ITV

Category: Television

  • Fan-tastic four as Dhoni hype and debutant delight rule IPL 2025 pulse

    Fan-tastic four as Dhoni hype and debutant delight rule IPL 2025 pulse

    MUMBAI: Turns out the biggest impact player of IPL 2025 isn’t even an “impact player”, it’s Dhoni. A new report titled The IPL Pulse by 23 Watts Insights Studio has bowled over cricket buffs with fan-fuelled findings from over 5,000 respondents across 10 cities. From emerging icons to unexpected frontrunners, the survey captures the shifting allegiances, breakout stars, and strategic evolution of this year’s league proving once again that in India, cricket isn’t just watched, it’s felt.

    At 42, MS Dhoni may not be scoring big with the bat, but his grip on the nation’s heart remains unshaken. A whopping 73 per cent fans say he shouldn’t retire just yet, with 35.13 per cent calling him the “soul of CSK” and 37.77 per cent admitting he’s not in peak form, but still brings immense value. Only 27 per cent feel it’s time for Thala to trade the gloves for the dugout.

    While legends still shine, Gen Z has crowned its new prince. Rajasthan Royals’ teen dynamo Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as the most impressive debutant with 31.4 per cent votes. Following close are Mumbai Indians’ Ashwani Kumar (21 per cent) and South African import Ryan Rickelton (15.8 per cent), whose flair with the bat has turned heads across formats.

    When it comes to bowling nightmares, Jasprit Bumrah (32.4 per cent) reigns supreme, followed by CSK’s crafty spinner Noor Ahmad (28.4 per cent). Fans, though, are clearly on the pace bandwagon 65.3 per cent believe fast bowlers are tougher to face than spinners this season.

    It’s the year of the underdog. According to the report, 65 per cent of fans are hoping for a first-time IPL winner. Royal Challengers Bangalore leads the fairytale charge with 44 per cent of the vote, ahead of Delhi Capitals (12 per cent), Punjab Kings (7 per cent) and Lucknow Super Giants (2 per cent). Mumbai Indians (13 per cent) and CSK (12 per cent) remain in the hunt, but fan hopes seem to favour fresh silverware.

    Love it or overhype it, the “Impact Player” rule has divided the pitch but not the people. An overwhelming 78 per cent agree it’s added a strategic edge to the game, while 20 per cent say it’s tough on true-blue all-rounders.

    Key takeaways from The IPL Pulse:

    . Thala for life: Only 1 in 4 fans want Dhoni to retire.

    . Debut delight: Suryavanshi and Kumar lead the rookie chart.

    .  Bowling heat: Bumrah is still the batter’s worst nightmare.

    .  Dark horse energy: RCB tops wishlist for a new IPL champion.

    .  Rule reimagined: “Impact player” earns mass approval.

    With 55 matches down and plenty more fireworks to come, The IPL Pulse proves one thing beyond doubt, the love for cricket is as layered and unpredictable as the tournament itself. And in this game, it’s not just the players making an impact, it’s the fans who write the script.

  • Puma India strikes multi-year partnership with NEB Sports for marquee city marathons

    Puma India strikes multi-year partnership with NEB Sports for marquee city marathons

    MUMBAI: When the starting gun goes off this August, thousands of runners in Mumbai and Bengaluru will do more than just race—they’ll wear a movement. Puma India has signed a multi-year deal with NEB Sports to become the official sportswear partner for the Mumbai Half Marathon and the Wipro Bengaluru Marathon, two of the country’s most celebrated road races.

    The eight edition of the Mumbai Half Marathon is set for 17 August 2025, while the 12 Wipro Bengaluru Marathon will be held on 21 September. Puma’s partnership includes 360-degree support: training runs, race-day performance gear, and post-race assistance. The tie-up is part of the brand’s larger ambition to fuel India’s transition from casual jogging to serious distance running.

    “The sport of Running is transforming India—shaping lifestyles, building communities, and redefining competition. Our partnership with NEB marks Puma’s deeper commitment to fuel this momentum. India has an extremely vibrant community of close to three million registered runners and double-digit growth in marquee events like the Mumbai and Wipro Marathons. We think it is a fantastic opportunity to empower them to chase their goals and go the distance. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to push and elevate the evolution of running in the country”, said Puma India MD Karthik Balagopalan.

    The company’s running credentials are backed by performance data. Since October 2024, over 50 per cent of elite podium finishers in five top Indian races wore Puma’s Nitro shoes. The Running division is growing faster than Puma India’s core business, confirming a robust demand for serious running gear.

    According to 2024 data, India’s emerging sports business grew 19 per cent year-on-year, with marathons making up 23.5 per cent of the segment. Puma is tapping into this momentum with events, gear, and grassroots activations that turn running into a lifestyle.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Puma India on board as our official sportswear partner. At NEB Sports, we have always believed in creating inclusive, eco-conscious sporting experiences that go beyond the racetrack. This association marks an exciting chapter in fostering a culture of health and wellness across communities. Together, we aim to inspire more people to lace up and hit the roads with passion and purpose”, said NEB Sports chairman & MD Nagaraj Adiga.

    Puma India’s track record includes supporting events like the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, the high-altitude Ladakh Marathon, and the Adani Marathon. In 2024 alone, it ran over 250 training sessions across cities and introduced formats like the Puma x Bumble Singles Run.

     

  • Balaji Telefilms scores digital hat-trick as ‘KULL’ tops streaming charts with 3.1 million viewers

    Balaji Telefilms scores digital hat-trick as ‘KULL’ tops streaming charts with 3.1 million viewers

    MUMBAI: In a digital content world where hype often overshadows heart, Balaji Telefilms has quietly delivered a streaming hat-trick. Its latest series KULL has emerged as India’s number one most-watched original web series for the week, clocking 3.1 million viewers, according to the Ormax OTT Audience Report. The political family drama has not only sustained but gained momentum since launch, outperforming a high-budget Netflix series with a similar theme.

    KULL’s rise has come without celebrity pull or excessive marketing muscle. Instead, its layered storytelling, morally grey characters and complex emotional arcs have found favour with audiences hungry for substance. The series follows two earlier digital triumphs for Balaji — Power of Paanch and Dus June Ki Raat — both JioCinema originals that tapped into youth angst and dark drama with equal finesse.

    “At Balaji, we’ve always believed that the core of a great show is not its scale, but its soul. Audiences today are willing to experiment with stories as long as they reflect emotional honesty, cultural relevance, and narrative ambition – with KULL, we didn’t just create another series; we created a world where every character felt real, every conflict had weight, and every moment resonated. The reactions and numbers validate what we’ve instinctively known — that good storytelling always finds its audience”, said Balaji Telefilms head – digital originals Aparna Ramachandran.

    She added, “Our vision going forward is to keep experimenting with formats, genres, and narratives that challenge convention while staying rooted in what makes a story truly memorable. The digital space is vast and evolving, but our north star remains unchanged — to tell stories that matter”.

    JioHotstar head of Hindi special Vivek Srivastava echoed the sentiment, “Kull was always destined to be a hit — and now the frenzy is real. A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and family at war — the battle for the throne has never been this ruthless. Haven’t streamed it yet? Now’s the time. Now streaming on Jio Hotstar!”

    Balaji’s triple win reaffirms its status as a key architect of India’s digital entertainment wave. As audiences evolve, Balaji seems poised to keep pace — not with loud launches, but with loud applause.

  • Pranav Bakshi takes charge as chief growth officer for Network18 Connected

    Pranav Bakshi takes charge as chief growth officer for Network18 Connected

    MUMBAI: Network18’s next big digital leap has a new commander. Pranav Bakshi, the veteran media strategist, has been elevated to chief growth officer at Network18 Connected, the digital-forward vertical of Network18 Media & Investments Limited. The announcement was made public via LinkedIn on 20 May 2025.

    This isn’t just a title change — it’s a pivot that reflects Network18’s ambitions to expand aggressively across connected TV, social platforms, digital distribution, and new-age partnerships. Bakshi, with a career spanning over two decades, will now be steering growth, product, revenue, and content innovation across a portfolio that includes CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, News18 India, Moneycontrol, Firstpost, History TV18, and more.

    “I’m excited to step into the role of chief growth officer – Network18 Connected. This isn’t just a title change — it’s an opportunity to lead the growth and transformation of content and content consumption across platforms that are shaping how audiences engage today: Connected TV, social ecosystems, and strategic digital partnerships”, Bakshi said. “The vision is clear: create impact where audiences are headed, not where they’ve been”.

    Bakshi previously led Network18’s digital video strategy and partnerships division. From spearheading digital video transformation across 45+ brands to building early off-platform momentum, he has been instrumental in crafting the network’s modern media engine. His earlier stints include leadership roles at Times Network and NDTV, where he handled P&L, content innovation, and revenue transformation.

    A recipient of the Chairman’s Excellence Award at Times Network, Bakshi has consistently worked at the intersection of content, business and emerging tech. At Network18, his new mandate includes expanding presence in international markets, growing CTV viewership, and driving monetisation across social and connected ecosystems.

  • TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    MUMBAI: TV news viewership in India rocketed during the week of 3 to 9 May, driven by the high-octane drama of Operation Sindoor —a military blitz by Indian armed forces against terror hubs in Pakistan.

    Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India reported a staggering 507 million viewers tuning into news content that week—the highest weekly total since 2022. Over the three critical days (7-9 May), news grabbed 16 per cent of total TV viewing, up from its usual 6 per cent slice.

    Hindi news channels led the charge, clocking 254 gross rating points (GRPs), smashing previous highs seen during the 2024 Lok Sabha election results and major state elections. Viewer engagement spiked, with the average time spent on Hindi news jumping to 60 minutes—a 67 per cent rise over pre-operation weeks.

    The frenzy peaked during ministry of external affairs (MEA) briefings on the operation. The first briefing on Wednesday sent viewership soaring by 509 per cent. Thursday and Friday briefings saw gains of 125 per cent and 242 per cent, respectively.

    Operation Sindoor also brought 65 million fresh eyes to Hindi news—viewers who hadn’t touched the genre in the previous month. Daily tune-ins nearly doubled, leaping from 73 million to 142 million.

    In the Hindi-speaking market (HSM 2+), the news genre’s share of TV content surged from three per cent to 13 per cent, with the 15+ age group soaring from four per cent to 15 per cent—outstripping the 2016 surgical strikes.

    Barc India said the data reaffirms television’s enduring role as the go-to medium for news during major national events, underscoring its unparalleled reach and influence.

  • Dream Sports Foundation and UTT team up to serve India’s next table tennis champs

    Dream Sports Foundation and UTT team up to serve India’s next table tennis champs

    MUMBAI: In a sharp backhand boost to grassroots talent, Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) have joined forces to launch ‘Dream UTT Juniors’ — a one-of-a-kind under-15 table tennis tournament designed to offer rising stars a taste of the big league.

    The initiative will see eight top-performing boys and girls from the recently concluded Dream Sports Championship Table Tennis 2025 drafted into UTT franchises. These young athletes will compete alongside the sixth season of the Ultimate Table Tennis league, scheduled from 29 May to 8 June in Ahmedabad, with matches streamed live on Fancode.

    “At Dream Sports, we are driven by our vision to ‘Make Sports Better’”, said Dream Sports CEO & co-founder Harsh Jain. “Thanks to Vita Dani and Niraj Bajaj, Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has played a pivotal role in nurturing India’s table tennis talent to compete & win at the global stage. But there remains a pressing need to support grassroots talent, and our partnership to create Dream UTT Juniors is a big step toward bridging this gap. Through our Dream Sports Foundation, we aim to empower the next generation of athletes to make India proud in the 2030 Youth Olympics and thereafter at the 2036 Olympics”.

    Dream UTT Juniors marks a pivotal extension of DSF’s mission to build from the base. The U-15 stars were selected through a national talent pool, shaped during DSF and the Table Tennis Federation of India’s earlier initiative—one lauded for professionalism and intensity rarely seen at this level.

    “Dream UTT Juniors is a natural extension of our shared vision with Dream Sports Foundation — to strengthen the foundation of sport in India and empower young athletes”, added UTT co-promoter Vita Dani. “By giving budding table tennis talent early exposure to the world-class UTT ecosystem, we’re not just launching a tournament — we’re creating a pathway for the next generation of Indian stars to emerge”.

    Since 2017, UTT has helped rewrite the script for Indian table tennis, providing domestic talent the platform to share space with international champions. Now, Dream UTT Juniors aims to embed that exposure early in the athlete journey.

    With this initiative, DSF and UTT aim to establish a structured pipeline that bridges school-level promise with professional readiness. As Indian table tennis gains new traction, this partnership might just deliver India’s future champions.

  • Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t just the stars who shone this time, the fans had the final curtain call. The 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, presented by Maruti Suzuki, turned Mumbai’s NSCI Dome into a pulsating celebration of Indian cinema, where fandom met flair and the purple carpet shimmered with both glamour and gratitude.

    This wasn’t your usual awards night. It was fantertainment, as Zee dubbed it, a grand ode not only to the cinematic hits of the past year but to the people who made them resonate: the audience. With a stage set for celebration, the night transformed into a carnival of charisma, dance, drama and dazzling recognition.

    The purple carpet looked straight out of a Bollywood dream. Kartik Aaryan oozed old-school charm in an all-grey ensemble, while Ananya Panday stunned in a crisp white saree. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia set the black-dress bar high, joined by head-turners like Sharvari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor. From Tiger Shroff’s street-smart swag to Bobby Deol’s white-suited flair, the fashion parade was nothing short of fabulous.

    And when the lights dimmed, the drama dialled up. Kartik kicked off the performances with Bhool Bhulaiyaa energy, while Ananya, Tamannaah, and Tiger kept the heat alive with high-octane dance numbers. Sharvari, Rasha Thadani, Jacqueline, and Vaani followed suit, bringing a fresh mix of grace and groove. The lively trio of Vikrant Massey, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ravi Kishan took hosting duties to entertaining new highs with sharp humour and seamless banter.

    But the night wasn’t just about razzle-dazzle. It was about recognition with heart, honouring not just the big names but also the behind-the-scenes powerhouses: directors, technicians, debutantes, and everyone who made magic on screen in 2024. And for the first time, the event truly acknowledged the power of the public those who clap, stream, binge, rewatch, and believe in cinema.

    The 23rd edition also delivered poignant moments: fan tributes, heartfelt speeches, and curtain calls that brought cinema’s emotional pulse to the forefront. In a world obsessed with box office numbers, this night was a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about connection.

    So if you missed the magic, don’t worry Zee Cinema, Zee Tv and Zee5 are where the show goes on. Because when cinema’s brightest gather and fans take the spotlight, it’s not just an awards show, it’s a love letter to the stories that bring us together.

  • Amit Gupta promoted at Warner Bros Discovery as sr director, APAC ancillary & Hyderabad content operations

    Amit Gupta promoted at Warner Bros Discovery as sr director, APAC ancillary & Hyderabad content operations

    MUMBAI:  Amit Gupta has stepped into a new adventure as senior director – APAC ancillary and Hyderabad content operations at Warner Bros Discovery, adding another star-studded chapter to his 25-year career in the media and entertainment industry.

    Gupta, who previously served as director – program operations for South Asia at the same company, has been a master of content logistics and operations. From running the show for kids and English movie channels at Turner to leading creative services and broadcast post at Prime Focus Technologies, he has been the backstage wizard keeping the content flowing.

    Before joining Warner Bros. Discovery, Gupta sharpened his craft at Reliance MediaWorks as AVP – technical and operations, and earlier at Sony Entertainment Television, where he steered the post-production department. He even donned the hat of a senior video editor at Applause Entertainment and freelanced as an online video editor, giving him a deep understanding of the creative and operational sides of the business.

    In his new role, Gupta will oversee APAC’s ancillary operations and lead the Hyderabad content hub, playing a critical role in delivering Warner Bros Discovery’s magic across the region. With a career that’s a mix of big names and bigger responsibilities, Gupta’s latest gig is set to be another hit on his list.

  • Banijay group maps blockbuster growth plan at capital markets day 2025

    Banijay group maps blockbuster growth plan at capital markets day 2025

    MUMBAI: Banijay group, the global powerhouse in entertainment, unveiled its ambitious growth roadmap at its capital markets day on 16 May 2025, pledging to supercharge its content empire and maintain its industry dominance. With a target of €7 billion in revenue and over €1.2 billion in adjusted EBITDA by 2028, the company laid out a strategy to stay on top in a fast-evolving entertainment landscape.

    Under the leadership of founder &  chairman Stéphane Courbit, Banijay committed to leveraging three powerful growth levers: accelerating organic growth, developing synergies across its diverse portfolio, and capitalising on industry consolidation.

    “Entertainment is the common DNA that connects all our activities. Our purpose remains the same: to produce and deliver emotional experiences at scale,” Courbit declared.

    Banijay group CEO François Riahi highlighted the company’s readiness to capture new growth avenues, driven by a clear strategic focus on digital platforms, premium content, sports, and immersive experiences. “We are raising our mid-term guidance, backed by a strong platform, iconic IP, and disciplined financial management,” he added.

    Banijay’s bold financial goals included:
    * Revenue of around €7 billion in 2028.
    * Adjusted EBITDA of over €1.2 billion in 2028.
    * Organic revenue growth of mid-to-high single digits for content production and low-to-mid teens for online sports betting and gaming.
    * Over 80 per cent adjusted free cash flow conversion.
    * A dividend payout of over 33 per cent of adjusted net income.
    * Target leverage of 2.0x in the medium term.

    The group also revealed plans to consolidate The Independents, increasing its stake from 14 per cent to 51 per cent in 2026. This move would add €1 billion in revenues by 2028 without impacting leverage, thanks to a primary equity raise of €300m to €400m.

    From blockbuster TV shows and digital content to live experiences and sports entertainment, Banijay’s ambitions are crystal clear – to remain the world’s go-to entertainment powerhouse.

  • Lightning International strikes with 14 Fast channels on myTV Super

    Lightning International strikes with 14 Fast channels on myTV Super

    MUMBAI:  Lightning International has unleashed a storm of entertainment on Hong Kong’s leading streaming service, myTV Super, with the launch of 14 brand-new free ad-supported streaming TV (Fast) channels. From action-packed blockbusters to toe-tapping tunes and jaw-dropping documentaries, the new channels promise a binge-worthy bonanza – all for free.

    The partnership marks myTV Super’s first-ever Fast channel collaboration, powered by Amagi Media Labs, and is set to transform the streaming landscape in Hong Kong. With the new channels, viewers can dive into a world of diverse content across smart TVs, myTV Super boxes, the myTV Super app, and the web.

    Lightning International  CEO James Ross couldn’t hide his excitement: “This collaboration with myTV Super is a game-changer. We’re bringing a treasure trove of content to viewers, catering to every taste and passion.”

    The channel lineup is an eye-pleasing buffet:

    * Action Hollywood Movies – Big hits, bigger thrills. 
    * Concerto – Classical music that strikes a chord.
    * Docsville – Documentaries that dare to inspire.
    * Globetrotter – Travel tales for the restless.
    * NewsWorld – Headlines and happenings, 24/7.
    * Now 70s, Now 80s, Now 90s00s – Nostalgia with a beat.
    * Now ROCK – Rock your world, one riff at a time.
    * Pet Club TV – Furry friends and adorable adventures.
    * Pulse – Wellness and wellbeing in a click.
    * Rialto Classic Movies (RCM) – Golden era films in all their glory.
    * TRACE Sport Stars – The world’s sporting elite in action.
    * TRACE Urban – Hip-hop and urban vibes that never stop.

    myTV Super, the OTT platform of Television Broadcasts Ltd (TVB), has cemented its position as a streaming powerhouse in Hong Kong, and this partnership with Lightning International adds a bolt of variety to its content arsenal.

    (Photo: James Ross, CEO of Lightning International with Rex Ching, President, myTV Super)