ITV

Category: Television

  • Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow names Harini Lakshminarayan as COO

    Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow names Harini Lakshminarayan as COO

    MUMBAI: Colour Yellow Productions, helmed by filmmaker Aanand L Rai, has appointed Harini Lakshminarayan as chief operating officer. She brings over two decades of experience in IP development, production and strategy to the Mumbai-based production house.

    In her new role, Lakshminarayan will oversee strategic operations and business development while maintaining the studio’s focus on storytelling and IP creation. She joins the company as it plans to expand its content slate across markets.

    “Harini brings a unique combination of creative foresight and strategic expertise that aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Colour Yellow Productions founder Aanand L Rai. “Together, we will continue to raise the bar for what Indian cinema can achieve in both domestic and global markets.”

    Lakshminarayan said she was excited to join the studio known for films like Raanjhanaa, Tanu Weds Manu, and Tumbbad. “Aanand L Rai’s incredible vision for storytelling that consistently pushes boundaries is truly inspiring,” she noted.

    The appointment comes as Colour Yellow, established over a decade ago, looks to build on its legacy of creating culturally rooted content that appeals to wider audiences. The studio has previously produced critically acclaimed films like Newton, Mukkabaaz and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan.

  • Bobby Deol is back with Ek Badnaam Aashram new season

    Bobby Deol is back with Ek Badnaam Aashram new season

    MUMBAI: The wait is almost over, Ek Badnaam Aashram is back, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. With the second part of Season 3 set to premiere soon on Amazon MX Player, fans can brace themselves for even more drama, betrayal, and dark secrets than before. The series, one of India’s most-watched ott shows, has been a defining force in storytelling, with national award-winning director Prakash Jha steering the ship.

    The teaser, which dropped recently, has set the internet on fire, teasing Baba Nirala’s return to power, the unshakeable loyalty of his followers, and the simmering tensions within his inner circle. Bobby Deol returns as the notorious Baba Nirala, leading an all-star cast that includes Aaditi Pohankar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Tridha Choudhury, Darshan Kumaar, Vikram Kochhar, Anupriya Goenka, Rajeev Siddhartha, and Esha Gupta. As old secrets and betrayals threaten to destroy everything, the new chapter promises to be gripping, thrilling, and unpredictable.

    The use of the iconic Duniya Mein Logon Ko soundtrack from Saregama adds another layer of suspense to the teaser, perfectly setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable season. The new chapter of the saga will focus on Pammi and Bhopa, as rivalries get more intense and revenge and redemption take centre stage.

    Amazon MX Player content head Amogh Dusad said, “Ek Badnaam Aashram has truly redefined storytelling in the digital space. With its hard-hitting narrative and compelling characters, it has captured the pulse of the audience. With new episodes coming soon, we’re pushing the envelope further with an explosive chapter that explores unchecked power and its consequences.”

    Reflecting on his role as Baba Nirala, Deol added, “The journey of Baba Nirala has been incredible, and the love this franchise has received is overwhelming. This time, the stakes are higher, the drama is bolder, and the secrets darker. I can’t wait for audiences to witness the next chapter of this story.”

    Jha further added, “Ek Badnaam Aashram has held up a mirror to society, exposing the dark intersections of faith, power, and exploitation. In the new season, we’re peeling back more layers, delving into the psychological grip of influence, and showcasing the thirst for control—where morality is often compromised.”

    The new season will stream exclusively on Amazon MX Player, available for free on mobile apps, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs. Fans can expect to be hooked as the drama unfolds over the next five episodes, ensuring they won’t be able to look away.

  • Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network has once again raised the stakes in live cricket broadcasting, securing exclusive television rights for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) home matches and the highly anticipated 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL). With this move, Sony cements its position as the go-to destination for cricket lovers across the Indian subcontinent, offering fans over 1,800 hours of live cricket in 2025.

    This broadcasting deal covers all of Pakistan’s home bilateral series, a tri-nation tournament, and the full 34-match PSL season, making it a significant addition to Sony’s ever-expanding cricket coverage. The television rights are exclusive for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Myanmar, while in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, Sony will broadcast the matches on a non-exclusive basis.

    The agreement kicked off with the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and south Africa. Fans can now look forward to a jam-packed cricket calendar on Sony Sports Network, which will air the following series in 2025:

    . Pakistan Super League (April – May): 34 matches

    .  Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (May): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Afghanistan (August): 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Ireland (September): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. south Africa (October): 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka (November): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    With the addition of PCB’s broadcasting rights, Sony Sports Network continues to bolster its cricket programming, which already includes rights for New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This latest deal further solidifies Sony’s dominance in the cricket broadcasting landscape, bringing fans even more live-action and archival content, including classic India vs. Pakistan encounters.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) CRO – distribution and international business & head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul  stated, “Sony Sports Network’s key goals includes delivering the best cricketing action to our viewers.  To that end, we are continuously enhancing our cricket offerings, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year with over 1800 hours of live cricket on Sony Sports Network. Through this deal, we also have access to great archival content that includes Pakistan vs India matches that we will also showcase on our network. The acquisition of the Pakistan Cricket Board rights along with New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) positions us as the premier destination for cricket in India.”

    With this strategic acquisition, Sony Sports Network is all set to offer an uninterrupted cricketing experience, making it a must-watch hub for fans in 2025. Whether it’s the thrill of PSL, gripping bilateral series, or nostalgic archival showdowns, Sony is ensuring that cricket lovers never miss a moment of the action.

     

  • History TV18 unveils Dark Marvels-Exposing history’s deadliest creations

    History TV18 unveils Dark Marvels-Exposing history’s deadliest creations

    MUMBAI: Innovation has always been a double-edged sword. It has propelled humanity to greatness, but it has also unleashed some of the most terrifying instruments of destruction. History TV18’s latest docu-series, Dark Marvels, premiering on 15 February at 11 pm, takes viewers on a spine-chilling journey through the deadliest inventions ever created. From medieval war machines to execution devices, this series pulls back the curtain on humanity’s dark ingenuity.

    Each episode of Dark Marvels unveils the horrifying mechanics behind history’s most lethal inventions, exploring the sinister minds that brought them to life. Expect expert analysis, 3D recreations, and gripping archival footage that expose the motivations and deadly efficiency of these devices. Whether it’s the ruthless guillotine, the electric chair masquerading as humane punishment, or the monstrous super cannons of Nazi Germany, this is history as you’ve never seen it before.

    History TV18 president – content & communication Arun Thapar shares, “At History TV18, we believe in making History compelling, visually stunning, and thought-provoking. ‘Dark Marvels’ is a provocative addition to our after-dark lineup, exploring the razor-thin line between brilliance and brutality. The series uncovers how human ingenuity has often been wielded for dominance, destruction, and control.”

    This isn’t just a walk through war-torn battlefields or ancient torture chambers—it’s an unflinching look at the creativity that birthed terror. From the Roman Colosseum’s blood-soaked arenas to the silent menace of booby-trapped tombs, each episode leaves no stone unturned.

    Brutality or brilliance? You decide. But one thing’s for sure—‘Dark Marvels’ is not for the faint-hearted.

    Watch the Trailer 
     

  • TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    MUMBAI: As the Women’s Premier League (TATA WPL) 2025 enters its third season, the tournament continues to redefine women’s cricket, setting new benchmarks for viewership, engagement, and brand partnerships. In just its second season, WPL became the biggest ever Women’s T20 tournament in terms of viewership, reaching close to 150 million viewers on digital streaming and 110 million on linear TV. The month-long event delivered a platform reach and TVR comparable to shows across other content genres that span over a period of 3-6 months. 

    Starting 14th February on live on the JioStar Network i.e. Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar, Season 3 of TATA WPL offers a dynamic mix of platform scale and innovative advertising solutions, and with a plethora of contextual advertising opportunities in February and March, advertisers can build association surrounding these social events through cricketing stars that have become household names in India. 

    Category-wide Brand Associations with TATA WPL 2025 on JioStar 

    Since inception in 2023, TATA WPL has witnessed a massive influx of brands wanting to be a part of the evolving landscape of cricket in India. Categories like infrastructure, automobiles, FMCG, payments, travel, lifestyle and BFSI have capitalized on the WPL wave across seasons, driving a high share of voice in a non-cluttered advertising environment. 

    How brands alleviated their campaigns through TATA WPL 2025

    . BFSI Brand: A prominent public sector bank partnered with WPL to create large-scale awareness surrounding their latest offerings. achieved a 16% uplift in online ad awareness, a 25% increase in purchase intent and a 20% increase in recommendation.

    . Automotive Brand: A leading automotive brand leveraged WPL on both LTV and CTV to build brand love for the launch of its new EV. The campaign saw a 1.5x uplift in Google search trends and 17% increase in purchase intent through impactful ad placements.

    . Lifestyle Brand: A multinational fashion brand associated with WPL on CTV and mobile with an objective to drive purchase intent for its new collection. The brand’s campaign witnessed an 11% increase in message association and a 7% increase in purchase intent through the WPL association. 

    Tailored advertising solutions for every marketing goal: 

    . TATA WPL on JioStar provides a wide array of advertising formats that cater to different marketing objectives:

    . Contextual In-Match Integrations: Seamlessly weave brand messages into key moments of the game, such as strategic timeouts, player milestones, and game-winning moments.

    . Co-Branded Segments: Align your brand with expert analysis, player interviews, and match highlights to capture viewer attention.

    . Interactive Digital Ad Formats: Drive engagement with innovative formats such as expandable CTAs, mid-roll carousels, and fence ads.

    . Targeted Audience Solutions: Leverage JioStar’s advanced analytics to target specific demographics, ensuring your message reaches the right audience. 

    .Contextual Opportunities for Brand Marketers to lookout for this WPL: 

    TATA WPL Season 3 coincides with International Women’s Day, providing brands with a unique opportunity to celebrate women’s empowerment and achievements. By aligning campaigns with this occasion, advertisers can create authentic narratives that resonate with audiences and drive emotional connections.

    . Highlighting the stories of inspiring women cricketers such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma offers brands a compelling way to champion empowerment while fostering deeper consumer engagement.

    . Along with this the TATA WPL 2025 season runs from February 14th to March 21st, a time filled with important cultural and social moments. Brands can leverage this opportunity to align their campaigns with these events to drive their campaigns and narratives.

    . Valentine’s Day (14th February)

    . Holi (8th March)

    . International Women’s Day (8th March)

    Creative ad assets such as branded segments, contextual overlays, and interactive formats offer brands the flexibility to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences during these significant occasions. 

    TATA WPL is not just a cricket league; it’s a movement reshaping the landscape of sports in India. By partnering with JioStar, brands can harness the power of this transformative platform to achieve their marketing objectives. 
    This season, make your brand the talk of the town. With tailor-made advertising solutions and contextual opportunities, TATA WPL on JioStar offers a high-impact platform to elevate your brand and connect with millions of passionate viewers.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery unveils legends of Shiva with Amish Tripathi

    Warner Bros. Discovery unveils legends of Shiva with Amish Tripathi

    MUMBAI : Warner Bros. Discovery is bringing mythology to life once again with Legends of Shiva with Amish, the next chapter in its acclaimed legends series. Unveiled at the New Delhi world book fair, the series sees bestselling author Amish Tripathi embark on a journey through India’s sacred. landscapes, joined by Warner Bros. Discovery south Asia head of factual & lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek.

    This three-part series follows  Tripathi on a captivating journey across India from the mystic Himalayas to the sacred ghats of Varanasi and the ancient temples of south India as he explores the legacy, symbolism, and enduring influence of Lord Shiva.

    Sai Abishek expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Following the success of Legends of Ramayana, we are delighted to collaborate with Tripathi once again. The demand for fact-based storytelling rooted in mythology and history is growing, and we remain committed to bringing such untold stories to our audiences.”

  • &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    MUMBAI: Love is in the air, and &pictures is turning up the romance dial with its Full On Ishq Film Festival—a cinematic extravaganza celebrating love in its most dramatic, passionate, and unpredictable forms. Running from 9- 14 February, this special lineup brings viewers a daily dose of heartwarming love stories, leading up to the highly anticipated channel premiere of Kisko Tha Pata on Valentine’s day at 2 pm. Because what’s Valentine’s without a little bit of love, longing, and drama?

    Kisko Tha Pata, directed by Ratnaa Sinha, is a deep dive into the unpredictable world of romance, exploring love, passion, and obsession set against the charming backdrop of Raipur. Starring Ashnoor Kaur, Akshay Oberoi, and Aadil Khan, the film promises an emotional rollercoaster ride.

    Following the journey of Shreya (Ashnoor Kaur), a young woman navigating complex emotions, the story also introduces Devansh (Akshay Oberoi), a man whose world is shattered by heartbreak, and Dhairya (Aadil Khan), a free-spirited biker who believes in living in the moment. This tale of love and destiny is bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

    Sinha shares, “Kisko Tha Pata is a story that dives deep into the unpredictability of love. It’s about choices, emotions, and how destiny plays a role in shaping our relationships. Love isn’t always easy, and this film beautifully captures its raw, unfiltered essence. I’m thrilled that audiences will get to experience this poignant tale on &pictures this Valentine’s Day.”

    Kaur adds, “Shreya’s journey is one of self-discovery, heartbreak, and resilience. She’s a character that will remind many of their own experiences with love—whether it’s the euphoria of falling in love or the agony of watching it slip away. Kisko Tha Pata is a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.”

    Oberoi, who plays Devansh, shares, “Devansh’s story is about heartbreak, healing, and finding redemption. He’s someone who loved deeply, lost painfully, and is struggling to put himself back together. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and Kisko Tha Pata shows that love isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.”

    Khan, portraying Dhairya, comments, “Dhairya’s character brings refreshing energy to the film. He is someone who sees love in its most free-spirited form—without boundaries or expectations. His journey is about embracing the moment, about hope, and about finding happiness even in the face of uncertainty.”

    In addition to Kisko Tha Pata, &pictures has lined up an impressive selection of romance classics to keep the love alive throughout the week. The festival features Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Sanam Teri Kasam, Geeta Govinda, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana—a mix of modern and classic love stories that promise drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.

    So, if your idea of a perfect Valentine’s celebration includes cozying up with timeless love stories, &pictures has got you covered. Whether you’re swooning over intense love triangles, dramatic heartbreaks, or soul-stirring reunions, there’s a film for everyone.

     

     

  • Dharma Productions steps into global film distribution with Bhumika Tewari

    Dharma Productions steps into global film distribution with Bhumika Tewari

    MUMBAI : Dharma Productions is set to make its mark in global cinema with the appointment of Bhumika Tewari as head of content acquisition and film distribution worldwide. Stepping into film distribution for the first time, the production house aims to broaden its reach and bring diverse Indian narratives to a wider audience.

    Under Tewari’s leadership, Dharma will acquire high-quality films across multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, and Marathi, while independently distributing its own productions and third-party films. To streamline operations and strengthen ties with regional talent, the company will establish distribution hubs in key locations such as Delhi, Punjab, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

    Commenting on the appointment, Dharma Productions chairman Karan Johar said, “Stepping into film distribution is a major leap for Dharma, and we are excited to have Bhumika lead this initiative. Her expertise in content acquisition and distribution aligns perfectly with our vision of expanding Indian storytelling to global audiences.”

    Dharma Productions CEO Apoorva Mehta added, “Bhumika joins us at a crucial time as we evolve into an end-to-end content powerhouse. Her experience will be instrumental in shaping our journey as a key distributor of compelling stories worldwide.”

    Expressing her enthusiasm, Tewari stated, “Joining Dharma Productions is an extraordinary opportunity to champion Indian cinema on a global scale. I look forward to expanding Dharma’s reach, fostering regional storytelling, and ensuring diverse narratives find their audience.”

    Before joining Dharma, Tewari served as senior vice president of film acquisition & revenue at Zee Entertainment, overseeing the distribution of over 150 titles and managing content strategy across multiple platforms. Her appointment signals a bold new era for Dharma Productions as it strengthens its foothold in both national and international markets.

     

  • Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), the powerhouse behind Mumbai Indians (MI), has officially added another feather to its cap. Through its subsidiary, Rise Worldwide Ltd, RIL has successfully partnered with the Oval Invincibles, a London-based franchise competing in the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) thrilling 100-ball competition, The Hundred.

    Just days after clinching yet another league title in south Africa, MI is set to bring its winning mentality to English cricket. The partnership unites MI’s winning DNA with the reigning men’s champions of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024 and the women’s champions of 2021 and 2022—making this a true meeting of champions.

    From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the historic Oval, MI continues to build its cricket empire. With successful franchises in India, south Africa, the UAE, and now England, the MI brand is cementing itself as a dominant force in world cricket. The move is not just about expansion—it’s about bringing MI’s aggressive, entertaining, and fearless brand of cricket to an even bigger audience.

    MI’s journey is one of continuous evolution, and The Hundred—with its fast-paced, dynamic gameplay—is the perfect new frontier. The tournament has already captured the imagination of fans worldwide, and with MI’s involvement, it’s set to get even bigger. The #OneFamily philosophy has been at the core of MI’s success, and the inclusion of the Oval Invincibles only strengthens this ethos.

    So, whether it’s Mumbai, Cape Town, Dubai, or London—MI’s blue and gold continues to shine brighter than ever.

  • Sun TV Q3 profits plunge to Rs. 347 crore-Has the network lost Its signal?

    Sun TV Q3 profits plunge to Rs. 347 crore-Has the network lost Its signal?

    MUMBAI: Sun TV Network, once the prime-time champion of regional television, is now facing more reruns than fresh hits. The third quarter of FY25 has been less ‘superhit serial’ and more ‘filler episode’—with revenue, EBITDA, and profits all taking dramatic dives. While audiences may still be watching, advertisers have clearly flipped the channel, leaving Sun TV’s earnings on mute.

    Is this a brief ad break before the comeback, or is Sun TV headed for a season finale?

    Standalone Results

    Sun TV’s Q3 FY25 numbers resemble an ageing sitcom—still on air, but struggling for ratings. The company reported total income of Rs 927.66 crore, a decline from Rs 1,014.81 crore in Q3 FY24. The advertisement revenue stood at Rs 332.17 crore, sliding from Rs 355.43 crore last year. Clearly, advertisers are swiping right on digital and left on traditional TV.

    Subscription revenue, however, managed a 2.03 per cent growth, reaching Rs 434.51 crore—a small consolation prize in a sea of red ink. Meanwhile, EBITDA took a nosedive to Rs 432.13 crore, down from Rs 573.76 crore in Q3 FY24, reflecting higher operational costs and the ever-shrinking TV margins.

    Profit before tax (PBT) slipped to Rs 454.61 crore, down from Rs 591.31 crore last year. The real kicker? Profit after tax (PAT) dropped to Rs 347.17 crore, a steep decline from Rs 437.34 crore in Q3 FY24. A 20.6 per cent drop in net profits is enough to make any investor reach for the remote control.

    Consolidated Results

    On a consolidated level, total income stood at Rs 967.56 crore, marking a drop from Rs 1,058.66 crore in Q3 FY24. Revenues from operations were Rs 827.56 crore, a slump compared to Rs 923.15 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

    The profit before tax on a consolidated basis stood at Rs 473.87 crore, down from Rs 611.85 crore in Q3 FY24. The after-tax profits also followed the downward trend, clocking in at Rs 363.26 crore, compared to Rs 453.09 crore in the previous year’s Q3.

    While cricket franchise revenues from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape offered some cushion, their combined contribution stood at a modest Rs 0.11 crore this quarter, a stark contrast to Rs 8.98 crore in Q3 FY24. The cost of maintaining these franchises remains high at Rs 1.09 crore this quarter, squeezing margins further.

    Sun TV Network’s board has approved an interim dividend of Rs 2.50 per share, a 50 per cent payout on a face value of Rs 5.00 per share—a small consolation prize for investors watching their returns shrink faster than a bad soap opera plot twist. While this cash giveaway might sweeten the deal, will it be enough to distract from the sinking profits?

    Meanwhile, ad revenue has taken a nosedive, as brands shift their budgets towards digital darlings like YouTube and OTT platforms. Is Sun TV stuck in an old-school rerun while the world streams ahead? Or does it have one last prime-time comeback left in its script?

    With advertising dollars migrating to digital, subscription revenues becoming the lifeline, and cricket franchise earnings proving inconsistent, Sun TV has its work cut out. Will it manage to reinvent itself, or are we witnessing the beginning of a long-term fade-out?