ITV

Category: GECs

  • Reliance-Disney Star: joint venture to finally fall in place by 18 November

    Reliance-Disney Star: joint venture to finally fall in place by 18 November

    MUMBAI: Here’s more on the Reliance-Viacom18-Disney Star India. Disney Star India distribution and international head Gurjeev Singh Kapoor is moving on. That came across as a shocker to many in the industry as he was known to be close to vice-chairman Uday Shankar and has had a good track record in terms of achieving targets and getting in revenue. Rumours are that he is likely to be headed to Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI) to work closely with CEO Gaurav Banerjee. Others say he is going to be turning entrepreneur.

    Questions are being raised as to the fate of IndiaCast COO Piyush Goyal and international head Govind Shahi as the buzz in the organisation is that a new professional is likely to take Gurjeev’s place. Some fingers are being pointed towards SPNI’s Rajesh Kaul hopping on board. 

    While many have been saying that the new joint venture entity is going to be called JioStar and the email addresses are going to be jiostar.com, others are saying that the merged entity is going to be under Star India and the email addresses will be startv.com. Mails have been zipping around to executives in the two organisations and to clients announcing this, if sources are to be believed.

    Sources indicate that the final announcements of the executives who will be staying or moving on are going to be made by 15 or 16 November with everything finally falling into place by 18 November. 

    Here’s hoping that we, at indiantelevision.com, are not adding to the oodles of speculation being floated around. Only time will tell. 
     

  • Raj TV’s financial woes deepen despite 53 per cent revenue surge

    Raj TV’s financial woes deepen despite 53 per cent revenue surge

    Mumbai: Raj Television Network Limited, a longstanding player in the regional media landscape, reported its unaudited financial results for Q2 FY2025. The results reveal a downward trend in profitability and rising operational expenses, challenging the company’s financial stability. Despite a 53 per cent revenue boost to Rs 359.3 million from Rs 234.5 million in the prior year, this increase did not translate into profitability. The high costs, notably a 77 per cent surge in cost of revenue to Rs 293 million, outpaced revenue growth, resulting in a net loss of Rs 168 million for the quarter, a stark contrast to a modest profit of Rs 217,000 in Q2 FY2024.

    Operating expenses surged by 35 per cent year-over-year, driven by escalating costs in core functions. Employee benefits decreased marginally by 6 per cent, reflecting cost-control efforts, yet operational expenses remained high. Finance costs increased by over 60 per cent, reaching Rs 10.3 million, which, combined with increased borrowing, amplified the financial strain.

    Balance sheet liabilities reflect rising pressures; current liabilities rose by nearly 39 per cent, with trade payables ballooning from Rs 60.5 million to Rs 145.4 million, signalling cash flow challenges. Current assets, meanwhile, were relatively static, highlighting potential liquidity constraints. Cash and cash equivalents diminished significantly to  Rs 3.3 million, a steep decline from  Rs 26.7 million at the beginning of the fiscal year.

    Raj Television’s pivot to higher revenue has yet to offset its expenditure growth, underscoring the need for strategic intervention to address profitability and cash flow. Going forward, Raj TV faces a critical need for fiscal recalibration to stabilise and reduce rising debt.

    Financial highlights for Raj Television Network’s Q2 FY2025 performance:

    1. Revenue Growth: Revenue rose by 53 per cent to Rs 359.3 million, up from Rs 234.5 million in Q2 FY2024.

    2.   Net Profit : The company reported a net loss of Rs 168 million, compared to a modest profit of Rs 217,000 in the same quarter last year.

    3.  Operational Expenses : Total expenses surged by 35 per cent year-over-year

    4. Cost of Revenue : Cost of revenue rose sharply by 77 per cent, reaching Rs 293 million.

    5. Employee Benefits : Employee costs decreased by 6 per cent year-over-year.

    6. Finance Costs: Finance expenses increased over 60 per cent, totaling Rs 10.3 million, exacerbated by increased borrowing.

    7. Trade Payables: Current liabilities, including trade payables, jumped 39 per cent, rising from Rs 60.5 million to Rs 145.4 million.

    8. Cash Flow: Cash and cash equivalents dropped significantly to Rs 3.3 million, down from Rs 26.7 million at the fiscal year’s start.

  • Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile: Inside the twists and turns of Zee TV’s new fiction drama

    Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile: Inside the twists and turns of Zee TV’s new fiction drama

    Mumbai: In an era of rapidly evolving entertainment, Zee TV’s latest offering, Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, is set to make waves with its intriguing storyline, nuanced characters, and an emotional core centered around family. Set to premiere with a star-studded launch, the show features Ayushi Khurana, Bharat Ahlawat, and Jayati Bhatia, promising audiences a unique journey through love, loyalty, and sibling bonds. At the heart of this venture are producers Goldie Behl and Sonnal A. Kakar of Rose Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd., who bring their combined strengths to create a refreshing new take on the Indian family drama.

    The launch event, held at the Westin Mumbai Garden, buzzed with excitement as Behl and Kakar shared heartfelt reflections on their creative journey. Both expressed gratitude to Zee TV and shared insights into the unique storyline of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, which delves into the complexities of the ‘Aata Saata’ tradition—a cultural practice involving the reciprocal marriage of siblings, adding depth and layers to the narrative.

    Kakar expressed, “I would really like to thank Zee TV for their trust and faith in us for this show and special thanks to the entire Zee TV team. My journey began with Zee TV back in 2006 as a media professional, so it feels only right that my first show as a writer-producer is on this platform. The concept of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile revolves around the ‘Aata Saata’ tradition, an exchange marriage involving siblings, where the second girl is often seen as a guarantee. This dynamic brings two strong-willed characters together: Reet Chaudhary, an investigative reporter from Gwalior, and Raghav Suryavanshi. The story explores whether a transactional marriage can bloom into true love.”

    Behl expressed, ” I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sonnal for this lovely concept she came up with, and, of course, Zee TV. I started my career on television with Zee and have had a very long association with them. Returning to daily shows after a long time, and with Zee again, feels amazing! We’re incredibly excited and motivated to give you a fantastic show.”

    We sat down with Goldie Behl at the glitzy launch event at the Westin Mumbai Garden for an exclusive look behind the scenes, exploring the inspiration, vision, and journey that have brought Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile to life.

    With Goldie Behl, producer of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile

    What inspired the concept of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile? Can you tell us a bit about the story and what makes it unique from other shows currently airing?

    The major inspiration actually came from Sonnal Kakar, who envisioned the show. She brought this idea to the table, and I was more involved in handling the business aspects this time. It’s an exciting story—full of unexpected twists—that sets it apart from typical love stories on TV.

    How did you go about choosing Ayushi Khurana, Bharat Ahlawat, and Jayati Bhatia for the lead roles? What qualities in them convinced you they were perfect for these characters?

    The selection process was straightforward; it was our usual process of auditioning. The actors fit the roles well, and we could see they had the chemistry and talent required for the story.

    Could you share any behind-the-scenes moments or challenges faced while producing this show?

    Honestly, there weren’t any major challenges this time. Everything went smoothly, which is a testament to the team’s hard work and planning.

    How do you envision the show connecting with audiences? What aspects of the storyline do you think will resonate most?

    It’s not just another love story—this show has many twists and turns. We’ve focused on keeping the audience engaged by adding layers of suspense and complexity to the characters. That’s what we believe will make it stand out.

    How was your experience working with co-producer Sonnal A. Kakar on this project? What unique strengths did each of you bring to the production?

    Usually, I’m more of a “lone ranger.” But this time, working with Sonnal was great. We each brought our expertise to the table, and everything went smoothly. It was a collaborative effort that brought out the best in both of us.

    What are your hopes for Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile and its place within the Zee TV lineup? Are there any particular milestones you’re looking forward to achieving with this show?

    Honestly, my main goal is for it to be the number one show on Zee TV and any other platform where it airs. That’s the milestone we’re all aiming for.

    With constantly evolving viewer preferences, how do you plan to keep the audience engaged over the course of the show?

    Like I mentioned, this isn’t just another love story. There’s a lot of suspense and twists that will keep viewers hooked. In most stories, you’d expect a typical romance that ends in marriage, but here, it’s almost the opposite. We’re flipping the script to keep things fresh.

    What do you personally find most rewarding about producing shows like Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile? Is there any specific message or takeaway you hope viewers will gain?

    The message really centers around siblings and the love they share. It’s about how far you’d go for the sake of your sibling. That’s a theme I think will resonate with a lot of people—it’s heartfelt and grounded in reality.

    Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile promises to be more than just another television drama, with a storyline rich in surprises, sibling love, and intricate character dynamics. Behl’s vision, combined with the creative spark brought in by Sonnal A. Kakar, suggests that Zee TV audiences have much to look forward to in this new show.

  • Reliance-Disney Star India merger to see closure within a couple of months

    Reliance-Disney Star India merger to see closure within a couple of months

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is on track to finalise its merger with Disney’s India operations by the third quarter of FY25  – a move anticipated to significantly bolster its media presence. (Q3 FY 2025 ends on 31 December 2024, which means the merger has got just about two months, if not earlier, to achieve closure). This announcement follows RIL’s  Q2 FY 2025  financial results, showcasing a resilient performance across its diversified business segments.

    On 28 September, the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) granted approval to RIL for the transfer of channels from Viacom18 to Disney Star India, paving the way for the $8.5 billion merger with Disney. The merger of Viacom18 and Star India has already been given the green signal from the Competition Commission of India (CCI- subject to certain voluntary conditions), and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has also given it the thumbs up. “The companies are now securing additional required approvals, with the transaction expected to close in Q3 FY25,”  Reliance Industries announced in its quarterly earnings report on 14 October 2024.

    In a statement, Reliance chairman & managing director, Mukesh D. Ambani expressed optimism about the merger’s potential impact: “This merger will create a powerful platform for delivering exceptional content and experiences to our customers.” He highlighted the strategic alignment between Reliance’s digital services and Disney’s rich content library as a catalyst for growth.

    “Viacom18’s integration with Disney’s assets is expected to create a formidable entertainment platform, offering a diversified content library and reaching millions of viewers across the country,” a company spokesperson stated. “The strategic alignment of media assets will enhance our ability to deliver premium content and attract more subscribers.”

     

  • SPNI hires Nimisha Pandey for top programing job at Sony-SAB

    SPNI hires Nimisha Pandey for top programing job at Sony-SAB

    MUMBAI; It’s homecoming for television creative professional Nimisha Pandey. Market sources say that she is set to join Sony Entertainment Television’s profitable Sony SAB channel as its programming head.

    For those not in the know, Nimisha had joined Multiscreen Media (as Sony was known then) for two years as an executive producer between 2004-2006 at the start of her career after completing her course in direction from the Film & Television Institute of India in Pune.

    It may be recalled that the long-serving NP Singh had retired as Sony Pictures Network India CEO a couple of months ago; he was replaced by content star Gaurav Banerjee. Nimisha is one of GB’s (as he is known) first unconfirmed senior creative hires since taking over.

    Nimisha was last the chief content head, originals at Zee5 for almost four years. Prior to that she was director international originals for nearly two years at global streaming powerhouse Netflix’s India ops Before that she held the position of head of content at Alt Balaji for three years.

    She has  had year-long-project-led stints at various production houses right from Balaji Telefilms, 4 Lions Films, Fireworks, Directors Kut, Sphere Origin (for three years),  and Shreya Entertainment over the years.

    We tried to reach out to the normally effervescent and bubbly Nimisha but she was unavailable for comment. Neither was anyone from Sony; it, being a Sunday.

    With the buzz being extremely strong, Indiantelevision.com decided to go ahead and report her appointment.

    With 20 years’ varied experience under her belt producing and commissioning shows, Nimisha does seem like the right candidate for the job.
     

  • Sony Pictures Networks celebrates 29th anniversary

    Sony Pictures Networks celebrates 29th anniversary

    MUMBAI: It’s celebration time at Sony Pictures Networks. The company is celebrating its twenty-ninth anniversary. The leading entertainment and sports network which turned up a healthy profit in the year ended March 2024 is pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable occasion for its employees.

    The company has come out with a hip hop song featuring its executives and creative talent (marching in its offices in north Mumbai’s Malad suburb) to celebrate the occasion titled “29 Years of going beyond the ordinary. Tell stories beyond the ordinary.”

    “We’re Sony. We steal the show. Sony, Where Legends Grow. We are Sony. We Go beyond. Extraordinary stories. We are always on,” go the lyrics.

    The video has been posted on its linkedin page with the message “From Script to Screen, 29 Years Strong! 
    Happy Anniversary to #SonyPicturesNetworksIndia! Cheers to sparking imaginations, setting trends, and bringing thrills to screens everywhere!” 

    It should prove extremely motivational at a time when leading broadcast networks have been issuing pink slips to their executives to cut costs courtesy the tough advertising climate. 

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/sony-pictures-networks-india/posts/

    In fact, for the first time, Sony has also given us a look see at its new managing director & CEO former Disney and Star executive Gaurav Banerjee stating “that the energy in the network is palpable ever since has joined, in another post.”

    It continues; “His interactive floor walks and insightful coffee chats are already igniting a wave of creativity and innovation across SPN. …. we’re thrilled to be on this journey together as we gear up to tell stories beyond the ordinary and shape an exciting future ahead!” 
     

  • Swastik marks 10 years of Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Mahabharat

    Swastik marks 10 years of Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Mahabharat

    Mumbai: Swastik Productions, known for bringing Indian mythology and history to the screen, celebrated the tenth anniversary of its magnum opus, Mahabharat. Since its premiere, the series has captivated global audiences with its storytelling and visual appeal.

    To mark this occasion, Swastik has launched a digital campaign for fans to relive the magic of Mahabharat. A key feature is the release of the unseen pilot episode on its YouTube channel, offering a look at the early creative vision behind the production.

    Additionally, Swastik Productions has introduced animated avatars inspired by Mahabharat characters. These renditions engage younger audiences and connect traditional mythology with modern digital art, fostering artistic engagement with Indian mythology.

    The anniversary celebrations culminated in a reunion of the original Mahabharat cast and crew. In an exclusive roundtable discussion with Siddharth Kumar Tewary, actors including Shaheer Sheikh (Arjun), Sourabh Raaj Jain (Krishna), Arpit Ranka (Duryodhan), Aham Sharma (Karna), Pooja Sharma (Draupadi), Riya Deepsi (Gandhari), Anoop Singh Thakur (Dhritarashtra), Rohit Bhardwaj (Yudhishthira), Saurav Gurjar (Bhima), and Arav Chowdhary (Bhishma) reflected on their experiences on set, shared memories, and discussed the show’s lasting impact. The conversation explored themes of duty, loyalty, and human relationships—elements that resonate with audiences and solidify Mahabharat’s status as a classic. These insightful roundtable episodes will be available on Swastik’s official YouTube channel, providing fans a glimpse into the world behind the epic.

    Adding to the event, Swastik displayed iconic items from the show, such as the crowns, Krishna’s flute, Bhima’s gada, and the game of chausar. These artefacts showcased the craftsmanship that brought Mahabharat to life and offered fans a look at the dedication that contributed to the show’s cultural significance.

    On this special occasion, Siddharth Kumar Tewary, the visionary behind Mahabharat, expressed his gratitude: “In 2009, I envisioned creating a grand spectacle that would bring the timeless tale of Mahabharat to life in a way that had never been done before. After years of dedication, in 2013, that dream became a reality. Today, as we celebrate this 10-year milestone, I feel a deep sense of pride and immense gratitude for the love and support we have received from audiences across the globe. Releasing the pilot episode is our way of sharing the origins of this incredible journey with the world. This experience has been a true blessing, and I hope the legacy of Mahabharat continues to inspire future generations.”

  • ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ airs on Sony AATH from 30 September

    ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ airs on Sony AATH from 30 September

    Mumbai: Sony AATH will air ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ starting 30 September 2024, at 7:30 pm, with episodes every Monday to Friday. The epic chronicles the life and teachings of Lord Rama, continuing the channel’s tradition of presenting culturally rooted stories.

    ‘Shrimad Ramayan’ will unfold the story of the ultimate victory of good over evil. The show’s enduring charm lies in its ability to stir a range of emotions, from inspiration and admiration to empathy and compassion. Each episode will delve into the lessons of love, sacrifice, compassion, and determination, making the content deeply engaging and relevant for viewers of all ages.

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) business head, Hindi movies, English, Bengali, infotainment channels & CMO Tushar Shah: “We’re excited to bring the timeless epic of Shrimad Ramayan to our viewers on Sony AATH. With its powerful messages of love, righteousness, and perseverance, this iconic story will resonate across generations, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.”

  • Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts inks deal for 37 films with Zee

    Subhash Ghai’s Mukta Arts inks deal for 37 films with Zee

    MUMBAI: The Shubash Ghai-promoted Mukta Arts today informed the Bombay stock exchange that is has entered into an assignment agreement and executed a term sheet with Zee Entertainment Enterprises for 37 of its films.  The deal assigns the  satellite and media rights of the films to Zee for six years, commencing 25 August 2027.

    Mukta Arts announced that the duo agreed to a 25 per cent higher fee for the rights as compared to the previous agreement. The two did not disclose what the final deal amount is.  Amongst the big films that Ghai has helmed include: Karz, Khalnayak, Hero, Ram Lakhan, Karma, Pardes, Saudagar, Taal, Yaadein, Bombay To Bangkok, Good Boy Bad Boy, Khanna & Iyer, Sham Ghanshyam.

    Mukta Arts has had a long history of working with Zee with its films being licensed to the broadcaster repeatedly. The duo signed a deal wherein the veteran film maker would make three films for Zee Studios in 2021.The first of these was 36 Farmhouse which was released in January 2022.

    Recently, Mukta Arts, Mukta A2 cinema, Zee Cinema and PVR announced that the Anil Kapoor-starrer Taal would be re-released in theatres from 27 September in the twenty-fifth year of its first release. 
     

  • Zee TV launches three distinct shows in September

    Zee TV launches three distinct shows in September

    Mumbai: Zee TV has launched three distinct shows in September— Sa Re Ga Ma Pa on 14 September followed by Vasudha and Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah on 16 September. Each show taps into fresh, innovative marketing strategies, creating multiple touchpoints for viewers to engage with. Whether through influencer-driven digital content, on-ground activations, or clever tech integrations, Zee TV is once again setting the benchmark for audience engagement across platforms.

    Innovative Collaboration with Orry for Vasudha

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Orhan Awatramani (@orry)

    For the launch of Vasudha, Zee TV partnered with popular influencer Orry to introduce Vasu, the lively, spontaneous and very desi lead character in a light-hearted, engaging video. The spunky interaction of these two very contrasting prototypes, shared on Orry’s and Zee TV’s Instagram handles, perfectly captures Vasu’s essence— lovable, rooted, full of heart but far from disciplined. The video, packed with charming moments, ends with Vasu declaring her mission to win over the boss lady, the  formidable matriarch – Chandrika Singh Chauhan. Orry’s vibrant personality, paired with Vasu’s innocence, has created a shareable moment that’s already generating buzz online.

    Enlisting public support for Jagriti’s movement via #JagritiSeBadlaav 

    For Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah, Zee TV has launched a multi-layered grassroots campaign designed to spark conversations on social change and raise awareness around the plight of marginalized communities. Live performances of a nukkad natak have been organized across five cities—Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Patna based on an evocative poem that encapsulates the show’s core theme of fighting social injustice. The poem, recorded in Shweta Tripathi’s voice with visuals created using AI technology, captures the spirit of Jagriti’s struggle. Zee TV has also enlisted inspiring personalities like Mirabai Chanu, Hima Das, and Sumit Antil, who will share their personal journeys of overcoming societal barriers, reflecting the same spark of resilience seen in Jagriti’s character. Along with Shweta Tripathi, they are joining the movement under the hashtag #JagritiSeBadlaav. Additionally, 100 influencers will amplify the campaign on social media by sharing their own #JagritiSeBadlaav stories, ensuring the message resonates both online and offline.

    Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Teams Up with PhonePe for a Creative Digital Push

    In the lead-up to its launch, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has introduced several innovations to engage audiences in fresh and creative ways. During the auditions phase, the show partnered with Bobble AI to leverage AI and intent-based marketing, serving anyone discussing singing or auditions with details of its auditions. Additionally, the channel roped in Jaggu Dada (Jackie Shroff) to playfully nudge viewers into channelling their judgments into constructive action—helping Sa Re Ga Ma Pa select the best talent from over 50 videos posted on the show’s Instagram page. In its latest push, through a collaboration with PhonePe, Zee TV has seamlessly integrated the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa logo into the circular ‘wait’ button that appears during online payment processing. This high-attention moment ensures that users engage with the show’s campaign just as their transaction completes, creating a smart and non-intrusive way to stay top-of-mind with viewers.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “Our marketing innovations for the new show line-up are customized to bring alive the essence of each show. For Vasudha, the quirky influencer collaboration perfectly captures the fun, impulsive spirit of the lead character. With Jagriti, we’ve taken a more socially conscious route by blending powerful on-ground activations and evocative poetry with AI-led visuals. For Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, we’ve integrated tech in a smart, seamless way that keeps the show top of mind for viewers. With Hamara Parivar, our audience feedback initiative, we continue to drive consumer centricity, ensuring our content aligns with their evolving expectations. These new launches are a result of actively listening to their preferences and delivering stories that resonate”

    ZEEL CMO, Content – SBU, Kartik Mahadev said, “At ZEE, we are obsessed with the customer in a platform-agnostic manner and we’re always exploring innovative ways to connect with our viewers—whether through their digital devices or phygital experiences. The Sa Re Ga Ma Pa integration with PhonePe leveraged a behavioural insight to create a meaningful brand interaction. Our collaboration with Orry developed organically, as Vasudha’s character is in a fun and charming contrast to Orry’s persona. Jagriti as a character needed to convey purpose, and #JagritiSeBadlaav became an expression of solidarity, serving as a beacon of hope for marginalized communities within the Zee TV digital community”