Category: Television

  • Republic Media Network hosts Women’s Summit 2025: Voices That Empower

    Republic Media Network hosts Women’s Summit 2025: Voices That Empower

    MUMBAI: History teaches us one undeniable truth: when powerful voices unite, change becomes unstoppable.

    Republic Media Network has unveiled the second edition of its Women’s Summit, themed “Voices That Empower”, to honour the exceptional contributions of women across industries. Held on 23 January 2025, the summit aims to spotlight inspiring journeys and ignite conversations on gender equality, leadership, and women’s empowerment.

    The summit features 15 sessions led by a stellar roster of speakers, including trailblazing leaders, pioneers, and advocates, each sharing their expertise and stories of resilience. From healthcare and science to politics and entertainment, no stone is left unturned in exploring how women are shaping a more inclusive future.

    Key highlights include:

    ●    Bharat Biotech founder & MD, Suchitra Ella on women transforming healthcare and technology.

    ●    Adani Foundation CSR head Pankhti Shah on women’s influence in corporate social responsibility.

    ●    Former Supreme Court judge Indira Banerjee on increasing women’s representation in the judiciary.

    ●    Actress Nimrat Kaur on women’s evolving roles in global cinema.

    ●    Sri Sri University president Rajita Kulkarni Bagga on education as a tool for empowerment.

    ●    The youngest female to summit Mount Everest, Malavath Purna sharing her journey of resilience.

    ●    Young mountaineer Kaamya Kartikeyan on overcoming adversity and breaking records.

    ●    Actor & politician, Kushboo Sundar on combatting abuse and empowering women in politics and media.

    ●    Singer Usha Uthup on music’s power to inspire social change.

    ●    DRDO scientist G, Nidhi Bansal on the significant contributions of women in science.

    The Women’s Summit 2025 highlights Republic Media Network’s commitment to fostering inclusion and leadership. Sharing her excitement, Republic Media Network branded content – sales head, Rashmi Jha said, “Empowering women is not just about offering opportunities—it’s about creating platforms where women can own their voice and narrative. The Republic Media Network Women’s Summit celebrates women’s journeys toward equality and leadership.”

    From trailblazers like Malavath Purna to industry leaders such as Suchitra Ella, the event promises thought-provoking discussions, collaborative opportunities, and actionable strategies for building a more inclusive world.

    The Women’s Summit 2025 underscores the transformative power of women’s voices and their ability to shape industries, communities, and futures. It is set to be an unmissable event for advocates of equality, change, and innovation.

  • NeuralGarage finalist at SXSW Pitch 2025 with revolutionary VisualDub tech

    NeuralGarage finalist at SXSW Pitch 2025 with revolutionary VisualDub tech

    MUMBAI: For NeuralGarage, to revolutionise entertainment, the answer lies in VisualDub, its groundbreaking technology addressing the age-old problem of visual dissonance in dubbed content.

    Now, this Bangalore-based Generative AI start-up is set to showcase its innovation on the global stage as a finalist at SXSW Pitch 2025, competing in the ‘Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content’ category.

    VisualDub synchronises the lips and jaw movements of actors with dubbed audio, creating a seamless viewing experience for audiences without compromising the original resolution. Built for films, streaming platforms, broadcast networks, and advertising, this technology transforms how content is localised, enabling brands to produce native, authentic visuals in multiple languages—without skyrocketing production costs.

    “VisualDub is production-ready and meets the exacting standards of the entertainment industry,” said NeuralGarage co-founder & CEO Mandar Natekar. “Generative AI will rapidly change the way content is created, distributed, and consumed. With VisualDub, we are poised to drive this change from the front. We can’t wait to showcase the full spectrum of our technology at SXSW 25 in their pitch event.”

    VisualDub already has a proven track record, having been used by major global brands to adapt ad films into multiple languages seamlessly. This innovation reduces the need for costly re-shoots while delivering content that feels native and immersive to diverse audiences.

    VisualDub is the brainchild of IIT Kanpur alumni Subhabrata Debnath, Subhashish Saha, and Anjan Banerjee, along with media veteran Mandar Natekar. Together, they have built a product that has the potential to reshape the global entertainment and media landscape.

    On 8-9 March 2025, NeuralGarage will pitch VisualDub before a live audience of expert judges, including heavyweights like Esther Dyson of Wellville, Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital, and Jessica Robinson of Assembly Ventures. Hosted by Jim Breyer of Breyer Capital, SXSW Pitch promises unparalleled exposure to Hollywood power players and global investors.

    In an age where content localisation is a must for global reach, VisualDub offers a revolutionary way to make dubbed content visually cohesive and engaging. Will it win over the SXSW judges? With its cutting-edge technology and strong use cases, NeuralGarage is ready to take the leap.

  • Which of Netflix’s shows, films scored the most with viewers in Q4 2024?

    Which of Netflix’s shows, films scored the most with viewers in Q4 2024?

    MUMBAI: Which were the most watched digital originals and films that were watched on Netflix during Q4 2024? 

    Well you probably guessed correctly with the heavyweight champion Squid Game Season 2 from south Korea. 

    But which was the next most watched show? 

    Which was the top movie? 

    And which comedies regaled audiences the most? 

    With over 300 million paid memberships representing an estimated 700 million viewers worldwide, the streaming giant delivered hits across diverse genres, languages, and regions. 

    Its  letter to its shareholders gave the deets. And we are sharing them with you. Please go ahead and have a good time with the most watched pecking order of Netflix’s finest in Q4 2024.
     

    The cage, France

    Top TV Shows in Q4 2024
    1. Squid Game Season 2 (Korea)
    o Views: 165.7M
    o The much-anticipated follow-up to the global phenomenon became the most-watched Netflix series of the quarter, cementing its place in the cultural zeitgeist.
    2. Black Doves (UK)
    o Views: 46.8M
    o This gripping drama resonated strongly with audiences worldwide, solidifying its popularity.
    3. Outer Banks Season 4 (US)
    o Views: 36.8M
    o The adventure series continued to draw large audiences with its high-stakes storytelling and engaging characters.
    4. The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 (US)
    o Views: 33.9M
    o This legal drama returned with a riveting third season, captivating fans of courtroom intrigue.
    5. Virgin River Season 6 (US)
    o Views: 27.5M
    o The heartwarming series maintained its position as a fan favorite.

     

    Black doves

    6. The Cage (France)
    o Views: 24.4M
    o A psychological thriller that drew audiences with its intense storyline.
    7. The Diplomat Season 2 (US)
    o Views: 21.4M
    o The political drama showcased strong performances and complex narratives.
    8. The Empress Season 2 (Germany)
    o Views: 21.0M
    o This historical drama continued to intrigue viewers with its portrayal of 19th-century European royalty.
    9. Senna (Brazil)
    o Views: 16.2M
    o A tribute to the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, capturing the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts.
    10. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Colombia)
    * Views: 11.2M
    * The adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece attracted literary fans worldwide.

    Famil Pack

    Top Films in Q4 2024
    1. Carry-On (US)
    o Views: 160.1M
    o Starring Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton, this action-packed thriller became a massive global success.
    2. Our Little Secret (US)
    o Views: 84.4M
    o A suspenseful drama that captivated viewers with its twists.
    3. That Christmas (US/UK)
    o Views: 63.8M
    o Richard Curtis’s festive romance became a holiday favorite.
    4. The Six Triple Eight (US)
    o Views: 54.5M
    o Directed by Tyler Perry, this historical drama celebrated the heroism of WWII’s all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit.
    5. Family Pack (France)
    o Views: 43.5M
    o A charming comedy that resonated with audiences.

    Carry On

    Comedy and Stand-Up Specials
    * A Man on the Inside (US)
    o Views: 24.0M
    o Starring Ted Danson, this new comedy series quickly gained acclaim.
    * Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…
    o Views: 12.1M
    o A standout addition to Netflix’s stand-up lineup.
    * Mr. Plankton (Korea)
    o Views: 10.9M
    o A light-hearted comedy from Korea that delighted global audiences.
    * The Manny Season 2 (Mexico)
    o Views: 8.8M
    o The return of this heartwarming series proved to be a hit.

  • Tips Music Limited records Rs 6,482.69 lakh revenue in Q3 FY25

    Tips Music Limited records Rs 6,482.69 lakh revenue in Q3 FY25

    MUMBAI: Tips Music Limited, one of India’s leading entertainment companies, has struck a harmonious chord with its Q3 FY25 results. Founded by the entrepreneurial Kumar Taurani, the company grew from humble beginnings to an entertainment powerhouse with an estimated valuation of Rs 2,500 crore. Known for its vast library of over 25,000 songs and its knack for identifying talent, Tips Music has become synonymous with Indian cinema hits and evergreen melodies.

    As competition heats up, Tips Music faces stiff challenges from heavyweights like T-Series and Saregama, which dominate the Indian music industry with their extensive catalogues of film, devotional, and indie music. But Tips isn’t just playing second fiddle—it’s expanding aggressively into the digital space, forging partnerships with streaming giants and exploring new verticals like live events and licensing. The acquisition of regional music rights and a foray into independent artist promotions show that Tips is striking all the right notes.

    But as with any chart-topper, the journey comes with its share of high notes and challenges. Will Tips Music hit a crescendo, or will it need to retune to keep up with the industry tempo?

    In Q3 FY25, Tips Music achieved total income of Rs 6,825.79 lakh, up from Rs 6,466.33 lakh in the previous quarter. Other income contributed Rs 344.70 lakh, adding depth to the financial performance. Expenses, however, surged to Rs 5,911.24 lakh, with content costs hitting Rs 2,271.01 lakh and employee benefits reaching Rs 344.70 lakh.

    Despite these expenses, the company played a strong financial tune. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at Rs 914.55 lakh, showcasing operational efficiency amidst rising costs. The Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter stood at Rs 422.65 lakh, reflecting solid profitability in a competitive entertainment industry. Notably, the EBITDA for the quarter came in at Rs 1,455.15 lakh, demonstrating the company’s ability to manage operations effectively.

    When it comes to shareholder rewards, Tips Music hit all the right notes with its consistent dividend strategy. The company declared a third interim dividend for the financial year 2024-2025 at Rs. 3/- per equity share (a staggering 300% on the fully paid-up shares of Re. 1/- each). Now, isn’t that the kind of tune investors love to groove to?

    For the nine months ended 31 December 2024, Tips Music posted total revenues of Rs 23,219.78 lakh, a significant rise from the previous year’s Rs 17,832.57 lakh. PAT for this period reached Rs 1,359.02 lakh, reinforcing the company’s ability to balance growth and profitability. With EBITDA for the nine months clocking in at Rs 4,107.34 lakh, the company has shown resilience and operational finesse despite a challenging landscape.

    The company’s continued focus on content creation and digital distribution has paid off, with streaming platforms driving revenue growth. The entertainment industry, buoyed by growing digital consumption, provides a ripe environment for the company to expand its presence.

    As the entertainment landscape evolves, competition intensifies. Will Tips Music continue to hit the high notes, or will the cacophony of new entrants drown out its melody? Can their vast library of over 25,000 songs keep listeners grooving, or will shifting consumer preferences force them to remix their strategy?

    But let’s face it—staying on top of the charts takes more than just one hit single. It requires a finely tuned orchestra of innovation, agility, and maybe even a few encores.

     

  • Sony Sports Network secures broadcast rights for India’s first world pickleball league

    Sony Sports Network secures broadcast rights for India’s first world pickleball league

    MUMBAI: It’s lobbed the ball in the viewers’ court, with a cross court shot near the baseline.   Will Indian TV viewers manage to give an equally good return?

    Sony Sports Network will be telecasting the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL), set to debut on 24 January 2025. This franchise-based league aims to capitalise on the sport’s rapid growth in India, where more than 50,000 players are actively participating, and nearly 1,000 pickleball courts have emerged nationwide.

    Conceptualised by former tennis star Gaurav Natekar and ex-India No. 1 Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the WPBL promises thrilling “sportainment” with six teams—Dilli Dillwale, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, and Hyderabad Superstars—facing off in 18 high-stakes matches over ten days. The tournament will feature 48 elite international players from 14 countries, alongside India’s top talents, including Vrushali Thakare and Mayur Patil.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer & head of sports business Rajesh Kaul said: “The addition of the World Pickleball League affirms our efforts to provide diverse sporting content to our viewers.”

    WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar  praised Sony’s previous association in sports broadcasting, highlighting the network’s  commitment to engaging fans and elevating the league’s profile. 

  • Sonal Gupta joins Zee Entertainment Enterprises as senior vice president- syndication

    Sonal Gupta joins Zee Entertainment Enterprises as senior vice president- syndication

    Mumbai, India – Zee Entertainment Enterprises has appointed Sonal Gupta as its new senior vice president- syndication, based in Mumbai. With over 15 years of experience in the broadcast industry, Gupta brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Her appointment is effective November 2024. 

    Gupta’s most recent position was as head of content & alliances at One Life Studios, where she was responsible for leading syndication and acquisitions worldwide, driving business development through sales, licensing, and distribution, and curating content from renowned production houses.

    Prior to that, she held senior positions at IndiaCast Media, Videocon D2H, and Neo Sports Broadcast, with a focus on international content syndication, digital platforms, and business development.

    Gupta’s extensive experience in the industry has equipped her with a deep understanding of the global market and a proven track record of driving growth and increasing brand presence. She is expected to play a key role in shaping the company’s syndication strategy and expanding its global footprint.

  • Volvo drives into World Pickleball league as luxury mobility partner

    Volvo drives into World Pickleball league as luxury mobility partner

    MUMBAI: It’s driven right into a “pickular” partnership. Swedish car maker Volvo Car India has come on board the  World Pickleball League (WPBL) as official luxury mobility partner.  Unconfirmed estimates are that it has put in about Rs 50 lakh for the privilege.

    Founded by former top tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the WPBL aims to capture wide audiences through thrilling competitions and entertainment. The league will feature six teams competing in 48 matches over ten days, complemented by performances from renowned Indian artists.

    Natekar expressed pride in the partnership with Volvo, stating, “This collaboration underscores the league’s broad appeal and promise of high-octane action.”

    Volvo Card India MD Jyoti Malhotra added, “We are thrilled to support WPBL and believe it will significantly boost the sport’s popularity and engage discerning audiences who value luxury and performance.”

    The inaugural edition kicks off on 24 January, with tickets available on Swiggy Scenes and live coverage on FanCode. The  iconic Brabourne Stadium, will be playing host, marking the first time the historic venue will be holding  a non-cricket tournament, adding a new chapter to its illustrious legacy.

    The WPBL promises a unique blend of sports and entertainment, featuring performances from renowned artists including Dhvani Bhanushali, Suhani Shah, and the popular band The Yellow Diary. Fans can expect high-energy acts to complement the intense pickleball matches, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

    The opening day will feature thrilling matchups, including a much-anticipated Maharashtra derby where Mumbai Pickle Power faces Pune United, followed by a southern derby with Atlee’s Bengaluru Jawans taking on Samantha Prabhu’s Chennai Champs.

    The WPBL, promoted by Natekar Sports&  Gaming, is committed to growing the fandom for  pickleball in India through engaging events, community building, and grassroots initiatives in franchise cities. It also works closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and has the backing of Sony Corp as an investor. 

    (Picture courtesy: World Pickleball League facebook page)

  • Zee-Indira IVF shine a light on infertility with mini-series Vitromates

    Zee-Indira IVF shine a light on infertility with mini-series Vitromates

    MUMBAI: Zee TV, known for pushing the boundaries of storytelling, has launched Vitromates, an emotionally resonant mini-series tackling the challenges of infertility.

    The show is part of the ‘Zee Mini Series’ format, a revolutionary approach designed to captivate modern audiences with its bite-sized, seven-episode stories. But here’s the kicker: Zee has partnered with Indira IVF to bring authenticity and awareness to this sensitive topic.

    Do we talk about infertility enough? Probably not. And that’s precisely why Vitromates is here—to tell stories that matter and, hopefully, shatter some taboos along the way.

    The series introduces Kriti, a widow contemplating IVF to fulfil her late husband Ved’s dream of parenthood. At Dr. Tejaswini’s IVF clinic, Kriti reconnects with three women—Maya, Madhuri, and Asha—each grappling with their own fertility struggles. Together, they form the ‘Vitromates’, a circle of support that embodies resilience, friendship, and hope.

    From Maya’s financial struggles to Madhuri’s marital doubts and Asha’s secret IVF journey amid family tensions, the show masterfully navigates the emotional rollercoaster of infertility. And the ending? A heartwarming testament to human strength and new beginnings.

    This collaboration with Indira IVF aims to normalise conversations around infertility—a condition that affects millions but is often swept under the rug. Did you know only 2 per cent of affected individuals seek treatment? Through Zee’s vast network of TV channels, digital platform Zee5, and an expansive social media presence, Vitromates brings this topic into the limelight.

    Zee chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal shared his excitement,  “At Zee, we are dedicated to crafting innovative solutions tailored to meet the partner brands’ unique needs and with Vitromates, we’ve redefined how socially relevant messaging can be seamlessly integrated into storytelling. This collaboration with Indira IVF not only highlights an important conversation around infertility but also sets a benchmark for the industry, blending creative storytelling with impactful brand alignment. Through the unique format of the Zee Mini Series, we are excited to present compelling, snackable content that resonates with today’s viewers while creating memorable brand associations for our partners.”

    Indira IVF co-founder Nitiz Murdia echoed this sentiment,  “Vitromates is an attempt to bridge the awareness gap and stigma surrounding infertility, with only 2 per cent of affected individuals seeking treatment. By partnering with Zee TV, the goal is to promote the understanding that infertility is common and treatable, encouraging people to view it as a medical condition that can be addressed with modern technology.”

    The campaign has been meticulously planned by Team Madison, whose representatives expressed their pride in being part of such a groundbreaking initiative. “We are thrilled to be a part of Zee TV’s groundbreaking mini-series, where the emotional and practical challenges faced by individuals on their IVF journey are portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. The seamless integration of Indira IVF’s state-of-the-art clinics, labs, and expert care into the storyline not only highlights the technical aspects of fertility treatments but also connects deeply with viewers on an emotional level. This collaboration allows us to show the real-life impact of our services, providing hope and reassurance to those considering IVF, all while emphasizing the compassionate and safe environment we offer at every step.”

    Vitromates is more than a mini-series; it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re looking for relatable stories, a dose of hope, or just great storytelling, this show promises to deliver it all. 

  • BBC Studios considers shuttering  Indian operations: Economic Times report

    BBC Studios considers shuttering Indian operations: Economic Times report

    MUMBAI: Is BBC Studios set to exit India?

    If a report in The Economic Times is to be believed it is strongly considering the possibility. Recently, its general manager Sameer Gogate quit the content production arm. 

    It is also considering other options like zooming in on a strategic investor who will share some of the challenges that have emerged in the severely  tested media and entertainment industry. Another option being toyed with is doing co-productions with Indian producers – something which has not been a huge hit in the Indian scenario as yet. 

    Sources indicate that consolidation and shrinking budgets from television broadcasters and OTT platforms have intensified competition for limited projects, significantly squeezing producers’ profit margins.

    Known for popular shows like Criminal Justice, The Office, Out of Love, and Nach Baliye BBC Studios, produces approximately 2,000 hours of content annually and operates in over 20 countries. It  also maintains a robust content licensing business in India, licensing British formats such as Dancing with the Stars* and Luther.

    Faced with a more selective landscape of OTT platforms and broadcasters, the pressure to maximize output under reduced budgets is prompting a re-evaluation of BBC Studios’ production strategy in India. A company spokesperson confirmed to The Economic Times that the management in the UK  is currently reviewing its  production operating model to enhance efficiency.

    The Indian M&E sector has experienced significant consolidation, with recent major mergers like the Star India and Viacom18 deal and discussions involving the acquisition of Tata Play by Bharti Airtel’s DTH arm, Airtel DTH.

    Experts suggest that BBC Studios’ production arm could be among the first casualties of this trend as margin pressures continue to mount.

    This potential shift comes as the BBC Group maintains its presence in India through various digital news platforms and joint ventures, including Sony BBC Earth and the recently launched BBC Player and BBC Kids on Prime Video.

    Additionally, BBC itself in the UK is under pressure. An audit report of the BBC  by the National Audit Office  expressed  this in no less words when it said: In 2023-24, BBC Studios’ income fell by £253 million (12 per cent) to £1,837 million and profits fell by £50 million (20 per cent ) to £202 million. This was partly due to challenging market conditions, including a reduction in spend by commissioners, including the BBC and global streamers, on the production of programmes and the ending of some high-value contracts which generated significant income in 2022-23. In addition its profits were reduced by higher costs as BBC Studios invested in its digital services such as BBC.com and BritBox International to support its future growth

    The audit report was also critical of BBC Studios and its inability to generate too many new IPs and for being dependent on BBC’s catalogue of shows before the production arm was set up in 2016. The report said: “In our 2020 report, we identified that BBC Studios had been less successful than planned in winning new commissions and generating IP.
    Since then, although generation of new IP has grown, BBC Studios has not met its targets in this area and remains reliant on the IP from BBC programmes created before it was first established in 2016. In 2023-24, of the 10 titles from its production business which provided the most profit to the BBC, only one was from new IP
    generated by BBC Studios.”

    Additionally, the Beeb is  on track to lay off close to 500 staff by March 2026 and generate savings of 200 million pounds sterling, according to reports.

  • Postudio secures $1 Million in pre-seed funding, eyes US expansion

    Postudio secures $1 Million in pre-seed funding, eyes US expansion

    MUMBAI: Cloud-based post-production software company Postudio has announced the successful raising of $1 million in a pre-seed funding round, led by media-tech venture capital firm Audacity Venture Capital. The company has also achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) within just two years of its launch.

    Postudio co-founders Dhawal Gusain and Harish Prabhu aim to leverage the new capital for rapid scaling, product development, and team expansion. With a focus on affordability and data security, Postudio plans to double its revenues in 2025, driven by the increasing demand for remote collaboration tools.

    In a statement, Dhawal Gusain noted, “We’ve scaled quickly in the Indian enterprise segment in a very capital-efficient manner. In 2025, we plan to sustain this momentum and expand into the US market in the second half of the year.”

    Harish Prabhu added, “Our goal has always been to empower creative teams with tools that simplify and enhance their post-production workflows. We’re excited to integrate cutting-edge AI and Gen AI workflows to redefine post-production, including an AI-driven content localization tool currently in beta testing.”

    Postudio’s platform is rapidly gaining traction among media enterprises and independent production houses in India, providing unparalleled flexibility and scalability. The company is well-positioned to capitalise on the global post-production market, valued at $30 billion and projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030.

    Audacity Venture Capital founder Kabir Kochhar expressed confidence in Postudio’s potential: “The company has found its product-market fit and is scaling rapidly. With growing demand for scalable, AI-enabled, cloud-based solutions, we believe Postudio is poised for success.”

    Postudio differentiates itself with a comprehensive, on-demand platform that streamlines all post-production workflows and offers significant cost savings for media enterprises transitioning from traditional on-premise solutions.