Synopsis
Jaideep Singh, founder of the USPL, emphasizes different strategies needed for brand building in sports and cinema. As USPL expands post its third season and prepares for the release of the film Vadakkan, Singh shares insights on the unique challenges of both industries.Key Takeaways
- Jaideep Singh emphasizes brand strategies for sports vs. cinema.
- The USPL is set for expansion after a successful Season 3.
- Vadakkan aims to blend Indian culture with global appeal.
- Plans for a women’s USPL are underway.
- The film is expected to resonate well with Malayalam audiences.
Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) The founder of the United States Premier League (USPL), Jaideep Singh, asserts that creating a strong brand in sports and cinema necessitates different strategies, given that both sectors function within unique ecosystems.
After the successful completion of USPL Season 3, Jaideep is set on broadening his ventures into sports, entertainment, and music. With the upcoming release of the Malayalam film Vadakkan, he elaborated on the distinct challenges and opportunities in both the USPL and the cinema industry.
“My extensive experience exceeding a decade in developing media properties, organizing music festivals, major award shows, launching television networks, films, and digital-first brands has equipped me with the necessary skills to forge media brands and franchises. The broad nuances are similar, but the frameworks differ,” he shared in an interview with IANS.
“In cricket, you encounter governing bodies such as US Cricket and ICC, along with a broadcasting system, team owners, players, officials, local organizations, stadium authorities, PR stakeholders, and more. Live entertainment contrasts with cinema/media properties as you possess significant control over the final output. In live sports, there is no room for error; perfection is essential. We have honed our skills in USPL over the years, thanks to our robust team operating between India and the US. We are now gearing up for Season 4 and have major announcements forthcoming,” he remarked.
Vadakkan, directed by Sajeed A, has already achieved international recognition at esteemed film festivals across the US, Europe, and South America. Jaideep Singh emphasized that their primary goal is to produce content that is deeply rooted in Indian culture, appealing to both local and global audiences. India has a wealth of stories to share with the world.
“One of the foundational ideas when we initiated our studio was to ensure that the content we create resonates with universal audiences. We aimed to introduce Indian content to a global audience,” said the USPL founder.
“The narrative presented to me by our director deeply resonated, and it was a compelling story, supported by numerous veterans in the film's production. Our achievements, including awards in America and Europe and a presence at Cannes, mark an exciting journey, and I eagerly await its release on March 7,” he added.
Jaideep is confident about Vadakkan's success in theaters, and he is also looking forward to the women's USPL.
“We have performed admirably in sports, so expect more announcements soon; the women’s USPL is on the horizon. In cinema, Vadakkan is set for release; if all goes well, we may proceed with Vadakkan 2 shortly. Additionally, we have three more projects in the pipeline. Our music label has been launched as a fresh addition to our media brand portfolio. We aim to strengthen all our business sectors in the coming year, with an IPO planned for 2026,” he stated.
Reflecting on the film, Jaideep commented, “It presents a unique narrative. Upon viewing the initial cut, I felt we had accomplished an exceptional job. It is tailored for the right audience, as Malayalam viewers always appreciate quality cinema. This supernatural thriller is packed with entertainment, designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a film meant to be experienced in theaters, and I believe audiences will enjoy it.”
Produced by Jaideep and Bhavya Nidhi Sharma, with co-producer Kanupriya Gupta, Vadakkan draws inspiration from Dravidian Puranas and ancient folklore. By combining traditional storytelling with state-of-the-art digital technology, the film promises a visually and sonically immersive experience, redefining the essence of Malayalam cinema.
Vadakkan has already made a significant impact internationally, receiving accolades at renowned film festivals. The film debuted at the 78th Festival Internazionale Del Cinema Di Salerno and was showcased in an exclusive, invite-only market screening at the Cannes Film Festival's Marche du Film 2024, where it was recognized in the Fantastic Pavilion category for horror and fantasy films. Selected as one of the top seven films in this category, Vadakkan attracted considerable attention during a gala screening attended by celebrities, including Hollywood and Bollywood actors, along with genre enthusiasts.
The film also won the Best Supernatural Film award at the prestigious Fright Night Festival in the United States. Starring industry veterans such as Resul Pookkutty, Bijibal, and cinematographer Keiko Nakahara, it stands as the only Malayalam film to achieve such accolades in this genre.
Enhancing its technical excellence, the film features Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookkutty and Japanese cinematographer Keiko Nakahara, ensuring an elevated cinematic experience. The VFX, executed by leading CGI teams from both India and abroad, further amplifies its visual appeal.
In addition to Kishore and Shruthy Menon, the cast includes Merin Philip, Kalesh Ramanand, Sirajudheen Nazar, Maala Parvathi, Gargi Anandan, Meenakshi Unnikrishnan, Aryan Kathuria, Ravi Venkatraman, and Greeshma Alex, among others.
