ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Five BBC Player edutainment shows for your watchlist

    Five BBC Player edutainment shows for your watchlist

    Mumbai: As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, it’s the time to celebrate the wonders of learning with an exceptional lineup of shows that blend excitement with education, only on BBC Player on Prime Video Channel. Check out these five standout shows this Teacher’s Day.

    Horrible Histories

    If you think history is boring, think again! Horrible Histories takes you on a wild ride through the most outrageous and hilarious moments of history. Based on the bestselling book series of the same name by Terry Deary, this children’s live-action historical and musical sketch comedy series brings history’s most gruesome, unpleasant, yet hilarious moments to life. From the savage stone age to the groovy Greeks and vile Vikings, it explores the naughty and irreverent sides of history. Through energetic sketches and humour, Horrible Histories provides children a glimpse into the different historical events in an engaging and educational format.

    JoJo & Gran Gran

    JoJo & Gran Gran isn’t just a delightful, animated show; it’s a heartwarming glance into family life and cultural heritage. Follow JoJo and her lively grandmother as they explore their London neighbourhood and explore Saint Lucian traditions. The series provides valuable lessons about community, diversity, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Catch the new season on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels starting 27 September.

    Andy’s Global Adventures

    Get ready to travel the world with Andy’s Global Adventures. Join Andy, Jen, and their AI buddy Scout as they explore every corner of the globe, meeting amazing animals and solving natural history mysteries. From chameleons in Sri Lanka to penguins in Antarctica, this exploration series makes learning about wildlife and conservation an exciting journey. The next set of episodes arrive on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels from 25 October onwards.

    Planet Earth III

    The legendary Sir David Attenborough’s planet journey continues with Planet Earth III showcasing breathtaking visuals and deep dives into the natural world. The much-loved documentary series takes you through diverse habitats and showcases the incredible adaptations of animals. It also addresses current environmental challenges, offering insights into how climate change and human activities impact wildlife. The series helps viewers understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of preserving our planet. Available on BBC Player on Prime Video Channels from 13 September.

    Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild

    Join Steve Backshall and young conservationist Aneeshwar Kunchala on Steve and Aneeshwar Go Wild as they visit zoos and safari parks to meet some of the most fascinating animals. From the world’s biggest land animal to unique underwater creatures, this show highlights how all creatures, big and small, are connected. The show highlights how even the most unusual animals are connected, offering an engaging look at wildlife and the importance of conservation.

    Celebrate Teachers’ Day with these fantastic shows that blend fun and learning seamlessly. BBC Player on Prime Video Channels has the perfect mix of educational content and entertainment to inspire and engage viewers of all ages.

  • Amuz Distribution makes FAST & OTT announcements

    Amuz Distribution makes FAST & OTT announcements

    Mumbai: Amuz Distribution chief revenue & strategy officer Alex Avon announced deals for FAST and OTT channels. Carlos Pacheco who was recently hired is the director of monetisation & OTT and is overseeing the FAST/OTT division. He came from the Just for Laughs (JFL) Group, most of which assets were just acquired by Amuz Distribution. New platforms that will carry JFL programming are Amazon Fire TV, Anoki and Local Now.

    Over the last two years, FAST channels of JFL programming have been in full expansion and by adding these new channels, the programs are now syndicated across 30 plus different platforms/markets (Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV, Rakuten TV, Sling TV and others). These FAST channels make Amuz Distribution one of the largest independent Canadian media companies with this high reach with FAST channels.

    Avon stated, “Amuz Distribution is thrilled to announce more expansion of our company, especially with the Just For Laughs Group programs, now on many different platforms in several markets. This expansion helps our mission of “Keeping the world feeling good” with the best programming around on all platforms.”

    Pacheco added, “We are excited about our new partnerships with Amazon Fire TV, Anoki and Local Now These new collaborations are going to our brands reach even more people around the world and share the laughs with new audiences.”
     

  • Netflix updates IC 814’s opening disclaimer responding to MIB concerns

    Netflix updates IC 814’s opening disclaimer responding to MIB concerns

    Mumbai: Well, it did turn out to be a storm in a teacup – the huge controversy over IC814: The Kandahar Hijack, the original series on streamer Netflix.  

    Netflix India content head Monika Shergill met the with information & broadcasting secretary Sanjay Jaju for about 40 minutes who informed her about the sentiments expressed by a large section of the society about the Hindu code names that were ascribed to two of the Pakistani terrorists who hijacked an Indian Airlines plane from Delhi and flew it to Kandahar from where they negotiated the release of three Pakistani prisoners in exchange for freedom  for  the plane’s passengers. He also apprised her of the need for platforms to be sensitive while handling such topics.

    Armed with research and factual documents, Shergill pointed out that the intent of the  platform and the film maker was to be as factually accurate in the dramatized version as possible. And the series was based on a book Flight Into Fear by the pilot Devi Sharan (and Srinjoy Chowdhury) of the hijacked plane which also pointed out that two of the hijackers had actually referred to themselves as Bhola and Shankar as long as the plane was under their control. She pointed out to  a home ministry note released around that time which also acknowledged the same. She also assured the secretary that Netflix  will ensure that the content of its future projects will take into account the sentiments of the Indian public.

    Later in the evening Shergill, came out with a statement saying that Netflix  had updated the opening disclaimer of the series.

    “For the benefit of audiences unfamiliar with the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814, the opening disclaimer has been updated to include the real and code names of the hijackers,” she said through a spokesperson.  “The code names in the series reflect those used during the actual event. India has a rich culture of storytelling — and we are committed to showcasing these stories and their authentic representation.”
     

  • JioCinema Premium announces line-Up for The Penguin, Khalbali Records and Bigg Boss Kannada

    JioCinema Premium announces line-Up for The Penguin, Khalbali Records and Bigg Boss Kannada

    Mumbai: This September, JioCinema Premium brings the best in International, national and regional content to ensure the viewers kickstart the festive season. The September line-up features a diverse array of content across multiple genres which includes popular international movies, original series, and engaging kids’ entertainment.

    From mystery to drama and foot-tapping music – The Khalbali Records will take the viewers into the pulsating world of indie music where raw talent meets fierce ambition. Directed by Devanshu Singh, Khalbali Records features the talented cast of Ram Kapoor, Skand Thakur, Saloni Batra and popular Punjabi rapper Prabh Deep. The soundtrack is composed by the immensely talented Amit Trivedi & Azadi records! The show will start streaming on 12 September.

    Inspired from the 80’s show with the same name, The Fall Guy, by action director David Leitch of the ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’ fame, brings together Oscar® nominee Ryan Gosling and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt. Watch the exciting mystery unfold with some truly unbelievable action and unmissable laughs in the language of your choice from 3 September.

    The Penguin series showcases the escapes of Oz Cobb, a.k.a. the Penguin. He engages in a high-stakes power battle with the daughter of his late employer, Carmine Falcone, as he starts to make his mark in Gotham City’s criminal underground network. Suspense and intrigue are guaranteed as fight to control family’s crime empire intensifies. The series will stream from 20 September. Adding to the excitement of the month, Tusshar Kapoor and Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary’s Dus June ki Raat season 2 will also be launched.

    Fardeen Khan’s upcoming movie Visfot, premiering on 6th September, is an exhilarating Bollywood action-thriller that guarantees a captivating cinematic experience. Directed by Kookie Gulati and featuring Fardeen Khan and Riteish Deshmukh in prominent roles, this film is a remake of the Venezuelan blockbuster ‘Rock Paper Scissors’.

    Honeymoon Photographer follows lead actress Asha Negi as Ambika Nath, who transitions from documenting honeymoons to becoming entangled in the mysterious death of Adhir Irani. The series features an impressive cast, including Zoya Irani, Rajeev Siddhartha, Jason Tham, Sahil Salathia, and Ritika Murthy. This thrilling mystery series will stream from 27 September.

    For the kids, there’s a special line-up starting with Rudra on 6th September and Bhoot Bandhus in Bhoot World from 14th September. The platform will also stream the Anubandha Awards starting 20 September, where prominent stars, technicians, and writers of the Kannada television industry are felicitated for their achievements and contributions.

    And finally, to end the month with a big bang, Bigg Boss Kannada is all set to screen with nonstop drama and thrilling twists. The start to the upcoming festivities with daily episodes at 9 PM. 

  • JioCinema Premium unveils Khalbali Records

    JioCinema Premium unveils Khalbali Records

    Mumbai: JioCinema Premium has unveiled the intense trailer for its upcoming original Khalbali Records, a musical drama that explores the evolving dynamics between indie and commercial music, set against a father-son rivalry. Premiering on 12 September, Khalbali Records boasts of a stellar ensemble cast, that includes power-house performers such as Ram Kapoor, Skand Thakur, Saloni Batra, Salonie Patel, and Punjabi rapper Prabh Deep in pivotal roles, along with appearances from renowned names including EPR, Kumar Varun, and more from across the music world. Directed by Devanshu Singh, the series brings alive its core theme of music through soulful soundtracks produced by the ace composer Amit Trivedi along with unique indie hip-hop tracks by Azadi Records.

    Khalbali Records follows the journey of Raghav, a talented music producer working at his father’s prestigious record label, Galaxy Records. After a tragic event shakes his world to its core, Raghav becomes increasingly disillusioned with the way his father’s company operates and its lack of genuine support for artists. Determined to create a new record label that truly values and nurtures its artists, Raghav makes the bold decision to leave Galaxy Records and start anew. However, his journey is fraught with significant challenges, including fierce competition from his own family, especially his ruthless father, who is unwilling to let go of his control and power within the music industry. Raghav’s struggle to build a label that stands for artistic integrity and innovation becomes a profound and personal battle, testing his resolve and resilience at every turn.

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_Z6GHYvNke/?igsh=em5pM2s2NmVvYW83

    Speaking about his experience, lead actor Ram Kapoor says, “Khalbali Records offers a fresh perspective on the music industry, highlighting the power struggle between indie artists and commercial labels, and capturing the essence of the rising indie wave! As a self-confessed music -lover, I immensely enjoyed being a part of a series where music isn’t simply an add-on, but infact a central character taking the narrative forward. I was instantly drawn to the complex father-son relationship of my character, which allowed me to explore multiple layers of emotion and portray a figure who is ambitious, successful, and deeply flawed.”

    Amit Trivedi, the music producer of the show said, “Khalbali Records is not just a series; it’s a musical journey with each note carefully chosen to reflect the myriads of emotions captured in the narrative. It’s not often that we find a show that places music at the very heart of its storytelling.  It inspired me to create a soundtrack in collaboration with Azadi Records that reflects the intensity of the emotions experienced by the protagonists. It took us weeks to ensure that each note and melody was the best we could do and matched the emotions in the script.”

    Prabh Deep  is making his acting debut with Khalbali Records. Commenting on the project, he shared, “I was deeply impressed by the script and storyline. As an artist, I immediately resonated with the show’s portrayal of the industry’s upheaval, with emerging genres and formats challenging traditional norms. I’m thrilled to be part of a series that puts quality music at its heart, though I’m a bit nervous about the audience’s reaction—it reminds me of the excitement I felt when I released my first song, a moment I cherish deeply.”
     

  • MIB summons Netflix content head over IC814: The Kandahar Attack

    MIB summons Netflix content head over IC814: The Kandahar Attack

    MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting is cracking the whip on another series. This time it has summoned Netflix India content head Monika Shergill to Shastri Bhavan relating to “objectionable” treatment of the series IC814: the Kandahar Hijack which is based on the real life hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane in 1999 by Pakistan terrorists.  

    Created by Anubhav Sinha and Trishant Srivastava, the show is inspired by the book ‘Flight Into Fear: The Captain’s Story’ Devi Sharan, who was the captain of the flight and journalist Srinjoy Chowdhury

    IC814 has raised a stink on social media as hundreds of social media users have objected to the Pakistani terrorists names being changed to Bhola and Shankar while the real names were 
    Ibrahim Athar, Shahid Akhtar Sayed, Sunny Ahmed Qazi, Mistri Zahoor Ibrahim and Shakir. Several X-ers have complained that the changing of the names has been done to protect the Muslim community and besmirch Hindus.

    The furore could end  up being a storm in a teacup. NDTV.com,  quoting a home ministry statement dated 6 January 2000, has shared that the hijackers had come to be known as Chief, (2) Doctor, (3) Burger, (4) Bhola and (5) Shankar to the passengers in the plane as this how they addressed each other.

    The  incident  was unfortunate as the Atal Behari Vajpayee government (which was in power then) had to release three imprisoned terrorists Masood Azhar, Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar in exchange for the lives of the passengers of the hijacked plane. 
     

  • Danish Sood reflects on Gurbaaz’s journey in Amazon miniTV’s Naam Namak Nishan

    Danish Sood reflects on Gurbaaz’s journey in Amazon miniTV’s Naam Namak Nishan

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, premiered its patriotic drama series Naam Namak Nishan. The series follows young cadets as they face challenges and overcome obstacles to become Indian soldiers at Officers Training Academy, Chennai. The series embodies the spirit and unity of the Indian Armed Forces, who serve the nation. Produced by Juggernaut Studios, Naam Namak Nishan features Varun Sood, Helly Shah, Roshni Walia, and Danish Sood in pivotal roles.

    Danish Sood, who portrays Gurbaaz Singh, a lower-middle-class boy, shares insights about his character. He said, “Gurbaaz is a carefree, middle-class boy with big dreams of joining the Indian Army. His innocent outlook on life leads him on a journey of self-discovery, where he learns to embrace his identity through self-love and humor. Along the way, he gains a better understanding of himself, the people around him, and figures out how he must navigate life as he matures.”

    Naam Namak Nishan is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV.

  • Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale releases ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ album

    Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale releases ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ album

    Mumbai: Coming from a renowned family of musical legends, Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale has made a mark in Bollywood with hit songs such as ‘Rangilo Mharo Dholna,’ ‘Pyar Kiya Toh Nibhana,’ ‘Chhota Bachcha,’ ‘Jhanjhariya,’ ‘Aur Ahista Kije Baatein,’ and ‘Aisa Koi Zindagi Se.’ He has now released a new ghazal album titled ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai.’

    This album showcases his commitment to Hindustani classical music and includes collaborations with legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar and singer Sumeet Tappoo. Each track in ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ combines poetry with melody, merging rich lyrics and tunes that reflect the classical roots of Indian music while also embracing contemporary elements.

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nqVOcRzxnfqzVP16sr3leQCC-x8lqNAfM

    His voice, celebrated for its range across diverse styles such as Khayal, Thumri, Tappa, Bhajan, and Ghazal, shines brightly in this new album. This album showcases versatility and mastery of the art in that he can traverse such varied musical landscapes with ease and grace.

    Pt. Bhavdeep Jaipurwale is not just a performer; he is also a mentor to many of today’s most successful artists. He has guided the careers of celebrities like Madhuri Dixit Nene, Falguni Pathak, Shaan, Abhijeet Sawant, Neeti Mohan, Juhi Chawla Mehta, Harshdeep Kaur, and his son, Sudeep Jaipurwale.

    His teaching blends traditional techniques with modern methods, preserving Hindustani classical music while allowing students to develop their own styles.

    ‘Dil Pareshan Karta Hai’ is more than just an album; it reflects Jaipurwale’s dedication to maintaining and evolving Hindustani classical music. Through this album, he connects the classical and contemporary worlds, offering a listening experience that is both enduring and current. The album’s release marks an important moment in Indian music, contributing to Jaipurwale’s long-standing influence and legacy in the field.

  • Jatt and Juliet 3 to stream on ZEE5 Global add-ons from 19 September

    Jatt and Juliet 3 to stream on ZEE5 Global add-ons from 19 September

    Mumbai: ZEE5 Global will bring fans the highly anticipated sequel in the Jatt and Juliet series. Jatt and Juliet 3 will stream exclusively on the ZEE5 Global add-ons platform Chaupal starting September 19. The characters Pooja and Fateh return, played again by Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa. This installment promises to engage audiences with its storyline and performances.

    Building on its predecessors’ success, ‘Jatt and Juliet 3’ has already made waves at the box office, solidifying its status as a blockbuster hit. The film’s strong performance underscores the enduring love and excitement for the Jatt and Juliet franchise among fans worldwide.

    This time around, the duo’s adventures take them to London, where they are tasked with catching a con artist named Daisy, played by the talented Jasmin Bajwa. As they navigate through the chaotic and humorous twists of their mission, viewers can expect a whirlwind of laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. The film also features comedic powerhouses like Jaswinder Bhalla, Rana Ranbir, and B.N. Sharma, ensuring that every scene delivers the humor that fans have come to expect from the series. Under the direction of Jagdeep Sidhu, known for his masterful storytelling and attention to detail, Jatt and Juliet 3 stays true to the spirit of the franchise while introducing fresh elements that keep the narrative lively and engaging. Sidhu’s vision not only meets fans’ high expectations but exceeds them, making this sequel another memorable chapter in the beloved series.

    Notably, this is the first 100-crore film for Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa as a duo, further proving the unmatched popularity of their on-screen chemistry. Packed with humor, heartwarming moments, and the perfect blend of romance and comedy, Jatt and Juliet 3 promises to be one of the funniest films in the franchise.

    ZEE5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand expressed, “We are excited to announce the addition of ‘Jatt and Juliet 3’ on ZEE5 Global Add-Ons platform Chaupal. With this film, we’re not only adding a major blockbuster to our lineup but also celebrating the international impact of Punjabi cinema. The powerful collaboration between Diljit Dosanjh and Neeru Bajwa, has led to the film becoming India’s highest-grossing Punjabi movie ever. The standard of Punjabi content and the best of regional cinema is now available for all our users in the US and we are confident that viewers will enjoy this film.”

  • Our partnership with JioCinema and Pocket52 has been very instrumental: Pranav Bagai

    Our partnership with JioCinema and Pocket52 has been very instrumental: Pranav Bagai

    Mumbai: The Poker Sports League (PSL) Season 6 has wrapped up its Qualifiers, marking a new milestone with an extraordinary turnout. This season saw 20,927 unique participants, further cementing PSL’s reputation as the World’s largest poker league.

    The Qualifiers, which kicked off on 16 June, drew over 5000 participants in the first qualifier alone, a testament to the growing popularity of poker as a game of skill in India. Over 50 days, players competed in daily open qualifiers on Pocket52, with the top 42 players earning coveted spots on the 7 teams advancing to the league matches. Additionally, the top 1,000 participants were rewarded with prizes totaling over Rs. 40 lakhs, significantly enhancing engagement and excitement around the contest.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to Poker Sports League founder & CEO Pranav Bagai, where he discussed the specific elements that will take PSL to new heights and much more.

    Edited excerpts

    Describe the specific elements or changes that have been introduced in Season 6 that you believe will take PSL to new heights.

    We have made some exciting changes in PSL Season 6.

    The biggest change is that there are 7 teams in Season 6. The introduction of a new team has happened after three seasons and we plan to introduce two more teams in the next two seasons. This will bring us to our cap of 9 teams in Season 8.

    The prize pool has been increased from 1.5 crores in the last season to 2 crores for Season 6.

    We have added a professional poker player in each team to increase the competitiveness between teams.

    Fans can look forward to more highlights, key moments from our streams, and, for the first time, short-form content like winning moments, best hands, crazy bluffs, glory moments, and more. 

    With Season 5 achieving global recognition, what strategies are in place to further PSL’s international reach in Season 6?

    Pre-covid we used to have two international players per team. In the coming seasons, we will make it a norm to include international players once again. This will not only add newer skill sets to the team but also create a pathway to reach out to a wider audience.

    How have the partnerships with JioCinema and Pocket52 evolved, and what role do they play in the success of PSL?

    Our partnership with JioCinema and Pocket52 has been very, very instrumental. JioCinema has the largest OTT network in the country. We worked very closely with them last year and we managed 12.5 million views, making PSL Season 5 one of the most viewed poker events – globally. They helped us boost our viewership by 600% from Season 4 to Season 5. We hope to double our viewership in Season 6 by including Hindi commentary.

    Meanwhile, talking about Pocket52, they have played a huge role in the success of Poker Sports League. Season 6 is the third time that Pocket52 has been the title sponsor for PSL. Unless you are a professional poker player who makes it through the draft, the only way to make it to PSL season 6 is through the Poker Sports League season 6 qualifiers – which are held exclusively on the Pocket52 platform. The Pocket 52 app’s recent UI/UX enhancements have significantly boosted its growth by prominently featuring PSL on the app.

    How do you see the landscape of poker evolving in India and globally over the next five years, and what role will PSL play in this evolution?

    Over the next five years, the landscape of poker in India and globally is poised for exponential growth. Over the last few months, we have seen an increase in the number of smaller apps or websites that are coming up with Poker on their platforms. Since October last year, we have seen a lot of newer companies get into poker. A lot of the rummy portals that were not in poker before have recently launched their platform. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in the number of Poker-related ads seen on TV, especially during IPL.

    So, globally, poker has been growing. It has been estimated that globally we can expect nearly 11% to 12% CAGR. The growth rate in India, however, is higher than that globally. India is expected to witness a growth rate of 16.9% CAGR. This makes India a great market for Poker. Speaking about the contribution of PSL, I believe that the platform we are providing will act as a bridge to reduce the gap and taboo around the industry. I believe we’re on the tip of the iceberg today and poker is just about starting in India. Its going to explode in the next 5 years.