Category: Over The Top Services

Mumbai: Bigger, Better, Bolder- The Night Manager (Part one and two) emerges as the most watched series ever across all Hotstar Specials on Disney+ Hotstar. The biggest showdown of the year between two high-powered characters of the series – ‘The notorious arms dealer Shelly Rungta and an accidental spy Shaan Sengupta’ created an impact nationwide. 

A Hindi-language adaptation of John le Carré’s novel “The Night Manager” produced by The Ink Factory and Banijay Asia, the series is created and directed by Sandeep Modi and second director Priyanka Ghose. The series is wrapped in lavish drama, picturesque sights and features eclectic talent including Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Tillotama Shome, Saswata Chatterjee and Ravi Behl. 

Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star head – content Gaurav Banerjee said, “We are thrilled with the performance of The Night Manager; it is now the most successful show of the year on Disney+ Hotstar. Powerful performances, immense drama, and stunning production values have made the show a fan favourite. Fans were eagerly waiting for the second part of the show and we are glad that it met their expectations.”

Banijay Asia founder & CEO Deepak Dhar said, “We are elated to see the kind of response The Night Manager is receiving, worldwide – from audiences as well as the fraternity. It is a testament to the hard work put in by the writers, directors, cinematographers and all the creative and technical teams across the show and of course at Banijay Asia, Ink Factory and Disney+ Hotstar. Our only intention was to give this show our all to unleash its true potential. The year started with a bang with The Night Manager part 1, and the love only continued with part 2. It’s been great collaborating with Disney+ Hotstar on this one. It’s been one of my favorite journeys.”

Creator and director, Sandeep Modi added, “The Night Manager is a fruit of our love and labour of over three years. I am grateful to witness the fandom and appreciation it  has received amongst the audiences and the industry. The entire crew and cast has worked extremely hard to fulfil the vision I have had for the show and I am immensely proud and elated that it is the most watched series ever for Disney+ Hotstar in such a short span.”

Anil Kapoor aka Shelly Rungta said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the character of Shelly Rungta and what he brings to the table with his aura and power. We have been receiving immense appreciation from our industry friends, family and fans. Kudos to the entire team for the success of the series.”

Aditya Roy Kapur aka Shaan Sengupta said, “The Night Manager has emerged as the most-watched series on the platform and it is a big moment of happiness for all of us. The team has worked extremely hard and to see that the efforts have paid off, feels incredible. Shaan Sengupta is one character that will always be close to my heart.”

Mumbai: Master Chef India, one of the most prestigious cooking reality shows, is searching for talented individuals with a flair for cooking to participate in its upcoming season. If you have what it takes to impress our panel of expert judges with your creativity, technique, and presentation, then this is the competition for you.

Whether you are a home cook or someone who simply loves experimenting in the kitchen, Master Chef India welcomes everyone with a passion for food. So, get ready to whip up something extraordinary and make your mark in the culinary world!

To register, simply visit the Sony LIV app and fill out the application form. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this incredible journey, where you will have the chance to learn from renowned chefs, receive valuable guidance, and showcase your passion for cooking to millions of viewers.

This is not all, using the new MasterChef India filter on Instagram, you can now nominate your friends and family members who you believe have the potential to compete in the show. Post the pictures tagging them and Sony LIV! Spread the word and help us in narrowing our search for the next MasterChef!

https://www.instagram.com/ar/674656864502880 

Mumbai: Edgio, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGIO), a platform of choice for speed, security and simplicity at the edge, has announced a partnership with Vermantia, a global provider of omni-channel content solutions for gaming, and betting operators worldwide. The collaboration will support Vermantia’s custom-built, end-to-end streaming solutions for live racing, sports events, virtual sports, and number games.

As part of the partnership, Vermantia will utilise Edgio’s Uplynk solution in its channel production to significantly simplify the delivery of live events, broadcast/OTT, and free ad-supported TV (FAST) syndication, allowing customers to expand their reach while optimising resources. Powered by a secure global edge network specifically designed for the unique demands of media, Uplynk ensures an exceptional viewing experience for audiences worldwide.

“We are excited to be collaborating with Edgio. This partnership marks a significant improvement for our streaming services, as we continue to provide our valued customers with tailored content solutions and custom channels for live racing, sports events, virtual sports and number games,” said Vermantia CTO Menelaos Ladopoulos. “Through our association with Edgio, we aim to enhance our end-to-end streaming capabilities, leveraging Edgio’s unique technology. We are confident this partnership will empower us to meet the evolving needs of our clients across EMEA, shaping exceptional streaming experiences.”

With an impressive track record of handling hundreds of thousands of live events, including global sporting events, Edgio’s Uplynk solution has achieved remarkable milestones. In 2022 alone, Uplynk generated 2.4 billion event views, 3.3 billion hours of streamed video, and more than 220 million hours of advertising.

Through the partnership Vermantia will also provide its operator partners Edgio’s Application and Media portfolio, with particular emphasis on next-gen Web CDN and Edgio’s holistic web application security solutions.

“Edgio is thrilled to be developing our relationship with Vermantia and supporting them in building solutions across EMEA in the next era of streaming, where technology and business innovation will see concurrent viewing numbers surge,” said EMEA Edgio group VP Emma Whitmore.

Mumbai: JioCinema has once again broken records in the Indian streaming space, this time on the Entertainment front. After the stupendous success of the IPL, the streamer’s latest salvo is the Salman Khan-hosted Bigg Boss OTT, a digital-only version of the iconic show. The season is being telecast Live 24 hours and is available to all of India at no cost.  In a short span of just over two weeks since its launch on 17 June, Bigg Boss OTT has already gone on to become the most streamed entertainment property in India with over 400 Million (40 crore) Video Views. In what is being hailed as one of the most successful seasons ever, the show has already generated over four Bn (400 crore) minutes of Watch Time across 35 Mn (3.5 crore) Viewers. The season has already broken records for the highest weekly votes ever for a contestant, surpassing the famous Season 13. A record 150 Million+ votes have already been registered in the first two weeks.

Innovation & Interactivity have taken fandom to the next level. With options to access multi-camera feeds, 360-degree cameras, Live chats, Voting & several other unique features, audiences have lapped up the opportunity to engage at a level never seen before. Unique interactivity segments like Meme The Moment that has the quirkiest and the funniest scenes of BB OTT converted into templates for viewers to customize into memes using their own words as well as Janta Ka Vichar where BB OTT fans can send the best video question for contestants and get an opportunity for a video call with Salman Khan on Weekend Ka Vaar elevate the engagement opportunity for users and brands. 

In addition to being a massive success with viewers, the landmark IP has also earned itself a prime position among advertisers owing to its reach and unique engagement options. Besides providing unparalleled visibility and driving awareness, Bigg Boss OTT has carved a space for itself as a destination for brands to innovate, meaningfully integrate and create value for their consumers. Anchored on the popularity of the show and the  host Khan, a diverse set of brands have joined as sponsors for JioCinema’s Bigg Boss OTT. Bigg Boss OTT presented by Vimal Elaichi and powered by Too Yumm also includes other Special Partners like Vicco Vajradanti Sugar Free Paste, Paytm, Silver Coin Chakki Atta, Lenskart, Ching’s Schezwan Chutney with many more identifying opportunities to integrate. Other advertisers across categories also continue to leverage JioCinema’s ad-tech suite to drive reach and engagement for their brands. 

Bigg Boss OTT’s immense popularity and viewer loyalty continues to strengthen JioCinema’s growing dominance and category leadership. Unequivocally focused on building India’s  biggest entertainment destination, JioCinema continues to offer content that is genre-defining, strong and differentiated for viewers across India. 

Mumbai: Growing the regional content universe and enhancing its own array of regional offerings, Tata Play, one of India’s leading content distribution and Pay TV platform has announced a new platform service, Tata Play Asomiya Monoronjan in partnership with ReelDrama. The service will offer a wide selection of captivating and culturally rich Assamese content. This partnership also marks the first ever collaboration with an OTT platform to deliver content for TV audiences thereby paving way for OTT partners to explore the colossal world of linear TV viewing.

Tata Play Asomiya Monoronjan is a platform for Assamese entertainment on television, which will offer latest and popular Assamese movies, original shows, specials like mobile theaters, songs, masterclasses on acting & music along with devotional content. The content will feature Assam’s celebrated and awarded actors like Jotin Bora, Ravi Sharma, Urmila Mahanta, Barsha Rani Bishaya, Kenny Basumatary, and many more, across a wide spectrum of genres and titles like Ratnakar, Calendar, Local Kung Fu, Local Utpaat, Bornodi Bhotiai, Goru, Fisaa, Andolito Akax, Kolorob, Neul, Mitryonjoy, Ou etc. With a myriad range of movies and new original shows, the service will showcase ReelDrama’s rich content library to the linear TV viewers. Besides the engrossing lineup, this service will also showcase original shows for the first time on Indian Television along with some interesting titles that will also be aired for the first time for television audiences.

Commenting on the launch of the new value-added service, Tata Play chief commercial and content officer Pallavi Puri said, “Tata Play has had a long-standing association with ReelDrama through Binge and we are delighted to explore and strengthen this partnership further. Tata Play Asomiya Monoronjan will be showcasing Assam’s best content treasures to the TV audiences thereby paving away for and taking Assamese entertainment to a wider set of audience to relish and enjoy.”

ReelDrama director Kuheli Dasgupta said, “We are excited to be the content partner for Tataplay Asomiya Monoronjan. The objective of ReelDrama is to provide an alternative platform for talented Assamese filmmakers to showcase their craft to a larger section of Assamese- speaking viewers. The association with Tata Play will aid our effort to reach out to a wider audience, not only in Assam but also in the entire country, thereby bringing the content from Assamese entertainment industry to the mainstream cinema.”

Subscribers can view Tata Play Asomiya Monoronjan on 1955 for Rs 45 per month. This service will be home to fresh, original, family entertainment content with premiere marquee titles to choose from, without any ad breaks.

Tata Play Asomiya Monoronjan is a part of Tata Play’s range of 40+ entertainment and infotainment value-added services suitable across age groups. Tata Play Value Added Services have been providing content across genres like Entertainment, Kids, Learn, Regional, Devotion etc, that ensures every viewer is entertained throughout without any dearth of choices.

Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most-loved entertainment destination, today released the latest session of Maitri: Female First Collective, hosting its maiden discussion in Chennai. Launched last year, the collective is an endeavour to create a safe space where women from the Indian media and entertainment industry can come together to discuss their experiences, challenges and successes, and offer their perspective on bringing about a positive shift.

The session featured eight eminent women from India’s various entertainment industries, ranging from award-winning prolific actors who have worked across languages like Malavika Mohanan, Aishwarya Rajesh and Madhoo, to women who have left an indelible mark behind the camera, like creator, writer, showrunner & producer Reshma Ghatala, writer & director Swathi Raghuraaman, and cinematographer Yamini Yagnamurthy, in addition to Aparna Purohit, creator – Maitri & head of India Originals, Prime Video, and Smriti Kiran, creator and curator of Maitri & founder, Polka Dots LightBox.

Sharing personal anecdotes, the participants discussed the existing gender dynamics in the film industry, the challenges faced by female professionals, including stereotyping, colourism, ageism, and much more. Surprisingly, the women noted how the issues were similar irrespective of whether they worked in front of the camera or behind it, or whether they worked in production or corporate roles. The core discussion also touched upon the true essence of feminism and empowerment, what gender-equality really means for the trailblazers gathered in the room.  An interesting insight that was shared by all was that true equality can be achieved when the industry stops tagging a particular role, a narrative or a job as woman-oriented or male-oriented. The group as a whole agreed that age-old conditioning often restricts the personal and professional growth potential of women, and can be changed only if it is internalized in one’s home and social environment.

The interaction also highlighted the critical role that streaming was playing in improving female representation, creating new opportunities for actors, regardless of their age, body size, or skin colour, and for creators to tell all kinds of unique stories.

“Equitable representation opens up a new world for young girls to draw inspiration from, making it all the more important to have women in positions of influence, where they can provide a platform for newer voices and open up doors for more women,” said Maitri creator & Prime Video head of India Originals Aparna Purohit. “However, we know that change is a gradual process. It is, therefore, important for us to continue having these discussions across the country, and we are thrilled to have hosted our first session in Chennai. Even though it is only a year old, Maitri has managed to drive change in the right direction. It is heartening to see people having a conversation about diversity, equity and inclusion when writing or planning their projects.”

Speaking about the need to have such conversations frequently, Maitri creator & curator of and Polka Dots LightBox founder Smriti Kiran said, “There is an undeniable need for spaces where women can voice their stories without any fear. Creating an environment that allows women to share their experiences without judgement is the first step in enabling any change, whether it is in the industry or society. This is precisely why we have to keep the conversation going relentlessly. Thrilled that Maitri is in Chennai today, tomorrow it will be in another part of India. We will continue to connect women across sections and states through conversation and collaboration.”

Prime Video is deeply committed towards promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within its content and productions, as well as with its partners in the creative community. With Maitri: Female First Collective, Prime Video aims to raise awareness of the pivotal role women play within the entertainment industry.

Mumbai: Amazon Music is set to captivate music lovers this Prime Day with the launch of three new playlists, exclusive artist videos and podcasts. Celebrating diverse musical genres, Amazon Music introduces the playlists Rap Flow, Top Tucker, and Aaho! that embodies diverse flavors of Indian music and caters to the varied preferences of customers across the nation and worldwide. These new playlists include top trending & chart-topping songs that offer an unparalleled listening experience.

Rap Flow, the flagship Indian Hip-Hop playlist, pays homage to the country’s most beloved Rap and Hip-Hop artists. This meticulously curated collection showcases trending releases, rap tracks and highlights the talent of some of the most loved artists such as King, Srushti Tawade, Raftaar,Brodha V, MC Stan and many more.

Top Tucker, its first-ever Tamil Global Playlist. This exclusive playlist serves as a musical destination for exploring the local to global genres of Tamil music, featuring the chartbusters and trending hits of all time. Renowned composers A. R. Rahman, Anirudh Ravichander, blockbuster star Sivakarthikeyan and many other iconic figures will be the face of this captivating playlist.

Punjabi music aficionados can indulge in Aaho! the Punjabi playlist, which offers an exquisite curation of new and popular Punjabi music, including acclaimed artists like Harrdy Sandhu, Sunanda Sharma, AP Dhillon, Diljit Dosanjh, and Shubh.

This Prime Day, Amazon Music also premieres the award-winning series The Walk In, started by Amazon Music US where fans get an in-depth and exclusive tour of their favorite artists iconic wardrobes and has featured the likes of Katy Perry, Meghan Trainor, Lil Nas and more. The India version of this Webby-nominated series is hosted by Sushant Divgikar a.k.a Rani Ko-HE-Nur featuring artists like King, Harrdy Sandhu & Sunanda Sharma. The show will premiere on the Amazon Music app exclusively for Prime members giving them a never-seen-before sneak peek into the wardrobes as well as the musical journeys of these fan favourite artists. Also launching a special hip-hop content series called Line by Line where Indian Hip-Hop artists talk about their most famous/ viral song lyrics. This series by Amazon Music begins with one of the most promising and trending artists of Indian Hip Hop, Srushti Tawade.

Podcasts listeners will also enjoy a two week exclusive access to explore a collection of podcasts from producer Pratilipi, including popular shows Leela, Road No 12, Hypnosis, Pyaar Ya Takraar and many more, covering a variety of genres like romance, thriller, and horror.  

“We are delighted to unveil these captivating playlists, artist videos & podcasts as part of our Prime Day celebration. At Amazon Music, our mission is to curate extraordinary experiences for our listeners, enabling them to explore and connect with their beloved songs and artists. Committed to delivering an unmatched streaming experience, Amazon Music caters to delight audio fans across genres and languages”, said Mamta Saraf, Director Amazon Music India.

Amazon Music has also enhanced the user experience for Android customers. The app is now available in more than 9 languages, including Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, and English. With this expanded language support, users can effortlessly navigate the app in their preferred language, making it more accessible and personalized.

Amazon Prime Music continues to redefine the music streaming experience, offering a vast library of over 100 million songs, over 15 million Podcasts episodes, across 20 languages, all available on-demand, ad-free with unlimited downloads. Amazon Music is also offering Rs 150 cashback on Amazon.in to Prime members who stream their first music or podcast on the Amazon Music App and shop during Prime day T&C Apply.

This Prime Day discovers joy with Amazon Music and creates unforgettable audio experiences  all included with  your Amazon Prime membership yearly fee of Rs. 1499. To access the vibrant world of music, new playlists and podcasts, visit www.amazon.in/music/prime and unlock a world of limitless entertainment.

“I’m delighted to be featured in on Rap Flow, a thrilling playlist that celebrates the dynamic artistry of Indian Hip-Hop. It’s truly exciting to be a part of a platform that recognizes and embraces the essence of Indian rap and hip-hop music. Being among some of the industry’s finest artists is a pleasure. Rap Flow revolutionizes the Indian rap scene by offering a space to discover trending releases and connect with this thriving genre. I’m grateful to the platform for amplifying our voices and contributing to this exciting time for Indian rap,” said rapper King.

“As an artist, I’m thrilled to be part of Aaho!, the Global Punjabi playlist. It’s a pleasure to have my songs featured alongside talented Punjabi artists, and I’m excited for listeners to groove to our beats and melodies. Punjabi music carries a captivating energy and charm that resonates globally. Aaho! captures the essence of this genre, taking listeners on a musical journey through the vibrant flavors of Punjab. Come join me on this musical adventure and let’s dance to the beats of Punjab,” expressed singer Harrdy Sandhu.

Mumbai: Humans of Bombay (HOB), India’s largest storytelling platform is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new YouTube talk show ‘The Humans of Bombay Show’. The show will feature unique, inspirational, relatable and real-life experiences of individuals from all walks of life across the country. The first episode of the show went live at 7 pm on 5 July  (Wednesday). The HOB talk show features Karishma Mehta (founder of HOB) as the host and will embark on a heartfelt mission to capture the essence of every individual’s journey by bringing real people to the forefront.

There is no narrative more powerful than the human story! And, storytelling has been the raison d’etre of Humans of Bombay since its inception. Realising that these magnificent stories deserve a larger canvas, HOB, through this YouTube show, intends to expand further its vision of telling raw and real-life stories of people from all sections of Indian society. The show will also focus on much-talked-about concepts, professions and various categories like metaphysical phenomena, life in defence forces,  sex education and much more. The talk show promises to hold interviews with everyday people as it unravels the profound stories of these everyday heroes that stir the soul through genuine, intimate and freewheeling conversations.

Humans of Bombay founder Karishma Mehta said, “From inspiring stories of women empowerment to powerful stories of love and loss, The Humans of Bombay Show is thought-provoking, inspiring, and full of the human spirit. We are bringing real stories of Heros from across India, stories that will inspire the audience and help us connect on a deeper level”.

For instance, the show will feature the life story of an unwanted girl child who went on to study and represent India at Harvard; it will also bring to focus a powerful story of a single mom who had a child out of wedlock in India and many such intriguing anecdotes of struggles, failures, and complexities in every episode while retaining the realness. Apart from that, the show will also talk about how these people still decided to trudge down the road less taken by fighting every challenge and breaking societal taboos, to emerge stronger.

‘The Humans of Bombay Show’ not only seeks to break down societal barriers and make conversations about these issues more accessible and relatable to a broader audience but also enlightens the viewers by giving them a chance to imbibe valuable lessons from the experiences of these ordinary people.  Moreover, it also motivates the audience to take action and make a positive impact in their communities while also creating empathy and understanding. However, for the HOB Show, the journey has just begun. Many more stories are still waiting to be unearthed—those of ordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives. So, tune in to the HOB YouTube channel, where stories ignite emotions and touch your very core.

Mumbai: IndiaPlays, a leading online gaming platform announces the addition to its senior leadership team – Ami Palan has been appointed as the head of marketing & strategy, while Yash Thakkar takes on the role of head of sales.

Palan, with prior experience as a brand and content strategist at PlayerzPot Media Pvt Ltd, brings a wealth of expertise in strategic brand solutions and go-to-market strategies. In her new role, she will lead IndiaPlays’ brand strategy and campaign initiatives, with a primary focus on establishing and strengthening the brand’s presence in the rapidly evolving online gaming landscape

Thakkar brings over eight years of experience and strategic acumen to his role as the head of sales at IndiaPlays. Having worked as a deputy relationship manager at Kotak Mahindra Prime Limited and sales manager at Capital First Limited, Thakkar’s leadership skills will be instrumental in effectively managing sales teams and driving business growth for IndiaPlays.

Commenting on her appointment, Palan said, “I am delighted to assume the leadership of IndiaPlays’ marketing and strategy department, as we embark on an exhilarating journey in the dynamic online gaming industry. My goal is to establish a formidable brand presence, foster deep connections with our Poker, Rummy, and Fantasy sports players, and propel the company’s growth to unprecedented heights. I eagerly look forward to working alongside talented individuals, fostering a culture of innovation, and steering the company’s growth trajectory towards new horizons.”

Commenting on his appointment, Thakkar said, “I am ecstatic to join IndiaPlays and lead the sales team. With my extensive experience and honed skills, I am eagerly poised to propel our business growth and solidify IndiaPlays’ remarkable position within the ever-evolving and vibrant online gaming industry. I am genuinely excited about the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead, and I am confident that together, we will achieve remarkable success and establish IndiaPlays as a true powerhouse in the gaming world.”

IndiaPlays COO Aaditya Shah expressed great enthusiasm about Ami and Yash joining the team, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Ami and Yash to the IndiaPlays team. Their exceptional backgrounds in marketing, strategy, and sales make them valuable assets as we strive to become a prominent name in the online gaming industry. With their profound experience, we are confident that they will play integral roles in shaping our path to success..”

These key appointments highlight IndiaPlays’ dedication to attracting top talent and reinforcing its position as a key player in the online gaming industry.

Mumbai: 93.5 RED FM, India’s leading private radio and entertainment network is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Eastern Command of the Indian Army to commemorate Vijay Diwas with a grand celebration titled “Guts and Glory – Salute 71.” This event aims to pay tribute to the historic victory of the 1971 war and honour the brave soldiers who made it possible.

As part of this unique initiative, Red FM will captivate its audience on-air with narrations of intriguing war stories that depict the valiant efforts of the Indian armed forces during the 1971 war. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn about the heroic deeds of our soldiers, their unwavering spirit, and the sacrifices they made to ensure our nation’s victory. Red FM will also collate all stories as episodes under a podcast, which will be available on various audio streaming platforms.

In addition, “Guts and Glory – Salute 71” will recognise and award the heroic soldiers along with citizens of North East India, who displayed exceptional courage and dedication during the triumphant war.

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Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, said “I am delighted to know that Red FM has taken the initiative to narrate stories of valour and courage of our soldiers who fought in the 1971 war. In our vision to salute the bravery of the heroes, we are delighted to present to you Guts & Glory – Salute 71, as part of this year’s Vijay Diwas Celebration. We are hopeful to present a deeper insight into the triumphant moment of Indian history.”

RED FM and Magic FM director & COO Nisha Narayanan said, “On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, we are elated to be joining hands with the Eastern Command of the Indian Army to honour the lives of the 1971 war veterans. Our army men live through times that are unimaginable to us. The sacrifice of our veterans is truly unfathomable but as a brand, we are looking forward to commending the valour of the keepers of our nation. The Guts & Glory – Salute 71 initiative will also recognize the unsung heroes who walk amongst us as common citizens. We are hopeful that these stories will enrich us with empathy and esteem for the gallant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

The initiative will be rolled out in 12 East-Indian stations namely, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Asansol, Siliguri, Agartala, Patna, Muzzafarpur, Jamshedpur, Guwahati, Shillong, Aizwal, and Gangtok. Tune in to 93.5 RED FM to listen to these stories.