ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    Click, cart, commitment: India’s e-shoppers want more than just speed

    MUMBAI: Voice-activated shopping? Viral trends driving sales? Welcome to aisle 2030. Blue Dart Express Limited, part of DHL eCommerce, has just dropped the E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, and it’s clear: Indian online shoppers are not just clicking, they’re expecting. From AI-powered assistants to sustainability-first delivery, today’s buyers want tech with trust and purchases that feel purposeful.

    Drawing from consumer insights across generations and shopper types, the report explores what’s really pushing the buy button for Indians online. And it’s not just deals or discounts, it’s delivery reliability, eco-credibility, and the seamlessness of a Tiktok-to-checkout experience.

    Almost 89 per cent of Indian shoppers want AI-powered features think virtual try-ons, voice-based product search, and digital shopping assistants. And this isn’t wishful thinking 64 per cent are already shopping hands-free. AI isn’t a futuristic add-on anymore; it’s becoming the new filter on the retail lens.

    Forget browsers. 84 per cent of Indian consumers have already made a purchase via social media, and a whopping 90 per cent say Instagram, Facebook and Youtube could be their primary shopping destinations by 2030. Influencers are doing more than trending dances 93 per cent of Indian buyers say social buzz shapes what lands in their carts.

    Cart abandonment isn’t about indecision, it’s about expectation. 80 per cent of shoppers say they’ll cancel a purchase if their preferred delivery option isn’t available. And if the returns process doesn’t match expectations? Another 81 per cent walk away. Even trust in the courier matters: over half (54 per cent) won’t buy from retailers with unreliable logistics partners. In e-commerce, convenience is king and logistics is the throne.

    Sustainability is no longer a bonus, it’s a baseline. 82 per cent of shoppers now weigh eco-friendliness before clicking “buy.” Whether it’s over packaging waste or carbon-heavy delivery, 59 per cent have ditched carts due to sustainability concerns. Plus, 52 per cent say they’re opting for pre-owned goods, and 81 per cent are open to recycling or buy-back schemes.

    “Convenience, choice and control are non-negotiable,” said Blue Dart managing director Balfour Manuel. “Despite digital leaps, delivery and returns remain the heartbeat of consumer experience. Brands must evolve beyond tech towards transparency, purpose and seamless execution.”

    As AI reshapes interfaces, social media morphs into shopping malls, and sustainability steers decisions, this report offers a sneak peek into the shopper of tomorrow. Retailers that listen closely and deliver boldly may just turn browsing into belonging.

    Because in 2025, a smooth checkout isn’t enough. Shoppers want a story, a stance and same-day delivery.

  • Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    Panchayat fans elect early release, season 4 now drops on 24 June

    MUMBAI: Panchayat fans have spoken, and Prime Video has listened. The wildly popular rural dramedy is returning sooner than expected — with season 4 now set to stream from 24 June, pulling ahead from its earlier 2 July release date.

    What caused the shift? A quirky, tongue-in-cheek referendum-style campaign where cast members made mock “election promises” to release the show early — but only if fans cast their votes (read: likes, shares, hashtags).

    The social media blitz went viral, with the hashtag #PanchayatNow trending and a brigade of brands jumping into the fray with punny pleas and snackable slogans.

    From AJIO and Pepperfry to McCain, Taco Bell, Ixigo, and True Elements, everyone threw their hat into the digital ring. The campaign — crafted by The Zoya Co. — merged humour, nostalgia, and cultural relevance, turning brand posts into fan love letters.

    Speaking on this campaign, McCain India retail – digital lead, Sumati Kapur said, “Panchayat is more than just a show, it’s a reflection of the everyday Indian family dynamic, rooted in culture, community, and shared experiences. At McCain, we saw a natural synergy in collaborating with a show that every household relates to. Our hot and crispy snacks are a staple in family conversations, chai breaks, and everything in between just like the moments Panchayat so effortlessly captures. This partnership allowed us to create meaningful noise by placing McCain at the heart of relatable, real storytelling that resonates across generations.”

    The fan-first push is not just a win for early binge-watchers — it reflects Panchayat’s cult status. The series has struck a chord with audiences for its grounded humour and affectionate portrayal of small-town India.

    With season 4 promising a fiery face-off between Pradhanji and Bhushanji, and the usual dose of satire, soul, and sideways glances, the early drop is just the trailer to a bigger, better panchayat.

    Bring on the ballots — and the binge.

    Burger King: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Manju Devi ka manifesto menu mein chhap denge” IG

     

     

    Taco Bell: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Phulera ke har matdata ke liye Naked Taco Bilkul Muft Muft Muft!

     

     

    AJIO: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh hum naye kapdo ki gram sabha bula lenge  

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AJIO.com (@ajiolife)

     

    Rapido: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Rapido parcel mein sirf lauki bhejenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Rapido (@rapidoapp)

     

    PepperFry: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ko bed linen ke sath Bed free.

     

     

    Abhibus India: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh har Phulera wasi ko milegi abhibus par ek free seat”

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by AbhiBus (@abhibusindia)

     

    TBH: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Lauki ke chips banayega TBH Honest style mein!

     

     

    Mc Cain: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Sachiv ji ke table par ab lauki nahi Mc Cain Aloo Tikki hoga

     

     

    Go Ibibo: “Agar Panchayat Jaldi Aagaya toh Binod ko Phulera ke bahar ki dunia hum dikhayenge

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Goibibo (@goibibo)

     

     

  • Influence, inbox, impulse buy: Meta’s new-age retail mantra

    Influence, inbox, impulse buy: Meta’s new-age retail mantra

    MUMBAI: The good old kirana might still stand, but what’s driving shoppers to the shelf is now happening on screen. A new Meta-commissioned study by GWI has revealed just how deeply influencers, reels, and dms are reshaping retail habits across India.

    According to the survey — conducted among 2,548 Indian internet users aged 16–64 — nearly eight in ten shoppers discover new products via social media, with a staggering 96 per cent of that discovery happening on Meta’s platforms, namely Facebook and Instagram.

    “Indian shoppers today are social-first, mobile-first, and video-first irrespective of whether the purchase happens offline or online” said Meta India director, e-commerce & retail, Meghna Apparao, “With consumers increasingly relying on Reels, messaging, and influencer content to discover and evaluate products, offline retailers have an opportunity to reach their customers across multiple touch points simultaneously and harness the power of our platforms to build unique online and phygital experiences that also move metrics across the funnel.”

    Even shoppers physically browsing aisles are scrolling first — using social media to discover, research, and decide, often before they even set foot in a store. Retail displays may still exist, but the real pitch now happens on feeds.

    Short-form video is turning scrolls into sales. Around a third of users reported purchasing products they saw in 2–3 minute brand videos or reels, especially in premium and luxury categories, where visual storytelling has a strong influence.

    Influencer clout continues to soar. Six in ten shoppers follow national influencers, whose opinions now weigh heavily on both what to buy and where to buy it from — online or offline. Their reach is no longer just virtual; it’s walking customers right into stores.

    Meanwhile, WhatsApp is becoming the new storefront. Nearly 60 per cent of users said they are likely to purchase a product after seeing an offer on the messaging app — making it a silent but powerful sales channel.

    In step with these shifts, Meta has launched new omnichannel advertising tools designed to bridge the digital-physical divide. These enable brands to not just chase clicks but track real-world impact — from boosted footfall to ringing tills.

    Tanishq CMO Pelki Tshering said, “We’ve always believed in meeting our customers where they are — both online and offline. Meta’s solutions like Click to WhatsApp (CTWA) have helped us in that journey. By combining conversational commerce with tailored messaging, we’ve seen over 14x offline ROAS. What’s even more exciting is the potential of Meta’s omnichannel ads — allowing us to drive both online and in-store sales through a single, unified campaign. As one of the first to test the solution with offline CAPI, we’re seeing a 40% jump in ROAS for online purchases and an improvement in offline purchases. Meta’s retail solutions are helping us not just drive omni sales — but truly connect with our customers, wherever they are in their buying journey.”

    Taneira head of marketing  Aishwarya Omprakash, “In our pilot campaign utilising Meta’s omnichannel ads, we observed a significant boost in performance, achieving 3.5x higher purchase conversions and 4.3x higher Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) compared to campaigns optimized solely for purchases. This encouraging outcome reinforces the value of a multi-touchpoint strategy, and we’re excited to take this experiment further in the coming year.”

    For Indian retailers, the message is clear: to win offline, think online first — especially if you’re not in the reel game yet.

  • About Antoine season 2 now streaming on Netflix in Americas and France

    About Antoine season 2 now streaming on Netflix in Americas and France

     MUMBAI: Streaming just got a little more heart. After making waves at global festivals and breaking ground with its nuanced portrayal of disability, About Antoine is back with a second season now streaming on Netflix across the Americas and France. The award-winning dramedy, co-produced by Just For Laughs and distributed globally by Just For Entertainment Distribution, follows the story of Antoine, a poly-handicapped young man and the fierce, funny, and tender family who navigate life with him. What sets the show apart isn’t just the rare subject matter, but the way it balances authenticity with wit, and hardship with hope.

    Now available in French and English, with Spanish and Portuguese subtitles, Season 2 continues to explore Antoine’s world with the same emotional candour that made it a festival darling. Think Banff Rockie 2025 nominee, MIPCOM Diversify TV Award winner, and Rose d’Or nominee, to name just a few of its accolades.

    “This is more than just a show, it’s a message in motion,” said Just For Laughs chief marketing officer Alex Avon. “With Netflix on board, we’re thrilled to bring About Antoine to even more people, reminding audiences everywhere what it means to triumph in everyday life.”

    Season 2 deepens the show’s emotional resonance, portraying the complexities of care, love, and family with warmth and unexpected humour. It’s storytelling that doesn’t shy away from struggle but always finds the spark in the story.

    For anyone looking to stream something meaningful, moving, and still manage a few belly laughs About Antoine just might be the feel-good binge of the season.

  • Frooti makes web series debut with TTT’s friendship tale Yaar Log!

    Frooti makes web series debut with TTT’s friendship tale Yaar Log!

    MUMBAI: One sip, one script, and a lot of feels. Parle Agro’s beloved mango drink, Frooti, just made a bold new move from supermarket shelves to streaming screens with the launch of Yaar Log!, an original six-part web series produced by Collective Artists Network’s Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT).

    This isn’t just product placement, it’s Parle Agro’s first leap into long-form branded storytelling, and it’s all about friendships that feel as familiar and fizzy as the iconic yellow drink. The show follows a tight-knit group of friends who begin to unravel emotionally when their glue, a core member ironically nicknamed ‘Frooti’ announces he’s moving abroad. What follows is equal parts heartache and hilarity, with Frooti (the drink) making cameo after cameo in fridge raids, meltdowns, and tender goodbyes.

    Yaar Log! marks the first time Frooti has been woven into a narrative format. Known for its association with fun and youth culture, the drink is cleverly used as a metaphor for comfort and continuity, the friend who never leaves, even when others do.

    “Frooti has always been more than just a beverage, it’s been part of our memories and mischief,” said Parle Agro joint managing director and CMO Nadia Chauhan. “Yaar Log! is about deepening that emotional bond not through ads, but through stories that stick.”

    The series premiered on 20 May on TTT’s YouTube and Instagram, with new episodes dropping weekly.

    According to TTT Founder & CEO Anuj Gosalia Yaar Log! is a tribute to friendships that shift with time but stay rooted in shared rituals. “It’s for every group chat that’s gone quiet after one friend moved away. And it’s for the bottles of Frooti that stayed in the fridge like a promise.”

    With its mix of humour, nostalgia and refreshingly real moments, Yaar Log! positions Frooti not just as a drink, but as a bottled-up feeling sweet, fizzy and always by your side.

    And just like that, Frooti’s gone from chilling in your fridge… to warming your heart.

  • DocuBay sets sail with hard-hitting original ‘Gateway of Europe’ on World Refugee Day

    DocuBay sets sail with hard-hitting original ‘Gateway of Europe’ on World Refugee Day

    MUMBAI: DocuBay is casting a powerful spotlight on one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises with its upcoming original, Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, premiering 20 June to mark World Refugee Day.

    Set on the Italian island of Lampedusa – the perilous frontline of Europe’s migration story – the documentary captures the raw, unfiltered stories of those who risk everything to escape war, poverty and persecution. Through intimate interviews with migrants, locals, and rescue workers, the film traces a harrowing route paved with hope, heartbreak and hard questions.

    Produced by IN10 Media Network’s premium documentary arm, the film peels back the headlines to reveal the human cost and quiet heroism behind one of the 21st century’s defining struggles. From overcrowded boats to overburdened border patrols, Gateway of Europe pulls no punches in exploring the emotional and political complexities that continue to rock the continent.

    IN10 Media Network managing director Aditya Pittie said, “At DocuBay, we believe storytelling has the power to foster change, empathy and drive meaningful conversations. “Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis brings to life the human dimension of a geopolitical challenge that involves migration, human rights, and policy that affects millions globally. This documentary is a call to awareness and action, highlighting voices that are often unheard.”

    Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, filmmaker & director Max Serio said, “My goal was to capture the human faces behind the migration crisis, for which people are driven by hope, fear, and the search for a better life. This film is an invitation to understand their journey beyond borders and politics.”

    DocuBay chief content officer Samar Khan said, “At DocuBay, we remain
    committed to curating purpose-driven content that resonates universally, provokes thought, and builds bridges across cultures. With Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, we encourage viewers to look past the surface and confront the emotional depth and personal struggles behind the global migration conversation. Documentary like this has the power to go beyond numbers and headlines, transforming complex societal issues into intimate, human experiences.”

    As the debate over borders intensifies, DocuBay invites viewers to look beyond the statistics and confront the human stories that rarely make the evening news.

  • Infinix Presses Play on India’s Esports Scene

    Infinix Presses Play on India’s Esports Scene

    MUMBAI: In what appears to be a strategic masterstroke in the Indian esports game, Infinix has pressed play on its latest endeavour, aiming to capture the hearts and thumbs of competitive players. The new-age smartphone brand isn’t just launching a new device; it’s making a bold statement, seeking to redefine its presence within India’s burgeoning gaming ecosystem.

    To truly resonate with the gaming demographic, Infinix has forged alliances with some heavyweight figures. Comedian and digital creator Tanmay Bhat, alongside top-tier gaming influencers Total Gaming, Mizo, and Shreeman Legend, are now part of the Infinix team. This collaborative move highlights a significant cultural shift: gaming is no longer just a pastime, but a passion-driven space where skill, community, and competitive spirit converge for today’s youth. Modern gamers aren’t merely in the market for a phone; they demand performance that keeps pace with their rigorous “grind,” bold designs that unmistakably scream “gaming,” and cutting-edge technology that facilitates their seamless entry into the thrilling world of Esports.

    Enter the Infinix GT 30 Pro, a device meticulously crafted with “gaming-first” features to address the escalating demand for high-octane mobile competition. Designed with flagship-grade precision, this smartphone boasts the world’s first Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate processor, ensuring unparalleled processing power. For battle royale enthusiasts, it offers Krafton-certified 120FPS BGMI support, promising buttery-smooth gameplay. Further enhancing the tactile experience are the integrated GT Shoulder Triggers, while its bold Cyber Mecha Design, complete with customizable RGB lighting, ensures it looks every bit the part. To elevate the overall gaming experience, a suite of AI-powered features has been integrated, including Esports Mode, Xboost, AI audio enhancement, and haptics, all painstakingly optimised to deliver more immersive and responsive gameplay.

    Ultimately, through these calculated collaborations, Infinix is not simply unveiling a product. It’s actively championing a mindset shift within India’s dynamic gaming culture, reinforcing its long-term commitment to cultivating talent by empowering grassroots Esports athletes, a dedication exemplified by its existing partnership with the professional team True Rippers.
     

  • Z5 zips open micro-drama app, Bullet

    Z5 zips open micro-drama app, Bullet

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Z) has gone all-in on short-form content, announcing a strategic partnership with content start-up Bullet.

    The aim?

    To launch India’s inaugural micro-drama app, delivering high-intensity, bite-sized entertainment straight to your mobile, no faffing about. 

    This new venture sees Z, a bona fide content and technology powerhouse, team up with serial entrepreneurs Azim Lalani and Saurabh Kushwah, the brains behind Bullet.  Their creation promises fast-paced, creator-driven content, served up in snappy, vertical episodes – perfect for the TikTok generation with attention spans shorter than a Mumbai rickshaw driver’s temper. 

    Bullet, cunningly nestled within the Z5 ecosystem, plans to leverage its massive user base to pump out “masala-paced plots and emotional punch”4. Think binge-watching, but quicker than a bullet.  And because variety is the spice of life, it’ll be available across languages, drawing on Z’s rich content vault. 

    “As the digital ecosystem grows exponentially, we are constantly identifying several value-accretive opportunities to drive scale,” purred a company spokesperson for Z.  “Our strategic partnership with Bullet aims to build a competitive advantage for the future by identifying innovative formats and scaling them through our platforms to drive stronger monetization.”  Sounds like they’re ready to make a packet.

    Azim Lalani, co-founder & chief business officer at Bullet, waxed lyrical about the “next big shift” in content consumption, noting the influx of short-form content. “With snacky content increasingly capturing the audiences’ short attention span and keeping them engaged, the next wave of content consumption will encompass creators that nurture the ability to deliver intrigue and emotions in bite-sized formats,” he quipped.
     
    Meanwhile, Saurabh Kushwah, Bullet’s co-founder and chief technology & product officer, promised an app that not only “entertains but also enables,” boasting “gamified layers, AI-backed content ops, and a creator-first ecosystem.” 

    Sounds like they’re not just playing games, but building a whole new playground.

    This isn’t just about micro-dramas; it’s about Z cementing its place as a “content and technology company,” adapting to evolving trends faster than a politician changes their mind.  With Z5’s cutting-edge tech and consumer insights, Bullet is primed to hit the bullseye.

  • Azim Lalani co-founds Bullet, hopes to fire up the two-minute microdrama revolution

    Azim Lalani co-founds Bullet, hopes to fire up the two-minute microdrama revolution

    MUMBAI — Azim Lalani, the digital maverick who’s seen it all from India Today to Fanory, (a career of more than a score years) has now strapped on a new role — co-founder and chief business officer at Bullet, a mobile-first microdrama OTT platform that promises to shoot cinematic stories straight to your phone in under two minutes.

    With a sharp eye on Gen Z and a regional-first, multilingual content play, Bullet isn’t just banking on binge culture — it’s reinventing it. Backed by tokenomics and built on blockchain, the platform wants to do more than stream — it aims to spark a creator economy explosion.

    “As CBO, I’ll be driving business strategy, growth partnerships, content, and monetisation,” Lalani said. “We’re not just building a platform — we’re architecting a storytelling ecosystem that’s sustainable, scalable and rooted in innovation.”

    He gave a shoutout to co-founder and CTPO Saurabh Kushwah for leading the tech charge, and thanked the leadership at Zee Entertainment Enterprises for supporting new-age innovation.

    Lalani’s previous innings include launching Fanory to help creators go direct-to-fan with coin-based monetisation, leading Money9 at TV9, and steering convergence and brand solutions at Network18. Prior to that he did time at India Today, Rediff and Indian Express. 

    Now with Bullet, he’s loading the chamber with big ambitions — where every story is sharp, short, and shot with purpose. Creators, got a drama to drop? The stage is yours — but make it snappy.

  • Amazon MX Player drops trailer for esports dramedy ‘Gamerlog’

    Amazon MX Player drops trailer for esports dramedy ‘Gamerlog’

    MUMBAI: Amazon MX Player is leveling up its content game with Gamerlog, a slick new comedy-drama set in India’s turbo-charged esports universe. Produced by Abhinay Deo and Neeta Shah under RDP Pulp Fiction Entertainment and helmed by debutant director Arya Deo, the series is set to stream free from 12 June.

    The trailer introduces Raghu aka Maverick, a small-town genius with mad gaming chops who defies his parents to chase glory in Mumbai’s cutthroat gaming scene. What follows is a no-holds-barred adventure as he joins Team Gamerlog, a motley crew led by the feisty Joanna. Cue epic virtual battles, squad drama, and an emotional loot box of love, betrayal and brotherhood — all building to the grand prize: India’s biggest esports face-off, The Tournament of Champions.

    Frontlining the cast is Taare Zameen Par alumnus Darsheel Safary, flanked by Anjali Sivaraman, Chinmay Chandraunshuh, Kunal Bhan, Chetan Dhawan, Shubroy Chowdhury and Akash Menon.

    Reflecting on his character, Raghu, in the series, Safary shared, “Gamerlog is a world I could instantly relate to. While it’s rooted in gaming, the story goes much deeper, capturing the emotional highs and lows young people experience. It’s a show that’s fun, relatable, and something that not just avid gamers but families can enjoy together. It was an amazing experience to work with Abhinay, Neeta and the very talented debutant director Arya.”

    Deo added, “When my producing partner Neeta and I first heard this story, we were immediately struck by how compelling and layered the world of gaming could be. With Gamerlog, our goal was to tell a story that reflects the high-stakes world of E-sports while exploring the emotional realities young people face today. The show is fast paced, energetic and fun, but at its core, it’s about vulnerability, loyalty and grit. Arya, who assisted me for a long time and knows this world intimately, was the perfect choice to bring our vision to life. We are thrilled to collaborate with Amazon MX Player in bringing Gamerlog to life and can’t wait for audiences to meet these characters and step into their unpredictable world.”

    With Gamerlog, Amazon MX Player is clearly betting big on the joystick generation—and it might just be the underdog story we didn’t know we needed. Game on.