unveiling of Sternhagen's latest campaign: ODE TO GERMANY India, 2026: An evening of polo, heritage and spirited conversation set the tone for an elegant occasion as Sternhagen came together with India's design community at the Bhavnagar Polo Trophy. Leading architects and interior designers joined distinguished personalities from polo, design and entertainment. The occasion gave Sternhagen a distinctive setting to celebrate its relationship with the design community and to introduce a significant new chapter for the brand, An Ode to Germany. The occasion took on added resonance with the return of the Bhavnagar Polo Trophy, a historic trophy whose origins can be traced to a royal exchange between the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar and Jaipur nearly a century ago. As a part of the Carysil Group, which is headquartered in Bhavnagar, Sternhagen’s association with the trophy carries a natural connection to the city and its heritage. Its revival, made possible through the vision of Mr. Chirag Parekh, Chairman and Managing Director of Carysil Group, brought an important chapter of India’s polo heritage into the present, creating an apt backdrop for an evening centred on craftsmanship, legacy and design. Following the final match, guests were welcomed to a curated evening hosted by Sternhagen, where the brand’s understated approach to luxury shaped the experience. The gathering moved seamlessly from the energy of the polo grounds to an intimate setting for conversations, dinner and an exploration of Sternhagen’s design philosophy. The evening reflected the brand’s belief in creating experiences where detail, materiality and considered design take precedence. The evening was further complemented by Sternhagen’s alignment with its wine partners, Giovane and Juvé & Camps. An Ode to Germany The collection marks a milestone in Sternhagen's evolution: it introduces marble to the brand's portfolio for the first time. An Ode to Germany draws on German design heritage, precision engineering and meticulous craftsmanship, and each product takes its name and character from a place that has shaped the country's story. Alongside An Ode to Germany, Sternhagen also unveiled the new Shü Basin Collection, inspired by the distinguished world of equestrian living. The collection brings the spirit of the stable into a refined personal sanctuary, with a horseshoe-inspired silhouette and decorative steel inlays creating a distinctive balance of sculptural form and considered detail. Rich earthy tones and refined metallic finishes further reflect the traditions of polo and the world of equestrian living, translating them into a contemporary expression of personal style. Enriching the occasion was the presence of Diana Penty and Larissa Bonesi. Mr. Chirag Parekh, Chairman and Managing Director of Carysil Group, was also present, with his vision having played an instrumental role in bringing the historic Bhavnagar Polo Trophy back to life. For Sternhagen, the evening represented a natural meeting of two worlds united by a shared respect for excellence. Polo’s precision, discipline and mastery found a parallel in the brand’s approach to German engineering, craftsmanship and design. Against the heritage of the Bhavnagar Polo Trophy, Sternhagen’s latest collections offered a contemporary expression of the same enduring values, marking an evening where tradition was not simp

Karan D Kapadia Delves into the Mind of Hunkkaar: The Roar: The show acts as a small catalyst for change*

*Karan D Kapadia Delves into the Mind of Hunkkaar: The Roar: The show acts as a small catalyst for change* With the release of Hunkkaar: The Roar, director Karan D Kapadia has incredibly shifted the way we look at on-screen crime shows. There are releases that you watch for the plot, and there are releases that make you fall in love with the genre and the vision; Hunkkaar strongly falls in the latter category. It displays a riveting battle against a system where belief can overpower evidence, shifting the focus from crime to everything that follows when a woman stands for herself. Under the directorial vision of Kapadia, Hunkkaar displays the larger world surrounding sexual violence. For Kapadia, the show was beyond looking at an individual case. "We were very mindful of talking about the meta idea of what plagues our society. We didn't want to delve into a specific story because you get into the controversies of that, and it washes away all the good things we wanted to reflect on. We wanted to reflect on the media landscape of our country, blind faith, how survivors are perceived and treated, and the police system. We also wanted to celebrate the judiciary and the police, given what a Herculean task it is to bring anyone to task in our country when they are people with power. We wanted to talk about this systematic idea of brainwashing that exists in our country.” What makes the show even more intriguing is its structure. Instead of starting with the assault, Hunkkaar opens with the aftermath of the assault. For Kapadia, starting from there allowed him to unravel many layers of the incident. "You always start the story with the inciting incident, but here we wanted to peel back the onion, so to say, and play with timelines. We wanted to unravel not just the heinous act but everything that takes place after it, from the problematic investigation, the psychological trauma our survivor goes through, society's response, the media's reaction to how the judiciary deals with it.” The series looks at violence in a way that doesn't turn into a spectacle, fueling its impact even more. And Kapadia credits co-creator Nitya Mehra for being clear about it. "There were a couple of reasons she gave for not showing the act. One was the sensitivity of the subject, and the second was that we didn't want to glorify that idea. The power of alluding to it and letting your own mind uncover what could have horribly happened is far more impactful than actually seeing it. When you leave something to the audience's imagination, they form their own perception of it, as opposed to you telling them and showing them exactly what happened.” Delving deep into the consciousness of defence's tactics and society's responses to it, Kapadia adds, "When a crime like this happens, no one has witnessed it, so it's one person's story against another's. The defence tries to character-assassinate the survivor and create the impression that she's a bad person, suggesting that something like this couldn't possibly have happened to her. From society's perspective, we wanted to show why we go after the person who has already suffered and why we question them. That person has to relive the trauma over and over again, whether through the media, the court or the investigation." He continues, "We also wanted to show how families respond to this. They might say, ‘You shouldn't have spoken up’ or ‘You should have let it go.’ Somehow, living with shame becomes more acceptable than speaking your truth. These were themes we were very conscious of and wanted to shed light on. We don't question people who are considered great when something like this happens, and we must. This was a conscious decision, and it has resonated strongly.” Women continue to be asked to dabble their freedom around the possibility of violence, sparking questions surrounding their outfits, whereabouts and others that often cover the main question - why the violence happened in the first place. Kapadia believes that the problem lies in the way we're thinking, not with the person being questioned. He believes that when something like this happens, one cannot question why a girl went out or what she was wearing. "That's ridiculous. We're not asking the right questions because we don't want to deal with the social evils that exist in our society. We need to acknowledge that there's a much larger problem that needs fixing, and we have to take it on together. Look at what happened with Nirbhaya. There were people who questioned why she was out at night instead of asking why such a heinous crime had taken place. It's still a question today, and it's something we should keep fighting against.” When the conversation turns to what might change this response, Kapadia brings it back to empathy. “We need more empathy in our society. We have this bravado of showing a strong front, but that's not what we need. We need to address mental health and these issues much more seriously. We can only hope to act as catalysts for change in that respect.” What makes the show more fascinating is that its characters aren't segregated into those who are always right and those who are entirely wrong. Jasleen, Bhalerao, Amitabh and even Meenu are not created in a way that should idealise sympathy. For Karan, the decision came from the want to bring humanity to the characters rather than inclining towards usual tropes. "All of us have problems and issues in our lives. When we acknowledge our imperfections, I think that resonates much more than a supposedly perfect hero. Our imperfections are what make us human. They bring us alive, and they're what we relate to most. We wanted to stay away from conventional ideas of what a victim or survivor should be like, or what a police officer should be like. We wanted to bring more empathy and humanity to our characters. We're over the moon that this is what has resonated with audiences. Ultimately, we wanted to showcase what makes us truly human,” he says. Kapadia spots blind faith as a core central theme that the team wanted to focus on. "Our judge also addresses it in her testimony, when she says that making someone believe it's okay that something like this happened can be worse than the crime itself. It's a larger critique of blind faith in our country, and we were very mindful of showcasing that.” He believes that placing questions in front of the authority was a much-needed starting point. "We have to question everything rather than accept what mainstream media or people in power tell us as gospel truth. Given what's happening to women in our country, we have to believe what they're saying, prima facie, and then deal with the matter.” For him, the purpose of Hunkkaar goes beyond delivering a verdict. He believes that the show acts as a "small catalyst for change." "If it starts a conversation or shifts our consciousness, even slightly, and makes us believe that things need to change, we'll be satisfied. For us, it's important that the show leaves audiences with lasting messages of hope, courage and speaking our truth during difficult times, regardless of the circumstances. We must never give up. That's the universal message we hope the show brings to its audience. If it can inspire people, move them or shift the needle even a little, that's all we could hope for," he says. Hunkkaar brings to the fore media as an arena where Meenu's story is fought over. News and public reactions birth narratives of their own, often turning it all into perception. Kapadia believes that the media and journalism's role was examined through the show. “As we say in the show, ‘The news is not told, it's sold.’ What's happened to our country's media landscape is very worrying because the media is the fourth pillar of democracy. We want to believe the news and hear it from an objective perspective, rather than through a biased lens. Today, media companies can be bought and paid for. It was important for us to critique journalism in our country and reflect on what's happening in the journalistic landscape." "Where is our version of the film Spotlight? Where are the journalists fighting for serious issues? News today often revolves around agendas. We wanted to reflect on what is happening to such a powerful medium and examine how it's being used," he says. “It's also a trial by media. In our country, people are often judged, and a verdict is delivered online before a case has even begun. People in positions of power use these platforms to build a particular narrative. The David-versus-Goliath aspect was important to us as this young woman's battle isn't just taking place in a court of law but it is a battle against society itself.” The show brings an amalgamation of elements, right from police investigation, courtroom, media and social media, spaces that strongly shape people's perspective and what they deem as truth. And Hunkkaar makes the audience halt before deciding whom to place trust on, whom to question and what to question.

*अक्षय कुमार और विपुल अमृतलाल शाह की ‘समुक’ ने यूके में पूरा किया शूटिंग शेड्यूल, अब मुंबई में होगा आखिरी पड़ाव*

*अक्षय कुमार और विपुल अमृतलाल शाह की ‘समुक’ ने यूके में पूरा किया शूटिंग शेड्यूल, अब मुंबई में होगा आखिरी पड़ाव* अक्षय कुमार और विपुल अमृतलाल शाह की आने वाली साइंस-फिक्शन एक्शन थ्रिलर फिल्म ‘समुक’ की यूके में शूटिंग पूरी हो गई है। अब फिल्म की टीम मुंबई में 20 दिनों के आखिरी शेड्यूल की शूटिंग करेगी। कनिष्क वर्मा के निर्देशन में बन रही इस फिल्म को विपुल अमृतलाल शाह अपने प्रोडक्शन हाउस सनशाइन पिक्चर्स के तहत प्रोड्यूस कर रहे हैं। फिल्म में साइंस-फिक्शन, एक्शन और सर्वाइवल का रोमांच देखने को मिलेगा। टीम अगस्त के आखिर से यूके में इस फिल्म की शूटिंग कर रही थी। इस दौरान फिल्म का करीब 80 प्रतिशत हिस्सा पूरा होने की खबर है। अब मुंबई में होने वाले शेड्यूल में फिल्म के बाकी हिस्सों की शूटिंग की जाएगी। इस प्रोजेक्ट पर पिछले दो साल से ज्यादा समय से काम चल रहा है। अक्षय कुमार इस फिल्म में मुख्य भूमिका में नजर आएंगे। उनके साथ रुक्मिणी मैत्रा, विनीत कुमार सिंह, रजत कपूर, स्वानंद किरकिरे, बनिता संधू और सुशांत सिंह भी अहम भूमिकाओं में दिखाई देंगे। फिल्म के किरदारों और कहानी को लेकर मेकर्स ने फिलहाल ज्यादा जानकारी साझा नहीं की है। फिल्म की कास्ट में अलग-अलग तरह के कलाकार शामिल हैं, जो इस जॉनर की कहानी को और खास बनाते हैं। फिल्म के लिए अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर के कलाकारों और तकनीकी विशेषज्ञों की भी मदद ली गई है। ऑस्कर के लिए नामांकित क्रिएचर इफेक्ट्स डिजाइनर एलेक गिलिस ने फिल्म के मुख्य एलियन किरदार को डिजाइन किया है। वह ‘एलियन’ और ‘प्रिडेटर’ जैसी फिल्मों में अपने काम के लिए जाने जाते हैं। फिल्म में क्रिएचर इफेक्ट्स के साथ बड़े स्तर के एक्शन सीक्वेंस भी देखने को मिलेंगे। ‘समुक’ के जरिए अक्षय कुमार और विपुल अमृतलाल शाह 13 साल बाद फिर साथ काम कर रहे हैं। आशीष ए. शाह इस फिल्म के को-प्रोड्यूसर हैं। भारतीय सिनेमा में एक अलग तरह की फिल्म पेश करने की तैयारी के साथ, ‘समुक’ को 2027 में पूरे भारत में सिनेमाघरों में रिलीज करने की योजना है।

PNG Jewellers Brings Its 194-Year Legacy to Ayodhya ~Member of Parliament and actor Ms Kangana Ranaut inaugurates the brand's 81st store and 5th in Uttar Pradesh~

PNG Jewellers Brings Its 194-Year Legacy to Ayodhya ~Member of Parliament and actor Ms Kangana Ranaut inaugurates the brand's 81st store and 5th in Uttar Pradesh~ Ayodhya, 11 October 2026: India’s leading national jewellery brand, PNG Jewellers, opened its new store in Ayodhya, strengthening its presence in Uttar Pradesh. The store is PNG Jewellers’ 81st overall and its fifth in the state, following Lucknow, Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Varanasi. The opening follows the encouraging response the brand has received from customers across Uttar Pradesh and brings its collections closer to customers in Ayodhya. Member of Parliament and Indian film actor Ms Kangana Ranaut inaugurated the store. Located next to Rikabganj Women Police Station, the new store gives Ayodhya customers access to PNG Jewellers’ products, collections, and quality service closer to home. The occasion also marks the debut of Ram Katha, an exclusive collection inspired by the Ramayana and the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Ayodhya. Launched by Ms Kangana Ranaut, the collection is being introduced in its initial phase across PNG stores in North India, with availability set to expand nationally to all PNG Jewellers stores soon. The store also showcases a range of gold, diamond, temple and bridal jewellery for weddings, festive occasions and everyday wear. Customers can explore PNG Jewellers’ collections, including Saptam, Katha, Pratha, Eiina and Polmi, with designs crafted for local tastes. Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Shree Ram, draws people from across the country for its temples, festivals and deeply rooted traditions. Jewellery is closely tied to weddings, festivals and family celebrations in the city. The new store allows PNG Jewellers to serve local customers more conveniently while continuing its expansion in Uttar Pradesh. To celebrate the opening, the brand introduced limited-period inaugural offers of up to 50% off on gold jewellery making charges and up to 100% off on diamond jewellery making charges*, valid till 15th November, 2026. Adding to the excitement of the festive season, PNG Jewellers brings together its brand ambassadors Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Ranbir Kapoor for the first time in a special festive television commercial. The campaign marks a significant moment, bringing together two of Bollywood’s most iconic stars in a celebration of tradition, elegance and contemporary appeal. This much-awaited collaboration also reflects PNG Jewellers’ vision of connecting its nearly two-century-old legacy with a new generation of consumers. Dr. Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman and Managing Director of PNG Jewellers, said, “Opening a store in Ayodhya is a special moment for us. We have received an encouraging response from customers across Uttar Pradesh, and we are pleased to bring PNG Jewellers closer to people in and around Ayodhya. We look forward to being part of their weddings, festivals and family celebrations, while offering the legacy, trust and craftsmanship that our brand has stood for over generations.” Ms Kangana Ranaut added, “Ayodhya holds a special place in the hearts of so many people, and I am delighted to be here for the opening of PNG Jewellers’ new store. Jewellery is closely woven into how we celebrate our traditions, weddings and important moments with family. I wish the PNG team every success in Ayodhya.’’ About PNG Jewellers PNG Jewellers is one of the most reputed jewellers in the country, with over 194 years of excellence in creativity and trusted service for customers all over the world. Under the leadership of Dr. Saurabh Gadgil, a visionary entrepreneur, PNG Jewellers continues to evolve as a globally relevant brand while staying rooted in its heritage of purity, trust, and craftsmanship

HMR Music Unveils ‘Bareilly Wala Jhumka’, Featuring Akriti Agarwal and Aniket Raj in a Fresh Romantic Pairing

HMR Music Unveils ‘Bareilly Wala Jhumka’, Featuring Akriti Agarwal and Aniket Raj in a Fresh Romantic Pairing HMR Music presents ‘Bareilly Wala Jhumka’, a lively romantic music video featuring the charming duo Akriti Agarwal and debutant Aniket Raj. Blending romance, music and vibrant visuals, the song promises an entertaining musical experience, with the lead pair bringing their chemistry to the screen through expressive performances and energetic choreography. The music video captures the essence of romance with colourful visuals, lively dance sequences and a refreshing on-screen pairing. Akriti Agarwal adds charm to the narrative, while Aniket Raj makes his debut with a confident and engaging performance. Together, the duo brings a youthful energy to this musical outing. Adding to the song’s appeal are the soulful voices of Amit Mishra and Swati Sharma, whose vocals lend warmth and emotion to the romantic composition. The music is composed by Jayant Aryann, with lyrics penned by Aryan Mehtab. The track combines a catchy musical arrangement with a romantic mood, making it an engaging addition to the music label’s growing catalogue. Produced by Ranjeet Kumar Jha and directed by Raj Ranjeet, the video features choreography by Ricky Gupta, whose energetic dance sequences complement the song’s upbeat mood and vibrant presentation. Akriti Agarwal said, “Being a part of ‘Bareilly Wala Jhumka’ was a lovely experience. The song has a beautiful romantic vibe, and shooting for it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed working with Aniket, and I hope audiences love our chemistry and enjoy the song as much as we enjoyed creating it.” Aniket Raj said, “I’m really excited to make my debut with ‘Bareilly Wala Jhumka’. It’s a special feeling to begin my journey with such a vibrant and romantic song. Working with Akriti and the entire team was a great experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing how audiences respond to the video.” With its blend of romance, melody and lively visuals, ‘Bareilly Wala Jhumka’ aims to connect with music lovers looking for a refreshing romantic number. The music video is presented by HMR Music. https://youtu.be/NAmFWL-a2FQ