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Category: iWorld

  • IMDb announces the most popular & most anticipated Indian movies of 2024

    IMDb announces the most popular & most anticipated Indian movies of 2024

    Mumbai: IMDb (www.imdb.com), a popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows, and celebrities, has announced the ‘Most Popular Indian Movies of 2024 (So Far)’ and the ‘Most Anticipated Indian Movies for the Rest of the Year’. The lists are based on the actual page views of the more than 250 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide, who rely on IMDb to discover and decide what to watch.

    Nag Ashwin, the director of Kalki 2898-AD, the number one ranking Indian movie of the year so far, said, “It’s a great pleasure and honour for our whole team to be featured on the IMDb list. I think it directly reflects the love of our audience across the world. This inspires us to keep pushing the boundaries.”

    Chidambaram, the director of Manjummel Boys, the number two ranking Indian movie of 2024 so far, said, “Manjummel Boys is a tale of friendship and a survival thriller, exploring universal themes of triumph against the odds. The film’s visual storytelling transcends language barriers, making it accessible to a global audience. This film is very close to my heart, and the love and overwhelming response from the audience have been truly humbling. I am grateful to IMDb for this honour and would like to express my sincere gratitude to viewers around the world for their love and support. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire cast and crew, who brought the magic of this film to life.”

    “IMDb data indicates that there is a growing appetite for innovative and impactful cinema that is captivating viewers in India and globally. The Most Popular Indian Movies of 2024 (So Far) list features a diverse slate, with five Hindi films, three Malayalam, and two Telugu titles, indicating that audiences are drawn towards compelling stories irrespective of language,” said IMDb India head Yaminie Patodia. “Demonstrating a strong demand for continued narratives, five of the most anticipated titles are sequels or part of popular franchises, including Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 (No. 1), Welcome to the Jungle (No. 3), Singham Again (No. 6), Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (No. 7), and Stree 2 (No. 10).”

    Most Popular Indian Movies of 2024 (So Far)

    1   Kalki 2898 – AD
    2   Manjummel Boys
    3   Fighter
    4   Hanu Man
    5   Shaitaan
    6   Laapataa Ladies
    7   Article 370
    8   Premalu
    9   Aavesham
    10   Munjya

    Of all the movies released in India between 1 January 2024 and 10 July 2024, that have an average IMDb user rating of six or higher with at least 10,000 votes, these titles were consistently the most popular with IMDb customers, as determined by the actual page views of the more than 250 million monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide.

    Most Anticipated Indian Movies for the Rest of the Year

    1   Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2
    2   Devara Part 1
    3   Welcome to the Jungle
    4   The Greatest of All Time
    5   Kanguva
    6   Singham Again
    7   Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
    8   Thangalaan
    9   Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
    10   Stree 2

    Among the Indian movies with planned releases for the rest of the year, these titles were consistently the most popular with IMDb customers between 1 January 2024 and 10 July 2024, as determined by the actual page views of the hundreds of millions of monthly visitors to IMDb worldwide.

    It is noteworthy that Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, and Ajay Devgn are attached to projects in both the lists. Padukone and Patani star in Kalki 2898-AD, and Padukone is also part of the Fighter cast. Devgn stars in Shaitaan. Padukone and Devgn will collaborate for the first time in Singham Again, which is scheduled for release later this year. Patani’s upcoming releases include Welcome to the Jungle and Kanguva.

    To learn more about the Most Popular Indian Movies of 2024 (So Far), watch this video and view the full list here.

    To learn more about the Most Anticipated Indian Movies for the Rest of the Year, watch this video and view the full list here.

    IMDb customers can add these, as well as millions of other popular movies and web series, to their personal Watchlist at https://www.imdb.com/watchlist. To help fans keep track of what they want to watch, the IMDb Watchlist feature enables customers to easily create a personalised list of the movies and web series they want to watch. Customers can also sort their Watchlist by IMDb rating, popularity, and more.

  • Times Network, Britannia, and Mindshare launch content hub ‘Cheeseitup.in’

    Times Network, Britannia, and Mindshare launch content hub ‘Cheeseitup.in’

    Mumbai: Times Network, a broadcast and digital network has partnered with Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese, a renowned cheese brand and Mindshare to launch ‘Cheeseitup.in’, an innovative content destination to enhance cheese awareness in India and provide culinary inspiration.

    ‘Cheeseitup.in’ is designed to build a vibrant community for cheese lovers, offering insightful information on various types of cheese, recipes, health benefits, DIY videos, blogs, and more. Through multiple touchpoints across the website and social media, ‘Cheeseitup.in’ offers easy and snackable content that makes everyday meals tastier by incorporating different types of cheese from Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese. Whether you want quick snack ideas or gourmet recipes, the platform offers engaging, user-friendly content, ensuring that the recipes are easy to follow. Users can easily save and download recipes that are tailored to their preferences and specially curated by food influencers and chefs across India.

    Developed by Times Network Digital, this digital encyclopaedia for cheese will leverage the network’s expertise in content creation, organic user acquisition, and e-commerce to enhance brand visibility and user engagement. Targeting a wider reach within a year through content integrations & promotions across various platforms of Times Network, including TimesFoodie.com, TimesNow.in, TimesNowNavbharat.com, and ZoomTV.com, this industry-first initiative is strategically promoted by Mindshare, showcasing an innovative approach to brand promotion.

    Britannia Dairy CEO Britannia Bel Foods and CBO Abhishek Sinha said, “CheeseItUp.in is Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese’s effort for all cheese enthusiasts and novices who are constantly looking to gather knowledge about the product category. After the joint venture between Britannia and Bel group, we began the journey of creating awareness about the category benefits, with borrowed learnings and expertise from the French conglomerate. We realised that as a nascent category in India, the awareness about cheese, its benefits, and its usage is still limited and fragmented. We took up this challenge with our partners – Times Network and Mindshare to build an inclusive platform which could cater to this gap for all Indians.”

    Commenting on the partnership, ZENL & BCCL(TV Division)  CEO Rohit Gopakumar said, “Our endeavour is always to provide a balanced platform for both our audience and clients. The satisfaction of achieving brand objectives through targeted content offerings excites our team. Britannia has consistently led the way in creating cutting-edge communication ideas for its various products. This partnership between Britannia The Laughing Cow Cheese and Times Network Digital platforms will undoubtedly break new ground in the cheese category. Collaborating with Britannia and Mindshare to introduce a new and innovative concept that marries content with brand thought leadership is the way forward for deep audience engagement. It’s time to CHEESEITUP!”

    Speaking on the partnership, Times Network president & COO – Digital Rohit Chadda said, “Content-driven commerce strategically integrates content into the shopping process to provide customers with the highest quality experience. Times Network Digital has the largest base of premium, influential audiences in the country across news & lifestyle categories. Our brand TimesFoodie.com, an industry-leading platform in food content, is the perfect partner to create such a food destination for Britannia. The idea of ‘CheeseItUp.in’ is to instil product knowledge and usage, while also taking an innovative approach to e-commerce that directly drives revenue for the brand.”

    Mindshare CEO Amin Lakhani shared, “CheeseItUp.in isn’t just a platform, it’s your fun and flavourful culinary playground! We want to make cheese a delicious and healthy part of everyday meal planning. We use real consumer data to craft healthy and inspiring recipes with Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese. It’s connected commerce powered by content. Mindshare has architected a partnership between Britannia Bel Foods and Times News Network. Get ready to experience a whole new world of cheese-based creations! We are excited to see how this platform will revolutionise the way people enjoy Britannia The Laughing Cow cheese in their daily lives.”

    Additionally, the integration of a quick commerce platform with ‘Cheeseitup.in’  allows consumers to purchase cheese in a few clicks, seamlessly transitioning from CheeseItUp.in to savouring The Britannia Laughing Cow cheese delights.

  • Naukri.com & Disney+ Hotstar launch ‘Hardly Working by Naukri’

    Naukri.com & Disney+ Hotstar launch ‘Hardly Working by Naukri’

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • The future of market research: Social media’s growing influence

    The future of market research: Social media’s growing influence

    Mumbai: Market research, as we know it, is amidst a sea of change in this fast-moving digital era. While traditional approaches remain of great importance, the enormous, dynamic world of social media grows to supersede and/or supplement this regime ever more. There is no doubt about the future of market research being associated with the growing influence of social media, which significantly makes available to businesses real-time access and interaction with their audience.

    1.    Real-Time Insights

    The greatest benefit of using social media for market research is the immediacy in data collection that it avails. Conventional surveys coupled with focus groups often take time in their design, distribution, and final analysis. Again, social media platforms present real-time stages of consumer opinion, preference, and behavior trends. Using the platforms, companies can then monitor trends, track conversations, and gauge public sentiment as it unfolds in an effort to inform agile and responsive strategies.

    2.    Enhanced Engagement and Interaction

    Social media is not deployed just for the collection of data; it is an interactive environment where brands can interact directly with their customers. Using this two-way bridge, businesses can ask questions, conduct polls, or start discussions in order to make the research process interactive and more dynamic. The voice of every single member of the audience can be heard even if they have not been able to vocalize their feelings.

    3.    Access to Diverse Demographics

    It is possible to go global today because social media platforms can reach demographic diversities, some of which may be hard to penetrate using traditional marketing. People from almost all age brackets, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds are present on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and this diversity helps provide an all-inclusive idea of different market segments, which helps businesses in targeting a wider audience by modifying the product offering accordingly.

    4.    Advanced Analytics and AI

    But that’s all changing now with the incorporation of advanced analytics and AI-driven tools in carrying out social media market research. AI tools can review a vast amount of data in quick succession, bringing out lots of patterns and trends, which a human analyst could miss. One groundbreaking technology is sentiment analysis, which uses natural language processing to determine the emotional tone of social media posts, providing great insight into consumer attitudes toward a brand.

    User-generated content can, in most cases, be referred to as a goldmine for predictive analytics tools in that such tools allow the prediction of trends, outcomes, or behaviors that are likely to take place in the future, based on current and past data. Businesses are able to anticipate consumer behavior by analyzing past social media interactions, which thus enables proactive decision-making and strategic identification. Such advanced analytics capabilities change everything in the market research process for companies, thereby making it more efficient, accurate, and forward-looking.

    5.    User-Generated Content as a Goldmine

    UGC is a treasure trove of insight for market researchers because users of social media platforms share reviews, comments, photos, and videos, among others, related to products and services, authentically and unfiltered. The analysis of UGC allows business understanding of the way their offerings are perceived in the real world, trying to find key areas for improvement and new opportunities for innovation.

    Besides, information pulled from UGC opens up patterns and preferences that could not emerge by any other form of researching. For instance, numerous posts regarding a particular feature of any product made at once represent brand interest or a new trend that a business can give importance to and work on.

    6.    Ethical Considerations and Challenges

    Although the benefits are great, it is very important to address associated ethical considerations of using social media for market research. Among the most important issues that most businesses must be careful to navigate through are: privacy, data security, and the call for transparency when collecting the necessary data. Companies must therefore make sure they adhere to stipulated rules and regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), show due respect for user consent, and protect the information they have access to.

    Furthermore, there is just too much data available on social media; business has to invest in the right tools and expertise to filter, analyze, and interpret this data. Left without the right kind of management, there’s the danger of data overload, which could result in inaccurate conclusions and misguided strategies.

    Conclusion

    There is no denial in admitting that the role of social media is growing in shaping the future of market research. Hence, it is the perfect tool for any business to facilitate real-time understanding that will increase engagement, reach heterogeneous demographics, benefit the power of advanced analytics, and harness the available user-generated content. However, great care should be taken in regard to the ethical and logistical issues involved if it is to be harnessed to the very best. Since social media keeps changing, so too shall the techniques and strategies of the market research, which would enable better, faster, and more consumer-oriented business decisions.

    The author of the article is Takumi International managing director Harsh Pandey. 

  • Upstox launches “Upstox News”

    Upstox launches “Upstox News”

    Mumbai: Upstox, an Indian wealth management platform, has launched “Upstox News”, a platform dedicated to helping individuals make informed financial decisions. This initiative aims to redefine how users access and consume financial news, covering not only markets and investments but also personal finance in general.

    Upstox recognised that the journey to building wealth is often cluttered with challenges such as mis-selling financial products, misleading advice, information overload, and complex jargon. These challenges can lead to decisions misaligned with an individual’s financial goals. “Upstox News” seeks to disseminate financial knowledge in an easy-to-understand, credible manner, free from jargon and information overload.

    “Upstox News” is a meticulously curated repository of financial knowledge encompassing a wide array of topics, including markets, business, personal finance, Upstox originals, live blogs, and web stories. With over 60-70 articles written daily, each section delivers insightful, timely, and actionable content, ensuring users are always a step ahead in their financial decision-making.

    “We understand that in today’s fast-paced world, having access to reliable and comprehensive financial news is paramount,” said Upstox co-founder Kavitha Subramanian. “With Upstox News, we are committed to providing our users with fact-checked, well-researched, and insightful news that empowers them to make informed investment decisions.”

    Key features of Upstox News:

    1    Differentiated coverage: Upstox News aims to decode complex financial topics related to important events such as the Union Budget, Tax and Interest Rate updates, quarterly results etc. in a way that is relevant and understandable for the everyday user.

    2    Expert insights: Coverage features expert opinions that are accessible and valuable and help an individual make informed decisions.

    3    User-friendly content: Designed to be highly consumable, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their financial knowledge, can understand and engage with the content.

    4    Actionable insights: In addition to news, Upstox provides practical ways on how one can achieve their financial goals, such as optimising tax savings, exploring new investment options, deciding stock selection based on news and more.

    Special series: In-depth coverage of Union Budget 2024

    One of the standout features of Upstox News is its special series designed to help users decode the Budget 2024. This series includes engaging panel discussions with money experts, led by celebrated author and personal finance expert Monika Halan. As the panel Chairperson, Monika will provide analysis on post-budget implications for individuals and businesses, offering unparalleled financial insights.

    This special Budget series will also witness insightful discussions with industry experts from the markets, economy, and media like: Rajiv Anand (Axis Bank), Nilesh Shah (Kotak Mahindra AMC), M Damodaran (Excellence Enablers), Dr Sajjid Chinoy (JP Morgan), Swarup Mohanty (Mirae Asset Mutual Fund), among others. These discussions will be published on Upstox’s YouTube channel and the newly launched Upstox News platform.

    Link to Upstox News: https://upstox.com/news/ 

  • Ampverse DMI & Orangutan enter multi-year partnership deal

    Ampverse DMI & Orangutan enter multi-year partnership deal

    Mumbai: India’s collegiate esports and gaming IP, College Rivals, owned by Ampverse DMI, has forged a strategic alliance with Orangutan, a leading esports organisation in India. College Rivals, remains committed to offering professional gaming prospects to college students and has awarded its inaugural professional gaming contract to Sahil Nagpal, a student from Jalandhar, Punjab.

    He demonstrated his prowess during season one representing the potential and caliber that this College IP aims to tap, cultivate and unearth as part its commitment to foster grassroot esports talents and provide them with a life changing platform and experience Joining Orangutan’s Academy BGMI team, Sahil Nagpal’s achievement not only fulfills his dream of becoming a professional player but also serves as inspiration for millions of others.

    While College Rivals will continue to empower college gamers, paving their path towards professional success in season two, the chosen players will also get a shot at playing for Orangutan as part of this strategic multi year partnership.

    Ampverse DMI, India country head Ashwin Haryani revealed the importance of the partnership, “Ampverse DMI and Orangutan are embarking on a holistic partnership. They understood the concept of us building a talent hunt and making sure the top winners are given a platform to perform at a national and international stage. Beyond competition, our alliance also aims to enrich the esports ecosystem with an exclusive BGMI Team, a merchandise line and brand presence on the jersey of the team, every time they step out to play.”

    As part of this partnership, Ampverse DMI and Orangutan will jointly co-own Rivals Ape X, a youth team beginning with a BGMI lineup that will include at least one player from every College Rivals season moving forward. Rivals Ape X, featuring some of the nation’s exciting up and coming players will aim to dazzle nationally and internationally in BGMI tournaments.

    As part of the selection process, Orangutan had tried out all the eight BGMI College Rivals finalists, from season one through a trial and Sahil was chosen on the basis of his in-game skills, game sense and overall team work.

    Orangutan co-founder Jai Shah expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, “I am incredibly excited to introduce Rivals Ape X, our Academy Esports Team, in collaboration with Ampverse DMI and College Rivals. This collaboration marks a significant step in our mission to nurture and develop young, hungry talent, providing them with a bigger platform to showcase their skills. Together with Ampverse DMI, we aim to create a pathway for the next generation of esports champions and build a community where passion, skill, and ambition can thrive. Together, we’re setting the stage for the future of competitive gaming.”

    College Rivals season two will see 50 plus colleges participating across 22 cities in both offline and online competition format. Any college student from pan India can register and compete as the preliminary competitions have already been rolled out from 15 July along with diverse entertainment experiences tailored for college students including opportunities to become college ambassadors, purchase exclusive College Rivals merchandise and other interesting initiatives in a groundbreaking gaming format never seen before in India

    The competitions will take place for three gaming titles – BGMI, Valorant, and EA FC 24- with the grand finale being played in February, 2025. The winners from monthly qualifiers will compete in a grand finale for the ultimate battle and a prize pool of up to ₹50,00,000 along with the contract.

  • Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to premiere on ZEE5

    Manoj Bajpayee’s 100th film ‘Bhaiyya Ji’ to premiere on ZEE5

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

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

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

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by ZEE5 (@zee5)

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Navigating the Future: The Imperative of Cloud Migration for Business Excellence

    Navigating the Future: The Imperative of Cloud Migration for Business Excellence

    In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and ever-evolving market dynamics, businesses must look beyond traditional methods to maintain competitiveness and drive growth. Cloud migration stands out as a pivotal strategy that transforms how companies operate, innovate, and engage with their customers. More than just a technological shift, it represents a strategic move that redefines business landscapes . Managed Cloud Services are at the core of this transformation, providing the essential support and infrastructure for businesses to excel.

    Catalyzing Business Transformation 

    Cloud migration is not merely an IT upgrade but a catalyst for comprehensive business transformation. It enables companies to dismantle the limitations of legacy systems and embrace a more flexible, scalable, and innovative approach to operations. Managed Cloud Services provide the backbone for this shift, offering robust, adaptable solutions that can evolve alongside the business.

    By migrating to the cloud, businesses can leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data analytics. These tools are crucial for enhancing decision-making, automating processes, and gaining deeper insights into business operations. The result is a more agile, responsive organization capable of thriving in a fast-paced market.

    Agility and Scalability: Cornerstones of Modern Business 

    In today’s dynamic business environment, the ability to swiftly adapt to changes is vital. Traditional IT infrastructure often fails to provide the necessary agility, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Cloud migration addresses this challenge by offering unparalleled scalability and flexibility. . Managed Cloud Services ensure that businesses can adjust their resources in real-time, scaling up during periods of high demand and scaling down during quieter times.

    This flexibility is particularly beneficial for industries with fluctuating demands. Retailers, for instance, can handle peak shopping seasons without over-investing in infrastructure that would remain underutilized during off-peak periods. This scalability ensures optimal resource utilization, reducing costs and improving overall efficiency.

    Accelerating Innovation and Time-to-Market 

    Innovation drives business success, and the cloud is a powerful enabler of rapid innovation. Managed Cloud Services provide businesses with access to cutting-edge tools and platforms that facilitate the development and deployment of new products and services. This accelerates the time-to-market, allowing companies to respond quickly to emerging trends and customer needs.

    For example, cloud-based development environments enable teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of location, speeding up the innovation cycle. Rapid prototyping and iterative testing become more manageable, allowing businesses to refine their offerings continuously. This agility ensures that companies stay ahead of the competition and remain relevant in their industries.

    Enhancing Customer Engagement 

    Customer expectations are higher than ever, and businesses must meet these demands to remain competitive. Cloud migration plays a critical role in enhancing customer engagement by providing the tools needed to deliver personalized, real-time experiences. Managed Cloud Services support the integration of various customer touchpoints, creating a unified, seamless customer journey.

    Cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) systems gather and analyze data from multiple sources, offering a comprehensive view of each customer. This enables businesses to tailor their interactions, improve service delivery, and foster stronger customer relationships. Additionally, real-time analytics provide valuable insights into customer behavior, helping businesses anticipate needs and exceed expectations.

    Empowering a Distributed Workforce 

    The global shift towards remote and hybrid work models has redefined the workplace. Cloud migration supports this trend by enabling seamless collaboration and productivity across geographically dispersed teams. Managed Cloud Services provide the necessary infrastructure and tools to ensure that employees can work efficiently from anywhere.

    Virtual desktops, cloud storage, and collaboration platforms are essential for maintaining productivity and connectivity among remote workers. These tools facilitate real-time communication and collaboration, ensuring that teams remain aligned and engaged, regardless of their physical location. This capability is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent, as flexibility in work arrangements has become a key factor in employee satisfaction.

    Strengthening Security and Compliance 

    Security and compliance are critical concerns for businesses in the digital age. Managed Cloud Services offer advanced security features that often surpass those of traditional on-premises systems. Cloud providers invest in state-of-the-art security technologies, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring, to protect sensitive data and applications.

    Moreover, cloud providers have extensive expertise in regulatory compliance. They offer tools and services that help businesses navigate the complex landscape of industry regulations, ensuring that they remain compliant while benefiting from the advantages of cloud computing. This reduces the risk of non-compliance and allows companies to focus on their core operations.

    Cost Efficiency and Financial Agility 

    Cost efficiency is a significant advantage of cloud migration. Traditional IT infrastructure requires substantial capital investment in hardware, software, and maintenance. Managed Cloud Services operate on a subscription-based model, transforming these capital expenses into operational expenses.

    This shift provides businesses with greater financial flexibility and predictability in budgeting. Companies can scale their cloud services according to demand, ensuring they only pay for what they use. This financial agility allows businesses to allocate more resources toward strategic initiatives and innovation, driving long-term growth and success.

  • BIG FM announces AI-enabled BIG DHUN platform

    BIG FM announces AI-enabled BIG DHUN platform

    Mumbai: AI is not just a mere buzzword; its assuming a central role and reshaping the future across various sectors. Known for being in line with the rapidly evolving technological advancements, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, is leveraging its offerings under its integrated marketing brand architecture – BIG World, enabling them with the power of AI. Taking a leap, the radio network aims to create a cohesive and dynamic ecosystem that enhances user experience and fosters a deeper connection with its audience. Kickstarting the first leg of its offering, the radio network announces its distinctive AI-driven initiative – BIG Dhun: a custom song generation platform.

    Taking personalisation a step further, BIG Dhun is an exclusive AI-powered song-creation platform which will revolutionise the way audiences experience music. The interactive platform will enable users to input different prompts to generate a unique song in seconds. It invites listeners to share specific details reflecting their mood, preferred genre, language, gender, personal story or any chosen theme. The AI platform will generate custom songs that encapsulate the essence of these elements. BIG Dhun is all set to be launched on Friendship’s Day, making the celebrations special for everyone. The songs, crafted with precision reflecting different kinds of relationships that friends share, will be accompanied by touching testimonials. This innovative use of AI not only highlights the technological prowess of BIG FM but also underscores its commitment to foster genuine connections through the power of music and storytelling.

    Commenting on the same, BIG FM CEO Abraham Thomas said, “At BIG FM, we’re leveraging AI to transform our content strategy, enhance engagement and set new benchmarks in consumer experience. It allows us to deliver real-time, data-driven content and interactions, ensuring that our offerings are always relevant, engaging and tailored to individual preferences. We have an impressive lineup of offerings in this space which we are sure to get all our stakeholders excited.”

    BIG FM COO Sunil Kumaran shared, “Through BIG World, our endeavour has always been to provide end-to-end solutions to all our stakeholders. With the introduction of AI, we were leveraging it as a tool to create personalised content and gain deeper consumer insights, but now we are applying it in a more analytical direction. In the age of digital media and entertainment, interactive campaigns that engage users creatively are at the forefront of innovations. Our new platform BIG Dhun aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence to create a unique experience where users can generate personalized songs. It embodies the philosophy of innovation, connectivity and personalized engagement, underscoring our dedication to delivering a holistic experience.”

    BIG Dhun anticipates high user interactions, fostering a vibrant and active community.  As pioneers in embracing radio + digital advancements, BIG FM continues to innovate and adapt, leading the way whilst merging the best of both worlds- radio’s classic charm with modern digital experiences.

  • NFDC and Netflix partner to launch “The Voicebox”

    NFDC and Netflix partner to launch “The Voicebox”

    Mumbai: National Film Development Corporation, a public sector enterprise under the aegis of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB), has joined hands with Netflix India to launch an upskilling program for voice-over artists in India called “The Voicebox”.

    The occasion was graced by Shri. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, MoIB, Vrunda Desai, joint secretary (Films), MoIB, Shri. Aditya Kutty, legal director, Netflix, Freddy Soames, head of competition policy, Netflix, and Sharad Mehra, chairman, Pearl Academy, among others.

    Today at Shastri Bhawan, Prithul Kumar, managing director, of National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and joint secretary (Broadcasting II), MoIB and Kiran Desai, general counsel, and senior director – of business and legal affairs, Netflix India, signed the MoU to formalise the partnership, which aligns with NFDC and Netflix’s combined vision to promote Indian cinema and nurture talent in the Media and Entertainment industry.

    “The Voicebox” program will offer Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training for voice-over artists focusing on English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Gujarati languages. As part of the program, structured workshops, which would include training (featuring guest lectures and mentoring sessions), followed by an assessment, will be conducted in seven major cities of India – New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi. Each batch would accommodate up to 30 candidates, with 210 participants selected through preliminary screening. At least 50 per cent of the participants will be women.  

    Pearl Academy, India’s leading design institute will join as a Training Partner for this program. Seven top participants from every batch will be chosen to contribute to Netflix’s special project, “Azaadi ki Amrit Kahaniya”, where they will lend their voices to narrate stories reflecting the Indian independence movement.

    The program is open to professionals, preferably women, with more than two years of experience in the media and entertainment sector, who are eager to enhance their skills in voice-over.

    This Voicebox program is sponsored by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, which has dedicated $100 million a year over five years to setting underrepresented communities up for success in the TV and film industries through programs all around the world.