Latest news with #Marked
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Marked OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Desmond Dube and Lerato Mvelase's emotionally-charged series
Marked OTT Release Date: Netflix's latest original from South Africa doesn't ease you in. It throws you straight into a world where morality is a luxury, and desperation is a daily companion. Set to premiere on July 31, 2025, Marked is a six-part series that pulls no punches when it comes to storytelling. It's exactly the kind of series that lingers long after you've hit the final episode. What is Marked all about? At the centre of it all is Babalwa, a devoted mother, loving wife, and security guard who lives by the book until life forces her to rewrite the rules. Played by the brilliant Lerato Mvelase, Babalwa finds herself staring down a nightmare when her daughter, Palesa (played by Blood & Water's Ama Qamata), is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. With time ticking and no money to afford treatment, Babalwa's well-ordered life begins to unravel. It's a mother's war against a broken system. When the healthcare system fails her family and every legitimate door slams shut, Babalwa is pushed to a place she never thought she'd go. She enlists the help of her colleague and old friend Tebza (played by S'dumo Mtshali) and a reckless newcomer to the criminal world, Zweli (played by Sphamandla Dhludhu), to pull off a desperate heist. And while they begin with one plan, what follows is a cascade of betrayals, close calls, and moral compromises that force Babalwa to reckon with who she is and what she's willing to become. Meet the cast and crew of Marked The emotional load of this story is carried not only by Mvelase and Qamata but by a cast stacked with South Africa's finest. Desmond Dube, Jerry Mofokeng, Mduduzi Mabaso, Natasha Thahane, Bonko Khoza, Linda Sokhulu, Gaisang Noge, and Jabulani Mthembu each bring their own weight to the screen. Behind the camera, Marked is helmed by a trio of powerful directors - Akin Omotoso, Matshepo Maja, and Jono Hall. The show is created by Steven Pillemer, Sydney Dire, and Akin Omotoso, and the writing team, which includes Sydney Dire, Wendy Gumede, and Charlene Ntsane, deserves full credit for crafting a narrative that feels urgent and real. Quizzical Pictures produces the series.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
WATCH: 'Marked': A gripping teaser unveils a mother's heartbreaking dilemma
Babalwa (Lerato Mvelase) will go to any length to save her daughter's life in "Marked". Image: Supplied The stage has been set for an emotionally-charged thrill ride with the release of the trailer for its explosive new local series, "Marked". The highly anticipated Netflix drama, which is set to be released in July, showcases how desperation can push ordinary people to cross ethical boundaries, all in the name of love and survival. The 6-part series which is produced by Quizzical Pictures, follows the journey of a mother, Babalwa, played by Lerato Mvelase. She's a dedicated cash-in-transit security guard whose world spirals into chaos after receiving devastating news about her daughter, Palesa played by "Blood and Water" star, Ama Qamata. Ama Qamata as Palesa in a scene from "Marked", a new local series coming to Netflix next month. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The plot thickens when Palesa's life-threatening illness worsens, and Babalwa finds herself battling against time and a system that leaves little room for hope. As a law-abiding citizen and devoted mother, Babalwa's steadfast morals face an intense test. In a moment of desperation, she enlists the help of her trusted colleague, Tebza, played by S'Dumo Mtshali, as well as the reckless newcomer to the criminal underworld, Zweli (Sphamandla Dhludhu). A scene from the local 6-part series, "Marked", set to premiere on Netflix in July. Image: Supplied The ensuing journey sees Babalwa embark on a dangerous path that leads her to question the very principles she has always upheld. Things get extra spicy when Babalwa is betrayed and she becomes worse than any of her newfound enemies. With the stakes rising, Babalwa finds herself confronted with harrowing choices that ultimately blur the lines between right and wrong. The series also stars a host of Mzansi A-listers such as the iconic Jerry Mofokeng, Natasha Thahane of "Blood and Water" fame, Gaisang Noge, veteran actors, Linda Sokhulu, Mduduzi Mabaso, Clementine Mosimane and Desmond Dube, with captivating performer Bonko Khoza rounding of the star-studded cast. Award-winning film writer, actor and director Akin Omotoso directs the series alongside Maja Matshepo and Jono Hall. Natasha Thahane in "Marked". Image: Supplied In the meantime, here are a few other local shows to watch on Netflix. "Kings of Jo'Burg": With two seasons already out and the third premiering on Friday, June 13, the show follows the Masire family, who controls Johannesburg's criminal underworld, facing a supernatural curse and betrayals that threaten to destroy them. The series explores themes of legacy, family structures, and the consequences of power within a treacherous brotherhood. "Tuiskoms": It follows Fleur, a woman grappling with grief and a new life in her hometown after a major loss, alongside her daughter Kelly and mother Abigail. The series explores themes of family, loss, healing, and finding a new sense of purpose. "Unseen": Two seasons in, the series follows Zinzi escape prison, seeking vengeance and freedom. She is forced to team up with detectives and her estranged sister, Naledi, as she navigates a web of corruption and survival. The season explores the depth of corruption and the impact of societal injustice on marginalised individuals, particularly black women. Watch the trailer for "Marked" below.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
PETRONAS presents ‘Marked' this Gawai as a tribute to inner strength and cultural pride
KUCHING: In celebrating this year's Gawai festivities, PETRONAS proudly presents 'Marked' or 'Tanda Kasih', a touching story that explores the power of personal resilience, the strength of family bonds, and the beauty of cultural pride. In a statement, PETRONAS said the film, which premiered today across their official YouTube and Facebook channels, follows Melia, a young Iban girl, as she undergoes an emotional journey of self-acceptance, confronting the challenges of growing up with a prominent birthmark on her forehead. As Gawai approaches, Melia is asked to wear the sugu tinggi, a traditional Iban woman's headdress that symbolises dignity and cultural heritage. However, doubt lingers in her heart as she wonders if she is truly worthy of bearing such a significant piece of tradition. 'Her silent struggles go largely unnoticed by her family, except for her grandmother, whose loving presence and gentle encouragement become a source of strength and guidance. 'More than a story of self-acceptance, 'Marked' celebrates the ties that unite us, family, and community, and reminds us that strength grows through connection and shared heritage,' the statement read. PETRONAS Vice President of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Norafizal Mat Saad said 'Marked' is a tribute to the strength within communities in Malaysia and the richness of the Iban tradition. 'At PETRONAS, we believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our people and cultures. It also reflects the values of unity and shared purpose, reminding us that when we stand together and support one another, we create space for everyone to belong and thrive,' he was quoted as saying. Norafizal hoped that the story would encourage Malaysians to embrace their identity with pride and support each other in the journey of self-discovery. In the spirit of the harvest season, PETRONAS also presents 'Crown of Love' or 'Mahkota Teristimewa', a Kaamatan story that celebrates community strength and the meaning of love. 'Though from different cultures, both films share a message of embracing diversity and being true to ourselves, reflecting a Malaysia where differences connect, not divide,' the statement added.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
PETRONAS debuts ‘Marked' for Gawai to honour strength, culture
KUCHING: In celebrating this year's Gawai festivities, PETRONAS proudly presents 'Marked' or 'Tanda Kasih', a touching story that explores the power of personal resilience, the strength of family bonds, and the beauty of cultural pride. In a statement, PETRONAS said the film, which premiered today across their official YouTube and Facebook channels, follows Melia, a young Iban girl, as she undergoes an emotional journey of self-acceptance, confronting the challenges of growing up with a prominent birthmark on her forehead. As Gawai approaches, Melia is asked to wear the sugu tinggi, a traditional Iban woman's headdress that symbolises dignity and cultural heritage. However, doubt lingers in her heart as she wonders if she is truly worthy of bearing such a significant piece of tradition. 'Her silent struggles go largely unnoticed by her family, except for her grandmother, whose loving presence and gentle encouragement become a source of strength and guidance. 'More than a story of self-acceptance, 'Marked' celebrates the ties that unite us, family, and community, and reminds us that strength grows through connection and shared heritage,' the statement read. PETRONAS Vice President of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Norafizal Mat Saad said 'Marked' is a tribute to the strength within communities in Malaysia and the richness of the Iban tradition. 'At PETRONAS, we believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our people and cultures. It also reflects the values of unity and shared purpose, reminding us that when we stand together and support one another, we create space for everyone to belong and thrive,' he was quoted as saying. Norafizal hoped that the story would encourage Malaysians to embrace their identity with pride and support each other in the journey of self-discovery. In the spirit of the harvest season, PETRONAS also presents 'Crown of Love' or 'Mahkota Teristimewa', a Kaamatan story that celebrates community strength and the meaning of love. 'Though from different cultures, both films share a message of embracing diversity and being true to ourselves, reflecting a Malaysia where differences connect, not divide,' the statement added.
Barnama
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
PETRONAS Presents ‘Marked' This Gawai As A Tribute To Inner Strength And Cultural Pride
GENERAL KUCHING, May 30 (Bernama) -- In celebrating this year's Gawai festivities, PETRONAS proudly presents 'Marked' or 'Tanda Kasih', a touching story that explores the power of personal resilience, the strength of family bonds, and the beauty of cultural pride. In a statement, PETRONAS said the film, which premiered today across their official YouTube and Facebook channels, follows Melia, a young Iban girl, as she undergoes an emotional journey of self-acceptance, confronting the challenges of growing up with a prominent birthmark on her forehead. As Gawai approaches, Melia is asked to wear the sugu tinggi, a traditional Iban woman's headdress that symbolises dignity and cultural heritage. However, doubt lingers in her heart as she wonders if she is truly worthy of bearing such a significant piece of tradition. 'Her silent struggles go largely unnoticed by her family, except for her grandmother, whose loving presence and gentle encouragement become a source of strength and guidance. "More than a story of self-acceptance, 'Marked' celebrates the ties that unite us, family, and community, and reminds us that strength grows through connection and shared heritage,' the statement read. PETRONAS Vice President of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Norafizal Mat Saad said 'Marked' is a tribute to the strength within communities in Malaysia and the richness of the Iban tradition. 'At PETRONAS, we believe in the power of storytelling to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our people and cultures. It also reflects the values of unity and shared purpose, reminding us that when we stand together and support one another, we create space for everyone to belong and thrive,' he was quoted as saying. Norafizal hoped that the story would encourage Malaysians to embrace their identity with pride and support each other in the journey of self-discovery. In the spirit of the harvest season, PETRONAS also presents 'Crown of Love' or 'Mahkota Teristimewa', a Kaamatan story that celebrates community strength and the meaning of love.
