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The series carries the name “Ziddi,” a term meaning headstrong or brave, reflecting the resolute spirit of its characters. Set within the esteemed walls of Matilda House, an all-girls college in Delhi, the narrative unfolds in an environment where forward-thinking ideals and established traditions come into close contact. This setting provides more than just a backdrop; it shapes the unfolding drama and mirrors the ongoing shifts in social attitudes across India.

A pivotal moment occurs when a screening of a French film on sex education is misunderstood as inappropriate content. This misunderstanding sparks a series of events that pit the fervor of youthful students against the strict measures of the college administration.

The resulting clash highlights the tension between innovative, youthful energy and long-held institutional practices. The series reflects ongoing debates on gender roles, personal freedom, and the influence of authority in academic spaces.

By drawing on challenges that resonate within contemporary society,...

First and foremost, Ziddi Girls, now streaming on Amazon, is a barrel of fun to watch. It is bright, bubbly, and irreverent as it brings down the ultra-conservatism of one of the somewhat starchy teachers, though, in the quest to rectify her moral rectitude, the series doesn’t villainize her.

Besides its pronounced verve, what I really liked about Ziddi Girls is that it constantly leaves room for the ‘Other’ point of view: dissent is fine. But the more normalized viewpoint doesn’t have to be booed away. If Simran playing Lata, the new conservative principal of, ahem, Matilda House (roll of the eyes), is up for ridicule, so is Prof Handa (Nandita Das), whose nose-in-the-air (preferably with a nosering) gender politics is also questioned by a screenplay that is never in the mood to simmer down.

Abundantly aggravated and chronically iconoclastic Ziddi Girls follows the craggy path of a bunch of freshers.

We have a premiere date for an exciting new young adult series — Ziddi Girls. The series, based on life in Delhi’s colleges, is directed by Shonali Bose and written and directed by Vasant Nath and Neha Veena Sharma. The eight-episode series features a young and fresh cast of Atiya Tara Nayak, Umang Bhadana, Zaina Ali, Deeya Damini and Anupriya Caroli as the Ziddi Girls with Simran, Nandita Das, Nandish Singh Sandhu, Lillete Dubey and Revathy in pivotal role.

An Amazon Original Series, produced by Pritish Nandy under the banner of Pritish Nandy Communications, Ziddi Girls is created by Rangita Pritish Nandy and Ishita Pritish Nandy. A refreshing and relevant college drama about seeking one’s identity and forging life-long friendships that seamlessly blends entertainment with thought-provoking narratives the series is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on February 27.

Ziddi Girls...

Taxing Situation

The Philippines is to impose a 12% value-added tax on overseas digital service providers operating in the country, including Netflix, HBO and Disney. The measure was signed into law on Wednesday by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“If you are reaping the rewards of a fruitful digital economy here, it is only right that you contribute also to its growth,” Marcos said in a speech during the signing event. The new law will level the taxes paid by local businesses and international digital platforms, he added, according to reporting by Bloomberg.

The new law covers online search engines, media, advertising, platforms as well as digital marketplaces and goods and cloud services. The tax is forecast to generate 79.5 billion pesos ($1.4 billion) in revenue in the next four years, according to the country’s finance department.

Jury Head

Chinese indie director Jia Zhangke has been set as the head of the competition...