Mumbai: Cricket fans across India were on the edge of their seats as a staggering 80 million* concurrent viewers tuned in on TV to watch Virat Kohli’s match-winning knock of 95 against New Zealand. This is the highest peak concurrency garnered for the 2023 edition, followed by the India vs Pakistan match registering 75.5 million* concurrent viewers. In addition to the peak concurrency, the tournament has garnered a total of 182 billion minutes* of watch-time (viewership), indicating a remarkable 22 per cent growth compared to the 2019 edition.
The total viewership for live broadcast of the World Cup also crossed 400 million* viewers in the first 26 matches. The overwhelming response from fans across India highlights the immense popularity of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the unparalleled excitement surrounding Virat Kohli’s exceptional achievements on the field. The excitement is only going to get bigger with fans eagerly awaiting King Kohli’s pursuit of his 49th and 50th ODI century to break Sachin’s record.
*All BARC Data for 2+U+R (including DD)
** Peak concurrency is the highest number of viewers during a live match
Mumbai: In an exciting fusion of entertainment and sports, the much-anticipated cast of the upcoming film “The Archies” will make their first-ever public appearance on the Star Sports “Cricket Live” pre-show to extend their support to Team India during their thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka. This star-studded collaboration promises an extraordinary blend of cricket and cinematic charisma.
“The Archies” movie is creating a buzz in the film industry as it features a fresh lineup of new-age actors- Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, Vedang Raina, Dot & Mihir Ahuja making their debut on the silver screen. The cast’s enthusiastic participation in the pre-show adds a unique dimension to the cricketing experience, amplifying the excitement for the match. The “The Archies” gang are excited to spill some beans on their upcoming movie, while sharing their passion for cricket and celebrating the spirit of Team India with fans across the nation. Fans can expect lively conversations, cricket anecdotes, and, of course, a healthy dose of movie-related banter as the cast interacts with the show’s expert panel. Tune into Cricket Live at 12:30 pm on Star Sports to meet the cast and catch all the fun that unfolds!
Mumbai: Colors Tamil is all set to premier a captivating and unconventional tale ‘Mumbaikar’ that puts the focus on the city of Mumbai and its many layers this Sunday, November 5 at 2pm. Mumbaikar, Powered by ‘Ramraj Cotton Shirts’ with Special Partner ‘Pothysin Deepawali Fashion Rockets’, is part of the channel’s ‘Movie of the Month’ series. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Santosh Sivan, the thriller drama, which is the official remake of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Maanagaram’, stars an ensemble cast, including Vijay Sethupathi, Vikrant Massey, Hridhu Haroon, Ranvir Shorey, Tanya Maniktala, and Sanjay Mishra.
Set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s bustling streets, Mumbaikar follows a hyper-linked plot structure, intertwining the lives of various unrelated characters. The film chronicles the journey of the key characters whose lives suddenly converge across multiple events that take place during a 24-hour period. This, in turn, changes the characters’ perspectives towards the city and life itself. With its compelling narrative, the movie promises to take audiences on an exciting journey and showcase the lesser-known sides of India’s city of dreams. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Riya Shibu.
Vikrant Massey, who portrays a pivotal character, shares his thoughts on the movie’s WTP, “It has been an absolute pleasure sharing screen space with Vijay Sethupathi Sir. I have grown up watching Santosh Sivan Sir’s films. I have always admired his work and now to be directed by him was an experience I will cherish forever. I am sure people of Tamil Nadu will enjoy our super combo”.
Talking about Mumbaikar, Sethupathi said, “It is an exciting time for Indian actors. We are getting opportunities to work on films across languages. After the love and appreciation, I have received for my web series, this movie marks my first Hindi film debut, I am looking forward to Tamil audiences’ reaction for its Tamil television premiere film. I am sure they will love & appreciate it.”
Ace director Santosh Sivan further shared his excitement on the trailer release, “It was a great feeling to direct a Hindi film once again. Mumbaikar is a film that gives a perspective of the city through the lives of interwoven characters. Mumbai has its own unique spirit and I have tried to encapsulate it through the film. It was amazing working with such talented actors in one film! I am thrilled for its Tamil TV Premiere on Nov 5th.”
A special promo has been conceptualised with Channa Patna Toys that tells the story of Mumbaikar from Vijay Sedhupathi’s POV. It has gone viral, creating a huge interest for the movie. Watch this amazing film with your family on Colors Tamil, being aired for the first time on 5 Nov, at 2 PM!
Mumbai: Countless Indians honor women as goddesses, ironically, a significant number among them abandon female infants at birth due to the belief that a daughter cannot perpetuate the legacy of a family. As per the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report issued in 2020, about 4.6 lakh girls in India were missing at birth each year between 2013 and 2017. This grim reality reflects the insidious grip of ‘chhoti soch’ (narrow-mindedness) deeply embedded in the collective psyche even today, demanding an urgent overhaul in the way society perceives and values girl child. Addressing many such socially relevant issues and building upon its legacy of delivering distinctive content, COLORS brings to light yet another critical issue – the abandonment of girl child – through the compelling narrative of ‘Doree’. At the core of ‘Doree’ lies an unwavering depiction of a girl’s struggle that comes with her birth and the fight for her societal rights. Starring Sudhaa Chandran as Kailashi Devi Thakur, Amar Upadhyay as Ganga Prasad, and Mahi Bhanushali as Doree and produced by Jay and Kinnari Mehtaa’s Jay Mehtaa Productions, ‘Doree’ premieres on 6 November 2023 and airs every Monday to Friday at 9:00 pm only on COLORS.
Set against the backdrop of Varanasi and highlighting social issues like girl child abandonment, the show ‘Doree’ traces the tale of a six-year-old doting daughter who lives with her foster father, Ganga Prasad in the Bunkar mohalla and questions her abandonment at birth. While Ganga Prasad counts himself lucky to have a daughter, the ruler of Varanasi’s handloom empire, Kailashi Devi Thakur deems daughters as unworthy. In this world steeped in discrimination, will Doree break the shackles of patriarchy?
Set to be seen essaying the role of Ganga Prasad, Amar Upadhyay said, “It’s incredible to be a part of a show that aims to give viewers more than just entertainment. The show focuses on regressive mindset of abandoning female child at birth. I’m beyond excited on portraying the character of Ganga Prasad in ‘Doree’ a dedicated father, who like any parent wants the best life for his daughter, despite facing challenges in acquiring a job due to an impaired hand. Reconnecting with COLORS for a show like this, is a matter of pride and we hope that Doree will spark conversations around such important topics in the public sphere.”
On embodying the role of Kailashi Devi Thakur, veteran actor Sudhaa Chandran said, “I applaud COLORS for bringing a show like ‘Doree’ that sheds light on some prevalent social malady like – girl-child abandonment which even today is observed in many parts of our country. Fixated on a male heir, Kailashi Devi upholds archaic values within her family and runs its handloom empire. Having been part of numerous shows on the channel, I’m delighted to collaborate with them once again. Over the years, the audience has shown immense love for my previous roles. I’m hopeful that the same love and appreciation will be extended to this show.”
Producer Jay Mehtaa and Kinnari Mehtaa jointly said, “We are thrilled to present ‘Doree’, a show that delves into a heartwarming father-daughter bond and how she navigates her fight for equality against Kailashi Devi. Through Doree, our aim is to initiate impactful conversations on girl child abandonment that still persists in today’s time. We look forward to our collaboration with COLORS, and with this thought-provoking show we hope to bring a positive change in the society.”
While being at the forefront of driving societal change through its acclaimed shows, COLORS is known for its disruptive marketing activations. To shed light on the persisting issue of girl child abandonment in our society, COLORS has carefully crafted a comprehensive marketing campaign spanning across multiple platforms. On International Girl Child Day (11 October) the HGEC launched a powerful promo for ‘Doree’ across platforms. Challenging the misconception that such practices are not prevalent in today’s world, the channel is running a campaign revealing shocking facts and real-life instances of girl child abandonment, aiming to underline the issue and underscore the importance of presenting such thought-provoking narratives. Leveraging its extensive reach, the channel will reinforce the show’s message through strategically placed billboards at prominent locations in key markets, creating a visual impact and a strong presence on social media. As part of the digital plan for ‘Doree,’ the channel is creating a special audio-visual (AV) that narrates the legacy of the brand in bringing forward socially relevant issues which are still prevalent in the society. Its digital strategy involves working with public figures and influencers such as Swara Bhaskar, Richa Chadha, Faye D’souza and gathering opinions from the public through vox-pop segments. The channel will be teaming up with COLORS’ Social Squad and involving various artists to spread awareness about girl child abandonment. Through this well-thought-through marketing and digital campaign, the channel aims to open a dialogue about this pressing societal concern.
Let’s pledge to bring a change in society with ‘Doree’ premiering on 6 November 2023 and thereafter every Monday to Friday at 9:00 pm only on COLORS.
Mumbai: News18 Kerala is pleased to announce the grand celebration of the ‘Malayali of the Year 2023’ awards, an event dedicated to honoring the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations from the vibrant state of Kerala. The event is scheduled to take place at the luxurious Grand Hyatt in Trivandrum on 2 November 2023
News18 Kerala’s ‘Malayali of the Year’ award seeks to recognize people whose steadfast dedication has not only strengthened the foundation of our beloved state but has also propelled Kerala to new heights. The event will honor the dynamic and powerful individuals who have dedicated their lives to making Kerala a better and stronger state, and thereby making India a greater nation.
This year’s ceremony promises to be a star-studded affair with an impressive guest list. These renowned figures have made significant contributions to Kerala’s cultural and social landscape. The esteemed guests gracing the event include actress Revathi; singer K S Chithra; M.A Yusuf Ali – Lulu Group, singer M.G. Sreekumar, and many more
The News18 Kerala ‘Malayali of the Year’ winners are divided into nine categories: Literature; Sports; Traditional Malayali Brand; Music Icons; Malayali Voice; Cultural Icons; Inspirational Women; Global Malayali and Malayali of the Year
The presence of Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will be the event’s highlight. His participation exemplifies the state’s commitment to recognizing and appreciating the outstanding efforts of those who have made Kerala proud. The News18 Kerala ‘Malayali of the Year 2023’ awards ceremony is set to be an unforgettable evening, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and spirit of Kerala.
Mumbai: Coke Studio with its phenomenal success as a music platform with different genres of music continues to celebrate talented & emerging artists with the launch of Coke Studio Bharat & Coke Studio Tamil in India, early this year. Coke Studio Bharat announces a significant milestone as Khalasi has been stealing the spotlight by surpassing an incredible 4.5 billion views.
As the festive season unfolds, Khalasi has not only resonated with fans worldwide but has also become a heartwarming anthem, positioning itself as a strong contender for the title of Song of the Year. While not a Garbo song, Khalasi has seamlessly woven itself into the celebration of Navratri and other festivities, offering a harmonious backdrop that adds depth to the joy of the season. Its catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics have made it a staple in celebrations, reflecting the love and pride of the fans. Not only are people enjoying the song, but over 250+ creators and brands created multiple renditions and dance performance videos have flooded social media platforms. The Norwegian dance group Quick Style, known for their viral dance videos, also impressed fans with their fantastic performance to Khalasi.
Khalasi is likely to be the first Gujarati song to cross over global charts as the song is currently trending on India’s leading audio streaming and search apps. As Khalasi reigns at #1 on the Shazam Top 200, it has also achieved:
A global presence with a peak at #8 on Global Viral Songs, #3 on Daily Viral Songs India, and #10 on Daily Top Songs India on Spotify
Over 1.6 million User-Generated Content (UGC) creations across popular social media platforms.
A remarkable milestone of crossing 3 billion views across platforms like IG, Facebook, YouTube shorts, YouTube, and MOJ etc.
An impressive 22 million+ streams across audio platforms.
Release in July 2023, this enchanting composition seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of Gujarat. Khalasi tells the tale of the limitless sailor who has set out to explore through the shores of Gujarat. The song speaks of his tenuous, adventurous voyage, his delightful experiences, and his enthusiasm with which he takes on life while he is sailing away. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and moving melodies have brought people from different languages together, making it a song that resonates with authenticity and cultural pride.
Penned by acclaimed writer Saumya Joshi, the song has achieved remarkable milestones, resoundingly heard as “Gotilo, Godilo,” making its mark even beyond the Gujarati-speaking audience. Headlining the song is iconic music composer Achint Thakkar, joined by famous playback singer from Gujarat, Aditya Gadhvi, whose melodious voice, and iconic Gujarati rap have the country enthralled.
The Indian music scene is undergoing a profound transformation, guided by the discerning Gen Z. This generation seeks authentic stories and musical experiences that mirror their lives. Khalasi beautifully captures this zeitgeist, with emerging artists from India’s heartlands and seasoned maestros creating a unique fusion that resonates with this dynamic generation.
Reflecting on his experience with Khalasi, playback singer Aditya Gadhvi shared, “Khalasi is a musical journey close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to see it resonate with people on such a grand scale. Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, and the success of Khalasi is a testament to the power of authenticity and the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.”
Achint, the mastermind behind ‘Khalasi,’ shared his thoughts on the song, stating, “Khalasi’s success is a blend of tradition and innovation. We wanted to pay homage to Gujarat’s cultural roots while infusing a contemporary sound. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see how people have embraced this fusion of music and celebrated the culture of our land.”
Universal Music Group chairman CEO of India South Asia and SVP startegy Africa, Middle East & Asia Devraj Sanyal said, “At UMG we exist to shape culture through the power of artistry. There’s no better example of this than what we see with Khalasi from Coke Studio Bharat S01. This song, despite being in a regional language, has become one of the most viral songs of 2023, and it’s not just a cultural moment but a moment that’s shaping culture, not only in India but also across the diaspora worldwide, and even among mainstream audiences who love its vibe, even if they don’t comprehend the song’s lyrics.”
Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia VP marketing Arnab Roy emphasized the brand’s commitment to promoting Indian music and culture, stating, “It’s heartening to see artists, creators and fans coming together on Khalasi, to create their own renditions and videos, turning the song into a success with 4.5 billion views. It exemplifies the vision of Coke Studio Bharat, taking regional talent and music forms in the country to a global landscape, with authenticity.”
Coca-Cola has partnered with Universal Music India (UMI) as executive producers for the launch of Coke Studio Bharat. Every track from Coke Studio Bharat appeals to the mindset of the younger generation, on the one hand helping them connect with their roots, and on the other hand coupling it with sounds, notes, and musical genres that are familiar to them. Coke Studio Bharat has been curated by award-winning musician and sought-after songwriter, Ankur Tewari. Ankur has collaborated with critically acclaimed poet, lyricist and scriptwriter Kausar Munir along with National award-winning sound engineer and music producer KJ Singh. Together they have handpicked regional artists to give their sound a new voice and independent freedom of expression.
Coke Studio fans can now embark on an extraordinary musical journey by experiencing the future of music and engaging directly with the brand. By simply scanning a Coca-Cola bottle with a QR code, fans will be transported to a mesmerizing AR music studio, enveloped by a constellation of talented artists. Within this immersive realm, fans can unleash their inner performers, belting out their favorite tunes through exhilarating karaoke sessions, seizing the opportunity to audition for the upcoming Coke Studio season.
You are invited to tune into Coke Studio Bharat, available across all audio OTT platforms including Spotify, Gaana, Saavn, Wynk Music, and Audible worldwide, with distribution managed by UMI.
Mumbai: Zee Media is all set to embark on a transformative journey that will redefine its customer service approach and elevate the overall client experience. In response to the ever-evolving media landscape, Zee Media is consolidating the digital (direct revenue) and linear sales functions, into a unified sales division.
Taking the helm of the unified sales division is Mona Jain, a distinguished leader who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the organisation. This strategic consolidation aims to create a holistic and unified approach to meet clients’ diverse needs and expectations and shall draw synergies to fuel the sales division to elevate client experience. The result will be an improved coverage, stronger collaboration, and a heightened level of customer satisfaction.
“I am truly honoured and excited to lead this unified sales division. Our mission is to bring together the best of both worlds – digital and linear sales – to deliver unparalleled solutions to our clients. With our cohesive team and unwavering commitment, we’re set to redefine excellence in advertising,” added Jain.
The unified sales division will be better equipped to offer innovative advertising strategies that span both digital and television platforms. Training sessions and workshops shall be conducted to ensure that team members have the tools and resources needed to excel in their roles.
Mumbai: TV9 Network, India’s largest television news network, has joined forces with JioTV & JioTV+, a LIVE TV streaming service owned by Jio Platforms Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. This strategic alliance is set to magnify TV9 Network’s presence in the realm of connected TV and mobile streaming platform, ushering in a new era of television viewing characterised by enhanced enrichment and seamlessness, all driven by cutting-edge technology.
As part of this collaboration, seven premium channels from TV9 Network are live on JioTV and JioTV+, offering an extensive range of news, entertainment, and infotainment programming to JioTV and JioTV+’s vast and diverse user base. The channels include TV9 Bharatvarsh, TV9 Telugu, TV9 Kannada, TV9 Marathi, TV9 Gujarati, TV9 Bangla, and the network’s latest English offering News9.
JioTV is a LIVE TV streaming platform with over 1000 channels in over 15 languages and 12 genres and hosts content from over 200 broadcasters. JioTV offers LIVE TV along with a seven-day catch up which can be consumed on mobile phones and tablets with Jio sim cards for free. JioTV+ on the other hand is the connected device for TV screens that runs on JioFiber and wifi offering the best OTT packages alongside the linear channels. With an extensive user base that spans urban and rural areas, this is an ideal partnership for TV9 Network to reach a wider and more diverse audience. This partnership promises to strengthen the connection between TV9 Network and its viewers, providing them with easy access to the network’s rich content offerings.
Talking about the collaboration, TV9 Network chief growth officer (broadcasting & digital) Raktim Das said: “With cutting edge content and robust distribution, TV9 Network has disrupted news media industry in the country. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to bring credible, informative, and engaging content to viewers across the country. The fact that all our 7 channels are now available on JioTV and JioTV+ platform reflects our unwavering commitment to keeping our viewers informed and connected.”
With both entities committed to delivering top-notch news content to a broader and more diverse audience, Das added: “Our collaboration with JioTV & JioTV+ is a testament to our dedication to innovation and customer-centricity. We believe this strategic alliance will not only help us expand our footprint but also provide our viewers with unparalleled convenience and access to their favorite TV9 Network channels. We are excited about the future prospects of this partnership and look forward to creating compelling content for our new and existing viewers.”
Mumbai: A pioneer in presenting stories set in the milieu of diverse backdrops with memorable characters, Sony Entertainment Television is all set to introduce viewers to the feisty and fearless, Arya, in its upcoming fiction launch, ‘Dabangii – Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi’. Premiering on 30 October 2023, this entertaining drama will air every Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm, promising audiences a riveting tale of a daughter’s quest to find and unite with her father, entering a world with hidden secrets and entangled relationships that will turn her life upside down.
A remarkable ensemble, featuring Maahi Bhadra, Sai Deodhar, Aamir Dalvi, and Manav Gohil, will breathe life into the captivating characters of the show, each exploring the multifaceted layers of human emotion and the eternal battle between good and evil. Arya, portrayed by Maahi Bhadra, believes her father is a supercop and is away on a mission, which is why she has never met him, but she is unaware of her true lineage. She is in fact the daughter of the enigmatic and power-wielding Satya, played by Aamir Dalvi, which is a truth that her mother, Chhaya, played by Sai Deodhar, has hidden from Arya. Manav Gohil plays Senior Inspector Ankush Rajyavadhkar, who is Satya’s brother, and he is unknowingly the physical manifestation of what Arya imagines her father to be, and it will be interesting for viewers to witness how their lives intertwine.
‘Dabangii – Mulgii aayi re aayi’ is a unique story of two contrasting ideologies, that of an amoral brother, Satya (Aamir Dalvi) and Ankush (Manav Gohil), with a steadfast moral approach to life, which collides with Arya taking center stage.
Sony Entertainment Television, Sony SAB, PAL, and Sony MAX Movie Cluster business head Neeraj Vyas: ‘Dabangii Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi’ adds a new hue of entertainment on Sony Entertainment Television; we believe this distinctive narrative – with its blend of suspense, family dynamics, and ethical dilemmas will resonate with the audience. In addition to its compelling plot, the show boasts an exceptionally talented ensemble who bring alive their characters with depth and authenticity.
Invictus T Mediaworks producers Nilanjana Purkayasstha and Herumb Khot: We are very excited about the buzz around Dabangii Mulgii Aayi Re Aayi. The show is a definite differentiator and we are hopeful that this massy entertainer will thrill the audience as much as it has thrilled us while making it. We thank Neeraj Vyas and his team at SET for showing such faith in the concept and for their enthusiasm and support. There is an alchemy at work in our collaboration and we feel this magic will touch the audience, too.
The premiere of Dabangii Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi aired on 30 October 2023, and the show will air every Monday to Friday at 8:30 PM, exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television!
Mumbai: News18 India Hindi News Channel, has announced the launch of “Bhaiya Ji Kahin – Bharat Ki Chunav Yatra,” the most extensive election show ever to air on Indian television. This remarkable show started from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh on Monday, and it is set to go across the length and breadth of the nation.
The show’s format promises an engaging and insightful look into the issues, the level of development, and the expectations of communities across the country from the upcoming state and national elections. The show’s host, Prateek Trivedi aka Bhaiya Ji, has kickstarted this national journey from Chhattisgarh. In the months to come, he will travel extensively, engaging with people on the ground and leaders to discuss – the unique challenges, and aspirations of people from different regions.
After kicking off from Rajnandgaon, “Bhaiya Ji Kahin – Bharat Ki Chunav Yatra” will subsequently traverse to other key cities in Chhattisgarh including Jagdalpur, Durg, Khairagarh, Bilaspur and Raipur given that the elections in the state are around the corner. Subsequently, the journey will extend to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in the following weeks given the upcoming assembly elections in both states.
The show’s unique nationwide journey will capture the essence of India’s rich political landscape, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the nation’s polity, vibrant democracy and indeed its future.
Network 18 CEO – Hindi News Karan Abhishek Singh said on the launch of the show, “News18 India has developed a reputation of consistently bringing path-breaking and insightful programming. Bhaiyaji Kahin was a clutter-breaking show from the very beginning with its refreshing and engaging format. With this edition of the show, we are bringing its freshness and energy to our coverage of the upcoming state and national elections in the country – an offering that is unmatched in scale.”
Stay tuned to News18 India for the most comprehensive election coverage, as Bhaiya Ji Kahin – Bharat Ki Chunav Yatra embarks on its epic journey, promising a blend of informative and entertaining content bound to keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
