ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Romantic OTT shows and audio series to binge this monsoon

    Romantic OTT shows and audio series to binge this monsoon

    Mumbai: Monsoon and romance have an undeniable connection, don’t they? What better way to celebrate this bond than by watching a fresh rom-com at a cinema near you? Ishq Vishk Rebound has hit theatres, offering its peppy love story. Before you immerse yourself in this cinematic treat, why not explore a treasure chest of the romance-centric OTT series and audio series available across various platforms?

    Here’s a list specially curated for die-hard romantics:

    Shaadi Ke Baad (Pocket FM)

    Arohi, who had experienced an incident worse than death for any girl, hadn’t even recovered from the trauma when she received another piece of news that shook her to the core. Her father and stepmother had decided on her marriage to a wealthy but physically challenged man without even consulting her. Although Arohi refused to marry him, her father and stepmother imposed a condition that forced her to reconsider her decision. What was that condition? What incident had occurred with Arohi? Tune into Shaadi Ke Baad, only on Pocket FM.

    Ishq Vishk Rebound (In theaters)

    Raghav, Sanya, and Sahir have been friends since childhood. As they age, Sanya falls for Sahir and Raghav concentrates on his love for writing. But as luck would have it, Sanya and Sahir break up and Raghav is left mending two broken hearts. At its heart ‘Ishq Vishk Rebound’ is a coming-of-age tale – that asks difficult taboo questions- Are rebound relationships a curse? Is there such a thing as a bro code? And is it not okay to kiss your best friend? ‘Coz what if they are your soul mate? Is it true love even if it just sticks to the rules and never breaks them?

    Pyaar, Yaar aur Dhoka (Pocket FM)

    Gungun’s life gets disrupted after she learns about the affair between her husband Pratham Saheb Zada and her sister Munmun. Gungun Mathur divorces her husband, and after five years of hard work, she returns as a big lawyer. Unknowingly, Saheb is his client. Will both of them come closer, or will Gungun ruin Saheb’s empire? To find out, listen to Pyaar Yaar Aur Dhoka on Pocket FM.

    Baarish (Jio Cinema)

    Sharman Joshi and Asha Negi star in this heartwarming tale of love set around monsoons. The web series follows Anuj, a wealthy business magnate, and Gauravi, a simple Maharashtrian girl. When the two opposite personalities cross paths, they never expect to become husband and wife. But, life has other plans, as circumstances lead them to get married. After spending time with each other, the two lost souls kindle a liking, and cupid strikes as they slowly fall in love. If you are in the mood for an old-school love story, Baarish is your go-to pick!

    Modern Love Mumbai (Amazon Prime Video)

    This collection presents six unique narratives set in Mumbai, each exploring the experiences of individuals navigating the challenges of life, love, and loss in the city. Directed by six renowned creators—Vishal Bhardwaj, Hansal Mehta, Nupur Ashthana, Dhruv Sehgal, Alankrita Shrivastava, and Shonali Bose—Modern Love offers a realistic portrayal of urban life, making it a recommended watch for audiences of all ages.

  • Amazon miniTV expands its robust content library with exciting international shows

    Amazon miniTV expands its robust content library with exciting international shows

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV has come up with its eclectic roster of international shows, offering unforgettable entertainment for July to captivate audiences. From soapy dramas to heart-pounding romances and laugh-out-loud comedy, each show will transport viewers to different corners of the world, bringing diverse cultures, emotions, settings, and adventures right to their screens. Available in original, and dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, under “miniTV Imported,” the exciting slate for this month features globally celebrated titles, including Gen Z, Almost Famous, My Deskmate, Girlfriend, and Still 17.

    Delve into the secrets of traditional Chinese medicine, and explore the complexities of life, family, and health with Gen Z, or sign up for a backstage pass into the high-stakes world of the music industry with Almost Famous, showcasing the unrelenting passion and grit of aspiring artists amidst a budding love story. My Deskmate offers a delightful journey back to the innocence and camaraderie of school days, highlighting the romance between an idol and his fan girl. Girlfriend explores the quirky love life of a woman hired to pretend she has a crush on a CEO, only for it to become her reality. Lastly, Still 17 presents a tale of the rediscovery and resilience of a woman who awakens from a coma finding herself emotionally stuck in her teenage years and navigating adulthood with a newfound perspective.

    Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad shared, “We are thrilled to unveil the July slate of international shows on Amazon miniTV, which underscores our commitment to meeting the growing demand for global content in local languages for free. Shows of Korean, Mandarin, and Turkish origins have struck a chord with Indian audiences for their unique storytelling and cultural richness. By presenting these international shows in Original, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, we aim to provide an immersive and inclusive viewing experience that transcends cultural boundaries and connects with viewers on a personal level.”    

    The international shows will stream in Original, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, exclusively on ‘Amazon miniTV Imported’ for free.

  • Jazz Weekender returns for third edition in New Delhi

    Jazz Weekender returns for third edition in New Delhi

    Mumbai: After two standout editions, Jazz Weekender is thrilled to announce its return to the enchanting 1AQ in Mehrauli for its third edition. This year, the festival promises an even richer and more memorable experience under the canopy of the city’s most iconic Banyan tree.

    An unparalleled celebration of live music for the capital, Jazz Weekender’s previous editions galvanised the city’s music community with an impressive turnout of over 3000 attendees each time while featuring both global and local talent. This year, the festival will once again champion a diverse array of genres ranging from jazz to its adjacent styles like neo-soul, R&B, hip-hop, fusion, funk, and bossa nova.

    Highlights of the third edition:

    ●        Dates: 28-29 September 2024

    ●        Location: 1AQ, Mehrauli, New Delhi

    ●        Musical acts: A handpicked lineup featuring a blend of international and homegrown artists.

    ●        Additional attractions: A vibrant flea market, diverse culinary experiences, and exclusive cocktail pop-ups enhancing the weekend experience.

    Jazz Weekender’s past lineups have featured global sensations like Desmadre Orkestra, Cero Ismael, Tara Lily, and Trioritaët, alongside celebrated local acts such as Rhythm Shaw x Gino Banks, T.ill Apes, Tribemama Marykali, Kayan, NATE08, Sahil Vasudeva, and The Revisit Project. This year’s event promises to continue this tradition of excellence with a focus on boundary-pushing performances.

    Jazz Weekender is hosted and curated by boxout.fm, Wild City, Gatecrash, Jazz in India and Paytm Insider.

    Early Bird tickets are now on sale via Paytm Insider here.

  • Discover engaging stories and adventures on discovery+ this July

    Discover engaging stories and adventures on discovery+ this July

    Mumbai: discovery+ has brought a blend of docuseries, stories, and original content that promises to engage, entertain, and educate. This month’s lineup features a mix of gripping true crime stories, historic explorations, survival challenges, and much more. The lineup also features three titles from EPIC’s catalogues. So whether you’re a fan of celebrity feuds, exploring the mysteries of the past, or enjoying embarking on culinary escapades, discovery+ has got you covered.

    Highlights for July’s content lineup:

    Crime and investigation

    ●    Taylor Swift vs Scooter Braun – Bad Blood | 4 July: The $300M feud between Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun made headlines. But is Taylor bravely standing up for artistry and fighting the misogyny of the music industry, or has Scooter Braun been unfairly framed for what was just a business deal?

    ●    Deadly Influence – The Social Media Murders | 24 July: Social media influencers seem to have it all — money, celebrity, power. But in these shocking true crime stories, there is a horrifying dark side to the fame, which reveals how these online dreams can quickly become blood-soaked nightmares.

    History

    ●    Ekaant – India’s Abandoned History S1 | 5 July: India is known for its remarkable architecture and serene landscapes. Its rich history is steeped in mystery its vastness lends itself to several stories and urban legends. Discover the abandoned roads and valleys of India’s historic locations and more.

    Adventure

    ●    Naked and Afraid S10 | 19 July: Two strangers choose to take on the Everest of survival challenges. They’ll have no water, no food, and no clothes, but they must find a way to work together and survive in the wilderness for 21 days – Naked and Afraid.

    ●    Lakshya 1971 | 24 July: Discover the elusive story of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. Harman Singha uncovers the Indian Air Force’s closely guarded tales of men, machines, and missions.

    ●    In the Eye of the Storm | 30 July: This series reveals recent natural disasters as they happened in real-time through footage captured by eyewitnesses who found themselves in the wrong place at the right time and boldly held up their camera phones to capture the eye of the storm.

    Auto

    ●    The Royal Enfield Story | 5 July: Royal Enfield is one such legendary brand with a unique story: a vintage motorcycle company that has an English pedigree but an Indian upbringing. Discover how the world’s oldest motorcycle company has legions of fans and followers.

    Lifestyle

    ●    Selena + Restaurant | 17 July: After working with the world’s top chefs, Selena Gomez is raising the stakes! She heads out to work in Los Angeles’ hottest restaurants, where she’ll be put through her paces and must learn fast to create a dish good enough for the restaurant’s menu.

  • Planetcast Media Services sets new standards in live sports broadcasting

    Planetcast Media Services sets new standards in live sports broadcasting

    Mumbai: Planetcast Media Services is proud to announce its faultless delivery of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, with zero downtime or glitches across 74 matches held in 13 stadiums. This exceptional performance continues Planetcast’s legacy of providing top-tier media services for major cricketing events, including the recent T20 World Cup (2 to 29 June), which ended with India defeating South Africa.

    Having established itself as a leader in seamless, high-quality broadcasting and streaming solutions, Planetcast has been a trusted technology partner for the IPL for the last 17 years and, in 2024, ensured that cricket fans enjoyed coverage of the T20 World Cup via Star Sports, Hotstar and Times Internet Group’s Cricbuzz. Planetcast’s advanced media services enabled the delivery of advertising of around $450 million for the IPL rightsholders (almost equally split between broadcast and digital platforms, and on par with the $465 million in 2023).

    For the 2024 IPL season, Planetcast provided the following services:

    1   Star Sports: Delivering domestic TV broadcast to 17 channels in 11 languages with services such as encoding, live transmission, playout, packaging, and delivery solutions.

    2   Viacom18: Supporting over-the-top (OTT) streaming on JioCinema.

    3   Times Internet: Facilitating international OTT streaming and playout for Cricbuzz.

    “Our long-standing partnership with IPL rightsholders underscores our capability to handle live events of significant scale that generate advertising revenues of $450 plus million,” said Planetcast Media Services’ CEO Sanjay Duda. “With the financial stakes so high, it’s critical that we remain dedicated to performing flawlessly and that we enhance match coverage across all the platforms we handle. We are also incredibly excited to have provided media services for the T20 World Cup, which concluded last weekend with India hoisting the trophy after the exciting win against South Africa.”

    The IPL’s exponential growth is evident in the record-breaking viewership figures year after year. Star Sports, Disney Star’s broadcasting channel for IPL 2024, drew a record-breaking audience of 546 million over the first 67 matches, according to figures from India’s Broadcast Audience Research Council. JioCinema’s streaming figures show a 38 per cent increase in viewers streaming IPL in 2024 over 2023, with 620 million viewers watching matches on the Viacom 18 service. IPL’s opening 2024 match alone attracted 111 million fans on JioCinema, marking a staggering 51 per cent increase from the year before.

    Building on its IPL success, Planetcast is also providing comprehensive services for the T20 World Cup, including:

    1   Star Sports: Managing the world feed via satellite, covering 17 channels in three languages, and providing encoding, live transmission, playout, packaging, and delivery solutions.

    2   Hotstar: Delivering disaster recovery services, channel content replacement, and vertical feed delivery.

    3   Times Internet Group (Cricbuzz): Implementing AI-based editing for instant highlight creation, near-real-time ad insertion, and graphic insertion and playout for the US market.

  • From being the ‘Bagheera’ among friends to becoming India’s favourite storyteller

    From being the ‘Bagheera’ among friends to becoming India’s favourite storyteller

    Mumbai: It is always heartwarming to see somebody create new footprints on the road to success and their life journey then becomes an enchanting tale for the next one striving to make it big. Sudhanshu Rai, storyteller, actor and filmmaker, is an affable name in such a list of people. Wearing multiple hats, what is even more amusing is the fact that he has created a place in people’s heart. A top Indian storyteller who can weave magic with his words, Sudhanshu Rai hypnotises you with the picture that he creates with his words and voice, a talent that has won him the title of India’s favourite storyteller. His live storytelling shows are widely considered as an excellent activity to entertain and engage creative minds, across schools, colleges, corporates as well as PSUs. Counted amongst the very few live storytellers of the country, he made a mark in a field where one can count on fingers the number of people who have succeeded.

    Hailing from a small village in Gorakhpur, Sudhanshu’s early childhood was seeped in dusty lanes where he lived the beautiful life, away from the madness of big cities. As a child, he loved watching the classic 90s animation show Jungle Book and then narrated tales to his friends. Telling them the ‘hidden truth’ that he is in fact Bagheera from the show and takes on human form during the day, the friends would listen in astonishment, without blinking their eyes. Such was his conviction that not for a second did anybody not believe him.

    With time he moved to Delhi for higher education and pursue his career. During his initial professional stints, he happened to work in the media, including as an RJ in radio, which made him well versed with the nuances of the audio format of media & entertainment. Subsequently driven by his spirit, he went on to take the entrepreneurial plunge and established a PR company, and at some point it appeared that the storyteller within had lost his way amid the hustles of life.

    But who can ignore a calling that comes from within? It was nearly six years ago when Sudhanshu decided to take up storytelling formally, and eventually launched his official YouTube channel where he would release his stories regularly. While initially his inspirational and motivational stories like Amber, Mangu Chitrkaar and Adhyapak Ram were liked by all, he soon became a sensation for mystery, thriller, sci-fi, horror and detective stories. Detective Boomrah, a character conceived by him, is widely considered to have revived the genre of detective storytelling. Some of his most captivating stories include The Killer, Sylvester’s Cottage, The Missing Mr Kwatrochi, The Possessed etc are enough to ravel you into a mystery or send chills down the spine. Besides, characters created by him, like Detective Boomrah and Doctor Shekhawat, have a fan following of their own.

    After getting established as one of India’s most renowned storytellers across channels including YouTube and social media, podcast streaming platforms, FM Radio etc, he took another leap of faith with his acting and directorial debut Chaipatti, a horror comedy loved for its unique concept. He then brought Detective Boomrah to screen where he played the title character. On a roll since then, he was also seen in Chintaa Mani. While the storyteller-actor is now set to be next seen in a sci-fi thriller feature film, which would mark the on-screen debut of Doctor Shekhawat too, the storyteller in him is unstoppable as he narrates tale after tale with enchanting conviction. The medium may change but the love for storytelling shall not.

  • Warner Bros Discovery announces TAYLOR SWIFT VS SCOOTER BRAUN: BAD BLOOD (w/t)

    Warner Bros Discovery announces TAYLOR SWIFT VS SCOOTER BRAUN: BAD BLOOD (w/t)

    Mumbai: The fourth installment of Warner Bros. Discovery’s popular ‘vs’ series, TAYLOR SWIFT VS SCOOTER BRAUN: BAD BLOOD (w/t) premiers on discovery+ on 4 July 2024, for Indian audiences. This docu-series adds to the hugely popular ‘vs’ format which includes “Johnny vs Amber,” “Kim vs Kanye: The Divorce,” and “Vardy vs Rooney: The Wagatha Trial.”

    The two-part docu-series, produced by Optomen, will explore the gripping feud between global pop superstar Taylor Swift and music industry mogul Scooter Braun, delving into the $300 million dispute after Braun bought the rights to Swift’s first six albums in June 2019.

    True to the ‘vs’ format, the two episodes will examine the opposing sides of the argument; one exploring Swift’s side that the sale was conducted without consulting her and that she has since been blocked from buying back her masters, and the other examining Braun’s allegations that Swift refused to negotiate and instead incited a public feud by pitting her fan base against him.

    Viewers will be taken on a comprehensive examination of the feud; exploring the intricacies of music ownership, gender dynamics in the industry and the power of fan influence, while delving into the two polarized sides of the dispute allowing them to form their own opinion.

    The access-driven docu-series will see legal experts, journalists and those close to both Swift and Braun, presenting each side of the argument.

    WBD U.K. & Ireland VP of commissioning, networks & streaming Charlotte Reid quoted: “Taylor Swift’s dispute with Scooter Braun over the ownership of her music exploded into the mainstream, taking contract law from boardroom to social media and into public interest. It’s a high-profile, high-interest story that opened debate on fandom and dominated headlines, one which will resonate with our viewers who are highly engaged with access-led documentaries like ‘vs’, which continues to be a popular format on discovery+.”

    TAYLOR SWIFT VS SCOOTER BRAUN: BAD BLOOD (w/t) was commissioned by Charlotte Reid and executive produced by Matt Reid for Warner Bros Discovery in the U.K. & Ireland. The series is executive produced by Nick Hornby and Sarah Eglin for Optomen TV.

  • MTV Original Primetime with the Murthys launches on JioCinema Premium

    MTV Original Primetime with the Murthys launches on JioCinema Premium

    Mumbai: ‘Primetime with the Murthys – ~Not~ Your Average Family’, a groundbreaking exploration of contemporary themes resonating with today’s youth, is all set to delve into the complexities of the Gen Z life. An MTV Original Series production, the slice-of-life show tackles critical dialogues that make it an essential, first-of-its-kind co-viewing experience for Gen Z and their families. The show presents a relatable narrative that navigates the complexities of modern urban family life. It offers viewers a chance to pause their material chase and reflect on the wear and fear of their urban life. The show premieres on 3 July on JioCinema Premium, in English, Hindi and Tamil.  

    Speaking on the launch, Viacom18 business head, Youth, Music, and english entertainment cluster Anshul Ailawadi said, “We are thrilled to announce our maiden exclusive offering for Jio Cinema Premium subscribers – ‘Primetime with the Murthys’. We are hopeful that this endearing MTV Original Series production will make it easy for Gen Zs and their families to have difficult conversations as they enjoy it together on India’s leading OTT destination.”

    ‘Primetime with the Murthys’ introduces the Murthy family – Sushma Murthy played by Sukhita Aiyar (Mom), Manohar Murthy played by Preetam Koilpillai (Dad), Nisha Murthy played by Sanjana Doss (Daughter) and Shiv Murthy played by Amrith Jayan (Son). The show offers a fresh perspective on the trials faced by today’s youth, against the backdrop of their families and the evolving digital world. Through the 06 episodes, the show will traverse various themes such as online bullying, social media addiction, peer pressure, influencer culture, loneliness, drugs, suicide, the exploration of bicurious identities, and more.

    Catch the premiere of Primetime with the Murthys, an MTV Original Series production, on JioCinema Premium from 3rd July 2024.

  • OTTplay onboards Chaupal Punjabi to expand their regional audience base

    OTTplay onboards Chaupal Punjabi to expand their regional audience base

    Mumbai: OTTplay, a platform for OTT content aggregation, is thrilled to announce the addition of Chaupal Punjabi to its growing roster of top-tier entertainment providers. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in OTTplay’s mission to offer diverse and high-quality content to its users.

    Chaupal, known for its extensive library of regional content, including Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Haryanvi, among others, will now be accessible to OTTplay’s extensive audience base. This collaboration promises to bring a rich variety of movies, TV shows, and exclusive originals to OTTplay subscribers, enhancing their viewing experience with unique and culturally resonant stories.

    OTTplay, an OTT aggregator with 40 plus apps, continues to solidify its position as a leading platform in India. By bringing together content from various OTT platforms, OTTplay ensures that users can effortlessly find and enjoy their favourite shows and movies from a single, convenient interface. With the inclusion of Chaupal Punjabi, OTTplay reaffirms its commitment to offering diverse and high-quality entertainment options for its ever-expanding and discerning audience base.  

    Chaupal OTT founder and MD Sandeep Bansal shared his excitement about the partnership: “We are delighted to join hands with OTTplay, a platform that shares our commitment to delivering high-quality and diverse entertainment. At Chaupal, we believe in the power of regional stories to connect with audiences on a profound level. By partnering with OTTplay, we are confident that our rich and varied content will reach new heights, resonating with viewers who appreciate authentic and culturally significant storytelling.” 

    He added, “This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to expanding the reach of regional content and celebrating the diversity of Indian culture. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with OTTplay, one that will undoubtedly enrich the entertainment experience for our combined audience.”

    OTTplay CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to welcome Chaupal Punjabi to the OTTplay family. This collaboration aligns with our vision to provide a comprehensive and diverse entertainment experience. Chaupal’s unique content offering will significantly enrich our platform, providing our users with an unparalleled viewing experience that celebrates regional diversity. With the rising demand for regional content and storytelling, we are optimistic that this partnership will be a testament for delivering quality content across regions.”

  • Bodhitree Multimedia’s Gunaah is among top top-viewed shows in India

    Bodhitree Multimedia’s Gunaah is among top top-viewed shows in India

    Mumbai: Bodhitree Multimedia’s latest production, “Gunaah,” streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, has secured 3.4 million views. During the week of 24 to 30 June 2024, Gunaah was amongst the top 5 most viewed OTT shows in India as per the report published by Film Companion in collaboration with Ormax Media, a media consulting firm.

    Directed by Anil Senior and produced by Mautik Tolia, Sukesh Dev Motwani and Persis Siganporia, with Anirudh Pathak as the showrunner, “Gunaah” is a gripping murder mystery. The show features the remarkable talents of Surbhi Jyoti and Gashmeer Mahajani in the lead roles, supported by an outstanding cast that brings this intricate tale of murder, lies, betrayal, love, and friendship to life. The story revolves around Abhimanyu (Gashmeer Mahajani), who suffers an unimaginable betrayal from Surbhi Jyoti’s character, Tara.