Category: Over The Top Services

  • Prajesh Bhatia redefines luxury on Million Dollar Listings India

    Prajesh Bhatia redefines luxury on Million Dollar Listings India

    Mumbai: Prajesh Bhatia, the youngest realtor featured on Million Dollar Listings India, is transforming the luxury real estate market with his innovative approach and dedication to creating exceptional experiences. Alongside his brother, Karmesh Bhatia, Bhatia aims to establish the Bhatia name as synonymous with sophistication and high-quality craftsmanship in the industry.

    Bhatia, known for his successful track record in million-dollar property deals, explained his philosophy: “For me, it’s not just about closing deals; it’s about crafting unforgettable experiences. My expertise lies in understanding what clients truly want and curating interiors that align with their lifestyle, often showing five to six homes a day to find the perfect fit. Meanwhile, my brother’s construction acumen ensures the solid foundation and quality that make these homes exceptional. Together, we create a seamless blend of style and substance. Building a brand synonymous with luxury and sophistication requires precision, creativity, and a deep understanding of the market. I’m thrilled to showcase our expertise on Million Dollar Listing India, inviting the audience into the high-stakes world of luxury real estate.”

    Million Dollar Listing India, produced by Banijay Asia and licensed by NBCUniversal Formats, offers viewers an exclusive look into the glamorous and competitive luxury real estate market. The show, which follows in the footsteps of the two-time Emmy-nominated global hit, highlights intense negotiations, stunning properties, and the drama of high-value transactions.

  • Prime Video announces worldwide streaming premiere of Yudhra

    Prime Video announces worldwide streaming premiere of Yudhra

    Mumbai—Prime Video announced the exclusive streaming premiere of Yudhra. Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar under the banner of Excel Entertainment and directed by Ravi Udyawar, features Siddhant Chaturvedi and Malavika Mohanan in the lead roles, along with Raghav Juyal, Gajraj Rao, Ram Kapoor, Raj Arjun and Shilpa Shukla in pivotal roles. The film is now exclusively streaming on Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide.

    Praised for its riveting storyline, intense action sequences, and great ensemble cast with commendable performances, the film is full of unexpected twists, raw energy and a compelling narrative. Yudhra follows Siddhant Chaturvedi as the titular character, who goes on an undercover mission to bring down a powerful drug syndicate headed by Firoz (Raj Arjun) and his son Shafiq (Raghav Juyal). Yudhra retaliates against Firoz as vengeance for his parent’s death. The film provides a fantastic balance of drama and thrills, giving an adrenaline rush that keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat.

  • Jagjit Singh Kohli returns with connected TV app Free TV

    Jagjit Singh Kohli returns with connected TV app Free TV

    MUMBAI: Indian  cable TV pioneer Jagjit Singh Kohli is back. This time he is doing the tango with the world of streaming and connected TV apps. The entrepreneur has used the celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday on 15 November  to announce the launch of Tango Plus Services and its  “transformative Free TV app for the connected TV universe.” 

    The new app, currently available through select ISP partners, will be made available on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Samsung Tizen, and LG Web OS within the next few weeks.

    The free TV app is set to revolutionise the way consumers access and interact with television content, offering a seamless, subscription-free, and diverse entertainment experience for millions globally, says a release from the company. The app will be made available on mobile app stores by end November.

    Tango TV’s Free TV, the press release states, has a thousand plus free-to-air live channels, replicating the traditional cable/DTH interface but with added convenience and flexibility. From news to sports, lifestyle to infotainment, users can access a wide array of live TV content with an intuitive channel guide and easy navigation. It offers 20,000 plus free movies in multiple languages, Free TV, says it will cater to every movie buffs’ taste. 

    Users can pause, rewind, or fast-forward content, ensuring they enjoy the best in entertainment at their own pace. All movies will be made available in 4K resolution, offering a cinematic experience without the premium cost. It will offer a global range of specially curated series and music, offering diverse genres and stories from international creators. To top that, Tango TV has integrated educational resources that are both fun and informative. Students from nursery to Class XII can access study materials, learning videos, tutorials, and more—bridging the gap between entertainment and education.

    Says Tango TV managing director JS Kohli: “We are incredibly excited to introduce Tango TV to the global market. Our mission has always been to deliver innovative, accessible, and high-quality digital solutions, and with the launch of Tango TV, we are setting a new benchmark in the entertainment industry. This app is a game-changer, offering consumers a free, seamless, and enriching viewing experience that aligns perfectly with today’s digital-first lifestyle. We believe Tango TV will not only revolutionise how users access content, but also create new opportunities for businesses to engage with their audiences in meaningful ways. As we continue to innovate and expand, we look forward to shaping the future of entertainment alongside our partners and users.”

    Kohli adds that for businesses  and partners, Free TV offers built in free access to premium entertainment which can be seamlessly integrated  and delivered to customers at no extra cost. A  unique revenue-sharing model has been built in to the service. 

    “By offering premium content or exclusive features, businesses can tap into new income streams without sacrificing the core value of free entertainment. The revenue-sharing model is designed to benefit partners, giving them the opportunity to monetise Tango TV’s access to a vast content library while keeping the service free for users. This opens up opportunities for brands, telecom providers, smart TV manufacturers, ISPs, cable operators, and other stakeholders to tap into a new, scalable revenue source,” he reveals. 

    He is also quite gung-ho about the premium Tango TV Plus app which he says will offer exclusive ad-free content in terms of TV shows, movies and series, not accessible on the free version, along with additional features such as personalised recommendations, cloud storage, and more.

  • Citadel: Honey Bunny was Prime Video’s most watched series globally this weekend

    Citadel: Honey Bunny was Prime Video’s most watched series globally this weekend

    Mumbai— Prime Video revealed that the Indian Original spy series Citadel: Honey Bunny, born from the world of Citadel, was the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend. sThe Indian series directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha, has drawn in huge global audiences, streamed in 200 countries worldwide. The series was in the top 10 in almost 150 countries, including US, UK, France, Italy, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and UAE, proving the trend that consumers are continuing to enjoy non-English language content.

    “The success of Citadel: Honey Bunny shows that our non-English language International Originals continue to find fans globally through Prime Video’s huge worldwide audience,” said Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios VP International Originals James Farrell.

    “Citadel: Honey Bunny’s success is another example of Indian content increasingly being appreciated by audiences worldwide,” said Prime Video India Head of Originals Nikhil Madhok. “It shows that local narratives can have universal appeal and engage customers across borders. The series has received an extremely positive response in India and we are thrilled that this action spy thriller is also the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend.”

    “It has been a very enriching experience on a challenging project that gave us the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in global entertainment and build on a larger connected world of spies which goes beyond the conventional storytelling formats,” said Raj & DK. “We have enjoyed weaving in easter eggs and nostalgic throwbacks to 90s’ cinema into the world of Honey Bunny. And we are thrilled at the amazing response both from our home turf and from around the world!”

    “We continue to be immensely proud of our global partners on Citadel and the success of each installment in the series. DK and Raj’s Citadel: Honey Bunny is a truly fun, propulsive and subversive spy show. Writer Sita Menon has crafted outstanding scripts that our talented leads, Samantha and Varun Dhawan, bring to life through shining performances, said AGBO executive producer and chief creative officer Angela Russo-Otstot. “AGBO is honored to collaborate with such exceptional creatives, alongside Amazon and David Weil, in bringing this distinctive global series to audiences worldwide.”

    Citadel: Honey Bunny is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films, Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer.

    The first season of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, premiered to global success in 2023, becoming Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the US, and fourth most-watched worldwide, after 24 days. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel and its subsequent action-espionage Original Series traverse the globe, evolving the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Each series born from the world of Citadel stars top local talent and is created, produced and filmed in the region—bringing about stylistically unique shows with strong cultural identities rooted in their respective country of origin. The Italian Original, Citadel: Diana, which launched on 10 October, was the second series to debut from the world of Citadel and is followed by India’s series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, which launched on 7 November. Since the launch of both series, customers continue to watch season one of Citadel, drawing in more audiences globally. Season Two of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, is in production, with Joe Russo serving as director.

    Citadel: Honey Bunny joins Prime Video’s slate of International Originals debuting to record-breaking global success, including recent international hits; My Fault (‘Culpa Mía’), Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, and Like A Dragon: Yakuza, as well as upcoming launches, including Your Fault (‘Culpa Tuya’), The Sticky, and Look Back. The Indian Original series adds to Prime Video’s breadth of Indian-produced hits, such as Mirzapur, Farzi, The Family Man, and upcoming season two of Paatal Lok, season four of Panchayat and Matka King. As well as global Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Road House, Saltburn, and The Idea of You. This is all available with a Prime membership. Prime subscribers can enjoy savings, convenience and entertainment, all in a single membership.

  • Chef Kunal Kapur looks for his dream home on Million Dollar Listing India

    Chef Kunal Kapur looks for his dream home on Million Dollar Listing India

    Mumbai: The upcoming episode of Million Dollar Listing India on Sony Liv features chef Kunal Kapur, who is searching for a serene home. Joined by realtor Hem Batra, Kunal is looking for a peaceful retreat with a spacious kitchen, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, where he can find calm and indulge in his passion for food, cooking, and hosting guests.

    Chef Kunal Kapur shared, “I’ve been searching for a home that combines my love for cooking, hosting, and tranquillity. Through Million Dollar Listing India and along with the very renowned realtor Hem Batra, I’m hoping the search for my dream home is successful. I want a space where I can unwind, cook, and share memorable moments with family and friends. As a chef, my kitchen is my sanctuary and guests always expect that when they’re invited, I will be the one cooking for them, so I need a kitchen that’s both functional and impressive.”

    Hem said, “Working with Chef Kunal was an absolute delight! When he first approached me, I had a fan moment, and it really made a tough day better Kunal’s passion for cooking and hospitality is infectious. I’m excited to show him properties that fit his vision.”

    Million Dollar Listing India, produced by Banijay Asia and licensed by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal International Studios within Universal Studio Group, brings the acclaimed global franchise to India, delivering intense negotiations, strategic manoeuvring, and shocking revelations. As a two-time Emmy-nominated hit, Million Dollar Listing India offers an unparalleled glimpse into the exclusive world of luxury properties, where India’s top realtors navigate the cutthroat market and push the boundaries of success.

    Tune in on Friday at 8 pm to watch Million Dollar Listing India exclusively on Sony Liv.

  • Satish Kaushik’s last film Mirg is now streaming on Jio Cinema

    Satish Kaushik’s last film Mirg is now streaming on Jio Cinema

    Mumbai: Veteran actor late Satish Kaushik’s last film is now streaming on Jio Cinema following its successful theatrical release.  The film stars actors like Raj Babbar, Anup Soni and Shwetaabh Singh in pivotal roles, each bringing powerful performances to this gripping story. Satish Kaushik’s fans who have missed the theatrical run can now turn into Jio Cinema to watch Mirg and savour one of his final performances.

    Mirg is a captivating thriller that defies genre conventions and takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through the mystical forests of Himachal Pradesh.

    Director Tarun Sharma shared his vision for the film: “Mirg is more than just a thriller; it’s a journey of self-discovery and a challenge to the status quo. It’s a genre-bending movie that seamlessly blends action, suspense, comedy and folklore, creating a world where myth and reality collide, offering a truly unique viewing experience”.

    But why the name Mirg? Pat came the answer from Director Tarun Sharma, “We were fascinated by the rich folklore surrounding the snow leopard in Himachal Pradesh; by incorporating the legend of the ‘Mirg’ into our film, we wanted to explore the power of myth and its impact on human behaviour.”

    Producer Rishi Anand added, “From the moment I read Tarun Sharma’s script, I knew ‘Mirg’ was special. Producing it independently allowed us to stay true to his bold vision and create something refreshingly different for OTT and Cinemas. If you’re looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, ‘Mirg’ is it. It’s a genre-bending thriller that blends humour, grit, darkness, and light with a powerful message. Satish ji, Raj ji, and Anup ji bring their A-game, and the action is non-stop. Head over to JioCinema now and experience the thrill for yourself!”

    Mirg follows Anil (Shwetaabh Singh), a young man bound by obedience, whose world is upended by a shocking event. Seeking vengeance, he ventures into the treacherous mountains, where he encounters the legend of the ‘Mirg,’ a mystical snow leopard tied to local folklore. As Anil’s quest for justice intersects with the myth, he must confront both his enemies and the darkness within himself, culminating in a gripping climax. With its compelling performances and a narrative that defies norms, Mirg is a must-watch for thriller enthusiasts.

    jiocinema

  • GRB Media Ranch licenses multiple seasons of ‘Untold Stories of the E.R.’ to +SBT Brazil

    GRB Media Ranch licenses multiple seasons of ‘Untold Stories of the E.R.’ to +SBT Brazil

    Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch president Sophie Ferron announced that the company has licensed seven seasons of Untold Stories of the E.R. to Brazil’s streaming platform +SBT. The series was also recently licensed as a format to Khelgejo for production in Africa, marking GRB Media’s continued territorial and format expansion for this popular program. GRB Media Ranch acquisition & sales executive Liz Levenson will attend MIPCancun to engage with Latin American market representatives.

    Untold Stories of the E.R. is a medical docuseries re-enacting real emergency room cases, showcasing doctors’ expertise and decision-making under intense pressure. GRB Studios’ CEO, Gary R Benz created the iconic series, and he exec-produced 13 seasons within 15 years. The series has been broadcast in 214 territories and has received strong format interest.

    Ferron stated: “We’re thrilled to announce the continued success of Untold Stories of the E.R., as it finds a new home with SBT. It’s rare to come across an IP that continues to resonate with audiences across the globe year after year, and we’re incredibly grateful for its enduring appeal. This series has proven time and again that great storytelling transcends borders, and we look forward to seeing Untold Stories connecting with Brazilian viewers once more — and we anticipate it will inspire local productions in the near future.”

    SBT’s content acquisition and sales manager, Goyo Pessoa Garcia stated, “+SBT, SBT’s streaming platform, aims to bring Brazilian audiences the best content options across a wide variety of genres. Adding Untold Stories of the ER to our catalog seeks to meet the demand of viewers who crave quality docuseries productions and are drawn to the drama and emotional stories each episode brings.”

  • 4K streaming explodes on Zee5 with Hyderabad leading the charge

    4K streaming explodes on Zee5 with Hyderabad leading the charge

    Mumbai: Zee5, India’s premier home-grown video streaming platform, has released compelling data on the dramatic rise in viewership trends from July 2023 to July 2024. The report reveals an increasing appetite for premium-quality streaming, particularly in 4K, as regional content and diverse genres captivate audiences nationwide. In a noteworthy milestone, Hyderabad has emerged as India’s largest hub for 4K streaming, underscoring the rapid digital transformation and growing demand for quality streaming experiences. Tier-two and three cities have shown a strong viewership growth as well, illustrating India’s evolving entertainment landscape.

    According to Zee5’s data, 2024 witnessed a sharp rise in 4K streaming, with South India reporting a 278 per cent surge and North India leading with a 310 per cent increase in 4K viewership, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. Tier-two and three markets now account for 40 per cent of Zee5’s overall viewership, while non-Hindi language content—primarily Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada—has grown to contribute 50 per cent of the platform’s total consumption. Cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi dominate content consumption among metros.

    Viewership trends further reveal a marked 25 per cent annual increase in the average time spent per user. A significant 65 per cent of users are watching movies via connected devices, reflecting a shift towards in-home cinema experiences. Drama and romance continue to be the platform’s leading genres, with South Indian viewers contributing substantially to the popularity of these categories. Over the past year, Zee5’s titles have accumulated 85 billion minutes of watch time, with dramas drawing an astounding 105 million hours and action-thriller titles capturing 32 million hours.

    Commenting on these trends, Zee5 chief business officer, Manish Kalra noted, “In the last one year, we have released several titles within our post-theatrical and original content library. The audience has spent a total of 85 billion minutes from July 2023 – July 2024 on the platform, with viewership coming in from multiple audience cohorts and geographies. With the vision of being the portal of choice for billions of viewers, we will continue to bring diverse and engaging content, with a prime focus on quality storytelling. It has been a good year for us. Our titles have received great reception from audiences not just in India but also from the global diaspora. Staying true to our commitment to bring best-in-class entertainment to our viewers, Zee5 will continue to partner with the best talents in the creative ecosystem, enhance viewing experience further, and bring forth stories that delight, engage, and entertain.”

    Highlighting the platform’s top-performing titles, Zee5’s report ranks “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai” as the most-watched direct-to-digital movie, while the original series Taj led in overall viewership for original content. Other popular titles include Mrs Undercover, Gadar 2, and The Kerala Story, underscoring Zee5’s commitment to offering diverse and high-quality storytelling.

  • Cineflicks launches watch-to-earn model

    Cineflicks launches watch-to-earn model

    Mumbai: Cineflicks, an upcoming OTT platform, has introduced a ‘watch-to-earn’ model that rewards users with cryptocurrency tokens for every minute of content viewed. This model goes beyond traditional subscriptions, offering users both engaging content and the opportunity to earn CNF tokens, blending entertainment with digital finance.

    By accumulating CNF tokens through viewing, users unlock real-world value, differentiating Cineflicks in the crowded OTT market. These tokens can be kept as digital assets or converted into fiat currency, providing financial returns for screen time. “With Cineflicks, users are empowered to turn their viewing time into a genuine earning opportunity,” said Cineflicks CEO Thomas Caddick. “We’re transforming the streaming experience into a dynamic, rewarding ecosystem that brings together entertainment and the fast-growing world of digital assets.”

    Before launch, Cineflicks will hold a CNF Token presale, giving early investors access to tokens at a pre-market rate. This presale aims to build an engaged community and generate excitement for the full launch. Cineflicks plans to create a vibrant user base with a community-based approach that blends entertainment and finance.

    Upon launch, Cineflicks will offer a catalogue of movies, TV shows, and exclusive content, all accessible across multiple devices with a user-friendly interface. Regular content updates will keep the platform fresh and engaging.

    The ‘watch-to-earn’ model rewards users based on viewing time instead of subscriptions. Cineflicks’ blockchain system ensures secure, transparent transactions, appealing to both casual and tech-savvy viewers interested in cryptocurrency. By merging streaming with digital assets, Cineflicks offers a new perspective on the OTT space, providing entertainment along with a stake in the growing digital ecosystem.

    Cineflicks’ launch has already gained attention from both the entertainment and digital finance sectors, with its model potentially shifting OTT viewer dynamics. As the platform prepares for its app launch and token presale, industry observers are eager to see how this approach will affect the streaming market. Cineflicks aims to redefine how audiences interact with content in the digital age by turning screen time into an investment.