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Category: Over The Top Services

  • Prime Video’s docu-series ‘Angry Young Men’ to premiere globally on 20 August

    Prime Video’s docu-series ‘Angry Young Men’ to premiere globally on 20 August

    Mumbai: Prime Video has announced 20 August as the premiere date of the docuseries, Angry Young Men. The intriguing three-episode original docu-series traces the journey of the legendary writers Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, popularly known as Salim-Javed, who, brought forth a revolution in Indian storytelling, by crafting iconic characters and dialogues that have etched their influence into the hearts and minds of the audience. Produced by Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment and Tiger Baby, Angry Young Men is executive produced by Salma Khan, Salman Khan, Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, and marks the directorial debut of Namrata Rao. Angry Young Men is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on 20 August. Angry Young Men is the latest addition to the Prime membership.

    Angry Young Men is the story of Salim-Javed, the legendary screenwriting duo behind some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters in 1970s like Sholay, Zanjeer, Deewaar, Yaadon Ki Baaraat, Don and many more. Together, they created the archetype of the ‘Angry Young Man’— a brooding anti-hero who captured the imagination of an entire nation with his rage, defiance, and quest for social justice. Their parting of ways made headlines for many years, and Indian cinema never saw a cultural collaboration as powerful again. This docuseries is a personal and candid account of their lives, their writing, and their legacy, narrated by the duo themselves, with anecdotal gems from some of the most distinguished figures in Indian cinema.

    “Angry Young Men is a truly special docuseries for us at Prime Video. Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are trailblazers and were the most sought-after writing duo of their time, with a profound impact on films and mass cinema that has continued to inspire generations of filmmakers. The series goes beyond just storytelling; it delves into the heart and soul of Hindi cinema, showcasing Salim-Javed’s incredible journey,” said Prime Video, India director – content licensing Manish Menghani. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Salman Khan Films, Excel Media & Entertainment and Tiger Baby on this riveting docuseries that showcases how Salim-Javed not just transformed cinema but also left a lasting impact on society. We are certain this candid, multifaceted journey, celebrating the timeless legacy of these legendary writers will enthrall our audiences worldwide with its premiere on 20 August, exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.”

    “Two sensible, intelligent, and dignified individuals, best at their craft with mutual admiration for each other’s work ethics and compassion. The ‘Angry Young Men’ of Indian cinema. Growing up, seeing my father and Javed Sahab work together on films was nothing short of magical. Their love for cinema redefined heroism for an entire generation, leaving behind a legacy of cult classics. Personally, I would love to see them working together in the future, I hope the fans and viewers can also agree. Whether it’s time, destiny, or professional choices that bring them together, their partnership always brings out the best. Angry Young Men is a tribute to their creative brilliance and the profound impact they’ve had on Indian cinema. It’s an insightful journey into the hearts and minds of two superstar writers who changed the landscape of storytelling forever. This series is close to both families. I hope this marks a new chapter for our dads, the angry young men, who are now older. May they have the best time of their lives now, with emotional happiness and physical health. Long live the kings of story, screenplay, and dialogues. Producers of our lives and directors of our present and futures,” said Salman Khan.

    “Angry Young Men is about the two men that created a character that has pretty much defined Hindi cinema in the 70s. The story of Salim-Javed’s dynamic journey starting out from small towns to exploding onto the silver screen and how they put their hardships, their heartbreaks and their swag into their cinema,” said Zoya Akhtar.

    “I remember everyone referring to my father and Salim uncle as Salim-Javed, a singular name; their names were never mentioned separately but always together. Their journey was marked by grit, passion, and a fierce zeal to transform Hindi cinema, especially in its attitude towards the writer. They succeeded and in doing so, left an impression that still lives on generations after,” said Farhan Akhtar. “Angry Young Men is a testament to the genius and the legacy of these two undeniable forces of nature. We’re proud to bring such a landmark docuseries to a global audience through Prime Video and continue our commitment to offering the very best in storytelling.”

     

  • Prime Video’s unscripted original series Follow Kar Lo Yaar to premiere on 23 August

    Prime Video’s unscripted original series Follow Kar Lo Yaar to premiere on 23 August

    Follow Kar Lo Yaar is an unabashed viewpoint into the curious and exciting life of social media sensation – Uorfi Javed

    Produced under the banner of Sol Productions Pvt Ltd by Fazila Allana and Kamna Menezes and directed by Sandeep Kukreja, the nine-episode Hindi reality-follow series will premiere on August 23 in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide

    Mumbai: Prime Video has announced the premiere date for its unscripted original series, Follow Kar Lo Yaar. The nine-episode series, produced by Sol Productions’, Fazila Allana and Kamna Menezes and directed by Sandeep Kukreja, is an unfiltered and immersive viewpoint into the life of Uorfi Javed. Follow Kar Lo Yaar is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on 23 August in Hindi with subtitles in English. Follow Kar Lo Yaar is the latest addition to the Prime membership.

    Follow Karlo Yaar will immerse the audience in the world of Uorfi, constantly pursued by the limelight, while also providing an unfiltered glimpse into all the drama behind the scenes. Beyond the glitz and glamour, beyond the filters on the gram, beyond the bizarre social posts and stories, the unscripted series bares the raw, unvarnished truth about her life outside of social media, her arduous journey, overcoming countless hurdles, her rise to fame, her relentless pursuit of fame and fortune, and the intricate dynamics of her dysfunctional family life.

    “Stories of resilience and ambition will always find resonance with the audience, and Uorfi’s journey from an ordinary girl in Lucknow to one of the most recognizable faces of the country is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is defined by her unwavering determination and passion to carve her unique path in the world of fashion and entertainment as she ascends from her humble beginnings to becoming a social media sensation and a serious entrepreneur,” said Prime Video, India head of originals Nikhil Madhok. “Together with Sol and director Sandeep Kukreja, we are delighted to present Follow Kar Lo Yaar, a compelling and captivating reality-follow series that will certainly appeal to a global audience.”

    Sol Productions Pvt Ltd’s Fazila Allana and Kamna Menezes said, “We are thrilled to partner with Prime Video for Follow Kar Lo Yaar, presenting the intriguing and riveting journey of Uorfi Javed. From an outsider to becoming Asia’s most searched celebrity in 2022, her life and backstory have been a curious case for years, as she continues to make headlines and heads turn. We are confident that Prime Video’s audience in India and across 240 countries and territories worldwide will deeply appreciate and connect with Uorfi’s compelling story, which not only entertains but also inspires and embodies resilience.”

  • ZEE5 unveils ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ with 3D projection at Mumbai’s David Sassoon Library’s Clock Tower

    ZEE5 unveils ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ with 3D projection at Mumbai’s David Sassoon Library’s Clock Tower

    Mumbai: Mumbai’s iconic David Sassoon Library’s clock tower was the centre of all attention on Friday evening as ZEE5 held a captivating 3D projection of its just released mystery thriller ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’. Mumbaikars were in for a spectacular surprise as the multilingual storyteller enthralled commuters and by-standers with a sneak peak into the highly anticipated mystery drama. A collaboration between Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is directed by Umesh Bisht and stars the trio of Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra and Dhairya Karwa.  

    Known for its Victorian Gothic architecture, the David Sassoon Library is an integral part of Mumbai’s heritage. The showcase which took place on the day of the show’s launch, 9 August, offered a visually stunning preview of the series, bringing its time-bending narrative to life against the backdrop of one of Mumbai’s most historic landmarks. This takeover by ZEE5 is a testament to the brand’s vision to entertain and engage diverse audiences through concerted high impact initiatives. Prior to the 3D showcase, ZEE5 had held a high-octane trailer launch and a power-packed special screening for industry stalwarts and cinephiles.

    Leveraging the creative brilliance and expertise of both Sikhya Entertainment and Dharmatic Entertainment, Gyaarah Gyaarah has opened to rave reviews. In a bid to meet the massive audience anticipation for the show, ZEE5 dropped all eight episodes of the mystery thriller on 8 August at 11:11 pm. The much-awaited show is a strong step forward in solidifying the homegrown streaming platform’s leadership in India’s OTT ecosystem.

    Gyaarah Gyaarah, starring Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra and Dhairya Karwa follows the story of Yug Arya (Raghav Juyal), a young police officer in the present day (2016), who discovers a mysterious communication link with Shaurya Anthwal (Dhairya Karwa), a senior detective from the 1990s through a mysterious walkie talkie. The main hook of this temporal mystery is Vamika Rawat (Kritika Kamra), once mentored by Shaurya before his mysterious disappearance, and now guiding Yug in the present. As Shaurya and Yug collaborate to solve cold cases across time, they unknowingly set off a chain of events that alters the course of history. With each tick of the clock, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ peels the layers of mysteries where past and present collide, leaving viewers questioning the very fabric of time itself.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “At ZEE5, we are dedicated to providing quality storytelling and entertainment to our viewers. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ embodies this vision with its innovative mix of crime-thriller, mystery, and drama. As part of our broader strategy to create immersive and unique marketing initiatives, the 3D projection mapping at the iconic David Sassoon Library in Mumbai serves as the perfect launch for this mystery series. We’re following a 360-degree high-impact marketing campaign to do justice to a show of this stature. ZEE5 remains committed to delivering best in class viewing experiences and engagement to our viewers so we can continue to delight them”.

    Raghav Juyal shared his excitement, “Finally, the wait is over! All of us are super excited for the premiere of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ on ZEE5. This show is unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it. The Clock Tower event at David Sassoon Library was mind-blowing. Seeing our story come to life through cutting-edge 3D projection mapping on this historic building was the perfect way to announce the arrival of the series on ZEE5. I urge everyone to binge-watch the show right away. Trust me, you’re in for a wild ride through time and it is going to be your best investment this weekend.”

    Kritika Kamra mentioned, “We are so excited that ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has finally dropped on ZEE5, and I’ve actually started believing in the magic of 11:11! The 3D projection at the David Sassoon Library’s clock tower was such a proud moment for all of us. It was thrilling to see the magic of Gyaarah Gyaarah come alive via 3D projection, lights, sound and drama. It’s a great start, drawing attention to this iconic landmark and giving everyone a glimpse of the adventure that lies ahead. I can’t wait for everyone to experience ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ on ZEE5.”

    Dhairya Karwa added, “Three police officers, two time zones, and one thrilling experience! ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has finally made its way to the fans. What sets our show apart is how it explores the ripple effects of our actions across decades. The 3D projection at David Sassoon Library wasn’t just a visual treat; it was a ‘jhalak’ of how exciting and extravagant our show is. I believe ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ will hit you on multiple levels – it’s a gripping mystery, a thought-provoking drama, and a fresh take on the concept of time. So, get ready to say ‘Kya baat hai!’ because this series will keep you guessing until the very end.”

  • Prime Video announces the global premiere of ‘Chandu Champion

    Prime Video announces the global premiere of ‘Chandu Champion

    Mumbai: Prime Video, an entertainment destination, announced the global streaming premiere of the biographical sports drama, Chandu Champion. Directed by Kabir Khan, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment and Kabir Khan Films produced the critically acclaimed film. Chandu Champion features a powerhouse performance by Kartik Aaryan as Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympics gold medalist, along with Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora, Yashpal Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, Aniruddh Dave, and Shreyas Talpade in key roles. The film is available to stream in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide, starting today, August 9. Chandu Champion marks the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just Rs 1499/year.

    Chandu Champion chronicles the extraordinary true story of Murlikant Petkar, who served as a soldier in the 1965 Indo-Pak War and sustained injuries that left him physically impaired. But in the face of formidable challenges, Petkar became a champion sportsman across several disciplines, winning India’s first Paralympic gold medal in 1972. Through his inspiring journey, the film highlights themes of perseverance, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit, making it a compelling watch for audiences worldwide.

    “Chandu Champion has won hearts with its powerful storytelling and Kartik Aaryan’s remarkable performance,” said Prime Video India director of Content Licensing Manish Menghani. “We are excited to bring this inspiring film to our service, showcasing Murlikant Petkar’s incredible journey. At Prime Video, we aim to offer impactful and entertaining stories, and Chandu Champion is a perfect addition to our repertoire of films. We believe it will resonate with audiences globally, inspiring and entertaining them alike.”

    “Certain stories must be shared with the world and Chandu Champion is one such story, crafted with sheer dedication and passion. I feel incredibly fortunate to bring this inspiring tale to life along with this fabulous team “said producer Sajid Nadiadwala. “Kabir and the entire team have tirelessly worked towards excellence. Our association with Prime Video previously has been fantastic and we are confident that upon its release today on the service, it will make a significant impact on audiences globally.”

    “From concept to final edits, this film has been a labour of love. Sometimes stories choose us, and I’m fortunate this one did. It’s a compelling underdog story of a man who refused to give up. We wanted to celebrate him and reach as many people as possible. With Prime Video’s expansive reach, we’re excited to share Chandu Champion with audiences worldwide,” shared director Kabir Khan.

    Actor Kartik Aaryan shared “Playing Murlikant Petkar has been an absolute honour and a transformative journey for me. It took me one and a half years of intense preparation to truly get into his skin. I had to completely cut out sugar and follow a strict diet during this period. His incredibly inspiring story resonated deeply with me, and I will forever be grateful to Kabir sir and Sajid sir for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This has been the most challenging film of my career, featuring an eight-minute one-take war sequence, wrestling, swimming, and much more. I’m humbled and overwhelmed by the phenomenal response so far – with people calling it my career’s best performance and the best film – that truly makes this film very special for me. Now I’m thrilled for Prime Video audiences to experience the power and heart of Chandu Champion. I hope viewers worldwide draw inspiration from his unshakeable spirit,”

     

     

     

     

  • Alike.io collabs with TVF for ‘Arranged Couple’ season two

    Alike.io collabs with TVF for ‘Arranged Couple’ season two

    Mumbai: Alike.io, the premier social travel platform, is delighted to collaborate with TVF for the highly anticipated season two of the web series “Arranged Couple”. With all three episodes of the new season now available to watch on Girliyapa, TVF’s women-centric YouTube channel, the latest series has already garnered more than two million views in a short period.

    The Arranged Couple is a powerful narrative that depicts the story of Rishi and Anu as they explore the nuances of arranged marriage. The series crafts a relatable narrative that navigates through the emotional complexities encountered by couples on their journey towards love and mutual understanding. Alike.io seamlessly weaves into the storyline by helping Rishi and Anu plan their honeymoon trip to Bali, using Alike’s simple and completely online booking platform for customised holiday packages.

    Expressing his excitement about the collaboration, Alike co-founder Ashish Sidhra said, “We are thrilled to partner with TVF for the second season of Arranged Couple. The series accurately brings to life the challenges faced by newly married couples. The storyline has allowed us to showcase Alike’s unique capability of booking hassle-free personalised travel packages, helping Anu and Rishi in effectively manage the stress of planning a memorable honeymoon.

    Building upon the excitement of the web series launch, Alike.io has revealed their “Hey Alike, Take us to Bali” campaign. This initiative invites newlyweds to share their unique stories, drawing inspiration from Arranged Couple’s storyline. The winning couple will get an all-expenses-paid luxury honeymoon in Bali for 6 days and 5 nights, along with travel vouchers for the first ten runners-up. The campaign, open for entries from 5 to 23 August 2024. The winning couple will be announced on 1 September 2024. Details of how to participate in this campaign can be found at  www.alike.io/free-bali-trip.

    TVF president Vijay Koshy sharing his enthusiasm commented, “Creating this show has been an incredible journey, as we have crafted a story that reflects the real-life emotional challenges of married life. Partnering with Alike has provided us with the opportunity to add greater authenticity to the narrative, as Alike’s travel offerings cater to the needs of both Rishi and Anu. We are looking forward to fostering this collaboration further.”

    This partnership is a testament to Alike’s ability to build user interaction and engagement through aspirational and promising collaborations that fetch impactful results.

  • Shilpa Rao & Anirudh Ravichander reunite for ‘Devara’ second single

    Shilpa Rao & Anirudh Ravichander reunite for ‘Devara’ second single

    Mumbai: Singer Shilpa Rao continues her collaboration with renowned music director Anirudh Ravichander as they reunite for the upcoming song from the Telugu film ‘Devara’ second single. After making waves with her successful collaborations in Tamil cinema, notably with music director Anirudh Ravichander on hits like “Chaleya” and “Kaavaalaa”, Shilpa and Anirudh are now with melodious eagerly awaited film ‘Devara’ second single.  

    Anirudh Ravichander, known for his dynamic musical compositions, teams up once again with Shilpa Rao to create what is expected to be another chart-topping soundtrack. Their collaboration on the second single will come out in four different languages: Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, adding a fresh and exciting dimension to Devara’s musical landscape.

    “Working on the song was a completely new experience for me,” said Shilpa Rao. “The song has such a sweet and fresh vibe with the bouncy words, capturing the slow dance feel of Telugu music so smoothly. Collaborating with Anirudh is fantastic—it felt more like a jam session than just recording. He always imagines my voices in ways that I couldn’t. I loved every moment and learned a lot during the process.”

    Devara, directed by Koratala Siva, features an impressive cast including Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan. The film is set to release on 27 September 2024, in multiple languages including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada. The film’s narrative is an action-drama, promising a captivating experience for audiences across India.

  • Cricket and festive shopping: A winning combination for brands

    Cricket and festive shopping: A winning combination for brands

    Mumbai: The festive season is now close enough for shoppers to seek amazing deals and fill their carts with the best offerings. As the excitement builds, brands are zeroing in on the most effective campaigns to capture the attention of these eager shoppers. And what better way to stand out than through the universal appeal of cricket? Starting 19 September , the lineup is thrilling, with the Indian team battling for glory against major rivals: Bangladesh, New Zealand, and South Africa. By integrating the excitement of high-stakes cricket into festive campaigns, brands can tap into collective enthusiasm, driving higher impact and resonance.

    Team India will step on the crease for two Tests and three T20Is against Bangladesh from 19 September to 12 October, three Tests against New Zealand from 16 October to 5 November, and four T20Is against South Africa from 8 November to 15 November. These T20Is and test matches offer advertisers a prime opportunity to connect with audiences and add to the festivities across Navratri, Dussehra, Karwa Chauth, Dhanteras, Diwali, Bhaidooj and Chhath Puja.

    With JioCinema and Sports18 holding the digital and TV rights for these matches respectively, the comprehensive coverage will enable highly targeted and impactful media campaigns. It means potentially reaching out to over 630 million passionate fans, across devices – wherever they are tuning in from! With millions of viewers opting to watch the matches on CTV devices, including 4K experiences, brands can also target premium audiences who seek top-quality experiences and are likely to make high-ticket purchases. Leveraging comprehensive coverage, innovative ad formats, and precision targeting across 80+ cohorts, brands can ensure their campaigns are engaging and effective throughout the festive cricket period.

    The festive season is synonymous with increased shopping and spending. Over the past two years, this period has seen a remarkable 30 per cent increase in auto sales, reflecting a strong consumer appetite for high-value purchases and new vehicles during the celebrations. Credit card spending has risen by 1.3x, highlighting a significant boost in consumer confidence and willingness to spend on varied goods and services. Lifestyle and apparel sales have experienced a 1.6x increase, underscoring a heightened focus on personal and fashion-related purchases as consumers indulge in festive shopping.

    This year, 50 per cent of consumers are preparing to increase their online spending during the festive season, driven by the convenience and variety offered by digital platforms. As Indians embrace celebratory shopping sprees, brands must leverage this surge in expenditure. With its broad appeal, cricket provides the ideal backdrop for marketing campaigns that tap into the season’s shopping trends and consumer enthusiasm.

    Compared to Kantar India benchmarks, brands have witnessed a two times uplift across Brand KPIs by advertising on bilateral tournaments with JioCinema. The remarkable results underscore the significant impact of integrating cricket into advertising strategies. With the festive season approaching, the impact is anticipated to be even greater, and brands must stand ready at the crease to maximise their reach and engagement.  

    Brands can tap into Fence Ads for high visibility during live matches, Midroll Carousels to create engaging experiences during the breaks and Expandable CTAs to encourage fans to take immediate action. Social Banners and Scorecard Branding can help brands own the exciting conversations around live matches, enhancing the viewer experience. Branded VODs can facilitate deeper engagement by tapping into key match moments and Frame Ads ensure consistent visibility for the time viewers spend outside the live, consuming on-demand content.

    Combining these formats with precision targeting across over 80 audience cohorts allows brands to tailor their messages to specific segments, maximising relevance, and impact. This targeted approach ensures that campaigns reach the right people, enhancing effectiveness and ensuring brand messages resonate strongly with their intended audiences. Brands must make the most of India’s excitement for cricket to make a memorable impact during the festive season.

  • The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power to release globally on 23 August

    The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power to release globally on 23 August

    Mumbai: Amazon MGM Studios announced The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Season Two: Amazon Original Series Soundtrack) will be released worldwide on 23 August, tied to the highly-anticipated return of the series later this month. Available across all music streaming services, the full episodic score for the second season of the Amazon Original series was composed by Emmy Award-winner Bear McCreary (Da Vinci’s Demons). The soundtrack will also include two new songs featuring renowned vocalists Rufus Wainwright and Jens Kidman.

    Digital and streaming of the Season Two soundtrack will be available on August 23rd, and on that same date, vinyl can be pre-ordered at Amazon Music and HERE. A special Collector’s Edition will also be available for pre-order exclusively on Amazon Music. Following each episode, Amazon Music will release a weekly soundtrack album containing the score for that episode, which is only available on Amazon Music.

    For the epic first season of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, composer Bear McCreary wove a tapestry of symphonic orchestra, bombastic percussion, and folk instruments from across Europe and North Africa, combined with solo vocalists and choirs singing in the iconic languages of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. For the gripping second season, McCreary has built atop that foundation with dynamic new themes and colours, including Bulgarian women’s choir and gadulka for Rhûn, children’s choir for the pastoral city of Eregion, Hardanger fiddle for new character Estrid, and deathly whispers for the terrifying Barrow-wights.

    After collaborating with the iconic Fiona Apple for the first season’s “Where the Shadows Lie,” McCreary continues the tradition by inviting two featured vocalists to join him on new songs for the Season Two score. Grammy-nominated artist Rufus Wainwright brings thoughtful introspection to his rendition of “Old Tom Bombadil.” “The Last Ballad of Damrod,” a song about a vicious Hill-troll, is brought to terrifying, screaming life by Jens Kidman, the unforgettable lead singer of Grammy-nominated Swedish extreme-metal band Meshuggah. While balancing these diverse and eclectic musical influences, McCreary always refers to Tolkien’s writings for inspiration. “I am honoured to continue forward on this journey, bringing the events of Tolkien’s Second Age to life on the screen,” says McCreary.

    Series stars Sophia Nomvete, Benjamin Walker, Rory Kinnear, and Daniel Weyman also lend their vocal talents to several songs on the soundtrack. Nomvete’s dwarven character of Princess Disa is a lead resonator who sings to the mountain, while Walker, who plays an Elven king, sings a sorrowful tune in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Elvish language. Kinnear, who joins the show this season as the first live-action version of the fan-favourite character Tom Bombadil, and Weyman, who portrays the mysterious Stranger, also collaborate on a reprise of “Old Tom Bombadil.”

    “This new soundtrack is a stunning companion to the series’ continued exploration of the Second Age” said Bob Bowen, worldwide head of music for Amazon MGM Studios. “With the debut of Season Two on the horizon, we’re excited to give fans a further glimpse into the epic series.”

    Season Two of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will debut on Prime Video on August 29, 2024, in more than 240 countries and territories around the world, and in multiple languages.

    In Season Two of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without an army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will. Building on Season One’s epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity. Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other.

    The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brings to screens for the very first time the heroic legends of the fabled Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. This epic drama is set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books and will take viewers back to an era in which great powers were forged, kingdoms rose to glory and fell to ruin, unlikely heroes were tested, hope hung by the finest of threads, and the greatest villain that ever flowed from Tolkien’s pen threatened to cover all the world in darkness.

    The first season of The Rings of Power has been an unprecedented success, viewed by more than 100 million people worldwide, with more than 32 billion minutes streamed. The highly anticipated series attracted more than 25 million global viewers on its first day, marking the biggest premiere in the history of Prime Video, and also debuted as the No. 1 show on Nielsen’s overall streaming chart in its opening weekend. The show has driven more Prime sign-ups worldwide during its launch window than any other previous content to date. The season finale also created a global cultural moment, with multiple series-themed hashtags, including #TheRingsofPower and others, trending in 27 countries across Twitter for over 426 cumulative hours throughout the weekend.

    The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is produced by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. They are joined by executive producers Lindsey Weber, Callum Greene, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, and Gennifer Hutchison, along with co-executive producer and director Charlotte Brändström, producers Kate Hazell and Helen Shang, and co-producers Clare Buxton, Andrew Lee, Glenise Mullins, and Matthew Penry-Davey. Additional Season Two directors include Sanaa Hamri and Louise Hooper.

    To view and download The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power assets, please visit the Amazon Studios press site HERE. 

  • Republic Records signs AP Dhillon

    Republic Records signs AP Dhillon

    Mumbai: Republic Records, owned by Universal Music Group, has signed AP Dhillon to their roster. Known for artists like Taylor Swift, Post Malone, John Legend, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and Drake, Republic Records continues to expand its diverse lineup.

    This deal marks a significant step for brown representation globally and sets a precedent for future talent and the community. “Republic Records got and understood who I am from day one. We’re all in harmony when it comes to this new music, and now I just can’t wait to show everybody what we’ve been cooking up,” stated AP Dhillon.

    Dhillon has been independently releasing music since 2019. He is famously known for his 2020 single – Brown Munde – one of the most viral and trending songs on the billboard, amassing nearly 700 million YouTube views to date. With the new deal, the singer-songwriter will be on Republic Records’ roster and he is all set to release a single – Old Money – with the label this Friday (9 Aug) and a new album, The Brownprint, following two weeks later, on 23 Aug.

    AP Dhillon has also directed the music video for his upcoming single – Old Money – and the clip will star Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. As AP Dhillon revealed, “I came up with a concept that was influenced by all my favorite action movies, and Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt showed up and killed it. Old Money is the perfect way for me to start my next era, especially with going big for the music video. I hope you love it as much as I do.”

    Dhillon has also co-produced The Brownprint, with DZL (Future, Central Cee), Luca Mauti (J.Cole, Eminem) and AzizTheShake (BIA, Central Cee) also contributing to the upcoming album.

  • MTV Original ‘Moving Mountains Within’ to premiere on 7 August

    MTV Original ‘Moving Mountains Within’ to premiere on 7 August

    Mumbai: MTV has announced the release of its latest documentary, ‘Moving Mountains Within’, premiering on 7 August 2024 on JioCinema Premium. Directed by Abhishek Kumawat and produced by Dr Rajat Chauhan and Abhishek Kumawat, this captivating documentary takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through the plateau of Ladakh. It captures awe-inspiring challenges and victories that the ultra-runners go through in one of the world’s toughest and craziest races – La Ultra – The High.

    This documentary isn’t just about race; it’s a testament to human passion and resilience. The 60-minute film showcases ultra-runners achieving the tough task of running at Ladakh’s 17,582 ft while battling rapidly changing weather, in August 2019.

    Moving Mountains Within, includes distances of 55, 111, 222, 333, and an astounding 555 km. In this desert-like terrain, where ordinary people struggle to breathe and risk dying from altitude sickness, some runners attempted to complete 555 km in 132 hours for the first time, making it one of the toughest races in the world. The runners include Mathew Maday (555 km participant) and Cassendra Turner (222 km), a couple from the US who are successful entrepreneurs; Jason Reardon (555 km), an ex-military man from Australia; Ashish Kasodekar (555 km), a 40-year-old runner from India who previously completed 333 km in La Ultra 2018; Shikha Pahwa (222 km), a restaurant owner from Delhi; and Lukasz Sagan, who left his job to train for La Ultra.

    What makes the race unique is that there is no prize money or reward – the runners are driven to achieve the impossible feat, purely out of their passion for running. The documentary beautifully captures the camaraderie and smiles among the runners while also portraying how they brave heavy snowfall, physical breakdowns, and mental challenges to power on triumphantly.

    Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd business head – youth & English cluster, Anshul Ailawadi said, “We are incredibly excited to bring ‘Moving Mountains Within’ to our JioCinema Premium users. The ultra-runners are a living example of what the human mind and body can achieve. As a premier youth entertainment brand, we’re proud to diversify our non-fiction content offerings with authentic stories that provide a deeper connect to GenZ and Millennials, who are searching for purpose and meaning.”