Category: Over The Top Services

  • Prime Video launches trailer for Citadel: Honey Bunny

    Prime Video launches trailer for Citadel: Honey Bunny

    Mumbai: Prime Video has announced the trailer for Original series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. The Indian series born from the world of Citadel 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 series features the immensely talented Varun Dhawan and Samantha in the lead and the Kay Kay Menon, along with cast that includes Simran, Saqib Saleem, Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Parihar, and Kashvi Majmundar. Citadel: Honey Bunny is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on 7 November.

    The trailer is a preview of the spy thriller set against the vibrant tapestry of the 90’s, which features action, stunts, and edge-of-your-seat excitement, all perfectly complemented by performances. When stuntman Bunny (Varun Dhawan) recruits struggling actress Honey (Samantha) for a side gig, they are hurled into a high-stakes world of action, espionage, and betrayal. Years later, as their dangerous past catches up, the estranged Honey and Bunny must reunite and fight to protect their young daughter Nadia.

    “Following the tremendous response to the teaser, the excitement and anticipation around the show has been rising every day, with fans of Varun, Samantha and Raj & DK eagerly waiting for November 7. We felt that now is the right time to provide them with a window into the series with an action-infused trailer of the show that captures the incredible world of Citadel: Honey Bunny. Raj & DK have added their signature quirk and charm to this high-octane spy thriller that promises to be a whole new thrilling ride for our audiences,” said Prime Video head of originals India, Nikhil Madhok.

    “Citadel: Honey Bunny is a significant project for us as it has given us the opportunity to be part of a larger, unprecedented world of spies and espionage that has never been done or even attempted before. We have created all our projects so far, but Citadel: Honey Bunny is our first collaboration. And that it is with the creative forces like the Russo Brothers, as well as a host of talented filmmakers and creators around the world, has made this an amazingly valuable creative experience,” said Raj & DK.

    “Bunny is unlike any role I’ve played before. As a spy, he not only leads a double life, but every aspect of his personality has two distinct sides, which was very exciting for me as an actor. Intricately woven into the storyline, his portrayal required me to draw on a blend of experiences and characters I’ve embodied over the years, as well as mentally and physically prepare for the grueling stunts and amped-up action scenes, making it one of my most challenging performances yet. And I am deeply grateful to Prime Video, Raj & DK, and AGBO for the opportunity to bring Bunny to life,” said Varun Dhawan.

    Samantha said, “The opportunity to be part of an action-packed entertainer with a gripping storyline, rich character depth, and intense hand-to-hand combats and stunts that rival international standards, along with the prospect to play an integral role in this collection of connected spy stories, is what drew me to this project. The challenges and efforts required to bring Honey to life have left a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally, making it one of the most significant roles of my career. I’m confident that the audience will thoroughly enjoy this series, not just in India but across the many countries and territories where it will stream on Prime Video.”

  • Amazon MX Player releases the trailer for its upcoming series Fisaddi

    Amazon MX Player releases the trailer for its upcoming series Fisaddi

    Mumbai: Amazon MX Player is set to put sibling bonds to the test with its upcoming series Fisaddi as they released the trailer of the heartfelt drama. Delving into the intricate relationship between two brothers, the story will take audiences as they navigate the harsh realities of growing up. Set against the vibrant backdrop of college life in Allahabad, Fisaddi follows the journey of Goldie, a college legend with a larger-than-life persona, and his brother Vimal, who embodies everything Goldie wishes to be. Capturing the highs and lows of brotherhood, the series boasts a talented cast featuring Bhuvan Arora, Poojan Chabbra, Priyal Mahajan, Rajesh Jais, Gopal Datt, Shabnam Vadhera, Shailja Chaturvedi, and Mukund Pal in pivotal roles.

    The trailer hints at the close bond between the brothers, while also revealing the silent tension that surfaces as their roles begin to shift. Goldie struggles to hold his position as the elder brother, fighting with the uncomfortable reality that Vimal excels where he’s fallen short. What happens when the once-admired elder brother, known for his wisdom and confidence, starts to feel like an outsider in his own story? The series takes an unflinching look at how brothers can be both rivals and protectors and how growing up sometimes means letting go of the image you’ve carefully crafted for yourself. As Vimal’s success mounts and Goldie’s grip on his own life begins to slip, their relationship reaches a boiling point, testing their bond in unexpected ways.

    Amazon MX Player content head Amogh Dusad shared, “Fisaddi beautifully captures the essence of brotherhood in a way that is both relatable and entertaining. The series explores the nuances of rivalry, love, and personal growth, all while capturing the spirit of youth. The story focusses on brotherhood, which is a largely untapped emotion and we’re certain audiences will relate to it.”

    Bhuvan Arora, who essays the role of Goldie in the series, expressed, Portraying Goldie has been an incredible journey for me as an actor. The character’s flaws and insecurities make him deeply relatable, and I believe viewers will find pieces of themselves in both Goldie and Vimal. Their relationship captures the essence of sibling love, rivalry, the pressure they face, and the pressure to maintain individuality. The bromance highlighted in the story is a key element and it is a largely untapped emotion. I hope audiences find their journey inspiring and realize that, in the end, it’s the bond we share that defines who we are.”

  • JioCinema doubles subscribers Q-on-Q to 16 million in Q2 FY2025

    JioCinema doubles subscribers Q-on-Q to 16 million in Q2 FY2025

    MUMBAI: Reliance group’s Viacom18’s streamer JioCinema is sprinting ahead at a rapid clip. The subscription-oriented OTT, according to Network18 Media’s filings with the Bombay stock exchange,  doubled its subscriber base in Q2  FY 2025 quarter over quarter. The sub base at the end of 30 September 2024 stood at an impressive 16 million. 

    What worked in its favour, the company says, are the  affordable monthly subscription plans of Rs 29 per month and Rs 89 per month  (family plan) and an expanding content catalogue and the live sports that were streamed on it. 

    The third season of digital exclusive Bigg Boss OTT was the top driver of subscription and watch-time. Bigg Boss Marathi replicated its success on TV, becoming the third most-watched show on the platform. Network non-fiction shows like Laughter Chefs, Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Splitsvilla were complemented by digital exclusive shows like Shekhar Home and Pill.

    The international content catalogue on JioCinema was amongst the top drivers of subscriber acquisition during the quarter. Kung Fu Panda 4, Dune 2, Godzilla x Kong, and Fall Guy were some of the popular international shows and movies added on the platform during the quarter. 

    Viacom18’s coverage of Paris Olympics 2024 delivered the highest ever viewership of the event with 170+ million viewers and 15 billion minutes of watch-time across JioCinema and Sports 18. JioCinema had up to 20 concurrent live streams spanning 17 dedicated feeds for sports and three curated streams for India matches and other high viewer interest events. A studio panel comprising eminent sports personalities and experts delivered surround content, bringing an unparalleled coverage of the event. 

    A combination of comprehensive coverage and a growing interest in non-cricket sports led to high engagement of over 50 mins a day on JioCinema. The sports network also aired India vs Bangladesh cricket test series, Indian Super League and other popular sports events, cementing its position as the home of sports. 

  • Disney+’s big bet: A daily telenovela on OTT globally

    Disney+’s big bet: A daily telenovela on OTT globally

    MUMBAI: 11 October marked a new way of program scheduling for Disney+. The streamer dropped five episodes of drama series Return to Las Sabinas on its service  in Spain and all over the world  (in India, viewers can watch it on Disney+Hotstar ) and on Hulu in the US. So what’s new about this? 

    What is new about Return to Las Sabinas is the gutsy decision that Disney+ Spain vice-president original production Sofía Fábregas  has taken. Episodes of the telenovela drama are being dropped  daily weekday morning for the next 65 days for the 70 episode series. (For diehard melodrama viewers: in India daily episodes are being introduced Monday to Friday at 12:30 pm with English subtitles .)

    While that is pretty déjà vu for television viewers and programmers in India, for the Spaniards to use the television daily drop routine on an OTT platform is pretty daring. 

    “It’s yet to be confirmed if it’s going to be a success or not, but Disney was willing to take the risk to be the first with something that was both established, but because nobody had tried it [in streaming], also very new,” Fábregas told Deadline.  “We wanted to take something that the audience was accustomed to and put it in an unexpected place.”

    But with Fábregas confessing that it is a big risk, she’s taken steps to at least reduce it by hiring the best to put their might behind the production as well as innovating on production  values. For one, she hired  Banijay Iberia’s Diagonal production company to do the job. Then she roped in  experienced  show runner and creator Eulàlia Carillo  as its executive producer while bringing on veteran Jordi Frades  to helm the show. 

    Instead of the tacky indoor studio sets that telenovelas are normally shot in, she decided to film it on natural outdoor and indoor locations in and around Barcelona  to make it look premium. Each 45 minute episode was shot over two and a half days with two cameras giving it a cinematic look instead of the one day given to normal daily dramas. Post production was also allocated twice the amount that normal dramas get to make the output on screen look snazzy. Writing was given two and a half  years so that the right hook points, cliff hangers could stand out and bring viewers back daily. 

    The series stars top Latino actors like Celia Freijeiro, Andrés Velencoso, Olivia Molina, Natalia Sánchez, Nancho Novo, and María Casali. 

    The story follows two sisters, Gracia and Paloma, who return to their childhood home in Las Sabina to care for their father. Gracia reconnects with her first love, Miguel, who is now engaged to Ester. However, his brother Tano, is still in love with her and refuses to back down. Paloma takes over the family lands and clashes with landowner Paca Utrera, who has a nefarious plan for the town. In the meantime, the girl’s father, Emilio, attempts to reconcile with his daughters, but a hidden secret complicates his efforts. 

    Sounds familiar? Like many other telenovelas or drama series? 

    Frades told Deadline that the idea is not to have a very different plot. “We want the people to find love, passion, drama, comedy and everything they like in a daily show, but maybe with a little upgrade.”

    Even Carillo accepts that. Speaking to Deadline he said:  “It starts, as any other fiction does, with a question: What would you be willing to forgive? The series is about forgiveness and second chances. It’s also about first love and how it impacts on our lives, and also new loves and how we find love even when we don’t expect it.”

    Fábregas  told Deadline that she’s going by her gut. She said:  “I would say it’s a bet, and let’s see if we win,” she noted. “It is a bet because we haven’t done it yet, not us or not the other streamers. We’re programming against other streamers. Could it change the rules? Potentially, yes. Maybe in five years all the streamers will have programming like this.”

    Or could it happen earlier?

  • Pro Cricket League Season 1 announces Sony Liv as official streaming partner

    Pro Cricket League Season 1 announces Sony Liv as official streaming partner

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated first season of the Pro Cricket League is set to take place from 18 October to 27 October 2024, at the Shahid Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, and it has just been announced that Sony Liv will be the official streaming partner for the tournament. Featuring thrilling matches with international cricketing stars such as Thisara Perera, Pawan Negi, Phil Mustard, Dilshan Munaweera, Shahbaz Nadeem, Manpreet Gony, Bipul Sharma, Robin Bist, Mahesh Rawat, Vikas Tokas, and Navin Stewart, this partnership promises to provide fans with a premier viewing experience.

    Sony Liv will deliver exclusive live coverage, allowing cricket fans to enjoy the action from the comfort of their homes. Viewers will be able to stream every match live, capturing every ball, wicket, and boundary in real time.

    Pro Cricket League commissioner Chetan Sharma voiced his excitement, saying, “We believe our tournament holds the potential to offer something new and exciting in terms of cricketing action. Our sincere appreciation goes out to Sony Liv for their invaluable role in elevating this competition.”

    Pro Cricket League managing director & founder Sachin Gupta shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Sony Liv, a name synonymous with quality sports streaming in India. With our streaming partner’s vast reach, we are confident this season will be bigger and better than ever.”

    Executive director Ganesh Sharma added, “This collaboration ensures live updates of the Pro Cricket League reach homes and devices across India and beyond, making it a staple for cricket enthusiasts. We also see this as an opportunity to showcase the electrifying action that the tournament will bring in the days ahead.”

    Sony Liv’s wide reach and high-quality streaming service will ensure that the excitement of the Pro Cricket League extends globally, expanding its audience beyond traditional boundaries. Fans can expect a seamless viewing experience across multiple devices, ensuring they won’t miss a moment of the action.

    With Sony Liv on board, the Pro Cricket League promises to be an unmissable event for all cricket fans.

  • OTTplay Changemakers Awards 2024 to honour trailblazers of south Indian cinema

    OTTplay Changemakers Awards 2024 to honour trailblazers of south Indian cinema

    Mumbai: OTTplay, an OTT App and AI-based recommendation engine platform is set to unveil the second edition of the OTTplay Changemakers Awards on 26 October 2024, at the prestigious Taj Coromandel in Chennai. The highly anticipated event will shine the spotlight on the South Indian entertainment industry, honouring the individuals and creative minds who have driven innovation and transformation across OTT platforms and cinema.

    Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, which celebrated disruptors from across the Indian film industries, the 2024 awards will focus exclusively on the thriving Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema industries. As south Indian films continue to break barriers with groundbreaking storytelling and commercial success, this year’s event will bring together visionaries from these vibrant industries.

    The awards ceremony will felicitate winners in about 35 categories, with special emphasis on the awards for disruptive star, most versatile performer and inspiring actor, across the four south industries, along with celebrating the pioneers of the industry. These categories, for both male and female talents, will highlight the creativity, versatility and social impact made by those who have left a lasting impression in both OTT and traditional cinema.

    OTTplay co-founder & CEO Avinash Mudaliar said, “The OTTplay Changemakers Awards is not just about recognizing talent; it’s about celebrating the power of storytelling to bring about real change. This year, with our exclusive focus on South Indian cinema, we’re honouring individuals who have pushed creative boundaries and inspired audiences globally. We are proud to continue the legacy started last year, now showcasing the incredible contributions of South Indian storytellers.”

    In addition to individual recognitions, the awards will spotlight two categories: ‘voice of change’ and ‘cinema for change’, which will honour contributions toward social causes such as supporting animal welfare and highlight the industry’s commitment to social responsibility.

    Just like last year, the credibility and transparency of the OTTplay Changemakers Awards are maintained through an editorially driven process led by OTTplay and Hindu Tamil Thisai, ensuring that each winner is thoughtfully selected and deserving of the recognition they receive.

    The event is supported by prestigious partners, including the Vedanta Anil Agarwal Foundation as the presenting sponsor and Hindu Tamil Thisai as a media partner. The excitement of the awards will reach a broader audience as the event will be streamed on Zee5, the official streaming partner, with Fever FM as the radio partner.

  • ‘Vedaa, Samvidhan Ka Rakshak’ to premiere on Zee5 on 10 Oct

    ‘Vedaa, Samvidhan Ka Rakshak’ to premiere on Zee5 on 10 Oct

    Mumbai: Zee5 has announced the digital premiere of ‘Vedaa, Samvidhan Ka Rakshak’ on 10 October. Directed by Nikkhil Advani and produced by Zee Studios, Emmay Entertainment, and JA Entertainment, this action drama features John Abraham, Sharvari, Abhishek Banerjee, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ashish Vidyarthi. Inspired by real-life events, ‘Vedaa’ follows the journey of a Dalit girl and addresses caste-based injustices and crimes.

    The story centers on Major Abhimanyu Kanwar (John Abraham), a court-martialed army officer, whose path intersects with Vedaa (Sharvari), a determined Dalit woman seeking justice. Together, they confront societal challenges and oppressive forces, including the village chief (Abhishek Banerjee), who aims to silence them. As they uncover painful truths and fight for redemption, the film presents a narrative of courage and the pursuit of justice.

    Directed by Nikkhil Advani, ‘Vedaa, Samvidhan Ka Rakshak’ masterfully combines intense action with a poignant social message.

    Zee5 India CBO Manish Kalra stated, “At Zee5, we believe that cinema can inspire change and ‘Vedaa,’ embodies this spirit by shedding light on pressing social issues through its powerful narrative and creative storytelling. We are proud to present this film that entertains and sparks meaningful conversations about justice and resilience. The film aligns perfectly with our thought of connecting, collaborating, and communicating with our viewers through impactful and transformative stories. With ‘Vedaa’’, we are strengthening Zee5’s commitment of delivering quality content that not only resonates with diverse audience segments but also drives positive change in society.”

    Zee Studios CBO Umesh Kr Bansal said, “With Vedaa’ now releasing on Zee5, we’re excited that this powerful story of resilience will reach an even wider audience. It reflects our commitment to impactful storytelling, and we believe its compelling narrative and strong performances will deeply resonate with viewers.”

    Emmay Entertainment producer Madhu Bhojwani shared, “We are excited to bring Vedaa, to an even larger audience with its digital premiere.  When we started the journey to make this film, it was driven by the need to tell a story that inspires and empowers, and we can’t wait for more people to join the conversation through its digital release.”

    Director Nikkhil Advani said, “I believe ‘Vedaa,’ not only entertains but also sheds light on important issues. From the very beginning, our aim with this film was to tell a story that sparks meaningful conversations, and we look forward to more viewers experiencing its message now through the film’s release on Zee5”.

    Abraham said, “I’m proud to be part of a film that not only entertains but also empowers. Vedaa, inspires women to embrace their strength and also encourages all of us to support and uplift one another. The film is very important and relevant in today’s day and age which is a powerful reminder that when women thrive, we all thrive. I can’t wait for audiences of Zee5 to experience this transformative message in Vedaa.”

    Sharvari expressed, “I’m excited for the digital release of ‘Vedaa,’ on Zee5! Playing Vedaa Berwa has been an enriching experience for me. She is someone who seeked equality and justice. I felt her fire to stand up and fight for what is right. Its very overwhelming to receive so much love and appreciation for Vedaa, and it means the world to me to be part of a film that makes you think. Through boxing and martial arts training, Vedaa discovers her strength and voice in the film. I can’t wait for audiences to witness her inspiring journey!”

  • OTT platform Goose launches its freemium plan

    OTT platform Goose launches its freemium plan

    Mumbai: OTT platform Goose has announced the rollout of its latest freemium plan, marking a significant step towards making live TV and VOD streaming accessible to all. With this launch, Goose aims to redefine the industry landscape by offering essential features at no cost, empowering businesses of all sizes.

    The freemium plan offers unparalleled value, providing users with a 100 per cent free option that includes essential features to kickstart their streaming service journey. Designed to facilitate a seamless operation and launch, this plan caters to both newcomers and established players, fostering an inclusive environment for growth and success.

    Freemium simplifies the process of importing television or video content and sharing it with a worldwide audience. Key features of Goose’s freemium plan include:

    ●    No expiration
    ●    50 channels availability
    ●    Access to limited features
    ●    Catchup TV of 10 per cent live channels
    ●    1 TB VOD storage
    ●    Compatibility with Android STB/Phone
    ●    Member site availability
    ●    Goose DRM
    ●    One device connection at a time
    ●    1000 monthly users for free

    Goose created its freemium plan, focusing on enhancing the competitiveness of small businesses and content creators. By eliminating financial barriers, it empowers users to bring their apps to market swiftly and efficiently.

    With its commitment to democratising live TV and video streaming services, Goose OTT invites businesses to experience the power of freemium and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.

  • Kunal Bahl joins Shark Tank India season four panel

    Kunal Bahl joins Shark Tank India season four panel

    Mumbai: Shark Tank India returns with its highly anticipated fourth season, promising an exciting lineup of innovative ideas, dynamic entrepreneurs, and game-changing deals. The new season welcomes a new shark, Snapdeal & Titan Capital co-founder and Unicommerce promoter Kunal Bahl.

    A renowned entrepreneur and investor, Bahl has built and scaled various technology businesses and has also invested in more than 250 start-ups. An influential voice in the Indian start-up space, Kunal has received numerous accolades, including the Economic Times Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Joseph Wharton Award for Young Leadership, Fortune’s 40 Under 40, amongst others.

    Kunal will be joining the panel of: People Group founder and CEO Anupam Mittal, boAt Lifestyle co-founder and CMO Aman Gupta, Emcure Pharmaceuticals executive director Namita Thapar, and OYO founder & group CEO Ritesh Agarwal.

    This season introduces new hosts, Sahiba Bali and Ashish Solanki, bringing their unique energy and flair to the show. 
     

  • Amazon merges MX Player with miniTV to expand ad supported streaming offering

    Amazon merges MX Player with miniTV to expand ad supported streaming offering

    MUMBAI:  Amazon on Monday announced that it had closed the acquisition of select assets of MX Player, including the MX Player app, to merge with its ad-supported video-on-demand (AVoD) service, Amazon miniTV. It was in June that several media outlets had reported that Amazon was close to acquiring the once Times group owned app.

    Post-acquisition, the app has been renamed as Amazon MX Player. It will continue to provide its library of shows for which it was known to more than 250 million users in India. Among these: Aashram, Dharavi Bank, Campus Diaries, Physicswallah, and Yeh Meri Family. The streamer had also built a fan following for its popular Korean, Mandarin, and Turkish shows dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. Viewers will be able to  access the service through apps on mobile, Amazon.in, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs.

    “Today we are bringing together the vast reach of MX Player, with the advertising tech that leverages Amazon’s billions of customer signals,” said Amazon India head of advertising Girish Prabhu. “It’s about enabling all brands, not just the ones selling on Amazon, to reach and deliver relevant advertising to a very large and engaged base across India. It’s about directly measuring outcomes from the very top of the funnel to the very bottom.”

    “Amazon and MX Player obsess over customer experience and are both believers in the future of free entertainment,” added Amazon MX Player head Karan Bedi. “Being part of Amazon will let us continue to delight millions of viewers across the country. We will offer high-quality entertainment and streaming experiences faster than we could have done independently, while continuing to keep the service free. This merger will mean great things for our viewers, advertisers and content partners, and will let us bring MX Player to even more people in India.”