Category: iWorld

  • Amazon miniTV hosts screening of Naam Namak Nishan in Mumbai

    Amazon miniTV hosts screening of Naam Namak Nishan in Mumbai

    Mumbai: In a night brimming with pride and emotion, Amazon miniTV, hosted an exclusive screening of its series Naam Namak Nishan in Mumbai last night. The event brought together the entire cast and crew, including Varun Sood, Danish Sood, Helly Shah, and Roshni Walia, offering a first look at the inspiring story that promises to stir the nation’s soul. The screening was a momentous occasion, filled with emotion and pride as the team witnessed their hard work brought to life on screen.

    As the lights dimmed and the screening began, the audience was taken on an emotional journey through the lives of cadets, their intense challenges and the emotional growth that defines the making of a soldier. In addition to the Mumbai event, a screening was held at the OTA, where parts of the series were filmed. The team was honoured to return to the academy to share the first episodes with the cadets and officers. This special screening, facilitated by Lieutenant General Michael AJ Fernandez, AVSM, VSM, commandant of OTA, offered an authentic glimpse into the lives of the cadets, connecting real-life cadets and officers with the series and amplifying its impact.

    As the nation celebrates Independence day, Naam Namak Nishan stands as a stirring tribute to the valour and bonds that define our armed forces. The series is streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV.

  • ‘The Penguin’ to premiere on JioCinema Premium on 20 September

    ‘The Penguin’ to premiere on JioCinema Premium on 20 September

    Mumbai:  JioCinema Premium has announced the premiere of the upcoming HBO series, The Penguin, on 20 September. The eight-episode drama, from the world of DC Studios, continues the epic Batman crime saga initiated by filmmaker Matt Reeves in the global blockbuster – ‘The Batman’.

    The series dives deep into the psychology of Oz Cobb, portrayed by popular Irish actor Colin Farrell, as he embarks on a ruthless journey to become Gotham City’s new Kingpin and a formidable opponent of Batman.

     

     

    The Penguin will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi on JioCinema Premium.

  • Kantar: Consumers in India are taking up ‘offers’ faster online than offline

    Kantar: Consumers in India are taking up ‘offers’ faster online than offline

    Mumbai: Kantar, a marketing data and analytics company, has launched ‘Uncovering Consumer Decision Making in Digital Commerce’ a comprehensive report collating multiple studies done across various categories, to help marketers formulate winning strategies for digital commerce.

    The research reveals a significant difference in availing offers online and offline by consumers. 86 per cent of online consumers are willing to take up offers while the offline offer uptake stands at 60 per cent which is a wide gap. Online buyers are more price sensitive and avail more offers compared to offline buyers. Therefore, it is important for marketers to optimise discount and promotion offers (own and with partners) considering channel dynamics and to understand the psychological thresholds to pricing.

    Other key findings of the report include:

    When it comes to selecting a digital payment instrument, brand reputation dominates as the primary factor, standing at the highest (index of 100) while other parameters such as ‘interest on earning’, ‘platform Fee & charges’ and ‘cashbacks on all transactions’, lags behind at 47, 43 and 18 (indexed to brand reputation) respectively.

    While selecting the e-commerce platform for online purchases, consumers’ look for foundational needs being met and hence delivery type & delivery charges stand highest (index of 100), followed by ‘discounts’ and ‘delivery time’ (61 and 52 respectively- indexed to delivery type & charges). This gives a clear indication to brands to keep a stronghold on these basics for customer loyalty and understand consumer’s maximum thresholds for delivery charges, delivery time and minimum thresholds for discounts.

    While consumers may expect to have many services and features available on the app, they would be willing to pay only for the services and features which fulfils an unmet need or have a tangible benefit. Kantar points out that it is important to estimate consumer’s willingness to pay for each service and feature, in order to construct subscription packages and to monetize profitably.

    A key aspect of consumer decision-making on digital platforms is Priced offers vis- a – vis free service/content. The report points out that while constructing and pricing subscription packages / offer bundles and monetizing services and features in digital commerce space, it is important to consider (and not ignore) free services and content available on the web as real competition because in consumer’s mind, these are relevant options and something they can easily switch back to.  Explaining this further, the report highlights that discounts on medicines are already available on many sites and thus, willingness to pay for it in a subscription plan is very low. The same is true for services such as nutritional / diet advice which are available for free on many health-related sites and platforms.

    Lastly, the report points out that loyalty program subscribers expect higher tangible rewards in return. This can vary by category. For one category, the expectation from the conversion rate for reward points to cash for loyalty program subscribers was 1.17 times that of the conversion rate for regular users and for another it was 1.31. Kantar recommends that in order to balance between consumer loyalty, rewards payout based on loyalty programs and profitability, it is important to estimate and optimize the reward-to-cash ratio and benefit from the difference in these expectations across program subscribers and regular users (to get them onboard) by different categories.

    Commenting on the report, Kantar MD & chief client officer, insights division, South Asia Soumya Mohanty said, “India’s online shopper base is to be the 2nd largest globally by 2030, with nearly 500-600 Mn shoppers, as per Invest India*. To capitalise this massive growth and be future-ready, it becomes even more important to listen to what consumers want from your category, brand, and those you partner with.

  • Aaj Tak powers your Instagram with Bhagat Singh AR filter this Independence Day

    Aaj Tak powers your Instagram with Bhagat Singh AR filter this Independence Day

    Mumbai: As India approaches its 77th Independence Day, Aaj Tak will present a special episode of “Jai Ho” hosted by one and only Sweta Singh along with Shilpa Shetty featuring Hussainiwala, a site of historical significance where Bhagat Singh was cremated and which houses his iconic pistol.

    In conjunction with the special episode, Aaj Tak is powering your Instagram with an Augmented Reality (AR) filter of Bhagat Singh as part of its digital campaign under the hashtag #JaiHo. The AR filter offers its users to virtually wear Bhagat Singh’s iconic hat and moustache. All you need to do is scan the QR code and relive the moment of pride. Users are encouraged to share their transformed images on social media using the hashtag #JaiHo and tagging Aaj Tak allowing them to express their respect for freedom fighters and patriotism for the nation.

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    The “Jai Ho” episode will air on August 15, 2024, at 12 PM. The AR filter will be available on Instagram.

    Aaj Tak continues to enhance user engagement through an experience that goes beyond traditional media. The channel’s focus on blending technology with its content keeps it at the forefront of the digital age.

  • ASUS unveils ROG Academy Season 10 to empower esports stars in CS:2

    ASUS unveils ROG Academy Season 10 to empower esports stars in CS:2

    Mumbai: ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has announced the launch of the highly anticipated Season 10 of the ROG Academy to nurture India’s top talents in Counter Strike 2 (CS2) and offer them a platform to excel.

    ROG Academy is the longest-running esports incubator program designed to help aspiring esports professionals succeed by providing the resources, infrastructure, and expertise needed to turn their passion into a career. The program features a detailed curriculum created by industry experts that covers essential areas like communication, individual skills, and teamwork.

    Registration for Season 10 has begun. After this, shortlisted candidates will undergo tryouts, which include in-game assessments, expert interviews, and psychometric tests. Six chosen players will join the program, where they will sign contracts with the ROG Team and receive a monthly stipend, compensation for internet bills, and high-end ROG gear for remote practice.

    Players will receive intensive training from a dedicated coach, focusing on game mechanics, teamwork, and competitive play. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh.

    The ROG Academy also hosts guest sessions on an array of topics. Some of these have been sports psychology, PR, and esports management during the previous seasons. Additionally, players will gain competitive experience through tournament participation, enhancing their exposure and opportunities in the gaming community.

    Expressing his excitement ahead of the new season, ASUS India vice president, consumer and gaming pc, system business group Arnold Su said, “ASUS ROG Academy has consistently been at the forefront of nurturing esports talent in India. Our extensive training program, combined with industry expertise and competitive opportunities, has effectively prepared participants for successful careers in esports over nine consecutive seasons across various titles. We are delighted to continue this tradition with Season 10, providing a robust platform for aspiring gamers to refine their skills in Counter Strike 2. As esports continues to grow in India and make its way into the Olympics, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the next generation of esports professionals emerge from this initiative in the future.”

    Since its launch, ASUS ROG Academy has garnered over 15,000 registrations and trained 54 players across nine seasons. Over 15 of these players have secured positions with top-tier organisations. Last season, the academy’s players competed in 21 tournaments, including the Dust2 India – 1xBet Cup Open Qualifier, Sky Championship India Qualifier, and ESL Challenger Jonkoping – Asia Qualifier, achieving quarterfinal and semifinal placements in several events.

    Additionally, talents like Gourav “Rayzer” Panwar and Anirudh “ChAmP” Aurange secured placements in the prominent team Victores Sumus (formerly 2EZ Gaming). The season also included insightful guest sessions from Dr Michelle Pain, a sports psychologist with Global Esports, and Peter “casle” Ardenskjold, coach of Gaimin Gladiators, who shared valuable expertise on mental fitness, gameplay enhancement, and communication.

    As ASUS ROG Academy continues to pave the way for the future of esports in India, aspiring gamers are encouraged to register for Season 10 and take the first step towards a professional esports career.

    Interested candidates can register at: https://asus.in/ROG-academy/

  • Dune: Prophecy set to stream exclusively in India on JioCinema

    Dune: Prophecy set to stream exclusively in India on JioCinema

    Mumbai: The highly anticipated character of Indian superstar Tabu from the upcoming series, Dune: Prophecy, has been unveiled. Set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit. The series will stream exclusively in India on JioCinema Premium.

    Starring in the recurring role of Sister Francesca, Tabu is all set to surprise global audiences with her impeccable portrayal once again. A captivating and influential figure in Dune: Prophecy, Sister Francesca is strong, intelligent, and alluring, leaving a lasting impression wherever she goes. Once the great love of the Emperor, her return to the palace disrupts the delicate balance of power in the capital.

    Speaking about her character, Tabu said, “It has been an extraordinary experience playing Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy right from the moment I was approached for it, and I said yes without batting an eyelid. It’s an actor’s delight to be trusted by the creators with a character that is so interesting, intriguing, intelligent and emotionally powerful. Needless to say, it was such an immersive process diving into the depths of her complexity. I’m so excited to bring her story to the Indian and global audience through JioCinema. Stay tuned as you’ll see me a little later in the season, but the Dune Universe is so rich in its history and intrigue, I can’t wait for audiences around the world to explore it!”

    Along with Tabu, the cast for Dune: Prophecy includes Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Johdi May, Mark Strong, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea, Jade Anouka, Faoileann Cunningham, Edward Davis, Aoife Hinds, Chris Mason, and Shalom Brune-Franklin.

  • Nadiadwala Grandson & Banijay Asia team up for series and films

    Nadiadwala Grandson & Banijay Asia team up for series and films

    Mumbai: In a major development for the Indian entertainment industry, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE), led by the visionary filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala, and Banijay Asia (part of Banijay Entertainment), the production powerhouse led by Deepak Dhar, have created a strategic collaboration to create original series and films as well as adaptations of popular international hits, to usher in a new era of premium content for Indian audiences.

    Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment founder Sajid Nadiadwala expressed his excitement saying, “At NGE, we have` always strived to deliver top-notch entertainment to the Indian audiences and partnering with Banijay Asia to create cutting edge content across genres and formats is a thrilling venture for us. Our vision has always been to push the boundaries of entertainment, and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal. This is just the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with Banijay Asia, and we look forward to this creative synergy”.”

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India founder & Group CEO Deepak Dhar commented: “We are excited to partner with Sajid Nadiadwala, a visionary whose contributions to Indian cinema are unparalleled. He has given audiences hit franchises like Housefull, Baaghi, and Kick, as well as content-driven films like Chhichhore and Super 30. His dedication to filmmaking and his ability to connect with the Indian & global audiences makes this partnership an interesting one. This collaboration further reinforces our commitment to produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe. With Sajid’s creative vision and our expertise in content creation, we are poised to set new benchmarks in the world of entertainment”.”

    Banijay Asia & EndemolShine India group chief development officer Mrinalini Jain said, “Partnering with Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment offers a unique opportunity to blend our strengths in content development with Sajid Nadiadwala’s cinematic vision. His unparalleled expertise and creative vision are invaluable assets in this collaboration which represents a shared commitment to creativity, innovation, and storytelling excellence. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of entertainment by delivering compelling originals and adaptations that captivate audiences in India and worldwide”.” 

  • Prime Video unveils Angry Young Men trailer

    Prime Video unveils Angry Young Men trailer

    Mumbai: Prime Video unveiled an intriguing and emotion-packed trailer for its upcoming original docuseries, Angry Young Men. The three-part docuseries captures the personal and professional journey of the legendary writer-duo Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar, more popularly known as Salim-Javed. In the 1970s, they revolutionized Indian cinema by reinventing the Bollywood formula, introducing ‘angry young man’ heroes in a romance-dominated industry, and making action dramas a beloved genre. 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 in over 240 countries and territories worldwide on August 20. Angry Young Men is the latest addition to the Prime membership.

    The trailer of the docuseries presents an emotional and inspirational look at the extraordinary journey and enduring legacy of Salim-Javed. It immerses the audience in the rich Bollywood realm that they created, spotlighting their iconic characters and blockbusters such as Deewar, Don, Sholay, Trishul, and Dostana—films that have left an indelible imprint on Indian cinema. From their modest origins to becoming the first screenwriters to achieve stardom, it showcases rare archival footage, offering a nostalgic glimpse into their personal relationships, camaraderie, and creative brilliance through their unforgettable collaboration across 24 films. Heartfelt reflections from industry figures like Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Hema Malini, Helen, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Aamir Khan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan further highlight the significant impact Salim-Javed had on their careers.

    Salim Khan said, “I started my career in front of the camera but realized that my true strength lay in telling stories. That’s when I decided to focus on what came naturally to me – writing. I then met Javed who was equally passionate about writing, and together we did some fantastic work together, which I am very proud of. We had an excellent run and achieved great success, and also challenged industry norms along the way. It feels wonderful that our journey is being documented for future generations, and I hope they will be inspired to do their best and not be confined by society’s prescribed roles. I’m excited for audiences across the world to see our journey unfold on Prime Video.”

    Javed Akhtar shared, “I arrived in this city as a young man with no job, contacts, or money and often going to bed hungry; despite that, quitting never crossed my mind. What I always knew, however, was that my life story was something I would want to share with the world. The support we have received from our family, friends, and the industry in documenting our journey has been heartening and I would like to thank them all for their love. We’re delighted to share our story on Prime Video with a global audience, offering them a candid look into our journey from early struggles to achieving our dreams.”

    Angry Young Men director Namrata Rao shared her enthusiasm for her debut project, saying, “Directing this docuseries on Salim-Javed has been an amazing experience. Their story is so inspiring, full of twists & turns and it has been a great opportunity for me to start my journey as a director. Interacting with Salim and Javed saab has taught me so many things about film writing, about life and dealing with the odds an artist face. They are effortlessly candid, witty and vociferous storytellers. Their stories are filled with both deep insights and charming anecdotes. It’s also a journey into the larger-than-life cinema of the 70s. I’m excited for everyone to see the unfiltered story of these two legends on Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories on 20 August.”

  • Red FM announced RJ Purab as The new voice of Delhi’s Morning No.1 Show

    Red FM announced RJ Purab as The new voice of Delhi’s Morning No.1 Show

    Mumbai: A private radio and entertainment network, Red FM, recently announced the launch of RJ Purab as the new host of Red FM Delhi’s Morning No. 1 Show, which began on 12 August 2024.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Red FM (@redfmindia)

    RJ Purab, known for his ingenious antics and infectious wit, had already built a reputation for his unique style of entertainment. His cheeky demeanour, coupled with his talent, set the stage for a fresh and dynamic approach to radio entertainment. Much like his renowned car fooling videos, RJ Purab took the helm of the Morning No. 1 show with the energy and creativity that fans had come to expect.

    The grand launch of RJ Purab was spearheaded by a comprehensive campaign called ‘Purab Palat Dega.’ This campaign resonated deeply with Delhiites, generating anticipation and excitement across digital and on-air platforms. The essence of “Purab Palat Dega” permeated the show’s content, bringing engaging and impactful local initiatives to the forefront. One of the campaign’s highlights was the renovation of a damaged park, a project that successfully encouraged kids to return to outdoor activities and revitalized community spaces, like doodling over potholes to bring the authority’s attention.

    Speaking on the announcement, RED FM and Magic FM director & COO Nisha Narayanan said, “Radio has had the uncanny ability to build a personal connection while being tucked away in the studios. This connection is rightly spearheaded by the voice of the show, the brand custodians leading the show from the front. This is why, we are overjoyed to welcome RJ Purab to the Red FM Delhi family. His unparalleled entertainment skills and ability to connect with listeners are going to set a new precedence in radio programming. We hope for your continued love and support for our newest member as you have given us always.”

  • Wholsum Foods joins ONDC Network

    Wholsum Foods joins ONDC Network

    Mumbai: Wholsum Foods, the parent company of Slurrp Farm and Mille, has announced its integration into the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network. This integration marks a significant step forward in Wholsum Foods’ mission to provide nutritious, tasty, and convenient food options that cater to the needs of both children and adults across India.

    Wholsum Foods is built on the belief that wholesome eating should be a part of every family’s daily life, without compromising on taste or convenience. Slurrp Farm, a brand for children, offers a delightful range of products made from ancient grains and natural ingredients. From cereals to dosas to pancakes to noodles and pasta, Slurrp Farm ensures that parents can easily provide their little ones with meals that are both nutritious and delicious, nurturing a healthy relationship with food from a young age.

    Mille is crafted for adults who seek gourmet-style nutrition without sacrificing the convenience needed in today’s fast-paced world. Mille’s thoughtfully designed product range brings a modern twist to traditional nutrition, offering foods that are rich in flavour and packed with essential nutrients, making it easier for adults to maintain a balanced diet while savouring their meals.

    By joining the ONDC Network, Wholsum Foods is making these thoughtfully crafted products accessible to a wider audience, especially in tier two and beyond markets where the demand for healthy, convenient food options is rapidly growing. Through this network, Slurrp Farm and Mille products will be available on a variety of shopping apps, ensuring that families across India can easily discover and enjoy the benefits of delicious, nutritious eating.

    Wholsum Foods co-founders Meghana Narayan and Shauravi Malik commented on this development: “Our vision has always been to make nutritious food that everyone in the family can relish. By joining the ONDC Network, we’re able to bring our passion for tasty and healthy eating to more households, whether it’s through Slurrp Farm for children or Mille for adults. We’re excited to reach new customers across the country and make it easier for them to choose wholesome meals that fit their lifestyle.”

    As ONDC network continues to revolutionise digital commerce in India, Wholsum Foods is poised to expand its reach and strengthen its position as a leader in the health food industry. This integration will further ensure that Wholsum Foods’ products are not only accessible but also conveniently discoverable, making the path to healthier eating accessible for consumers nationwide.

    ONDC MD & CEO T Koshy said, “We are pleased to have Wholsum Foods on board the ONDC Network. As they expand their reach, we are confident that this integration will make it easier for families across India to access high-quality, nutritious food. We look forward to supporting their journey as they bring their distinctive offerings to a broader audience.”