ITV

Category: GECs

  • Dangal TV scripts YouTube history with 50 million fans and global No 1 rank

    Dangal TV scripts YouTube history with 50 million fans and global No 1 rank

    MUMBAI: From silver screen to streaming supremacy, Dangal TV has pulled off a blockbuster twist in its digital journey. The channel’s YouTube arm has clinched the No 1 spot globally on the Tubular Leaderboard in both the overall creators and media & entertainment (film & movies) categories for June and July 2025.

    That’s not all, Dangal TV’s subscriber base has now smashed through the 50 million mark, placing it proudly among the Top 100 global Youtube channels. In the process, it has leapfrogged some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Spidey, Zee TV, Sony Sab, YRF, and Set India.

    The milestone crowns a journey that began in 2017, when Dangal TV first tested the waters on YouTube with modest ambitions. Competing in a crowded field of global giants, the channel carved its niche by staying true to its ethos telling authentic stories from India’s heartland while adapting to the habits of digital-first audiences.

    Dangal TV managing director Manish Singhal called the achievement a proud chapter in the network’s digital playbook: “This No 1 ranking across global leaderboards highlights the trust our audiences place in us and strengthens our vision of bringing India’s heartland stories to a global stage.”

    Chartbeat and Tubular director of content marketing Candice Gaudinier hailed the feat as a case study in global resonance: “Dangal TV’s No 1 ranking in both India and globally within the Film and Movies genre on YouTube is remarkable. It shows how stories rooted in India can strike a chord with audiences worldwide.”

    By topping charts for two straight months and building a community of 50 million subscribers, Dangal TV has proved that regional storytelling can go truly global. For a channel that started small, this is not just a digital milestone, it’s a reminder that even in the algorithm age, heartland stories still travel the farthest
     

  • Balaji rings in ‘Kutingg’: A family-first app with kadak stories

    Balaji rings in ‘Kutingg’: A family-first app with kadak stories

    MUMBAI: Talk about a ‘family kutingg’! Balaji telefilms is striking a new chord in digital entertainment with the launch of its latest family-first app, kutingg.

    Unveiled on 8 September and set to go live on 11 September, the platform promises gripping fiction, spirited non-fiction, and snackable entertainment designed for India’s mobile-first audience. Positioned as a digital destination for every member of the household, kutingg is packed with kadak stories told with authenticity and flair.

    Speaking on the launch of Kutingg, Balaji Telefilms group CEO and group CFO Sanjay Dwivedi said, “At Balaji, our journey has always been about anticipating how stories are experienced and staying ahead of audience expectations. Today’s audiences want stories that are sharper, shorter, and more personal and Kutingg is our answer to that. This is not just another entertainment app; it is a family-first destination that offers Kadak stories across fiction and non-fiction, from snackable content to immersive limited series, and even vertical formats for a new-age viewing experience. With Kutingg, we want to give audiences more than just shows. We want to deliver moments that bring families together, stories that spark conversations, and entertainment that truly stays with them.”

    The content line-up reads like a buffet of entertainment. Daily drama lovers can tune into Pyaar Kii Raahein or Saas, Bahu aur Swaad, while weekend binge-watchers get Cheerleader. There’s also a ‘superstar library’ featuring Bose and Mentalhood, and a host of chat shows from Morning Mantra to Bollywood Gapshap. Vertical video formats sit comfortably alongside long-form narratives, keeping pace with how Indians scroll, stream, and snack on stories today.

    “This is not just another entertainment app, it is a family-first destination that offers sharper, shorter, and more personal stories,” said Balaji telefilms group chief revenue officer Nitin Burman. He added that kutingg is designed as an ecosystem where content, creators, and brands can thrive together. “Our vision is to make kutingg not only India’s preferred family-first destination but also a hub for innovation in both content and commerce.”

  • Nat geo’s ‘postcards from Saudi Arabia’ paints a new picture of travel

    Nat geo’s ‘postcards from Saudi Arabia’ paints a new picture of travel

    MUMBAI: Talk about a trip worth writing home about. National Geographic is sending viewers on an unforgettable journey with its new four-part travel series Postcards from Saudi Arabia, streaming on Jiohotstar and airing on Nat geo channel from 6 September.

    Hosted by actor and presenter Ridhi Dogra, the series peels back the curtain on Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, from ancient wonders to modern marvels. The show takes viewers across three Unesco world heritage sites such as Jeddah’s Al-Balad, Riyadh’s At-Turaif and Diriyah, and AlUla’s awe-inspiring Hegra.

    In Aiuia, audiences encounter iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock and Old Town, where local crafts, music and desert luxury blend seamlessly. Jeddah offers a different rhythm with souks, vibrant street art, and sunsets over the Red Sea, while Riyadh balances tradition and innovation, showcasing bustling markets, art galleries and a city on the rise.

    For Dogra, the series carried a personal resonance. “As a woman travelling through the location, I felt an unexpected sense of freedom, warmth, and welcome,” she shared. “I hope viewers, especially women, see this as an invitation to explore freely.”

     

  • Zee packs a travel punch with MP Tourism’s influencer campaign mandate

    Zee packs a travel punch with MP Tourism’s influencer campaign mandate

    MUMBAI: Heritage walks meet hashtags and tiger trails turn into trending tales, that’s the fresh spin Madhya Pradesh Tourism is gearing up for. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE), the content-and-tech powerhouse, has bagged the Influencer and Social Media Marketing mandate from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, announced during the two-day Regional Tourism Conclave for Gwalior and Chambal on 29–30 August 2025.

    The announcement, made in the presence of chief minister Mohan Yadav, tourism & culture minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, and managing director of MP Tourism Board Sheo Shekhar Shukla (IAS), puts Zee at the digital helm of promoting the state’s famed wildlife parks, cultural festivals, and hidden heritage gems. Under this year-long pact, Zee will deploy its ‘dilfluencer’ initiative, a network of characters with deep audience connect to craft influencer-driven campaigns that push Madhya Pradesh’s stories beyond state borders and onto global screens.

    Zee chief sales officer for hindi GEC and FTA GEC Cluster Ali Zaidi received the agreement on behalf of the company. He called the collaboration “an opportunity to showcase the cultural richness of Madhya Pradesh through innovative influencer-led campaigns,” adding that it also “takes the dilfluencers initiative to the next level by delivering measurable value while celebrating India’s tourism potential.”

    The timing couldn’t be better. With MP’s big-ticket Travel Mart around the corner, influencer-led narratives are set to anchor the Board’s larger vision of drawing in new-age travellers through digital-first storytelling. From rural tourism and heritage trails to wildlife safaris and local festivals, every slice of Madhya Pradesh life is poised for amplification.

    Zee, which already prides itself on blending entertainment with tech-led solutions, is pitching this collaboration as more than just an ad brief, it’s a chance to shape conversations, build community-led buzz, and reframe tourism in the language of reels, stories, and viral videos. For Madhya Pradesh, it’s a step toward ensuring that when people scroll for their next adventure, the “Heart of India” pops up first on their feeds.

  • Kuma conquers Turkey as Goquest drama tops ratings and global charts

    Kuma conquers Turkey as Goquest drama tops ratings and global charts

    MUMBAI: Talk about a drama with bite! Kuma (The Other Wife), the breakout Turkish series from Goquest Media, has clawed its way from digital darling to television titan, topping national ratings and stirring conversations far beyond Turkey’s borders.

    Since premiering on Kanal 7, Kuma has consistently ranked among the country’s top six shows, scripted or unscripted. This year, it claimed the No. 1 spot on drama portal Dizilah’s list of 2025’s most talked-about titles. Not bad for a show that only launched on Youtube in April, where it quickly racked up more than 328 million views in five months.

    The show’s leap from online phenomenon to primetime hit is rare, but audiences across Turkey were quick to embrace its heady mix of love, betrayal and family intrigue. Calls for a second season are already growing louder.

    Kuma’s popularity is hardly confined to Turkey. Licensed in more than 19 countries including Israel, Romania, Indonesia, Mexico and Nigeria, the series has repeated its ratings triumph wherever it has aired. In Indonesia, demand was so strong that it graduated from an OTT platform to nationwide free-to-air television.

    The drama also marks a milestone for Goquest Media. Produced in collaboration with Stellar Productions and VIP 2000 TV, Kuma is the distributor’s first original title under its make-to-sell model.

    “Kuma’s extraordinary journey from YouTube sensation to Turkey’s top drama is a testament to the power of audience passion,” said Goquest Media, managing director, Vivek Lath.

    With its soaring success and cross-border appeal, Kuma has proved that a strong story travels well. In 2025’s crowded entertainment landscape, this Turkish drama has become a global talking point: one toast at a time, in every language.
     

  • Bigg Boss19 plays it twice, wins big on JioHotstar and late-night TV

    Bigg Boss19 plays it twice, wins big on JioHotstar and late-night TV

    MUMBAI: Lights, cameras, and double drama Bigg Boss19 is proving that once just isn’t enough. The reality juggernaut has not only set records on JioHotstar but also flexed its muscles on late-night television, drawing audiences well past prime time.

    On its TV run at 10.30 pm on Colors, the launch episode clocked a robust 1.6 TVR, with the show settling at an average 1.3 TVR through the week. What makes the feat stand out is the staggered release strategy all episodes premiere at 9 pm on JioHotstar before airing on TV an hour and a half later. For most shows, that would mean diminished television numbers. For Bigg Boss, it means twice the buzz.

    Online, the format is already a phenomenon. On JioHotstar, Bigg Boss19 has delivered 2.3 times higher reach and 2.4 times more watch-time than last season, smashing every benchmark. With double platforms, double audiences and double drama, the show has proved that in India’s entertainment universe, Bigg Boss remains the undisputed master of the house.

  • Zee Telugu hits the high notes with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs launch

    Zee Telugu hits the high notes with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs launch

    MUMBAI: Zee Telugu is tuning up for a melodious ride as it launches the 17th season of its iconic singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, this time in the Li’l Champs avatar. The musical journey begins on 30 August at 9 pm, with fresh young talent ready to steal hearts every Saturday night.

    Fronting the show is the ever-charismatic Sudheer, whose quick wit and charm promise to keep the energy buzzing. Guiding the contestants is a star-studded panel: singer SP Shailaja, director Anil Ravipudi, lyricist Ananth Sriram, and actor Niharika Konidela each bringing their own flair for music, cinema and storytelling. Together, they’ll mentor the budding singers while keeping audiences hooked with insights and banter.

    The line-up of contestants is as vibrant as the stage itself. Advith turned heads with a spirited take on Chaaruseela, complete with a comical American accent, while Kruthi charmed with a soothing rendition of Kokilamma. Nithyasree electrified the crowd with Magallu Vatti Maayagalle, and Aliya Fathima from Kerala proved that music knows no language barrier with her soulful Sirimalle Poova. Meanwhile, Adharv amped up the festive vibe with Dhandalayya, and Lakshmi Chowdary wowed with her jaw-dropping dual voice modulation. A surprise highlight came when singer Sameera Bharadwaj and her daughter took the stage for a playful mom-daughter duet of Kathalenno Chepparu, blending melody with comedy.

    With a mix of powerhouse voices, pint-sized confidence, and a panel that knows how to strike the right chord, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs promises to be less of a contest and more of a celebration of music, childhood and pure joy.

  • Asianet strikes a floral chord with world’s first Poopaattu for Onam

    Asianet strikes a floral chord with world’s first Poopaattu for Onam

    MUMBAI: When flowers sing, Onam dances to a new tune. Asianet, Kerala’s top entertainment channel, has unveiled the world’s first Poopaattu (Flower Song), blending tradition with cutting-edge bio-sonification technology for its #Coloronam campaign.

    Created by music director Justin Varghese with vocals by singer-actor Remya Nambeesan, the track is no ordinary festive jingle, it’s a composition crafted from the natural vibrations of Onam flowers such as Thumba, Thechi, Chembarathi, and Shankupushpam. These subtle frequencies were captured, converted into notes, and layered into an original soundtrack that’s as scientific as it is soulful.

    The idea stems from the age-old Pookkalam (floral carpet) tradition, where each bloom held meaning Thumba symbolised sanctity, Mukutti prosperity, and Thechi devotion and strength. By turning these floral associations into music, Asianet hopes to revive cultural connections for modern audiences.

    “With Poopaattu, our aim was to show how cultural storytelling can be reimagined through innovation,” said JioStar head of cluster entertainment (South) Krishnan Kutty. “Onam is deeply emotional for our audiences in Kerala, and by combining tradition with technology, we’ve built a campaign that resonates locally while showcasing our ability to lead with fresh ideas.”

    The accompanying video mirrors the community spirit of Onam families and friends handpicking blossoms, weaving intricate Pookkalams, and celebrating togetherness with joy and generosity.

    For a festival rooted in colour, fragrance, and symbolism, Poopaattu adds a new sensory dimension: sound. By bridging heritage and innovation, Asianet is not just celebrating Onam but orchestrating it, one flower note at a time.

  • Say cheese as Go joins Super Dancer 5 to celebrate mums and kids

    Say cheese as Go joins Super Dancer 5 to celebrate mums and kids

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, cheddar! India’s beloved dairy darling Go Cheese has found its perfect dance partner in Super Dancer Chapter 5, Sony Entertainment Television’s homegrown reality blockbuster. The association, announced mid-season, promises a mix of cheesy indulgence and heartfelt family entertainment.

    Premiering 19 July, the fifth chapter of the hit franchise has already been trending with its unique theme celebrating the bond between mothers and children, a narrative that fits like mozzarella on pizza with Go Cheese’s family-first ethos. Just as mums are the ultimate cheerleaders for their kids on stage, Go Cheese champions everyday family moments at the dining table.

    The season is packed with high-octane performances, emotional narratives, and pint-sized prodigies who have already gathered fan armies on social media. Now, with Go Cheese in the mix, viewers can expect branded challenges, snackable content, and clever product integrations designed to showcase how cheese can transform both family meals and living-room celebrations.

    “Go Cheese has always been about bringing families together through taste and shared moments. Our association with Super Dancer Chapter 5 is a natural extension of our bond with modern families, especially mothers who nurture talent and celebrate uniqueness,” said Parag Milk Foods Ltd executive director Akshali Shah.

    The partnership also highlights Go Cheese’s ongoing mission to stay relevant in pop culture through engaging storytelling. From Sonyliv streams to living-room screens across India, the collaboration makes sure the brand is as much a part of the evening as the applause, the tears, and the dance-floor thrills.

    For audiences, it’s a season where twirls meet tangy cheese slices, and every performance promises not just a standing ovation but a slice of something deliciously familiar.

  • Namma Desha, Namma Hemme: Colors Kannada observes I-Day with cultural campaign

    Namma Desha, Namma Hemme: Colors Kannada observes I-Day with cultural campaign

    MUMBAI: Colors Kannada turned this Independence Day into a state-wide celebration of culture, pride and patriotism with its campaign “Namma Desha, Namma Hemme” (Our Country, Our Pride).

    For the second year running, Karnataka’s acclaimed general entertainment channel (GEC) went beyond the screen, sending its artists back to their roots. From schools in Mysuru to temples in Mangaluru, flag-hoisting in Bidar to cultural activities in Kodagu, the initiative united communities across all 31 districts.

    Artists including Bigg Boss Kannada fame Trivikram, Bhavya Gowda, Manoj Kumar, Shilpa Kamath, Sukrutha Nag and many more took centre stage in their hometowns, weaving together tradition, performance and local pride.

    “For us, Independence Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of what binds us together as a nation. With Namma Desha, Namma Hemme, we wanted to go beyond the screen and truly connect with people across every district of Karnataka,” said a Colors Kannada spokesperson. “With Namma Desha, Namma Hemme, we wanted to go beyond the screen and truly connect with people across every district of Karnataka. This campaign is a reflection of Colors Kannada’s deep cultural rootedness taking our artists back to the communities they come from, sharing in their pride, and celebrating our unity in diversity. The overwhelming response reinforces that when entertainment is rooted in culture and community, it creates lasting impact.”

    And the numbers echo that sentiment. The campaign drew 5 million views on Colors Kannada’s social platforms, while on-ground celebrations reached over 1 lakh viewers and 30,000 households. On Instagram alone, the six promos pulled in a cool 13k–18k views each.

    By mixing patriotism with local flavour, the GEC once again proved that Independence Day isn’t just about hoisting the flag, it’s about hoisting community spirit too.