ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Inkhabar inks success as originals hit 25 million digital viewers

    Inkhabar inks success as originals hit 25 million digital viewers

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, traction, Inkhabar’s digital originals are rewriting the playbook. The news and content platform has struck gold with the launch of three flagship shows Mayanagri, Bahi Khata, and Sair Sapata already captivating over 25 million viewers across Youtube, Instagram, X, Facebook, and its own platforms.

    Mayanagri has exploded into a pop culture magnet, moving far beyond Bollywood chatter to become the go-to hub for celebrity exclusives, sharp film reviews, and lifestyle trends. Its glamour-meets-grit format has not just caught eyeballs but shaped conversations and aspirations, making it an irresistible destination for advertisers targeting India’s youth-driven luxury and lifestyle segments.

    Meanwhile, Bahi Khata has turned financial jargon into prime-time clarity, decoding IPO trends, market swings, and investment strategies into sharp insights digestible for both seasoned investors and curious beginners. Its sibling Sair Sapata captures the colours, flavours, and stories of everyday India, blending travel, culture, and lifestyle into a vibrant visual diary that resonates deeply with digital-first audiences.

    For brands, these shows have become more than content, they’re communities. “These original IPs are thriving spaces where millions of viewers feel at home. For advertisers, they represent trusted platforms to engage authentically,” said ITV Network Digital CEO Akshansh Yadav.

    Echoing this ITV Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma added, “Platforms like Inkhabar are no longer just news outlets. They’re content powerhouses building original formats that audiences crave, creating fertile ground for brands to integrate seamlessly.”

    With 25 million strong viewership already under its belt and momentum on its side, InKhabar’s originals are fast becoming premium stages where ambition, exploration, and discovery meet and where advertisers can’t afford not to play.

  • JioHotstar sweeps Emmys with 35 plus wins, steals global streaming spotlight

    JioHotstar sweeps Emmys with 35 plus wins, steals global streaming spotlight

    MUMBAI: Hollywood may have handed out the trophies, but JioHotstar pocketed the glory. At the 77th Emmy Awards, the platform’s titles racked up more than 35 wins across categories, cementing its place as India’s biggest gateway to world-class television.

    Leading the flock was The Penguin, which waddled off with a hefty 9 trophies, including lead actress in a limited series for Cristin Milioti, outstanding special visual effects, and contemporary makeup. Not far behind, The Pitt struck gold with 5 wins among them Best Drama Series, lead actor (Noah Wyle) and supporting actress (Katherine Lanasa).

    The galaxy far, far away stayed close to the winners’ list, with Andor grabbing 5 awards, including outstanding writing for a drama series and fantasy/sci-fi costumes. Comedy didn’t lag either Hacks bagged 3 trophies, with Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder clinching acting honours, while Pee-Wee As Himself also took 3, including Outstanding Directing for a non-fiction program. Beatles nostalgia hit the right note too, with Beatles ’64 winning Sound Mixing.

    Other marquee names The Last Of Us, House Of The Dragon, The White Lotus, and Last Week Tonight With John Oliver added to the tally, pushing JioHotstar’s count well past the 35-mark from over 200 nominations.

    Celebrating the wins, JioHotstar has even rolled out a glossy coffee table book spotlighting its Emmy haul, underscoring its role as India’s largest hub for Emmy-recognised titles. With its eclectic slate spanning drama, comedy, limited series, anime, kids’ fare and documentaries, the streamer has firmly positioned itself as the bridge between Indian screens and global conversation.

    From dragons to detectives, spaceships to stand-up, the message was clear on television’s biggest night when it comes to Emmys, JioHotstar isn’t just in the race, it’s setting the pace.

     

  • ShemarooMe premieres ‘Sanghavi and Sons’, a warm tale of family and bonds

    ShemarooMe premieres ‘Sanghavi and Sons’, a warm tale of family and bonds

    MUMBAI: Some films are meant to be experienced together. With Sanghavi and Sons, ShemarooMe invites audiences to enjoy a story that honours family, love and the ties that keep us close. This world digital premiere offers a chance to gather with loved ones, celebrate a heartfelt entertainer and revisit the values that make everyday life worth cherishing.

    Directed by Chandresh Bhatt, the film features Manoj Joshi, Dharmesh Vyas, Hiten Tejwani, Komal Thacker and more. At its heart is Navneet Rai Sanghavi, the guiding presence of his household, who navigates the balance between tradition and change. Alongside him are his sons Asmit and Aditya and daughter-in-law Komal, with the shifting family dynamics forming the emotional core of the narrative. The story unfolds through small yet powerful moments such as disagreements, reconciliations and gestures of quiet care that hold a family together.

    On the film’s world digital premiere, Manoj Joshi shared, “I believe our family makes us who we are. Parents often provide the calm when everything else feels unstable. I was moved after hearing the story and was excited to play this role as it reminded me of my own experiences. I immediately knew the audience would connect with this, as every viewer will see a part of their own family in this story.”

    Hiten Tejwani added, “We all have differences and arguments with those closest to us, but it is these very moments that make our relationships stronger. In uncertain times, it is our loved ones who give us strength. Sanghavi and Sons is special because it shows how generations can think differently yet still stay united.”

    Sanghavi and Sons is a reminder that the greatest moments are the ones we share. Celebrate the joy, challenges and unbreakable ties that make every family unique and watch the world digital premiere only on ShemarooMe.

     

  • Half CA adds up as ClearTax joins Amazon MX Player with AI tax twist

    Half CA adds up as ClearTax joins Amazon MX Player with AI tax twist

    MUMBAI: When taxes meet television, even filing feels binge-worthy. Amazon MX Player’s hit series Half CA Season 2 has inked a smart partnership with fintech leader Cleartax, blending reel drama with real-life financial wisdom.

    The tie-up rolled out with a special video starring Ahsaas Channa and Gyanendra Tripathi, introducing Cleartax’s Agentic AI pitched as India’s first 24×7 AI-powered tax expert on Whatsapp. From auto-computing taxes with just a PAN number to answering queries instantly in multiple languages, the tool aims to take the sting out of tax season while speaking the language of Gen Z.

    The collaboration clicks neatly with Half CA’s storyline. The series produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) and now streaming free on Amazon MX Player follows CA aspirants Archie and Niraj as they juggle ambition, academic pressure, and adulthood’s curveballs. Just as the show champions perseverance, the partnership underscores financial literacy as a real-world survival skill.

    Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani said the move was about impact beyond entertainment: “Millions relate to the struggles of CA students. Our partnership with ClearTax simplifies financial literacy in a way that feels authentic and engaging.”

    Cleartax founder Archit Gupta echoed the sentiment, pointing to its AI leap: “By automating complex tax processes on Whatsapp, we’re making planning and filing seamless. Teaming with Half CA lets us connect with a new generation, combining entertainment with tools to build confidence for the future.”

    Half CA S2 brings back favourites Ahsaas Channa, Prit Kamani, Aishwarya Ojha, Anmol Kajani, Gyanendra Tripathi, and Rohan Joshi. The show streams across MX Player’s footprint from mobile apps and Connected TVs to Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, Google TV, Xiaomi TV, and Airtel Xtreme.

    For viewers, it’s not just about watching dreams unfold on screen, it’s also about learning to add up in real life.

  • Amazon MX Player, Sony TV team up to stream and beam ‘Rise and Fall’

    Amazon MX Player, Sony TV team up to stream and beam ‘Rise and Fall’

    MUMBAI: Streaming is going prime time. Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video service, has joined hands with Sony Entertainment Television to take its buzzy new reality series Rise and Fall to a wider audience.

    In a first-of-its-kind distribution pact, episodes of the show will drop daily at noon on Amazon MX Player before hitting Sony TV at 10:30 pm, giving viewers the choice of mobile-first streaming or traditional appointment viewing.

    The gamble seems to be paying off. According to Ormax Media, Rise and Fall was the most-watched show in its launch week. Hosted by Ashneer Grover, the show packs 15 celebrities from across entertainment, sports and music into a towering set split between extremes: a penthouse for the “Rulers” and a spartan basement for the “Workers.” Contestants shuffle between privilege and hardship, testing their wits in a battle of ambition, survival and strategy.

    Amazon MX Player, director & head of content, Amogh Dusad called the partnership “a cultural moment,” adding that the bold and disruptive format deserved the widest possible reach. Akshay Agrawal of Sony Pictures Networks India said the tie-up reflects Sony TV’s mission to bring “unique and compelling” formats to millions of households.

    The show has also lined up big-brand backers, with Lux Cozi, Orient Electric, Haier, Pintola and Avvatar Whey Protein among its sponsors.

    New episodes of Rise and Fall stream daily for free at 12 pm on Amazon MX Player, available via the MX app, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV and Airtel Xstream and air at 10:30 pm on Sony Entertainment Television.

  • YuppTV secures Digital Telecast Rights for Asia Cup 2025

    YuppTV secures Digital Telecast Rights for Asia Cup 2025

    MUMBAI: Cricket fans in Continental Europe and South East Asia will witness the best of cricketing action as YuppTV has acquired the digital broadcasting rights for the Asia Cup 2025. The live streaming platform is set to bring every moment of the action live to viewers across more than 60 countries.

    Uday Reddy, Founder & CEO of YuppTV, said, “We are thrilled to announce that YuppTV secured the digital streaming rights for the Asia Cup 2025. This is a proud milestone for us and a huge win for cricket fans across Continental Europe and South East Asia. We believe the Asia Cup 2025 will spark unmatched excitement and bring millions of fans closer to the game.”

    The Asia Cup 2025 kicked off on 9th September with India began their campaign on September 10th against hosts United Arab Emirates. The India vs Pakistan clash, one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures, will be held on September 14th in Dubai. If both teams progress further, Cricket fans could witness this rivalry unfold as many as three times in the group stage, Super Fours, and the Grand Finale.

    Teams in Asia Cup 2025

    Group A: India, Oman, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates

    Group B: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka

    Total 19 matches will be contested in this edition of the cricket tournament. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super Four stage, with the final set for September 28.

    YuppTV will telecast the Asia Cup 2025 across 60+ countries in Continental Europe and South East Asia. The Cricket tournament will be available to watch live in the following countries.

    Continental Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino and Vatican City, Serbia, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania).

    South East Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Christmas Island, Cocos Island, East Timor, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Micronesia, New Caledonia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

     

  • Prime Video doubles the fun with Kajol and Twinkle in new talk show

    Prime Video doubles the fun with Kajol and Twinkle in new talk show

    MUMBAI: Double the sparkle, double the sass Prime Video is bringing Kajol and Twinkle Khanna together as co-hosts for the very first time in its latest unscripted Original, Oppo presents Two Much with Kajol and Twinkle, co-presented by Kohler and Kalyan Jewellers. The global premiere is set for 25 September, with new episodes dropping every Thursday.

    Backed by Banijay Asia, the series promises unfiltered conversations, candid confessions, and laughter-laced mischief with some of Indian cinema’s biggest names. The format thrives on the contrasting-yet-complementary styles of its hosts: Kajol’s effervescent charm meets Twinkle’s razor-sharp wit, making for conversations that veer well beyond the usual celebrity chatter.

    “A star-studded guest lineup and conversations that are fresh, spontaneous, and entertaining Two Much goes beyond the usual celebrity chatter,” said Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok adding that the duo’s “humour and candour” will keep audiences hooked.

    Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain called it a show about “what Kajol and Twinkle want to ask, what they care about, and how they choose to show up funny, unfiltered, and deeply honest.”

    The partners behind the show are equally upbeat. Oppo India head of PR and communications Goldee Patnaik linked the association to Oppo’s ethos of inspiring youth to “live in the moment,” while Kohler MD for K&B South Asia Ranjeet Oak highlighted its celebration of originality and bold voices. Kalyan Jewellers executive director Ramesh Kalyanaraman added that the show mirrors the brand’s values of “warmth, humour, and genuine conversation.”

    With Kajol’s infectious energy, Twinkle’s trademark sass, and a guest list primed for fireworks, Two Much sets itself up as a talk show with a difference, an entertainment cocktail that’s equal parts glamour, candour, and chaos.

  • JioStar sparks ad revolution with Moment.AI that feels the right moment

    JioStar sparks ad revolution with Moment.AI that feels the right moment

    MUMBAI: When it comes to ads, timing really is everything and JioStar wants brands to nail the moment, not miss it. The company has unveiled Moment.AI, an advanced contextual advertising tool designed to catch viewers right when their emotions are at their peak.

    Built on the philosophy of own the feeling, own the moment, the tech marvel scans video content using artificial intelligence and machine learning to decode over 600 emotions and objects from smiles and celebrations to hugs and family scenes. Instead of clumsy interruptions, brands can now slip into stories exactly when the heartstrings are tugged or the laughter rolls.

    JioStar head of revenue for entertainment Mahesh Shetty called it a breakthrough: “Moment.AI integrates messaging at natural points of emotional impact, making campaigns more effective for brands and engaging for viewers.”

    The system is anchored on the R.A.C.E. framework reach, attention, connection, and effectiveness ensuring ads deliver more than just eyeballs. Early studies already show a 34 per cent uplift in advertising effectiveness compared to conventional placements.

    Moment.AI isn’t confined to one category. Whether it’s jewellery during a proposal, skincare in a mirror moment, or snacks at a family gathering, the platform is designed to work across sectors like handsets, gifting, food and beverages, home décor, fashion, and festivals making every placement feel native.

    Currently live across JioStar’s Entertainment network and gearing up to roll out on JioHotstar, the innovation is pitched as a new era for contextual advertising, blending technology with consumer insight.

    For brands, the message is simple: stop gate-crashing the moment start owning it.

  • Jiostar strikes gold at Gema India with 32 wins across categories

    Jiostar strikes gold at Gema India with 32 wins across categories

    MUMBAI: Jiostar didn’t just shine at this year’s Gema India Awards, it glittered. The entertainment marketing giant bagged an impressive 32 metals, including 15 golds and 17 silvers, making it one of the night’s biggest winners.

    The victories cut across every corner of the creative spectrum, from promos and video campaigns to craft, design, social media and branded partnerships. Whether it was MTV Beats’ cheeky Jassi and Rinku promo, the stylish Diwali Diya animations, or the thought-provoking One for Change series, Jiostar proved it could deliver work that entertains, inspires, and breaks the clutter.

    Formerly known as Promax, the global entertainment marketing academy of arts & sciences (Gema) has been celebrating cutting-edge TV and streaming marketing for 60 years. Winning at Gema is regarded as one of the highest accolades in entertainment marketing, and Jiostar’s haul cements its reputation as a creative powerhouse.

    “These awards underscore the firepower of our teams and JioStar’s leadership in entertainment marketing,” said a Jiostar spokesperson. “It is a strong testament to our ability to set new benchmarks and shape the future of entertainment storytelling.”

    From scripting (Showtime: kjo’s biopic) and sound design (Thunder thighs film festival) to bold key visuals (Lootere) and heartfelt social good campaigns, JioStar walked away with recognition across the board.

     

  • Amazon MX Player gets its K fix with 18 CJ ENM dramas streaming for free

    Amazon MX Player gets its K fix with 18 CJ ENM dramas streaming for free

    MUMBAI: K is clearly for kickstart, as Amazon MX Player dives into the Korean wave with its biggest drama drop yet, an exclusive 18-title content deal with CJ ENM, one of the world’s most influential entertainment companies. Following Amazon’s acquisition of MX Player earlier this year, this marks the first official content package between the two players in India, and it’s a love story scripted for the country’s ever-growing K-drama fandom.

    Leading the line-up is Lovely Runner, the breakout romance that set global K-pop hearts fluttering, premiering on 8 September 2025. But the marathon doesn’t end there. Over the next four quarters, Indian viewers can expect a steady stream of fan-favourite titles from My Lovely Liar and Twinkling Watermelon to Wedding Impossible and Delightfully Deceitful. Each will roll out free of cost, dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, making them accessible to millions beyond the subtitle-savvy crowd.

    For MX Player, this is more than a content drop, it’s a sharp play in the AVOD streaming space, offering premium Korean dramas on a completely free model. “The demand for global content, especially K-dramas, has grown exponentially in India,” said Amazon MX Player director and head of content Amogh Dusad. “With 18 premium dramas many blockbusters now available in local languages, we’re thrilled to make these shows accessible at no cost.”

    CJ ENM, which has already proven its storytelling muscle worldwide, sees this as a milestone in K-content’s Indian journey. CJ ENM VP of international business Sebastian Kim called it a “very meaningful launch,” noting that the combination of strong casts, compelling narratives and high production values will strike a chord with Indian audiences.

    Viewers can catch the shows exclusively on Amazon MX Player across multiple touchpoints from the MX Player mobile and Connected TV app to Prime Video, Fire TV, Airtel Xtreme, and even the Amazon shopping app. With free access and familiar local languages, MX Player is betting that India’s growing K-drama community is ready to binge like never before.

    The partnership also underlines Amazon MX Player’s broader strategy: to blend global hits with local resonance, drawing new audiences through culturally adapted content. And with K-dramas now just a click away minus the subscription fee, the next big binge in India may well come with subtitles switched off and romance dialled up in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.