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Category: Over The Top Services

  • ShemarooMe unveils ‘13 Weeks. 13 Stories’ campaign this festive season

    ShemarooMe unveils ‘13 Weeks. 13 Stories’ campaign this festive season

    Mumbai – As the vibrant festive season approaches, ShemarooMe presented its latest offering: ‘13 Weeks. 13 Stories.’ This initiative aims to create moments of joy, connection, and celebration by inviting families and friends to gather and experience captivating narratives that reflect the essence of Gujarat.

    Starting this October, viewers can look forward to a fresh story every Thursday, immersing themselves in the vibrancy and diversity of Gujarati tales. ‘13 Weeks. 13 Stories’ features a specially curated selection of 13 remarkable titles, showcasing a blend of drama, thriller, comedy, and heartfelt tales that bring the richness of Gujarati films, plays, and web series directly into homes. Notable films include the National Award-winning Hellaro, the record-breaking box office hit Jhamkudi, and the most awaited thought-provoking political movie Raado. ShemarooMe exclusive plays and web series include Khel Khele Khelaiya, Manas Matra Lafda Ne Patra and both seasons of Santa Kukdi. The collection will also showcase titles such as Jay Shri Krish, Vitamin She, Maru Man Taru Thayu, Paghdi, alongside Taari Sathe, Maunam.

    At a time when there is a lack of regional content and streaming platforms are competing for viewer attention, ShemarooMe distinguishes itself by delivering new and engaging content to its loyal audience. The platform’s commitment to quality content is evident in the diverse genres and formats of the stories. With a rich legacy of delivering exceptional content, ShemarooMe has solidified its status as the go-to platform for award-winning Gujarati films and shows.

    Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., COO- digital business, Saurabh Srivastava said, “As we embrace the festive season, we’re thrilled to offer ShemarooMe viewers 13 unique stories in 13 weeks. As a platform celebrating Gujarati content, we want our viewers to explore the diverse offerings available on ShemarooMe. In today’s fast-paced entertainment landscape, the demand for high-quality content is ever-growing, and consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking relatable content. ShemarooMe is dedicated to staying at the forefront of this demand. We want to bring our audience fresh content in their native language that promises to entertain, inspire, and connect.”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by ShemarooMe (@shemaroome)

     

  • Asees Kaur returns with her latest track ‘Katti Jaani Aa’

    Asees Kaur returns with her latest track ‘Katti Jaani Aa’

    Mumbai: Popular singer Asees Kaur is back with her latest track, ‘Katti Jaani Aa’, featuring music by Tee Kay and lyrics by Zikar under ii Music. The song humorously captures the playful teasing in marriage, where a wife pokes fun at her husband’s quirks. With its lighthearted lyrics and upbeat melody, the track highlights the affectionate dynamic between the couple.

    The music video, shot in Canada by Parmod Sharma Rana, stars Jashanpreet Singh (Dhustlerz), Karman Kaur, and Sheary Eary, capturing the everyday humor and joy in long-term relationships. Asees Kaur’s voice adds warmth to the playful narrative, celebrating the couple’s bond.

    Asees Kaur said, “This song was such a joy to record! ‘Katti Jaani Aa’ is about the playful teasing that happens between couples—it’s light, fun, and full of love. I think a lot of people will see themselves in this song, and I hope it brings a smile to everyone’s face!”

    ii Music’s Garishma Gandhi expressed, “Asees is one of those rare artists who conveys deep emotions with every note she sings. At ii Music, we love collaborating on songs that feel authentic and relatable, and ‘Katti Jaani Aa’ perfectly captures the playful side of relationships. We as team knew that only Asees could truly do justice to this track. She has done a fantastic job of bringing out the fun and love, and we’re excited to see how much people enjoy it.”

    This fun, upbeat tune is sure to resonate with couples who love to laugh at life’s little moments.

  • JioCinema & Sports18 to bring back T20 World cup memories – 8 Nov onwards

    JioCinema & Sports18 to bring back T20 World cup memories – 8 Nov onwards

    Mumbai – As cricket fans gear up for another epic showdown, JioCinema and Sports18 are bringing the South Africa vs India T20 series exclusively to screens from 8 to 15 November 2024. This four-match T20I series will not only reignite the rivalry between two top cricketing nations but will also serve as a callback to the T20 World Cup final that saw India crowned champions.

    With India’s new-look T20 team stepping into the spotlight, the series promises to carry forward the legacy of India’s world champion status. This next generation of Indian cricketers is ready to prove their mettle, and the stakes are high as the team embarks on its journey to uphold the winning standards set at the World Cup. For Indian fans, this series is more than just a bilateral cricket competition; it’s a rematch that reminds us of the tension and exhilaration of the World Cup final.

    Advertising opportunities with JioCinema

    JioCinema, a leader in digital sports streaming, is offering advertisers a premium platform to engage millions of viewers during the T20 series. With innovative ad formats, seamless integration across mobile and web, and precise audience targeting, JioCinema ensures that brands can amplify their messaging during peak cricket viewership.

    The pressure to maintain the status of world champions, combined with the excitement of fresh talent stepping up, makes this a must-watch event for fans and a golden opportunity for advertisers across the four matches (8, 10, 13 & 15 Nov) along with JioCinema’s introduction to new premium advertising offerings, providing access to two highly valuable audience segments for the first time. These include iOS users, who are individuals using Apple/iPhone devices, and a combined “iOS + 50k” group, consisting of people with phones valued at Rs 50,000 and above. Both of these premium cohorts are now available alongside the existing Connected TV (CTV) audience, giving advertisers a unique opportunity to reach the most affluent and sought-after viewers.

    A Viacom18 spokesperson shared, “With India’s status as world champions and the fresh energy of the new T20 squad, this series will captivate audiences across the country. Our audience-first approach allows advertisers to craft high-impact campaigns that resonate with passionate cricket fans.”

    Partners and sponsors join the action

    Some of the country’s top brands—Housing.com, Uber, and Motul Oil—have joined as associate sponsors for this electrifying series, leveraging the opportunity to connect with fans through JioCinema’s advanced advertising solutions.

    Housing.com vice president of marketing, Rahul Ralhan commented, “This series is poised to attract immense attention, especially with the new T20 team taking charge. We are excited to be part of this series and to reach such a diverse and engaged audience through JioCinema.”

    Motul Oil director marketing – India & South Asia, Preetam Goswami said, “The intensity of a rematch with South Africa is bound to keep fans hooked, and we are proud to align our brand with this kind of high-energy content. Partnering with JioCinema provides us a unique chance to engage with audiences across the country.”

    Uber India head of marketing, Ameya Velankar added, “Cricket is a major unifier in India, and the South Africa vs India series gives us the perfect platform to connect with millions. With JioCinema’s extensive audience targeting, we can engage cricket fans in a meaningful and impactful way.”

    JioCinema and Sports18 will bring every ball, boundary, and breakthrough directly to viewers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for cricket lovers and an exceptional platform for brands to connect with their audience.

  • Bloodywood sign to Fearless Records; release ‘Nu Delhi’ single

    Bloodywood sign to Fearless Records; release ‘Nu Delhi’ single

    Mumbai: Rising Indian folk metal stars Bloodywood have announced their signing to Fearless Records with the release of ‘Nu Delhi’, their first recorded music since 2022 Rakshak album. Alongside the announcement, they’ve revealed plans for their biggest India tour to date.

    ‘Nu Delhi’ pays homage to their home city, expanding on the band’s unique signature sound, blending Punjabi and English lyrics and utilising native instruments like the flute and the dhol, against a powerful, stomping metal backdrop.

    The band commented, “Nu Delhi’ is our love letter to New Delhi, the city that raised us, where we grew up dreaming of doing exactly what we are now. It’s a city of vibrant chaos, filled with love yet quick to set you straight if you overstep. It’s not just a city, it’s a game of chess.”

    Expanding on the signing to Fearless, they declared: 
    “We’ve always been DIY to the core, figuring things out ourselves rather than relying on others. The success we achieved with Rakshak, all on our own showed us what we’re capable of. But now, we’re ready for the next chapter. Now we wanted to see what a label could bring to the table. We wanted a partner who’s as passionate and committed to our music as we are. We found that partner in Fearless Records, and we’re excited to kick off this collaboration with the release of our first single from the new album.”

    The tour in India for 2024 includes the following dates: 9 November in Kolkata at Republic of Rock, 17 November in Mumbai, 24 November in Bangalore at Bandland, 1 December in New Delhi (TBC), and 15 December in Dimao, Assam. 
     

  • Quo vadis Disney+Hotstar? Quo Vadis JioCinema?

    Quo vadis Disney+Hotstar? Quo Vadis JioCinema?

    MUMBAI: Will the joint venture between Reliance’s Viacom18 and Disney Star India result in the integration of   their respective streaming  platforms – JioCinema and Disney+Hotstar – into one?  Speculation has been running rife, and various guesses have been made.

    Initial predictions were that Disney+Hotstar would become a button on the JioCinema app. When Reliance acquired Viacom18, it had merged three streaming services under it – Voot, Voot Select, Voot Kids  – into JioCinema.  The reasoning was that Disney + Hotstar would meet the same fate, at that time.

    Then media reports appeared stating that the two would stay as separate streaming services, one for sports and the other for entertainment.

    Other pundits  had followed up theorising that premium content  would move to  Disney+Hotstar and it would continue as an SVoD service, and JioCinema would end up being the AVOD product. More  guesses followed that it would be the other way round, with JioCinema becoming the premium SVOD offering and Disney+Hotstar being the AVOD one.

    Now a report in The Economic Times has stated that sources close to the matter told the newspaper that JioCinema’s fate has been decided. That Disney + Hotstar is going to be the sole  streaming platform  that will be left after the merger because of its superior technological backend and infrastructure.

    The report also cites download numbers from the Google Play store for Disney+Hotstar which stood at 500 million and for JioCinema that were at a much lower 100 million. Disney+Hotstar, according to the ET report, had 335 million active users in Q4 2023, while JioCinema (according to Reliance’s annual report)  had reached an average 225 million monthly users. Finally, Disney+Hotstar had 35.5 million paid subscribers of June 2024 much lower than the 61 million it had when it streamed the IPL and HBO shows.

    Which way will Reliance and Disney+Hotstar swing? No confirmation or direction was given by either Reliance or Disney+Star India. Neither to ET or to any other publication.

    But let’s look at how the mouse house is working with its three major services in the US, Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu.  It offers Hulu with advertising at $10.99 a month; Hulu with no ads at $18.99 a month. Disney+  premium is offered at $13.99 a month ($139.90 per year); Disney+ standard at $9.99 ($99.90 a year) and Disney+ standard with ads at $5.99 a month. Then it offers different bundles. Disney+ and Hulu with ads at $10.99 a month. Disney+ and Hulu with no ads at 19.99 a month. The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+  trio basic bundle with ads is available at $16.99 a month whereas the same package  with no ads can be bought for $26.99 a month.  A  Disney+, Hulu and Max bundle with ads is available for $16.99 a month;  the same without ads costs $29.99 a month.

    In March 2024, Disney+ started putting content from Hulu (which has a slight adult tilt to its programming and is geared for a general audience as compared to Disney+ which is more family oriented)   onto its app with films and shows from the latter coming alongside the Disney+ offerings.

    Disney+ had 150 million  subscribers as of December 2023 and Hulu nearly  50 million.  That  pales compared to Netflix’s latest subscriber numbers at 282.5 million, but it shows that there are many ways that streamers can be targeted and sold to  subscribers.

    Yes, the Indian consumer is a totally different beast, many may argue and she/he prefers simplicity. But throw in a deal that gives them a financial advantage and they are quite likely to go for it.

    So have we heard the last of what lies ahead for Disney+Hotstar and JioCinema? 

    Until the duo or one of the two or Uday Shankar comes on record, we, at indiantelevision.com believe we might still see some more permutations and combinations being considered before a final announcement is made. 
     

  • Universal Music Canada signs Punjabi music producer Dilmanjot Singh

    Universal Music Canada signs Punjabi music producer Dilmanjot Singh

    Mumbai: Punjabi music producer thiarajxtt, also known as Dilmanjot Singh Thiara, has released his debut EP If the Sun Had a Dark Side. Universal Music Canada (UMC) has announced his signing and the release of his first new music of 2024.

    “thiarajxtt is driving the modern sound of culture today,” said Universal Music Canada chairman & CEO Jeffrey Remedios. “We’re honoured to work alongside Dilman as together we take South Asian music made in Canada to new global heights.”

    The five-track EP is thiarajxtt’s first release as a primary artist since 2023’s Heartfelt EP. It follows his prolific work last year, including production across most of Diljit Dosanjh’s Ghost album (featuring the hit ‘Kinni Kinni’), Jassa Dhillon’s ‘SPAIN,’ and collaborations with Shubh, Channi Nattan, Jerry, and others.

    “I want to break boundaries and bring new and legendary artists together on one project. This is the first step,” said thiarajxtt about this release.

    “Partnering with Universal Music Canada is more than just a milestone—it’s about pushing the limits of what can be achieved when bold ideas and a clear vision come together. UMC has trusted my vision, and together, we’re ready to break barriers and create cultural bridges. This is just the first step in a journey that will redefine what’s possible in music. Everything today may fade by tomorrow, but good music—that’s timeless, and that’s what we’re here to create,” he added.

    If the Sun Had a Dark Side features vocals from thiarajxtt’s twin brother Irman and Indrr Bajwa over hip-hop, R&B, and pop tracks produced by thiarajxtt. The EP’s opener, ‘Colt Buntlines,’ is a romantic-gangster track where Bajwa reassures his partner. ‘Route 66’ and ‘Kasoor’ continue similar themes, while ‘What They Doin’ asserts the dominance of thiarajxtt, Irman, and Bajwa in their field.

    Born in Harkhowal, Punjab, thiarajxtt moved to Toronto in 2019 and gained recognition through collaborations with Shubh, including hits like ‘We Rollin’ and ‘No Love’. In 2023, he produced most of Diljit Dosanjh’s multi-platinum album Ghost. Now, thiarajxtt aims to empower producers in Punjabi music, similar to how Metro Boomin and DJ Khaled lead their projects.

  • Asia Pacific region leads in Netflix Q3 2024 results

    Asia Pacific region leads in Netflix Q3 2024 results

    MUMBAI: The Asia Pacific region is shining for Netflix. At least as far as net subscribers additions  (net paid adds) are concerned.  The region at 2.28 million net adds in Q3 calendar year 2024 was the topmost contributor. It was followed by  2.17 million net adds in Europe, middle east and Africa (EMEA) and 0.69 million net adds  in the US and Canada.  Latin America saw a shaving off of 0.07 million net adds during the period. This was revealed by the global streaming giant in its  latest financial performance report on Thursday in the US. 

    Overall, that totted up to five million net paid sub adds in the latest quarter, giving the streamer 282.7 million subscribers globally. It also helped increase its revenue to $9.8 billion  – a 15 per cent rise over the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Net income also showed improved to $2.3 billion.  

    The company said it was working on  improving its  product/market fit in APAC and it had a strong local content slate in Japan, Korea, Thailand and India in Q3. As a result, its  revenue growth rate in APAC (19 per cent growth year on year) led all regions.  The  revenue growth figures for the other regions were: US & Canada and EMEA  (16 per cent – 10 per cent growth in average paid members and five per cent growth in average revenue per member) and Latin America (nine per cent). 

    “..(We are)…increasingly seeing a steady drumbeat of hit titles from countries around the world,” said Netflix co-CEO, president & director Gregory Peters, during an earnings call with investment analysts. “…you’ve got Japan. You’ve got Korea. You’ve got Thailand. You’ve got India. This represents, again, that decade-plus investment in those creative communities, working with local storytellers there and making sure that they have the capability to tell their stories in a compelling way. So that’s super exciting and we expect to see more of that.”

    Among the shows and films from APAC  which did well in the quarter included: Tokyo Swindlers  from Japan (10.5 million views) and Culinary Class Wars from South Korea (11.0 million views),  Officer Black Belt  (South Korea, 32.8 million views), and Maharaja (India, 22.6 million views).

    Netflix revealed that it streams around 200 billion hours of content yearly and that engagement continues to be healthy at about two hours per day per paid membership on average, despite the impact of paid sharing.  That is only expected to go up with the push into live streaming of the WWE  for 52 weeks, the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight (15 November), and the NFL in December.

    Peters said that “it’s worth noting that our share of viewership in even our biggest countries is still less than 10 per cent of TV time. So we look at this as there’s a huge opportunity to grow that share by.. invest (ing) more in our slate, continue (ing) to improve the variety and quality of our offering.”

    Additionally, it is continuing its push into the ad based free subscription service which grew 35 per cent in term of number viewers getting into it. This is being done through refining the tech in its back end platform , increasing the number of viewers signng up for it and coming up with new formats for advertising.

    On the content front , Netflix  Ted Sarandos said that Q3 had some big hits: Perfect Couple, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and Nobody Wants This.

    He added that “we’re really excited about our Q4 slate because it’s filled with great big titles from the U.S., from Brazil, from Korea, from the U.K., from Germany…. Carry-On, Piano Lesson, Spellbound, Six Triple Eight, Emilia Pérez.  So when we look forward into 2025 and beyond, we want to build on that success So our 2025 slate, I look at that as another ambitious step towards this push to make us even greater for our members. 
    So looking into 2025, you’ve got new seasons of our biggest shows: Wednesday, Squid Games, Stranger Things, on top of new shows from Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy, a new Knives Out film from Ryan Johnson, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, even the return of Happy Gilmore. So we could not be more excited about where we sit right now and where we’re heading.”

     

  • Million Dollar Listing India premieres 25 October on Sony LIV

    Million Dollar Listing India premieres 25 October on Sony LIV

    Mumbai: Sony LIV is set to captivate viewers with the Indian edition of the two-time Emmy-nominated series Million Dollar Listing, premiering on 25 October 2024. Produced by Banijay Asia, the show offers an exclusive look into the thrilling world of luxury real estate in India, showcasing six charismatic realtors who strike multi-million-dollar deals and navigate cutthroat competition. The series, licensed by NBCUniversal Formats, promises to reveal India’s most sought-after properties and the vibrant market dynamics across its trendiest locations.  

    Meet the realtors of Million Dollar Listing India:  

    Ankush Sayal – A trailblazer with a talent for selling high-value properties, Ankush aims to transform India’s unorganized real estate industry into a well-structured sector. With roots in a real estate family, he’s determined to expand beyond traditional boundaries, setting his sights on global growth.  

    Hem Batra – Known as South Delhi’s luxury real estate expert, Hem’s impressive sales record and ability to navigate complex transactions make him the go-to realtor for high-profile clients. His social media showcases stunning properties and provides a glimpse into the world of high-powered deals.  

    Navdeep Khanuja – Dubbed the “King of Real Estate in Gurgaon,” Navdeep’s extensive network and expertise set him apart. He effortlessly unlocks exclusive properties for elite clientele, living up to his reputation as a trendsetter in Gurgaon’s real estate scene.  

    Karuna Gidwani – From cabin crew to real estate, Karuna’s journey has been anything but conventional. Her remarkable versatility has solidified her position as a top luxury real estate expert in Gurgaon, where she achieves phenomenal results.  

    Deepti Mallik – A force in the traditionally male-dominated industry, Deepti revitalized her family business after earning a master’s degree in hospitality and entrepreneurship in Switzerland. Her innovative strategies have transformed the company, and her videos shed light on trending real estate developments.  

    Prajesh Bhatia – The youngest of the group, 24-year-old Prajesh is shaking up the Gurgaon and Central Delhi markets. Guided by the mantra “Innovate, adapt, and dominate,” he uses his age and social media savvy to connect with clients and showcase luxury properties.  

    Sony LIV’s latest series is poised to bring a fresh, aspirational look at India’s real estate sector, highlighting the hustle, high-stakes deals, and intense competition that define the industry. Million Dollar Listing India promises to be an immersive experience, taking viewers on a journey through some of the country’s most luxurious properties.  

    Tags: Million Dollar Listing India, Sony LIV Series, Luxury Real Estate, Banijay Asia, High-Stakes Deals, Ankush Sayal, Navdeep Khanuja, Deepti Mallik, Indian Realtors, Real Estate Competition

  • JioCinema Premium to stream HBO original drama series Dune: Prophecy

    JioCinema Premium to stream HBO original drama series Dune: Prophecy

    Mumbai: JioCinema Premium has released the official trailer for the HBO original drama series Dune: Prophecy. Co-produced with Legendary Television, the six-episode season is set to debut exclusively on JioCinema Premium, starting 18 November at 6:30AM, with new episodes dropping every subsequent Monday.

    From the expansive universe of Dune, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, the series follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. The series is inspired by the novel Sisterhood of Dune, written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.

    The cast features notable actors such as Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Jodhi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Camilla Beeput, Jihae, Tabu, Charithra Chandran, Jessica Barden, Emma Canning, and Yerin Ha. This series promises a rich narrative filled with intrigue and power struggles within the iconic Dune universe.

     

     

     

     

  • IndiaCast lands Fast channel DesiPlay TV on Mena region’s Starz On

    IndiaCast lands Fast channel DesiPlay TV on Mena region’s Starz On

    MUMBAI: It’s making real fast plays (no pun intended) in the middle east and north Africa.

    We are referring to DesiPlay TV,  the Fast channel, from the Mukesh Ambani-owned Viacom18.  

    IndiaCast Media Distribution (IndiaCast), the content asset monetisation arm of Viacom18 and Network18, today announced DesiPlay TV’s launch on Starz On in the middle east & north Africa (Mena), marking the Fast channel’s  availability on two key streaming platforms in the region offering audiences a diverse range of Indian entertainment content and making it accessible to a wider audience of Hindi entertainment enthusiasts across the region. 

    DesiPlay TV, a curated collection of popular Hindi television shows and Indian cinema  films, has garnered popularity among viewers worldwide. With this launch, DesiPlay TV is now available on leading Fast platforms, including Starz On, Shahid, Telus, Pluto TV, Plex, Sling, Rakuten TV, and Yupp TV, providing audiences with easy access to the rich tapestry of Indian storytelling across Mena, Americas and Europe. 

    The Fast channel vertical has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for affordable and accessible content.  The middle east, with its diverse population and growing digital penetration, presents a lucrative market for Fast channels. DesiPlay TV’s presence on Starz On, a prominent streaming platform in the region, is expected to further fuel its popularity and reach among Hindi content consuming audiences. 

    Says IndiaCast executive vice-president & head of international business Govind Shahi:  , “We are thrilled to further solidify DesiPlay TV’s presence in the Middle East through our partnership with Starz On. This expansion is a testament to the growing demand for Indian content globally. We believe that DesiPlay TV’s unique blend of entertainment and cultural richness will resonate with viewers in the region.”

    Starz On & evision head of content Sunil Joy adds:  “As part of our ongoing commitment to providing our audience with the best possible content, we are excited to announce the addition of DesiPlay TV to our platform. This partnership aligns with the growing demand for Asian content in the region and allows us to offer our viewers a more diverse and engaging entertainment experience.”