Category: Over The Top Services

Prime Video receives blockbuster response to its mega line-up for Prime Day 2024!

Mumbai: Prime Video’s mega line-up for Prime Day 2024 India, scheduled on 20 & 21 July, captivated Prime members both in India and around the world. In the month leading up to Prime Day 2024, the service unveiled an exciting slate of 15 highly anticipated Indian and international series and movies across five languages, that were streamed by customers from 4,665 cities and towns across India. With viewers from 200 countries and territories tuning in to watch the Prime Day titles, Prime Video continued to deliver blockbuster hits, taking India’s stories to the world.

Prime Video India’s line-up for Prime Day 2024 included the highly anticipated season three of original series Mirzapur (Hindi) which became the most-watched show ever on Prime Video in India. The new season featured in the top 10 trending lists on Prime Video in over 85 countries and territories worldwide on the launch weekend itself!

In addition to this, Prime Video also premiered the blockbuster action thriller Garudan (Tamil), social drama PT Sir (Tamil), the critically acclaimed Naach Ga Ghuma (Marathi), crime thriller Satyabhama (Telugu), heist comedy Gam Gam Ganesha (Telugu), direct-to-service comedy drama Sharmajee Ki Beti (Hindi), and action comedy entertainer Inga Naan Thaan Kingu (Tamil).

But that’s not all, as Prime Video continued to make global entertainment more accessible for Indian customers with international Prime Day titles receiving viewership from over 98 per cent of India’s pin codes. In the lead-up to Prime Day 2024, the service premiered global blockbuster original series The Boys (English) Season 4, documentary Federer: Twelve Final Days (English) that follows Roger Federer in the last twelve days of his professional career, dystopian thriller Civil War (English), historical Original series My Lady Jane (English), romcom Space Cadet (English), spy comedy My Spy: The Eternal City (English), and biographical musical drama Bob Marley: One Love (English).

July 26, 2024
India’s creative economy set to soar with premium online video fuelling 50 per cent of new revenue growth

Mumbai – An insightful report released today unveiled the transformative power of India’s streaming video on demand (VOD) industry and its contribution to the nation’s video entertainment economy. The study, “Beyond Screens – Streaming VOD’s Impact on The Creative Economy,” commissioned by Prime Video India and conducted by Media Partners Asia (MPA), offers a compelling vision of the sector’s future and its far-reaching economic implications.

The comprehensive analysis, based on extensive research and interviews with industry leaders, reveals that premium online video-on-demand is set to fuel 50 per cent of new revenue growth of India’s total video market. The report reveals that while historically, TV has led content investments in the video industry, but online video (ex-sports) already claims 24 per cent share in 2024, a 3x increase since 2017, and is expected to touch 30 per cent by 2028. Further, with streaming revenues equating to 1.5x of movie producers’ net share from theatrical box office, the growth in the video industry holistically is being driven by streaming. Not just this, but even allied industries, like telecom are seeing the impact of video streaming. For instance, video has been the primary driver of data consumption for telcos, representing over 70 per cent of their data traffic.

The streaming revolution has already catalysed an unprecedented content boom, with over 1,500 original titles released across VOD platforms between 2016 and 2023. This surge has created a ripple effect of employment opportunities, generating approximately 174,000 direct and indirect jobs in 2023 alone. The industry’s projected growth promises to open up 280,000 positions by 2028, with the potential to exceed 330,000 jobs as demand for specialized skills in VFX, animation, subtitling, and dubbing intensifies.

Premium video platforms are the true pioneers of the pan-India content movement, playing a significant role in expanding its reach nationwide. Crucially, the report highlights how these platforms are also emerging as powerful conduits for the nation’s soft power on the global stage. By showcasing India’s diverse cultures and progressive outlook to audiences in over 190 countries, these platforms are elevating the country’s international influence to new heights. Leading streaming services like Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Jio Cinema, Netflix, Sony Liv, and Zee5 are at the forefront of this cultural exportation, poised to cement Indian content’s place alongside global phenomena like Anime, K-pop, and K-dramas.

The report also highlights how the social and economic multiplier effect of streaming VOD can unlock future value for stakeholders in the creative and several allied industries, contingent on addressing key challenges:

1. Expanding modern production facilities beyond major urban centers

2. Fostering collaboration for infrastructure development

3. Cultivating technical talent through innovative training programs and academic partnerships

4. Intensifying efforts to combat piracy and protect intellectual property

As India’s creative economy stands on the brink of unprecedented growth and global impact, this report serves as a crucial roadmap for industry stakeholders and policymakers alike. The streaming VOD sector is not just reshaping entertainment; it’s redefining India’s place on the world stage.

July 25, 2024
ZEE5 drops ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ trailer

Mumbai: “Time is a flat circle,” Nietzsche once said. But what if that circle could be bent, twisted, and manipulated? ZEE5 is all set to shatter the boundaries of time and space with the mind-bending trailer of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah.’ Set to premiere on 9 August, this Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor co-production questions the viewers on the possibility of altering present and future by changing the past.

Launched today, the trailer plunges viewers into a world where the impossible becomes possible, leaving them to wonder about the existence and power of time. Helmed by the visionary director Umesh Bist, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ boasts a powerhouse cast including Kritika Kamra, Dhairya Karwa, and Raghav Juyal in the lead and Gautami Kapoor, Harsh Chhaya, Purnendu Bhattacharya, Mukti Mohan, Gaurav Sharma, among others.

Co-produced by Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta of Dharmatic Entertainment, and Oscar-winning filmmaker duo Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment, Gyaarah Gyaarah tells the riveting tale of two police officers from different eras connected by a mysterious walkie-talkie and the butterfly effect it causes on the past and present.

The past year has seen ZEE5 accomplish multiple highlights and milestones. The platform has witnessed a whopping 85Bn minutes of watch-time in the past year, with strong viewership coming in from metros and non-metros alike. Tier II and III cities account for 40 per cent of ZEE5’s viewership, while Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi lead in metro consumption. Popular genres on the platform include thrillers, romance, dramas, action-adventure, and comedies, with pan-Indian audiences strongly gravitating to the multilingual storyteller’s diverse content library.

Talking about the overall success of ZEE5 and the launch of Gyaarah Gyaarah, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “At ZEE5, we remain dedicated to bringing exceptional content to our viewers. The trailer launch of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a testament to this commitment. Our collaboration with Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, both renowned for their storytelling excellence, is an exciting step towards enriching ZEE5’s diverse content library. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ offers a unique blend of mystery, and drama in a way that we believe will captivate audiences in India and beyond. We’re confident that this series will set a new benchmark for original content in the digital streaming space.”

A senior detective Shaurya Anthwal, played by Dhairya Karwa, from the 1990s and a young police officer Yug Arya, portrayed by Raghav Juyal, find themselves linked by a perplexing communication tool that springs to life at 11:11 pm for a fleeting 60 seconds. At the center of this temporal whirlwind is a determined woman Vamika Rawat, played by Kritika Kamra, once mentored by the senior detective Shaurya Anthwal before he mysteriously disappeared and now guiding the present-day young police officer Yug Arya.

As Shaurya and Yug join forces to crack the many cold cases, they unknowingly set off a chain reaction, altering the course of history with each breakthrough. Vamika, who is oblivious to the extraordinary connection between Shaurya and Yug is increasingly puzzled by her subordinate’s uncanny insights. With every solved mystery, this unlikely trio edges closer to uncovering a staggering truth about the officer’s vanishing act and the nature of their impossible alliance. Racing against the clock and battling the repercussions of their time-altering actions, will they unearth the secrets behind their mystifying bond, or will the weight of changing destiny prove too perilous to bear? Tune-in to ZEE5 to know more as Gyaarah Gyaarah is set to premiere on 9 August.

Kritika Kamra said, “Stepping into the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an exhilarating journey for me. This role is unlike anything I’ve ever done before – it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. Playing a cop in this mind-bending mystery thriller has been both thrilling and demanding. Moreover, working alongside visionaries like Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor is a dream come true – their guidance and creative energy on set was truly inspiring. I can’t wait for ZEE5’s audience to experience this unique story that blends time, suspense, and human emotions in such an unlikely way, that makes the storytelling graph of the show truly unique and exciting”.

Raghav Juyal said, “Being part of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been a transformative experience for me. I started my journey on a TV reality show, seamlessly transitioned into hosting and comedic roles. Now, as I make a mark in the Bollywood industry, I am deeply grateful to Guneet for recognizing my potential and encouraging me to embrace serious and challenging roles. Portraying a police officer for the first time feels like a significant responsibility, it’s a big leap from my usual performances, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. It allows me to showcase a different side of my acting abilities and I can’t wait for the ZEE5 audiences to see what we’ve created with ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ – it’s going to be a whole new experience for me and hopefully for the audience too!”.

Dhairya Karwa said, “Immersing myself in the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an incredible journey. The idea of manipulating time and its impact on our decisions is fascinating, and it’s been thrilling to portray that on screen. Collaborating with such a talented cast and being guided by Karan Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Umesh Sir has been a special experience. This project is unlike anything I’ve worked on before – it’s intense, makes you think, and keeps you engaged. I can’t wait for ZEE5 audiences to delve into this distinctive mix of thriller and suspense that challenges our perception of reality. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a series that will make you reevaluate everything you thought you knew about time and fate”.

July 24, 2024
Amazon miniTV unveils Amber Girls School season two trailer

Mumbai: Get ready to revisit the halls of Amber Girls School as Amazon miniTV announces the second season of this coming-of-age teen drama. Following the roaring success of its debut season, the streaming service today unveiled a gripping trailer for the upcoming season, offering a glimpse into the life of Ojas and her evolving journey in Amber Girls School. Produced by Reliance Entertainment Studios and directed by Rajlaxmi Ratan Seth, Amber Girls School season two marks the return of the beloved cast, including Celesti Bairagey, Kajol Chugh, Adrija Sinha, Ishika Gagneja, Harsh Khurana, and Shruti Panwar.

The trailer gives us a peek into Ojas’s world where she is trying to juggle several things – she wants to be the Head Girl, have a boyfriend, repair her rocky friendships, and rebel against the school authorities. She realizes that she wants to become more confident and stand on her own feet instead of being a ‘yes-girl’. What truly matters to her is maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family, staying optimistic, and above all being true to herself.

Sharing his thoughts on the new season, Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad stated, “We are excited to bring back Amber Girls School for another season on Amazon miniTV. The second season will showcase the changing dynamics of the school and insights into Ojas’ journey. With universal themes of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery at its core, this season promises to strongly resonate with viewers.”

Celesti Bairagey, who essays the role of Ojaswi, expressed her enthusiasm for the new season, sharing, “I’m thrilled to take Ojas’ journey forward in Amber Girls School Season 2. This season around, my character faces new challenges in a quest to discover her true self. It also dives deeper into themes of empowerment and identity, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence with courage and determination. It’s a privilege to portray a character who inspires others to embrace their individuality and stands up for what she believes in.”

Prepare for an unforgettable journey as Ojas and her friends navigate the complexities of adolescence in the new season of Amber Girls School. The upcoming season will stream exclusively on Amazon miniTV from 26 July, for free.

July 24, 2024
The House of McDowell’s Soda unveils ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’ anthem

Mumbai: It was in 1973 when the country crooned to the ultimate friendship anthem – Yaari Hai Imaan. In 2024, The House of McDowell’s Soda is bringing it back with an all-new rendition created by the rapper – Raftaar and Jasleen Royal. The song released just in time for friendship day on Saregama Music YouTube channel. The track is a classic tribute to friendship and celebrates the essence of Yaaron Waali Baat.

This fresh, unique twist on the classic Bollywood song ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’ reiterates the importance of having trust in friendships and portrays the depth and loyalty that true friendships embody. Known for his raw lyricism and unapologetic style, Raftaar goes all out as his musical prowess shines with Jasleen lending her soulful vocals to this levitating rendition.

The song beautifully captures the essence of ‘Yaaron Waali Baat’ through its captivating tunes, lyrics, and beats, set to become a chart-topper as listeners are bound to play it on repeat. The lyrics emphasise that strong friendships open doors to endless possibilities. When friends trust and support each other, they can fight all odds and achieve success together. This encourages individuals to explore their full potential. The song has released on Saregama Music YouTube channel and is live across audio streaming apps.

Diageo India vice president and portfolio head, marketing, Varun Koorichh said, “The House of McDowell’s Soda believes in the profound impact of fostering strong and meaningful connections. Yaari Hai Imaan is a testament to the power of true camaraderie and the joy it brings into our lives. By celebrating the unwavering strength of meaningful connections, the song beautifully captures how limitless possibilities can unfold when friends stand united against all odds. This highly energetic and infectious rendition by Raftaar and Jasleen Royal will undoubtedly resonate deeply with listeners of all generations.”

Speaking of the association, Raftaar said, “Friendship, like music, knows no bounds. When we started composing ‘Yaari Hai Imaan’, the lyrics and rhythm instantly resonated with me. My journey in this industry has been shaped by the love and support of my dear Yaars, inspiring my music and guiding my path. Collaborating with The House of McDowell’s Soda has been an enriching experience, celebrating connections that inspire and uplift. This song is destined to find its way into everyone’s playlist, especially resonating with those who have experienced the joy of true camaraderie.”

Yaari Hai Imaan will be available on all major streaming platforms starting 20 July.

July 24, 2024
Prime Video rolls out an improved streaming experience-Here’s What’s new

Mumbai: Prime Video is bringing clarity and simplicity back to streaming with improvements to its user experience that will begin to roll out globally today, and will become available to all customers in the coming weeks.

There’s so much to discover on Prime Video, and with these updates, you’ll be able to navigate across our vast entertainment destination with ease. With more personalized recommendations powered by generative AI, you can discover content that is tailored to your individual preferences, allowing you to spend more time watching and less time browsing. Plus, we’re making it easier to quickly identify movies and series that are available at no additional cost to your Prime membership, find new blockbusters to rent and add or manage add-on subscriptions.

“We’re always listening to customers and reviewing feedback, and it’s clear that many are in search of a more intuitive streaming experience,” said Kam Keshmiri, Vice President of Design at Prime Video. “With the improvements we have made to the user experience, customers will be presented with an easy-to-navigate entertainment destination where they can discover new titles and enjoy favourites, as well as sign up to or switch add-on subscriptions with just a few clicks. Best of all, they can do this while using a single login.”

Prime Video offers a large collection of premium programming in a single application across thousands of device types. You can explore a vast array of titles on Prime Video including your favourite Indian and international original series, movies, TV shows, and more, across multiple languages – including Indian-produced Original series like Mirzapur, Farzi, Panchayat, The Family Man, Dhootha, Jubilee, Dahaad, Made in Heaven, Suzhal – The Vortex, Inspector Rishi, Poacher, Indian Police Force, Paatal Lok, Rainbow Rishta, Wedding.con; Original movies like Maja Ma, Ammu, Mast Mein Rehne Ka; popular global Originals like Citadel, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, Reacher, The Boys, The Wheel of Time, Road House, The Idea of You; some of the biggest post-theatrical films; direct-to-service films such as Shershaah, Soorarai Pottru, Sardar Udham, Bawaal, Gehraiyaan, Jai Bhim, Jalsa, Sherni, Narappa, Sarpatta Parambarai, Kuruthi, Joji, Malik, Pippa, #HOME, Sharmajee Ki Beti, and many more of such titles. Additionally, Prime Video’s video entertainment marketplace offers customers programming from partners such as Lionsgate Play, Discovery+ Crunchyroll, BBC Player, Sony Pictures – Stream, MGM+, FanCode, Chaupal, Manorama Max, Eros Now, Hoichoi, Anime Times to name a few, via Prime Video Channels add-on-subscriptions, as well as the option to rent movies, regardless of whether customers have a Prime membership or not.

Here are the updates coming to the Prime Video user experience.

1. Content-forward navigation bar & single-click access to titles with the hero rotator

When launching Prime Video, you’ll notice a new navigation bar. Here, you will see purpose-built destinations including “Home,” “Movies,” “TV Shows,” and “Live TV,” as well as active Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions, allowing you to navigate by content type.

A new “Prime” destination will also be available in the navigation bar, which allows you to browse movies and TV shows available at no additional cost with a Prime membership.

Just below the navigation bar, the hero rotator will showcase content you can watch with a subscription, or rent, as well as a range of promotions including Prime member deals. Plus, you can directly play, rent or subscribe to watch, making it easier to start watching the titles you love.

2. Explore, sign up and manage add-on subscriptions

You can now browse, sign up and manage your active add-on subscriptions directly from the navigation bar. In India., you can explore more than 20 add-on subscriptions by selecting “Subscriptions.” Here, in addition to what you’re already signed up for, you can find new options that are uniquely recommended based on your preferences, previous rentals, and viewing history. Plus, the subscription destination will display deals of subscriptions from third-party services, all in one place.

3. Improved recommendations and clarity around the content that’s included with a Prime membership

Personalised recommendations have always been essential to the Prime Video experience. However, improvements to personalization features, which were created with the assistance of Generative AI, will make it easier to find the content that is the most relevant to you.

To power this experience, Prime Video uses Amazon Bedrock, a fully managed AWS service for building and scaling generative AI applications with foundational models, to generate personalized recommendations for customers.

In addition to recommendations, you can browse content by taste and other categories such as “Top 10 in India”. And now, it will be easier than ever to see what is included with a Prime membership and what you may need to pay extra for. Prime and add-on subscription logos, like Lionsgate Play or Crunchyroll, will appear on the hero and title cards of a movie or TV show to help inform you about which subscription the content is coming from. If a title requires additional payment, a yellow shopping bag will be visible.

Plus, Prime Video is utilising Large Language Models (LLMs) to simplify the synopses for TV Shows and Movies, so you can quickly glance at a title description, rather than having to scroll to decide if it is something you’d want to watch.

4. Simple, intuitive and frictionless streaming

New animations, smooth page transitions and zoom effects are a few of the enhancements for a frictionless and enjoyable streaming experience you can look forward to.

When using a living room device, video content will play on the hero rotator as you determine what to watch, creating an immersive browsing experience. And on the “Live TV” destination, recommended 24/7 stations will automatically start playing. They will continue to do so as you transition into full-screen playback, or exit to browse other stations.

Prime Video has optimized the experience across all devices, including older models, so everyone can enjoy it.

And these updates are just the start. At Prime Video, we always innovate on behalf of our customers and will continue to improve the user experience so customers can seamlessly navigate and discover content they’ll love across our vast entertainment destination.

Read more here:

July 23, 2024
Naukri.com & Disney+ Hotstar launch ‘Hardly Working by Naukri’

Mumbai: Naukri.com and Disney+ Hotstar have announced the launch of ‘Hardly Working by Naukri,’ a standup show that humorously explores the lighter side of office culture.

The series features an exceptional lineup of India’s top comedians, including Prashasti Singh, Anirban Dasgupta, Shreeja Chaturvedi, Nishant Suri, and Kumar Varun. Each comedian brings their unique style and perspective to the show, ensuring a diverse range of humor and a fresh take on every episode. Notably, all these talented artists have had firsthand experience in the corporate world, adding authenticity to their performances.

The show delves into relatable and comedic moments, from common workplace situations and quirky coworkers to awkward meetings and office politics, reflecting universal truths that resonate with anyone who has ever worked in an office.

The show is part of Naukri.com’s ongoing commitment to engage with Gen-Z professionals and address all aspects of their careers. Having already established a strong foothold in creating purposeful content through the successful IP ‘Workwise with Naukri’ – which offers valuable career insights and advice, Naukri.com, with this new show, is foraying into creating content that explores the lighter side of professional life. ‘Hardly Working by Naukri’ is produced by the Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks team, the branded content arm of Disney+ Hotstar, and is streaming exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar starting 19 July. Known for its award-winning creative and content studio, Disney+ Hotstar CreativeWorks helps brands strike the right balance between content and advertising, thus enabling brands to forge deeper connections with their target audiences by leveraging the power of storytelling at scale.

Naukri.com EVP & head of marketing Shail Gaurav said, “At Naukri, we understand the nuances of professional life, and firmly believe that we are allies to Indian professionals, helping them navigate their career journeys. ‘Hardly Working by Naukri’ is our attempt to inject a refreshing dose of humor to the conversation about work life, while reinforcing our position as the number one career platform in the country.”

Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Naukri for ‘Hardly Working by Naukri’. This series brings humor and relatability to the everyday office experience, showcasing the lighter side of professional life. It also allows Naukri to leverage the power of storytelling to connect with their audiences in the most entertaining and relatable way. With the exceptional talent on board and the expertise of our CreativeWorks team, we are looking forward to present a show that will appeal to our viewers.”

July 22, 2024
Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to premiere on ZEE5

Mumbai: ZEE5 announced the world digital premiere of ‘Bhaiyya Ji,’ a high-octane action revenge drama marking Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film in the industry. Following the immense success of ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ which recently surpassed one billion watch minutes on ZEE5, ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ promises to deliver another gripping tale of revenge and justice that showcases a never-before-seen avatar of the versatile actor. Starting 26 July, viewers can witness Manoj Bajpayee’s portrayal of a larger-than-life character, blending the raw intensity of UP-Bihar’s hinterland with the swaggering charisma of South Indian cinema.

Helmed by the visionary Apoorv Singh Karki and backed by the dynamic team of Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Samiksha Oswal, Shael Oswal, Shabana Raza Bajpayee, and Vikram Khakhar, this nerve-wracking thrill ride of revenge and justice is poised to set screens ablaze. The film comes from the makers of ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai,’ a highly popular ZEE5 original. Mark your calendars for 26 July as ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ will have its world digital premiere exclusively on ZEE5.

Manoj Bajpayee, often hailed as the star of OTT, has a strong presence on ZEE5 with numerous successful projects to his name on the platform, including ‘Silence: Can You Hear It?’, ‘Silence 2: The Night Owl Bar Shootout’, ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’, ‘Dial 100’, ‘Jaago’, ‘Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari’, ‘Chakravyuh’ among others. His versatile performances on ZEE5 have made him a favorite among the audiences, and ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ is set to further cement his legacy in the world of OTT.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5)

‘Bhaiyya Ji’ follows the journey of a retired and feared criminal who seeks vengeance for the brutal murder of his younger brother. When a trivial argument leads to tragedy, Bhaiyya Ji comes back from his peaceful retirement to confront the powerful Gujjar responsible for his loss. Gathering his loyal associates, he ignites a fierce campaign of retribution that threatens to upend the entire criminal underworld. But as the stakes rise and the danger mounts, will Bhaiyya Ji’s quest for justice come at too high a price?

ZEE5 chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “We’re thrilled to bring ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to ZEE5, reuniting the makers behind ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’. This film not only marks Manoj’s 100th cinematic venture but also showcases him in an unprecedented avatar that blends intensity with grandeur. With ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ achieving over 1 billion watch minutes, and now ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ continuing this momentum, we are confident in delivering high-impact content, Bhaiyya Ji reinforces ZEE5’s commitment and further solidifies ZEE5’s position as the ultimate destination for cutting-edge entertainment.”

Ahead of the film’s premiere on ZEE5, Bhaiyya Ji a.k.a. Manoj Bajpayee shared, “Bhaiyya Ji marks a significant milestone in my career since it’s my 100th film, and I’m truly honored to bring this compelling character to life. With ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ achieving over 1 billion watch minutes on ZEE5 and now ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ continuing this momentum, it’s a testament to the audience’s love for storytelling. This role is quite different from my usual portrayals, blending the gritty realism of the UP-Bihar heartland with the grand style. It was a unique opportunity to explore a multifaceted, larger-than-life persona that I believe has and will resonate with audiences across. As we present ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to the ZEE5 viewers across the globe, I’m excited for them to witness this new avatar and the intense narrative we’ve crafted. Here’s hoping that we get as much love and support from the OTT audience like we did for the theatrical release.”

Director Apoorv Singh Karki mentioned, “Bhaiyya Ji represents a bold leap forward in digital storytelling. We’ve crafted a story that marries the grit of realistic crime drama with the sweep of an epic saga. Working with Manoj sir again has been transformative – his dedication to embodying this multi-layered and complex character is truly inspiring. We’ve explored themes of loyalty, family, and the cyclical nature of violence in ways that I believe will resonate deeply with audiences. This project has pushed our entire team creatively, technically, and emotionally. As Manoj sir’s 100th film, we felt a responsibility to create something truly special, and I’m confident ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ will leave a lasting impact on the digital cinema landscape as well when it premieres on ZEE5.”

Producer Vinod Bhanushali mentioned, “‘Bhaiyya Ji’, a Manoj Bajpayee creation, is a quintessential desi-style action revenge drama that has captured the hearts of theater audiences. Being his 100th film, the film delivers an exhilarating experience for the fans. Now viewers can enjoy the thrills in the comfort of their homes on Zee5 where Bhanushali Studios previous release Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai with Manoj ji and Apoorv crossed 1B plus watch minutes on the platform.”

Shabana Raza Bajpayee shared her thoughts on Bhaiyya Ji, saying, “Bhaiyya Ji is not just another milestone for Manoj; it symbolizes his incredible journey and passion for the craft. As his 100th film, it holds a special place in our hearts. Producing this film under Aurega Studios has been an immensely rewarding experience, and I am thrilled about its world digital premiere on ZEE5. With its powerful action and deep emotional depth, Bhaiyya Ji is a must-watch, and I am confident that the audience will connect with it.”

Producer Samiksha Shael Oswal, “Bringing Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film to life has been a cinematic experience for his fans. ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ is a thrilling return to action of Manoj Bajpayee, offering fans a gripping experience now right in their homes with ZEE5.”

Don’t miss the digital premiere of ‘Bhaiyya Ji’, on 26 July exclusively on ZEE5.

July 20, 2024
ZEE5 live streams Calcutta Football League matches

Mumbai: ZEE5 has announced its partnership with the Calcutta Football League, a historic football competition in West Bengal organised by the Indian Football Association. As a part of the partnership, the fans can now stream all the top matches live on ZEE5. This collaboration aims to captivate audiences, especially the fervent supporters of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, given their immense passion for the sport.

Kicked off on the 27 June, The Calcutta Football League will continue till the 30 September with ZEE5 featuring 26 teams divided in two groups of 13 teams playing a total of 199 matches. The tournament includes iconic teams such as Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, and Diamond Harbour FC, amongst others. To cater to a diverse array of audiences, the matches would be streamed both in Bangla and English commentary, ensuring that fans can enjoy routing for their preferred team in their language of choice. Additionally, ZEE5 will offer video-on-demand (VOD) content, highlighting the best goals and key moments from the matches for fans to get up to speed with the league at their convenience even if they miss a few matches.

ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “We are delighted to partner with the Calcutta Football League to bring our audience an immersive football streaming experience. This partnership not only highlights ZEE5’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports content but also celebrates the rich football culture of Bengal. It exemplifies our dedication to pushing boundaries and ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience for our viewers.”

Indian Football Association secretary Anirban Dutta said, “We are thrilled that this deal has come to fruition, as it marks the first time the Calcutta Football League will be broadcasted on a major platform like ZEE5. This is a significant step forward for the league and its fans.”

Last year, c partnered with Big Bang Media to bring one of the biggest esports tournaments, IESF Big Bang Asia Open 2023. The tournament had over 80,000 participants from across 40 countries in Asia and the Middle East. Following the big success of The DP World International League T20 Season 2, ZEE5 is also set to air the third season of ILT20 starting on 11 January 2025, featuring 34 matches culminating in the final on 9 February 2025.

July 18, 2024
Radio City launches ‘Radio City Business Titans – Chapter 3’

Mumbai: Radio City has announced the launch of its ‘Radio City Business Titans – Chapter III,’ taking place from 19 to 21 July at Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Radio City Business Titans is a distinguished initiative dedicated to honour the excellence and innovation of Indian entrepreneurs. In a country where one in five individuals anticipate launching their own business, Radio City acknowledges their exceptional quality and creativity across all its 39 markets and beyond.

India, ranked fourth among 51 countries for entrepreneur quality, crafts visionary stories that define its economic growth. Following the success of its previous editions, the radio network is getting ready for chapter three of Radio City Business Titans with extravaganza, glamour, and grandeur. The latest edition of this prestigious event aims to honor Indian entrepreneurs for their resilience and exceptional business acumen across diverse categories.

Building on the triumph of the 2022 Dubai edition, Radio City is poised to showcase its dedication to honoring diverse Indian-owned businesses. This event will provide much-needed recognition and impetus for these enterprises to continue their successful endeavors. Joining in to celebrate the achievements of Indian entrepreneurs are acclaimed actors Sonu Sood and Chitrangada Singh, prominent figures in the Indian entertainment industry, our renowned RJ Archana will be hosting the event, adding a touch of star power and elegance.

Radio City CEO Ashit Kukian said, “At Radio City, we celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and honor Indian business leaders who carve unique paths to success. With our extensive reach across India, we discover inspiring success stories that showcase endurance and unique skills. Chapter 3 of our marquee event, Radio City Business Titans, highlights individuals making significant contributions to the economy. The overwhelming success of our inaugural event emphasizes our impact, commemorating these leaders for their determination. As we prepare for our third edition, we aim to inspire optimism and further catalyse India’s entrepreneurial growth and economic advancement.”

Renowned actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood commented, “As a proud Indian, it’s inspiring to see platforms like Radio City Business Titans recognize and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship that defines our nation. I look forward to witnessing the success stories that will emerge from this prestigious event.”

Actress Chitrangada Singh added, “Radio City Business Titans is not just an event but a testament to the determination and vision of Indian entrepreneurs. It’s an honor to be part of an initiative that spotlights their contributions to the global business landscape.”

July 18, 2024