ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • The Ormax OTT Audience Report: 2023 estimates 13.5% growth in India’s OTT audience

    The Ormax OTT Audience Report: 2023 estimates 13.5% growth in India’s OTT audience

    Mumbai: Media consulting firm Ormax Media has released the latest edition of India’s largest audience research to size the OTT universe in the country, titled The Ormax OTT Audience Report: 2023. The research, based on a sample size of 12,000 across urban and rural India, was conducted from July to September 2023.

    Ormax Media released select findings of the report, which reveal that the Indian OTT audience universe is currently at 481.1 Million (or 48.11 Crore) people. This translated into a penetration of 34%. The report defines an OTT audience who watched at least one online video (free or paid) in the last one month. The report breaks down this universe by gender, age, NCCS, pop strata, states, and cities.

    Speaking about the significance of the report, Ormax Media business development head (streaming, TV & brands) Keerat Grewal said, “The latest edition of our annual report reveals that after the upsurge in the Indian OTT market during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the growth has settled down at more moderate levels. The Indian OTT audience base grew 20% from 2021 to 2022, but has grown only 13.5% over the last one year, highlighting that the category is now past the peak growth phase it witnessed in the two preceding years.”

    The report also reveals that there are currently 101.8 Million active paid (B2C) OTT subscriptions in India, across 36.4 Million SVOD (B2C) audiences, i.e., an average of 2.8 subscriptions per paying audience member. B2C subscriptions in the report refer to subscribers who have taken a membership directly with the OTT platform, in contrast with B2B subscriptions, which are via telecom packs offered by various operators. Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are the top 3 cities on paid subscriptions, with more than 6 Million active paid subscriptions each.

    Elaborating on the findings, Grewal said, “The extensive data in this report can help OTT platforms and associated agencies take more informed strategic decisions in areas like pay vs. free strategy, TG and market selection, content and communication strategy, revenue planning, etc. Ormax Media continues to stay committed to the idea of helping the Indian media & entertainment industry use data and analytics towards building more profitable and consumer-centric businesses.”

    The full report is available by subscription for streaming platforms, production companies, media agencies and other companies associated with the OTT category in India.

  • ‘The Adventures Of Lleo’ ought to be on your binge-list and here’s why!

    ‘The Adventures Of Lleo’ ought to be on your binge-list and here’s why!

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service, has released ‘The Adventures Of Lleo,’ a Permanent Roommates spin-off. The show revolves around the adventurous story of Lleo aka Laxman Laal Ebote, taking us on an uproarious ride filled with quirky incidents, unusual survival tricks, and the twist of riches to rags. Created by TVF, the series is a hilarious watch, with a compelling narrative and an eccentric character to root for. Here are five reasons why you must add The Adventures Of Lleo to your watch list.

    1    Lleo is back with his own thrilling journey: Lleo, the most adored character from the popular series Permanent Roommates, is here to entertain the audience, tickling their funny bones. The vibrant and lively character of Lleo with his strange survival strategies, rib-tickling twists and turns will give a glimpse at his jovial journey in The Adventures Of Lleo. Featuring Anandeshwar Dwivedi, the series is full of bizarre occurrences that are likely to make viewers laugh out loud.

    2    An adventurous ride with multiple laughter stops: Lleo, an overnight millionaire loses his possessions with a simple click on the phone, turning his life upside down in the middle of bizarre situations. With a circus of jovial incidents, comedic quips, and groundbreaking humour, the series is sure to leave viewers giggling hysterically.

    3    Intriguing narrative with a life lesson: The series is packed with hysterical situations, emotions, life lessons, and crazy scenarios to laugh at. The series’ unique storyline, which follows the journey of Lleo, teaches us the importance of believing in oneself. The series is a narrative about remaining positive in every scenario and coming back to the top after losing everything in a matter of seconds.

    4    Unique story of Riches to Rags: We all have heard the inspiring stories of Rags to Riches, motivating us to work hard and achieve our goals. However, The Adventures Of Lleo is a story with a twist, following the journey of Riches to Rags, the series is not only a comical ride but also has a strong take on being self-confident. The series illustrates the genuine reality of how life changes, from being a millionaire to a cab driver.

    5    Free to watch: Lleo’s adventurous and joyful trip, going on a new funny challenge every other instant, will lift your spirits. There is no need to subscribe to see this hilarious story about the oddest and most-loved Lleo. The Adventures of Lleo is streaming for free on Amazon miniTV and Fire TV, as well as the Amazon Shopping App and the Google Play Store.

  • Disney+ Hotstar registers 4.4 crores concurrent viewers during IND vs SA ICC Men’s Cricket

    Disney+ Hotstar registers 4.4 crores concurrent viewers during IND vs SA ICC Men’s Cricket

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar created yet another historic record of 4.4 crores concurrent viewers in the world of cricket streaming propelled by Virat Kohli’s sublime 49th one-day century during India’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. Kohli lifted Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders when India won the 2011 World Cup, today Kohli stands equal to the Master blaster with his century. For Disney+ Hotstar, this marks the highest peak concurrency number achieved across all formats of cricket, breaking their own recent concurrency record of 4.3 crore viewers created during the India Vs. New Zealand match earlier in this tournament. The platform previously set the global streaming record for cricket at 3.5 crore concurrent viewers during the India vs Pakistan match on 14 Oct 2023, making this the second time Disney+ Hotstar has surpassed its own standards of success during the run of the ongoing tournament.

    Commenting on this, Hotstar India head Sajith Sivanandan said, “Our users have consistently lifted us to new heights in cricket streaming during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. We cannot thank them enough for their commitment and passion that have enabled us to redefine milestones in live streaming. Surpassing our own record with 4.4 Cr concurrent viewers tuning in for the India vs South Africa match, we are now eagerly looking forward to seeing where their unwavering support and fandom takes us as we head towards the tournament’s finale.”

    Disney+ Hotstar in collaboration with International Cricket Council (ICC), recently added MaxView – a technological innovation that allows cricket fans to watch the game in vertical mode (9X14 portrait view) for the very first time in the history of streaming cricket. This feature facilitates a one-handed viewing experience, aligning with the way most users consume content. MaxView is a brand new, bespoke opt-in feature. Other surrounding features, such as the Live feed tab, Scorecard tab, have also been made available in vertical mode, along with vertical ad formats.

  • Amazon miniTV announces upcoming cyber-crime drama ‘Hack Crimes Online’

    Amazon miniTV announces upcoming cyber-crime drama ‘Hack Crimes Online’

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service today unveiled the teaser for their upcoming crime thriller, Hack Crimes Online. Based on a novel by India’s prominent cyber-crime investigator, Amit Dubey, the crime thriller is produced by Friday Storytellers co-founder  Shital Bhatia. The series features talented actors, Vipul Gupta and Riddhi Kumar in pivotal roles.

    The thrilling teaser gives us a glimpse into the world of hackers and their tactics to steal money and private information from people who fall victim to their devious schemes. As the teaser progresses, we see a group of young people who are a part of the police department solving corporate espionage, bank frauds, and kidnappings, while also fighting against threats to national security. The teaser of this rousing crime thriller sure does leave a residue of feeling that we are being watched 24/7. Can this team of young geniuses save innocent victims from a cybercrime that has no face?

    Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad said, “We’re extremely elated to have partnered with Friday Filmworks for this title, who are known for their impactful and engaging filmography. I would also like to thank Mr. Amit Dubey for his inputs and immense contribution to this project. Through Hack Crimes Online, we intend to spread awareness amongst viewers about the dark world of cybercrime by sharing real-life stories”

    Director Parmeet Sethi said “Whether it be work or entertainment, we spend almost all our waking hours today in front of a screen of some kind.  Unfortunately, every screen is also a potential crime scene! Today’s criminal does not put a gun to your head and rob you; instead, he just clicks a key on a computer!

    ‘Hack Crimes Online’ sheds light on the alarming rise in cybercrime incidents in our times. The series portrays the journey of a ragtag cyber crime task force that sets about cracking cyber crime cases in our country. This anthology of cybercrime cases tackles different types of hacking methods used by cybercriminals and is inspired by the true life cases documented in the books authored by renowned cybercrime investigator Amit Dubey. The team consists of strong characters played by Vipul Gupta, Riddhi Kumar, Akash Ayyar, Akhil Khattar, Sajjad Hussain Khan and others.”

    He further added, “The Friday Storytellers team has endeavored to bring to life the technicalities and nuances of these cyber crimes and also to keep it simple and understandable for the uninitiated. With Amazon miniTV as our partner, I am confident it will resonate with the audiences worldwide and hopefully even educate them in the dangers that lurk behind our screens.”

    Friday Storytellers producer ands co-founder Shital Bhatia said, “I am delighted to announce our partnership with Amazon mini TV with the launch of our original series ‘Hack-Crimes Online’, a thriller based on true events which explores the dark underbelly of the cyber world and the dark web. Our constant endeavor at Friday Storytellers has been to tell local stories that inspire, educate and entertain and I hope this series will also win appreciation from our audiences as the world is not just intriguing but extremely topical. I would also like to congratulate our director Parmeet (Parmeet Sethi), the writer duo of Yash and Allison, and the entire cast and crew who worked very hard on this.”

    Hack Crimes Online will soon be available exclusively for streaming on Amazon miniTV. You can download the Amazon miniTV on Playstore or watch it within the Amazon Shopping App or Fire TV.

  • Tata Play Classic Cinema celebrates the ‘The Showman of Indian Cinema’

    Tata Play Classic Cinema celebrates the ‘The Showman of Indian Cinema’

    Mumbai: The silver screen has witnessed the magic of many legendary actors, but none quite like the ‘Showman of Bollywood’, Raj Kapoor. With his charming smile, charismatic screen presence, and a keen sense of storytelling, Kapoor remains an enduring icon in the hearts of film enthusiasts.  He was not just an actor, but also a film director, producer, and a pioneer of Indian cinema, whose influence continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. A tribute to this Bollywood legend’s legacy, Tata Play Classic Cinema is proud to present the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, a celebration of the cinematic legacy of the legendary actor and filmmaker. From November 1st to November 10th, every day at 5 PM, this festival promises to transport you to a bygone era, allowing you to relive the magic of Raj Kapoor’s iconic movies.

    Barsaat

    Barsaat, directed by Raj Kapoor himself, is a must-watch classic that was released in 1949. This film marked Raj Kapoor’s directorial debut and set the stage for his illustrious filmmaking career. The film’s popularity can be attributed to its unforgettable music, with iconic tracks like “Jiya Beqarar Hai Chhayee Bahar Hai” and “Hawa Mein Udta Jaye”. Barsaat captures the essence of romance and drama with captivating performances by Kapoor and Nargis, who were also a real-life couple at the time!

    Bewafa

    Directed by the acclaimed director ML Anand, this 1952 film is a heartfelt melodrama that explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Raj Kapoor, Nargis, and Ashok Kumar, who deliver captivating performances that tug at your heartstrings. It shines in its portrayal of complex emotions and showcases Raj Kapoor’s remarkable acting. The film delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the consequences of infidelity, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate vintage Bollywood cinema and the captivating performances of its iconic stars.

    Shree420

    Directed by Kapoor himself, this 1955 film also showcases his incredible versatility and charisma as the lovable Chaplinesque tramp, Raju, who arrives in the bustling city of Bombay with dreams of making it big. With an enchanting narrative, unforgettable performances by Nargis and Nadira, and iconic songs like “Mera Joota Hai Japani” that continue to resonate with audiences, ‘Shree 420’ not only entertained but also offered a poignant commentary on the allure and pitfalls of urban life. The film’s enduring legacy includes the influence it’s storyline left on Indian cinema and the various accolades the movie grabbed including the National Film Award in 1956.

    Anari

    Anari (1959) is a delightful Bollywood classic that you don’t want to miss! Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the film stars the legendary Raj Kapoor alongside the talented Nutan. With a heartwarming storyline, ‘Anari’ captures the essence of innocence and simplicity in the hustle and bustle of city life. The film beautifully portrays the transformation of a naive, but kind-hearted man, Raj, into a responsible and compassionate individual, thanks to the spirited and independent Aarti. Together, they create a charming on-screen chemistry that’s both endearing and unforgettable. The movie also won many awards  for its winning performances, bringing Raj Kapoor the Filmfare for ‘Best Actor’. Anari is a timeless tale of love, trust, and personal growth.

    Chori Chori

    Chori Chori, a 1956 Bollywood gem starring the legendary Raj Kapoor and the enchanting Nargis in lead roles, is a delightful romantic musical directed by Anant Thakur. This endearing film, tells the tale of a charming and penniless musician, played by Raj Kapoor, who falls in love with a runaway heiress, portrayed by Nargis. The film beautifully captures their journey as they discover love in the most unexpected places, with remarkable chemistry between the lead pair. ‘Chori Chori’ is not only a timeless classic but also renowned for its soulful music, with songs like “Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi” and “Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Mein” that have become all-time favorites.

    Experience the timeless charm of Raj Kapoor’s classics daily at 5 pm exclusively on Tata Play Classic Cinemas on 318 from 1 to 10 November.

  • Unleash your inner comedian with DeadAnt’s “Zero To 60” comedy workshop

    Unleash your inner comedian with DeadAnt’s “Zero To 60” comedy workshop

    Mumbai: DeadAnt a new-age media and entertainment business with a focus on Indian and international comedy, partners with one of India’s pioneers in standup comedy, Kunal Rao to present “Zero to 60” – Level 1 of a standup comedy writing workshop. Designed to help aspiring comic artistes, writers and those exploring the world of comedy discover their potential. Kunal Rao, with over a decade of experience in the comedy business, both on and off the stage, will provide the tools and knowledge to craft hilarious jokes and help develop an individual comic style. This workshop is scheduled for 4-5 November 2023 from 4-7 pm in Mumbai.

    “Zero to 60” standup comedy workshop is a two-day event designed to ignite one’s sense of humour, sharpen your comic skills and take you from zero to a full-throttle 60 in the world of laughter. Whether one is an absolute beginner, an aspiring comedian looking to hone their skills, a writer eager to add humour to their work, or simply a comedy enthusiast, this workshop is designed for anybody with interest in the field. This interactive workshop promises to cover a spectrum of comedy essentials over two days, and provide a deeper understanding on what makes things funny and why with lots of tips, tricks and techniques to help you get started. Open to everyone over 18, it will be conducted in person, and participants are encouraged to actively engage in assignments during the sessions.

    DeadAnt founder and CEO Ravina Rawal, “We at DeadAnt want to create a space for individuals who want to explore stand-up comedy as a full-time career option. This workshop helps people break into comedy by creating or strengthening the foundation for it. We feel Kunal Rao is the perfect guide for this—he not only has experience with both the business and performance aspects of the craft, but is also a very patient teacher and mentor. The workshop also provides certification to all participants which is added motivation for them that they have taken part in something new and exciting, and will add a lot of value to their career as a standup comedian.”

    Comedy enthusiasts should not miss this chance to embark on a learning journey with one of India’s foremost comedians, Kunal Rao.

  • Lionsgate, Dharma Productions, and Sikya Entertainment partner for “Kill”

    Lionsgate, Dharma Productions, and Sikya Entertainment partner for “Kill”

    Mumbai: Global content leader Lionsgate has acquired the North American and U.K. rights to the Indian action movie Kill for theatrical release in 2024.

    Kill is directed by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat and produced by Karan Johar & Apoorva Mehta for Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga Kapoor & Achin Jain for Sikhya Entertainment.

    This ground-breaking deal marks the first time an Indian production has partnered with a Hollywood studio on a theatrical release in North America and the U.K. for a mainstream Hindi language film.

    Starring newcomer Lakshya alongside Raghav Juyal and Tanya Maniktala, the extreme action flick made its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival as a Midnight Madness selection.

    In the film, star-crossed lovers Tulika (Maniktala) and Amrit (Lakshya) find their clandestine relationship jeopardized after Tulika’s family whisks her aboard the Rajdhani Express bound for New Delhi and an arranged marriage. But commandos Amrit and his friend are far from willing to let fate dictate their story. They embark on a “rescue” mission that becomes a gory adventure.

    Blurring the lines between duty and emotion as every twist of the track could mean life or death, Kill paints a portrait of how far a man can go in love to rewrite his destiny.

    Commenting on the announcement, senior vice president, acquisitions and co-productions Lauren Bixby said, “At this year’s Toronto Film Festival, we were astounded by Kill. We believe that American theatrical audiences are more discerning than ever and increasingly open to bold filmmaking from all corners of the world, so we’re confident that Kill will find an audience ready to delight in its exuberant mayhem.”

    Dharma Productions continues to celebrate the grand success of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, and Sikhya Entertainment has had a memorable year with its Oscar win for The Elephant Whisperers.

    WME Independent, which is handling global sales, brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers alongside Christopher Davis and Kaycee Holcomb for Lionsgate.

  • Airtel’s Wynk Music launches “The Last of The Beatles” campaign for The Beatles’ final song

    Airtel’s Wynk Music launches “The Last of The Beatles” campaign for The Beatles’ final song

    Mumbai: Wynk Music, India’s number one music streaming app by downloads and daily active users, today launched “The Last of The Beatles” campaign dedicated to the release of the final Beatles song – ‘Now and Then’.

    The campaign is a heartfelt tribute to the iconic British rock band and features a page dedicated to the band on Wynk Music. Wynk has also curated a Beatles’ playlists with their 70s rock music playlists which are also available with exclusive HelloTunes for fans.

    The campaign will be live for 15 days and will offer a rich mosaic of content and music that pays homage to the band’s legacy.

    Campaign Highlights:

    1. Rediscovering the Beatles

    A specially curated content from The Beatles’ extensive discography where fans can immerse themselves in the timeless classics that have defined generations and experience the magic of John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

    2. The Golden Era of 70s Rock

    A collection of handpicked 70s rock playlists that will transport music enthusiasts back to a time when rock ‘n’ roll ruled the airwaves.

    3. Showcasing HelloTunes

    Exclusive HelloTunes of The Beatles’ music: Subscribers can set these tunes as their caller tunes and relish the melodies of this legendary band.

    4. Engaging Content

    Music lovers can engage with their favourite band on social media with interesting trivia, song lyric carousels, and other captivating content related to The Beatles. Fans can dive into the world of the band’s history, music, and more, to fully immerse themselves in the celebration.

    For more information on the campaign and to join the celebration, click on the below links:

    Check The Beatles page on Wynk here: https://open.wynk.in/s1(accessible on mobile only)

    The Beatles playlist: https://open.wynk.in/s2
    HelloTunes for The Beatles: https://open.wynk.in/s3

  • Temptation Island India on JioCinema: Love, drama, and temptations!

    Temptation Island India on JioCinema: Love, drama, and temptations!

    Mumbai: JioCinema, India’s biggest entertainment destination, is all set to elevate the entertainment quotient for its viewers with the launch of the Indian adaptation of one of the world’s biggest reality formats, Temptation Island. Starting 3 November at 8 pm, the show will have two of the most seasoned personalities of Indian television, the stunning Mouni Roy play The Queen of Hearts and the relationship expert, and the charismatic Karan Kundrra takes charge as the host. In this ultimate Pyaar Ki Pariksha, Mouni will be guiding the contestants in their journey of self-discovery, while Karan will test the strength of the relationships. Social media’s most sensational stars, Elvish Yadav and Abhishek Malhan (Fukra Insaan) will also be seen together in the show, who will help the contestants explore connections in the villa. Temptation Island is an original format owned by the Banijay Group and is produced in India by Banijay Asia.

    Shot at an exotic tropical island, this unique social experiment will see couples tempted to sever old ties and explore new romances as they willfully separate in the Girls Villa and the Boys Villa and immerse themselves in an environment filled with irresistible allure. Surrounded by charming singles, they will grapple with their feelings, confront unfamiliar temptations, and delve into their deepest desires. Through the course of the show, the boys and the girls will explore new bonds through romantic dates, interesting activities, and theme parties that will help them understand each other better. The special bonfire segments as part of the special weekend episodes with Mouni Roy and Karan Kundrra will unfold all the drama and emotions as they will get a glimpse of the evolving dynamics of their respective partners in the villas.

    Presented by Too Yumm, Powered by Paytm, and along with Skore as the Digital Partner, Temptation Island India will span across 42 episodes, with an extended version called Temptation Channel streaming on the platform all day. The show will also introduce an array of interactive features, enhancing the viewer experience like never before, ensuring non-stop entertainment on the platform. Leaked Chats will give viewers a sneak peek into their most intimate conversations including photos, videos, voice notes, and text messages. The platform will feature Ask Love Guru for relationship advice from an expert, Horizontal Hype Trivia for quick facts and info about contestants. With Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan viewers will be in for a rewarding experience where they’ll win daily prizes by answering simple questions as they watch the Temptation Channel. Not to miss the very engaging JioCinema Super Squad, giving viewers a chance to make their own team and win big rewards. Temptation Awards will let viewers vote for their favorites, while Hype Chats and Stickers will provide real-time engagement.

    Speaking on the launch of the reality series, a spokesperson at JioCinema said, “At JioCinema, we are deeply invested in our audience while continuing to expand our portfolio with genre defining content that set new benchmarks. Reality is a key part of our overall content strategy and Temptation Island India will truly be a game changer for this category. As we bring the iconic global IP to India, we are sure to redefine the ‘unscripted’ entertainment making it the new reality phenomenon for the nation.”

    Commenting on the launch, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India founder & Group CEO Deepak Dhar said, “Temptation Island has left an indelible mark on the global reality TV landscape, with its immense success spanning over 20 countries. We are thrilled to now bring this iconic show to India. Given the show’s unique concept, JioCinema’s wide reach, and an interesting mix of participants, Temptation Island India is all set to redefine the way Indian audiences experience reality television.”

    Speaking on the partnership, a spokesperson at Too Yumm said, “Too Yumm! always seeks to find interesting and disruptive ways to engage with its consumers and form deeper connections with them. As we launch one of the most disruptive tasting snack for our consumers TooYumm! Twisties, we felt it needed an equally disruptive launch medium. What could have been better than one of the most successful reality shows in the world Temptation Island, as it debuts in India through JioCinema. We are sure, together, we will be creating lots of twisti-es and masaledaar experiences for our consumers.”

    Too Yumm presents Temptation Island India, powered by Paytm and digital partner Skore, starts 3 November at 8 pm on JioCinema.

  • Netflix’s Ad supported plan surges 15 million monthly active users

    Netflix’s Ad supported plan surges 15 million monthly active users

    Mumbai: Netflix’s monthly active users for the ad-supported plan stands at 15 million, Netflix’s advertising president Amy Reinhard has said in a blog, “As we continue to build and adapt our service, we’re excited about the progress we’ve made and that we now reach 15 million global monthly active users.”

    About upcoming offerings, Reinhard wrote in the blog, “Starting in Q1 2024, our advertisers globally will be able to utilize our new binge ad (wt) format that taps into the viewing behavior of watching multiple episodes in a row. After watching three consecutive episodes, members will be presented with a fourth episode ad-free. In early 2024, we will also launch the ability to showcase QR codes in advertising creative running on Netflix in the US.”

    Launched in partnership with Microsoft Advertising, Netflix has launched third-party verification with partners like Integral Ad Science and DoubleVerify globally.