ITV

Category: Documentary

  • Stripes on Screen as BBC Player Roars with Tiger Day Special

    Stripes on Screen as BBC Player Roars with Tiger Day Special

    MUMBAI: From Ranthambore with roar. This World Tiger Day, BBC Player is sinking its claws into the untamed heart of India with Legendary Tigers of India, a gripping documentary that prowls onto screens this Independence Day, 15 August . Narrated by the late, legendary conservationist Valmik Thapar, the film is more than just stripes and stares. It’s a moving chronicle of survival, strength, and the shifting story of India’s national animal. Thapar, one of the world’s foremost tiger experts, spent a full monsoon-to-monsoon year tracking a new generation of Bengal tigers deep within Ranthambore, one of India’s most iconic tiger reserves.

    With intimate access and five decades of experience behind the lens and in the wild, Thapar offers rare glimpses of tigers not just as apex predators, but as emotionally complex, intuitive creatures navigating shrinking habitats and growing human presence.

    The film roars to life from Thapar’s own jungle home at the forest’s edge, blending dramatic visuals with a deeply personal narrative. From mother cub dynamics to solitary alpha males, the documentary captures the instinctual ballet of survival, mating, territoriality and raw jungle drama woven through the lens of ecological urgency and reverence.

    Premiering exclusively on BBC Player in India via Tata Play Binge and Prime Video (add-on subscription required), this special release is BBC’s tribute to India’s tiger legacy. With India currently home to more than 70 per cent of the world’s wild tigers 3,682, as per the 2023 census the documentary feels both timely and timeless.

    In an age of noisy content, Legendary Tigers of India invites audiences to pause, listen, and marvel. Not just at the majesty of the tiger, but at a conservation journey that began with 1,411 tigers in 2006 and roared back in triumph. This isn’t just a documentary. It’s a call to protect what still prowls.

  • JioHotstar and RBI unlock India’s financial pulse with docuseries timed to 90-year milestone

    JioHotstar and RBI unlock India’s financial pulse with docuseries timed to 90-year milestone

    MUMBAI: Money may talk, but the Reserve Bank of India is finally telling its own story—on screen. JioHotstar, in collaboration with the RBI, has premiered a five-part docuseries titled RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee, diving deep into the institution that keeps India’s ₹ economy ticking.

    Launched on 3 June 2025, and produced by Chalkboard Entertainment, the series coincides with the 90 anniversary of the central bank. For the first time, viewers get unprecedented access to high-security gold vaults, printing presses, war rooms, and the inner sanctums of financial decision-making.

    “At the heart of this initiative is a unique collaboration brought to life through JioHotstar”, noted the release. The series explores how the RBI influences inflation, interest rates, and currency control while navigating national and global economic tremors.

    The docuseries also chronicles pivotal moments in the bank’s history, including the 1991 pledging of gold, the economic liberalisation wave, and the RBI’s bio-bubble approach during the Covid-19 crisis. These events are brought to life through interviews with past and present RBI governors, the financial services and economic affairs secretaries, and prominent economists.

    Through archival footage and dramatic recreations, RBI Unlocked peels back the layers of policy, power, and public perception. The storytelling style maintains JioHotstar’s reputation for rooted, issue-based content with wide reach.

    RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee is now streaming on JioHotstar, offering 1.4 billion Indians a rare glimpse into the gears that power their everyday financial realities.

  • Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    MUMBAI: In an evocative blend of insight and emotion, Edstead, the research-first documentary studio, has launched Molecules of Hope, a three-part series that uncovers the beating heart of India’s healthcare transformation. The series, which premiered today, journeys through the stories of Entod Pharmaceuticals, UE Lifesciences, and Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services—three organisations pushing boundaries across medicine, technology, and accessibility.

    From research labs to rural clinics, the series captures real-world impact with unvarnished intimacy. Each episode offers a deep dive into the work of companies breaking barriers—whether it’s driving cutting-edge ophthalmic research, delivering early breast cancer detection in underserved areas, or building hospital networks for the Bharat hinterland. Through authentic storytelling and carefully curated narratives, Edstead showcases the layered realities behind the headlines—where innovation, human intent, and systemic change meet.

    “India’s healthcare sector stands at a critical inflection point, and we saw a powerful opportunity to document this transformation through purposeful, human-centered storytelling”, said Edstead founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee. “This series is not just about science or systems; it’s about the people at the heart of progress. By collaborating with organisations driving real change, we’ve been able to craft narratives that resonate deeply and reflect the tangible impact unfolding across the country.”

    Molecules of Hope emerges at a time when India’s healthcare ecosystem is being rewritten—not just by large hospitals or pharma giants, but by lean startups, community health pioneers, and tech-led disruptors. Edstead’s production not only elevates these voices but also bridges storytelling with purpose, turning brand impact into cultural narrative.

    Through a mix of moving imagery, lived testimonials, and context-rich reporting, the series positions Edstead at the forefront of meaningful branded content. As healthcare becomes more decentralised, inclusive, and technologically driven, Molecules of Hope captures the unsung moments and unlikely heroes shaping this new era.

    The series is now streaming across Edstead’s digital platforms and partner channels.

  • Fremantle launches Fremantle Sports, a dedicated sports content unit

    Fremantle launches Fremantle Sports, a dedicated sports content unit

    MUMBAI:  Content production and format powerhouse Fremantle has established Fremantle Sports, a new division dedicated to the creation of sports-related content. The unit will focus on unscripted and scripted projects, including factual documentaries and digital formats, leveraging the expertise of Fremantle’s existing entertainment, documentary, drama, and film teams.

    Owain Walbyoff has been appointed director of sports, and will lead the strategy to expand Fremantle’s global sports content portfolio. He will focus on partnerships with rights holders, brands, and co-production deals.
    Fremantle Sports will support the company’s network of labels, including 72 Films, UFA, and TalkbackThames, in the development of sports-themed entertainment, scripted, and factual content. The unit will also explore the creation of new cross-platform sports formats for global distribution.

    “This expansion into sports content aligns with our broader growth strategy, building on the success of our drama, film, and documentary divisions,” stated Fremantle  global CEO Jennifer Mullin. “We aim to deliver compelling sports stories and formats to audiences worldwide.”

    Fremantle Sports will build upon the company’s existing sports content portfolio, which includes productions such as All or Nothin and Matildas: The World At Our Feet.

     The unit will focus on producing content that highlights the human stories behind athletes, teams, and sports organisations.

  • Baba Nirala breaks the internet as Aashram S3 hits 250 million viewers

    Baba Nirala breaks the internet as Aashram S3 hits 250 million viewers

    MUMBAI: From crime to cult status, Aashram S3 Part 2 isn’t just streaming, it’s storming. The smash-hit series on Amazon MX Player has crossed a jaw-dropping 250 million viewers, becoming a full-blown digital phenomenon and topping Ormax Media’s most-watched originals list for a fourth straight week.

    In the land of cricket and cinema, it’s rare for a web series to stir the nation with the intensity of a blockbuster film. But Aashram has done exactly that, transcending genre stereotypes, turning marketing on its head, and transforming Bobby Deol into a full-time messiah of mayhem.

    Forget the old trope of male-dominated crime thrillers. Aashram is busting audience myths left, right, and centre. Over 20 per cent of its viewership comes from women, while its reach spans both urban metros and Tier 2/3 towns. The drama has travelled in multiple tongues too, with dubbed versions in Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu clocking impressive numbers.

    Even Amazon’s internal data is dishing out interesting clues: 77 per cent of viewers are tech-savvy, and 64 per cent are fashion-forward. Yes, Baba Nirala has fans who not only meditate but also accessorise.

    The show didn’t just ride on hype, it engineered it. Aashram’s trailer trended on YouTube for 23 days, raking in 24 million views. A clever collab with cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, featuring a fictional blessing from Baba Nirala to let him open an innings, went viral with 6.3 million views and 850,000 engagements.

    Major brands were eager to hop onto the Baba bandwagon, Vimal served as presenting sponsor, co-powered by Lahori Zeera and Lux Nitro, with KEI Wires, Zandu Fast Relief and Kenstar also in the mix.

    Bobby Deol, reflecting on the overwhelming response, added, “Aashram has been a defining journey for me, and the love it continues to receive is truly humbling. This season, the stakes are higher, the drama is deeper, and the impact is greater than ever before. Seeing fans embrace Baba Nirala’s journey with such enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding!”

    National Award-winning director Prakash Jha expressed his gratitude, stating, “The journey of Baba Nirala continues to enthrall Indians. Every season, we push boundaries to make Aashram more intense, compelling, and relevant. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering love and enthusiasm of our audience.”

    Amazon MX Player director and head Karan Bedi shared, “Aashram is a tribute to Indian viewers. It’s phenomenal success reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality, free entertainment to audiences across India. The overwhelming response to Aashram S3 Part 2 has been extraordinary, driven by its gripping storytelling and outstanding performances. We are grateful to our sponsors for their support and helping us bring compelling stories to life.”

    And that’s the other key to Aashram’s stratospheric success: it’s entirely free. The series is available across Amazon MX Player, Prime Video, Amazon’s shopping app, Fire TV, Airtel Xtreme, and smart TVs, basically anywhere your thumbs can scroll.

    With its heady cocktail of social commentary, psychological manipulation, and pulpy thrills, Aashram has become more than a show. It’s a movement. A sermon with swagger. And by the looks of it, Baba Nirala isn’t done preaching just yet.

  • Storytelling powerhouse Edstead enlists media veteran Megha Tata

    Storytelling powerhouse Edstead enlists media veteran Megha Tata

    MUMBAI: Edstead, the research-driven documentary studio known for its compelling narratives, has recruited media heavyweight Megha Tata as strategic advisor, signalling a strategic pivot in its content innovation journey.

    With three decades of media leadership under her belt, Tata brings a formidable arsenal of experience from industry giants like Star, Turner, HBO, and Discovery. Her appointment promises to turbocharge Edstead’s mission of purpose-driven storytelling.

    “I am delighted to work with Edstead at this transformative stage,” Tata commented, hinting at the studio’s potential to reshape media narratives, “We’re poised to create content that truly informs and inspires.”

    Edstead  founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee expressed unbridled enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Her leadership insights are invaluable as we craft stories that matter.”

    Tata’s impressive credentials include lecturing at top-tier institutions like IIT, IIM, and ISB, positioning her not just as an industry leader but a talent-shaper.

    The move signals Edstead’s ambitious strategy to elevate documentary storytelling from mere information to a catalyst for societal change.

  • Samsung’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ docu unveils India’s next innovators

    Samsung’s ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ docu unveils India’s next innovators

    MUMBAI: If innovation had a red carpet, Samsung India just rolled it out for the country’s brightest young problem-solvers. The tech giant has unveiled its much-anticipated documentary Solve for Tomorrow, capturing the riveting journeys of young innovators as they transform ambitious ideas into tangible solutions for real-world challenges. Streaming exclusively on JioHotstar, the documentary launches in honour of India’s National Science Day.

    Forget corporate jargon and dull Powerpoint slides—this 40-minute documentary is all about raw ambition, sleepless nights, and groundbreaking science. It follows two standout teams—Eco Tech Innovator and Metal—who went head-to-head with one of India’s most pressing problems: arsenic contamination in water. Armed with creativity, sheer determination, and a mission to make an impact, these young minds didn’t just dream up solutions; they built them.

    For the young innovators featured in Solve for Tomorrow, making a difference was never about grand theories—it was about getting their hands dirty and solving problems that hit close to home.

    Take Sayed Safrahan Ullah Khabir from Team Eco Tech Innovator, for instance. The Assam-based high schooler decided he had seen enough of his state’s decades-long arsenic contamination nightmare and took matters into his own hands. “There are always two ways of looking at life and problems: one is to simply sit and complain about it, and the other is to think and visualize a solution that can change lives for good,” he said. His team’s innovation? A non-electric, low-cost filter that not only removes arsenic from water but turns it into a usable byproduct.

    On the other hand, Team Metal, comprising young innovators from Udupi, Karnataka, and Patna, Bihar, developed a three-stage filtration system that efficiently removes arsenic from groundwater. Their approach proves that cutting-edge solutions don’t always need high-tech gadgets—sometimes, the simplest methods create the biggest impact. “Innovation is a unique idea that can be a solution for a real-world problem of a community and for the country. It is not always about sophisticated technology — sometimes, the biggest challenges need simple yet effective solutions,” said Team Metal’s Arpit Kumar.

    Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow isn’t just a competition; it’s a national movement. Since its launch in India in 2022, the initiative has brought together over 6,000 participants, proving that innovation isn’t limited to big cities or elite institutions. With Samsung and IIT Delhi’s FITT offering mentorship, funding, and incubation support, these young problem-solvers have had the chance to refine their ideas, test prototypes, and take their innovations closer to reality.

    This year’s winners—Eco Tech Innovator and Metal—walked away with Rs 25 lakh and RS 50 lakh respectively, earmarked for product development, prototype enhancement, and further incubation at IIT Delhi. Their stories serve as a rallying cry for the next generation of change-makers, proving that with the right mentorship and support, ideas can—and do—change the world.

    With Solve for Tomorrow now active in 63 countries and having engaged over 2.3 million young innovators globally, Samsung’s commitment to fostering innovation is crystal clear. The initiative aligns with the company’s global CSR vision—“Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People”—encouraging young minds to look beyond textbooks and turn their ideas into real-world solutions.

  • Zee5 celebrates Netaji’s legacy at Kolkata’s Subhas Mela festival

    Zee5 celebrates Netaji’s legacy at Kolkata’s Subhas Mela festival

    MUMBAI : Zee Entertainment Enterprises streaming platform Zee5, honoured the 128 birth anniversary of the iconic Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, “the undefeated son of Bengal,” with a series of exciting initiatives. Partnering with the vibrant Subhas Mela in Kolkata, Zee5 is bringing the spirit of this legendary freedom fighter to life, celebrating his lasting legacy through engaging content and special on-ground experiences.

    Running from 23 January to 23 February 2025, Subhas Mela attracts around three and a half lakh attendees each year. Zee5 has strengthened its presence through venue branding and is offering a Rs 50 discount on its monthly HD plan via a special promo code.

    As part of the celebration, Zee5 is showcasing patriotic and historical narratives, including the 2.5-hour special Subhaser Chokhe Khudiram, which highlights the bravery of Khudiram Bose through Netaji’s perspective. The initiative also features regional content and interactive sessions at the mela, with appearances from Zee Bangla artists engaging the audience through live discussions.

    Zee5 vice president of marketing – SVOD & global, Shresth Gupta expressed pride in celebrating Netaji’s enduring legacy, emphasising that these efforts aim to engage audiences with stories of patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience. The platform is also spotlighting iconic films like Binay Badal Dinesh, Mukti, and Panther. 

    Through its partnership with Subhas Mela, Zee5 has created a heartfelt tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, blending history, patriotism, and entertainment. By offering engaging content, interactive experiences, and special showcases, the platform continues to honour the legacy of India’s freedom fighters while deepening its connection with audiences.  

  • Discovery+ India’s The Fall of Diddy brings hidden allegations to light

    Discovery+ India’s The Fall of Diddy brings hidden allegations to light

    MUMBAI: Scandal, power, and a downfall that rocked the music industry—The Fall of Diddy is set to land on discovery+ India on 29 January 2025, and it’s not holding back. This four-part docuseries promises a gripping deep dive into the rise and unraveling of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, featuring never-before-heard accounts, shocking allegations, and behind-the-scenes revelations that paint a harrowing picture of one of hip-hop’s biggest icons.

    Produced by Emmy®-nominated Maxine Productions (of Quiet On Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV) in collaboration with Emmy®-winning Rolling Stone Films, the series uncovers decades of alleged misconduct—from violent outbursts and abusive behaviour to shocking claims of sexual assault and intimidation. Spanning Combs’ meteoric rise in the music industry to his 2024 arrest, The Fall of Diddy shines a light on the disturbing accusations that have long trailed the mogul but remained buried under his power and influence.

    With over 30 exclusive interviews, the docuseries brings forward a mix of survivors, industry insiders, former colleagues, and witnesses who break their silence. Among them:

    .  Danity Kane member D. Woods shares insights into her backstage experience with Combs.

    .  former Vibe editor-in-chief Danyel Smith speaks for the first time on alleged violent incidents.

    .  Music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones details his allegations of sexual harassment.

    .  Combs’ personal chef, 2007-2010, Jourdan Cha’Taun opens up publicly for the first time.

    .  Thalia Graves alleges a violent 2001 sexual assault and threats that followed.

    .  Survivor of the 1999 nightclub shooting, Natania Griffin recounts her traumatic ordeal.

    . Childhood friend Tim Patterson reveals never-before-known aspects of Combs’ past.

    . Former bodyguard (2003-2012),Roger Bonds exposes internal secrets.

    . Makeup artist Mylah Morales claims she witnessed Combs’ alleged abuse of singer Cassie Ventura.

    Beyond firsthand accounts, The Fall of Diddy uses never-before-seen archival footage and investigative journalism to expose how Combs allegedly wielded his influence to obscure decades of violent behaviour and abuse. From his early years at Howard University to the height of his empire at Bad Boy Records, the series stitches together a chilling narrative of power, manipulation, and cover-ups.

    Streaming exclusively on discovery+ India from 29 January 2025, The Fall of Diddy promises to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

  • For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9

    For the love of cinema, DocuBay unveils Fanatics by Studio 9

    MUMBAI: What drives a fan to worship their cinematic idols with the fervor of a devotee? Is it the larger-than-life stories, the charisma of the stars, or something deeper – a bond that transcends the screen? For South Indian cinema lovers, it’s all of this and more. Come 7 December 2024, DocuBay, the global documentary streaming platform from IN10 Media Network, invites you on an exhilarating journey with Fanatics – a stirring original feature that peels back the curtain on the extraordinary world of South Indian film devotion.

    From Tollywood to Sandalwood, this documentary delves into the heartfelt, and sometimes overwhelming, passion of fans who turn theaters into temples and actors into deities. Fanatics isn’t just a film; it’s a celebration of an emotion that millions live and breathe – a spectacle that promises to move, inspire, and leave you in awe. Mark your calendars, because this is one cinematic story you won’t want to miss.

    Through in-depth storytelling, Fanatics journeys into the cultural heartlands of south India to showcase the acts of devotion and reverence that redefine fandom. From building temples in honour of their idols to life-altering sacrifices, the documentary portrays not only the admiration fans hold but also the darker consequences of such passion. Beginning with Tamil actor-politician MG Ramachandran’s era, the film traces the evolution of fan culture to the present day, including figures like Rajinikanth and Allu Arjun.

    The documentary features candid interviews with Indian cinema icons such as Allu Arjun, Kichcha Sudeep, and Vijay Sethupathi, highlighting their perspectives on fan loyalty and the influence it wields on society. The film also examines the risks of fanaticism, including violent rivalries between fan groups.

    Arjun reflects in the documentary, “Cinema has become a very strong, integral part of the culture—it’s no longer just a source of entertainment. Stars are highly idolised in the South, more than anywhere else I have seen in the world. Many fans do wonderful charity work, and that is great energy being put to the right cause.”

    Sudeep shares his perspective, saying, “When I see people building temples for me or getting tattoos, it honestly scares me because I am a man of flaws. Over time, you begin to understand the purity of their emotions and the immense love they have for you. It teaches you responsibility and makes you a better human.”

    IN10 Media Network, managing director, Aditya Pittie expressed the vision behind Fanatics, “At DocuBay, our mission is to curate and deliver intriguing narratives that resonate with global audiences. With Fanatics, we aim to provide an in-depth look at the unparalleled devotion of South Indian cinema fans. This first-of-its-kind documentary reflects our commitment to diverse and impactful storytelling that drives engagement worldwide.”

    Fanatics delves into the symbiotic relationship between fan loyalty and the business of cinema, highlighting how this devotion directly influences the box-office success of south Indian films. By presenting stories of fans piercing their tongues, tattooing their bodies, and dedicating their lives to their idols, the documentary balances the awe-inspiring and cautionary tales of fandom.

    Produced by Studio 9, Fanatics offers an unfiltered view into the world of extraordinary devotion. The documentary premiered exclusively on DocuBay on 7 December 2024.