Category: Over The Top Services

  • News9 Plus special investigation reveals shockingly high lead contamination in vegetables from Yamuna Floodplains

    News9 Plus special investigation reveals shockingly high lead contamination in vegetables from Yamuna Floodplains

    Mumbai:  News9 Plus, the world’s first and only news OTT platform, has conducted an in-depth investigation to uncover alarming levels of lead contamination in vegetables sourced from the Yamuna floodplains. The story, which is now available exclusively on the News9 Plus OTT platform, raises serious concerns about the health risks associated with the consumption of these toxic vegetables, particularly for children.

    The Yamuna River, spanning 52 kilometres in Delhi, houses a highly polluted stretch of 22 kilometres, extending from the Wazirabad barrage to the Kalindi Kunj barrage. Local farmers cultivate vegetables on these floodplains, utilising the Yamuna water for irrigation. Unfortunately, this practice has led to the vegetables becoming laden with toxins, including lead, a slow poison. These vegetables could make their way from the toxic floodplains to the kitchens.

    Following the ground-breaking story ‘White Froth, Black Truth’, which the team uncovered in 2022, that shed light on the alarming pollution levels in the Yamuna River, News9 Plus took a step further by conducting an extensive investigation to assess the impact of this pollution on the lives of over one crore people residing in the vicinity.

    To delve deeper into the subject, Nivriti Mohan of News9 Plus, the journalist uncovering the reality of the food on our plate, along with experts collected vegetable samples from the Yamuna floodplains as well as local markets and subjected them to rigorous lab testing for heavy metal contamination.

    Speaking about the tests conducted at Delhi Test House, Suman Jha, the Quality Manager, highlighted the concerning results, stating, “Disturbingly, a significant 23% of the samples tested revealed shockingly high levels of lead (Pb) contamination, surpassing the permissible limit of 2.5mg/kg set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. In certain cases, the concentration of lead was found to be four times higher than the approved limit.”

    Disturbingly, 66 per cent of the samples with high lead contamination originated from two locations on the Yamuna floodplains: Yamuna Bank Khadar and Sarai Kale Khan. Additionally, 34 per cent of the failed samples were obtained from local markets, all of which comprised green leafy vegetables. This suggests that due to their perishable nature, locally grown vegetables from the floodplains are being supplied to the local markets without the requisite scrutiny.

    The investigation features ground reportage and expert analysis by environmentalists, scientists, medical health experts, and researchers. Contributors include Chandra Bhushan, President and CEO of iForest, Diwan Singh, an Environment and Yamuna Activist, Dr. CS Seth, Assistant Professor at the Department of Botany, DU, Piyush Mohapatra, Sr. Programme Coordinator at Toxics Link, Dr Rahul Bhargava, Haematologist at Fortis Hospital Gurugram, Dr Sonia Lal Gupta, Neurologist at Metro Group of Hospitals, Dr Ajit Saxena, Paediatrician, and Dr Anshuman Kumar, Chief Cancer Surgeon at Dharmashila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.

    The perspectives of local vendors and farmers have also been included in the analysis. The investigation has sought input from institutions like The Energy and Resources Institute to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

    The implications of this contamination are grave, especially for children who are most vulnerable to lead poisoning. Paediatricians and neurologists emphasise the potential long-term consequences, such as impaired cognitive skills, stunted growth, and even seizures or coma in extreme cases. Lead exposure in adults can lead to behavioural changes, lethargy, fatigue, memory issues, and more serious health problems, including various cancers.

    Going forward, the investigation also offers a few solutions as suggested by these experts.

    The alarming findings of the News9 Plus special investigation serve as a wake-up call for authorities, farmers, and consumers alike to take urgent action to safeguard public health and ensure the availability of uncontaminated vegetables in the market.

  • JioCinema’s Asur 2 becomes the top-rated Indian show on IMDb globally

    JioCinema’s Asur 2 becomes the top-rated Indian show on IMDb globally

    Mumbai: JioCinema’s much-awaited crime thriller, Asur 2, has become a nationwide phenomenon, captivating audiences with its enthralling fusion of mythology and forensic science. This distinctive combination has become the show’s signature, setting Asur apart as a truly unique and powerful crime thriller. The riveting series has created history, becoming India’s biggest-ever series within just three weeks of its release on JioCinema. It is also now the most popular Indian show as per IMDb worldwide ratings (ranked 50 across the globe).  

    The show which bowed down to the audiences’ demand and released all its balance episodes in one go on 3 June (as against its daily episode plan), has delivered the scale and pace of viewership that has yet to be seen in the Indian streaming landscape. With a staggering nearly three crore viewers and close to 300 crore minutes of Watch Time in just over two weeks, Asur 2 is well and truly on its way to setting a record that will take some getting to.

    The first season of Asur garnered a devoted fan base, thanks to its gripping storyline and outstanding performances by Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti. The show expertly weaved together the mysteries of mythology and the enthralling realities of forensic science, creating an irresistible combination that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Now, in its highly anticipated second season, Asur has exceeded all expectations, taking the mesmerizing narrative to new heights. Fans are spellbound by the show’s compelling storyline, which unfolds with precision and keeps them hooked right till the very end.

    Asur 2 has captured the hearts of fans and viewers across India, solidifying its position as a top-rated web series. Audiences are captivated by the show’s legendary signature track, spine-chilling lyrics, and soulful beats, as they embark on a journey through the mystical ghats of Benaras and witness the powerful portrayals by the talented ensemble cast, featuring Ridhi Dogra, Anupriya Goenka, Amey Wagh, Meiyang Chang, Abhishek Chauhan, and Gaurav Arora.

    Arshad Warsi, reprising his role as the popular and much-loved forensic expert, Dhananjay Rajpoot, shared his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the new season “I always knew Asur was an exceptional show. I am glad that today, everyone mirrors the same feeling! With the kind of fandom this show has created, we’re glad this season could take the excitement to new heights. For me, the hero of the show has always been the gripping and fast-paced storytelling.  I am not surprised but yes, grateful that this one-of-kind- crime thriller is now ranked as the most popular show from India!”.

    Barun Sobti also shared his thoughts on the show’s stupendous success, “I don’t think anything could have prepared us for this kind of fandom and critical acclaim for Asur 2. Despite a 3-year hiatus, the reaction to the trailer itself was absolutely phenomenal! From recreating the show’s iconic dialogues and themes to the incessant demand to be able to binge-watch the show in one go – the fandom for this show is unprecedented compared to any OTT web series. The outpouring of love continues and only grows every single day and now with IMDb ranking it as India’s most popular show, we can safely say, Asur 2 has only started its journey of creating new benchmarks in cinematic excellence!”

    Adding to the fandom of Asur 2, Mumbai Police shared a quirky Asur-inspired social media post to generate awareness amongst citizens.

  • JioCinema to stream the inaugural Global Chess League

    JioCinema to stream the inaugural Global Chess League

    Mumbai: The Global Chess League, a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, today announced JioCinema as the OTT partner for the inaugural edition. From 22 June 2023, onwards, all the matches of the league being held in Dubai will be streamed LIVE on the platform.

    As part of JioCinema’s commitment to helping the Global Chess League reach a wider audience, the league will be streamed free to all viewers.

    Viacom18 – sports head of strategy, partnerships & acquisitions Hursh Shrivastava, said, “We are excited to be a part of the chess revolution that the Global Chess League will bring about. Through JioCinema, we will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for chess fans while also helping the sport grow its fan base. We are looking forward to a successful partnership with the league”.

    The annual league will feature a unique mixed-team format wherein, each of the six franchises will play a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match being decided in a best-of-six board scoring system played simultaneously. The top two teams will compete for the Global Chess League Championship title on July 2nd, 2023.

    Global Chess League Board chairperson Jagdish Mitra said, “One of the league’s core objectives is to promote and popularise chess worldwide. With JioCinema, we have the ideal partner for bringing the league closer to the audience. We are confident that the league will reach new heights as the world’s most-watched and engaging chess league. We look forward to a successful collaboration with JioCinema in setting new standards for fan engagement”.

    The league will also set the standards for technological innovations in the sport of chess as Tech Mahindra and FIDE will explore innovative ways to promote the game through interactive technology-enabled platforms by leveraging next-generation technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality, among others.

     

  • aha unveils the trailer of “Arthamainda Arun Kumar”

    aha unveils the trailer of “Arthamainda Arun Kumar”

    Mumbai: aha, India’s no.1 local OTT platform, unveils the highly anticipated trailer of “Arthamainda Arun Kumar,” a captivating web series that delves into the transformative journey of Arun Kumar amidst the challenges of the corporate ladder. This thought-provoking and relatable narrative promises to resonate with viewers from all walks of life, offering valuable insights into love, loss, and the pursuit of finding one’s own space is all set to release on 30 June on aha.

    Produced by Arré Studio and Laughing Cow Productions, “Arthamainda Arun Kumar” brings together a talented ensemble cast, including the gifted performers Harshith Reddy, Ananya Sharma, and Tejaswi Madivada, who breathe life into the characters and add depth to their journeys in the corporate landscape. As an official remake of Arré Studio’s acclaimed “Official Chukyagiri,” this adaptation introduces fresh perspectives to corporate drama.

    Actor Priyadarshi, the special guest of the trailer launch event, shared, “I am thrilled to be part of the trailer launch for aha original web series ‘Arthamainda Arun Kumar.’ It’s an exciting project that delves into the complexities of the corporate world. The series offers a fresh perspective on the challenges and aspirations of individuals in the corporate landscape. I’m confident the trailer will captivate the audience and leave them eager to experience the full series.”

    aha content and non-subs revenue head Vaasudev Koppineni spoke about the series and shared his excitement, stating, ” In ‘Arthamainda Arun Kumar,’ we explore the complex nature of experiences within the corporate milieu. It is a story of growth, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of dreams seen through the eyes of a lovable character like Arun Kumar. With its universal themes and relatable characters, this series will strike a chord with the audience and inspire them to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.”

    Arré Studio co-founder and COO Niyati Merchant said, “We’re very excited to see one of our favorite shows Official Chukyagiri be re-born as Arthamainda Arun Kumar in Telugu, a show which has seen immense love from viewers across three seasons. Remakes are truly reflective of the strength of the story & characters and it’s very encouraging to see our content find audiences in new languages. We’re very happy to find a great collaboration in aha & Laughing Cow Productions that have brought new life to this franchise.”

    The trailer offers a tantalising glimpse into Arun Kumar’s transformation as he navigates the complexities of the corporate realm, driven by ambition and confronted with personal challenges. It sets the stage for an immersive viewing experience, inviting audiences to embark on an unforgettable exploration of self-realisation and triumph.

    With its commitment to delivering diverse and high-quality content, aha continues to redefine the digital entertainment landscape. “Arthamainda Arun Kumar” is a testament to aha’s mission of offering exceptional Telugu entertainment that resonates with viewers, showcasing the brand’s dedication to engaging storytelling and thought-provoking narratives.

    Prepare to witness the captivating “Arthamainda Arun Kumar” journey exclusively on aha. As the series unfolds, viewers will be enthralled by its compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and profound messages.

  • World’s first News OTT extends its content offerings with News9 Plus Lounge, redefining lifestyle programming

    World’s first News OTT extends its content offerings with News9 Plus Lounge, redefining lifestyle programming

    Mumbai: News9 Plus, the world’s first news OTT promoted by TV9 Network, has diversified beyond news and current affairs with the launch of News9 Plus Lounge. This dynamic addition further enriches the platform’s content bouquet, offering a diverse range of lifestyle content, including travel, fashion, food, adventure, and more.

    Elaborating on the vision behind the inception of the new content extension, TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das said, “Lounge is of strategic importance for brands to partner with News9 Plus. I feel that advertising in the traditional form will seize to exist as you always have the luxury of exploring millions of options at the tip of your finger. In a world of ‘skip-ad,’ advertising will pivot to storytelling via content. Hence advertisers and brand owners will have to ensure their brand communication is sticky as well for the audience in the digital ecosystem. Hence advertising in the digital world will also have to be ‘content’ which is where News9 Plus Lounge fits in.”

    “News9 Plus Lounge infuses freshness into our existing content library to seek out the YOLO (You only live once) culture among the youth and the more mature audiences together. Lounge captures the aspirations of the upwardly mobile with compelling content that pushes them to live life to the fullest,” Barun added.

    The Lounge section currently features a variety of intriguing series, including ‘Make the Cut,’ ‘Route to Food,’ ‘Connoisseur Conversations,’ ‘Smart New World,’ and ‘Postcards from Goa’.

    Brands like Postcard Hotels and Hamdard have already come on board and forged lasting content partnerships.

    Hamdard Laboratories chief sales & marketing officer Mansoor Ali, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with News9 Plus. He said, “We are thrilled to be associated with News9 Plus, the news OTT platform of TV9 Network, and their sensational cooking show, ‘Filmy Masala’. The integration of our flagship spice brand Khaalis with the delightful recipes and Bollywood magic on the show is a perfect match. Our curated range of blended spices will offer consumers an authentic and traditional culinary experience they have been longing for. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to engaging with our discerning consumers, and News9 Plus proves to be the ideal platform to showcase the essence of brand Khaalis.”

    Sharing his experience on the show ‘Connoisseur Conversations,’ Whisky Samba founder & restaurateur Ashish Kapur, expressed his delight, stating, “Being a part of ‘Connoisseur Conversations’ has been a fantastic and joyful experience. From ideation to execution, it has been a pure joyride. And the participation of fabulous Women Connoisseurs added the cherry on the top. It felt surreal as it was the kind of show I personally enjoy watching, and here I was, right in the midst of it all!”

    Bacardi India marketing director Zeenah Vilcassim, expressed her excitement about being featured in an episode of ‘Connoisseur Conversations’ on News9 Plus Lounge, stating, “I am delighted to be a part of the talk show ‘Connoisseur Conversations,’ which caters to the new-age Indian consumer’s penchant for experimentation and premium drinking experiences. The show’s combination of informative content, interactive games, and entertaining elements offers the perfect blend of education and entertainment for discerning Indian audiences.”

    Arpita Chatterjee, who leads TV9 Network’s production powerhouse – The Studio9, shared her insights on the captivating content being produced by her team. She said, “Make the Cut serves as a comprehensive guide to corporate style, providing actionable advice on attire, accessories, and personal grooming. While Connoisseur Conversations combines the art of conversations with the charm of cheer, featuring captivating discussions with social celebrities and epicurean adventures that tantalise taste buds and expand spirits expertise.”

  • Superstar singers become Mirchi RJs on World Music Day

    Superstar singers become Mirchi RJs on World Music Day

    Mumbai: Mirchi, India’s no.1 city-centric music and entertainment company, is thrilled to announce its grand celebration of World Music Day. To commemorate this special occasion and its longstanding association with music, Mirchi presents an extraordinary lineup of renowned artists from the music fraternity who will take over their radio network. With the aim of offering a unique and immersive experience to its listeners, Mirchi invited Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sukhwinder Singh, and Harshdeep Kaur to don the hat of a radio host for the entire day. The show will be aired across 44 Hindi-speaking stations.

    Throughout the day, there will be multiple segments, each hosted by these artists as RJs, where listeners will get to experience riveting conversations, personal anecdotes, and the melodious voices of these talented individuals. As it’s World Music Day, all the artists will reveal that special moment in their life when they realised that music was their true calling. Besides this, they will engage with Mirchi listeners, share exclusive backstories of their hit tracks, sing unplugged tracks and much more.

    Kicking off World Music Day with the right beats, the morning spot will be hosted by superstar singer Sonu Nigam from 7 am to 12 pm, warmly greeting Mirchi listeners. Sonu Nigam will delight the audience by sharing his personal favourite musical instruments and even revealing his secret to beating morning traffic. Additionally, he will make a special call to a friend from the music industry and serenade listeners with some of his popular tunes. Following the morning slot, the afternoon slot from 12 pm to 4 pm will be hosted by the melodious Harshdeep Kaur. She will take listeners on a captivating journey of her musical career, sharing stories and anecdotes along the way. Taking the reins from 4 pm to 8 pm is the powerhouse of talent, Sunidhi Chauhan, who will uplift the evening mood. Listeners can tune in to catch exclusive and never-before-heard excerpts from Sunidhi’s personal and professional life. She will also have a jam session with her music fraternity friends and share intriguing on-stage and in-recording studio conversations. Bringing the celebrations to a memorable close is everyone’s favourite, Sukhwinder Singh, who will present the late evening show starting from 8 pm onwards. He will treat the listeners to a captivating music performance alongside his talented team of musicians, culminating in a perfect grand finale for this radio takeover on World Music Day.

    Commenting on this ENIL, Mirchi national content director Vishaal Sethia said, “Back in the day, while roaming the streets, the captivating voices of the likes of Sonu Nigam and Sunidhi Chauhan on the radio used to work like glucose for my energy levels. Their voices have that effect. On this World Music Day, Mirchi’s aim is to provide the same energy to our cherished listeners – our favourite performers, albeit in a different avatar – as RJs. Mirchi has tried to constantly bring the best in music and entertainment and we hope, once again, to create an unforgettable experience for our listeners and inspire them with the transformative power of music over their friendly radio.”

    Talking about this collaboration Sonu Nigam said, “Mirchi is family and I’m glad to join forces with Mirchi ka Musical Hijack to celebrate World Music Day. My whole existence is Music. I am nothing without music. So on this World Music Day it’s interesting to fill in for Mirchi Jeeturaaj as a morning jock. Listeners can be assured of a day filled with laughter, soulful melodies, and a whole lot of fun as we celebrate the power of music together!”

    Sunidhi Chauhan said, “Mirchi has always been at the forefront of empowering artists and promoting music.  I’m happy to be a part of Mirchi’s Musical Hijack to celebrate World Music Day and become an RJ for the day. This is a new experience for me and I am really looking forward to having a great time”

    Listeners can tune in to Mirchi 98.3 FM on 21 June and be a part of this unparalleled celebration of music. That’s not it! If you missed it, catch this star-studded radio takeover exclusively on the Mirchi Plus app, website and YouTube.

     

  • Get ready for a spooky experience with Rusk Media’s ‘Pret Boys’; streaming only on Amazon miniTV

    Get ready for a spooky experience with Rusk Media’s ‘Pret Boys’; streaming only on Amazon miniTV

    Mumbai: Rusk Media – a full-stack Gen Z-first digital entertainment company, has announced the launch of its highly-anticipated show ‘Pret Boys’, exclusively on Amazon miniTV. Premiering on 21 June, this horror-comedy series will take viewers on a thrilling, hilarious adventure as a group of youngsters runs a ghost-busting start-up only to find themselves trapped in an unending nightmare.

    Speaking on the release of Pret Boys, Rusk Media CEO Mayank Yadav said, “As a company, we are driven by our passion for storytelling and our commitment to delivering high-quality content for young audiences. ‘Pret Boys’ is a unique story that blends laughs and scares in a way that would resonate with genZ sensibilities. We’re confident that this show will redefine entertainment for the adventurous spirits of the youth.”

    ‘Pret Boys’ follows the misadventures of three Gen Z misfits: Prem (played by Ritik Ghanshani), Tatsat (played by Ahan Nirban) and Rajat (played by Shardul Pandit). The trio sets up Pretboys.com – an unconventional start-up dedicated to capturing and busting ghosts. Prem hails from a lineage of tantric practitioners, Tatsat is a passionate paranormal research enthusiast and Rajat is the business-savvy brain behind the operation.

    Their lives take an unexpected turn when they encounter Eisha (played by Aanchal Munjal) – a vulnerable yet quick-witted girl with the ability to see ghosts. As the four team up to tackle various supernatural spirits, they unwittingly cross paths with UN_KRA – a malevolent force of darkness. Eisha’s connection to this sinister realm puts her and those close to the girl in grave danger. Can the Pret Boys rescue her from this trap? A high-voltage showdown unfolds as they confront UN_KRA, resulting in a shocking twist that leaves them as real ‘Prets’ with souls separated from their bodies.

    ‘Pret Boys’ promises to deliver an exhilarating viewing experience that seamlessly blends thrills and shrill laughter. The series showcases the talents of Shardul Pandit, Aanchal Munjal, Ritik Ghanshani and Ahan Nirban, who bring quintessential charm to their respective roles. With 10 gripping episodes, ‘Pret Boys’ will keep audiences hooked from start to finish. The show is helmed by director Nisheeth N Neelkanth.

    Talking about the OTT debut and his character, Pandit said, “So this is my first venture in the world of OTT and I was very excited to play a comedy character because I have done very intense roles on television in the past, but this was a project which was a complete comedy. The director sat me down and explained to me the character and expressed that Rajat was his favourite character from the show and the lines they were writing were best suited for me and convinced me to do Rajat. Throughout the show we kept improvising on our dialogues which made it a lot of fun.”

    Munjal said, “It was a wonderful experience working with people that were equally involved in making the show with great enthusiasm and the fact that everyone portrayed their role correctly & beautifully. Here’s hoping the audience loves watching it as much as we loved working on it.”

  • Red FM’s Red Indies Radio Festival returns on World Music Day 2023

    Red FM’s Red Indies Radio Festival returns on World Music Day 2023

    Mumbai: 93.5 RED FM, India’s leading private radio and entertainment network is excited to announce the third season of Red Indies Radio Festival 2023 – the biggest celebration of indie music on radio. Under the theme of Sounds of India, this unique celebration will bring together talented independent artists from India to showcase their incredible music. Listeners can experience the musical extravaganza from the 19 to 24 June on-air.

    Red FM has curated a lineup of exceptional Indian independent artists, representing various genres and different states of India. From folk to electronic to indie rock and hip-hop, Red Indies Radio Festival will offer a diverse experience for every music enthusiast. Moreover, star celebrities such as Ammy Virk, Jubin Nautiyal, Raghu Dixit, Raftaar, King, Langa Maanganyaar, Taba Chake, and more. will talk about their journeys during the week-long celebration.

    Speaking on this announcement, RED FM, and Magic FM director & COO Nisha Narayanan stated “Red FM has been observing the radio festival for the last three years. The purpose has been multifold, to promote and encourage independent artists and music for its cookie-cutter and experimental appeal and also to give listeners a chance to discover fresh music. This festival is a testament to the incredible talent and diversity found within the independent music scene and our commitment to take the talent a notch higher.”

    This World Music Day, Red FM pledges to craft a captivating and immersive experience for all music enthusiasts.

  • Tecno SCS BGMI records 30 million total viewership with 131,000 CCV

    Tecno SCS BGMI records 30 million total viewership with 131,000 CCV

    Mumbai: India’s esports tournament for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) since the game’s return last month, the Tecno Skyesports Champions Series (SCS) has ended with eye-watering viewership numbers. The 10-day tournament amassed a total viewership of 30 million across YouTube and Loco, with an impressive peak concurrent watching (CCV) of 131,000. 

    Blind Esports were standout performers in the Tecno SCS. The team has been absolutely dominant in the BGMI esports scene and this tournament was no exception. Headlined by Rudra “Spower,” who was also the MVP of the tournament, the team put up a dominant performance to finish in first place, far ahead of the second-place Team Soul. 

    Blind Esports’ Spower said, “I am very happy with this team. We will continue to give our best, all five of us will. We will of course try our best to win upcoming tournaments. Even in this event, we did a lot of mistakes and despite that were able to have a lead maintained. To our fans, keep believing in Blind”.

    Team Soul was another team who impressed in the Tecno SCS Finals. After placing 13 in the group stage, they completely turned their fortunes around in the Grand Finals with a much more consistent outing to finish in second place. 

    Blind Esports will pocket Rs 12,00,000 of the Rs 25,00,000 prize pool while Team Soul will get Rs 6,00,000. 

    Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are extremely delighted with the overwhelming response and record-breaking viewership of the Tecno Skyesports Champions Series. I would like to express my appreciation to all the participating teams, the fans, and the support from our partners, AMD, Flipkart, Zebronics, and broadcasting partner Loco, which has been instrumental in making the Tecno SCS a grand success. We at Skyesports look forward to bringing more tournaments for the BGMI community in the future”.

    The Skyesports Champions Series was the first major esports tournament for the game since its return last month. The top 24 teams in the country competed for the title. Now, the top teams of the Tecno SCS will be felicitated in a grand on-ground award ceremony in Bangalore on 27 Aug 2023. 

    The Tecno Skyesports Champions Series was powered by AMD with Flipkart as the ‘co-powered’ sponsor. Zebronics was the peripherals partner and Loco was the broadcasting partner for the BGMI esports event. 

  • Catch Lance Reddick’s final standout role in John Wick: Chapter 4

    Catch Lance Reddick’s final standout role in John Wick: Chapter 4

    Mumbai: Every great friendship has an even greater beginning. Such was the case for the amazing late Lance Reddick and veteran actor Ian McShane. From their very first interaction, as funny as it may be, their friendship seemed inevitable and it served to be a memorable one. Lance always had an interesting dynamic with Ian, much like Charon has with Winston, resulting in spectacular on-screen and off-screen chemistry between the two. With John Wick: Chapter 4 gearing up for its digital premiere on 23 June exclusively on Lionsgate Play, what better way to pay tribute to an icon than honoring him and his amazing friendships through his own words!

    Talking about his friendship and working with Ian McShane, Lance Reddick said, “It’s so funny because the first time I ever met Ian was in the scene at the end of John Wick: Chapter 2. So I’ve been a fan but I’d never met him before. As a matter of fact, when I first met Ian, I was being very weird because I was kind of tongue-tied and he was just – ‘Hey man how are you doing’,  and I was like – ‘Oh, uh, huh?’,  and he was looking at me like – ‘what’s the matter with you, are you okay?’ (laughs) That’s really when we became friends.”

    Speaking about his onscreen chemistry with Ian, Lance said, “One of the things that’s so interesting about that relationship is it feels so close from the first film, particularly Charon, it seems like he’s calling the manager every other scene, but you don’t really see them together until the very end of the second film. We didn’t really have any scenes together until the third film, but the way the relationship plays out in the third film, it almost informs what happened before in the first two films, so you get a sense that they’ve been together for many, many, many years, probably even before the continental.”