Category: Video On Demand

K-dramas rank second on Netflix, just behind US content: Ampere research

MUMBAI: South Korean content is delivering knockout streaming figures for Netflix, now accounting for a whopping 17 per cent of the platform’s top 500 non-US shows and films, according to fresh research from Ampere Analysis.

The streaming giant’s Seoul-mates now rank second only to American content for total viewing hours, a relationship that’s proving rather lucrative as Netflix pursues its ad-tier strategy and battles subscriber churn.

In the latter half of 2024, viewers devoured 7.7 billion hours of Korean content—roughly 8 per cent of all Netflix viewing—outpacing entertainment heavyweights like the UK, Japan and Spain. Squid Game Season 2 topped global charts with a staggering 619.9 million streaming hours, while romance drama Love Next Door and cooking competition Culinary Class Wars also cooked up impressive numbers.

The streaming service isn’t playing hard to get, either. Netflix has pledged a cool $2.5 billion to Korean content between 2024 and 2028, having already established relationships with local broadcasting titans CJ ENM, JTBC, KBS, SBS and MBC. Meanwhile, local production capacity continues to expand with facilities like Studio 139 and Samsung Studio now operational.

Korean media powerhouse CJ ENM is riding this global Hallyu wave with gusto, earmarking $818 million for content in 2025 while eyeing international expansion through Netflix exposure, partnerships with global studios, and potentially launching its streaming platform Tving worldwide.

“Korean content plays a pivotal role in Netflix’s international success, driving both breakout hits and sustained viewing time,” notes Ampere Analysis research manager Orina Zhao. “South Korean content owners are well-positioned to capitalise on the global Hallyu phenomenon, maximising worldwide audience reach through strategic distribution and collaborations.”

As the Hallyu wave shows no signs of crashing, Netflix’s Korean romance appears set for quite the happy ending.

April 14, 2025
Content maven Manish Dubey to ride YouTube wave at Infinitum Network

MUMBAI: Manish Dubey has landed a plum role as head of content strategy and partnerships at Infinitum Network Solutions, a digital content behemoth controlling 400-plus YouTube channels across 100 languages.
The media veteran, previously content head with Suniel Shetty Productions, brings a robust track record spanning UTV Stars, Disney India, and television newsrooms. His new brief: to transform Infinitum’s already impressive 300-million-subscriber empire.

“YouTube is like an ocean,” Dubey mused, “the deeper you dive, the more you realise its vastness.”

His strategic remit covers sports, news, entertainment, comedy, business, health, and beauty verticals.
Founders Satyadev Chada and Vandana B have positioned Dubey to attract top-tier talent and drive innovation across markets including the middle East, Europe, India, Asia Pacific, and the US.

The move signals Infinitum’s aggressive expansion in the digital content landscape, with Dubey positioned to chart bold new content strategies.

March 26, 2025
Anupam Mittal takes a spin in Dupahiya as he makes his acting debut

MUMBAI: Anupam Mittal is switching gears from the boardroom to the big screen well, almost. The Shark Tank India judge and entrepreneur is making his acting debut in Dupahiya, Prime Video’s upcoming dramedy, bringing his signature business wisdom to the show’s small-town chaos.

In a recently released promo, Mittal finds himself in the thick of Dupahiya’s central plot, a missing motorcycle that turns an entire village upside down. Blending sharp humour with his entrepreneurial persona, he playfully evaluates the stolen bike’s “business potential,” making for a tongue-in-cheek crossover that has already sparked buzz online.

Set in a North Indian village, Dupahiya promises a laughter-packed ride, combining love, family, and unexpected twists in a fresh take on rural storytelling. With its sharp wit, vibrant characters, and now, an unexpected pop-culture twist, the show is primed to become a fan-favourite.

As Prime Video gears up for the grand premiere of Dupahiya, this surprise collaboration ensures that the show’s promotional campaign is just as entertaining as the series itself. Buckle up, this dramedy is about to take audiences on a joyride!

March 20, 2025
Endeavor Streaming scores five year digital deal with global hockey body FIH

MUMBAI: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has netted a five-year strategic partnership with Endeavor Streaming to revamp its global streaming service, Watch.Hockey, in a bid to drive up digital engagement and fan experience for the stick-and-ball sport worldwide.

The deal will create a one-stop digital destination for hockey enthusiasts to access live action from all FIH competitions and other events from the global hockey community throughout the year.

Set to launch ahead of a packed calendar of events including the FIH Hockey Pro League and various Nations Cup tournaments, the beefed-up platform will stream more than 600 events live to fans globally. The service will cover all major competitions including the FIH Hockey World Cup, Pro League, Nations Cups, Junior World Cup, Hockey5s World Cup and Indoor Hockey World Cup.

Fans hungry for hockey content will also be able to feast on highlights and historical matches from the FIH archive on Watch.Hockey, available across web, smart TVs, iOS and Android mobile devices.

Under the partnership, Endeavor Streaming will support and develop the FIH’s direct-to-consumer strategy, providing business advisory, audience development, technical deployment, content operations and customer service. The platform will be powered by Endeavor Streaming’s Vesper Platform, a complete end-to-end streaming solution designed to help sports bodies build profitable direct-to-consumer experiences.

FIH president Tayyab Ikram said: “Developing and promoting the game is at the very top of the FIH mission. In this regard, the new version of our streaming platform, Watch.Hockey, shall play an even bigger role than ever before in enhancing the visibility of hockey worldwide.”

Endeavor Streaming president Fred Santarpia added: “This partnership combines our world-class streaming technology and digital strategy capabilities to deliver sustained commercial growth for international hockey.”
The collaboration taps into Endeavor Streaming’s experience in delivering innovative direct-to-consumer streaming offerings for leading sports organisations including UEFA, the National Women’s Soccer League, Ligue 1 McDonald’s, World Rugby and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.

For hockey fans worldwide, this partnership promises to be anything but a short corner, with ambitious plans to bring the sport to screens big and small for years to come.

March 18, 2025
Come 1 April, WWE will bodyslam its way onto Netflix in India

MUMBAI: In a spectacular manoeuvre that has the wrestling world buzzing, WWE has officially announced its debut on Netflix India, following a colossal $5 billion deal that will see the streaming giant become the new home of spandex-clad drama and high-flying action.

Starting 1 April 2025, Indian fans can swap their remote-wrestling for front-row streaming as WWE’s chief content officer, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, delivered the news via YouTube with all the dramatic flair of a perfectly executed entrance theme.

“The Netflix era is upon us,” declared Triple H, confirming that Indian viewers will soon have uninterrupted access to RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and premium live events including SummerSlam, Money in the Bank, and the crown jewel – WrestleMania.

The streaming platform isn’t just pinning down the basics. Netflix will unleash a treasure trove of archival content from the WWE vault, giving fans the opportunity to bodyslam their way through decades of wrestling nostalgia.

“Created for fans and presented live and in living colour,” announced Netflix, “we’re stepping into the ring with WWE, showcasing serialised storytelling and high-adrenaline action three times a week, 52 weeks a year.”

After years of WWE content being broadcast through Sony Sports Network – whose five-year deal taps out in March – this move represents a championship belt change in how Indian audiences consume their favourite squared-circle entertainment.

In a move that would make any good tag-team partner proud, Netflix is also introducing Hindi commentary, ensuring that even the verbal smackdowns translate perfectly to the local audience.

“Through this partnership, WWE fans in India will have seamless and immersive access to all WWE programming,” WWE declared in its press release, effectively drop-kicking barriers to viewing.

With India boasting one of WWE’s most devoted international fanbases, this Netflix partnership promises to clothesline the competition and reach even more enthusiasts with its unique cocktail of athleticism, drama, and larger-than-life storytelling.

The question on everyone’s lips now isn’t “Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?” but rather, “Are your streaming devices ready?”

As WWE prepares to power-bomb its way onto Netflix India, fans can expect nothing less than a championship-calibre viewing experience.

March 9, 2025
JioHotstar to live stream Mahashivratri: The Divine Night

MUMBAI: JioHotstar is accelerating its live event offerings following the success of the Coldplay, concert stream. On 26 March at 6 pm, the platform will launch ‘Mahashivratri: The Divine Night’ – a first-of-its-kind, multi-format, multi-location live event delivering an immersive experience of the festival.

Combining storytelling and technology, the platform will make Lord Shiva celebrations accessible to millions of users. Viewers can witness over 20 aartis from all Jyotirlingas in real time across multiple streams.
JioHotstar has partnered with Isha Foundation to broadcast their rituals and musical performances, including meditations and teachings by Sadhguru. Popular singer-composer Sona Mohapatra will lead performances spanning different genres.

The event will also feature live meditations from The Art of Living, led by spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who commented: “Mahashivratri is an occasion to align with the cosmos to connect with the Divinity within.”

Additionally, viewers can enjoy a special three-hour episode of ‘Devo Ke Dev… Mahadev’ showcasing the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Sadhguru added: “Through JioHotstar, this powerful night becomes even more accessible, where technology bridges distances and spirituality unites us all.”

February 25, 2025
Prime Video & Bombay Film Cartel to premiere Dupahiya on 7 March

MUMBAI: Prime Video has announced the launch of its latest Indian original series Dupahiya marking the production debut of Bombay Film Cartel, the company announced today. The series will premiere on 7 March 2025 on the platform.

The first production venture from Bombay Film Cartel, founded by Shubh Shivdasani and Salona Bains Joshi, it has been scripted by writers Chirag and Avinash, who have developed what Prime Video describes as “a fresh, authentic and rooted story.”

The trailer kicks off in the fictional village of Dhadakpur—also known as the Belgium of Bihar – that is on the cusp of celebrating being crime-free for 25 years. But chaos strikes when a never-seen-before motorbike, that was purchased as a wedding gift gets stolen seven days before the ceremony! With the fate of the wedding left hanging, the journey the family and the ex-lover of the bride take to find the Dupahiya forms the heart of this comedy that deals with the hopes and aspirations of simple people.

Sonam Nair has directed the series. With a perfect blend of humour, chaos, and intrigue, the Original series is brought to life by a highly talented and versatile cast, featuring Gajraj Rao, Renuka Shahane, Bhuvan Arora, Sparsh Shrivastava, Shivani Raghuvanshi, and Yashpal Sharma in the lead roles.

Prime Video India head of Indian originals Nikhil Madhok emphasised the platform’s commitment to nurturing new talent.

“At Prime Video, we are constantly looking to back new voices and talent,” said Madhok. “Shubh and Salona have been incredible partners through this journey, and we are proud that ‘Dupahiya’ is their first production.”
Madhok praised director Sonam Nair’s execution of the series, describing it as “warm and funny.”

The collaboration between Prime Video and Bombay Film Cartel represents the streaming platform’s ongoing strategy to develop original content with emerging production houses and creative talent in India,

February 24, 2025
Roku reports strong growth in 2024, surpassing $4bn revenue

MUMBAI: Streaming platform specialist Roku has announced robust financial results for 2024, with total net revenue reaching $4.1 billion (£3.2bn), marking an 18 per cent year-over-year increase. Platform revenue grew to $3.5 billion, up 18 per cent year-over-year, or 15 per cent excluding political advertising spend. Gross profit rose 19 per cent to $1.8 billion.

The company reported significant growth in its user base, with streaming households reaching 89.8 million, representing a net increase of 9.8 million from 2023. Streaming hours climbed by 21.1 billion to 127.1 billion hours, whilst average revenue per user reached $41.49 on a trailing 12-month basis, up 4 per cent.

In a letter to shareholders, Roku highlighted its fourth quarter achievement of surpassing $1 billion in platform revenue, a 25 per cent year-over-year increase. The company noted that its US market penetration has exceeded half of all broadband households.

Device Business Performance: The company maintained its position as the leading TV operating system in the US, Canada and Mexico. Device revenue rose 20 per cent to $590.1 million in 2024, with fourth-quarter revenue of $165.7 million, up 7 per cent. However, increased seasonal discounts affected fourth-quarter device gross margins, which stood at negative 29 per cent.

Content Platform Growth: The Roku Channel, the company’s content platform, reached approximately 145 million people in US households during the fourth quarter, maintaining its position as the third most popular app on the platform. Streaming hours on the channel increased by 82 per cent year-over-year, with more than 80 per cent of streaming hours originating from the Roku Experience in December.

Future Outlook: For the first quarter of 2025, Roku forecasts total net revenue of $1.005 billion, a 14 per cent increase year-over-year. The company projects platform revenue growth of 16 per cent, whilst device revenue is expected to remain flat due to elevated inventory levels following the holiday period.

For the full year 2025, Roku anticipates total net revenue of $4.61 billion, with platform revenue reaching $3.95 billion, representing 12 per cent growth. The company expects to achieve positive operating income by 2026.
The company will discontinue quarterly reporting of streaming households and average revenue per user metrics from the first quarter of 2025.

February 15, 2025
Coldplay live streaming recalibrates concert culture in India

Mumbai: The live-streaming of Coldplay’s electrifying concert on Disney+ Hotstar has not only brought a surreal experience to millions of fans but has also marked a transformative moment for live concerts in India. Held at the sprawling Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat, the event captured the grandeur of a packed audience of 1,34,000, their glowing wristbands creating a mesmerising spectacle.

Promoted initially by BookMyShow and later live-streamed by Disney+ Hotstar, the concert’s live streaming was a masterstroke. The move catapulted Disney+ Hotstar into the spotlight, positioning it as a digital hub for India’s aspirational youth. For fans across the country, the live stream was a cultural shift akin to Netflix’s game-changing Tyson-Paul fight broadcast.

From the 28-year-old yelling in delight at his favourite song to the nine-year-old dancing in a darkened room to Chris Martin’s vocals, the event resonated deeply with fans of all ages. While production values weren’t on a par with Taylor Swift or Madonna concerts, Martin’s Hindi and Gujarati phrases, banter with cricket star Jasprit Bumrah and tribute to India’s greatest fast bowler ever, singing of Vande Mataram and heartfelt fan interactions made the concert unforgettable. And even more so for folks at home who could not make it to the venue because they could not get a ticket. The broadcast made it feel like you were there – immersive as it was.

The scale and success of the event underscore India’s emergence as a global concert destination. While iconic performers like Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, and Boney M once graced India’s stages, Coldplay’s tour sends a message to the world: India is ready for more.

Streaming platforms and sponsors are taking note of the opportunities. Reports suggest the Disney+ Hotstar live stream was a revenue-sharing model, with the concert’s title sponsorship fetching around Rs 10 crore and total streaming revenues touching Rs 18 crore.

With 300,000 tickets sold at an average price of Rs 6,000, the Coldplay India Tour generated nearly Rs 250 crore (including sponsorship), demonstrating the immense potential of the live concert economy. (The above figures might well be an underestimate. Disney+ Hotstar revealed that the concert attracted 83 lakh views and 165 million minutes of watch time after this comment piece was written. The livestream’s success was particularly pronounced in seven key regions – Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, NCR Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal – which accounted for 85 per cent of the total viewership.)

As India steps into the spotlight, the onus now lies on talent and tour managers to capitalise on this momentum. With better planning, sponsorships, and a robust annual schedule featuring both global and Indian artists, the live concert scene in India is poised for a vibrant future. Coldplay and Disney+Hotstar may have just opened the floodgates for what promises to be a new era for music lovers and performers alike.

We also asked ChatGpt to comment on our comment and write a comment piece on the Coldplay performance and this what it came up with. click here.

January 27, 2025
Rajshri Productions to make OTT debut with Bada Naam Karenge on Sony Liv

MUMBAI: Rajshri Productions and the Barjatya family have regaled us with family-oriented movies for decades now. Whether it was Nadiya ke Paar or Jeevan Mrityu or Maine Pyar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Koun or the more recent Uunchai, families flocked to the cinema halls knowing what they were going to get: squeaky-clean-emotional-yet-entertaining- and-very rooted-in-Indian-culture fare.

Now, the production house is set to make its highly anticipated OTT debut with the series Bada Naam Karenge premiering on 7 February on Sony Liv. This heart-warming tale explores themes of love, family, and self-discovery, perfectly timed for the season of romance.

Directed by Palash Vaswani, known for Gullak, and helmed by legendary showrunner Sooraj R. Barjatya, Bada Naam Karenge infuses a modern twist into traditional storytelling, remaining true to Rajshri’s legacy of heartfelt narratives.

The series follows Rishabh and Surbhi, a Gen Z couple navigating their dreams while embracing the warmth of family values. Their journey intertwines love, tradition, and self-identity, aiming to evoke laughter, tears, and introspection.

Showrunner Sooraj R. Barjatya remarked: “Bada Naam Karenge is a labor of love that celebrates family and respect for tradition in a modern world. It bridges generational gaps, showing that Gen Z can be ambitious yet deeply rooted in values.”

Director Palash Vaswani added: “I believe the innocent romance that once graced our screens is missing from modern entertainment. This show aims to revive that beloved genre, offering a family-friendly experience that resonates with all ages.”

The stellar cast includes Ritik Ghanshani, Ayesha Kaduskar, Kanwaljeet Singh, Alka Amin, and Jameel Khan, among others.

Bada Naam Karenge invites viewers to rediscover love and family values, showcasing moments that inspire and uplift.

January 20, 2025