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Category: News Headline

  • Studio Blo gets its Hollywood script with Chad Greulach in the frame

    Studio Blo gets its Hollywood script with Chad Greulach in the frame

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera… algorithm! India’s Studio Blo, the country’s pioneering AI film studio, is ready to roll on its biggest project yet, a Hollywood partnership with veteran producer Chad Greulach, whose credits stretch across Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Discovery.

    Greulach’s cinematic résumé is no small scroll, he’s worked with names that light up marquees and arenas alike: Leonardo DiCaprio, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Lenny Kravitz, Gene Simmons and Criss Angel, to name a few. Now, he’s stepping into the world of AI storytelling with Studio Blo to craft original entertainment IPs for the American market where human creativity meets machine precision.

    The partnership will see the duo co-develop AI-powered stories and content for studios, music labels, channels and brands, while also expanding Faimous, Studio Blo’s AI-led celebrity IP engine into Hollywood. The move aims to merge AI’s creative horsepower with star-driven storytelling, opening new frontiers in how celebrity and content intersect.

    For Studio Blo, the announcement marks another bold step in a journey that’s already caught global attention. Its current slate includes “Warlord”, an AI-generated TV series co-produced with acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, which explores the emotional and philosophical edges of AI and human imagination.

    “Our collaboration with Chad marks a defining moment in our journey where India will make stories for the world,” said Studio Blo co-founder and CEO Dipankar Mukherjee. “We’re using our proprietary AI tech stack as a creative collaborator with the finest global talent. Chad’s expertise will help us craft AI-first stories that are emotionally rich, visually stunning and globally resonant.”

    Greulach, for his part, sees the partnership as the future in motion. “The future of entertainment lies at the crossroads of technology and creativity, and Studio Blo is right at that intersection,” he said. “Dipankar and his team aren’t just experimenting, they’re reimagining storytelling itself. Together, we’ll build entertainment IPs that fuse human artistry with machine intelligence to captivate audiences everywhere.”

    As AI reshapes every frame of the creative process from script to screen Studio Blo is positioning itself as India’s breakout player in the global AI entertainment ecosystem, proving that the next big Hollywood story might just be coded in India.

    With this alliance, Studio Blo isn’t just crossing continents, it’s blurring the line between imagination and innovation, showing that in the world of film, even intelligence can be artificial but emotion never is.
     

  • Anime meets game as Crunchyroll and HoYoverse level up together

    Anime meets game as Crunchyroll and HoYoverse level up together

    MUMBAI: It’s the ultimate crossover episode where watching and playing collide. Crunchyroll and HoYoverse are joining forces for a special global collaboration that promises to blur the line between anime marathons and gaming marathons. From 6 November 2025 to 27 January 2026, Honkai: Star Rail players will not only get in-game rewards but also a taste of Crunchyroll premium for free.

    When the event page goes live on 6 November, eligible players of Honkai: Star Rail can snag a 14-day Crunchyroll Mega Fan free trial by linking their game and streaming accounts. But that’s not all, the anime world gets its own treat with the premiere of “Chimerric Park,” a special edition of HoYoFair 2025’s fan art series, streaming exclusively on Crunchyroll for two weeks.

    By watching Chimerric Park and completing missions, fans can earn Honkai: Star Rail goodies including Stellar Jades, Lost Crystals, and other cosmic treasures. The campaign rolls out in four waves, keeping players hooked across the festive months:

    .  Round 1: 6 Nov 2025 (6 PM PT) – 25 Nov 2025 (5:59 pm PT)

    .  Round 2: 25 Nov 2025 (6 PM PT) – 16 Dec 2025 (5:59 pm PT)

    . Round 3: 16 Dec 2025 (6 PM PT) – 6 Jan 2026 (5:59 pm PT)

    .  Round 4: 6 Jan 2026 (6 PM PT) – 27 Jan 2026 (5:59 pm PT)

    Crunchyroll executive vice president of emerging business Terry Li explained why the partnership feels almost inevitable: “We know that nearly 80% of anime fans play anime or anime-related games, and 40% of our audience are spending more than 20 hours a week on games like Honkai: Star Rail. Delivering in-game rewards to Crunchyroll Members is our way of enhancing their gaming experiences and creating compelling moments to jump into titles that speak to our fans.”

    For HoYoverse, the collaboration also celebrates the fans who turn Honkai: Star Rail into a cultural phenomenon. “Chimerric Park” brings together global artists who’ve transformed their passion for the game into dazzling visuals, now premiering alongside the world’s most beloved anime on Crunchyroll.

    The partnership neatly coincides with the launch of Version 3.7 – “As Tomorrow Became Yesterday”, which introduces a slate of fresh content and the much-awaited five-star character Cyrene (Remembrance). Players diving into the event can collect up to 120 Stellar Jades and more through limited-time quests.

    From premium streaming perks to in-game riches, this Crunchyroll x HoYoverse tie-up is more than a marketing move, it’s a love letter to fandom itself. So whether you’re grinding levels or bingeing arcs, this winter’s crossover gives you plenty of reason to hit “play.”

  • Krvvy urges women to rethink lingerie for well-being

    Krvvy urges women to rethink lingerie for well-being

    MUMBAI: This October, as pink ribbons bloom across India, Krvvy, the country’s first functional d2c lingerie brand, is putting the spotlight on something often ignored in breast health conversations: the bra.

    According to a recent Krvvy survey of over 1,000 women, 93 per cent rate comfort as important, 99 per cent say fit is key, yet one in three still choose bras through trial and error, with less than half relying on self-measurement or digital sizing tools.

    “Women are increasingly aware of how comfort, fit, and fabric influence confidence, but few realise these factors also impact overall breast well-being,” said Krvvy co-founder and CEO Yash Goyal.

    Founded in 2024 by engineering graduates Yash Goyal and Anant Bhardwaj, Krvvy has quickly become one of India’s most talked-about lingerie startups, redefining inner-wear with comfort, inclusivity, and function at its heart.

    “We want women to see lingerie not as a beauty accessory, but as something that supports how they feel and care for their bodies every day,” Goyal added.

    Earlier this year, Krvvy raised Rs 6.1 crore in pre-seed funding from Titan Capital, All In Capital, and angel investors. The brand is using the funds for rresearch and development, digital sizing innovation, and retail expansion, making functional, well-fitted lingerie accessible nationwide.

    Krvvy’s approach blends data, design, and empathy, reflecting a shift in India’s Rs 80,000 crore women’s innerwear market, where conversations are moving from appearance to wellness and self-expression.

    In collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society, Bengaluru, Krvvy is promoting self-awareness, self-check, and self-care, reminding women that a simple, well-fitted bra is more than comfort, it’s a small, daily act of care.

    “We are not medical experts,” Goyal added, “but small changes in what women wear closest to their skin can inspire a mindful relationship with their bodies. Comfort is the first form of care.”

    As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, Krvvy’s message is clear: everyday comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s a foundation of well-being.

     

  • Venue gets a tech tune-up as Hyundai drives into the future

    Venue gets a tech tune-up as Hyundai drives into the future

    MUMBAI: Fasten your seatbelts, the Hyundai Venue just got a serious software update. The compact SUV that once ruled the roads with its style is now gearing up to rule with its smarts. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has unveiled the tech-packed, safety-loaded all-new Venue, promising to take Indian roads into the era of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs).

    Leading the charge is Hyundai’s futuristic ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) system, accelerated by Nvidia, paired with dual 62.5 cm (12.3” + 12.3”) curved panoramic displays that stretch across the dashboard like a digital command centre. It’s not just a screen, it’s a statement.

    The Venue also features an immersive 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, seamless OTA updates, and a fully digital 12.3-inch display cluster that keeps you updated on everything from tyre pressure to ADAS alerts. Add to that a Bose 8-speaker premium sound system, and every drive starts to feel like a private concert.

    “At HMIL, we’re committed to democratising global technologies for our customers in India,” said Hyundai Motor India whole-time director and COO Tarun Garg calling the new Venue “a bold step towards introducing SDVs in India.” He added that the Venue’s blend of “cutting-edge features and class-leading safety” would set new benchmarks in the compact SUV segment.

    For the gadget geeks, the new Venue goes all out. Expect 20 Controller Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, 70 Blue Link connected features, voice-enabled smart sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, cooled glovebox and even support for five voice recognition languages Hindi, English, Hinglish, Bengali and Tamil. Oh, and yes, it comes with the in-built JioSaavn app for your on-road playlists.

    But beneath the shiny tech, Hyundai has gone heavy on safety. The Venue boasts a super-strong body structure with 71 per cent ultra-high strength steel, making it sturdier than ever. It also features Hyundai SmartSense ADAS Level 2, packing 16 advanced driver assistance features like Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (for cars, pedestrians, cycles and junction turns), and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.

    In total, the SUV comes loaded with more than 65 safety features, 33 of which are standard across all variants. Think six airbags, all-four disc brakes, Hill-start Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and even a rollover sensor, it’s practically a fortress on wheels.

    Inside, it’s a symphony of comfort and convenience: rear AC vents, electric 4-way driver’s seat, Surround View Monitor, and the Bose system’s crisp acoustics make sure your journey feels as good as it sounds.

    Bookings are already open at Hyundai dealerships across India or online with a booking amount of Rs 25,000, ahead of the Venue’s grand debut on 4 November 2025.

    With its screens, sensors and smarts, the all-new Hyundai Venue isn’t just about reaching destinations, it’s about redefining how we get there. In a world going digital, this Venue is clearly designed for the front row.

     

  • Hybrid turns five, rewires the future of ad-tech

    Hybrid turns five, rewires the future of ad-tech

    MUMBAI: From a tiny 6 by 6 ft room to powering some of India’s biggest brands, Hybrid India has come a long way in just five years. The Gurgaon-based digital advertising innovator is marking its fifth anniversary with a celebration of creativity, technology, and people power.

    Founded in 2020 by Shreyas Sathe, who set out to redefine advertising during a turbulent time, Hybrid has become one of India’s fastest-growing Adtech players. Its suite of AI-powered solutions, including the Hybrid Platform, VOX (its contextual advertising engine), Hybrid Places, and CTV technologies, has reshaped how brands connect with audiences.

    Today, the company’s 35-plus strong team drives campaigns for marquee names like Havells, Honda, Dabur, Rado, MG Motors, Mondelez, ITC, Group M, Dentsu, and Publicis.

    “Our greatest strength lies in our people,” said Hybrid Insea CEO Shreyas Sathe. “Over the last five years, we’ve built not just a company, but a culture rooted in trust, empowerment, and shared ambition.”

    That ethos is echoed by Hybrid India country head Gandharv Sachdeva, who believes that Hybrid’s collaborative culture is what truly fuels innovation. “From off-site retreats to fun Fridays, we’ve built an environment where people grow both professionally and personally,” he said.

    As Hybrid looks ahead, its focus remains on innovation and sustainable success. With the digital advertising space evolving rapidly, the company is doubling down on its mission to empower brands with smarter, data-driven storytelling.

    Five years on, Hybrid isn’t just building ads, it’s building the future of how India experiences them.

     

  • TRAI reverses course on radio migration fees

    TRAI reverses course on radio migration fees

    DELHI: India’s telecoms regulator has U-turned on how private radio broadcasters should pay to shift to digital, ditching a convoluted averaging mechanism in favour of simpler reserve prices.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRA) issued a corrigendum on 27 October revising recommendations it sent to the ministry of information and broadcasting just three weeks earlier. The original policy, dated 3 October, had proposed that when cities failed to attract bids for new digital frequencies, migration fees for existing broadcasters should be calculated by averaging prices from similar-sized cities—but only if at least two cities in that category had received successful bids.

    The authority has now binned that approach. Upon review, regulators spotted that the averaging formula “could lead to certain aberrations in the migration amount vis-à-vis reserve price” in cities drawing no bids. Since reserve prices emerge from a formal valuation model and represent the minimum auction amount anyway, they make a more sensible baseline.

    The ministry had sought the regulator’s advice in April 2024 on framing a digital broadcast policy for private radio operators. Under the revised scheme, existing broadcasters wanting to simulcast in digital mode will pay an amount equal to the reserve price for new frequencies, minus the proportionate one-time entry fee already paid for their remaining licence period.

    The climbdown suggests India’s radio digitisation may prove trickier than expected—particularly if multiple cities fail to attract fresh bidders, leaving regulators scrambling for fair pricing formulas that don’t distort the market

  • Surej Salim takes the helm at Ad Club Madras

    Surej Salim takes the helm at Ad Club Madras

    MUMBAI: The ad world in Chennai just got a creative shake-up! Digitally Inspired Media co-founder and COO Surej Salim, has been elected as the 46th president of The Advertising Club Madras for 2025–2026, at the club’s annual general meeting held on 24 October.

    Known for his passion for creativity and collaboration, Surej steps into the role after serving as secretary, bringing nearly two decades of industry experience to one of India’s oldest advertising institutions.

    “It’s an honour to lead a legacy institution that’s been the heartbeat of the advertising community for nearly seven decades,” said Surej. “Our vision is to strengthen the community, celebrate creativity, and build more opportunities for learning and collaboration.”

    The AGM also paid tribute to the late Piyush Pandey, one of India’s most celebrated advertising icons, with a minute of silence, heartfelt speeches, and black ribbons as a mark of respect.

    Joining Surej on the new executive committee are Umanath V (Vice President, Medianews4u.com), Kavitha Srinivasan (Secretary, Coeus Communications), Stalin Periasamy (Joint Secretary, Presto Advertising), and Murugan K (Treasurer, Jaya TV). The Club also welcomed industry stalwarts from The Hindu Group, Catalyst PR, Deepsense Digital, and others.

    As the Club gears up for another dynamic year, its focus remains clear: fostering learning, recognition, and community. From the Maddys Awards celebrating creative excellence, to Adtalks, Insightview webinars, and student chapters nurturing young talent, the Club continues to be the beating heart of South India’s ad scene.

     

  • College Vidya launches online education day

    College Vidya launches online education day

    MUMBAI: Talk about a smart move, India just got its own Online Education Day! In a first-of-its-kind initiative, College Vidya has declared October 25 as Online Education Day, turning its foundation day into a nationwide celebration of digital learning, inclusion, and innovation.

    The idea? To honour the millions of learners, educators, and universities driving India’s online learning revolution, and to spotlight how technology has made higher education more accessible than ever. The Noida-based platform hopes the initiative will grow into an annual, sector-wide observance, with future recognition from national education bodies like UGC and AICTE.

    For its debut edition, College Vidya invited online universities across India to join in with student stories, video messages, and scholarship collaborations, all echoing a shared vision of credible, learner-centric digital education.

    “Online education has become the great equaliser, opening doors for millions who once stood outside the classroom,” said College Vidya founder and COO Rohit Gupta. “If electricity and the internet can reach every pincode, so should quality education. This day celebrates that belief.”

    Beyond the celebrations, the platform continues to walk the talk, having disbursed Rs 4.7 crore in financial aid so far and recently announcing 50 per cent subsidies for transgender learners, making higher education truly inclusive.

    With its lively ‘Learner Stories’ campaign and a symbolic cake-cutting spree across the country, College Vidya’s Online Education Day wasn’t just a nod to the digital age, it was a heartfelt reminder that learning has no limits when powered by connection, compassion, and a good Wi-Fi signal.

     

  • Curtain call: DTF returns with starry season 6

    Curtain call: DTF returns with starry season 6

    Delhi Theatre Festival, Alchemist Live, Prabhu Tony, Naseeruddin Shah, Anupam Kher, Lillete Dubey, Denzil Smith, Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Makarand Deshpande, Kumud Mishra, Pankaj Kapur, American Express, M3M India, Siri Fort Auditorium, NCUI Auditorium, OP Jindal Auditorium, Aurum Conventions, Gurugram, Delhi NCR

    MUMBAI: Delhi’s drama scene is ready to steal the spotlight once again! The Delhi Theatre Festival (DTF) is back for its sixth season, promising a show-stopping celebration of storytelling, stagecraft, and star power. Set to unfold from 14th to 16th November, the festival will light up four iconic venues across Delhi NCR, Siri Fort Auditorium, NCUI Auditorium, OP Jindal Auditorium, and Aurum Conventions in Gurugram.

    With American Express returning as the title sponsor for the sixth consecutive year and M3M India powering the event, DTF Season 6 is shaping up to be a blockbuster on and off stage. American Express platinum card members even enjoyed an exclusive presale window and special savings on tickets, a fitting reward for loyal theatre buffs.

    This year’s lineup reads like a who’s who of Indian theatre royalty. Naseeruddin Shah returns with Einstein, Anupam Kher brings Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai, and Lillete Dubey and Denzil Smith take the stage with Autobiography. Audiences can also look forward to Rajat Kapoor’s directorial Karamjale Brothers starring Vinay Pathak, Makarand Deshpande’s beloved Sir Sir Sarla, Kumud Mishra’s Dhumrapaan, and Pankaj Kapur’s Dreamz.

    “Over the past five seasons, DTF has grown from a city event into a cultural landmark,” said Alchemist Live CEO and co-founder Prabhu Tony. “With Season 6, we’re scaling up with premieres, legends, and new voices, all sharing one stage.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Naseeruddin Shah shared, “Every season brings a new energy and audience, that’s what keeps theatre alive.”

    With 12 plus shows and an expected 15,000-strong audience, DTF Season 6 is set to be the grandest edition yet. For Delhi’s theatre lovers, this November isn’t just about drama, it’s about centre stage, standing ovations, and a festival that promises to make every act count.

     

  • WPP Media’s ‘beyond price tags’ redefines India’s e-commerce game

    WPP Media’s ‘beyond price tags’ redefines India’s e-commerce game

    MUMBAI: Forget discounts and flash sales. India’s next e-commerce boom is getting a luxury makeover. WPP Media India has unveiled ‘Beyond Price Tags: The Power of Premiumization’ in India’s e-commerce boom, a new playbook that argues the future of online shopping is not just digital, but decisively premium.

    Launched in Mumbai, the report sheds light on how Indian consumers are moving beyond price wars and seeking something more lasting: experiences, personalisation, and ethics over mere affordability. The message is clear: value is being redefined.

    Drawing from insights by leading platforms, brands, and experts, the playbook highlights that premium demand is now democratised. Thanks to credit solutions, efficient delivery networks, and the rise of social and quick commerce, premium choices are no longer limited to metro buyers, they’re reaching the heart of Bharat.

    Among its key findings, the report identifies five defining shifts: the democratisation of premium demand; consumers’ appetite for elevated experiences; platform-driven brand reinvention; a cross-category tilt towards feature-rich, design-led products; and the evolution of mass brands into “masstige” offerings.

    To help brands turn insight into action, WPP Media introduces four strategic frameworks: Flash, Vista, Prime, and Rise, each designed to guide discoverability, curation, customer experience, and loyalty building in the digital era.

    “At WPP Media, we are constantly at the forefront of shaping the future of commerce,” said WPP Media South Asia COO Ashwin Padmanabhan. “The premiumization trend in Indian e-commerce is more than just a shift in price points, it reflects evolving consumer aspirations and the growing desire for quality, experience, and status.”

    Echoing this, WPP Media India head of commerce Sairam Ranganathan added, “Premiumization marks a pivotal shift where rising aspirations, global exposure, and digital empowerment are redefining how consumers engage with brands. This playbook is not just a guide but a catalyst for growth.”