ITV

Category: Television

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • NYIFF 2025 bound ‘Little Thomas’ teaser out now

    NYIFF 2025 bound ‘Little Thomas’ teaser out now

    MUMBAI: As anticipation builds around its world premiere at the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) 2025, Little Thomas, the upcoming heartwarming children’s film starring Rasika Dugal, Gulshan Devaiah and Hridansh Parekh launched its official teaser on Sunday.

    Little Thomas earned three nominations at NYIFF 2025 – including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Debut Film, marking it a standout film in this year’s lineup.

    Slated to be the closing film at NYIFF (20-22 June), Little Thomas offers a tender, nostalgic tale set in 1990s Goa. The story follows seven-year-old Thomas, a young boy on a heartfelt mission to reunite his estranged parents to have a little brother. Backed by Anurag Kashyap, the film marks a refreshing turn in the filmmaker’s career, embracing themes of innocence, curiosity, and emotional resilience.

    Directed by Kaushal Oza, the film’s newly released teaser gives audiences a glimpse into the warm storytelling, vibrant visuals, and moving performances that await.

    The film is jointly produced by Luminoso Pictures, Civic Studios, Good Bad Films, and Flip Films.

  • Sony Sports Network gears up for epic India-England showdown

    Sony Sports Network gears up for epic India-England showdown

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is swinging for the fences this summer with its all-out broadcast of the India tour of England, starting 20 June 2025. With a refreshed Indian side stepping into the cauldron of English conditions and legends in the commentary box, the five-Test series promises fireworks on and off the pitch.

    From Headingley to The Oval, all five matches will be broadcast live across Sony Sports Ten channels, in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Whether you’re a cricket purist or a casual fan, there’s something in store—served up with regional flavour and expert insight.

    Bringing the heat off the field is Sony’s formidable Extraaa Innings panel, featuring a who’s who of cricket royalty. In English, viewers can expect sharp analysis from Sunil Gavaskar, Cheteshwar Pujara, Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton, Harsha Bhogle, and Sanjana Ganesan. Hindi viewers will be bowled over by Ajay Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, Ashish Nehra, Saba Karim, RP Singh, and more.

    Regional commentary comes courtesy of  Tamil and Telugu stalwarts like Hemang Badani,Bharat Arun, WV Raman,Venkatapathy Raju, and Rakesh Deva, ensuring cricket lovers from Chennai to Hyderabad get front-row seats in their mother tongue.

    With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently retired, a new generation led by Shubman Gill will carry India’s hopes. The historical odds aren’t in their favour—India has only won three Test series in England, in 1971, 1986 and 2007, each under a new skipper. But the signs are there for another fairytale run.

    It’s youth vs experience, tradition vs transition—and Sony Sports Network is pulling out all the stops to bring every ball, byte, and boundary to fans across the country. Game on.

  • News18 India takes a jab at Aaj Tak with bold print campaign in The Economic Times

    News18 India takes a jab at Aaj Tak with bold print campaign in The Economic Times

    MUMBAI: Three years is a long time to lie low, and News18 India isn’t letting its rival forget it. In a front-page ad that screams swagger, the channel took a not-so-subtle dig at competitor Aaj Tak with the line: “3 saal se gire, Aaj Tak nahi uthe”. Plastered across The Economic Times on
    10 June, the ad fired off a victory lap, underpinned by a bouquet of audience metrics.

    According to BARC (Wk 22’22–21’25, 24 hours, all days, HSM), News18 India clocked 7.88 crore average weekly AMA, decisively ahead of Aaj Tak’s 7.35 crore. The jab wasn’t just terrestrial. On YouTube, the network reported a massive 3.4 billion views, more than triple Aaj Tak’s 1.04 billion, as per May 2025 Playboard data.

    For three straight years, News18 India has claimed the top position in the Hindi news genre, especially during national events where real-time analysis and critical reportage often define trust.

    Its editorial firepower comes from a frontline of anchors including Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra. Backed by a nationwide web of reporters, the channel has kept its programming punchy, polarising when needed, but persistently on point.

    News18 India’s latest campaign doesn’t merely flaunt numbers—it sharpens them into weapons. As the digital and broadcast battlegrounds heat up, this move signals that News18 doesn’t just want to lead the race. It wants to win it with style.

     

  • Blockbuster breakup as Warner Bros. Discovery plots a starry split

    Blockbuster breakup as Warner Bros. Discovery plots a starry split

    MUMBAI: When one studio door closes, another opens with a box-office bang. In a dramatic plot twist that rivals its biggest screen spectacles, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is pressing play on a two-part sequel splitting into two publicly traded companies to give each unit its moment in the spotlight. Announced today, the tax-free separation will see WBD carve out Streaming & Studios home to HBO, DC Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures and Television, and HBO Max from Global Networks, which includes CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery, and Discovery+, as well as key linear and digital assets across 200 countries and 68 languages.

    David Zaslav, WBD’s current President and CEO, will lead Streaming & Studios, while Gunnar Wiedenfels, its CFO, will take charge of Global Networks. Both will retain their existing roles during the transition.

    “This move gives us the sharper focus and agility needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving media universe,” Zaslav said, promising a future of creative excellence and strategic flexibility. Wiedenfels added that the split will allow “each company to leverage its strengths and financial profiles,” paving the way for innovation and shareholder value.

    Streaming & Studios will combine storytelling firepower and IP goldmines think Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Batman with global platform HBO Max, which currently operates in 77 markets and plans further expansion by 2026. WBD is aiming for 3 billion dollars in annual adjusted EBITDA from this division.

    Global Networks, meanwhile, commands a massive reach of 1.1 billion viewers, with an eye on live content growth, international opportunities, and monetising digital assets like B/R and CNN’s new streaming play. The unit boasts industry-leading margins and strong free cash flow.

    A crucial detail: Global Networks will retain up to 20 per cent stake in Streaming & Studios, planned to be monetised later for balance sheet de-leveraging.

    To support the split, WBD has secured a 17.5 billion dollars bridge facility from J.P. Morgan, which it expects to refinance before separation. Tender offers and consent solicitations have also been launched to optimise its debt structure.

    The full spin-off is targeted for mid-2026, pending board approvals, market conditions, and tax clearances from the IRS. J.P. Morgan and Evercore are advising, with Kirkland & Ellis as legal counsel.

    WBD Chair Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr. framed the move as a win for shareholders: “This transaction is a great outcome, unlocking long-term value and strategic focus for two exceptional businesses.”

    The end credits may still be a year away, but WBD’s bold reboot is already setting the stage for a media double feature like no other. One company to power global fandoms, another to rule the airwaves all from the studio that gave us a century of storytelling magic.
     

  • Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    MUMBAI: Zee has dropped a fresh new identity – Aapka Apna Zee – with a campaign that’s equal parts emotion and impact. Ditching the glitz for grit and heart, the network’s latest rebrand leans into community spirit with the tagline Saath aane se baat banti hai – because let’s face it, everything’s better when done together.

    The new campaign isn’t just a slick TV spot—it’s a full-blown cinematic hug. A series of multilingual films in seven Indian languages bring alive hyperlocal stories with familiar faces, real textures, and regional quirks. From the monsoon playing co-star in Kerala to a proud military village in Telangana, each story hits home—and hard.

    The hero of the brand film is an army dad called to duty days before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the mohalla rises like one big Indian joint family, pulling off the shaadi with flair. When he returns to find everything flawlessly done, his wife smiles and says Itna bada parivaar hai, aaram se ho gaya. Pass the tissues, please.

    But the kicker? Zee’s most loved fictional characters—yes, Angoori Bhabi, Devansh, Shravani, Durga, and more—step out of their shows and into this narrative, not as stars, but as apne log. It’s meta, emotional, and frankly, brilliant.

    Tags links:

    Zee TV/ &TV:

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    Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (Zeel) CMO Kartik Mahadev said, “Aapka Apna Zee is a powerful multilingual brand film series that brings alive the essence of the many Indians that live in one country.It is a mirror to how India shows up for each other. Each of the seven films is deeply rooted in the cultural milieu of its region— capturing its rhythm, rituals, landscapes, and the authenticity of its people. From the rains becoming a character in Kerala, to a village in Telangana known for its legacy of army service, every story reflects the cultural richness and emotional truths of real India. This campaign is a reaffirmation of Zee’s role as a trusted companion in the daily lives of millions. Saath Hai Toh Baat Hai is a sentiment that links to the heartbeat of millions of homes, where Zee isn’t just watched, but welcomed every day.”

    The campaign made its grand debut during the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, with all seven films premiering simultaneously across the network’s TV and digital platforms. One idea, seven voices, all heart.

  • Market makes the match as Nuvama partners with Network18 for 360 buzz

    Market makes the match as Nuvama partners with Network18 for 360 buzz

    MUMBAI: When it comes to the market, timing is everything and Nuvama has picked its slot wisely. In a strategic play to bolster its brand presence across India’s financial news ecosystem, wealth management major Nuvama Group has inked a year-long partnership with Network18, beginning 2 June 2025. The tie-up places Nuvama right at the beating heart of stock market discourse, the Market Hours segment across the CNBC Universe.

    Billed as the most-watched business news programming in the country, Market Hours will now see Nuvama integrated via contextual co-branded promotions, smart non-FCT elements, and in-program visual branding that go beyond the classic ad break approach. The integration will play out across television, digital, and Connected TV, ensuring a full-spectrum 360-degree brand presence.

    Nuvama will also be the presenting sponsor of CNBC-TV18’s India Business Hour, airing Monday to Friday at 8 PM, a prime-time perch to cement its presence in India’s financial storytelling. But the real kicker is a first-of-its-kind daily post-market wrap, served with expert insight and fresh analysis on market movements, economic indicators, and sectoral shifts a content initiative that adds serious thought leadership to the brand’s positioning.

    Network18 CEO, business news, Smriti Mehra said, “We are delighted to welcome Nuvama as a valued partner. This partnership is rooted in a shared vision for long-term collaboration, and we look forward to working together in the years ahead.”

    Nuvama Group CMO Sujay Rachh added, “We are pleased to announce Nuvama’s first-ever partnership with Network18, a strategic move that brings together two trusted brands with a shared commitment to empowering investors. In a world where information is abundant, but clarity is rare, this association is designed to deliver credible, actionable insights. We see strong momentum ahead as this partnership brings together trust, scale and thought leadership.”

    For a sector as dynamic as wealth management, timing a brand push to the right platform and moment can be everything. With this partnership, Nuvama isn’t just riding the ticker, it’s making its own headlines.