ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • ZEE5 doubles Bengali content viewership, expands in East India

    ZEE5 doubles Bengali content viewership, expands in East India

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s largest home-grown video streaming platform and multilingual storyteller for multiple entertainment seekers, clocks a two-times surge in viewership on its Bengali slate since December 2022. In line with the brand’s commitment towards regional expansion, ZEE5 has significantly invested in Bengali content bringing blockbuster hits like ‘Abar Proloy’, ‘Shabash Feluda’, ‘Swetkali’, and ‘Shikarpur’, to name a few. Since December 2022, the platform has clocked an impressive 22 per cent increase in the monthly active viewers in the eastern region. The latest original directed by Raj Chakraborty featuring Saswata Chatterjee, and Ritwick Chakraborty, ‘Abar Proloy’, saw an 86 per cent surge in viewership and three times more watch time than any other Bengali original title. The watch time for the same stood at 146 MN minutes.

    Starting January 2023, ZEE5 released a high-octane slate of 10 blockbuster titles featuring the best names of the Bangla creative ecosystem. The platform’s growth in Bengali content viewership can be attributed to its strategic partnerships with top-tier industry talents who have been instrumental in bringing captivating stories from the hinterlands of the East and the Eastern periphery directly to the audiences. This includes gripping original series, blockbuster movies, heartwarming family dramas, and pulse-pounding thrillers like ‘Raktokarabi’, ‘Shikarpur’, ‘Shabash Feluda’, ‘Abar Proloy’, ‘Swetkali’, ‘Seven’ amongst others. Since its inception, ZEE5 has consistently provided an enriching and diverse entertainment experience to its Bengali-speaking audience with its consumer-first approach.

    Speaking on the brand’s expansion in the region, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “We are happy to witness such an encouraging response from our viewers in the Eastern market. The Bengal entertainment industry exhibits immense potential and has garnered acclaim for its exceptional storytelling for years We are thankful to our partners and the talent from the region for their dedication and remarkable creativity, which has truly captivated the Bengali diaspora across the globe. We have released successful titles like Abar Proloy in multiple languages owing to their popularity and the demand from consumers., Rest assured, we remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Bengal, staying committed to bringing real, relatable and authentic stories to our viewers.”

    ZEE5’s journey in the Eastern market has been marked by innovation, collaboration, and a keen understanding of local audiences’ sensibilities. The platform has brought post-theatrical premieres of blockbusters like ‘Boudi Canteen’, ‘Biye Bibhrat’, ‘Shohorer Ushnotomo Din E’, ‘Hatyapuri’, etc. Apart from originals, the platform also has a slew of exclusive titles including the likes of ‘Projapati’, ‘Aparajito’, ‘Bhoy’, ‘Uttaran’, ‘Joy Kali Kolkatawali’. In addition to Bengali blockbusters, the platform offers a host of premium content in Hindi and other languages namely ‘Bandaa’, ‘Tarla’, ‘The Kashmir Files, ‘Haddi’, ‘Mrs Undercover’, ‘Bob Biswas’, ‘Duranga’, ‘Rangbaaz’ and many more.

  • Prime Video drops new season of ‘Permanent Roommates

    Prime Video drops new season of ‘Permanent Roommates

    Mumbai: Prime Video, the most loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global premiere of the latest season of the highly-anticipated romantic drama Permanent Roommates. Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) and directed by Shreyansh Pandey, Season Three of Permanent Roommates will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories from 18 October. Featuring Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh in the lead roles, the romantic drama will bring back internet’s favourite couple back in this latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just Rs 1499/year.

    “We are excited to bring back the much-loved relationship drama to our viewers. It manifests our commitment to serving audiences worldwide with content that is not only entertaining but also highly relatable. The characters Mikesh and Tanya and their bittersweet companionship while working through their personal ambitions, and how it has a bearing on their relationship has resonated well with the audience. The latest season is poised to bring back that quintessential world of Permanent Roommates and also elevate the show’s fandom further.” said Manish Menghani, director of content licensing, at Prime Video India. “Our collaboration with TVF has been truly incredible. We are thrilled to have joined forces once again and exclusively premiere the latest season on Prime Video starting 18 October.”

    “We are thrilled to announce the latest season of Permanent Roommates. As creators, this series has always held a special place in our hearts. Being our passion project, it heralded a web revolution of sorts back in 2014. We couldn’t be happier to share this next chapter with you after the incredible love and support we have received for Mikesh and Tanya. As we introduce this series to our viewers we are not only bringing back the series but also rekindling the special connection we have with them. The exclusive launch of the latest season on Prime Video is a proud moment to celebrate as it will reach a wider audience across 240 countries and territories.” said Shreyansh Pandey, head of TVF Originals and director of the show.  

    Permanent Roommates Season Three is a part of Prime Video’s festive line-up for the Great Indian Festival 2023 starting October 8 onwards. The line-up also includes several other original series and blockbuster movies across multiple languages, special discounts every day for the first 1000 customers renting titles on the Prime Video store and ‘Diwali Special Offers’ for customers with up to 50 per cent discounts across several Prime Video channels.

  • Disney+ Hotstar to release Aarya Season 3 on 3 November

    Disney+ Hotstar to release Aarya Season 3 on 3 November

    Mumbai: Make way as Aarya Sareen (Sushmita Sen) flaunts her claws and takes on the throne as the new don in town in Aarya Season 3. After receiving an International Emmy Award Nomination for Season 1 and two successful seasons, the wait ends as the fan favorite franchise returns with its third season with newer challenges, newer enemies and with a newer ambition. Created and co-directed by the visionary Ram Madhvani and co-produced by Amita Madhavni, Ram Madhvani Films and Endemol Shine India, the dawn of a fearless reign unfolds with Aarya Season 3 exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar on third November

    Sushmita Sen, added “Aarya Sareen has now become a very integral part of my life. Her experiences across seasons have touched my heart. It’s an honor to step back into her shoes for ‘Aarya’ Season 3. This season explores the profound power of Aarya, as she strikes down her enemies and begins to create an empire of her own, while grappling the threats to her loved ones. Aarya’s story is a testament to a woman who defies life’s constraints and will go to any lengths to protect the ones close to her. Aarya’ Season 3 isn’t just a show on Disney+ Hotstar; it’s an emotional journey that fills me with love and pride.”

    Disney+ Hotstar head – content & Disney Star HSM entertainment network Gaurav Banerjee said, “It brings us such joy to announce season 3 of Aarya, a marquee franchise from the Disney+Hotstar content slate. This series has been a winner since Season 1, we never anticipated the incredible love and acclaim it’s received not just in India, but also the world over. It’s been a phenomenal collaboration with Ram Madhvani and Sushmita Sen who have created such a powerful series. We are confident that Season 3 takes the legacy of this title many notches higher and we are looking forward to sharing this with our viewers.”

    Creator, co-producer and co-director of Aarya (S1, S2 and S3), Ram Madhvani added, “After the immense love that we have received from audiences over the last two seasons, we present to you a new era of Aarya where she leaves no stone turned. Season 3 will keep audiences on their toes with the exciting journey of Aarya to emerge as the ultimate don. Aarya will shock you. The emotional graph of her journey is exhilarating. She will own her power. Is this her final chance? You will soon find out. Collaborating alongside with Disney+ Hotstar and Sushmita Sen to narrate this story has been incredible and I hope audiences and fans receive this season with the same love.”

    Endemol Shine India CEO Rishi Negi said, “Endemol Shine India along with Ram Madhvani Films and Disney+ Hotstar is proud to have brought to audiences across the globe the phenomenon of Aarya.. Gripping, relevant and hard-hitting, Season 3 will take this franchise and the story of Aarya forward. We hope the audiences will enjoy this exciting and thrilling season. ”

    Get ready to embark on an exhilarating new journey with Aarya Season 3, set to stream only on Disney+ Hotstar on 3 November!

  • Anurag Singh Thakur unveils the trailer of Bharat Hain Hum

    Anurag Singh Thakur unveils the trailer of Bharat Hain Hum

    Mumbai: Hon’ble Information and Broadcasting minister and Minister of Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur has unveiled the trailer of an enthralling animated series ‘Bharat Hain Hum’ in New Delhi today. The series is being launched on Prime Video, Netflix and Doordarshan, as a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, dedicated to shedding light on the unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle. While the names of great freedom fighters of our nation, like Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar, and Subhash Chandra Bose, are etched into the social consciousness, this series aims to also introduce the nation to lesser-known but equally significant freedom fighters whose contributions were instrumental in India’s path to independence on August 15, 1947. Countless heroic figures, such as Rani Abbakka, Tilka Manjhi, Tirot Singh, Peer Ali, Tatya Tope, Kotwal Dhan Singh, Kunwar Singh (an 80-year-old freedom fighter), Rani Chennamma, Tikendra Jeet Singh, and more, will finally take their rightful place in history through this animated masterpiece.

    Crafted by the talented minds of Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty, the series will encompass 26 captivating episodes in Season 1, each featuring a 11-minute animated narrative. The series is slated to be premiered on 15 October on Doordarshan, Prime Video and Netflix in 12 Indian and 7 international languages.

    Every episode will have popular characters Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy — previously renowned from the acclaimed KTB Movie series, embarking on dialogues that delve into the tales of these unsung heroes. The series produced by the Central Bureau of Communication and Graphiti Studio, is also a tapestry of faiths and unity that transcends religious barriers, unifying the country’s faiths and beliefs. Embracing the diversity of India’s struggle for freedom, the series will journey through different regions, featuring freedom fighters hailing from all across the country.

    Speaking about the series, Thakur said, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Under his vision, it is our humble endeavour to reignite the nation’s memory and ignite gratitude towards these unsung heroes, who deserve our unwavering admiration and respect. We have a very few heroes that the country has celebrated but there are so many unsung heroes who were not given their due credit in our history. Thirty percent of these heroes are women and these stories will inspire generations to come.”

    “We will do a lot more to ensure students and people of our country get to know about these heroes. We will also screen the series in the parliament so that the members can spread the word in their territories,” he added.

    Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty, co-creators of the series, passionately asserted, “We wanted to revive these tales of patriotism and relentless pursuit of freedom, paying tribute to their remarkable sacrifices, and inspire the children and the youth of India to take pride in our heritage. Animation is the perfect medium to bring alive these glorious tales and make them accessible to the children of our country. Our history often remains confined to the pages of school textbooks, and a knowledge gap exists beyond secondary education. This entertaining and informative series is aimed at every Indian irrespective of age.”

    “We are delighted to launch Krish, Trish and Baltiboy – Bharat Hain Hum on Prime Video starting 15th of October. A unique initiative, the series will introduce our next generation to the numerous heroes who played an important role in India’s freedom struggle, and give young viewers in India and across the world, a chance to explore our rich history,” said Prime Video India country director Sushant Sreeram. “We would like to congratulate the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Central Bureau of Communication, and Graphiti Studios for producing this wonderful series. We are excited to be launching the show globally – customers from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Canada and more than 100 countries will be able to watch Krish, Trish and Baltiboy – Bharat Hai Hum, on Prime Video. Showcasing local stories that celebrate Indian culture and history, was one of the key tenets outlined in the Letter of Engagement between Amazon and MIB, announced earlier this year, and we are glad to take that commitment further with this animated series.”

    Also present at the event were Prime Video country head and I & B secretary Sushant Sreeram, Netflix India senior director, general counsel, legal, Sushant Sreeram, Prasar Bharti CEO Kiran Desai, CBC director general Gaurav Diwedi and Dhirendra Ojha.

    By encapsulating the forgotten narratives of courage, resilience, and love for the motherland, this series aspires to become a symbol of remembrance and a source of inspiration for future generations. As India celebrates its independence, it is an opportunity for every citizen to pay homage to the untold sacrifices that shaped the destiny of our great nation.

  • Candy Cane Lane premieres globally on Prime Video on 1 December

    Candy Cane Lane premieres globally on Prime Video on 1 December

    Mumbai: Directed by Reginald Hudlin and written by Kelly Younger, this film is a star-studded production featuring a cast that includes Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Bell, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Nick Offerman, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Genneya Walton, Madison Thomas, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyar, D.C. Young Fly, Danielle Pinnock, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, and Stephen Tobolowsky.

    Produced by a team including Brian Grazer, Eddie Murphy, Karen Lunder, and Charisse Hewitt-Webster, with executive production by Doug Merrifield, this film promises to be a compelling and star-studded cinematic experience.

    Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. After Chris (Eddie Murphy) inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf named Pepper (Jillian Bell) to better his chances of winning, she casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and wreaks havoc on the whole town. At the risk of ruining the holidays for his family, Chris, his wife Carol (Tracee Ellis Ross), and their three children must race against the clock to break Pepper’s spell, battle deviously magical characters, and save Christmas for everyone.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Prime Video (@primevideo)

     

  • Lionsgate Play to release Oscar-nominated ‘Minari’ on 13 October

    Lionsgate Play to release Oscar-nominated ‘Minari’ on 13 October

    Mumbai: They say blood is thicker than water! Academy Award nominee Lee Isaac Chung’s Minari is the perfect example of this, showcasing the true spirit of family and love. The Steven Yeun and Yeri Han starrer is a family drama that tells the story of a Korean family that has moved to the Ozarks and faces the challenges of living in a new environment, testing the family’s bond. Will this family rely on their trust in one another and persevere? Find out as Lionsgate Play is set to release Minari on the 13 October.

    Talking about the essence of the film, director Lee Isaac Chung said, “For me, the film comes down on the side of hoping for the best in each other. The thing I most wanted was to let people into this family’s world with sincerity and honesty and without judgment of anyone in it. There’s so much more drawing us together as human beings than the superficial categories we have created. For some, Minari might be a chance to see a Korean American finally telling our story, but I have found these characters mean just as much to people from Arkansas—or from New York, or anywhere. That has been one of the most moving things to me, to see how such a personal story to me can touch so many different people in meaningful ways.”

    Directed by Lee Isaac Chung and starring Steven Yeun and Re, Minari releases on Lionsgate Play this 13 October.

  • Blackstone initiates talks with Walt Disney

    Blackstone initiates talks with Walt Disney

    Mumbai: Blackstone has initiated talks with Walt Disney to assess the potential acquisition of Disney’s media operations in India, including its streaming and television businesses, according to media reports.

    Reports also said that in recent weeks, high-level leadership from both companies have engaged in several discussions. Blackstone is considering the purchase of either a partial business package, which includes assets like sports properties, media rights, and the Disney+ Hotstar streaming service, or the complete portfolio, encompassing the Star India TV network, over-the-top (OTT) services, and a 30 per cent stake in Tata Play.

    Key players in facilitating these discussions are believed to be former Disney executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, who were brought back as advisors to CEO Bob Iger in July.

    It remains unclear whether Blackstone is considering a broader global transaction or focusing solely on India. 

  • Watcho Exclusives presents the original series ‘Luck Shots’

    Watcho Exclusives presents the original series ‘Luck Shots’

    Mumbai: Watcho Exclusives, a leading OTT platform from Dish TV India Ltd, known for consistently delivering compelling content since its inception in 2019, has firmly established its presence in the entertainment landscape. With a diverse portfolio encompassing captivating series such as Aarambh, GillHarry, Explosive, The Morning Show, Manghadant, Avaidh, and Jaunpur, among others, Watcho Exclusives now presents its highly anticipated original anthology series, “Luck Shots.”

    Produced under the banner of Viral Entertainment Pvt Ltd, with Suresh Thomas and Mohit Srivastav as the producers, “Luck Shots” comprises six captivating episodes that delve into the enigmatic facets of human existence. Each episode navigates the delicate balance between good luck and bad luck, offering viewers a rollercoaster journey through life’s unpredictability. The series masterfully portrays characters experiencing highs, lows, jubilation, and contemplation, serving as a vivid reminder that life’s duality, characterized by good and bad luck, is an inseparable part of our journey. From unforeseen victories to whimsical misadventures, “Luck Shots” artfully highlights the multifaceted nature of destiny.

    The series boasts an impressive ensemble of stars, including Brijendra Kala, Kavvin Dave, Ajitesh, Priyanka Kaul, Deep Raj Rana, and Krishna Bisht to name a few.

    Dish TV India Ltd corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh said, “With Watcho Exclusives, we are committed to delivering exclusive, engaging content that truly resonates with our viewers and our second original anthology series, “Luck Shots,” is a testament to this dedication. We recognize our audience’s appetite for fresh and thought-provoking narratives, and “Luck Shots” fulfils this expectation. Believing in storytelling’s power to captivate and inspire, this series takes viewers on an exciting journey through life’s unpredictable twists, mirroring our own experiences with fortune. With each new series, we aim to present unique narratives that engage, inspire, and entertain.  We are thrilled to share this exceptional series with our viewers and remain steadfast in providing an unforgettable and compelling entertainment experience.”  

    Seasoned actor, Brijendra Kala, who plays the role of Madan Lal in one of the stories, Rasta Bandh, opened up about his work experience and shared, “It’s been an incredible ride working on ‘Luck Shots’ for Watcho Exclusives. This anthology is a refreshing take on the age-old dilemma of good and bad luck. My character’s journey in the show mirrors the ups and downs we all face in life. Just like in the real world, where we can’t always control our destiny, ‘Luck Shots’ emphasizes the importance of doing our best and letting the universe handle the rest. I’m excited for the audiences to connect with our characters and stories. Buckle up, folks; ‘Luck Shots’ is a captivating journey waiting to unfold!”

    Actor Kavvin Dave, who features in the story titled Wrong Number, expressed, “Working on ‘Luck Shots’ has been an incredible experience. This anthology series on Watcho is a thought-provoking exploration of luck and its role in our lives. My character’s journey mirrors the twists and turns we all face, and has a unique journey filled with surprises, just like the series itself. It’s a series that will make you reflect on life’s unpredictability.”  

    Delve into the intricate choices of the characters of Luck Shots, where they teeter on the edge of both good and bad luck, experiencing both simultaneously, and embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride!

    Watch “Luck Shots” on Watcho, accessible across multiple devices including Fire TV Stick, Dish SMRT Hub, D2h Magic, Android and iOS smartphones or online.

  • Crunchyroll announces merchandising and licensing partnership with Black White Orange

    Crunchyroll announces merchandising and licensing partnership with Black White Orange

    Mumbai: Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, has announced its partnership with Black White Orange, a leading brand licensing agency, to oversee and manage the licensing merchandise programs in India. This will involve the development of fresh licensing programs with new partners and across various categories.

    Crunchyroll’s platform launch event in India with stars and authentic anime fans Tiger Shroff and Rashmika Mandana earlier this year drew large crowds and excitement amongst fans, proving its increasing popularity across the country.  

    “Anime has captivated fans across India and this new partnership with BWO will allow us to better serve the local Indian anime community,” said Crunchyroll VP- global consumer products Anna Songco Adamian. “We’re looking forward to working with new partners to celebrate anime and grow the love of this dynamic artform across the nation!”

    Black White Orange will work closely with more than 35 anime titles available for streaming on Crunchyroll, including popular fan-favorite series like the comedic horror series Zom 100: Bucket List of The Dead, the classic mecha series Robotech, the beloved anime series following Vash the Stampede, the legendary gunman and pacifist, Trigun, and the romantic comedy My Dress-Up Darling, amongst others. Crunchyroll’s Associate Director Raphael Guimaraes will lead consumer products deals for India Subcontinent.

    “India stands as one of the burgeoning consumers of anime content, and this trend is on the rise, attributable to platforms like Crunchyroll and major fan events. According to a study by Rakuten Digital Commerce, anime enthusiasts in India display higher engagement levels and are inclined to spend 40% more on licensed products than the national average. Hence, we’re very confident in the success of this partnership and are super excited about collaborating with Crunchyroll to further fuel the anime love,” remarked Black White Orange Brands Pvt. Ltd. co-founder & COO Mitali Desai.

  • Lionsgate Play to premiere Jon Hamm’s Maggie Moore(s) on 20 October

    Lionsgate Play to premiere Jon Hamm’s Maggie Moore(s) on 20 October

    Mumbai: A cop, a murderer, and two Maggies! Lionsgate Play brings you a murderous mystery comedy in the form of Maggie Moore(s) that takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions. Filled with hilarity, the crime film stars the iconic Jon Hamm and Tina Fey in titular roles as they showcase the story of a double homicide. But these aren’t any ordinary homicides, for the victims bear the same name – Maggie! Is it just an expected coincidence or is there a bigger web of lies yet to be uncovered? Find out with Jon Hamm who plays detective in Maggie Moore(s), as the title is all set to stream exclusively on Lionsgate Play in India on 20 October.

    Talking about the story he wanted to tell through the script, director John Slattery said, “What struck me about Paul Bernbaum’s script was the vulnerability of everyone in the story. They’re almost all lonely, searching for some kind of emotional connection, happiness, or satisfaction, in the middle of an insane story about a double murder, which I found to be a deft balancing act. Both of these elements coexisted seamlessly. I wanted to tell this story which was so specific in character, tone, feeling, and intention, partly to see if I could execute it as specifically as it was written— try to maintain that specificity through the entire filmmaking process, given all the challenges and obstacles along the way. Keeping that feeling which moved me to do it in the first place— through casting and hiring designers, collaborators— explaining, protecting, allowing it to change—I try to come as close as I can to what I experienced when I first read it… so that hopefully the audience will do the same.”

    Directed by John Slattery and starring Jon Hamm, Maggie Moore(s) releases exclusively on Lionsgate Play this 20 October.