MUMBAI: Alphabet & Google CEO Sundar Pichai addressed investors and analysts, highlighting a strong performance in Q4, largely attributed to the company’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and a unique full-stack approach.
“Q4 showcased our rapid progress in computing capabilities and efficiencies,” Pichai said. He noted significant improvements in product utilisation, consumer engagement, and revenue growth as a result of innovations in AI, including the launch of AI Overviews in over 100 countries and Circle to Search on more than 200 million android devices.
Notably, Pichai announced that Google cloud and YouTube reached a combined annual revenue run rate of $110 billion at the close of 2024, exceeding their target of $100 billion.
Focusing on AI, Pichai outlined three key areas of innovation: leading AI infrastructure, world-class research, and product integration. The company has invested in eleven new cloud regions and seven subsea cable projects aimed at enhancing global connectivity. Pichai revealed the launch of the Gemini 2.0 AI model, designed to improve user interactions and drive a more multifaceted search experience.
In addition, YouTube continues to thrive, maintaining its position as the leading platform for streaming watchtime in the US with over 45 million viewers engaging with election-related content on a single day. The recent integration of podcasts has proved successful, further solidifying its dominant market position.
Moving to financials, Alphabet’s revenue surged to $350 billion in 2024, a 14 per cent increase year-on-year. Expenditures increased, primarily due to content acquisition costs associated with YouTube and depreciation related to technical investments. Despite rising costs, operating income rose 31 per cent to $31 billion.
With an optimistic outlook, Pichai stated, “We are well-positioned for continued growth in 2025,” as plans to enhance AI capabilities and expand cloud services take shape.
Following Pichai, Philipp Schindler, SVP and CBO, highlighted the strong performance across Google services, with revenues reaching $84 billion, driven by a significant increase in advertising revenue.
Anat Ashkenazi, SVP and CFO, reaffirmed the positive momentum, indicating that the company is prepared for ongoing growth amid anticipated challenges.
The market did not believe their posturing totally as Alphabet shares crashed by seven per cent on Wednesday. Investors reacted badly to Pichai’s plans to spend $75 billion on capital expenditures over 2025 and $16-18 billion in the first quarter as it builds out its AI offerings and races against megacap rivals to build out data centers and new infrastructure.
MUMBAI: Snap Inc has promoted Ajit Mohan to chief business officer, according to its Q4 2024 investor letter released on 4 February 2025. Mohan, who joined the company over two years ago as president of APAC, successfully expanded Snap’s business and presence across the region.
In his new role, Mohan will oversee the company’s global advertising operations, lead its revenue product teams, and drive alignment with partners to accelerate growth. He will be based in New York.
The investor letter highlighted Snap Inc’s continued focus on expanding its community, diversifying revenue, and advancing augmented reality (AR) technology.
Key financial highlights include: * Daily active users (DAUs): 453 million, up 39 million year-on-year. * Q4 revenue: $1.56 billion, a 14 per cent year-on-year increase, driven by direct-response (DR) advertising and Snapchat+ subscriptions. * Profitability: $276 million adjusted EBITDA and $182 million in free cash flow. * Net income: $9 million.
For 2024, Snap Inc reported $5.36 billion in revenue, marking a 16 per cent annual increase. Direct response advertising revenue also rose by 16 per cent . Snapchat+ subscriber numbers doubled from 7 million to 14 million, contributing to a 131 per cent rise in subscription revenue, which now exceeds an annualised run rate of $500 million.
Snap achieved $509 million in adjusted EBITDA for the year, its fifth consecutive year of positive results, along with $219 million in free cash flow.
Mohan’s appointment signals Snap’s intent to strengthen its global advertising strategy and build on its ongoing financial momentum.
MUMBAI: Bandai Namco Entertainment has hit the “continue” button on its investment in SuperGaming, one of India’s leading game studios, reinforcing its belief in the country’s booming gaming scene. The Japanese publisher behind legendary titles like Elden Ring, Dark Souls, One Piece, and Pac-Man has made an additional investment in SuperGaming through its startup fund 021, which was launched in 2022 to fuel new entertainment experiences and expand its global footprint.
While the exact investment amount remains undisclosed, the 021 fund typically backs startups with capital ranging from 10 million to 500 million yen ($75,000 to $3.75 million). India, along with Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, has been identified as a key growth market for Bandai Namco’s strategic expansion.
“Bandai Namco doubling down on their investment is a strong vote of confidence in our mission and our team to build world-class games and gaming infrastructure from India for India and the world,” said SuperGaming, CEO & co-founder, Roby John.
Founded in 2019, SuperGaming has gained recognition for popular mobile titles like Silly Royale, Tower Conquest, and MaskGun. The company has also developed SuperPlatform, a cloud-based live-ops game development engine that helps developers seamlessly manage and scale their games. Bandai Namco is already a customer, using SuperPlatform to power its official PAC-MAN mobile game, which has over one billion downloads.
SuperGaming’s biggest recent success is Indus Battle Royale, a made-in-India battle royale game set in an Indo-futuristic universe. Since its October 2024 launch, Indus has amassed over six million downloads and currently holds a 4.0-star rating on Google Play and 4.2 stars on the App Store.
Bandai Namco’s continued investment follows an initial funding round in March 2023, during which SuperGaming impressed with its rapid growth, deep player engagement, and commitment to high-quality game development. With backing from major investors including Akatsuki Entertainment Technology Fund, Skycatcher, BAce Capital, and Dream Incubator SuperGaming is quickly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in India’s gaming landscape.
As Bandai Namco presses forward with its India strategy, SuperGaming looks set to play at a whole new level bringing innovative, culturally rich gaming experiences to players at home and beyond.
MUMBAI : Sony LIV is pushing boundaries with Gateway to Shark Tank – divyang special, a unique edition of Shark Tank India that champions innovation and entrepreneurship among specially abled individuals and those striving to empower them. This special episode isn’t just about business—it’s about breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and celebrating the bold ideas that drive inclusive progress.
This special initiative highlights groundbreaking ideas and inclusive solutions, with the backing of Adani Airports director Jeet Adani who also oversees the Adani group’s defence, petrochemicals, and copper businesses while spearheading the group’s digital transformation.
Entries for Gateway to Shark Tank – divyang special are open until 15 February 2025, after which shortlisted pitches will be featured in an exclusive episode. Through this initiative, Shark Tank India and Jeet Adani aim to mentor and support entrepreneurs driving disability-inclusive innovation, promoting accessibility and progress.
Commenting on the initiative, Sony LIV head of ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla, stated: “Shark Tank India has always been a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. We are committed to inclusivity, supporting specially abled entrepreneurs and businesses catering to their empowerment. It is heartening to see established leaders like Jeet Adani supporting this cause, amplifying its impact and reach.”
Adani Airports director Jeet Adani, added: “There is immense potential to create disruptive solutions in this space. We need more passionate innovators addressing the challenges faced by specially abled individuals. I am excited to partner with Shark Tank India to support entrepreneurs and drive meaningful change.”
MUMBAI: Swati Sapna, a seasoned content and strategy expert, has been moved upstairs as director for unscripted and documentaries at Neflix India. She will also continue as commissioning executive for south original series at the streamer.
“In this role, I’ll be leading content and strategy for all unscripted and documentaries,” she said.
Having joined Netflix in 2020, she previously served as manager for unscripted and south originals, contributing to acclaimed projects such as Vir Das: Landing, The Romantics, The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, and The Hunt for Veerappan. Her work on Vir Das: Landing earned international recognition with an International Emmy nomination.
Prior to Netflix, Sapna held leadership roles at Viacom18, BBC Studios, and Wizcraft International, contributing to major television properties including Bigg Boss, Filmfare Awards, and IIFA Awards. She has also worked as an assistant director on the National Award-winning Tamil film Pithamagan.
An alumna of Sophia Polytechnic and Stella Maris College, Sapna has made Mumbai her home for over two decades, but she says “the small-town girl in me has kept me rooted with a firm hold on the pulse of audiences. The immense amount of learning, collaboration, faith and support I have experienced from my colleagues and partners in the five years in Netflix has been overwhelming! And I hope to achieve new milestones and embark on more exciting journeys together as the dream team 🙂 I believe that effective communication, empathy and empowerment are key pillars to build a successful team.”
MUMBAI: Marketers could learn from this collab between Sony and skill-based gaming platform Zupee on how to acquire customers and retain them. The two have partnered to increase stickiness for the Amitabh Bachchan-hosted millionaire (in India it is the crorepati ) show, Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Titled, ‘ghar baithe jeeto jackpot’ contest, offering viewers a chance to win cash prizes by showcasing their knowledge and skills.
The contest, which began on 24 January 2025, awards Rs 1 lakh each to five winners every week. Participants can join from the comfort of their homes by answering questions aired “during” KBC episodes. (So obviously those eager to pocket the Rs 1 lakh will do more than watch, they probably will watch the episodes with a magnifying glass and volume on full.)
Zupee COO Akanksha Dhamija, said: “Our aim is to make skill-based games accessible to everyone. The ‘ghar baithe jeeto jackpot‘ contest offers millions the chance to win big by leveraging their knowledge and skills.”
Sony Pictures Network India head of sales for network channels Sandeep Mehrotra added: “KBC has always celebrated knowledge and aspiration. This collaboration with Zupee enhances viewer engagement, making the dream of winning big more accessible.”
To participate, viewers must download the Zupee app, tune in to KBC on Sony Entertainment Television every Friday at 9 pm, and submit answers via the app by Monday midnight. Winners are announced during the following Friday’s episode, with a new question aired weekly.
Zupee, founded in 2018 by IIT Kanpur alumni Dilsher Singh Malhi and Siddhant Saurabh, is India’s largest skill-based ludo platform. The company is backed by investors such as WestCap Group, Matrix Partners India, and Orios Venture Partners.
This collaboration marks a new chapter in interactive entertainment, bringing together Zupee’s expertise in skill-based gaming and KBC’s knowledge-driven format to reward Indian viewers
MUMBAI: The wait is over! Prime Video is set to electrify audiences worldwide with the exclusive global streaming premiere of Game Changer, featuring none other than global star Ram Charan. Directed by the legendary S. Shankar – yes, the mastermind behind some of Indian cinema’s biggest spectacles – this political-action thriller is produced by Dil Raju under Sri Venkateswara Creations and promises an adrenaline-fueled ride through the murky corridors of power.
Starring Charan in a dual role (because one is never enough), the stellar cast includes Kiara Advani, Anjali, S.J. Suryah, Srikant, Sunil, Jayaram, and Samuthirakani, each bringing their A-game to this powerhouse of a film. Streaming begins 7 February in Telugu, with dubs in Tamil and Kannada – because great cinema deserves to travel.
At the heart of Game Changer is Ram Nandan, a fiercely principled IAS officer from Visakhapatnam. His mission? To dismantle a corrupt political system that thrives on greed, deception, and unchecked power. But standing in his way is the formidable Bobbili Mopidevi, a ruthless politician determined to seize the chief minister’s throne – ethics be damned. As Charan peels back the layers of deceit, he uncovers a deep-rooted nexus willing to go to any lengths to protect its empire. The battle is fierce, the stakes are sky-high, and the punches – both literal and metaphorical – land hard.
With breathtaking action sequences, a gripping narrative, and the unrelenting charisma of Charan, Game Changer isn’t just a film; it’s a statement.
This high-voltage thriller joins Prime Video’s power-packed lineup, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to delivering blockbuster entertainment straight to your screens. Prime members in India and across 240 countries and territories can gear up for a cinematic spectacle unlike any other – all included in a single Prime membership for just Rs 1499 a year. Now that’s what we call a blockbuster deal!
MUMBAI: If Amazon makes a big bang, can Netflix be far behind? Of course not.
Today, Netflix pulled back the curtain on its power-packed 2025 content slate, unveiling an eclectic mix of films, series, and unscripted originals. Unlike Amazon Prime Video, which hosted a lavish industry party, Netflix chose to keep things all-business—because let’s face it, they’d rather spend on content than caviar. The lineup boasts over 25 titles spanning multiple genres, ensuring that no matter what your mood, there’s a binge-worthy fix waiting for you.
Leading the charge is Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, The Ba**ds of Bollywood, produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. The series blends sharp industry satire with high-stakes drama, offering an inside look at the chaos of Bollywood. Expect plenty of witty references and some surprise cameos from the who’s who of Indian cinema.
Adding to the action-packed lineup, Saif Ali Khan headlines Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins, a high-stakes thriller surrounding the hunt for the priceless African Red Sun diamond. Directed by Siddharth Anand and featuring Jaideep Ahlawat and Kunal Kapoor, this promises an exhilarating game of deception, strategy, and intrigue.
Netflix’s love affair with romance continues with Aap Jaisa Koi, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Nadaaniyan, featuring Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor in a classic opposites-attract setup. Meanwhile, Dhoom Dhaam throws Yami Gautam Dhar and Pratik Gandhi into a wedding-night-gone-wrong adventure that’s equal parts thrilling and hilarious.
On the Tamil front, Test delivers a compelling narrative with R. Madhavan, Nayanthara, Siddharth, and Meera Jasmine against the backdrop of a historic Chennai cricket match. Helmed by S. Sashikanth, this direct-to-OTT release highlights Netflix India’s commitment to regional storytelling.
Comedy lovers can look forward to Toaster, a quirky family drama starring Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, centered around a wedding gift fiasco that spirals into chaos. Meanwhile, Delhi Crime Season 3 brings back Shefali Shah, joined by Huma Qureshi and Sayani Gupta, in a gripping investigation into human trafficking.
Fan-favorite Kohrra returns for Season 2 with Barun Sobti and Mona Singh tackling a fresh murder mystery, while Rana Naidu Season 2 sees Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh Daggubati returning, this time with Arjun Rampal as their new nemesis. Additionally, Khakee: The Bengal Chapter introduces Jeet as an unyielding cop squaring off against Prosenjit Chatterjee’s political mastermind.
The thrills continue with YRF Entertainment’s Mandala Murders, starring Vaani Kapoor and Vaibhav Raj Gupta, which uncovers a series of ritualistic killings tied to a mysterious secret society. Akka, another YRF production, features Keerthy Suresh, Radhika Apte, and Tanvi Azmi in a revenge saga drenched in blood and suspense.
Pulkit Samrat, Divyenndu, and Suvinder Vicky bring raw intensity to Glory, a gripping story of vengeance and Olympic boxing aspirations. Meanwhile, espionage thriller Saare Jahan Se Accha sees Pratik Gandhi and Sunny Hinduja navigating the treacherous world of 1970s intelligence.
Netflix forays into Telugu content with Super Subbu, where Mithila Palkar and Sundeep Kishan lead a laugh-out-loud journey of an adult sex education teacher finding herself in the most unlikely of places—a conservative village.
Unscripted entertainment takes a glamorous turn with Dining with the Kapoors, offering an intimate look at Bollywood’s first family, while The Roshans traces three generations of cinematic legacy. Stand-up special Full Volume sees Vir Das returning with a fresh dose of sharp political humor and social commentary.
Oscar-nominated short film Anuja, backed by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Mindy Kaling, makes its debut, adding yet another feather to Netflix’s cap. In a groundbreaking move, Netflix has also acquired exclusive WWE programming rights for India and other territories, promising wrestling fans a knockout viewing experience.
Netflix is also diving into crime thrillers with Black Warrant, a gripping drama set in Tihar Jail, where an idealistic jailer uncovers corruption, gang wars, and deep-rooted injustice. The series has already earned a spot in Netflix’s Global Top 10 in its second week, proving its appeal worldwide.
Crime meets comedy in Dabba Cartel, where five middle-class women find themselves running an accidental drug cartel while caught in a pharma investigation. Produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, this darkly comic drama showcases a web of secrets, power struggles, and the sheer unpredictability of life.
Fans of The Great Indian Kapil Show can rejoice as Season 3 brings more laughs, celebrity guests, and signature desi humour. Kapil Sharma and his gang are all set to dish out fresh skits, hilarious banter, and plenty of unexpected surprises.
For cricket lovers, The Greatest Rivalry – India vs Pakistan chronicles the on-field and off-field drama of the world’s most heated cricketing contest. Featuring legends like Virender Sehwag, Shoaib Akhtar, and Sunil Gavaskar, this docuseries goes beyond boundaries to explore the history, culture, and politics that fuel this fierce competition.
Netflix is also stepping into the world of royal drama with Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter starring in The Royals, where a polo-playing prince and a high-powered CEO clash in a whirlwind of romance, ambition, and palace intrigue. Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter lead the cast in this lavish rom-com.
Netflix India VP of content, Monika Shergill emphasised the platform’s commitment to bold storytelling, stating, “In 2025, we’re redefining storytelling by pushing creative boundaries like never before, delivering an unparalleled variety of world-class entertainment. From dreamy romcoms and high-stakes dramas to action-packed thrillers, beloved fan-favorite franchises, and laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something for everyone.”
Netflix’s 2025 slate is poised to redefine streaming entertainment in India. Whether it’s high-octane action, gripping thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, or heartwarming romances, one thing’s guaranteed—your binge list just got a whole lot longer. And with the rise of local-language content, expect even more diverse storytelling that speaks to every corner of India. If the 2024 lineup was a game-changer, 2025 is about to blow the roof off the OTT space.
MUMBAI: Children’s entertainment and animation studio Bhooshan’s Junior has announced the appointment of Prakash Nair as its vice-president of sales and marketing. With over 25 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Nair brings a wealth of expertise to drive the company towards new milestones.
Nair’s extensive background spans content creation, brand building, licensing and distribution, digital marketing, and strategic business development. He is recognised for his deep understanding of youth trends, celebrity relations, and innovative approaches to content strategy. His leadership is expected to bolster Bhooshan’s Junior’s footprint in the rapidly evolving entertainment sector.
Previously, Nair served as vice president at Offbeet Studios, where he spearheaded strategic content production initiatives. He also held key positions at MTV India, where he played a pivotal role in the successful repositioning of the brand beyond music and television, contributing to record-breaking viewership and revenue growth. His other notable roles include content head at Shamir Tandon’s Music Boutique and head of Zelador Talent Management.
Throughout his career, Nair has been involved in high-profile projects, including Cannes award-winning campaigns, branded content for major platforms, and marketing initiatives for blockbuster films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Don 2. His creative generalist mindset and negotiation expertise have consistently delivered innovative results.
A graduate of Mumbai University with a degree in economics, Nair was actively involved in the organisation of the university’s renowned Aakarshan festival. He is also an alumnus of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour High School in Chembur.
MUMBAI: Colab Cloud Platforms Ltd (CCPL) has announced a strategic investment of up to Rs 10 crore to launch a dedicated e-commerce platform for sports and fitness products. The initiative aims to capitalise on India’s growing fitness culture and rising demand for high-quality sports goods.
The new marketplace will offer a wide range of products, including sports equipment, apparel, accessories, and related items, catering to professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and beginners alike. Advanced technologies, such as AI-driven product recommendations and data analytics, will enhance user experiences and ensure a seamless shopping journey.
CCPL MD Puneet Singh: “India’s sports and fitness market is expected to double in value to $58 billion by 2030, driven by a fitness-focused culture and higher discretionary spending. Online shopping is becoming the preferred channel due to its convenience, wider product selection, and competitive pricing.”
The platform will also provide opportunities for Indian manufacturers, startups, and brands to showcase their products, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the sports and fitness sector.
CCPL is known for delivering technology-driven solutions across various industries, leveraging India’s technological talent to drive growth and enhance user experiences
