Category: iWorld

Tata Play Binge partners with KLiKK

Mumbai: Offering a gateway to the heart and soul of Bengali entertainment, OTT platform KLiKK, is now available on Tata Play Binge. Specialising in original web series, feature films, short films, animated films, and an extensive library of over 2000 Bengali language films spanning across various genres, KLiKK offers a rich and immersive experience of Bengali entertainment. Through this collaboration, Tata Play Binge has onboarded the new platform to its already expansive portfolio of over 22 OTT apps and gaming to cater to audiences across all pockets of the country.

As part of the broader KLiKK media landscape, the platform is dedicated to providing an all-encompassing cinematic experience for Bengali-speaking audiences around the world. With an impressive catalog of over 2000 full HD Bengali films, KLiKK is a treasure trove of entertainment that spans across multiple genres, from timeless classics like Pather Panchali, Sonar Kella, Ekdin Pratidin, Dosor, Charachar, BhaloTheko to popular web-series like Pilkunj, Olokkhis In Goa, Honeymoon, Katakuti, Inspector Nalinikanta to latest blockbuster movies like Sesher Galpo, Bohomaan, Bhalobashar Galpo and more, classics directed by luminaries such as Satyajit Ray, Tapan Sinha, and Ritwik Ghatak. The platform also showcases contemporary works by actors like Rajatava Dutta, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Rituparna Sengupta, Sourav Das, Kaushik Ganguly, while celebrating iconic actors like Uttam Kumar, Soumitra Chattopadhyay, Suchitra Sen, Utpal Dutt, Bhanu Bandyopadhyay, Aparna Sen and the unforgettable chemistry of Uttam-Suchitra. From reminiscing the nostalgic eras of legendary classics, to contemporary class-apart curation, KLiKK explores the rich tapestry of Bengali entertainment.

Commenting on adding the new partner app, Tata Play’s chief commercial and content officer, Pallavi Puri said, “KLiKK’s diverse and rich collection of Bengali content seamlessly aligns with the burgeoning appetite of our Tata Play Binge consumers for regional content. The platform boasts of series and movies created by the stalwarts of Bengali cinema. Our unwavering endeavor has always been to provide viewers with a versatile and meticulously curated streaming experience.”

KLiKK Technologies Pvt Ltd director Abhay Kumar Tantiya said, “At KliKK we are constantly innovating value propositions for our subscribers and the association with Tata Play adds significantly to our viewer experience. We thank Tata Play to help us increase our quantum of subscriber outreach. KliKK is a leading OTT platform with a rich repository of Bengali entertainment content. This association will enrich not only the viewer experience but provide a robust collaborative horizon in the Bengali content universe.”

KLiKK will join the band of over 22 other popular OTT platforms on Binge like Disney+ Hotstar, Apple TV+, ZEE5, SonyLIV, MX Player, Lionsgate Play, Aha, VROTT, Sun NXT, Hallmark Movies Now, ReelDrama, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, iStream, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON, Travelxp, DocuBay, ShortsTV. Content from all these platforms is available to viewers of Tata Play Binge through a single subscription and single user interface. Free gaming is also available on Tata Play Binge as another point of engagement. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video plans are available for Tata Play DTH subscribers. Viewers can enjoy all 22+ apps on large-screen connected devices through Tata Play Binge+ Android Set Top Box, Tata Play edition of the Amazon FireTV Stick and www.TataplayBinge.com.

November 6, 2023
‘SPY x FAMILY’ season one Hindi dub streaming now on Crunchyroll

Mumbai: Crunchyroll is bringing a new mission to fans in India with the Hindi dub launch of the first cour of SPY x FAMILY season one, with episodes 1 through 12 available to stream tomorrow, 7 November.

SPY x FAMILY is a heartwarming and hilarious story following secret agent <Twilight> (aka Loid Forger) who forms a fake family to carry out Operation Strix in order to prevent war between two rival countries. Little does he know, his fake wife is a deadly assassin and his adopted daughter Anya is a telepath who unbeknownst to them knows both their secrets.

The Hindi dub cast includes:

1. Agent <Twilight> (aka Loid Forger) voiced by Krutarth Trivedi
2. Yor Forger voiced by Shilpi Pandey
3. Anya Forger voiced by Merlyn James
4. Bond voiced by Warren Dsouza
5. Franky voiced by Manikant Sarbhoy
6. Becky Blackbell voiced by Kasturi Ajay Joglekar
7. Yuri Briar voiced by Rohan Jadhav
8. Damian Desmond voiced by Sheena Rattan
9. Fiona Frost voiced by Shambhavi Pandey
10. Camilla voiced by Nehal Pandey
11. Sharon voiced by Renu Sharda
12. Millie voiced by Shristi Wadhwa
13. Commander voiced by Rachit Kumar

November 6, 2023
The Ormax OTT Audience Report: 2023 estimates 13.5% growth in India’s OTT audience

Mumbai: Media consulting firm Ormax Media has released the latest edition of India’s largest audience research to size the OTT universe in the country, titled The Ormax OTT Audience Report: 2023. The research, based on a sample size of 12,000 across urban and rural India, was conducted from July to September 2023.

Ormax Media released select findings of the report, which reveal that the Indian OTT audience universe is currently at 481.1 Million (or 48.11 Crore) people. This translated into a penetration of 34%. The report defines an OTT audience who watched at least one online video (free or paid) in the last one month. The report breaks down this universe by gender, age, NCCS, pop strata, states, and cities.

Speaking about the significance of the report, Ormax Media business development head (streaming, TV & brands) Keerat Grewal said, “The latest edition of our annual report reveals that after the upsurge in the Indian OTT market during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the growth has settled down at more moderate levels. The Indian OTT audience base grew 20% from 2021 to 2022, but has grown only 13.5% over the last one year, highlighting that the category is now past the peak growth phase it witnessed in the two preceding years.”

The report also reveals that there are currently 101.8 Million active paid (B2C) OTT subscriptions in India, across 36.4 Million SVOD (B2C) audiences, i.e., an average of 2.8 subscriptions per paying audience member. B2C subscriptions in the report refer to subscribers who have taken a membership directly with the OTT platform, in contrast with B2B subscriptions, which are via telecom packs offered by various operators. Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are the top 3 cities on paid subscriptions, with more than 6 Million active paid subscriptions each.

Elaborating on the findings, Grewal said, “The extensive data in this report can help OTT platforms and associated agencies take more informed strategic decisions in areas like pay vs. free strategy, TG and market selection, content and communication strategy, revenue planning, etc. Ormax Media continues to stay committed to the idea of helping the Indian media & entertainment industry use data and analytics towards building more profitable and consumer-centric businesses.”

The full report is available by subscription for streaming platforms, production companies, media agencies and other companies associated with the OTT category in India.

November 6, 2023
‘The Adventures Of Lleo’ ought to be on your binge-list and here’s why!

Mumbai: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service, has released ‘The Adventures Of Lleo,’ a Permanent Roommates spin-off. The show revolves around the adventurous story of Lleo aka Laxman Laal Ebote, taking us on an uproarious ride filled with quirky incidents, unusual survival tricks, and the twist of riches to rags. Created by TVF, the series is a hilarious watch, with a compelling narrative and an eccentric character to root for. Here are five reasons why you must add The Adventures Of Lleo to your watch list.

1 Lleo is back with his own thrilling journey: Lleo, the most adored character from the popular series Permanent Roommates, is here to entertain the audience, tickling their funny bones. The vibrant and lively character of Lleo with his strange survival strategies, rib-tickling twists and turns will give a glimpse at his jovial journey in The Adventures Of Lleo. Featuring Anandeshwar Dwivedi, the series is full of bizarre occurrences that are likely to make viewers laugh out loud.

2 An adventurous ride with multiple laughter stops: Lleo, an overnight millionaire loses his possessions with a simple click on the phone, turning his life upside down in the middle of bizarre situations. With a circus of jovial incidents, comedic quips, and groundbreaking humour, the series is sure to leave viewers giggling hysterically.

3 Intriguing narrative with a life lesson: The series is packed with hysterical situations, emotions, life lessons, and crazy scenarios to laugh at. The series’ unique storyline, which follows the journey of Lleo, teaches us the importance of believing in oneself. The series is a narrative about remaining positive in every scenario and coming back to the top after losing everything in a matter of seconds.

4 Unique story of Riches to Rags: We all have heard the inspiring stories of Rags to Riches, motivating us to work hard and achieve our goals. However, The Adventures Of Lleo is a story with a twist, following the journey of Riches to Rags, the series is not only a comical ride but also has a strong take on being self-confident. The series illustrates the genuine reality of how life changes, from being a millionaire to a cab driver.

5 Free to watch: Lleo’s adventurous and joyful trip, going on a new funny challenge every other instant, will lift your spirits. There is no need to subscribe to see this hilarious story about the oddest and most-loved Lleo. The Adventures of Lleo is streaming for free on Amazon miniTV and Fire TV, as well as the Amazon Shopping App and the Google Play Store.

November 6, 2023
Influencing in the digital age: Social media and online presence

Mumbai: In the ever-evolving digital landscape, social media has become the cornerstone of influence. With billions of users across various platforms, individuals and businesses alike are leveraging social media to craft compelling online personas and reach wider audiences. This shift has ushered in a new era of influence where an individual’s online presence can shape opinions, trends, and even societal norms.

Building a Strong Online Presence

Creating a strong online presence begins with authenticity. Authenticity breeds trust, a vital currency in the digital age. Influencers who share genuine stories, experiences, and expertise resonate more profoundly with their audience. Transparency about one’s journey, successes, and even failures creates a relatable narrative, fostering a deeper connection with followers.

Content as the Kingmaker

Content reigns supreme in the digital realm. Whether it’s engaging videos, insightful blog posts, or eye-catching visuals, compelling content captures attention and keeps audiences hooked. High-quality, relevant, and consistent content establishes credibility and positions influencers as authorities in their respective niches. Utilizing multimedia formats – from videos and podcasts to infographics – caters to diverse audience preferences, maximizing reach and impact.

Understanding the Algorithmic Universe

Social media algorithms dictate the visibility of content. Understanding these algorithms is paramount. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok employ complex algorithms that prioritize content based on engagement, relevance, and timeliness. By staying updated on algorithmic changes and tailoring content strategies accordingly, influencers can ensure their posts reach a wider audience.

Engagement: The Heartbeat of Influence

Engagement is the heartbeat of social media influence. Responding to comments, participating in discussions, and acknowledging followers’ contributions humanizes influencers and fosters a sense of community. Live sessions, Q&A segments, and polls enhance real-time interaction, making followers feel valued and heard. Actively engaging with the audience not only strengthens existing connections but also attracts new followers through positive word-of-mouth.

Ethical Considerations and Responsible Influence

In the digital age, influence comes with great responsibility. Influencers wield substantial power to shape public opinion, making ethical considerations imperative. Being mindful of sponsored content, disclosing partnerships transparently, and promoting products or services that align with personal values maintain credibility and trust. Social responsibility, including advocating for social causes, adds depth to an influencer’s online presence, showcasing a commitment beyond self-promotion.

Embracing Constant Evolution

The digital landscape is dynamic, with trends and platforms constantly evolving. Successful influencers adapt to these changes. They experiment with new formats, stay abreast of emerging platforms, and continuously refine their content strategies. Flexibility and a willingness to evolve are key traits that enable influencers to thrive amidst the ever-changing digital landscape.

In conclusion, influencing in the digital age is an art that combines authenticity, compelling content, algorithmic savvy, active engagement, ethical considerations, and adaptability. Those who master this art not only gain followers but also wield the power to shape opinions, foster communities, and bring about positive change in the world. In the age of social media, influence is not just about popularity; it’s about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

The author of this article is Animeta creator Shilpa Chaudhary.

November 6, 2023
Disney+ Hotstar registers 4.4 crores concurrent viewers during IND vs SA ICC Men’s Cricket

Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar created yet another historic record of 4.4 crores concurrent viewers in the world of cricket streaming propelled by Virat Kohli’s sublime 49th one-day century during India’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match against South Africa at the Eden Gardens on Sunday. Kohli lifted Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders when India won the 2011 World Cup, today Kohli stands equal to the Master blaster with his century. For Disney+ Hotstar, this marks the highest peak concurrency number achieved across all formats of cricket, breaking their own recent concurrency record of 4.3 crore viewers created during the India Vs. New Zealand match earlier in this tournament. The platform previously set the global streaming record for cricket at 3.5 crore concurrent viewers during the India vs Pakistan match on 14 Oct 2023, making this the second time Disney+ Hotstar has surpassed its own standards of success during the run of the ongoing tournament.

Commenting on this, Hotstar India head Sajith Sivanandan said, “Our users have consistently lifted us to new heights in cricket streaming during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. We cannot thank them enough for their commitment and passion that have enabled us to redefine milestones in live streaming. Surpassing our own record with 4.4 Cr concurrent viewers tuning in for the India vs South Africa match, we are now eagerly looking forward to seeing where their unwavering support and fandom takes us as we head towards the tournament’s finale.”

Disney+ Hotstar in collaboration with International Cricket Council (ICC), recently added MaxView – a technological innovation that allows cricket fans to watch the game in vertical mode (9X14 portrait view) for the very first time in the history of streaming cricket. This feature facilitates a one-handed viewing experience, aligning with the way most users consume content. MaxView is a brand new, bespoke opt-in feature. Other surrounding features, such as the Live feed tab, Scorecard tab, have also been made available in vertical mode, along with vertical ad formats.

November 6, 2023
Amazon miniTV announces upcoming cyber-crime drama ‘Hack Crimes Online’

Mumbai: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service today unveiled the teaser for their upcoming crime thriller, Hack Crimes Online. Based on a novel by India’s prominent cyber-crime investigator, Amit Dubey, the crime thriller is produced by Friday Storytellers co-founder Shital Bhatia. The series features talented actors, Vipul Gupta and Riddhi Kumar in pivotal roles.

The thrilling teaser gives us a glimpse into the world of hackers and their tactics to steal money and private information from people who fall victim to their devious schemes. As the teaser progresses, we see a group of young people who are a part of the police department solving corporate espionage, bank frauds, and kidnappings, while also fighting against threats to national security. The teaser of this rousing crime thriller sure does leave a residue of feeling that we are being watched 24/7. Can this team of young geniuses save innocent victims from a cybercrime that has no face?

Amazon miniTV head of content Amogh Dusad said, “We’re extremely elated to have partnered with Friday Filmworks for this title, who are known for their impactful and engaging filmography. I would also like to thank Mr. Amit Dubey for his inputs and immense contribution to this project. Through Hack Crimes Online, we intend to spread awareness amongst viewers about the dark world of cybercrime by sharing real-life stories”

Director Parmeet Sethi said “Whether it be work or entertainment, we spend almost all our waking hours today in front of a screen of some kind. Unfortunately, every screen is also a potential crime scene! Today’s criminal does not put a gun to your head and rob you; instead, he just clicks a key on a computer!

‘Hack Crimes Online’ sheds light on the alarming rise in cybercrime incidents in our times. The series portrays the journey of a ragtag cyber crime task force that sets about cracking cyber crime cases in our country. This anthology of cybercrime cases tackles different types of hacking methods used by cybercriminals and is inspired by the true life cases documented in the books authored by renowned cybercrime investigator Amit Dubey. The team consists of strong characters played by Vipul Gupta, Riddhi Kumar, Akash Ayyar, Akhil Khattar, Sajjad Hussain Khan and others.”

He further added, “The Friday Storytellers team has endeavored to bring to life the technicalities and nuances of these cyber crimes and also to keep it simple and understandable for the uninitiated. With Amazon miniTV as our partner, I am confident it will resonate with the audiences worldwide and hopefully even educate them in the dangers that lurk behind our screens.”

Friday Storytellers producer ands co-founder Shital Bhatia said, “I am delighted to announce our partnership with Amazon mini TV with the launch of our original series ‘Hack-Crimes Online’, a thriller based on true events which explores the dark underbelly of the cyber world and the dark web. Our constant endeavor at Friday Storytellers has been to tell local stories that inspire, educate and entertain and I hope this series will also win appreciation from our audiences as the world is not just intriguing but extremely topical. I would also like to congratulate our director Parmeet (Parmeet Sethi), the writer duo of Yash and Allison, and the entire cast and crew who worked very hard on this.”

Hack Crimes Online will soon be available exclusively for streaming on Amazon miniTV. You can download the Amazon miniTV on Playstore or watch it within the Amazon Shopping App or Fire TV.

November 6, 2023
Tata Play Classic Cinema celebrates the ‘The Showman of Indian Cinema’

Mumbai: The silver screen has witnessed the magic of many legendary actors, but none quite like the ‘Showman of Bollywood’, Raj Kapoor. With his charming smile, charismatic screen presence, and a keen sense of storytelling, Kapoor remains an enduring icon in the hearts of film enthusiasts. He was not just an actor, but also a film director, producer, and a pioneer of Indian cinema, whose influence continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. A tribute to this Bollywood legend’s legacy, Tata Play Classic Cinema is proud to present the Raj Kapoor Film Festival, a celebration of the cinematic legacy of the legendary actor and filmmaker. From November 1st to November 10th, every day at 5 PM, this festival promises to transport you to a bygone era, allowing you to relive the magic of Raj Kapoor’s iconic movies.

Barsaat

Barsaat, directed by Raj Kapoor himself, is a must-watch classic that was released in 1949. This film marked Raj Kapoor’s directorial debut and set the stage for his illustrious filmmaking career. The film’s popularity can be attributed to its unforgettable music, with iconic tracks like “Jiya Beqarar Hai Chhayee Bahar Hai” and “Hawa Mein Udta Jaye”. Barsaat captures the essence of romance and drama with captivating performances by Kapoor and Nargis, who were also a real-life couple at the time!

Bewafa

Directed by the acclaimed director ML Anand, this 1952 film is a heartfelt melodrama that explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. The movie features an ensemble cast, including Raj Kapoor, Nargis, and Ashok Kumar, who deliver captivating performances that tug at your heartstrings. It shines in its portrayal of complex emotions and showcases Raj Kapoor’s remarkable acting. The film delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the consequences of infidelity, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate vintage Bollywood cinema and the captivating performances of its iconic stars.

Shree420

Directed by Kapoor himself, this 1955 film also showcases his incredible versatility and charisma as the lovable Chaplinesque tramp, Raju, who arrives in the bustling city of Bombay with dreams of making it big. With an enchanting narrative, unforgettable performances by Nargis and Nadira, and iconic songs like “Mera Joota Hai Japani” that continue to resonate with audiences, ‘Shree 420’ not only entertained but also offered a poignant commentary on the allure and pitfalls of urban life. The film’s enduring legacy includes the influence it’s storyline left on Indian cinema and the various accolades the movie grabbed including the National Film Award in 1956.

Anari

Anari (1959) is a delightful Bollywood classic that you don’t want to miss! Directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, the film stars the legendary Raj Kapoor alongside the talented Nutan. With a heartwarming storyline, ‘Anari’ captures the essence of innocence and simplicity in the hustle and bustle of city life. The film beautifully portrays the transformation of a naive, but kind-hearted man, Raj, into a responsible and compassionate individual, thanks to the spirited and independent Aarti. Together, they create a charming on-screen chemistry that’s both endearing and unforgettable. The movie also won many awards for its winning performances, bringing Raj Kapoor the Filmfare for ‘Best Actor’. Anari is a timeless tale of love, trust, and personal growth.

Chori Chori

Chori Chori, a 1956 Bollywood gem starring the legendary Raj Kapoor and the enchanting Nargis in lead roles, is a delightful romantic musical directed by Anant Thakur. This endearing film, tells the tale of a charming and penniless musician, played by Raj Kapoor, who falls in love with a runaway heiress, portrayed by Nargis. The film beautifully captures their journey as they discover love in the most unexpected places, with remarkable chemistry between the lead pair. ‘Chori Chori’ is not only a timeless classic but also renowned for its soulful music, with songs like “Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi” and “Aaja Sanam Madhur Chandni Mein” that have become all-time favorites.

Experience the timeless charm of Raj Kapoor’s classics daily at 5 pm exclusively on Tata Play Classic Cinemas on 318 from 1 to 10 November.

November 6, 2023
GroupM’s Goat and Forbes India unveil the Top 100 Digital Stars List

Mumbai: GroupM, the media investment group under WPP, has announced the Top 100 Digital Stars List for 2023 curated by The Goat Agency, GroupM’s influencer and content marketing solution, in partnership with Forbes India. This list showcases India’s most influential digital personalities, celebrating their exceptional contributions across various domains including comedy, beauty & fashion, business & finance, fitness, food, tech, travel, and social work.

The focus is on original content creators, with tech, travel & photography, and comedy influencers constituting over 50 percent of the list. Notably, the list boasts a balanced representation of both men and women, showcasing the diversity of talent in the vibrant influencer community.

“This collaboration between Goat and Forbes India has resulted in the identification of India’s most influential digital stars,” said GroupM India, business head, Goat, Kunal Sawant. “We are highlighting original content creators who are ‘influencing’ their audiences in the best possible way and driving positive impact. Key metrics such as followers, engagement, views, reach and impressions across social media platforms have been taken into account in the curation of this list. We’ve also included the Goat changemakers – a roster of socially conscious creators, and an integral part of GroupM Goat’s Responsible Investment Framework.”

To compile this list, a multi-step process was initiated. Beginning with the identification of top creators in nine specified genres based on engagement rate and follower count, the selection was then narrowed down to the top 100 influencers through a comprehensive assessment of vital metrics, including reach, engagement, impressions, and follower count. Goat’s proprietary scoring algorithm played a crucial role in the process. This algorithm, which compares creators within similar categories, types, and audience sizes, ranks their content based on engagement rate. The careful consideration of authenticity-verified profiles, compliance with disclosure labels, and platform presence ensured a fair and data-driven assessment, highlighting the real impact of these influencers in the digital landscape.

“In the digital age, influencing has been honed into a science, thanks to the availability of gazillions of data that help quantify and measure the degree of influence. The number of followers and engagement metrics like shares and comments help determine the success or lack of it of an influencer. Forbes India-Goat’s 2023 India’s Top 100 Digital Stars takes into account those producing engaging content and with the views, engagement and reach to show for their efforts,” said Forbes India editor Brian Carvalho.

November 3, 2023
Unleash your inner comedian with DeadAnt’s “Zero To 60” comedy workshop

Mumbai: DeadAnt a new-age media and entertainment business with a focus on Indian and international comedy, partners with one of India’s pioneers in standup comedy, Kunal Rao to present “Zero to 60” – Level 1 of a standup comedy writing workshop. Designed to help aspiring comic artistes, writers and those exploring the world of comedy discover their potential. Kunal Rao, with over a decade of experience in the comedy business, both on and off the stage, will provide the tools and knowledge to craft hilarious jokes and help develop an individual comic style. This workshop is scheduled for 4-5 November 2023 from 4-7 pm in Mumbai.

“Zero to 60” standup comedy workshop is a two-day event designed to ignite one’s sense of humour, sharpen your comic skills and take you from zero to a full-throttle 60 in the world of laughter. Whether one is an absolute beginner, an aspiring comedian looking to hone their skills, a writer eager to add humour to their work, or simply a comedy enthusiast, this workshop is designed for anybody with interest in the field. This interactive workshop promises to cover a spectrum of comedy essentials over two days, and provide a deeper understanding on what makes things funny and why with lots of tips, tricks and techniques to help you get started. Open to everyone over 18, it will be conducted in person, and participants are encouraged to actively engage in assignments during the sessions.

DeadAnt founder and CEO Ravina Rawal, “We at DeadAnt want to create a space for individuals who want to explore stand-up comedy as a full-time career option. This workshop helps people break into comedy by creating or strengthening the foundation for it. We feel Kunal Rao is the perfect guide for this—he not only has experience with both the business and performance aspects of the craft, but is also a very patient teacher and mentor. The workshop also provides certification to all participants which is added motivation for them that they have taken part in something new and exciting, and will add a lot of value to their career as a standup comedian.”

Comedy enthusiasts should not miss this chance to embark on a learning journey with one of India’s foremost comedians, Kunal Rao.

November 3, 2023