ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Kuku TV transforms India’s OTT space with vertical microdrama boom

    Kuku TV transforms India’s OTT space with vertical microdrama boom

    MUMBAI: India’s digital entertainment landscape just got a bold new entrant—Kuku TV. The country’s first vertical OTT platform has officially launched, redefining storytelling with serialised microdramas tailored for today’s mobile-first audience. Designed to be fast, engaging, and binge-worthy, Kuku TV is here to disrupt the streaming game with high-intensity, cliffhanger-driven episodes.

    With over five million downloads during its beta phase, Kuku TV is scaling rapidly, proving that Indian audiences are ready for a new era of content consumption. The platform delivers short episodic stories in a vertical format, optimised for smartphones—each episode lasting under two minutes, with series spanning over 50+ episodes.

    If you thought long-form drama was the only way to hook audiences, Kuku TV is here to prove otherwise.

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    According to an Ericsson study, 57 per cent of global video plays come from mobile devices, with 94 per cent of users holding their phones vertically. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of Indian users consume short-form vertical videos daily, yet the OTT space had no dedicated premium platform to cater to this demand—until now.

    Kuku co-founder & COO Vinod Kumar Meena shared, “Traditional OTTs are stuck in an era where TV-sized screens were the norm. India’s audience has moved on—they’re watching content on their smartphones, in vertical mode, and in short bursts. With Kuku TV, we’re not just launching a streaming platform; we’re pioneering an entirely new way of storytelling. Given our experience with Kuku FM, where we scaled to 4.5 million paying subscribers, we understand what works for personalised content consumption, and we’re applying those learnings to video streaming.”

    Nearly 95 per cent of India’s creative talent remains undiscovered due to outdated distribution models. Kuku TV is bridging this gap by offering a direct-to-consumer channel for independent filmmakers, writers, and production houses to monetise their work and connect with millions of viewers. The platform is already collaborating with directors and producers to develop original microdramas and acquire rights to underrepresented films.

    Unlike traditional OTT platforms that rely on ad-based models, Kuku TV operates on a pure subscription model:

    . Annual subscription: Rs 899

    . Quarterly subscription: Rs 399

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    India already has 500 million plus OTT users and 100 million plus active paid subscriptions (Ormax Report). With over 900 million internet users in the country and 150 million already paying for content, the next digital shift is inevitable. As India surpasses the one billion internet user mark, the number of paid content subscribers is expected to reach 500 million, with 300 million potential users for vertical microdramas.

    Say hello to the future of vertical entertainment. By merging short-form content with compelling storytelling, it creates an immersive, binge-worthy experience designed for the new-age mobile viewer. With fresh content dropping every day, including one regional Indian microdrama daily, Kuku TV ensures a dynamic library spanning genres like Action, Bollywood, Sci-Fi, and Mythology.

    For filmmakers, investors, and creators looking to be part of this storytelling revolution, Kuku TV is now accepting applications for collaborations.

    Download Now:

    . Android: Google Play Store

    . iOS: Apple App Store

  • Time to call off the witch hunt against Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia

    Time to call off the witch hunt against Samay Raina and Ranveer Allahbadia

    MUMBAI: The digital landscape has erupted in a cacophony of outrage, leaving millions of young Indians wondering if innocent raunchy entertainment now comes with a risk of persecution. At the centre of this storm stands Samay Raina, whose wildly successful show India’s Got Latent has been forced into an abrupt shutdown.

    Until last week, Raina represented a new breed of digital success stories. His show didn’t just entertain; it democratised talent discovery, giving unknowns a platform while matching production values of mainstream television. It created moments of pure joy – from visually impaired comics finding their audience to small-town contestants walking away with life-changing prize money.

    Then came that fateful episode. When Beer Biceps (Ranveer Allahbadia) posed a controversial question copied from a US show, the ensuing backlash spiralled into a tsunami of moral outrage. Now, more than a dozen FIRs later, including one from Mumbai’s Cyber Crime unit, both creators stand chastened, with Raina taking the extreme step of scrubbing his show from the internet entirely.

    But let’s pause and ask: Does the punishment fit the crime? 

    Have we become a society so brittle that a single misjudged question warrants destroying careers and erasing content that brought joy to millions?

    Are we so insecure about our cultural foundations that every transgression must be met with scorched-earth tactics?

    Our culture has weathered and withstood centuries of actual invasions and emerged stronger. 

    Yet today, we’re clutching at moral straws, letting politicians and sensation-hungry media outlets whip up hysteria over a YouTube show. 

    Both Raina and Allahbadia have apologised and faced public shame. 

    The show is gone. 

    The message has been sent.

    It’s time for this digital witch hunt to end. 

    Our politicians and media might better serve society by turning their attention to actual issues plaguing our constituencies.

    The young creators have learned their lesson. Let’s not destroy the very platforms that give voice to India’s emerging talent in our rush to appear righteous.

  • Punjabi OTT Chaupal is Kiwi borne with Prime

    Punjabi OTT Chaupal is Kiwi borne with Prime

    MUMBAI: Chaupal OTT, the Punjabi streaming service, has expanded its reach by launching on Amazon Prime Video Channels in New Zealand. Prime members in New Zealand can now access Chaupal’s content library, including Punjabi movies, web series, and short films, as an add-on subscription through Prime Video.The price: NZ $5.99 a month. 

    The launch marks Chaupal’s continued international expansion and strengthens its partnership with Amazon’s streaming platform. The service offers viewers access to its original content alongside a curated selection of Punjabi entertainment.

    This development follows collaboration between the Chaupal and Amazon teams to bring the regional streaming service to New Zealand audiences, further expanding the availability of Punjabi content in international markets.

     

  • Archita Jasani joins Jojo app as VP – strategic growth & partnerships

    Archita Jasani joins Jojo app as VP – strategic growth & partnerships

    MUMBAI: In a major move within the OTT industry, Archita Jasani has been appointed as vice president – strategic growth & partnerships at Jojo App, a leading platform dedicated to premium Gujarati content. Known for her expertise in media, content strategy, and OTT growth, Jasani brings her vast industry experience to help steer Jojo App toward a dynamic and expansive future.

    Expressing her excitement, Jasani stated via Linkedin, “Jojo OTT App is reshaping the entertainment landscape for the Gujarati-speaking community, and I am thrilled to be part of this journey. The opportunity to collaborate with such a talented team and contribute to making Gujarati content more accessible, engaging, and globally relevant is truly inspiring.”

    With Jasani’s appointment, the company aims to further drive strategic expansion, forge impactful partnerships, and explore innovative opportunities to elevate the platform’s offerings and reach a broader global audience. She also aims to collaborate with industry leaders, content creators, and partners to build a platform that fosters a deep appreciation for Gujarati culture and storytelling.

    Jasani’s career is a rollercoaster of media milestones. She kicked off in 2003 at Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance before diving headfirst into the world of entertainment. From Hungama, Times Group, and Eros Now, she mastered strategy, distribution, and partnerships with a knack for innovation.

    At V Hunt Digital Media, she put Chana Jor OTT on the Gen Z map, ensuring their binge needs were met. Now, with 20+ years of experience, she’s got the strategy, the vision, and the hustle to push Jojo App into uncharted success.

    As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, Jasani extended her gratitude, saying, “Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. Here’s to new beginnings and exciting times ahead!”

  • Netflix nets YouTube exec Lori Conkling

    Netflix nets YouTube exec Lori Conkling

    MUMBAI: Her golden mane and tough no-nonsense negotiation style has given her quite a reputation amongst syndication and licensing folks, And  Lori Conkling has  now been appointed as head of film and TV licensing at Netflix. Based in Los Angeles, she will oversee acquisition for television and film content in the United States.

    She moves from YouTube where she spent nearly six years, most recently as global head of TV, film and sports partnerships. Prior to YouTube, she held senior roles at Google, where she led media company partnerships and YouTube TV initiatives.

    Lori brings extensive media experience, having previously served as executive vice-president of strategy and business development at NBCUniversal, executive vice-president of distribution at A+E Networks, and vice-president at Disney and ESPN Media Networks.

  • Amazon MX Player takes viewers on a global ride with Yatra

    Amazon MX Player takes viewers on a global ride with Yatra

    MUMBAI: Buckle up, folks! Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has dropped a brand-new brand film featuring none other than Indian cinema’s original Bhidu, Jackie Shroff. And this time, he isn’t just making a style statement-he’s effortlessly navigating through travel hiccups with Yatra Online Ltd (Yatra.com), all while making sure that audiences never run out of world-class entertainment.

    The film puts MX Vdesi front and centre, shining a spotlight on its international content library, brimming with Korean, Turkish, and Mandarin shows-all dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good K-drama meltdown with subtitles that don’t make you second-guess life choices?

    In true Shroff style, the film hilariously showcases how Yatra ensures a seamless travel experience at unbeatable prices. But here’s the real twist-while Shroff guarantees his fellow travellers a hassle-free trip, he also lets them in on an even bigger treat: Amazon MX Player. That’s right! Whether it’s binge-worthy K-dramas, Mandarin thrillers, or laugh-out-loud comedies, MX Player makes sure no flight delay or layover is ever boring again.

    The brand film takes another entertaining turn when Shroff teams up with Duolingo—because what’s a trip abroad without a language barrier disaster? In one scene, Shroff finds himself in a restaurant struggling with a menu that might as well be ancient Greek. Luckily, Duo, the iconic green owl, swoops in to save the day. But Shroff being Shroff, he doesn’t stop there. He cleverly points out that learning new languages not only helps with ordering exotic dishes but also enhances the experience of watching Turkish and Korean dramas. And for those who still mix up “hello” and “goodbye” in different languages, MX Player’s got it covered with Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs.

    Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed excitement about the collaboration, “At Amazon MX Player, we are always looking for innovative ways to engage our audience, and collaborating with brands to communicate our message using quirky, fun brand films. Partnering with Yatra and Duolingo allows us to blend entertainment with utility, making streaming even more engaging. We look forward to more such creative collaborations that bring fresh, entertaining content to our users for absolutely free.”

    Yatra whole-time director & CEO Dhruv Shringi added, “We are thrilled to have joined forces with Amazon MX Player on this innovative and engaging campaign. We believe that travel should be seamless, enjoyable, and memorable, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with that vision. With Jackie Shroff bringing his inimitable charm to this campaign, it’s a testament to the power of creative collaborations in delivering a complete and enjoyable experience to our customers.”

    So whether you’re planning a trip, stuck at an airport, or just chilling at home, Amazon MX Player and Yatra have got you covered-with Shroff ensuring you travel in style and binge like a boss.

  • Why legal professional Kiran Desai swears by Netflix

    Why legal professional Kiran Desai swears by Netflix

    MUMBAI: From being a partner in a successful law firm to taking up employment  in a global corporation can sound strange to some –  but not to Kiran Desai. The legal professional-turned-entrepreneur founded and led Desai & Partners,  a prominent law firm specialising in media, entertainment, intellectual property, and sports law in 2007. Over a 12-year tenure, he built a thriving practice, representing high-profile clients in a rapidly evolving digital media landscape. 

    Then Netflix came knocking in 2019, as he explained in a note on linkedin in 2020: “When I was offered a position at Netflix, I saw an opportunity to be a part of a rapidly growing organisation that could veritably build and help influence the manner in which entertainment is consumed in India. I took a leap of faith and decided to join Netflix. 

    “To leave a law firm which I had founded and built over the better part of my professional career was a difficult decision, fraught with emotion. It was tough explaining to my colleagues and clients that I was moving on and needed to do so for my own personal development. While I had many doubts, one thing I was sure of was self-belief, stemming from the years of experience I had gathered as an entrepreneur, having seen both, success and failure. I was willing to start all over again, without fear of the unknown. While few could confidently predict the future trajectory of this fast-paced industry at the time, by joining the team at Netflix, I believed I would be standing at the leading edge of it. Now, a little over a year later, I can confidently say that it was the right decision.”
    Kiran Desai with colleaguesHe joined Netflix in July 2019 as director – business & legal affairs. Nearly six years later in February 2025, Kiran  was promoted to the role of vice president – India general counsel, from senior director – India general counsel.  

    Over this period, Desai has played a pivotal role in Netflix’s legal strategy in India, helping the company navigate complex regulatory landscapes, forge critical content deals, and support the company’s expansion in a highly competitive market.

    As India remains a key growth territory for Netflix, Desai’s promotion signals a continued commitment to strengthening operations and compliance frameworks in the region.  

    Desai holds an LLM  from Georgetown University Law Center, where he focused on intellectual property, antitrust, and international environmental law, as well as an LLB  and BCom from the University of Mumbai. He actively participated in leadership roles during his academic years, including serving as general secretary of the sports council at the University of Mumbai. His earlier legal roles include serving as counsel at the chambers of senior advocate Shyam Divan and as an associate at DSK Legal.

    Reflecting on his journey with Netflix, Desai said, “Joining Netflix was a leap of faith after years of running my own practice. The company’s culture, built on the values of freedom with responsibility, context over control, and open feedback, has been transformative both personally and professionally. Working here has not only made me a better lawyer but also a better person.”

    Desai highlighted the importance of Netflix’s unique working culture, where employees are empowered to make independent decisions while being supported with extensive contextual information. “The open feedback culture initially felt unfamiliar but has become one of the most impactful aspects of my professional growth,” he added.

    Going by Desai’s admissions, the Netflix culture, which Ted Sarandos and team have built is not just a folklore of books written to make it attractive  for talent to join, it is  reality. Even in India. 

    Desai’s  leadership has been instrumental in supporting Netflix’s ambitious content strategy in India, fostering legal frameworks that enable creative freedom while ensuring regulatory compliance.

    As Desai steps into his new role, Netflix continues to fortify its position as a leader in India’s rapidly growing streaming market, which has seen intensified competition alongside shifting consumer behaviours and expanding internet accessibility.

  • Hungama Digital Media rebrands as Hungama OTT for a bigger, bolder future

    Hungama Digital Media rebrands as Hungama OTT for a bigger, bolder future

    MUMBAI: Was Hungama fashionably late to the OTT party, or are they about to crash it in style? With competitors already miles ahead, it’s time to see what game-changing surprises they have in store.

    In a move that screams bigger, better, and bolder, Hungama Digital Media has rebranded its flagship Hungama app as Hungama OTT. This strategic transformation marks a major step in Hungama’s mission to create an all-in-one entertainment powerhouse, bringing together originals, blockbuster films, music, podcasts, and more under one digital roof.

    Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms—Hungama OTT offers an extensive premium content library, featuring binge-worthy Hungama originals, chart-topping music videos, Hollywood and Indian cinema blockbusters, and a treasure trove of podcasts and audiobooks. With an impressive collection of regional and international content, Hungama OTT promises something for every kind of entertainment lover.

    Since its inception, Hungama has been a trailblazer in digital entertainment, constantly evolving to keep up with user preferences and technological advancements. This rebranding reaffirms its commitment to making entertainment effortlessly accessible, ensuring that users always have something exciting to watch, listen to, or groove to.

    Movie buffs can explore 5,000+ films in English, Hindi, and regional languages, while short-film enthusiasts get access to 1,500+ critically acclaimed short films. The platform also boasts 7,500+ hours of kids’ and television content, along with 150,000+ short-format videos covering music, film gossip, humour, and spirituality.

    Hungama OTT is not just an update—it’s an entertainment glow-up of epic proportions. With a fresh identity and a content universe that keeps expanding faster than your watchlist, Hungama is redefining digital entertainment, offering users a dynamic, immersive, and endlessly binge-worthy experience.

  • Sony LIV’s divyang special spotlights unique visionaries

    Sony LIV’s divyang special spotlights unique visionaries

    MUMBAI : Sony LIV is pushing boundaries with Gateway to Shark Tank – divyang special, a unique edition of Shark Tank India that champions innovation and entrepreneurship among specially abled individuals and those striving to empower them. This special episode isn’t just about business—it’s about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and celebrating the bold ideas that drive inclusive progress.

    This special initiative highlights groundbreaking ideas and inclusive solutions, with the backing of Adani Airports director Jeet Adani who also oversees the Adani group’s defence, petrochemicals, and copper businesses while spearheading the group’s digital transformation.

    Entries for Gateway to Shark Tank – divyang special are open until 15 February 2025, after which shortlisted pitches will be featured in an exclusive episode. Through this initiative, Shark Tank India and Jeet Adani aim to mentor and support entrepreneurs driving disability-inclusive innovation, promoting accessibility and progress.

    Commenting on the initiative, Sony LIV head of ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla, stated: “Shark Tank India has always been a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. We are committed to inclusivity, supporting specially abled entrepreneurs and businesses catering to their empowerment. It is heartening to see established leaders like Jeet Adani supporting this cause, amplifying its impact and reach.”

    Adani Airports director Jeet Adani, added: “There is immense potential to create disruptive solutions in this space. We need more passionate innovators addressing the challenges faced by specially abled individuals. I am excited to partner with Shark Tank India to support entrepreneurs and drive meaningful change.”

  • Swati Sapna elevated as director for unscripted & docs at Netflix India

    Swati Sapna elevated as director for unscripted & docs at Netflix India

    MUMBAI: Swati Sapna, a seasoned content and strategy expert, has been moved upstairs as director for unscripted and documentaries at Neflix India. She will  also continue as commissioning executive  for south original series at the streamer.

     “In this role, I’ll be leading content and strategy for all unscripted and documentaries,” she said.

    Having joined Netflix in 2020, she previously served as manager for unscripted and south originals, contributing to acclaimed projects such as Vir Das: Landing, The Romantics, The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, and The Hunt for Veerappan. Her work on Vir Das: Landing earned international recognition with an International Emmy nomination.

    Prior to Netflix, Sapna held leadership roles at Viacom18, BBC Studios, and Wizcraft International, contributing to major television properties including Bigg Boss, Filmfare Awards, and IIFA Awards. She has also worked as an assistant director on the National Award-winning Tamil film Pithamagan.

    An alumna of Sophia Polytechnic and Stella Maris College, Sapna has made  Mumbai her  home for over two decades, but she says “the small-town girl in me has kept me rooted with a firm hold on the pulse of audiences. The immense amount of learning, collaboration, faith and support I have experienced from my colleagues and partners in the five  years in Netflix  has been overwhelming! And I hope to achieve new milestones and embark on more exciting journeys together as the dream team 🙂  I believe that effective communication, empathy and empowerment are key pillars to build a successful team.”