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Category: Over The Top Services

  • Five must-do activities in Delhi-NCR this month

    Five must-do activities in Delhi-NCR this month

    Mumbai: The festive season in India might have come to an end, but the excitement in Delhi-NCR is just heating up. The capital city, known for its rich history, vibrant social life and delectable food, is hosting a range of exciting events before the calendar flips. If you are looking to make the most of the end of November, here is a compiled list of all the happening events lined up in the capital that will leave a lasting impression:

    Prateek Kuhad’s Silhouettes tour

    After traversing through North America, Australia, the UK, Europe, and West Asia, the Silhouettes Tour has finally reached India. So, surrender yourself to the soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics of Prateek Kuhad on 23 November 2024, at Airia Mall, Gurugram. Renowned for his versatile and experimental creations, Prateek craftfully blends acoustic, indie, and soulful melodies that stir the soul and resonate long after the notes fade.

    Sahitya Aaj Tak

    For all the book and literature enthusiasts, Sahitya Aak Tak is an unmissable treasure. The annual literary event, organised at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium from 22 to 24 November 2024, will be graced by renowned authors, poets, and thought leaders. So here is a chance for you to celebrate the art of storytelling and engage in enriching discussions with fellow literature lovers and broaden your horizons.

    Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.

    After 24 electrifying sold-out shows in Mumbai, ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ is finally arriving in Delhi. The world’s first mega-musical on the life of Shri Krishna will premiere at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium from 29 November to 8 December 2024. Conceptualised by Dhanraj Nathwani, the musical will take you on a spiritual tour through the divine journey of Krishna’s life with its captivating storytelling, soulful music, graceful choreography, grand set, and stunning costume.

    Burrp Fest

    If food is what brings you joy, if food is what fuels your passion, then tantalise your taste buds with scrumptious delicacies at the Burrp Fest. From 29 November to 1 December 2024, visit the Garden of Five Senses for a delightful gastronomic adventure. Explore new dishes from around the world and indulge in a feast of flavours.

    Max Amini

    If a dose of healthy laughter and humour is what you are after, join Max Amini at Bharat Mandapam on 30 November 2024. Instagram’s famous comedian is on his way to India for a standup comedy tour that you cannot miss. Get your tickets before they are sold out for an unforgettable experience.

  • JioCinema Premium unveils trailer for ‘The Magic of Shiri’

    JioCinema Premium unveils trailer for ‘The Magic of Shiri’

    Mumbai – Building on the excitement since the date announcement, JioCinema Premium today unveiled the trailer for The Magic of Shiri, a heartwarming slice-of-life drama that beautifully portrays the journey of a woman pursuing her dreams in the enchanting world of magic. With an exceptional cast featuring Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, Jaaved Jaaferi, Namit Das, and Parmeet Sethi, the ten-episodic series captures life’s small joys, challenges, and the magic found in everyday resilience, and will be available to stream on JioCinema Premium starting 14 November.

     

     

    Presented by Jio Studios, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Tanveer Bookwala (Ding Infinity), Shiri is adamant to realize her dream of emerging as the world’s best magician and create a legacy in an industry dominated by stereotypes and gender biases. Shiri struggles to find her rightful place in the world of magic but refuses to let that inner spark of desire and determination flicker or flinch, irrespective of the challenges thrown at her. The trailer also introduces Jaaved Jaaferi as a powerful magician, and features Namit Das in a pivotal role.

    Commenting on the series, actor Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya said, “Shiri is a story of every woman, finding her way in a world that doesn’t always make space for her. Playing her has been a rewarding experience because it reminded me of the everyday battles, we all face to keep moving forward, no matter the odds. Her journey is so relatable — it’s about holding onto a dream and pushing through, even when it feels impossible. She is every woman who has ever dared to dream beyond society’s boundaries, refusing to be held back by the challenges life throws at her.”

    Further adding, Jaaved Jaaferi said, “This is a tale for anyone who has at some point in their life been told that their dreams are too big or that their goals are out of reach. Shiri’s inspiring journey beautifully captures the magic of resilience, passion and determination. My character adds a certain intensity and depth to the story and plays a pivotal role as friend, philosopher and guide in Shiri’s journey through the world of magic.”

  • The Legend of Hanuman season five tops Ormax’s OTT originals list

    The Legend of Hanuman season five tops Ormax’s OTT originals list

    Mumbai: According to recent reports from Ormax Media,  The Legend of Hanuman season five created and produced by Sharad Devarajan and Graphic India has secured the #1 spot as the most-watched show across all OTT/Streaming platforms for two weeks in a row – surpassing all live-action films and shows including The Great Indian Kapil Show, Do Patti, and Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives. According to Ormax estimates, from 21 October to 3 November 2024, the Disney+ Hotstar mythological series reached a total of 9.4 million viewers.

    Co-creator, producer and showrunner of the series Sharad Devarajan commented “Because of the millions of fans across the country who have taken a chance to watch this show and support the work we are doing, The Legend of Hanuman has become the most successful animated project in Indian history. Lord Hanuman has inspired countless generations for thousands of years, connecting people across ages. The morals, lessons, and universal human truths he embodies, remain relevant today, now more than ever. Our mission with The Legend of Hanuman was to use the power of contemporary animation, direction and storytelling to create a series that does justice to this timeless hero beloved by so many billions of people. Hopefully our series will also move a generation of audiences in India to look at animation in a whole new way and usher in a golden age of original Indian animated projects that appeal audiences across the country and potentially all across the world.”

    The Legend of Hanuman has topped the Ormax streaming charts for each of its four previous seasons, making it the first animated series in India to achieve that milestone. The previous season four was released this June and according to Ormax’s charts, exceeded 22 million views in the first five weeks of release.

  • Lionsgate Play is set to premiere ‘Boy Kills World’ on 29 November

    Lionsgate Play is set to premiere ‘Boy Kills World’ on 29 November

    Mumbai: Lionsgate Play brings the dystopian action thriller Boy Kills World this 29 November. Starring Bill Skarsgård in a transformative role, alongside Jessica Rothe, Famke Janssen and Yayan Ruhian, this film packs an unforgettable punch. The story follows Boy, a deaf-mute who endures a brutal life by escaping into a vivid fantasy world. After his family is murdered, he trains under a mysterious shaman to become an unstoppable killing machine. Fueled by rage and thirst for revenge, he transforms his pain into power, setting off on a relentless quest to take down those responsible.

    Talking about Boy Kills World, lead actor Bill Skarsgård said, “This was one of the better scripts I’ve read. It’s an entertaining thrill ride with a unique tone and story. It’s very funny at times, but then it surprises you with a nuanced and emotional journey. The movie is told through Boy’s eyes, which brings home the tragic elements. His entire life has been about destruction.”

    Talking about his dramatic transformation for the role where he lost 20 pounds, building a lean and sinewy physique, he shared, “I also had to learn to fight from the ground up. It was a very short amount of time to do all that. I worked many hours just learning the basics. I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I watched a lot of martial arts movies to prepare.”

  • Pocket FM’s Rohan Nayak to deliver keynote at Web Summit, Lisbon 2024

    Pocket FM’s Rohan Nayak to deliver keynote at Web Summit, Lisbon 2024

    Mumbai: Pocket FM co-founder and CEO Rohan Nayak will deliver a keynote at the Web Summit in Lisbon, making him the only Indian leader from the entertainment sector and the sole Indian keynote speaker at the event. His session, titled ‘Profit Play: New Rules of Entertainment,’ will detail Pocket FM’s journey in creating and scaling a new category in entertainment with its innovative Audio Series format.

    Founded in 2018, Pocket FM has grown rapidly since 2021, producing over 35,000 audio series and reaching an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $200 million. Rohan will share how the company identified untapped market opportunities through 10 strategic pivots and discuss its approach to building and monetising a new entertainment category. His keynote will provide exclusive insights into the strategies that have helped Pocket FM become a major player in audio entertainment, highlighting the importance of innovation in shaping the future of digital storytelling.

    This milestone for India’s entertainment and tech industry emphasizes the global demand for high-quality, digital content. Web Summit, one of the largest global tech conferences, will be held from 11–14 November 2024, at MEO Arena in Lisbon, Portugal. The event will feature over 800 speakers, including leaders like Jessica Sibley (CEO, Time), Mark Read (CEO, WPP), Josh Silverman (CEO, Etsy), Kuo Zhang (President, Alibaba.com), Richard Teng (CEO, Binance), and Pharrell Williams (13-time Grammy Award winner).

  • ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ premieres at JLN on 29 Nov

    ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ premieres at JLN on 29 Nov

    Mumbai: ‘Rajadhiraaj: Love. Life. Leela.’ – a mega musical on the life of lord Krishna that enchanted Mumbaikars, has taken over the skyline of Delhi with striking displays, stirring excitement for its arrival.

    Premiering at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Auditorium, New Delhi from 29 November 2024, the spectacular production offers a unique blend of storytelling, music, and visual artistry. The show, conceptualised and created by Dhanraj Nathwani, promises an immersive journey of the two divine personas of Shri Krishna – Shrinathji and Dwarkadheesh.

    Written by Padma Shri Awardee Prasoon Joshi and directed by musical theatre expert Shruti Sharma, this production brings to life Shri Krishna’s tales from Vrindavan to Dwarka. Featuring 180 artists, the show includes a powerful soundtrack of 20 original songs by Sachin-Jigar, blending Western symphonic music from Budapest with Indian classical, Haveli Sangeet, Rajasthani and Gujarati folk, and Hindustani semi-classical styles.

    Omung Kumar’s detailed production design, alongside choreography by Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa Gopikrishna performed by over 60 dancers, enriches the immersive experience. Creatively produced by Parthiv Gohil and Viral Rachh, with story research by National Award-winning writer Raam Mori, the production features 1,800 custom costumes by celebrated designer Neeta Lulla, capturing the essence of divine playfulness and depth of the characters.

    Brace yourself to dive into the journey of Shri Krishna and his timeless tales.

  • Jai Mahalakshmi now streaming on Hari Om OTT

    Jai Mahalakshmi now streaming on Hari Om OTT

    Mumbai: Hari Om OTT, India’s streaming platform for Vedic history and devotional content, has announced its new series Jai Mahalakshmi, featuring Puja Banerjee in the lead role. The series tells the story of goddess Mahalakshmi, embodying wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Blending traditional storytelling with modern production, it offers a visual portrayal of devotion, compassion, and wisdom.

    In Jai Mahalakshmi, the divine goddess descends from her celestial abode to restore balance in the universe, confronting the chaos unleashed by the demon Kolhasur. With the guidance of Lord Vishnu and her own unparalleled wisdom and strength, she battles the forces of darkness to protect humanity and restore prosperity. The series beautifully showcases the goddess’s power, compassion, and timeless values as she overcomes challenges to bring peace and harmony to the cosmos.

    Banerjee said, “After taking a break from the industry, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to play Mata Lakshmi. It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime role, and as someone who has always held great belief in the goddess, it was deeply personal for me. I’ve fasted every Thursday in devotion to Mata Lakshmi, so portraying her on screen felt like a natural extension of my faith. This role allowed me to connect spiritually while bringing her grace, strength, and compassion to life. It’s more than just a character—it’s a journey of empowerment that I’m proud to share with the world.”

    She further added, “The role demanded not just physical preparation but emotional depth. Her journey in the show is not just about the battles she fights but also about the wisdom she imparts. It’s an honor to bring this iconic character to life on screen, and I hope audiences feel inspired by her as much as I did portraying her.”

    Hari Om OTT CEO Megha Agarwal said, “We are thrilled to bring Jai Mahalakshmi to audiences at a time that perfectly aligns with the essence of Mata Lakshmi’s story and the values she embodies. From the visuals to the storytelling, everything was crafted to deliver an epic experience, inviting viewers of all generations to explore the greatness and incredible journey of Mata Lakshmi. With Jai Mahalakshmi, we are proud to showcase India’s rich culture and heritage to the world, connecting audiences with our vibrant traditions and spiritual legacy.”

    Hari Om OTT head of content Angira Vats added, “Our vision at Hari Om was to present stories that resonate with audiences of all ages. Jai Mahalakshmi is a testament to that goal, blending mythology with engaging visuals. We’re proud to bring such a culturally significant story to life for the first time on Indian OTT.”

    Hari Om OTT, India’s first streaming platform dedicated to mythological, devotional, and spiritual content, brings forward the stories and values of Indian culture through original series, documentaries, music, and live broadcasts.

    The platform is available on devices including Play Store, App Store, Google TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV, Apple TV, and LG TV.

  • Zee5 partners with Cloud TV

    Zee5 partners with Cloud TV

    Mumbai: Zee5 has announced its partnership with Cloud TV. This integration has given the audience exclusive and easy access to Zee5’s extensive library directly on Cloud TV, a smart TV OS available across four million devices in India. The company is further aiming to reach out to the audience within the age group of 18-45 tuning in during the prime evening hours of 6-10 pm.

    Cloud TV users can now access Zee5’s premium content library, featuring assistant support in multiple Indian languages and universal search for discovering content across various apps. The interface provides direct access to a range of content, including films, TV shows, and originals, reinforcing Zee5 as a one-stop platform for immersive viewing.

    Zee5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “Zee5’s partnership with Cloud TV reflects our dedication to offering a seamless and enjoyable entertainment experience to our audiences at their convenience. This integration gives viewers the flexibility to enjoy their favourite content directly on television, leading to an on-demand, high-quality viewing experience at the click of a button, extending our reach making cutting edge content more accessible than before.”

    Cloud TV COO & co-founder Abhijeet Rajpurohit stated, “We’re excited to welcome Zee5 to the Cloud TV ecosystem. This allows for easy access to Zee5’s fresh and exciting content library being directly available on Cloud TV devices and a seamless viewing experience for our mutual customers. With such partnerships, we aim to make entertainment seamless and diverse to our audience using smart TVs.”

    Cloud TV is a smart TV operating system providing solutions for modern TV devices with features like an app store, content recommendations, live TV, voice assistance, a mobile remote app, and content search. Partnered with over 200 smart TV brands, Cloud TV aims to make entertainment more accessible across India.

  • Madhur Sharma releases ‘Reversion’, announces India tour

    Madhur Sharma releases ‘Reversion’, announces India tour

    Mumbai: After swooning fans with his heartfelt renditions and soulful originals, the singing sensation, Madhur Sharma, has released his EP ‘Reversion’, featuring a blend of various genres and his soulful voice. Alongside his EP, he has also announced his ongoing India tour with Team Innovation, offering fans a live experience of his originals and recreations in a multigenre medley.

    Reversion highlights Sharma’s range, blending Afro and Indie pop elements and featuring a surprise wedding anthem. The EP includes tracks with distinct moods, from relaxed grooves to celebratory beats. Known for covers like Kiveh Mukhde and Kaali Kaali Zulfon Ke, Sharma’s new EP further establishes his unique and authentic style.

    Sharma said, “It is an interesting time with many experimental pieces of music coming out. With ‘Reversion,’ we wanted people of all ages to resonate with the sound of the EP as we seamlessly incorporated genres across the board to add a diverse, fun, and inclusive sound to fans’ playlists. It was a rewarding experience to release the music.”

    As ‘Reversion’ has revealed the undying passion that Madhur has for the craft, allowing fans to enter his world of creativity. He will also enthrall them with his India tour giving them an indelible musical experience of their lives, where groovy Bollywood meets Sufi mysticism.

    “Nothing will ever compare to the immediate audience reaction to the piece of music you created, and this tour will be an opportunity to interact with my fans. I am indebted to them for showering love on all the music that I have released, and I hope this relationship will continue for eternity”, he further added.

    The tour’s first stop was Hyderabad, and he will continue the tour across other cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, and Pune while signing off the tour in the vivacious city of Ahmedabad on 15 February 2025.

  • Piracy, LaLiga, BCCI and the Indian government

    Piracy, LaLiga, BCCI and the Indian government

    MUMBAI: LaLiga president Javier Tebas said he is prepared to collaborate with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stamp out piracy of sports broadcast and streaming signals  in Europe and all over the world.  Speaking at sports and tech conference  Sportel Monaco 2024 on 29 October during a keynote address he addressed his pet subject for the past few years once again: piracy and how big tech is aiding in its spread.

    He pointed that  piracy – especially illegal internet streaming  – is causing huge losses to sports federations, broadcasters, and advertisers with the LaLiga alone losing around Euros 700 million each season.

    His belief is that big tech companies like Google, Cloudflare, X, are actually benefiting from piracy. (He has raised his voice against Google in the past on several forums but he expanded the responsibility towards X and Cloudflare in his latest address during Sportel Monaco.)

    He explained that Google is making money through searches online and on android phones through its ads that pop up during searches for pirated sites by viewers. Downloads of illegitimate apps  on its Playstore give it oodles of money. It has no mechanism – either reactive or otherwise – to tackle piracy.

    Cloudflare is profiting by providing reverse proxy services to pirates and more than 50 per cent of rogue sites are behind it. What’s alarming according to  him is that 70 per cent of delisted content by Google is behind a Cloudflare IP.

    X, he highlighted, is monetising through advertising on pirated streams and has been delaying enforcement by not providing automatic content detection. It does not have a content moderation team, neither is it blocking illegal content on its platform.

    He appealed to sports federations to come together  and raise their voices against big tech. In this regard he extended his hand towards the BCCI welcoming it to come and be a part of the anti-piracy campaign.

    “After football, cricket has a large fan base globally and revenue leakages through piracy could be reduced by making the tech companies  culpable,” he said. “The federations, accompanied by the broadcasters, need to lobby with governments to put in place the proper legislation.”

    Tebas requested governments world over  to pass legislation that would force big tech companies to clamp down on piracy. For the “how of doing it,”  he said, they can turn to Argentina where a federal court ordered Google to block the download and use of a pirate platform Magis TV.  Prior to this, Google had cited its inability to block the android application from being downloaded, but then it was forced to.

    “We need hard measures to be put in place.If we have to stand a chance of reducing the menace of piracy, ” said Tebas in closing.