ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Vibhu Agarwal’s Atrangii ropes in Rajesh Tripathi as content head 

    Vibhu Agarwal’s Atrangii ropes in Rajesh Tripathi as content head 

    UMBAI: The musical chairs game in the television industry continues. With Nivedita Basu opting out of Atrangii and joining Dangal, it was time to bring in someone else at the Vibhu Agarwal-owned Atrangii app. 

    So it has. 

    Agarwal  has recruited writer, producer and show runner Rajesh Tripathi as its head of content. Prior to joining Atrangii, Rajesh has worked as a producer for shows like Savdhan India, Mauka-e-Vardaat, Kaccha Papad Pakka Papad, Naagvadhu – Ek zehreeli Kahaani,  Crime & confession Season-3. He is known for his involvement in iconic thrillers and horror shows such as Shhh…Phir Koi Hai, Adalat, and Savdhaan India.

    With core strengths in crime, thriller, and horror, Rajesh has worked as script consultant and show runner for a leading entertainment channel like Star TV.

    With Rajesh Tripathi at the helm of content creation, Atrangii aims to elevate its storytelling capabilities, particularly in genres that resonate deeply with audiences, says a company press release..   

    Said Atrangi founder & CEO Vibhu Agarwal:  “Rajesh Tripathi’s appointment marks a significant step in our journey to redefine content excellence. His experience, creativity, and leadership will play a pivotal role in driving our vision for Atrangii forward.”

    Added Rajesh Tripathi: “I am genuinely excited to join the Atrangii family and collaborate with a team that is deeply committed to creating unique and impactful stories. Storytelling, for me, is about forging connections with people, and Atrangii’s vision resonates perfectly with my passion for meaningful narratives. I look forward to this journey of creativity and crafting content that not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression on hearts and minds.”
     
     

  • Fast platform RunnTV attracts investment from South Africa’s media conglomerate eMedia

    Fast platform RunnTV attracts investment from South Africa’s media conglomerate eMedia

    MUMBAI: In the fast evolving world of television today, partnering is the way to go. That’s the belief of the Runn Media Lab-owned free ad-supported television (Fast)-based content streaming platform RunnTV. Founded by Manish Sinha, the company announced a strategic partnership with south African media group and broadcaster eMedia Investments on 29 November As part of this partnership, eMedia has also made a strategic investment in RunnTV.  The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

    The partnership and investment will enable both companies to combine expertise and resources across media and technology, catalysing their growth across the digital streaming landscape both in India and in the overseas markets.

    RunnTV is a new-age streaming platform offering its users free, entertainment across genres while providing advertisers a premium, brand-safe space to effectively reach their target audiences. Launched in November 2023, it is targeting the emerging and high growth Fast market in India and beyond through mobile and connected devices.

    “eMedia joining us as a partner and a strategic investor presents exciting new opportunities for RunnTV.The partnership will fuel a robust and sustainable growth, technology and product innovation, expanded content offerings, and expansion to new markets,” says RunnTV founder & CEO Manish Sinha. “We look forward to this partnership to reshape digital entertainment, not only in India but across the globe.”

    eMedia is a Rand 3.1 billion (Rs 1,450-odd crore) turnover media conglomerate in South Africa having businesses in television and radio broadcasting, OTT streaming, content production, and properties and facilities. eMedia holds owns multiple marquee media brands including eTV, eNCA, eVOD, Openview,  Cape Town Film Studios and YFM.

    Through this collaboration, eMedia will not only further strengthen its already strong digital portfolio but will also leverage Runn Media Labs’ media technology and RunnTV platform to expand its digital business to other international markets including India.

    “We are very excited to invest in and partner with RunnTV and join forces on this exciting journey,” says Khalik Sherrif, CEO at eMedia. “RunnTV team has built a strong technology that powers its Fast platform and has an exciting and promising roadmap. We look forward to working closely with the talented team at RunnTV to shape the future of media and entertainment together.” 

    Shall we raise a toast to the new beginnings?

  • SonyLiv’s & Indian Magic Eye’s Lampan triumphs at IFFI 2024

    SonyLiv’s & Indian Magic Eye’s Lampan triumphs at IFFI 2024

    MUMBAI: There were five of them in contention, but Marathi series Lampan finally bagged the best OTT series award (we at Indiantelevision.com refuse to use the term web series for reasons best known to all) at the International Film Festival of India in Goa on 28 November 2024. Produced by Shrirang Godbole and Hrishikesh Deshpande of Indian Magic Eye, the series airs on SonyLiv.

    The best series award was received by the jubilant team of Lampan including a beaming SonyLiv programming commissioner and head of content Saugata Muherjee, Shrirang Godbole, and its cast and crew.  The award also entails a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh which is to be shared between the producers and SonyLiv.

    A jury consisting of Madhur Bhandarkar, Krishna Hebbale, Harish Shankar and Rupali Ganguly went through a difficult process of adjudicating the winner amongst the five finalists which included: Kotta Factory (TVF, Netflix), Kaala Paani (Posham Pa Pictures, Netflix), Ayali (Estrella Stories, Zee5), Jubliee (Andolan Films with Reliance and Phantom Studios, Amazon Prime Video).

    However, Lampan (set in rural India)  which  explores the emotional and social struggles of a young boy navigating his identity within the complex dynamics of his community came out on top for its remarkable storytelling, high production values, and exceptional performances.

    The series directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari is  based on stories written by Prakash Narayan Sant. It stars Chandrakant Kulkarni, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Mihir Godbole, Kadambari Kadam, Pushkaraj Chirputkar and  Avani Bhave. The writer of the show is Chinmay Kelkar. 
     

  • Crunchyroll brings epic anime experience to Comic-Con Delhi with Rana Daggubati

    Crunchyroll brings epic anime experience to Comic-Con Delhi with Rana Daggubati

    Mumbai: Delhi anime fans, brace yourselves! From  6 to 8 December, Crunchyroll brings an unparalleled anime extravaganza to Delhi Comic Con 2024. Dive into the vibrant anime world with the Solo Leveling Dome—an immersive experience that brings Sung Jinwoo’s journey to life. And the highlight? Superstar Rana Daggubati, the voice behind Barca in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, will be joining the action.

    That’s not all—Crunchyroll hosts two special fan screenings of the highly anticipated Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- movie in Mumbai and Delhi. Here’s what’s in store for anime fans at Crunchyroll Booth at Delhi Comic Con and the exclusive fan screening!

    Step Inside the Solo Leveling Dome: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking world of Solo Leveling with a one-of-a-kind experience inside the iconic dome. Get a sneak peek of stunning scenes from the series in a fully immersive setup that’ll give you chills (the good kind)! Solo Leveling fans also have the opportunity to pose for a memorable Polaroid photo to take home.

    Barca meets Delhi as Rana Daggubati joins the Fun: Meet Rana Daggubati, the voice of Barca, the powerful ice elf boss from Solo Leveling. He will be there to meet fans! Catch him at the booth and on the main stage as he shares his experience voicing Barca and his excitement about diving into the anime universe.

    Anime Trivia Madness: Think you know your anime? Prove it! Trivia sessions at the booth and main stage will test your knowledge with fun and challenging questions. Winners walk away with exclusive Crunchyroll goodies—don’t miss your chance to snag some swag!

    Epic Anime Collectibles Await You! Get your hands on exclusive fan giveaways at the Crunchyroll booth, including Crunchyroll-branded swag bags, One Piece collector cards for all the pirate lovers, Solo Leveling trading cards to bring the adventure home, and Dragon Ball Daima fan cards to celebrate the Saiyan legacy.

    Special fan screening of Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- in Mumbai and Delhi: Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment are hosting two special fan screenings of Solo Leveling -ReAwakening-, the thrilling omnibus film that recaps the first season and previews the first two episodes of the eagerly awaited second season. Mumbai anime fans can catch the movie on the 4th of December, and Delhi fans can catch a special screening with an exclusive fan greeting with Rana Daggubati on December 6. To be a part of the screenings, fans can find out more details here.

  • Streambox Media unveils Dor India’s first subscription-based TV service

    Streambox Media unveils Dor India’s first subscription-based TV service

    MUMBAI: Gone are the days of debating over iOS and Android or boasting about who owned the fastest gadget. The era of squabbles about which TV brand—LG, Xiaomi, or Samsung—rules the market is fading into nostalgia. Buying a television back then felt like assembling a puzzle: first, the TV itself, then a dish connection for channels, followed by an OTT device to smarten it up. And even then, you were stuck playing detective—Googling endlessly to figure out which platform hosted your favorite show, live match, or breaking news.

    But now, the tide has turned. The clutter and confusion of old-school television are making way for an extraordinary transformation. As the sun sets on fragmented entertainment, a bold new dawn emerges in the Indian living room. Welcome Dor—the future of home entertainment that combines everything you need into one seamless subscription experience. It’s not just a TV; it’s a revolution. Or so claims the company behind it. 

    Streambox Media, a leading media-tech venture founded by cable TV industry and distribution vetera Anuj Gandhi and backed by Micromax Informatics, Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath, and Stride Ventures, has launched Dor—India’s first subscription-based television service. Designed to revolutionise home entertainment as claimed by the company, Dor integrates a high-performance 4K QLED TV with over 24 premium OTT platforms, 300+ live channels, gaming, news, and more into a single, affordable subscription model.

    Dor is set to debut in India via Flipkart on 1 December 2024, with plans for expansion to other platforms and offline distribution channels. This innovative TV-as-a-service model eliminates fragmented content navigation across devices, offering users a seamless, unified experience powered by India’s indigenously developed Dor TV OS.

    Micromax Informatics co-founder, Rahul Sharma emphasised the shift in consumer preferences, “The home entertainment landscape is witnessing a tectonic shift with the rise of subscription and leasing models. Younger audiences prioritise flexibility and value over ownership. With Dor, we are introducing a market disruptor that addresses these evolving preferences while showcasing India’s capabilities in developing future-ready technology.”

    Streambox Media, COO, Romil Ramgarhia added, “Dor democratises premium entertainment by making advanced technology accessible to Indian households. Our innovative approach significantly reduces costs by 50-60 per cent, consolidating the expense of smart TVs and content services.”

    Indiantelevision.com Sreeyom Sil got into an exclusive conversation with Anuj Gandhi  on the sidelines of a press conference in Mumbai to announce Dor and Streambox’s launch. He shed light on how Dor is setting new benchmarks for connected TVs in India. Excerpts from the interview: 

    * What differentiates Streambox’s Dor service from others in the market?
    The key difference is simplicity: everything should be plug and play. Why should I worry about subscriptions, when my payments are due? It should be as convenient as possible in one single shop. And that’s what we have endeavored to do here. 

    Then, fragmented services and high upfront costs deter many households from adopting connected TVs. Dor’s subscription model integrates cutting-edge AI, content platforms, and hyper-personalised recommendations to deliver an unmatched value proposition  with an immersive experience. With its integrated Dor OS, users can enjoy a seamless interface consolidating OTT platforms, live channels, and on-demand content. 

    Dor’s subscription model offers unparalleled flexibility and cost-efficiency. Consumers can own a 43-inch 4K QLED TV with Dolby Audio and solar-powered remote for an upfront activation fee of Rs 10,799, including the first month’s subscription. Post the initial month, the subscription costs Rs 799 per month for 12 months, after which customers can customise their packages. 

    The subscription includes access to platforms like Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Sony Liv, and many more, with a single sign-on and AI-driven personalised recommendations simplifying the entertainment experience. Larger 55-inch and 65-inch TV variants are set to launch in early 2025, expanding options for Indian households.

    With its integrated Dor OS, users can enjoy a seamless interface consolidating OTT platforms, live channels, and on-demand content. A four-year warranty and regular software upgrades every quarter are on offer with which Dor aims to make a real difference in how India consumes entertainment.

    * What specific challenges in content discovery does Dor address, and how does it enhance the user experience compared to existing software?
    Dor takes content discovery beyond the siloed limitations of individual apps. Our intuitive AI and large language models power a seamless search experience across multiple platforms. Dor personalises recommendations based on user preferences, ensuring a richer and more tailored viewing journey.

    Anuj Gandhi quote

    *  How does Dor use advanced machine learning for personalised recommendations and ensure diversity in content?
    Personalisation is at the core of Dor. We analyse individual preferences—language, genre, or favorite actors—and adapt recommendations in real-time. For example, if you select action movies but increasingly watch romantic films, our system dynamically adjusts your homepage to prioritise romantic content.

    * How does Dor aggregate content from OTT platforms and live channels, and what partnerships have been instrumental?
    We’ve secured partnerships with over 24 OTT platforms and various linear television providers, especially in the free-to-air (FTA) category. These long-term deals ensure a comprehensive content catalog, enabling us to deliver unmatched variety to users.

    * With a growing emphasis on data privacy, how does Dor ensure user data is protected?
    Data security is paramount. We comply with all data protection laws in India and employ robust security measures to prevent breaches. Sensitive user information, such as installation addresses and phone numbers, is safeguarded through strict privacy policies and best practices.

    *  How is Streamworks Media capitalising on India’s growing connected TV market, and what role does Dor play?
    We aim to democratise connected TV with competitive pricing and an intuitive OS like Dor. By addressing the needs of a growing audience, we plan to secure a dominant market share in this burgeoning ecosystem.

    *  What inspired you to venture into the media-tech space, and where do you see Streambox Media and Dor in five years?
    Simplicity and accessibility inspired me. Our goal is to make content discovery and consumption effortless. Within five years, we envision Dor holding a double-digit global market share, solidifying its place as a leader in the entertainment OS market.

    With Dor, Streambox Media and Micromax Informatics have not just launched a product—they’ve unveiled a statement of technological prowess and national pride. Proudly ‘Made in India’, the launch resonates deeply with the Indian spirit of innovation and ambition. It’s not just a device; it’s a symbol of India’s leap into the global tech arena. The moment leaves one awestruck, tingling with pride, and breathlessly waiting for what’s next in this revolutionary saga.

  • Dish TV India offers creators and filmmakers Watcho Stories Conclave

    Dish TV India offers creators and filmmakers Watcho Stories Conclave

    MUMBAI:  Film makers and creators watch out, Watcho is coming your way. Dish TV India’s OTT aggregation platform has launched the Watcho Storytellers Conclave,  an innovative platform dedicated to empowering filmmakers and content creators across India. The  initiative addresses the need for a level playing field for film makers and content creators, also, creating and opening up new avenues for both emerging and established talent to connect with audiences and share their unique narratives., says a press release issued by Dish TV India.

    Watcho is being positioned as a game-changer for emerging filmmakers and creators, offering numerous benefits with even more breakthrough features and opportunities to come. On offer is the 10 million plus household  audience available through Watcho and Dish TV, along with promotional opportunities across multiple channels for maximum visibility and impact. For viewers, the platform promises a carefully curated selection of diverse content that enriches their experience with fresh, hand-picked programming, making quality entertainment accessible to all.

    To commemorate the launch, Watcho organized a  Watcho Storyteller Conclave in Kolkata featuring filmmakers and creators, including Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, Prasun Chatterjee, and Indranil Roy Chowdhury. The event included three sessions, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the content creation landscape, while also expressing enthusiasm for the possibilities that the platform will bring to the industry.

    Said Prosenjit Chatterjee: “DishTV  Watcho is a game-changer for emerging filmmakers and creators. It levels the playing field, making it easier than ever to share your vision with the world. It’s going to be a one-stop hub where creativity meets opportunity, and I’m excited to see the future of film and content unfold here. I’m eagerly thrilled for the Watcho Storytellers Conclave.”

    The next editions  of Watcho Storytellers Conclave are planned for Hyderabad and Mumbai.

    Dish TV CEO & executive director Manoj Dobhal said: “In a vibrant and diverse nation like India, the creative voices of our filmmakers and artists often remain unheard due to limited avenues and opportunities. With this event, we are pioneering a movement that empowers creators to transcend traditional constraints and connect directly with audiences. Our vision is to cultivate an inclusive platform where every creator can share their unique stories, enhancing visibility and enriching the cultural fabric of our entertainment industry. As we embrace the digital-first era, we foresee a future where every narrative, no matter how unconventional, can resonate with its audience. With Watcho Storytellers Conclave, we are committed to nurturing an ecosystem that celebrates creativity and transforms the entertainment experience for all.”

    Added Dish TV corporate marketing head Sukhpreet Singh: “The Watcho Storytellers Conclave in Kolkata marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers. With this event, we are not just providing a platform; we are cultivating a vibrant community where creativity thrives. Today’s viewers demand content that resonates with their diverse experiences, and Watcho enables creators to step into the spotlight and share their unique voices.”
     

  • Understanding Rates and Money in India: A Key for Growth and Investment

    Understanding Rates and Money in India: A Key for Growth and Investment

    India’s interest rates are extremely important for how the economy grows, affecting what it costs to borrow money, save, and invest. Low rates are key for helping industries grow, helping people borrow, and bringing in money from foreign places. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) runs things on money management, focusing on keeping prices stable and the economy steady.

    Current Interest Rate Situation in India

    In India, rates have changed due to shifts at home and worldwide. Over time, the RBI has used money tools to try to control rising prices while supporting steady growth. Low rates help more people access loans for education or homes or starting businesses. This boosts local spending which helps grow the economy.

    Repo Rate and Costs 
    The repo rate is now 6.5%, which is a key number to understand borrowing costs in the country. By keeping a middle-rate level, the RBI helps keep loans affordable for both companies and everyday people. This is meant to encourage investments in big areas like infrastructure, making things, and tech while also aiding small businesses.

    Outside Factors Affecting Rates 
    India’s interest situation connects with the rest of the world. Global happenings like decisions of the Federal Reserve, oil price changes, or global conflicts impact India’s rate changes too. These outside elements force RBI to be careful so that economic stability stays but affordability doesn’t drop.

    How Low-Rate Money Fuels Investments

    Interest costs influence how costly it is to get money which affects how companies act about market chances. When rates go down, it creates good conditions for investments across many areas.

    Business Growth 
    With lower interest costs for loans, companies find it easier to expand or buy new assets or technology. Reduced repayment amounts improve cash flow allowing firms to reinvest back into their work which can create job opportunities.

    Real Estate Growth  
    Low-interest conditions stimulate activity in India’s housing sector as more accessible home loans let more people buy property affordably. Leading developers also benefit from cheaper funding resulting in better prices driving up supply levels in real estate markets.

    Tech’s Impact on Rate Changes 
    The quick growth of financial tech (FinTech) has changed how businesses interact with interest rate factors. People and sellers deal with money rules. Easy tools, fast data checks, and simple designs help users to make smart money moves.

    Smart Market Data 
    Sellers and investors gain from up-to-date info and prediction tools that are helpful in sensitive rate markets like forex or commodities. Using items like a trading calculator allows users to guess profits, refine plans, and lower dangers.

    Stock Markets 
    Low-interest situations usually lead to good times in stock markets because cheaper borrowing increases company earnings enhancing investor trust too. This trend appears particularly strong when traders look towards indices trading as market indices reflect overall economic well being.

    Problems in Keeping Low Rates

    While low interest rates are good, keeping them that way is tough.

    Rising Prices 
    A big issue is holding growth while managing rising prices. Too low rates can cause too much activity where more loans push prices up, making things less affordable.

    World Economy Worries 
    Global issues like changing oil costs, trade fights, and tightening money in rich countries can hinder India’s chance to keep low rates. For example, higher US rates might pull funds from emerging areas like India, stressing local rates.

    Money Limits 
    Big government debts can limit what the government can do about interest rates. Finding a middle ground between cutting debts and growing support is a big policy task.

    Loan Access Issues 
    Even with low rates, getting cheap loans isn’t equal for everyone—especially for small businesses and rural folks. Boosting financial access is vital so more people enjoy lower rates.

    Policy Ideas for Better Rates

    To keep the benefits of low interest alive, we need a multi-step plan:

    Careful Money Policies: The RBI should stay careful—balancing price control with growth support. 
    Help for Small Businesses: Giving more financial backing to small businesses can extend the perks of lower rates through encouraging new ideas.

    Investment in Basics: Pushing investments into basic structures can raise productivity and long-term chances.

    Education on Finance: Teaching people about money rules and loan choices helps them make smarter money moves.

    As India handles a tricky global economy scene, keeping reasonable interest will need wise policies and active moves. With focus on steady growth and tech use, the nation is set up well to make the most of accessible borrowing and strong investments.

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  • Bending Spoons acquires streaming tech firm Brightcove

    Bending Spoons acquires streaming tech firm Brightcove

    MUMBAI: Streaming technology firm Brightcove today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an Italian mobile technology  company  Bending Spoons, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $233 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Brightcove shareholders will receive $4.45 per share in cash for each share of Brightcove common stock that they own. The per share purchase price represents a 90 per cent  premium over Brightcove’s 60-day volume weighted average share price as of the close on 22 November 2024, says a company press release.  

    The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals, including approval by Brightcove’s stockholders, and the receipt of required regulatory approvals. Upon the completion of the transaction, Brightcove will become a privately held company and its common stock will no longer be listed on any public stock exchange. 

    “We are pleased to have entered into this definitive agreement with Bending Spoons, which represents the culmination of a comprehensive strategic review process led by our board of directors and with the support of our management team and advisors,” said Brightcove chairman Diane Hessan. “As the board considered the long-term path for Brightcove, we unanimously determined that this transaction represents the best opportunity to maximize the value of the business and deliver compelling, certain, and immediate cash value to our stockholders.” 

    Brightcove chief executive officer &  director Marc DeBevoise added: “Brightcove is a storied and successful enterprise SaaS leader with 20 years of history, 12 of them as a public company. We have been a pioneer and innovator in the streaming market, from the early days of video player technologies to the leading video-powered engagement platform we are today. Today’s announcement will enable Brightcove to leverage the technology and market expertise of Bending Spoons and best position Brightcove to continue to thrive in the streaming and engagement technology market.” 

    Bending Spoons CEO &  co-founder Luca Ferrari said, “We’re delighted to welcome Brightcove into the Bending Spoons portfolio. Brightcove is a trusted and respected name in the streaming technology space, and we look forward to serving its large global customer base. When Bending Spoons acquires a business, we do so with the intention of owning and operating it indefinitely. With this in mind, we’re excited about building on the strong work of the current team, and ensuring Brightcove thrives for many years to come.” 

    BrightcoveBrightcove provides customers  with the a scalable, and secure platform to deliver video.  It also provides  video interactivity to take audiences from passive to active, and beautiful live or on-demand experiences and insights  fueled by analytics that provide customers  clear and effective instruction on how to maintain, grow, and better engage  their audiences.

    Bending Spoons already owns products such as Meetup, EverNote, Remini, Splice, StreamYard, Issuu and WeTransfer which it has acquired over the past couple of years. It also has some celebrity investors such as Andre Agassi, Andrew Traggart, Chloe Zhao, Dude Perfect, Eric Shcmidt, Kerry Trainor, Maluma, Gabrielle Union, among many others. It claims to have 200 million monthly active users. 

    The company is also known to right size companies which it has acquired, according to online tech publication SiliconAngle. Reports are that Evernote laid off 129 of its 400 workforce, relocating the entire workforce to Europe. Bending Spoons also handed pink slips to 75 per cent of WeTransfer’s employees a few months after acquiring it.  

  • Nagarjuna launches season two of Krish, Trish and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum, at IFFI Goa

    Nagarjuna launches season two of Krish, Trish and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum, at IFFI Goa

    Mumbai— The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the second season of the celebrated animated series Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum at the ongoing International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Goa.

    Nagarjuna graced the event along with Information & Broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju; Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwiwedi; CBC, DG, Yogesh Baweja; Graphiti Studios creators Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty ; Prime Video, India director & head – SVOD, Shilangi Mukherji and Netflix India director of public policy Mahima Kaul.

    The groundbreaking animated series, which celebrates India’s lesser-known freedom fighters, made history with its season one debut across multiple platforms.

    Season two of the animation series, like season one, will premiere simultaneously across Doordarshan, Prime Video, and Netflix.

    The series will be available in 12 Indian languages—including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, and Odia—and seven international languages – French, German, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Chinese and Arabic making it accessible to a global audience in 150 countries, further amplifying its reach.

    Season two continues the mission to highlight unsung heroes from all across the country, including Taji Dele and Ponge Dele from Arunachal Pradesh, Wazir Ram Singh Pathania from Himachal Pradesh, and Birsa Munda from Jharkhand, among others.

    These stories are meant to inspire pride in India’s history while celebrating the diversity and resilience of the country’s freedom fighters.

    The secretary highlighted the importance of such initiatives in nurturing national pride among India’s young generation.

    “The diversity of India’s freedom struggle needs to be communicated in ways that appeal to children. By using animation, we’re making these rich histories not only accessible but also engaging. Through these animated stories, we’re offering young minds a chance to learn about the unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in shaping India’s destiny,” Jaju said.

    “We are delighted to launch a new season of Krish, Trish and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum on Prime Video starting 1st December. The series beautifully highlights the invaluable contribution of several heroes who played a significate part in India’s freedom struggle, giving viewers in India and around the world a chance to learn more about our rich history,” said Mukherji. “We would like to congratulate the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Central Bureau of Communication, and Graphiti Studios for producing this wonderful series. The series is a significant step in our efforts to foster the growth of India’s creative economy and give Indian stories a global showcase. We are confident that the new season will be as well-received by our viewers as the first season.”

    “I have grown up watching a lot of mythology, and stories of Shri Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, Arjun, but stories on our freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for our country is equally important. With the new show Bharat Hai Hum, the children and the next generation will get to know about our heroes,” said Nagarjuna.

    Munjal Shroff and Tilak Shetty, the series’ creators, added, “The stories of India’s unsung heroes have often been overshadowed, but through this series, we aim to ensure that their contributions are remembered and celebrated by the younger generation. It’s not just a story of the past; it’s a lesson for today’s youth to understand the values of courage, resilience, and patriotism.”

    The creators employed nearly 1,000 professionals across India, including animators, voice artists, and production experts, in order to meet an ambitious timeline and deliver the series in record time.

    Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy: Bharat Hain Hum will also be available in an innovative format: a radio series and a podcast. The Krish, Trish and Baltiboy– Bharat Hain Hum Radio Series will premiere on 1 December on All India Radio (AIR), broadcasting in 12 languages across India. Each episode will be heard at 10:30 AM on Sundays, just 15 minutes before the animation series airs on Doordarshan at 11 AM. The radio show will promote the animated series, creating a seamless cross-platform transition that will help maximize the show’s audience. The unique scheduling strategy promises to offer a significant push for the animation series, ensuring that the young and diverse audience can transition from radio to television effortlessly.

    Additionally, a podcast will be available worldwide on Spotify in 180 countries. This podcast will feature episodes from the series, while also encouraging listeners to watch the animated show on Prime Video, Netflix, Waves and Doordarshan amplifying the reach of this cross-platform distribution strategy.

  • Pocket Films launches short film OTT

    Pocket Films launches short film OTT

    MUMBAI: The big boys are merging their OTTs. Others are announcing new OTTs. Why should the small guys be left out?

    Short film aggregator Pocket Films – run by long time web-preneur Sameer Mody  – has officially announced the launch of its OTT.

    Taking to linkedin Mody  posted: “The only OTT you need for shortfilms is here! Enjoy an elevated viewing experience with our curated content in a variety of genres and languages.”

    The Pocket films OTT is not designed in the manner that most apps are – it has been launched in  a web (mobile responsive) version without any  apparent iOS or android variant which needs to be downloaded. It, however, allows creators to create their profile and upload their films, and permit them to be distributed through the wide  Pocket Films  network. The short films, while limited in number (compared to its YouTube cousin), are available in various genres and in Hindi, Marathi and international languages.  

    Mody who is the founder &  managing director of the company, has been at it for nearly 18 years and over time his firm, according to him, has emerged as the number one partner of You Tube for short content. Pocket Films’ YouTube channel has around 3.91 million subscribers and showcases around 3,000 videos, many created by users.

    The channel generates more than 150 million views each month.  In addition to YouTube,  Pocket Films also distributes its content through OTT platforms, mobile operators, TV channels, in-flight entertainment.

    This apart, it organises short film contests in India in partnership with international film festivals like . Manhattan Short, Indian Film Festival, Stuttgart, River to River Florence, Italy, among others. 

    Recently, Pocket Films has also ventured into production with a special focus on digital series  and short films, especially catering to the growing OTT and digital platforms.