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Category: iWorld

  • Digital i report: Netflix’s ad-tier viewing soars by nearly a third across Europe

    Digital i report: Netflix’s ad-tier viewing soars by nearly a third across Europe

    MUMBAI: Here’s some data that validates what Indian streamers have known all along and have been following for quite some time. If you want masses to consume you, then give away content at a lower price or for free – especially entertainment shows – but populate it with ads. Viewers don’t seem to mind it all.

    Global streaming media measurement firm Digital i conducted a study between November 2024 and April 2025 which revealed that viewing time on Netflix’s ‘Standard with Ads’ plan jumped 32 per cent across five key west European markets, signalling robust growth for the streaming giant’s advertising business. The Standards with Ads plan is priced at Euro 6.99 per month as against the standard plan which has a sticker price of Euro 13.99 and the premium one which costs Euro 19.99 This Standard with Ads package offers ad-supported streaming on two devices simultaneously in Full HD (1080p) and allows for downloads

    Digital i’s study  revealed  a collective rise of 152.7 million hours in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Total viewing hours on the ad-supported tier surged from 470.2 million in November 2024 to 622.9 million by April 2025.

    Germany led the charge with a 44 per cent increase, as hours viewed on the ‘Standard with Ads’ plan climbed from 81.3 million to 116.9 million. Spain and the UK each saw a 34 per cent uplift, with viewing rising from 59.9 million to 80.2 million and 150.7 million to 202.6 million hours respectively. France experienced a 26 per cent rise (from 129.1 million to 163.2 million), while Italy registered a 22 per cent gain (from 49.1 million to 60 million).

    Digital i chief analytics officer Matt Ross hailed the figures. “Netflix’s ad-supported tier has experienced strong growth in the past six months, and the increased take up has led to increased viewership across all regions,” he remarked. “This is good news for Netflix’s ad business which now boasts strong levels of reach combined with high levels of viewership.”

  • Yuki Chiba teams up with Riot Games for new VCT Pacific anthem

    Yuki Chiba teams up with Riot Games for new VCT Pacific anthem

    MUMBAI: What happens when one of Japan’s hottest rap voices joins forces with gaming giant Riot? You get an anthem that slaps harder than a last-round clutch. Riot Games has teamed up with Japanese rapper and singer Yuki Chiba for ‘Shinpai Muyou’, the official music anthem of VCT Pacific. It marks Chiba’s first venture into gaming music, and the collab couldn’t have come at a more hype-fuelled moment just ahead of the league’s Stage 2 kickoff.

    Dropping globally on 11 July via Coup D’Etat Recordings, the track blends a punchy bassline with feel-good flow, carried by Chiba’s signature cadence and packed with lines that are bound to echo across Discord servers and stadiums alike. A music video will also premiere on the VCT Pacific YouTube channel the same day.

    “Shinpai Muyou is a reminder to myself and my fans to not worry and always believe in yourself,” said Chiba, whose laid-back swagger and lyrical optimism are front and centre in the track. “There’s no need to stress when you can just vibe.”

    And that message couldn’t be more timely. Valorant Champions Tour Pacific is heading into Stage 2 from 15 July in Seoul, with the much-anticipated Grand Finals roadshow making its Japan debut on 30-31 August in Tokyo.

    Valoerant Esports Head of APAC Jake Sin called the anthem “a dream project,” saying: “We’re thrilled to work with someone as talented as Yuki Chiba, especially as we gear up for our first-ever Finals roadshow in Japan.”

    The stakes are high, two teams from Stage 2 will qualify directly for Valorant Champions Paris, with two more determined by their cumulative 2025 Championship Points. With both music and esports fans tuning in, ‘Shinpai Muyou’ is set to become the sound of the season.

    Ticket details for the event will be announced shortly on the Valorant Esports website. Until then don’t stress, just press play.

  • Lauki meets cooker in Panchayat’s spicy Season 4 campaign blitz

    Lauki meets cooker in Panchayat’s spicy Season 4 campaign blitz

    MUMBAI: What do you get when lauki meets pressure cooker? A full-blown election dhamaka, of course. But this time, the cooker isn’t in the kitchen, it’s on billboards, in street installations, and it’s whistling louder than Phulera’s political tempers. Ahead of Panchayat Season 4’s release on June 24, Prime Video is turning up the heat with a brilliantly desi OOH campaign across cities. At Patna’s Marine Drive, Indore’s Chappan Dukan, and Lucknow’s buzzing 1090 Chauraha, unsuspecting passersby were met with massive laukis being squashed by equally massive pressure cookers or vice versa. The lauki isn’t going down without a fight.

    The high-decibel marketing complete with hoardings that blow a real seeti every few hours plays up the season’s central conflict: Kranti Devi vs. the OG Pradhan. The quirky slogan game is also strong: Banrakas ka Vaar, Ya Pradhan ka Prahaar? and Kaun Hogi Phulera Ki Queen? echo across installations, channeling every bit of small-town poll drama with spicy flair.

    It’s political theatre with a legume twist, reflecting the heartland chaos Panchayat fans love. If lauki symbolises old-school values and calm, the cooker is all pressure and power play and Phulera’s streets are the new battleground.

    Returning with its signature warmth and satire, the series stars Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik and more. Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar, the show is ready to serve a fourth helping of heartfelt hilarity. And if the campaign is any hint, this season’s narrative will be just as cooked, crisp, and chaotic.

    So mark the date, because Panchayat isn’t just streaming, it’s steaming. 

  • Prime Video adds a reel treat with NFDC’s ‘Cinemas of India’ for just Rs 199 a year

    Prime Video adds a reel treat with NFDC’s ‘Cinemas of India’ for just Rs 199 a year

    MUMBAI: Prime Video India has rolled out the red carpet for film buffs, announcing the launch of ‘NFDC – Cinemas of India’ as an add-on subscription, priced at just Rs 199 per year. The collection is a goldmine of Indian cinema, featuring landmark films by the likes of Satyajit Ray, Shyam Benegal, Mira Nair, Kalpana Lajmi, and more.

    The newly added bouquet includes cinematic heavyweights like Gandhi, Mirch Masala, Rudaali, Salaam Bombay!, Agantuk, and Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda — all carefully curated by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), known for nurturing India’s parallel cinema movement.

    Part of Amazon’s growing video entertainment marketplace, the service provides frictionless access to over a hundred critically acclaimed films across 12 Indian languages — from Bioscope (Malayalam) to Parinamam (Malayalam), Percy (Gujarati) to Qissa (Punjabi).

    Many of the titles boast honours from Cannes, Venice, Toronto and the National Awards, making the NFDC channel a veritable masterclass in Indian storytelling.

    “NFDC has been the cornerstone of India’s finest cinema, nurturing path-breaking films for decades. We’re excited to announce NFDC – Cinemas of India as our newest add-on subscription, featuring an exclusively curated collection of cinematic masterpieces,” said Prime Video head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals), Gaurav Bhasin. “The collection showcases the rich heritage of Indian cinema across our linguistically diverse entertainment industry. Whether you’re a cinephile or just beginning to explore Indian cinema, NFDC’s catalogue offers an unparalleled window into our country’s most acclaimed and culturally significant films. Through add-on subscriptions like these, we continue our commitment at Prime Video to super-serve customers with more of what they love, all in one place.”

    “We are thrilled to collaborate with Prime Video to make NFDC’s rich collection of movies accessible to a wider audience. For decades, NFDC has supported pioneering filmmakers and impactful narratives that showcase India’s cultural diversity. With Prime Video’s massive reach across the country, we are confident that these timeless, thought-provoking, stories will reach and be enjoyed by new audiences, and enable us to take Indian cinema far and wide,” said NFDC Ltd MD, Prakash Magdum.

    For the price of popcorn, viewers can now stream decades of cinematic genius — all in one click. Lights, camera, nostalgia.

  • First Copy hits play on nostalgia with Munawar’s smashing screen debut

    First Copy hits play on nostalgia with Munawar’s smashing screen debut

    MUMBAI: Some stories deserve to be pirated, others, like this one, deserve to be binge-watched. The 90s are back but not through disco beats or bell bottoms. This time, they come wrapped in bootlegged DVDs, fuzzy frames, and gripping plotlines. RVCJ Media and Salt Media’s new original series First Copy, streaming for free on Amazon MX Player since 20 June, is already being hailed as a cult classic in the making.

    And who’s leading the charge? None other than stand-up star Munawar Faruqui, making his acting debut as the conflicted protagonist of a world where piracy was more than a crime, it was culture, jugaad, and, often, survival.

    Unveiled with a starry premiere in Mumbai on 19 June, First Copy has gone from “what’s that?” to “must-watch” in a matter of hours. A 10-episode deep dive into the murky film-underbelly of 90s Mumbai, the series crackles with energy, edge, and emotional heft offering not just a nostalgic trip, but a raw commentary on access, ambition and grey morality.

    The show follows a compelling storyline centred on bootleg cinema and the men who made their living dubbing dreams onto tape. Faruqui’s performance has earned widespread applause, with fans and industry insiders alike praising his screen presence and the show’s faithful recreation of a long-gone era of pirated passion.

    Firdaus Sayed of Salt Media, who produced the series, summed it up as a “love letter to a generation that experienced cinema not in theatres, but around flickering living room screens.”

    And RVCJ Media CEO Shahid Javed doesn’t mince words, “This is not just content, it’s a cultural movement.”

    With a 60M plus digital footprint and a penchant for emotionally resonant stories, RVCJ’s evolution into long-form originals seems both organic and electric. And Salt Media’s grounded storytelling sensibilities have clearly helped shape a series that celebrates hustle, heart and the VHS days of movie-watching in India.

    Whether you’re a child of the 90s or just someone craving content that cuts through, First Copy is anything but a duplicate, it’s the real deal.

  • ‘Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis’: DocuBay’s Hard-Hitting New Original Is Now Streaming

    ‘Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis’: DocuBay’s Hard-Hitting New Original Is Now Streaming

    MUMBAI: DocuBay, the leading platform for premium documentaries and part of IN10 Media Network, has released the much-awaited powerful new original, Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, and streaming globally. Released on World Refugee Day on June 20, this gripping documentary pulls viewers straight into the heart of one of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. With urgent storytelling and unforgettable real-life accounts, the film is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the human cost of migration in Europe.

    Filmed on the frontline island of Lampedusa, Gateway of Europe offers a raw, immersive lens into the journey of migrants risking everything for safety, and the communities caught in the tide of crisis. Through unfiltered visuals and deeply personal stories, it lays bare the choices, resilience, and realities that headlines often miss.

    Streaming now only on DocuBay, Gateway of Europe is more than a documentary; it’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity in turbulent times.

    Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, IN10 Media Network, said At DocuBay, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change, build empathy, and spark meaningful conversations. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis brings a deeply human perspective to a global issue shedding light on the intertwined realities of migration, human rights, and policy. This documentary is a call to awareness and action, giving a platform to voices that are too often overlooked’’

    Max Serio, Filmmaker & Director of Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, said:“ “My intent was to portray the human faces behind the migration crisis—people driven by hope, fear, and the pursuit of a better future. This film is an invitation to look beyond politics and borders, and truly understand their journey.”

    Samar Khan, Chief Content Officer, DocuBay, said: “At DocuBay, we are committed to curating stories with purpose—ones that resonate across borders, spark reflection, and foster cross-cultural understanding. Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis encourages viewers to look deeper, beyond statistics and headlines, and confront the emotional and personal truths behind global migration. Documentaries like this can transform complex societal issues into powerful, intimate human experiences’’.

    Now streaming exclusively on DocuBay, the full feature delivers a gripping and unfiltered portrayal of the migrant crisis through powerful visuals, deeply personal narratives, and a raw urgency that captures the scale and emotional weight of this global emergency. Watch it today!

    About DocuBay

    Headquartered in Mumbai, DocuBay is a global video-on-demand platform offering a curated collection of premium international documentaries. With a strong emphasis on factual storytelling, DocuBay showcases a wide variety of real-world content from across the globe. Available in more than 170 countries, the service is accessible via platforms such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Samsung Smart TVs, with additional platforms on the horizon. Discover more at www.DocuBay.com.

    About IN10 Media Network

    IN10 Media Network is a dynamic media and entertainment group housing a diverse range of content-driven brands. With a foundation in creativity and a passion for storytelling, its portfolio spans television, digital, production, and more—including EPIC, ShowBox, Filamchi Bhojpuri, Gubbare, Ishara, Nazara, EPIC ON, DocuBay,
    MovieVerse Studios, Juggernaut Productions, and Let’s Get LOUDER. Guided by founder and entrepreneur Aditya Pittie, IN10 Media is committed to developing innovative media ventures and premium content across formats. Learn more at www.in10media.com.

    About Picasso Film

    Picasso Film, established in 2008 and headquartered in Prague, is a globally recognized independent production company known for its high-quality documentary storytelling. The studio specializes in factual series across genres such as history, current events, true crime, science, and nature. With over 50 acclaimed titles to its name, Picasso Film’s work is regularly featured on top-tier platforms like National Geographic, Netflix, Discovery Channel, Curiosity Stream, and RTL.

  • Enrission India backs Pico Xpress to turbocharge quick commerce logistics

    Enrission India backs Pico Xpress to turbocharge quick commerce logistics

    MUMBAI: Enrission India Capital has placed a high-speed bet on the future of convenience, investing in the pre-series A round of logistics disruptor Pico Xpress, a next-gen player reshaping India’s quick commerce backbone with lightning-fast deliveries between 5 and 120 minutes.

    Founded by Aniruddha Gangopadhyay and Kamal Syal, Pico Xpress operates across eight Indian cities and is racing ahead by building scalable, trustworthy infrastructure designed for repeat precision – a key task in the cut-throat world of instant retail.

    Enrission India Capital principal Harsh Deodhar said, “Pico Xpress is at the forefront of India’s quick commerce revolution. We believe this investment will help fuel Pico Xpress’s mission to deliver essentials to customers’ doorsteps in record time and achieve a significant leap in redefining the future of convenience retail. At Enrission India Capital, we are excited to support their mission to build India’s Quick Commerce logistics backbone, one delivery at a time.”

    The fresh infusion will help the startup accelerate rollout, deepen its tech stack, and redefine last-mile logistics as India’s Q-commerce market matures. In the race to deliver everything now, Pico is building the rails.
    Gangopadhyay said, “Enrission India Capital’s investment fuels our mission to build India’s leading quick commerce logistics backbone. This capital infusion allows us to rapidly enhance our technological capabilities and expand our operational footprint, ensuring we continue to deliver essential goods with speed and precision for all our partners and customers.”

    Pico Xpress co-founder Kamal Syal added, “Our goal is to create a seamless and highly efficient quick commerce delivery experience. With Enrission India Capital’s support, we are well-positioned to continue innovating and setting new benchmarks in the logistics industry, ensuring reliability and speed for every delivery.”

  • Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    Prasar Bharati rides new Waves with Shucae Films OTT content tie-up

    MUMBAI: India’s national broadcaster is catching the OTT tide and this one’s making Waves. In a move that blends legacy media with fresh digital storytelling, Prasar Bharati has partnered with Shucae Films to host the latter’s vibrant catalogue on its OTT platform Waves, with select content also airing across its television channels. The alliance brings a medley of Shucae’s web shows to Prasar Bharati’s growing digital stable. Think romantic twists, comedic chaos, and indie grit with titles like Jaane Kyun, It’s a Match, Pyaar Ke Panne, Bolo Pencil, Love Forever, Yeh Hai Meri Love Story!, and more now streaming for free.

    By roping in Shucae’s younger, internet-savvy audience and juxtaposing it with its traditional viewership, Prasar Bharati is shaping Waves as a platform that doesn’t just preserve culture but also mirrors current content trends. The move also reflects the broadcaster’s broader digital-first ambition.

    “This partnership reflects our commitment to offering vibrant, diverse and engaging content,” said Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi. “Waves continues to evolve as a digital-first platform showcasing the best of Indian storytelling.”

    Shucae Films CEO Manoj Doogra added, “We’re thrilled to bring our stories to a wider audience through Prasar Bharati. Waves is the perfect platform to blend entertainment with impact.”

    From love stories to offbeat dramas, the line-up adds colour to Waves’ growing content pool. It also signals a stronger future for public broadcasters leaning into contemporary formats and co-creating with India’s expanding OTT talent pool. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Doordarshan or the now-ness of web series, this is storytelling tuned to every screen.

  • Pandya comedy-drama to stream on Shemaroome from 19 June

    Pandya comedy-drama to stream on Shemaroome from 19 June

    MUMBAI: They argue, eye-roll, and battle for the TV remote but try messing with their dad, and all bets are off. Shemaroome is set to premiere All The Best Pandya on  19 June, a family entertainer that dives headfirst into the hilarious, heartfelt chaos of a Gujarati father-son dynamic. At the centre is Hasmukh Pandya (played by Darshan Jariwala), a by-the-book patriarch, and his easygoing son Akshay (Malhar Thakar) two men who couldn’t be more different but are stitched together by the invisible threads of love, pride and a good deal of stubbornness.

    What begins as generational friction spiced with misunderstandings and “I know better” debates snowballs into a courtroom comedy that has as much heart as it has humour. The film cleverly unpacks unspoken affection, that silent cup of chai, that worried glance masked as irritation, and the ever-patient mother in the background keeping the emotional thermostat stable.

    Joining the father-son duo are Vandana Pathak, Yukti Randeria, and Vedish Jhaveri, rounding out a cast that feels like your own extended family dropped into a legal sitcom.

    Malhar Thakar, reflecting on the film’s digital debut, shared, “This is a mirror to every Indian family. It celebrates the unspoken, the unsaid, and the very loud love we share with our parents. It was a hit in theatres, and I’m thrilled it’ll now reach homes across India through Shemaroome.”

    With the original theatrical release already tugging heartstrings and tickling funny bones, All The Best Pandya now invites families to relive their own inside jokes, emotional stand-offs, and bittersweet reconciliations from the comfort of their living rooms.

    So, clear your calendars for 19 June, prepare the popcorn (and tissues), and maybe ring your dad. Just don’t let him control the remote this time.

  • Swift TV Launches in the USA & Canada – First Indian FAST Platform with Multi-Language Live TV Experience

    Swift TV Launches in the USA & Canada – First Indian FAST Platform with Multi-Language Live TV Experience

    MUMBAI: Swift TV, India’s premier free live TV streaming platform, proudly launches in the United States and Canada – bringing a wide array of Indian channels, movies, news, and spiritual content to viewers abroad at no cost. With this expansion, It also becomes the first Indian FAST platform to offer a fully personalized app experience in multiple Indian languages, ensuring that global audiences can stream live content that truly
    speaks their language.

    About Swift TV

    Swift TV is India’s premier free live television streaming platform, offering 100+ channels across more than 10 genres, including news, entertainment, devotion, movies, music, and more. Designed for accessibility and speed, Swift TV caters to global audiences by delivering real-time content without cost or complexity.

    Free Live Indian TV in North America: Streaming Without Borders

    Swift TV’s entry into the United States and Canada is a significant development for viewers seeking a reliable way to stream Indian channels abroad. With no sign-ups, no subscription fees, and no geo-restrictions, users can access:

    ● Live Indian television channels

    ● Free movies in multiple regional languages

    ● Real-time news, business updates, and market coverage

    ● Spiritual programming and devotional series

    ● Lifestyle shows, culinary content, and cultural features

    Swift TV bridges the distance between Indian content and its global audience, offering 24/7 access across mobile devices and Connected TVs (CTV).

    The First Indian FAST Platform to Offer App Personalization in Multiple Languages

    Swift TV is now introducing a more personalized content experience for international users. Audiences can browse and stream programming in their preferred Indian language, creating a user-friendly interface that feels familiar and culturally relevant.

    ● App interface and recommendations tailored to selected language preferences

    ● Curated content for easier discovery

    ● Language support for Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, and more

    This enhancement ensures that every user enjoys a culturally resonant and accessible streaming experience.

    With 100+ Indian Channels Across the Globe – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Bengali & More

    To serve the diverse South Asian diaspora more effectively, Swift TV offers a consistent and inclusive channel lineup across all major international markets. Viewers in the United States and Canada can each access 87 channels spanning a rich selection of Indian languages, including:

    Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu

    This uniform distribution ensures that Indian communities abroad – regardless of location – enjoy equal access to culturally relevant content in their native language.

    Top Free Indian TV Channels in USA & Canada – No Subscription Required

    Swift TV delivers a balanced mix of entertainment and informative content, making it an ideal platform for both first-generation immigrants and second-generation users exploring their cultural roots.

    ● News and Current Affairs: Trusted coverage from Indian news networks

    ● Movies and Entertainment: Access to Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, and regional cinema

    ● Spiritual Programming: Devotional music, live discourses, and festival-based content

    ● Lifestyle Shows: Travel, food, health, and culture-centric programming

    ● Live Sports Alerts: Real-time match updates, particularly during cricket tournaments

    ● Cultural Shows and Regional Festivals: Special segments celebrating Indian heritage and traditions

    Why is Swift TV the Best Free Indian TV Platform for the Indian Diaspora?

    Swift TV removes barriers to entertainment by providing:

    ● Free streaming with no subscription or login required

    ● Direct access to channels across categories

    ● Multi-language programming across major Indian dialects

    ● Compatibility with mobile devices and smart TVs

    ● Lightweight performance for smooth streaming on any connection

    This model prioritizes ease of use and affordability, especially for audiences seeking high-quality, uninterrupted content without complex sign-ups or fees.

    With over five million South Asians living in the United States and Canada, Swift TV’s expansion delivers a much-needed platform for diaspora communities to stay connected with Indian media, language, and culture. Whether it’s a morning devotional from Vrindavan, live coverage of local Indian elections, or a timeless Bollywood classic, Swift TV fosters cultural continuity and connection across borders.

    How to Watch Free Indian TV Online in USA & Canada – Swift TV App Now Available

    ● Mobile Devices: Available on Android and iOS

    ● Smart TVs: Now accessible via Connected TV (CTV) platforms

    ● Direct Access: Geo-enabled for the United States and Canada

    ● Language Options: Supports multiple Indian languages for personalized viewing

    ● Categories Offered: News, Movies, Devotion, Music, Kids, Lifestyle, Sports, Gaming

    Live Indian Television Without Borders – A Cultural Bridge for Global Viewers

    Swift TV continues to expand its global footprint and content catalog, with plans for exclusive regional collaborations, festival programming, and enhanced sports coverage. The platform remains committed to offering users a free, reliable alternative to subscription-based OTT services.

    Looking for Indian TV Channels in USA & Canada? Try Swift TV – Free, Legal & Live

    The launch of Swift TV in the United States and Canada marks a pivotal step in democratizing Indian entertainment abroad. By offering free, real-time access to a wide spectrum of Indian content – from spirituality to sports – Swift TV empowers the diaspora to stay culturally engaged, informed, and entertained.

    With personalized experiences, regional diversity, and barrier-free access, Swift TV is setting the stage for a new era of global Indian media consumption. This is more than a launch – it is the beginning of a worldwide, borderless vision for live Indian television.

    Start Watching Swift TV Today

    Download the app on your mobile device or smart TV and enjoy free, unlimited access to Indian live channels, movies, news, and devotional content — anytime, anywhere, in your language.

    Visit Swift TV to get started and experience Indian entertainment without borders.

    Don’t Scroll, Just Swift!