ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Front and centre Manorama News makes a clear case for credibility

    Front and centre Manorama News makes a clear case for credibility

    MUMBAI: In the age of blink-and-miss news, Manorama News is making sure you don’t miss a thing by being quite literally right in front of you. The Malayalam news powerhouse is turning heads and tuning in hearts with its sharp brand refresh and high-impact campaign, Neril Kaanam which translates to “Right in Front of You.” With a tagline that doubles as a promise, the initiative repositions Manorama News not just as a source of updates, but as an omnipresent part of a Malayali’s daily routine.

    This strategic rebranding now live across TV, digital, and mobile platforms isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about agility, authenticity, and attention. The refresh includes a sleeker logo, bigger fonts for bite-sized clarity, and graphics built with a digital-first lens all designed by Ian Wormleighton of Twin Associates, UK, who’s also helped craft visual identities for the BBC.

    “Viewers shouldn’t have to go looking for the news, it should find them,” said MM TV CEO P. R. Satheesh. “That’s the essence of Neril Kaanam.”

    The results are showing. Whether it’s breaking news, local weather or cricket scores, everything now lands front and centre literally. The channel has also launched new shows like Actually Enthannu Sambhavichathu, Trending News, and Innu Nadannathu, designed to give viewers more depth without the drag.

    What’s truly breaking new ground, however, is the use of anchors themselves in a set of six promotional films, a first in Indian TV news marketing turning familiar faces into brand storytellers.

    With a 360-degree marketing push spanning television, print, digital, and outdoor, the Neril Kaanam message is everywhere. And early feedback suggests it’s working viewers are noticing, conversations are spiking, and digital engagement metrics are climbing.

    In short, Manorama News isn’t just refreshing its look, it’s refreshing how news is seen, heard, and trusted.

  • 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.

  • Psych-ed up for scares as Abundantia and Furia forge horror pact

    Psych-ed up for scares as Abundantia and Furia forge horror pact

    MUMBAI: Get ready to sleep with the lights on, Chhorii is just the beginning. Riding high on the bone-chilling success of Chhorii 2, Abundantia Entertainment and horror maverick Vishal Furia are joining forces once again to craft a new wave of fright fests under the studio’s dedicated horror vertical, Psych.

    With critics and fans still reeling from Chhorii 2’s sinister twists and culturally grounded horror, the sequel has cemented itself as a standout in Indian horror both terrifying and thoughtful. Now, director Furia and Abundantia’s Vikram Malhotra are doubling down on the genre with a fresh slate of terrifying tales that go beyond shadows and jump scares.

    “Vishal’s storytelling is rooted, gripping and layered, he’s redefined horror for Indian audiences. Together, we’re not just making scary films. We’re building an entire universe of fear that mirrors the evolving Indian psyche,” said Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Abundantia Entertainment.

    Furia echoed the thrill: “Our journey with Chhorii has just scratched the surface. Psych is the next chapter, an incubator for stories that leave lasting chills, long after the screen goes dark.”

    The collaboration is already in motion with two films in development. One is inspired by a shocking real-life incident in urban India, while the second ventures deep into the spine-tingling realms of Indian cultural mythology.

    With Psych, Abundantia becomes one of India’s only content studios with a dedicated horror label aiming not just to entertain, but to transform how Indian viewers experience the genre. The productions will be platform-agnostic, promising edge-of-the-seat scares across OTT and theatrical screens alike.

    From emotionally intelligent hauntings to folklore-fuelled fear, this duo isn’t just raising the bar they’re raising the dead.

  • Greaves Electric Mobility shifts gears with Vikas Singh as new managing director

    Greaves Electric Mobility shifts gears with Vikas Singh as new managing director

    MUMBAI: Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd (GEML), the EV arm of Greaves Cotton, has plugged in fresh leadership with the appointment of Vikas Singh as its new managing director, effective 2 June. He takes the wheel just as India’s EV market hits the fast lane.

    With a career that cuts across India’s most dynamic consumer sectors and a knack for navigating regulated terrain, Singh is expected to inject agility and momentum into GEML’s next growth sprint. He steps in to lead the current management team, tasked with scaling up the company’s vision of making smart, sustainable mobility accessible to every Indian.

    An alumnus of FMS, University of Delhi, Singh has held senior roles across Indian and global firms, bringing with him a playbook of transformation, growth, and grit.

    “In line with our long-term strategic vision and continued focus on strengthening leadership for  future growth, the Board of Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd has approved the appointment of  Mr. Vikas Singh as managing director, effective June 2, 2025,” Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd.

    The move signals GEML’s deepening commitment to democratising e-mobility — a sector now charged with innovation, policy tailwinds and rising mass appeal. With Singh at the helm, Greaves is clearly betting on experience meeting acceleration.
     

  • 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.

  • Screen time turns scream time as PVR Inox rolls out Kerala Comedy Fest

    Screen time turns scream time as PVR Inox rolls out Kerala Comedy Fest

    MUMBAI: Why should the big screen have all the fun? This June, Kerala’s moviegoers can expect less drama and more laughter as PVR Inox transforms its plush cinemas into live comedy hotspots. India’s largest multiplex chain, PVR Inox, is hitting refresh on the moviegoing experience with the launch of the Comedy Fest in Kerala, a three-weekend-long celebration of stand-up comedy in partnership with Comedy Lounge, the state’s foremost comedy collective. From rising local stars to crowd-favourite comics, the fest promises a chuckle-fuelled line-up all served in the comfort of air-conditioned auditoriums with top-tier sound and lighting.

    The festival kicks off on 14 June at PVR Lulu Mall, Kochi, with ‘Straight Outta Kochi’, Comedy Lounge’s signature showcase featuring top Kochi-based comics. The bilingual act (English & Malayalam) is designed to tickle funny bones across Kerala.

    Next up, on 21 June, is the ‘Vishnu Pai Crowd Work Show’ at Inox Sobha City Mall, Thrissur. Known for his razor-sharp wit and pan-India performances, Vishnu Pai Kerala’s top-rated English-language comic brings his improv-style set that thrives on audience interaction.

    The month wraps up with the ever-popular Kochi Open Mics on 28 June, back at PVR Lulu Mall, bringing a blend of English, Malayalam, and Hindi humour from emerging comics, keeping things fresh, unscripted, and full of surprises.

    But this isn’t just a one-off laugh riot. It’s part of PVR Inox’s broader strategy to diversify cinema spaces into multi-format cultural hubs. From indie film screenings to live theatre and now stand-up comedy, the brand is reimagining its venues as stages for local stories and spontaneous joy.

    “This isn’t just about bringing comics into theatres,” said PVR Inox Ltd chief business planning & strategy Kamal Gianchandani. “It’s about expanding the definition of entertainment and connecting with audiences in a format that’s local, lively and unmissably real.”

    As Kerala’s stand-up scene gains momentum, the Comedy Fest offers comics a high-quality platform and audiences a fresh reason to head back to the theatre this time, not for the plot twists, but for the punchlines.
     

  • Rush by Hike rolls the dice with Krushna Abhishek in #ChaloJeetKiChaal debut

    Rush by Hike rolls the dice with Krushna Abhishek in #ChaloJeetKiChaal debut

    MUMBAI: Rush, Hike’s high-stakes skill gaming platform, has unleashed its maiden brand campaign, #ChaloJeetKiChaal, roping in Krushna Abhishek to bring a heady mix of humour, hustle, and homegrown wit to India’s Ludo-loving masses.

    Touted as its boldest comms blitz yet, the five-week campaign spans TV, radio, and digital and targets over 20 million players across India’s rapidly growing Hindi-speaking belt. With Ludo at the heart of the action, Krushna channels the ultimate jugaadu gamer, proving that in both life and gaming, dimaag se khelo, aur jeet pakki karo.

    “#ChaloJeetKiChaal is our way of turning the spotlight on India’s sharpest gamers – people who play smart, hustle hard, and know that strategy & skill always wins over chance. We wanted the campaign to be as fun and fast-paced as the platform itself and bring gaming into the mainstream conversation with a smile,” said Hike CFO Manish Kumar.

    The campaign is packed with big moves:

    .  A 360° media splash across television, radio and digital

    .  Influencer integrations with Manisha Rani, Sunny Singh, and Nitish Rana

    . Vernacular-driven storytelling for deeper Bharat penetration

    .  In-app contests and the flagship Leedo Champions League—offering cash, gadgets, even wheels

    Far from being another luck-of-the-draw gaming pitch, Rush is doubling down on its skill-first promise. Every Ludo match is built to reward strategy, not serendipity, and the platform continues to invest in transparent matchmaking and user education to keep it that way.

    “India’s real-money gaming industry is rapidly evolving into something far more aspirational, rooted in skill, culture, and mass accessibility,” said Kumar. “Krushna was a natural choice for this campaign. He embodies the spirit of Bharat — quick-witted, endlessly relatable, and driven by hustle. His energy captures the heart of our vision: a gaming experience that’s skill-first, deeply inclusive, and unmistakably fun. This is what the future of gaming in India looks like.”

    With the dice rolling and the stakes high, Rush is inviting Bharat’s next-gen gamers to bring their A-game. After all, jeet unhi ki hoti hai jo chaal chalte hain dimaag se.

  • Star Utsav scripts a blockbuster comeback on FTA turf

    Star Utsav scripts a blockbuster comeback on FTA turf

    MUMBAI: Star Utsav is on a ratings roll, clinching the top Free-to-Air (FTA) spot for the eighth consecutive week since its high-voltage return. The channel has struck gold with its heady mix of nostalgia, daily drama, and culturally rooted storytelling that’s kept the Hindi heartland hooked.

    Powered by prime-time juggernauts like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin and Rabba Ve, Star Utsav hasn’t just topped the FTA charts—it’s also rubbing shoulders with pay TV biggies in the Hindi-speaking markets.

    “The strong reception to Star Utsav’s return validates the power of compelling storytelling. Our curated content strategy focused on family-driven narratives has enabled the channel to swiftly reclaim leadership in the FTA space. We remain committed to delivering scale and value to both audiences and advertisers alike,” said a Star Utsav spokesperson.

    What’s really driving viewership? A trio of relatable female leads—Sai, Akshara, and Khushi—who bring sass, strength, and substance to the small screen. They’ve emerged as icons for young Indian women, particularly in the 15–30 age group, where the channel leads the pack.

    And just when viewers thought it couldn’t get more nostalgic, Star Utsav unleashed Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, with Smriti Irani’s Tulsi returning to living rooms and melting hearts anew.

    With a heady cocktail of mythology, romance, drama, and legacy soaps, Star Utsav is proving that when it comes to storytelling, tradition still sells—especially when it’s served with a side of prime-time flair.

    **Source: BARC, 15+,HSM U+R, Week 14-21’2025

  • Tecno kicks off second season with Indian Football Foundation

    Tecno kicks off second season with Indian Football Foundation

    MUMBAI: Tecno is back for a second innings with the Indian Football Foundation (IFF), reaffirming its commitment to grassroots football and youth upliftment through its CSR programme.

    The global smartphone maker will continue backing six young players from underserved communities, offering them residential training at Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) in Hosur and Nashik. The extended partnership ensures that talent doesn’t go unnoticed—or unsupported—on or off the pitch.

    The fresh crop of scholars—Teinam L. Marshilong, Muhammed Fousan, Thokchom K.C. Singh, Ajolbin Kharkhylliang, Monisha Singha, and Sanfida Nongrum—join the ranks of seven total athletes nurtured under this ongoing alliance.

    Commenting on the partnership, Tecno CEO Arijeet Talapatra said, “Our partnership with the Indian Football Foundation is driven by a shared vision to create inclusive opportunities that help young talents from diverse backgrounds realize their full potential. By supporting their journey on and off the field, we aim to foster stronger communities and inspire the next generation of sports leaders.”

    The results are already showing. Two supported players—Monisha and Sanfida—are starring in Garhwal United FC’s Indian Women’s League 2 squad. In fact, under Sanfida’s captaincy, the team recently topped their group and headed into the IWL qualifiers with momentum on their side.

    “This partnership is more than just financial support—it’s a lifeline for young, talented footballers who may not otherwise have access to professional training and education. We are grateful to TECNO for their continued belief in our mission,” said Indian Football Foundation founder trustee Bhaichung Bhutia.

    From local fields to national leagues, this partnership proves that a good assist off the field can lead to real goals on it.