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Category: Television

  • CNBC-TV18’s 25th anniversary inspires new business horizons at Global Leadership Summit

    CNBC-TV18’s 25th anniversary inspires new business horizons at Global Leadership Summit

    Mumbai: As CNBC-TV18 marked 25 years of excellence in business journalism, the Global Leadership Summit presented by HSBC India and co-presented by Embassy REIT, unfolded as a landmark event, showcasing the channel’s profound impact on India’s economic and business landscape. Held at Jio World Centre, the summit brought together visionaries from across industries, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on pressing global challenges, emerging opportunities, and India’s ascent on the world stage.

    The summit opened with an address by CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan, who underlined India’s journey in the global economic narrative. She remarked “As CNBC-TV18 marks 25 years of excellence, the Global Leadership Summit brought together the most influential thinkers to chart out the roadmap for what India needs to focus on over the next quarter century to achieve high performance. From the policy priorities to the role of the Private sector, from manufacturing to services, from infrastructure to Artificial Intelligence, the Global Leadership Summit was the stage for insightful and transformative discussions. As we look ahead, we hope This summit will continue to reflect our commitment to providing thought leadership and an execution strategy to deliver on India’s promise and potential”

    Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government Of India, Piyush Goyal initiated the day’s conversations with a thought-provoking fireside chat, stating, “I was reviewing the numbers of a major automobile company that recently went public. It’s remarkable to note that an initial investment of $200 million made 25 years ago has yielded dividends and royalties exceeding $12 to $13 billion in just the last decade. Even with such extraordinary returns, the company’s current market capitalization remains at approximately $15 billion. This highlights the significant competitive edge that companies manufacturing in India possess. As they continue to offer better pricing and greater value, I’m confident they are poised for even greater growth.  Ultimately, companies must decide whether to maintain high margins in a softening market or to become more aggressive, capture a larger market share, and drive growth through competitive pricing. The answer lies in how they leverage their strengths in this evolving landscape.”

    The summit’s agenda was packed with discussions and thought-provoking dialogues. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das delivered a compelling keynote titled “Sailing Through Turbulence: India’s Tryst with Financial Stability”. He said, “Central banks worldwide are navigating an increasingly complex financial environment, and the Reserve Bank of India is no exception. The trade-off between supporting growth and controlling inflation remains challenging, especially in a time of high global volatility. We have witnessed the repercussions of moving ‘too early’ or ‘too late,’ particularly in the banking sector issues that emerged in advanced economies earlier this year. At the Reserve Bank, our response has been measured and timely, maintaining the flexibility to act in sync with evolving conditions. By balancing growth and inflation priorities, we aim to build resilience into India’s financial system. As we shift towards a neutral stance, we remain focused on achieving a durable alignment of inflation within target while supporting growth, underscoring our commitment to a stable and thriving economy.”

    A special segment at the event was devoted to honour Dr. C Rangarajan, Dr. Bimal Jalan, and Dr. Y. V. Reddy, former Governors of the Reserve Bank of India, for their monumental contributions to India’s economic stability.  This tribute was followed by the unveiling of “5/25 Transformative Ideas for the Next Quarter Century,” where Uday Kotak, Founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, shared a visionary roadmap for India’s future.

    Global Leader, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Global Chief Growth & Marketing Officer, Unilever, took centre stage during the session “Boost Brands, Boost Business” where she delved into strategies for driving brand growth in competitive markets. Another highlight was the panel discussion “Investing in India’s Today & Tomorrow,” featuring insights from leading investors such as Ramesh Damani, Owner, Ramesh Damani Finance Pvt Ltd., Manish Chokhani, Director, Enam Holdings, Raamdeo Agrawal, Chairman & Co-founder, Motilal Oswal Financial Services and Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE who explored India’s economic potential and sustainable growth strategies.

    The afternoon sessions kicked off with a dynamic panel discussion on ‘Managing Markets: Is it Time to be Bullish or Bearish?’ where Ridham Desai, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley India, Rama Bijapurkar, Author & Independent Director, India Blue-Chip Companies, V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC First Bank, Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. and Samir Arora, Founder & Fund Manager, Helios Capital, shared perspectives on market trends and investment strategies. The subsequent panel, ‘India: The Outlier, ’discussed India’s position amid global economic changes, with insights from Auguste Tano Kouame, Country Director, World Bank, Krishna Srinivasan, Director, Asia & Pacific Department, International Monetary Fund  and Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Finance Secretary & Secretary (DIPAM).

    An engaging discussion titled, ‘Legacy, Longevity, Leadership: The Playbook for the Future,’ which brought together Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro, and Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, who shared their insights on sustaining leadership in rapidly evolving industries.

    The summit continued with a fireside chat with Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India who spoke about ‘The Next Superpower: India’s Growth Blueprint,’ and he explored strategies that could propel India to global superpower status. He commented, “India’s optimism for the next 25 years is rooted in its young demographics and unmatched digital infrastructure. With 1.4 billion people, most under 28, the potential for transformation is staggering. Strategic investments in digital payments and unified lending systems can redefine credit access, unleashing growth across sectors. By harnessing this opportunity, India can pave its way to becoming a developed economy with a per capita income of $13,000–$15,000—a bold but achievable vision.”

    The event also featured notable sessions on entrepreneurship, innovation, and India’s competitive edge. A discussion titled ‘Startup Dreams to Wealth Creation,’ where Rajan Anandan, MD, Peak XV, Amrit Acharya, Co-founder & CEO, Zetwerk, Kunal Shah, Founder, CRED and Kapil Makhija, MD & CEO, Unicommerce eSolutions discussed the challenges and successes of building thriving startups in India. Meanwhile, ‘The Promise of Phygital India: From Bricks to Broadband’ underlined the seamless integration of digital and physical spaces, with insights from Ari Sarker, President, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, Jitu Virwani, Chairman and Managing Director, Embassy Group, and Ankur Gupta, Head, Asia & Middle East Rela Estate, Brookfield.

    As the evening unfolded, Sajjan Jindal, Chairman & MD, JSW Group of Companies led a session titled ‘India’s Manufacturing Moment: Breakout Ready?’ discussing India’s potential as a global manufacturing leader. The event also witnessed the felicitation of Deepak Parekh, Former Chairman of HDFC, as an Icon of The Indian Economy who also delivered an insightful TED Talk on ‘Transforming the Financial Sector for a New Generation’.

    Further discussions explored India’s global leadership potential with a segment on –‘From The Foreign Investors Lens’ where the speakers Prem Watsa, Chairman & CEO, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, and John Chambers, Chairman, USISPF and Founder & CEO, J2C Ventures shared their insights. The discussion ‘India’s Right to Win,’ featuring Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, and Falguni Nayar, Founder & CEO, Nykaa further highlighted India’s competitive edge in global markets.

    In one of the summit’s most engaging fireside chats, Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute Of India and Karan Johar, Film Director discussed the evolution of India’s entertainment industry in ‘Cinema: Magic to Monetisation.’ Another captivating fireside chat was with Sriharsha Majety, Co-founder and Group CEO, Swiggy, who shared Swiggy’s journey leading upto IPO on “Let’s Swiggy with it”.

    The summit also honoured N.R. Narayana Murthy, Co-founder & Former Chairman, Infosys as ‘Icon of The Indian Economy’ followed by a powerful fireside chat with him titled ‘India The Next 25: Notes from N.R. Narayana Murthy,’ which reflected on India’s future in the Global Landscape. He shared his views and said, “Over the last 30 years, India has made remarkable progress. A new wave of confidence and energy is driving growth, visible in everything from local businesses and street vendors to fitness centres. Yet, while urban middle-class incomes are rising, a vast segment of the population remains untouched by globalisation. The challenge ahead is creating jobs, especially for those who cannot access high-skill industries like software. The solution lies in exports, countries like China and Vietnam have shown how global demand can drive large-scale job creation. To succeed, India must move faster in decision-making, adopt global best practices, and raise its standards of excellence. India’s potential is limitless, but realising it requires swift, competitive, and decisive action.”

    The summit had an interesting fireside chat with Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland, in conversation with Navtej Sarna, former Ambassador of India to the US, discussing global leadership challenges in “Finding Leadership in a Fractured World.” CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit concluded with a power-packed performance by Ajay Bijli, Managing Director, PVR INOX Limited.

    CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit was presented by HSBC India, and co-presented by Embassy REIT, along with Destination Partner- Saudi Tourism Authority, Associate Sponsor – ITC, AI Partner- AWS, Exchange Partner – NSE, Associate Partner – Reliance Industries

  • ZEE to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3 featuring David Warner with Dubai Capitals

    ZEE to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3 featuring David Warner with Dubai Capitals

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, the official broadcaster of DP World ILT20, is all set to commence the third edition of the tournament on 11 January 2025, featuring Australian cricketing icon David Warner for his second season with the Dubai Capitals. While the team achieved a runner-up finish in the tournament’s previous edition, Warner is determined to play a greater role in building on that success in 2025 – Season 3. Reflecting on the tournament’s unique structure, he highlighted its impact on raising the level of competition and providing invaluable opportunities for local talent. As the new season approaches, Warner remains committed to sharing his extensive experience and supporting the growth of UAE cricket.

    Warner opined that the Dubai International Stadium – Dubai Capitals’ home ground is amongst his favourite venues in the world He said, “The best thing about the venue is the atmosphere. Once you’re inside and the fans are here supporting the game, it’s loud, it’s electrifying, and there is also the light display and everything that comes with it. The aesthetics are absolutely fantastic.”

    Warner further lauded the wicket dynamics and ground dimensions, “The best thing I like here is the wicket. It can be challenging at first, but once you get through the initial phase, you can play more freely. The boundary dimensions are something I love, in Australia, we don’t get that. The MCG is so big, but here the grounds are perfect for a batsman. The pockets can be a little big, but I just like playing here. It’s always good. If you get through the new ball, you can be there at the end.” he opined.

    On the unique squad composition at the DP World ILT20 that mandates each team can feature as many as nine international players besides a minimum of two players from the United Arab Emirates, the hard-hitting southpaw remarked, “It’s rare to have the opportunity where such great talent from around the world mixes with local talent. I think it’s a great experience for the local players, but more importantly, it strengthens the competition, which is incredibly fierce. It’s highly competitive, and everyone talks about it—in Australia and other countries as well. They’re all discussing this tournament and always want to be part of it.”

    As the third season approaches, ZEE Entertainment is all set to bring exhilarating action to fans through its linear channels and OTT platform, ZEE5, in a dynamic and immersive way. Commenting on this exciting announcement, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer – Digital & Broadcast Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Limited said, “We are thrilled that David Warner is back to head Dubai Capitals for the third season! The last season saw his entry into the DP World ILT20 boosting the tournament’s global appeal and his continuing as Captain will ensure that the third season is bigger and better and more competitive than ever before. The inclusion of nine international players in the team promises high-class cricket with an entertaining sporting carnival experience that combines at a relaxed, luxurious venue to cricket fans with unparalleled entertainment. With the return of world-class players of David Warne’s calibre, this season promises to be bigger and better and more competitive, resonating strongly with cricket fans across India and beyond. Building on last’s season remarkable response, we aim to continue the momentum in broadcasting excellence and fan engagement.”

    As a legend of the game with 49 international centuries across all formats, Warner also shed light on the next phase of his career, “This game has given me everything, and it’s upon myself to give the game back because it owes me nothing. I owe everything to the people who have supported me, and my main focus is to keep generating cricketers to come up through the ranks, participate in tournaments like this, and continue evolving as a leader, making sure I’m giving my knowledge back to the youngsters.”

    He further added, “It’s not just a game for the young. You can play at my age as well, but you’ve got to stay fit and keep up with the youngsters.”

    Addressing the Capitals’ and DP World ILT20 fans, Warner expressed, “I encourage everyone to come out and support the teams—whichever team it may be. The best part is that you get to see exciting talent, both from around the world and locally. It’s a big spectacle, so please go out, purchase some tickets, and enjoy some entertaining cricket.”

    On his previous season with the Dubai Capitals, that also marked his debut at the DP World ILT20, the opening batter said, “I enjoyed the competition. It was challenging from an opening batter’s perspective and good for the bowlers. I think the way we fought and came back strongly towards the end of the tournament was fantastic.”

    Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can watch the LIVE action exclusively on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world.

    Through the tournament, Zee Entertainment is aiming for an even larger audience in its third season, targeting 230-million viewers. The strategies being employed to increase its footprints are multifaceted, focusing on the Indian market, which includes cricket lovers, advertisers, and the addition of South Indian channels.

    Earlier this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers. The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. With a notable 46% share of female viewership and 55% share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status.

  • Ad film maker Rohit Reddy and his magical AI series Mahabharat

    Ad film maker Rohit Reddy and his magical AI series Mahabharat

    MUMBAI: We all know of him as the husband of Anita Hassanandani, the actress who tends to spew venom as the negative lead in many an Ekta Kapoor show. As well as her dance partner some years ago on Nach Baliye and a part time actor-model. But EiPI Media founder & CEO Rohit Reddy has a lot more to his credit. Apart from having a long-running corporate career which he gave up to turn entrepreneur and offer branded solutions from the time he set up his agency along with his wife in 2018.

    EiPi Media  has been working on adding that additional layer of gee whiz CG imagery, VFX, and mixed reality  to make TV commercials and social media campaigns stand out.  This apart it has been working with several influencers to create influencer marketing videos.  Among the influencers it has been working with feature: Varun Dhawan, Soha Ali Khan, Shakti Mohan, Neeti Mohan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Konkana Sen Sharma, Sanaya irani, Barun Sobti, Alanan Panday, Sanya Malhotra, Shivam Dube, Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Tiger Shroff, Varun Sharma – the list could go on. 

    Among the ads and vertical videos that Rohit and team EiPi have worked on include:  Adidas and the reveal of the blue team jersey, Too Yum with Varun Dhawan,  TruNativ and Kareena Kapoor Khan, Euro Pratik with Hrithik Roshan, LensKart kids glasses , Fossil, BBlunt – and scores of other campaigns.

    MAHABHARAT THE ETERNAL WAR

    But what has sent Linkedin on fire  in the past two  days is Rohit’s recent post of a teaser for a series we are all so familiar with – the epic Mahabharat. What makes the trailer special, says Rohit, that it has been totally generated using generative artificial intelligence. Seven generative AI tools have been used to produce the sizzle reel in which the characters look so real it makes some of the earlier productions which have come on television with actual  human actors  look rather primitive. It even has a feel of the DI heavy film 300.

    Rohit has not revealed much about the project excepting to say that it is coming soon, labelling it as an EiPi Media project. The reel ends with the caption: “Mahabharat. An Eternal War.”

    The post has been viralised on linkedin, generating numerous likes, comments and reposts. 
    We, at indiantelevision.com,  tried to reach out to Rohit, but could not get a hold of him at the time of writing. However, you can continue watching this space when we do.

    In the meantime, to get a dekko of the teaser click here: Mahabharat

  • Networks like ZEE have successfully upheld linear TV’s relevance by focusing on family-oriented programming: Ashish Sehgal

    Networks like ZEE have successfully upheld linear TV’s relevance by focusing on family-oriented programming: Ashish Sehgal

    Mumbai: ZEE Network unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Dilfluencers’, celebrating the connection its beloved TV characters share with audiences across Bharat. Far beyond the fleeting appeal of social media influencers, ZEE’s characters have become steadfast companions to millions, touching hearts and inspiring lives every single day.

    The campaign is rooted in the message of #SachTohYehiHai, emphasizing the authenticity and deep emotional resonance these characters have cultivated since ZEE’s inception in 1992.

    ZEE’s characters have become symbols of resilience, empowerment, and hope. Today, they stand as a daily presence in the lives of 174 million viewers, shaping conversations and fostering connections that go far beyond the screen.

    The ‘Dilfluencers’ campaign also presents a unique opportunity for brands to harness the deep-rooted trust and authenticity these characters command. Unlike transient social media trends, ZEE’s characters are woven into the fabric of everyday life, offering brands an avenue to create meaningful and enduring connections with audiences.

    On traditional TV continuing to remain relevant in India despite the digital boom, ZEE chief growth officer, digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal said, “Linear TV continues to play a vital role in the modern media landscape, even as digital and connected TV platforms grow in prominence. Its mass reach remains unparalleled, drawing over 100 million viewers daily—a scale that digital platforms often find challenging to replicate for a single piece of content.

    One of linear TV’s defining characteristics is its ability to provide a shared experience through appointment viewing. Audiences come together at specific times to watch popular shows, fostering communal moments with family and friends that are less common in the fragmented world of digital media. Additionally, linear TV excels at creating emotional connections with viewers, making it an ideal platform for building impactful brand narratives and delivering memorable advertising campaigns.”

    On the question of innovating, he further opined, “To stay competitive, linear TV must continuously innovate and produce high-quality, engaging content that keeps audiences invested. The rise of Smart and connected TVs has further enhanced the traditional viewing experience, offering seamless integration of digital content with linear programming. Rather than replacing linear TV, these advancements complement its offerings, broadening its appeal and strengthening its ability to engage viewers.

    Networks like ZEE have successfully upheld linear TV’s relevance by focusing on family-oriented programming that resonates with diverse audiences, fostering loyalty across demographics. While digital platforms continue to evolve, linear TV remains a key medium due to its extensive reach, emotional resonance, and capacity to create shared viewing experiences. The integration of digital features into traditional TV formats underscores its adaptability and enduring importance in the media ecosystem,” he concludes.

  • Rana Daggubati voices Barca in Solo Leveling Season two in three Indian languages

    Rana Daggubati voices Barca in Solo Leveling Season two in three Indian languages

    Mumbai: Crunchyroll proudly announces that acclaimed Indian actor Rana Daggubati, renowned for his stellar roles in Baahubali and Ghazi, will voice the enigmatic Ice Elf Barca in the highly awaited Solo Leveling Season two. Daggubati will lend his iconic voice to the character in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, offering fans a culturally immersive experience.

    Adding to the excitement, Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment will release the fan omnibus film “Solo Leveling -ReAwakening” in theaters across India on 6 December 2024. This cinematic event will showcase Daggubati’s Hindi voice acting debut as Barca, alongside a recap of the first season and an exclusive preview of the first two episodes of season two.

    Barca, a powerful Ice Elf and the boss of the Red Gate Dungeon, poses a formidable challenge for Jinwoo with his sword mastery, stealth, and speed. This clash promises to elevate the gripping narrative of Solo Leveling.

    “Voicing Barca in Solo Leveling across three languages has been an exciting challenge that I truly enjoyed,” said Daggubati. “Bringing such a complex, powerful character to life in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu allowed me to connect with anime in a way I’ve never done before. This is a unique, thrilling journey into the anime world, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience the action!”

    Crunchyroll, senior director of marketing – APAC, Akshat Sahu shared, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Rana Daggubati, who brings a powerful presence to the character of Barca in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. His involvement reflects our commitment to delivering culturally resonant anime experiences in India. We’re excited to offer Indian audiences a truly immersive and accessible anime experience on both big and small screens.”

  • LG Channels partners with Moloco to enhance streaming ads in India

    LG Channels partners with Moloco to enhance streaming ads in India

    Mumbai: LG Electronics has partnered with Moloco, a leader in machine learning-based performance advertising, to power in-stream video ads and demand generation on LG Channels in India. This collaboration aims to help advertisers deliver impactful and measurable campaigns while enhancing the ad experience for millions of Indian households.

    LG Channels, a free ad-supported streaming service available on approximately 220 million LG smart TVs globally, offers over 3,800 channels across 29 countries without the hassle of subscriptions or complex logins. Since its launch in India last September, LG Channels has provided around 70 popular news, movie, music, and entertainment channels, with plans to expand its offerings with more Indian-focused programming.

    Through its partnership with Moloco, LG Channels in India will feature advanced in-stream ad targeting, allowing brands to optimise campaigns by channel, language, and region. This enables advertisers to run highly effective connected TV (CTV) campaigns, leveraging Moloco’s global expertise in streaming media and advertising in markets like the United States. The partnership aims to deliver tailored ad experiences to more than 10 million Indian households while maximising advertisers’ campaign performance.

    Moloco, head of streaming monetisation, Jay Trinidad shared, “By combining LG Channels’ rich content offering and strong presence in India with Moloco’s expertise as a leader in ML-based advertising solutions, we’re confident advertisers will benefit from a blend of brand-building and performance advertising across both mobile and TV. Moloco is committed to providing robust support to ensure LG Channels users in India enjoy an immersive viewing experience, while helping advertisers achieve measurable success with their campaigns.”

    With precise targeting capabilities and Moloco’s advanced machine learning technology, advertisers can now connect with Indian audiences in innovative ways, enhancing both reach and engagement on the CTV platform.

  • Jagran New Media launches Gujarati Jagran app to expand Indic news reach

    Jagran New Media launches Gujarati Jagran app to expand Indic news reach

    Mumbai: Jagran New Media, the digital arm of Jagran Prakashan Ltd., has launched the Gujarati Jagran App, aiming to make news consumption easier and more accessible for Gujarati-speaking audiences worldwide. Designed to provide credible, real-time updates in just one click, the app reinforces Jagran’s commitment to leveraging technology to deliver trustworthy news and information tailored for regional communities.  

    The free app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, offers a seamless and engaging experience with features like city-specific personalisation, an intuitive UI/UX, and easy navigation across categories. GujaratiJagran.com, launched in 2022, has already become a go-to destination for Gujarati-speaking users. The new app further deepens this connection, providing updates on local news, entertainment, business, lifestyle, and trending content.  

    Jagran New Media editor-in-chief, Rajesh Upadhyay, shared his excitement, stating, “The launch of the Gujarati Jagran App is an exciting moment in our ongoing Indic language expansion strategy. Leveraging technology to provide instant, credible and comprehensive updates with just a click has been our forte. Our mission is to create a seamless, engaging, and trustworthy news experience, and introducing the all-new Gujarati Jagran App is a significant step in that direction. This launch will further solidify our connection with the Gujarati-speaking community, both locally and globally, ensuring they stay informed and connected to their roots.”

    Jagran New Media, AVP, technology & design, Pradeep Singh Rawat added, “We are thrilled to launch the Gujarati Jagran App, focusing on cutting-edge technology and a modern design for a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Our app offers an intuitive UI/UX, city-specific personalisation, and seamless navigation between categories, making it a comprehensive and user-friendly source of Gujarati news, lifestyle, trending content, and more. Additionally, the app brings all content forms together in one place – from articles to quick tappable stories – making it a comprehensive source of information.”  

    The app’s features, including dark and light modes, interactive multimedia content, and real-time updates, cater to the fast-paced lives of the Gujarati community. With a focus on providing valuable and relevant content, Jagran New Media aims to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem, ensuring news is accessible to all.  

    https://www.gujaratijagran.com/redirect.html  

    https://www.gujaratijagran.com/  

  • IFFI 2024: A cinematic extravaganza celebrating art, culture, and innovation

    IFFI 2024: A cinematic extravaganza celebrating art, culture, and innovation

    Mumbai: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has long been a beacon of cinematic excellence, and its 55th edition promises to be no exception. Scheduled from 20-28 November 2024 in the vibrant state of Goa, IFFI 2024 is poised to be a celebration of art, culture, and innovation, attracting cinema enthusiasts from around the globe. From a dazzling opening ceremony to a thrilling array of performances, premieres, and cultural events, this year’s festival sets a new standard for cinematic grandeur.  

    IFFIESTA, an electrifying celebration of art, music, and culture, will take centre stage at the Kala Academy, Panaji. This interactive experience will blend cinema with live performances, showcasing India’s unparalleled cultural diversity. Regional and traditional troupes from across the nation will light up the festival with their vibrant displays. The highlight, a grand parade themed “Celebrating the Joy of Cinema”, will feature local float designers and parade groups presenting breathtaking creativity.  

    IFFIESTA will also host an entertainment lineup featuring iconic artists such as Asees Kaur, Paradox, When Chai Met Toast, and The Yellow Diary, alongside emerging talents like Anumita Nadesan and DJ The Spindoctor. With food, music, and art in abundance, IFFIESTA will immerse attendees in the magic of Indian culture.  

    The festival will begin with a glittering opening ceremony on 20 November 2024 at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Goa. The Australian film “Better Man”, directed by Michael Gracy, will set the tone as the opening film, celebrating the life of British pop icon Robbie Williams.  

    Cinematic legends and film personalities, including Subhash Ghai, Bhumi Pednekar, and Randeep Hooda, will grace the red carpet alongside chief minister Pramod Sawant and union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Attendees will witness awe-inspiring cultural performances, a nostalgic Bollywood dance medley, and a poetic tribute to cinematic icons such as Raj Kapoor and Mohammed Rafi.  

    IFFI 2024 will focus on nurturing young filmmaking talent through the ‘Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ initiative, which has expanded to support 100 young filmmakers. A newly instituted Best Indian Debut Director Award will honour emerging creators with a Silver Peacock and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh.  

    Masterclasses led by renowned personalities, including A.R. Rahman, Shabana Azmi, and international guests such as Philip Noyce, will offer invaluable insights to aspiring filmmakers.  

    This year’s festival will feature 180 international films from 81 countries, with 16 world premieres and 43 Asian premieres. The International Competition section includes 15 feature films vying for the coveted Golden Peacock and a Rs 40 lakh cash prize.  

    Australia, the Country of Focus, will showcase its cinematic brilliance through a dedicated film package. Philip Noyce, the acclaimed Australian director, will receive the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award.  

    IFFI 2024 will be its most inclusive edition yet, featuring live Indian sign language interpretation and accessibility features at all venues. Eco-friendly practices will be implemented throughout the festival, emphasising sustainability.  

    With over 270 films, 25 masterclasses, and immersive cultural events, IFFI 2024 promises a week-long celebration of creativity, storytelling, and innovation. The festival will conclude on 28th November with an awards ceremony recognising cinematic excellence.  

    Save the dates and join the magic as IFFI 2024 redefines the essence of cinema.  

  • ZEE Network announces their new campaign ‘Dilfluencers’

    ZEE Network announces their new campaign ‘Dilfluencers’

    Mumbai: ZEE Network is set to announce the launch of their new campaign ‘Dilfluencers’.

    The latest campaign emphasizes that its most loved TV characters are far more than just social media stars but are a daily companion to the millions of viewers whose hearts they touch on a daily basis, therefore dubbing them as ‘Dilfluencers’. A campaign film featuring Jackie Shroff humorously shifts the focus from conventional social media shoutouts to the powerful everyday influence ZEE’s characters wield. The messaging for ‘Dilfluencers’ is rooted in #SachTohYehiHai, underscoring how ZEE’s characters have, since 1992, evolved into symbols of resilience and empowerment, producing over 5 lakh episodes and 3 lakh+ hours of content. Serving as a daily companion to 174 million people, ZEE’s characters capture the evolving aspirations of viewers, championing themes like equality, reverse parenting, and second chances. ‘Dilfluencers’ creates an opportunity for brands to leverage the authenticity and deep-rooted trust these characters command, making connections that extend beyond social media into the everyday lives of audiences across Bharat.

    ZEE chief growth officer, digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal said, “In a culturally diverse country like India, our ‘Dilfluencers’ resonate with viewers across multiple demographics. With a network reach of 859 million viewers, including 439 million females, ZEE connects with the key decision makers of every household. Our weekly organic cumulative reach on social is 960 million which makes ZEE’s characters indispensable for brands to influence household choices. These characters are more than on-screen personas—they are deeply relatable figures in viewers’ lives, offering brands a unique opportunity to tap into their trust and loyalty. Television has built these iconic characters, while digital media has amplified engagement, adding new dimensions. Branded content leveraging ZEE Influencers has already delivered impactful results, and with this launch, we aim to scale this success, offering partners an unmatched connection with households across India.”

    ZEE CMO, content SBU, Kartik Mahadev said, “At Zee, our storytelling is consumer inspired, it reflects the evolving aspirations of our audiences, feels authentic and creates emotional resonance required to propel change. Our characters today take on roles as bankers, bakers, entrepreneurs, and teachers, they spark cultural conversations and foster a deep sense of community. It isn’t enough for influencers to just wear a product. Through ‘Dilfluencers’ we are going further, enabling brands to harness the halo of our most trusted TV characters and their unique ability to shape life choices, coupled with a digital video delivery that feels personal. This initiative brings the best of two worlds, the equity building power of TV personas and the flexibility of digital delivery that can be targeted to hyperlocal audiences, creating empathy at scale.”

  • Shemaroo Entertainment and PWR Chain announce strategic partnership

    Shemaroo Entertainment and PWR Chain announce strategic partnership

    Mumbai – Shemaroo Entertainment, a prominent media and entertainment leader in India with over sixty years of industry experience, has announced a strategic partnership with PWR Chain, an advanced Layer 0 blockchain infrastructure. Through this alliance, PWR Chain becomes the official blockchain partner for ShemarooVerse, Shemaroo Entertainment’s immersive platform set to deliver next-generation immersive content. This partnership is a landmark step in India’s entertainment and technology landscape, combining Shemaroo Entertainment’s vast content offerings with PWR Chain’s scalable and environmentally efficient blockchain capabilities.

    New Digital Frontiers with ShemarooVerse

    With an expansive digital footprint across more than 50 content channels on YouTube, Shemaroo Entertainment commands over 200 million subscribers and garners 100 million views daily across diverse categories, including Bollywood, regional, television, devotional, and children’s entertainment. ShemarooVerse is designed as a next-generation digital content platform that allows users to explore, discover, and engage with a diverse array of entertainment offerings in a fully immersive environment. The platform will leverage PWR Chain’s high-speed, decentralized infrastructure to create an immersive, interactive digital experience for audiences in India and beyond.

    PWR Chain’s blockchain technology is among the most sustainable on the market, operating with a minimal carbon footprint. Unlike conventional blockchains that require high energy resources, PWR Chain achieves high throughput with minimal power, processing over 300,000 transactions per second while using only a single CPU core per validator node. This efficiency allows ShemarooVerse to scale seamlessly without environmental impact, setting a new standard in green blockchain technology for the entertainment industry.

    As Shemaroo Entertainment transitions its expansive IP portfolio onto the blockchain, PWR Chain’s infrastructure offers creators unique opportunities to monetize their content through tokenization and digital collectibles, a pivotal innovation in India’s content landscape. With PWR Chain’s cost-effective fixed-fee structure, creators can realize predictable revenue while engaging with audiences through exclusive experiences, limited releases, and other novel formats.

    The advanced interoperability and scalability of PWR Chain enable ShemarooVerse to support an array of personalized, interactive features across devices, connecting fans to their favorite content and personalities like never before. ShemarooVerse leverages PWR Chain’s developer-friendly design, the first blockchain that allows the deployment of full software applications in traditional coding languages, making it easy for developers to build both smart contracts and applications. With PWR Chain’s instant finality and quantum-resistant security, ShemarooVerse offers users a secure, dynamic, and immersive digital space for authentic engagement with Shemaroo Entertainment’s iconic content.

    Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., COO Arghya Chakravarty said, “Partnering with PWR Chain marks a transformative leap in digital engagement for Shemaroo Entertainment. ShemarooVerse will benefit from the speed, scalability, and sustainability of PWR Chain’s blockchain infrastructure, offering audiences a more immersive, secure entertainment experience while providing creators with unique monetization avenues. We are thrilled to bring ShemarooVerse to life in a way that resonates with the evolving preferences of digital consumers.”

    PWR Labs CEO Melanie Mohr added, “Shemaroo Entertainment’s leadership in Indian entertainment provides an ideal platform to demonstrate PWR Chain’s high-performance, eco-friendly blockchain technology. This partnership not only underscores the potential of blockchain for enhancing digital experiences but also positions PWR Chain to drive growth and create engaging opportunities within India’s entertainment industry.”