ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Bingo! Tedhe Medhe releases ‘Rockanjali’ song

    Bingo! Tedhe Medhe releases ‘Rockanjali’ song

    Mumbai: This Durga Puja, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe pays tribute to 50 years of Bengali rock music with the release of the ‘Rockanjali’ song. Composed and performed by notable musicians Siddhartha Sankar Roy (Siddhu) and Avijit Burman (Pota) from Cactus, Gaurab Chatterjee (Gabu) from Lakkhichara, and Anindya Chatterjee from Chandrabindoo, the song celebrates the cultural significance of Bengali rock and emphasizes the importance of friendships and bonding during Durga Puja. ‘Rockanjali’ reflects the essence of Bengali rock and aims to inspire a new generation of music lovers, highlighting the genre’s impact on Bengali art and culture over the past 50 years.

    Bingo! Tedhe Medhe has also launched the ‘Rockanjali’ contest to connect with its core consumers and showcase young musicians during Durga Puja. The contest attracted over 120 entries from students across Kolkata’s colleges, with 15 bands selected as finalists. These bands will perform at iconic Durga Puja pandals, offering a unique opportunity to reach thousands of spectators. For the first time, Kolkata will host a ‘Concert on Wheels’ as part of the ‘Rockanjali Pujo Tour.’ From Chaturthi to Navami, the tour will visit six prominent Durga Puja pandals, promoting Bangla rock music throughout the city.

    Speaking about the theme song, ITC Foods VP & head of marketing, snacks, noodles and pasta, Suresh Chand said: “With Rockanjali, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe wanted to create something truly special for this Durga Puja. Our song honours the rich legacy of Bengali rock music while giving young, emerging talent a platform to shine. Through the Rockanjali Pujo Tour and contest, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe is excited to connect with the youth and foster the next generation of rockstars during one of Kolkata’s most iconic festivals.”

    Renowned singer and composer Anindya Chatterjee from Chandrabindoo commented, “Bengali rock has always been about expressing the deepest emotions of our people—our struggles, our joy, our friendships. The Rockanjali song, created in collaboration with Bingo! Tedhe Medhe, is a tribute to the spirit of Bengali rock and to the fans who have kept it alive for 50 years. It’s an honour to be part of this project with so many iconic voices.”

    By blending music, culture, and competition, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe’s Rockanjali is set to provide a unique experience that will resonate with the city’s cultural routes, creating a lasting impact. The song will serve as a gateway for the next generation of musicians, setting the stage for Bengal’s future rock stars.

  • Arré Studio, O4 Media & MBC Korea partner to launch ‘The Masked Singer’ in India

    Arré Studio, O4 Media & MBC Korea partner to launch ‘The Masked Singer’ in India

    Mumbai: Arré Studio have entered into an exclusive option agreement with O4 Media and the creators of the international hit series ‘The Masked Singer’ to bring the pathbreaking global smash hit to Indian audiences.

    The agreement will see Arré Studio developing a localised version of ‘The Masked Singer’ for the Indian market. Known for its unique blend of mystery, music, and entertainment, The Masked Singer has taken audiences by storm since its inception in South Korea, captivating viewers in over 50 countries, including the United States United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.

    “It’s awesome to be partnering with MBC Korea and Arré Studio to bring The Masked Singer to India,” said O4 Media founder and MD Gary Pudney. “The format’s success across the globe speaks to its universal appeal, and we believe that Indian audiences, with their passionate love for music, will embrace the title with the same enthusiasm.

    Commenting on the deal, MBC, director of the OTT global business team, Haewon Chin said, “We are excited to collaborate with O4 Media and Arré Studio to bring The Masked Singer to India. The show has demonstrated its ability to transcend cultural boundaries, and we believe that the vibrant and diverse Indian entertainment landscape is the perfect home for the next chapter of The Masked Singer.”

    Arré Studio’s CEO Namit Sharma, also expressed his enthusiasm about bringing The Masked Singer to India: “At Arré we believe in creating entertainment that will become part of pop culture and The Masked Singer is a format that has delivered on this in most territories. It is a phenomenal combination of music, celebrity, mystery and humour. We are proud that this is our first international format option and there are many more to follow.”
     

  • JioCinema Premium drives engagement for The Penguin

    JioCinema Premium drives engagement for The Penguin

    Mumbai: The Penguin is in Mumbai! JioCinema Premium has released a gripping CGI video showcasing Gotham’s infamous criminal and kingpin Oz Cobb driving through in his purple Maserati. The video teases the viewers with the tagline “Mumbai will be his”. Live across digital media, the video creates intrigue in the Batman spinoff while showcasing Oz Cobb, aka The Penguin in his fierce gangster avatar.

    Starring Colin Farrell in the titular role, the eight-episode HBO Original limited series from DC Studios continues the epic crime saga that filmmaker Matt Reeves began with the global blockbuster – The Batman (2022), and acts as a vital link to its forthcoming sequel.

    Streaming in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi, The Penguin offers an action-packed dive into Gotham’s underworld. 

  • Hungama Digital Media unveils new shows at Hungama Originals success party

    Hungama Digital Media unveils new shows at Hungama Originals success party

    Mumbai: Hungama Digital Media, a digital entertainment company, celebrated the success of its streaming service Hungama OTT with an exclusive success party. The event assembled the biggest names from the entertainment world including Daisy Shah, Kanika Mann, Helly Shah, Tina Datta, Nyra Banerjee, Ali Gony, Yukti Kapoor, Krissann Barretto, Rohan Mehra, Karan Sharma, Aabhaas Mehta, Monalisa, Shilpa Tulaskar, Himanshu Malhotra, Shaleen, Rohit Khandelwal, Sanam Johar and Abigail, amongst others. Held in the evening of 25 September, an exciting slate of new web series for the coming weeks were also unveiled at the event.

    Hungama OTT has captivated audiences with its diverse range of original shows, films, and music. The upcoming content lineup promises to continue this trend, offering viewers an engaging mix of genres. The platform will offer something to cater to every taste, from gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies and everything in between. Its latest lineup includes highly anticipated shows such as Red Room, Khadaan, Personal Trainer, Checkmate, Pyramid, Mona Ki Manohar Kahaaniyan and Hasratein 2 and Ratri Ke Yatri 3.

    Talking about the success of Hungama OTT platform and the upcoming web series lineup,  Hungama Digital Media founder & managing director Neeraj Roy said, “Hungama Originals’ success demonstrates the incredible support from our viewers and our team’s dedication. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to announce our upcoming lineup, which promises to push creative boundaries. Our new shows will deliver fresh, diverse narratives resonating with audiences across India and beyond.”

    Hungama OTT for the upcoming releases and much more, as we continue to redefine digital entertainment in India.

  • Nidhi Saxena’s ‘Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman’ unveils official poster and trailer

    Nidhi Saxena’s ‘Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman’ unveils official poster and trailer

    Mumbai: Nidhi Saxena’s highly anticipated directorial debut, ‘Sad Letters of an Imaginary Woman’, has unveiled its compelling poster and trailer, heightening excitement for its world premiere at the 29th Busan International Film Festival this October 2024. This announcement follows Saxena’s remarkable achievement of winning the Asian Cinema Fund 2024, making her the first Indian female director to receive this prestigious accolade in the post-production category. Produced by Nila Madhab Panda, Vimukthi Jayasundara, and Ajender Chawla, the film navigates the delicate interplay between memory and reality, capturing the complexities of longing and loss.

    The trailer immerses the audience into the haunting world of a decaying ancestral home, where middle-aged Nidhi and her elderly mother Meera confront their intertwined destinies. Through poignant letters and imaginary conversations with her younger self, Nidhi faces the scars of her past, striving to rewrite her life-story. As the crumbling walls echo their emotional turmoil, the duo seeks freedom through a mystical vanishing ritual. The evocative trailer of the film takes the viewers through the journey of resilience, emotional survival, and the desire for escape.

    Says Nidhi Saxena, “My film is now stepping into the world, and though there’s a sense of thrill, my film is deeply personal, so there’s an undercurrent of fear also. It feels as if I’ve laid down all my defences, standing bare, exposed before the world, consciously choosing to embrace both vulnerability and courage. The trailer and poster capture the suffocating loneliness and the feeling of being trapped— echoes running through this story’s heart. It’s about women bound by memory, lost in the past. In India, so many women carry this silence, and I hope the film speaks to them in ways that feel intimate and true”.

    Says Vimukthi Jayasundara, “Bringing ‘Sad Letters by an Imaginary Woman’ to life has been a fantastic journey, with every frame filled with embracing boldness and experimentation. It is deeply personal and the kind of pure, uncompromising cinema that I stand for. At the same time, this was Nidhi’s debut, so it indeed might prove to be a bold risk taken at a very initial level, but this is what I call ‘pure cinema’, it challenges the norms and dares to be different. It is not an easy path, but that’s what makes this experience so thrilling. I am proud to back such a unique and powerful story”. 

  • Disney Star India in shortlist for SportsPro OTT awards

    Disney Star India in shortlist for SportsPro OTT awards

    MUMBAI: There’s good news for Disney Star India. Its tech innovations have got a pat on the back from the leading streaming awards for –  the SportsPro OTT awards.

    The company’s streaming service has been shortlisted in the categories of innovation and platform of the year and for its marketing strategy while Star Sports has found a mention among the toppers in the use of artificial intelligence.

    Disney+Hotstar worked with the ICC to introduce Max View during the World Cup – which allows users to switch to a vertical view, maximizing the screen space for a more immersive experience. This innovation has been shortlisted in the innovation of the year category.

    The streamer recorded peak viewership numbers of 5.9 crore viewers during the World Cup final between India and Australia, which required deft engineering excellence. The SportsPro OTT Awards have recognised this effort by shortlisting Disney+Hotstar  in the platform of the year category (from a network) for managing this humungous traffic using cutting edge technologies.

    Its marketing campaign for the World Cup 2023 which resulted in it never seen before cumulative viewers  through its messaging “One Platform, One Nation: Online India Comes Together for Cricket World Cup 2023” has been placed in the shortlist of the marketing category.

    Finally, Star Sports  use of artificial intelligence to translate international cricketers commentary into Indian regional languages has got a mention in the best use of AI category.

    The awards, which were created by leading UK-based  publication SportsProMedia, have a jury consisting of executives from some of the top sports firms including Formula 1, IMG Sports, SailGP, Dazn, among many others.

  • Punjabi OTT KableOne launches on JioStore

    Punjabi OTT KableOne launches on JioStore

    MUMBAI: There’s palpable excitement at Punjabi OTT platform KableOne. It recently got onboarded onto the JioStore. Promoted by the Karnal (Haryana)-based  Seven Colors Broadcasting with the backing of leading Punjabi film production house Saga Studios, the streamer was launched in iOS, android, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsun Tizen, LG WebOS, Firestick and CloudOS versions a month or so ago.

    KabelOne’s offering includes movies on demand, live channels and radio. The app was developed by Modern Streaming Solutions. Saga Studios, has a a large movie library with some of the prominent films being Ardas Karan, Subedar Joginder Singh, Manje Bistre, Warning, and Cheta Singh, among others.

    “We are bringing out stories from Punjab, for the world. I believe in the vision with which we have built this platform, and Punjab and its stories are definitely the next big thing,” KableOne CEO  Simranjeet Singh had expressed in a release at the time of its launch.

    Singh has partnered with Mumbai-based production houses like Shalimar Productions  for films such as Constable Harjeet Kaur which are currently on the floor. Films such as Do Dooni Panj are slated for a release on 27 September, while others such as Warning and Cheta Singh are targeted to launch in early October. Subtitles in English make the films accessible to non-Punjabi viewers as well.

    Amongst the live channels it is offering are those providing Sikh devotional hymns from across the world, YRF Music, and Saga Music Hits in Haryanvi.

    Premium ad-free subscription is priced at Rs 4,000 annually, with four devices being allowed to be logged in simultaneously. The same offer is available for a biannual premium plan priced at Rs 2,500 for  six months. If premium subscribers want to pay monthly, then their tab is Rs 600 a month.  The Rs 2,500 one time payment per annum basic plan allows for just two devices to be logged in simultaneously, with the per monthly price being Rs 249. KableOne is currently giving away a Noise headphone priced at Rs 5,999 to premium subscribers.

    Will the KabelOne  catch on? 

    Subscription numbers were not available at the time of writing but keeping in mind the  high disposable income in the hands of Punjabis the world over, it well might. But for it to sustain, the management will have to have deep pockets and keep refreshing the catalogue at regular intervals to reduce churn. 

    Streaming, as the big boys such as Disney+Hotstar, Netflix, Prime Video have learnt, requires lots of steam to stay in business. 

  • Weekend Unwind with Dr Aparna Santhanam

    Weekend Unwind with Dr Aparna Santhanam

    Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it’s the perfect time to relax with Indiantelevision.com’s latest edition of Weekend Unwind—a fun and informal Q&A series that takes a deep dive into the minds of industry leaders. Through this weekend feature, we get a closer look at the people behind the titles, discovering their personal stories, passions, and unique perspectives.

    In this week’s session, we have Dr Aparna Santhanam (MD, DNB), a renowned dermatologist, cosmetologist, and wellness expert with over two decades of experience in the beauty, health, and wellness industry. As the current medical head of Kaya Skin Clinics, she played a pivotal role in establishing the brand as India’s largest chain of cosmetic dermatology clinics. Dr. Santhanam has consulted for major cosmetic and pharmaceutical brands, including ITC, Unilever, Marico, and Cipla, and has authored three bestselling books, ‘Skin Deep,’ ‘Let’s Talk Hair,’ and ‘Jelly Belly’. Her expertise spans private practice, strategic consulting, and consumer insights in skin and hair care across India, the Middle East, and China. She is also a certified transformational coach and a fellow of the Harvard Business School Dasra Social Leadership program.

    In addition to her medical career, Dr. Santhanam is an active writer, speaker, and advocate for women’s health and wellness. She has worked with NGOs like the Bombay Leprosy Project and Apnalaya India, focusing on women’s empowerment and community development in Mumbai’s poorest slums. Her patient-centric approach emphasizes education and awareness, using simple tools and digital media to empower individuals to better understand their skin, hair, and overall health.

    Without further ado, here it goes…

    Your mantra for life

    Love drives everything and life is beautiful!

    A book you are currently reading or plan to read

    I’m always reading and usually two books at any time.

    Fiction: Butter, a brilliant Japanese book

    Non-fiction: Unfiltered: The CEO & The Coach

    Your fitness mantra

    Movement is Medicine… Just keep moving!

    Your comfort food

    Rasam Rice & Potato roast South Indian style.

    A quote or philosophy that keeps you going when the chips are down

    “This too shall pass”.

    Your guilty pleasure

    Pani puri & murder books, movies & TV shows.

    The last time you tried something new

    I’m very experimentative with all experiences… so reformer Pilates last month, Modern fusion twist in South Indian cuisine last week, learning to write haikus.

    A life lesson you learned the hard way

    There are no shortcuts to anything worthwhile… it’s a stairway to heaven but a highway to hell 🙂

    What gets you excited about life?

    New experiences… unexpected learning’s….undiscovered possibilities…..constant healing of self and the world ….life is never predictable and always exciting.

    What’s on top of your bucket list?

    Travel to Ireland…. Some of my favorite authors are from there… I feel a close kinship and a pull to go there.

    If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

    Slow down… savour life…. Everything comes to you when it is supposed to….enjoy every moment of the journey.. slow down.

    One thing you would most like to change about the world

    To have each one of us truly believe that each and every one of us is equal and an inclusive world is the most beautiful world.

    An activity that keeps you motivated and charged during tough times

    Picking up a new skill and writing poetry. Gets me unstuck and motivated.

    What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?

    Drinking a cup of chai with my best friend and laughing at nothing at all is the best therapy and spirit lifter!

    Your go-to stress buster

    Watching shows/movies with my husband & daughter. Changes my mood instantly.

  • Audible and Disney launches new kid-focused audio originals: Frozen, Cars & Star Wars

    Audible and Disney launches new kid-focused audio originals: Frozen, Cars & Star Wars

    Mumbai: Audible, Inc., the creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, and Disney Publishing released three new Audible Originals today from Disney’s Frozen, Disney & Pixar’s Cars, and Star Wars, in addition to 60 audiobooks featuring stories including Finding Dory, Marvel’s Avengers, Monsters, Inc., Mulan, and Toy Story. All of these offerings are available today exclusively on Audible at audible.com.

    Today’s three Audible Originals feature multiple Disney character voices and immersive sound design. The titles include:

    1   Star Wars: Padawan’s Pride

    Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker star in this thrilling galactic adventure set three years after the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. When a Republic spy goes missing on the Moons of Varl, the Jedi Council asks Obi-Wan and Anakin to infiltrate an underground podracing circuit run by a crime boss believed to be holding the spy prisoner. Master and apprentice must use all their Jedi skills in this action-packed tale of cutthroat competition, deadly deception, and, ultimately, what it means to be a Padawan. Recommended for ages 8–12. Written by Bryan Q. Miller.

    2   Disney Frozen: Olaf’s Quest

    Olaf, Arendelle’s adorable snowman, loves to read. One day, an unexpected message leads Olaf and his friends Anna, Kristoff, and Sven on a quest for a place known as Haus Biblio, described as a “sea of stories.” Join the group’s journey as they cross over mountains, search for monsters under bridges, and have conversations with friendly sheep. Recommended for ages 6–8. Written by Suzanne Francis.

    3   Disney Pixar Cars: The Legend of the Crystal Hubcap

    Best friends Lightning McQueen and Mater are on the road to attend Mater’s sister’s wedding across the country when they accidentally find themselves at the legendary Cave of the Crystal Hubcap. Legend has it, that whoever gazes into this hubcap becomes the luckiest racer in the world. Mater thinks the hubcap would make the perfect wedding gift and heads into the cave in search of it with Lightning—when it comes to treasure hunting, sometimes friendships are the greatest treasures of all. Recommended for ages 3–5. Written by Steve Behling.

    Rachel Ghiazza, Chief Content Officer at Audible, said: “As a customer-obsessed company, we know our devoted listeners want to share their love of audio with the children in their lives. We believe imagination is at the core of family entertainment, which Disney has championed as an industry leader for generations. We’re honoured to collaborate with Disney to bring smiles to kids’ faces when they hear the swoosh of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber or the squeal of Lightning McQueen’s tires. New audio adventures begin today, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store over the next few years.”

    Disney Publishing’s Tonya Agurto, Senior Vice President of New IP and Global Business Development said, “Kids-targeted audio experiences connect families, spark imagination, and foster a life-long love of storytelling. Disney Publishing is delighted to bring original and enchanting stories to Audible listeners which span beloved franchises and characters across Disney Frozen, Pixar and Star Wars.”

    This new content follows Audible’s global launch of Kids Profiles. In this new, kid-friendly listening space on Audible, parents can easily share audio titles with children, delighting their little ones while ensuring that audio content can be enjoyed in a parent-controlled environment right from the Audible app. Children will only be able to see and listen to titles shared with them. For instructions on how to create a Kids’ Profile and additional information, click here.

    The Disney titles join a quickly expanding offering of family listening content on Audible including Pottermore Publishing’s complete Harry Potter collection and the forthcoming full-cast audio productions of the original Harry Potter stories; Sesame Workshop’s The Sesame Street Podcast with Foley and Friends (Seasons 1-3) and Ready, Set, Ride with Elmo; Hasbro’s Peppa Pig’s Play-A-Long Podcast; Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark? The Official Podcast; Letters from Camp (Seasons 1-3), produced and performed by Jamie Lee Curtis and an all-star cast; KIDZ BOP Never Stop, from the #1 music brand for kids; and more. Audible’s production and development deals include collaborations with top industry creatives such as President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground, Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street, Daniel Dae Kim’s 3AD Productions, Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video Enterprises, and James Patterson Entertainment.

  • Prime Video’s Maitri: Female First Collective dives deeper into the female gaze in storytelling

    Prime Video’s Maitri: Female First Collective dives deeper into the female gaze in storytelling

    Mumbai – Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, has released the latest session of Maitri: Female First Collective, which highlights the significance of female gaze in Indian content. The ‘female gaze’ in entertainment refers to storytelling that centers on women, driven by their inner worlds and motivations rather than by men. It emphasizes female agency and perspectives, focusing on how women view the world and make decisions. Maitri: Female First Collective is an endeavour to create a safe space where women from the Indian media and entertainment industry can come together to discuss their experiences, challenges and successes, and offer their perspective on bringing about a positive shift.

    The session featured seven eminent women from India’s media and entertainment industry, ranging from actors Ananya Panday and Kritika Kamra, to women who have left an indelible mark behind the camera, like screenwriter & creator, Ishita Moitra, director & writer Tanuja Chandra, director & editor Namrata Rao, and Faye D’Souza, journalist and founder & editor, Beatroot News, in addition to Smriti Kiran, creator & curator, Maitri and  founder, Polka Dots LightBox, who moderated the session.

    Watch the latest session of Maitri: Female First Collective here – 

    The participants shared personal anecdotes on how the female gaze is imperative to changing the narratives, leading to richer and more complex portrayals on screen. Actor Ananya Panday spoke about her evolving approach to selecting the stories she wants to be a part of, stating, “Over time, I have become much more vocal about what I stand for. I know I can contribute and ask for changes when something doesn’t align with my beliefs. Today, I choose projects that portray real, flawed, but honest women, and I take responsibility to ensure my work reflects those beliefs. If I can make people feel comfortable in their own skin through my roles, then I’m happy.”

    Kritika Kamra discussed how streaming has helped create a space for female gaze in stories. “I’ve played a gangster – something I never thought I’d do. This is possible because the writing has changed, platforms are commissioning diverse shows, and audiences are accepting them,” she said.

    The panelists explored the evolving role of women in the industry, noting greater opportunities to assert their voices and break through gender biases, resulting in more authentic and nuanced representations of female characters. Ishita Moitra shared, “It’s about the perspectives you bring, not just gender. The younger generation, including men, is thinking differently, and this shift is already visible on screen, with much more to come in the next decade.”

    However, the panel acknowledged that despite notable progress, gender imbalance persists. Tanuja Chandra felt that positive change for better female representation and equality in the industry is not happening quickly enough, while Namrata Rao expressed delight at having the opportunity to work with a female crew in her directorial debut, and the need to have more such projects in the industry. Faye D’Souza said she believes real systemic change will happen when it benefits everyone from lead actors to crew members, with Smriti Kiran concluding that continuous dialogue is essential for shifting mindsets and addressing industry imbalances.