Whenever I needed a movie review, Film Companion was my go-to! But unfortunately, renowned film critic, founder, and editor of the digital platform Film Companion, Anupama Chopra made a bittersweet announcement that the platform is closing. The film journalist took to Instagram to share a farewell note, reflecting on the journey she has been on with her clan on the platform.
A Fruitful Recap
Film Companion (FC), led by Anupama Chopra, has spent the past decade becoming a premier destination for cinema enthusiasts. Founded in 2014, Film Companion started as a humble YouTube channel that reviews films and interviews industry stalwarts. Anupama’s vision was to bring serious film journalism to the forefront, focusing on the art of cinema rather than just the gossip.
Over the years, FC expanded its content, offering in-depth analyses, behind-the-scenes looks, and heartfelt interviews with versatile filmmakers, actors, and content creators. It became a platform where cinephiles like us could find honest reviews and thoughtful discussions. The introduction of web series reviews, regional cinema coverage, and podcasts further broadened its scope.
Film Companion’s growth was marked by its commitment to quality and integrity, garnering a loyal audience. Its journey reflects a dedication to celebrating cinema in all forms, creating a space for meaningful conversations about films and the industry.
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Breaking Out The News
Anupama created buzz by posting her heartfelt emotions on Instagram on July 25th, 2024. She stated, “10 years ago, this month, without thinking through about what the entrepreneurial life actually entails, we launched Film Companion. It’s been a tumultuous ride. Creating credible, informative entertainment journalism, in video & text, that pays for itself is a formidable challenge in any landscape but more so in the current climate in which everything can be bought including social media posts. But Film Companion was never a business – numbers are not my forte. It was a shared passion.”
She also fondly recalled milestone moments, like interviewing Shah Rukh Khan in Lisbon and the viral chat with Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif. The memorable roundtables, open-air conversations with stars like Deepika Padukone, and many more captivating encounters made her journey at Film Companion truly unforgettable. Each interaction was a testament to her passion for cinema and storytelling.
Why The Fade-Out?
In conversation with Karishma Mehta, founder of Humans of Bombay, Anupama confirmed that Film Companion is shutting down, revealing that the platform is branching out into FC Studios, a specialty division for long-form storytelling.
“Film Companion lives on in FC Studios– our specialty division for long-form storytelling. Our first documentary special will soon be on a streaming service – hopefully the start of many exciting projects to come. As one of my favourite actors once said, Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost,” Chopra said.
Backing Out From MAMI
In the previous month, she also stepped down from the post of interim Festival Director of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival but will continue to support as an active board member of the Festival.
Organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is an event aiming to showcase the best of cinema and nurture a broader ecosystem within the film industry. The festival serves as a platform for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts to come together, celebrate cinema, and engage in discussions about the art of filmmaking
Official Announcement
— MAMI Mumbai Film Festival (@MumbaiFilmFest) June 12, 2024
After a long and distinguished tenure, Anupama Chopra passes the torch to fellow Board Member Shivendra Singh Dungarpur who steps in as interim Festival Director of MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/n6fSBwHLzh
Most importantly, Anupama Chopra’s Film Companion has earned a reputation for its unbiased movie reviews, consistently offering honest critiques regardless of a film’s popularity or star power. Whether it’s a blockbuster hit or an indie film, each review maintains integrity and objectivity, reflecting her dedication to authentic film journalism. Her commitment to providing viewers with genuine insights was a top priority.
After bidding farewell, it is rumoured that Anupama will potentially take on a new role as the Editor of The Hollywood Reporter India, a publication under RPSG Lifestyle Media, effective from August 16, 2024.
