ITV

Category: iWorld

  • ZEE5’s ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ to premiere on 15 August

    ZEE5’s ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ to premiere on 15 August

    Mumbai: ZEE5 to deliver a pulse-racing Independence Day treat with the premiere of ZEE5 Original, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ on 15 August. This detective thriller, based on the iconic Narayan Sanyal’s ‘Sonar Kanta,’ promises to keep viewers glued to their screens as they unravel a murderous mystery alongside the brilliant advocate P.K. Basu. Created by the visionary filmmaker and actor Joydeep Mukherjee, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye boasts a stellar cast led by the versatile Saswata Chatterjee as the iconic P.K. Basu, national award-winner Ananya Chatterjee as Rani Basu, and marking his electrifying OTT debut is the charismatic Soham Chakraborty. This powerhouse ensemble breathes life into a story that’s as much about solving crimes as it is about confronting personal demons. Stream the biggest murder mystery of Bengal, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ starting 15 August on ZEE5.

    Embed Link: https://youtu.be/NoQojBnaKbA?feature=shared

    Set against the misty, storm-lashed backdrop of Darjeeling, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ plunges viewers into a world where nothing is as it seems. P.K. Basu [Saswata Chatterjee], haunted by the tragic loss of his daughter, finds himself in a race against time at the ominous Hotel Repose. As a killer stalks the halls, seeking their next victim, a savage storm cuts off all communication with the outside world. Trapped with a cast of suspicious characters, each harboring their own dark secrets, P.K Basu must rely on his razor-sharp intellect and uncanny observational skills to unmask the murderer before they strike again. But this is no ordinary whodunit. As bodies pile up and the tension ratchets to unbearable levels, viewers will be forced to question everything they think they know. Is the killer among the hotel guests? Or could it be someone closer to home? With each twist and turn, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ will keep audiences entertained, making every frame worth watching.

    ZEE5 chief business officer Manish Kalra expressed, “At ZEE5, we’re thrilled to present our latest offering ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’, featuring some of the biggest talents of the Bangla creative ecosystem. Bengal as a market has been a key focus area for us with ZEE5 launching multiple originals in the last one year. Our content strategy has featured quality storytelling and some powerhouse local collaborations. This has led to the diversification of our library and has also resulted in incremental audience engagement and watch-time. We’ve witnessed immense popularity and dedicated fandom for murder mysteries and detective thrillers, especially in the Bengali market. ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ is not just a nod to Bengal’s rich literary tradition, but it is also a modern, high-octane thriller that we believe will captivate audiences across India. The series represents our commitment to delving deeper into regional content and expanding our reach to viewers who crave high-quality, locally resonant storytelling.”

    Director Joydeep Mukherjee remarked, “Bringing ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ to life has been a journey very close to my heart. We’ve taken Narayan Sanyal’s beloved ‘Sonar Kanta’ and reimagined it for today’s audience, creating a thriller that’s as emotionally resonant as it is along with being suspenseful.  Saswata Chatterjee breathing life into P.K. Basu, an advocate haunted by personal loss, and Soham Chakraborty making his OTT debut along with national award winner Ananya Chatterjee playing the role of Rani Basu. we’ve crafted a story that will keep viewers guessing until the final frame. Set against the wondrous backdrop of storm-ravaged Darjeeling, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ is more than a mystery – it’s a psychological rollercoaster that will test your nerves. We’ve poured our hearts into every aspect of this series, from the intricate plot twists to the haunting cinematography, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the tension, drama, and emotional depth of this uniquely Bengali thriller.”

    Saswata Chatterjee said, “Bringing P.K. Basu to life in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye has been incredibly rewarding. Basu is a successful lawyer whose world crumbles when he loses his daughter due to a case he took personally. This tragedy transforms him, pushing him to use his keen observational skills to stop a criminal. What drew me to this role was Basu’s struggle to protect his loved ones from a dangerous killer while battling his own grief. It’s a character that requires both intellect and emotion, and I’m eager for viewers to follow Basu’s journey through our suspenseful story.”

    Ananya Chatterjee shared, “Playing Rani Basu in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ has been a touching experience. Rani is a mother and wife whose world is shattered by the loss of her daughter Mithu. She sees visions of her dead child, which adds an eerie element to her character. Despite her grief, Rani helps her husband with his cases, offering valuable insights. It’s been rewarding to portray this complex woman who balances her sorrow with a desire to be useful. I’m looking forward to viewers seeing how Rani’s story unfolds in this gripping thriller.”

    Soham Chakraborty expressed his excitement, “Debuting on OTT with the role of Subir Roy in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ has been incredibly thrilling. Portraying a character deeply enmeshed in a gripping and suspenseful storyline alongside P.K. Basu has pushed me to explore new facets of my acting. The series is packed with intensity and unexpected twists, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience this riveting story.”

  • Veera doubles users to two million within three months

    Veera doubles users to two million within three months

    Mumbai: Veera, India’s mobile-only reward-focused internet browser, has reached a significant milestone by surpassing two million users within just three months of hitting its first million-user mark. This remarkable growth highlights Veera’s increasing popularity and its commitment to enhancing the digital experience for its users.

    Since the launch of its beta version in September 2023 and the production version in February 2024, Veera has introduced an array of new features, including a cricket widget called Cricket Adda, Veera Games, enhanced privacy features, rewards, and most recently its content partnership with ABP Live. Recently, Veera unveiled a sleek, modern redesign for their app, making the browsing experience even more intuitive for our customers.

    Veera aims to provide India’s over one billion smartphone users with a fast, safe, and private internet experience. The browser’s unique features and user-centric approach have made it a preferred choice among users looking for a seamless browsing experience.

    “Surpassing two million users in such a short span is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust and support of our users. We are committed to continuously innovating and providing the best mobile browsing experience possible. We have a number of exciting features coming up this year that will keep evolving the internet experience and make the internet even more bindaas for our customers,” said Veera founder & CEO Arjun Ghose.

  • Prime Video’s Citadel: Honey Bunny to premiere on 7 November

    Prime Video’s Citadel: Honey Bunny to premiere on 7 November

    Mumbai: Prime Video has announced 7 November 2024 as the premiere date of the eagerly anticipated original series, Citadel: Honey Bunny. The Indian series born from the world of Citadel is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films, Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer.

    The series features Varun Dhawan and Samantha in the lead, and the ever-so-versatile Kay Kay Menon, along with an exciting ensemble cast that includes, Simran, Saqib Saleem, Sikandar Kher, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Parihar, and Kashvi Majmundar. Citadel: Honey Bunny is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on 7 November.

    Prime Video confirmed the premiere date of the series at an event attended by fans of Varun, Samantha, and Raj & DK, as they witnessed and partook in the innovative supersized date reveal of the series. The service also released an enthralling teaser that showcases the veritable non-stop action, impeccable performances, and visual scale of the new series that will take the audience on a rollercoaster ride when it launches this November. Citadel: Honey Bunny has a riveting narrative that fuses the pulse-pounding elements of a gritty spy action thriller with the heartwarming allure of a love story, all set against the vibrant tapestry of the ’90s.

    “We are thrilled to announce the premiere date for the much-awaited Citadel: Honey Bunny today. The Indian series in the world of Citadel blends the charm of the ’90s with an immersive narrative and truly captivating performances by Samantha as Honey, Varun as Bunny, and the entire ensemble cast. The fictional series will take the audience back to the genesis of this international clandestine spy agency, delving further into its foundation, activities, influence, and rise in the distinctive and sensational signature of Raj & DK that the audience has come to love, enjoy, and admire. The teeming excitement for the series has been palpable amongst super fans of Varun and Samantha and having them participate in this larger-than-life date reveal event is truly a memorable experience for everyone present,” said Prime Video, India head of originals, Nikhil Madhok.

    “Citadel: Honey Bunny is a swashbuckling blend of gritty, fast-paced action and compelling drama with exceptional performances. We are excited to introduce Varun as an edgy action hero, and Samantha has upped her action game to the next level. We are also thrilled to have joined with the powerhouse Kay Kay Menon once again and are lucky to have an incredible cast,” stated Raj & DK. “Ever since the series was announced, we have received overwhelming support and anticipation from fans, and that has been truly gratifying. So, it is only natural that we include fans in our date reveal today. The response to the teaser has been very heartening and we believe it is a testament to the dedication of the entire team. We cannot wait for audiences across the world to enjoy one of our most ambitious projects yet!”

  • discovery+ unveils its lineup of shows for August

    discovery+ unveils its lineup of shows for August

    Mumbai: August is here and discovery+ has a fresh list of shows that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seats. This month’s lineup takes you on an adventure – from the center of Tanzania’s unforgiving wildlands captured by BBC’s stunning cinematography to an action-packed survival of the fittest with Bollywood’s renowned actor and martial arts expert, Vidyut Jammwal. For those wanting to get a glimpse into the lives of the uber-rich of Mumbai like the Singhanias and the Birlas, the list features an observational documentary that is sure to tickle your fancy. Each show is crafted to captivate and thrill.

    Highlights for August’s content lineup:

    . Streets of Gold: Mumbai | 24 August: Meet the glamorous super-rich of Mumbai, India’s most fashionable city. This three-part observational docu-series explores the lives of Mumbai’s one-percenters, business tycoons like Gautam Singhania of the Raymond Group, Yash Birla of the renowned Aditya Birla Group, and Shaadi.com’s CEO Anupam Mittal, among others.

    .  Serengeti III (BBC) | 3 August: The real-life animal drama set in a spectacular corner of Africa’s Serengeti returns with even bigger, bolder stories and endearing new characters, now narrated by actor and Bridgerton star Adjoa Andoh, popularly known for her portrayal of Lady Danbury. This six-part series is directed by Emmy award-winning director and producer John Downer.

    . Adrishya | 15 August: In battles won and wars lost, there are many lives claimed regardless of the victor. It’s not easy to face the perils of warfare even as a trained soldier. Comprising 13 riveting episodes, experience life from the point of view of India’s great spies, living through the danger, fear, triumphs, and captures.

    . India’s Ultimate Warrior: Reloaded | 11 August: Martial arts expert Vidyut Jammwal assembles 16 elite athletes and fighters from across India to compete in his Warrior Temple for the title of India’s Ultimate Warrior. In this eight-episode series, the fighters compete in an array of extreme challenges, each designed to test them on the five pillars of becoming a warrior: control, determination, focus, balance, and survival.

    . Expedition Unknown: Sharks vs. Nazis in Paradise | 13 August: Just off Florida’s coast, Josh Gates braves shark-infested waters in search of an American ship sunk by a Nazi U-boat during WWII. In this one-off episode, Josh joins Tristan Guttridge, who has a bold new strategy to use sharks as spies to uncover the wreck.

    . Expedition from Hell – The Lost Tapes | 20 August: Former military demolition expert Mickey Grosman leads a bunch of novice survivalists on a doomed Amazon expedition. See over 700 hours of archival footage detailing the hilarity, danger, and absurdity of the Amazon 5000. It’s Fyre Fest — in the jungle.

    . Gold Rush S14 | 7 August: The hunt for treasures is back for its 14th season. Parker Schnabel decides whether to scale back or bet it all on buying Dominion Creek. Rick Ness returns to mine after going MIA for a year. The Beets finally get access to their coveted claims on the Indian River, but an absent kid may derail the dynasty.

    . Ekaant – India’s Abandoned History S2 | 7 August: Traveling through the spread-out palaces and deserted forts, the show documents and investigates the eerie processes of abandonment of each site. How flourishing towns and cities came to be in ruins is the question each episode of this 12-part series seeks to answer.

    Unlock a universe of captivating tales and exhilarating adventures with discovery+

  • JioCinema Premium’s Shekhar Home to premiere on 14 August

    JioCinema Premium’s Shekhar Home to premiere on 14 August

    Mumbai:  JioCinema Premium is all set to launch the detective drama series, Shekhar Home, on 14 August, starring Kay Kay Menon in the lead. The recently launched trailer gives a riveting glimpse into the world of Shekhar, who unravels the web of crime and mystery with his unmatched detective brilliance. Also featuring a talented ensemble cast of Ranvir Shorey, Rasika Dugal and Kirti Kulhari in key roles, Shekhar Home is an original work of fiction, inspired by literary works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle which are in public domain. The 6-episode series is produced by BBC Studios Productions India and directed by Rohan Sippy and Srijit Mukherjee.

    Set in the early 1990s in the tranquil town of Lonpur, Bengal, the show is an ode to times when technology was unheard of, and human intelligence was the only thing one could rely on. Kay Kay Menon essays the titular role of Shekhar Home, who is both eccentric and brilliant. Fate makes him cross paths with Jayvrat Sahni, a middle-aged bachelor, played by Ranvir Shorey, who goes on to become an unexpected ally, and together, they embark on a journey of solving mysteries across East India. The duo delves into cases that range from blackmail and murder to supernatural occurrences. Shekhar’s sharp intellect becomes his greatest tool as he navigates a world where criminals lurk in unexpected places, ensuring each revelation is both surprising and thrilling. The series perfectly blends the intensity of suspense drama with a hint of humour, promising a compelling story of friendship, love, betrayal, crime, conspiracy, and exhilarating escapades.

    Talking about his role, Kay Kay Menon said, “Shekhar’s character took me back to the good old days. I re-lived the memories of the time when social media was not even a thing. After reading the script and analysing this role, I was drawn to the complexity of unravelling mysteries. The series isn’t just about solving crimes—it’s also about exploring human nature in all its aspects- from love and loyalty to betrayal and deceit. Playing Shekhar was a pure delight. I’m excited to bring Shekhar to all of you.”

    Rasika Dugal commented, “Working on ‘Shekhar Home’ has been a fun journey. It was a delight to collaborate with talented actors like Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Shorey. And to be directed by Rohan Sippy. My character, Iraboty, is a force to reckon with—a strong, determined woman driven by the quest for justice. She has a compelling journey and the dynamic between Shekhar and Iraboty adds a layer of intrigue. Their bond, evolving through shared challenges and discoveries, gives a glimpse of a partnership that goes beyond solving the case.”

    Kirti Kulhari said, “Shekhar Home is one of those rare scripts that grab hold of you from the very first read—you instantly know you must be a part of it. It seamlessly blends mystery with humour, creating a narrative that resonates across a wide spectrum of audiences. From the moment I stepped onto the set, I knew this was going to be a special journey, and my character is an interesting one. The series is a testament to the brilliant writing and the seamless direction that allowed us to create a series that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.”

     

  • The House of McDowell’s Soda returns with Yaari Jam on 4 August

    The House of McDowell’s Soda returns with Yaari Jam on 4 August

    Mumbai: The House of McDowell’s Soda has announced the return of The House of McDowell’s Soda Yaari Jam, a musical event scheduled for 4 August 2024, at NSCI Dome, Mumbai. This event aims to make Friendship Day special with a night of music and entertainment.

    Featuring a stellar lineup of Gen Z favorites Ritviz, Sanam, Lisa, Lothika & Zaeden, Yaari Jam promises to have everyone grooving and singing along to the latest chart-topping hits. The House of McDowell’s Soda has long been associated with the heartwarming tales of Yaari serving as a catalyst for friendships and solidarity through its compelling storytelling. Yaaron Waali Baat highlights the limitless possibilities that arise from meaningful connections and how small gestures can leave a lasting impact on friends.

    Diageo India VP and portfolio head of marketing, Varun Koorichh said, “We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this Friendship Day with Yaari Jam, to make it the most unforgettable experience for all the yaars! At The House of McDowell’s Soda, we passionately believe in the transformative power of friendships to uplift and empower individuals. This year, Yaari Jam is set to exceed all expectations with an electrifying lineup of artists, guaranteeing an unparalleled celebration of friendship. Join us as we unite yaars across the nation, celebrating the true spirit of friendship and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s make this Friendship Day the most joyous and empowering event ever!”

    Speaking on the occasion, Sanam said, “We are excited to be part of Yaari Jam as it’s more than just a music concert. We can’t wait to perform alongside the other artists to contribute to an unforgettable evening of music and camaraderie that will resonate with everyone attending. It’s about celebrating the essence of ‘Yaaron Waali Baat’ that House of McDowell’s Soda embraces so beautifully.”

    Speaking on the association, Lisa Mishra said, “The stage is where we transform music into a living, breathing experience. We’re coming together to create something special at Yaari Jam, an evening filled with energy, connection, and unforgettable moments. Let’s make this concert a celebration of our shared love for music and friendships.”

    Zaeden said “Being part of Yaari Jam means being part of something bigger, celebrating friendship through music. I’ll be singing all the new songs from my album “Zaeden 02” and really excited about the new set. I can’t wait to share the stage with some of my favorite artists and make you all have the best time ever!”

    The event is produced by Tribevibe, supported by SPONCO, & ticketing partner – BookMyShow.

    Link to buy tickets: https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/mcdowell-s-yaari-jam/ET00403074v

  • The future of TV news: AI-Powered content and social media

    The future of TV news: AI-Powered content and social media

    Mumbai: AI being the buzzword wherever you head to, is here to stay. Having it as an enabler or an extension of your current workflow means marrying human and machine to create an eponymous being that brings the best of both worlds.

    With implications covering almost all aspects of media and postproduction, there is no debate on the prevalence and longevity of AI. TV news broadcasters are slowly but surely picking up on certain applications and integrating it into their setups. From the first AI anchor to being used in content and social media, technology has sure come a long way.

    The discussion explores the evolving landscape of television news broadcasting, specifically focusing on the crucial roles of AI-based clip creation and a digital-first approach on social media platforms. It examines the advantages of AI-generated content for news production, the strategies for engaging audiences on social media, and the future implications of these innovations for the industry.

    The Rise of AI-Powered Clip Creation  

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how news content is produced and consumed. AI-powered clip creation tools enable news organisations to generate short, engaging video clips from longer footage automatically. These tools use algorithms to analyse video content and identify key moments, highlight important information, and  create compelling visual narratives.  

    This technology significantly enhances eƯiciency in news production. Journalists can  focus on reporting and analysis while AI tools handle the tedious task of creating clips for various platforms. AI can also help personalise content by tailoring clips to diƯerent audiences and interests.  

    For example, a news story about a political event can be automatically segmented into clips highlighting diƯerent aspects of the story, such as policy positions, public reactions, and expert analysis.  

    Leveraging Digital-First Content for Social Media  

    In today’s media landscape, social media has become an indispensable platform for news consumption. Digital-first content is crucial for reaching and engaging audiences on these platforms. This approach emphasises the creation of content specifically designed for social media, rather than simply adapting existing TV news segments.  

    Digital-first content for social media requires a diƯerent approach to storytelling and presentation. Videos should be short, visually appealing, and tailored to the specific platform. This involves using eye-catching visuals, engaging music, and concise language to capture attention in a crowded online environment.  

    For example, a news story about a local event could be transformed into a series of bite-sized video clips, each highlighting a diƯerent aspect of the story and ending with a call to action for viewers to comment or share the content.

    Short & Engaging Videos  
    Content needs to be concise and visually captivating to grab attention in a short attention span environment.  

    Strong Visuals  
    High-quality visuals, such as striking photos, graphics, and animations, are essential for attracting viewers.

    Interactive Elements  
    Including polls, quizzes, and interactive elements can encourage viewer engagement and participation.  

    Call to Action  
    Encouraging viewers to comment, share, or visit the news website can build a community around the content.  

    Advantages of AI-Based Clip Generation for TV News  

    AI-based clip generation oƯers several advantages for TV news organisations:

    Increased eƯiciency 
    Improved content personalisation  
    Enhanced audience engagement  
    Cost savings  

    By automating the clip creation process, AI frees up journalists to focus on higher-level tasks like reporting, research, and analysis. The ability to generate multiple versions of a clip tailored to diƯerent audiences allows for more eƯective content distribution and audience targeting.  

    AI can also analyse viewer data to identify trends and preferences, enabling news organisations to create content that resonates with their target audiences.  

    Engaging Audiences Through Social Media Platforms  

    TV news organisations must strategically utilise social media platforms to reach and engage audiences. This involves understanding the unique characteristics of each platform and tailoring content accordingly.  

    For example, on Twitter, news organisations can use short, punchy tweets to share breaking news updates, while on Instagram, they can utilise visually appealing stories and Reels to showcase behind-the-scenes content and connect with viewers on a personal level.  

    Engaging audiences on social media requires more than simply posting news articles or video clips. News organisations must actively interact with their followers, respond to comments and questions, and participate in online conversations.  

    This strategy builds a sense of community around the news organisation and creates a more direct connection between journalists and their audience.

    Platform Content Strategy Engagement Tactics  

    Twitter Short, concise updates, breaking news alerts  

    Retweeting relevant content, responding to questions and comments  Facebook Longer articles, live videos, behind-the-scenes content  Running polls and quizzes, hosting Q&A sessions  

    Instagram Visually appealing stories, Reels, interactive content  

    Using relevant hashtags, collaborating with other accounts  

    YouTube Long-form documentaries, interviews, explainer videos, engaging viewers with  comments, creating playlists  

    Challenges and Best Practices for Digital First News  

    While digital-first news oƯers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges.  News organisations must adapt to the ever-changing landscape of social media,  constantly evolving algorithms, and the need to maintain journalistic integrity in a fast-paced online environment.  

    Here are some key best practices for digital-first news:  
    Prioritise high-quality, original content  
    Embrace multimedia storytelling  
    Focus on audience engagement  
    Monitor social media analytics  
    Promote diversity and inclusivity  

    By adhering to these best practices, news organisations can eƯectively leverage digital-first strategies to reach and engage audiences, maintain journalistic standards, and thrive in the evolving media landscape.

    This article has been authored by  K S Avinash 

  • Celebrate friendship with fantasy, drama, and comedy stories

    Celebrate friendship with fantasy, drama, and comedy stories

    Mumbai: Friendship day is here, a time to shower our incredible friends with love and celebrate the bonds that enrich our lives. Sure, there’s nothing quite like spending quality time with your real-life besties, sharing stories, and reminiscing about good times. But what about those moments when you crave a heartwarming story about friendship that explores the complexities of this precious connection? Well, fret not, for this list has you covered!

    Here’s a selection of fantastic series and movies featuring unforgettable friendships that will resonate with you long after the credits roll (or the episode ends).

    Kota Factory (Netflix): Dive into the pressure cooker world of IIT hopefuls with “Kota Factory” on Netflix. This black-and-white dramedy follows Vaibhav, a young student from Itarsi who arrives in Kota, Rajasthan, a city notorious for its intense coaching institutes. As Vaibhav navigates the competitive environment, friendships, and late-night study sessions, “Kota Factory” offers a realistic and often humorous portrayal of the lives of students striving to crack India’s prestigious entrance exams.

    Brahmayantra (Pocket FM): Brace yourself for an epic fantasy adventure! When Nalini and her family tragically succumb to death while protecting the Brahmayantra (a powerful artifact) fate takes an unexpected turn. Through a miraculous twist, a great warrior is born from the awakened powers of the Brahmayantra. But that’s not all! Nalini herself receives a new body, allowing her to embark on a thrilling saga of revenge. In this journey of vengeance, she’s not alone. Standing by her side is Aryaman, another warrior born from the Brahmayantra’s power. Their bond is unbreakable, forged in the crucible of shared experiences and challenges alike. To delve deeper into their extraordinary connection and witness their awe-inspiring journey, tune in to Brahmayantra on Pocket FM!

    Four More Shots Please! (Amazon Prime): Craving a series with a strong female bond? Look no further than “Four More Shots Please!” on Amazon Prime Video. This dramedy follows four unapologetically independent women navigating love, careers, and societal expectations in modern-day Mumbai. Through thick and thin, their unwavering support and hilarious escapades showcase the power of female friendship, making it a perfect pick for a night in with your besties, raising a glass (or four) to the friends who make life a little sweeter (and a lot more fun).

    TVF Tripling (Zee5): This heartwarming web series delves into the lives of three siblings – each with distinct personalities, dreams, and quirks. Despite their differences, they share a special bond built on shared experiences, unwavering support, and a whole lot of laughter. Tripling offers a refreshing take on friendship, reminding us that the strongest bonds can often be found within our own families. The three protagonists decide to embark on a road trip together to get over their lives’ despair and come back afresh.

    Kai Po Che! (Netflix): Dive into the lives of three friends – Ishaan, Omkar, and Govind starring Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh and Rajkummar Rao – in this coming-of-age sports drama set in Ahmedabad. Their shared passion for cricket fuels their dream of opening a sports academy. However, their journey is not without its challenges. As they navigate the changing social and political landscape of India, their friendship is tested by personal ambitions, societal pressures, and devastating tragedies. But through it all, their unwavering support for each other remains constant, reminding us of the strength that comes from having true friends by your side.

  • Adbuffs dwells on unlocking customer acquisition in DTC eCommerce at Shiprocket’s SHIVIR event

    Adbuffs dwells on unlocking customer acquisition in DTC eCommerce at Shiprocket’s SHIVIR event

    Mumbai: Adbuffs has achieved tremendous response from the community of DTC brands at SHIVIR, Shiprocket’s event that connected a multitude of brand owners and BSP within the DTC eCommerce landscape.  

    As the key highlight of the event, Adbuffs’ founders – Ramashish Bhowmik and Abhishek Maity led the Masterclass with their deep expertise and insights on the burgeoning eCommerce landscape. The masterclass was followed by a series of sessions on generating 50-100 creatives per week per brand with speed and scale and unlocking precision in customer acquisition to boost profitability and retention.

    Talking about the masterclass, Ramasish Bhowmik, Co-Founder of Adbuffs said, “As a DTC-focused marketing agency, we have been committed to deliver unmatched results for e-commerce brands. With the average person being exposed to 5000 ads per day, it becomes more challenging than ever for brands to grasp user attention, thereby making this masterclass a strategic imperative. With an emphasis on building impactful customer acquisition strategy, we are proud to help DTC brands increase revenue, conversions, and loyalty.”

    Commenting on this incredible opportunity, Adbuffs media buying manager Saijal Jain said, “ This event marks a significant milestone in our journey as we continue to make strides in supercharging growth for DTC ecommerce brands. With the opportunity to engage in conversations, and stirring inspiring interactions, we are looking forward to the incredible growth and possibilities brought forth by SHIVIR, Shiprocket’s flagship event

  • “We aim to build a vast catalog with the best quality music in the world:” Hoopr.ai’s Gaurav Dagaonkar

    “We aim to build a vast catalog with the best quality music in the world:” Hoopr.ai’s Gaurav Dagaonkar

    Mumbai: In a world where music elevates every visual experience, the quest for the right soundtrack is crucial yet challenging. Finding music that not only resonates with your project but also adheres to copyright laws can be a complex task for creators and businesses alike. As digital content grows exponentially, the need for accessible, high-quality, and copyright-safe music is more pressing than ever.

    This is where innovative solutions by Hoopr.ai come into play. Founded by music director and entrepreneur Gaurav Dagaonkar, Hoopr.ai offers a comprehensive solution to the music licensing puzzle. Combining Dagaonkar’s engineering precision with his deep music industry experience, Hoopr.ai provides India’s largest library of original, copyright-safe tracks. The platform bridges the gap between creators and high-quality music, making it easier than ever to enhance content with the perfect soundtrack.

    Delving deeper, Indiantelevision.com caught up with Hoopr.ai co-founder & CEO Gaurav Dagaonkar to know more about his music career, Hoopr’s inception, growth strategies, projects and initiatives, and more…

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inspiration to start Hoopr.ai, and your background in music and business shaping its development; Also the key challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them

    I did my engineering from Mumbai and my MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. This period of time really shaped my interest, inclination and exposure to music. Engineers are known to have a ‘jugaad’ or let’s-automate-it approach in life and coming from a premier business institute like IIMA, I was strongly instilled with business values where I got an opportunity to interact with some stellar peers, faculty and industry leaders.

    I started my music career in 2007 and continued it till 2017. In these 10 years I realised that as a composer what was the legacy that I was building. The music and entertainment field can be quite short-lived as new talent comes in everyday and trends change at the drop of a hat. What is it that I can create which will be solely mine?

    That’s when my co-founder, Meghna and I started Songfest in 2017. Songfest specialised in creating viral ads and campaigns for brands using music as a vehicle to build long-lasting and high-recall communication for the brand.

    A few years into working on Songfest, we realised that not every brand can afford a large campaign but they may want to explore music as a strategy for their brands. This was also the unfortunate period when Covid struck and marketing budgets took a hit. Yet, digital content creation sky-rocketed with everyone aspiring to make content digitally. The OTT content boom also happened in this period. We felt that this was a massive opportunity. The Indian market clearly lacked a good music platform for copyright-safe music and there was a dearth of high-quality original Indian music on the existing platforms. That is how the idea of Hoopr was born in 2022. Today, two years later, we are India’s largest music library with over 12500 tracks, 6500 plus music artists working with us and 220,000 creators using our platform.

    On Hoopr.ai differentiate itself from other music licensing platforms in the market

    In the Indian market, Hoopr is a first-mover and a first-of-its-kind platform. There are several platforms available for stock music and royalty-free music. However, Hoopr is the only platform that covers a diverse range of original, high-quality Indian sounds, background music, instrumentals and soundtracks in multiple Indian languages.

    For filmmakers, creators and brands, Hoopr becomes a one-stop solution for all their music needs – whether generic or bespoke.

    We also work with a vast network of 220,000 plus creators via our music platform and hence we are equally capable of amplifying music and messaging through our platform, which is not available on any other platform currently.

    We like to believe that we stand at the cusp of music, technology and community.

    On Hoopr.ai supporting musicians in monetising their music, and the opportunities it offers them

    I have worked as a singer-composer in the Indian music industry and continue to be associated with it for over 15 years now. I have realised that the music market is vastly driven by Bollywood or film music which is managed by labels and they are all at the end of the day for-profit companies looking to make profits on big releases. Due to this, they tend to get into a zone where they keep making more of what sells – the same type of songs, same artists and this makes breaking into the mainstream music scene very difficult for independent artists.

    Hoopr provides a fair and equal platform for such artists. Doesn’t matter where they are based and what genre of music they make. As long as they are able to produce music that is original, platform-friendly and high quality, we are thrilled to work with them.

    We are proud to state that today Hoopr has a network of over 6500 artists that we commission music from for our platform. This includes sound engineers, producers, singers, instrumentalists, etc.

    On some success stories where Hoopr.ai significantly impacted a content creator or musician’s project

    Yes, we are very proud of the work we have done with some top creators such as Chef Ranveer Brar, Tanya Khanijow and Gaurav Taneja (Flying Beast).

    All of Ranveer’s content on social media is backed by copyright-safe music from Hoopr.

    We also did a fabulous bespoke song for Gaurav Tanejas’s Desh ka Dhoni video called Zidd Hai.

    With Tanya Khanijow we collaborated with an exclusive Hoopr track called Safar Anjana.

    There are many such stories to mention.

    On your innovative music contests like ‘Retro Reimagined’ and ‘Sing to Sync’ and these contests contributing to the growth and engagement of Hoopr.ai’s community of musicians and content creators

    Sing2Sync is a platform-led property that we built that allows brands or labels to use our artist community to commission new tracks or create UGC recreations of their cult songs or language variations of their legacy soundtracks.

    Retro Rewind was one such successful execution for a large music label, Universal Music Group. The mandate was to crowdsource multiple recreations of their cult track, Baahon ke Darmiyaan, from the classic film Khamoshi. They wanted to expand their existing catalog by adding innovative recreations. They also wanted to buy out the top five tracks and add it to their prolific catalog.

    We executed this activity over a span of 90 days. The first step was to create an engaging contest page, which was promoted on social media and with our existing community of 6500 plus artists. We received close to 10,000 registrations, and 1270 submissions of which 160 songs qualified in the screening. We shortlisted the top 14 tracks for selection to the UMG panel. An esteemed panel from Hoopr and UMG jointly judged the shortlisted 14 tracks and finally UMG actually took home eight creations instead of the original commitment of five tracks.

    On the upcoming projects or contests that Hoopr.ai has in the pipeline, and are there any new initiatives you’re working on as a music director

    While we are not at liberty to discuss the details of upcoming projects, I can tell you that there are some major brand projects in the pipeline from some gigantic brands which you will see individual announcements about in the coming months.

    Apart from that there are some major strides that Hoopr is poised to take in the music licensing industry but I would like to speak about it when the time is right.

    I do miss my music as most of my time is now devoted to being a full-time CEO and running a company but yes there will be some interesting pursuits on that front as well.

    On the trends you see emerging in the music licensing industry, and Hoopr.ai’s positioning to capitalise on them

    There are a bunch of macro trends that are shaping the licensing landscape in India as we speak. The first of those being the music streaming stats in India which seem to be doubling every three years. In 2020, India was streaming 230mn music streams, and today in 2024 that number stands at 470mn. Today 80 per cent of the top trending videos across YouTube are music videos. Globally, music has become the highest form of content that is being consumed and it also has a high repeat value unlike other formats.

    Music labels and artists are becoming increasingly aware and alert of the loss of monetisation that they incur every time their music is being used without proper licensing or remuneration. Hence, we’ve seen them coming down hard on brands that use their music in an unauthorised manner and we’ve seen massive brands being engaged in legal battles that result in loss of goodwill and huge legal penalties.

    Lastly, the meteoric rise in the size of the creator market in India, which is growing at a CAGR of 20 per cent year on year. The current size of this marketing in India is three to five million at a pessimistic best. Of these, only the top 1.9 per cent are able to monetise their content. One major reason for this is the lack of awareness around the use of copyrighted music for their content.

    Hoopr works are the intersection of music, technology and community where by using our platform, brands can have access to copyright-safe music which will save them precious legal dollars, and creators can effectively monetise their content without fear of take-downs. And all of this is driven by a tech-first platform.

    On your future plans for Hoopr.ai and its growth in the next few years

    We envision a geography-agnostic, platform-led, tech-driven marketplace ecosystem where music artists, creators, and brands exist and thrive. This marketplace will give artists the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, secure brand deals and employ creators for digital amplification.

    For creators, this becomes a one-stop shop to secure brand deals and promotional projects that help them monetize their channels all while having access to the highest quality of original, copyright-free music.

    For brands, this becomes a turn-key solution, where they can license sounds and music for their brand, collaborate with artists for bespoke solutions and use Hoopr’s creator-verse to amplify their brand messaging.

    At some point, Hoopr also envisions itself as a massive, platform-led label with the best musical talent on its roster and the default tech platform for all music monetisation and licensing needs for all independent artists or full-blown labels in the music industry. We aim to build a vast catalog with the best quality music in the world. There will come a day when Hoopr will be synonymous to Google for music search. We want people looking for music to just Hoopr it!