ITV

Category: TV Shows

  • First Amar Chitra Katha woman scriptwriter Kamala Chandrakant passes on

    First Amar Chitra Katha woman scriptwriter Kamala Chandrakant passes on

    MUMBAI: Writers are a much-in-demand breed. Good scriptwriters even more so. Almost every studio head would give an arm and a leg to get a brilliant one on board.

    And imagine what one would feel when we lose one of them. Just ask Amar Chitra Katha CEO & president Preeti Vyas and she will tell you it bites deep, it hurts so much. Her studio has just lost Kamala Chandrakant – a feisty writer of the seventies, eighties and nineties.

    Said Preeti in a tribute to the powerhouse of a teller of stories many of us have grown up reading:

    “We are deeply saddened by the passing away of Kamala Chandrakant, the first woman scriptwriter of Amar Chitra Katha, on 9  Feb, 2025. She was 84. None of us in the present team have worked with Kamala but her stories are legendary.” 

    “Known to be a courageous woman, who thought way ahead of her times, we’ve heard of the many spirited arguments she had with Uncle Pai on why women heroes deserved more space in the comics. She was the scriptwriter for most of the Mahabharata series and for hundreds of other titles.

    “Kamala will always be remembered with awe, respect and affection by our team.”

    RIP Kamala! Your stories will continue to educate generations to come!

    (B&W Picture of Kamala Chandrakant courtesy Preeti Vyas; Kamala has passed on even as the ScreenWrters Association is set to kick off its annual confab on 14 February in Mumbai )

  • Another Simple Favor to open 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival

    Another Simple Favor to open 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival

    MUMBAI: Buckle up for a cocktail of chaos, couture, and crime! The highly anticipated Amazon MGM Studios feature, Another Simple Favor, is set to make its world premiere as the opening night film of the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival. Directed by Paul Feig, this stylishly twisted sequel to 2018’s hit A Simple Favor will dazzle audiences on 7 March at the Paramount Theatre, before pulling off its grand heist on Prime Video on 1 May.

    Amazon MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke shared her excitement, “Paul Feig has once again delivered the perfect blend of mystery, wit, and unexpected twists in the highly anticipated Another Simple Favor. The cast, led by the extraordinarily talented Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, brings life to a script that propels the sequel to new heights. We are beyond grateful for our collaborations with Paul, Blake, Anna, and the entire cast and filmmaking team. We could not be more excited to share the next chapter of this saga with the always enthusiastic SXSW audience and ultimately with our Prime Video customers around the world.”

    Feig, who previously debuted Bridesmaids and Spy at SXSW, expressed his joy at returning to the festival, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back at my favorite festival in the world where we successfully launched Bridesmaids and Spy, and I cannot begin to say how honored I am to have our film opening it all. I’ve avoided making sequels to any of my films, but these characters were just too much fun not to revisit. So, to be able to have Anna, Blake, Henry, Andrew, Michele, Elizabeth, Alex, and myself watch our film with the great SXSW audience is a bucket list event I’ll be able to check off March 7th—and move playing drums for Dwight Yoakam’s band up to the top slot.”

    The dynamic duo is back! Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the stunning island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman. But this is no ordinary nuptial affair—because when Emily’s involved, murder and betrayal are always on the guest list. With twists and turns sharper than the winding roads of Capri, the sequel promises to keep audiences guessing until the very last frame.

    As the mystery unfolds, expect glamour, deception, and unexpected alliances—all wrapped up in Feig’s signature stylish direction and razor-sharp humour.

  • Why OTT only is proving to be a boon for SonyLiv’s Shark Tank S04

    Why OTT only is proving to be a boon for SonyLiv’s Shark Tank S04

    MUMBAI: There’s been some sort of negative noise around Sony Pictures Network India’s decision to stream Shark Tank India only on SonyLiv and take it off television completely Some chatter on the internet has it that the program had a reach of 700 million in its previous season. (700 million wow!; Sony you should have charged your clients a helluva lot more).

    Taking it off television has meant a loss of eyeballs for advertisers who are paying more, is what the doomsayers are alleging. And in the process a loss of sales for some who are coming on the show pitching the sharks for investment. As well as for sponsors and advertisers on the show. 

    Great arguments! The rebuttal is that not even the IPL gets 700 million eyeballs over an entire season; and that’s for India’s favourite past time – cricket. Then a recently-concluded much bigger show Bigg Boss  (to which Shark Tank can be compared even after stretching one’s  imagination  to breaking point)   managed just 200-odd million eyeballs over an entire season. That too after showcasing round-the-clock-behind-the-scenes action in the Big  Boss house. 

    Sony Entertainment TV, would be around 35 million subs or homes for the whole channel. Which basically with average 4 viewers per home, the reach would be 140 million. Shark Tank may get about about 20 per cent of all these viewers on TV giving us approximately 28  million viewers. 

    So this 700 million TV viewer is not just an exaggeration, but a massive overestimation.

    With 33 million subs  (each sub will have at least two or three  viewers) – B2c and B2B2C (telco bundling) and the free content window (AVOD); most of the TV viewers have now shifted to OTT. Thus, SonyLiv is now on course to hit close to 100 million viewers for Season 4 of the show. 

    Now is it a right decision to have a SonyLiv exclusive?

    SonyLiv also had the following figures made public for season four.  

    “SonyLiv’s  Shark Tank India 4 has redefined the entertainment landscape, breaking records since its exclusive OTT launch on 6 January 2025. The season has seen a remarkable 40 per cent  surge in connected TV (CTV) viewership and 22 per cent more users tuning in to watch as compared to the previous season. Additionally, the platform has witnessed a 27 per cent increase in engagement as compared to season 3, indicating how bold pitches, unique ideas, and innovation have captivated millions of viewers.

     One of the standout successes of this season has been the incredible 100 per cent user growth in 42 Tier 2 markets, demonstrating the show’s deep connection with aspiring entrepreneurs and viewers from small towns, creating significant impact. The platforms’ exclusive streaming model has proven to be a game-changer, amplifying the reach and engagement of the show across the nation. Shark Tank India 4 continues to inspire, empower, and elevate entrepreneurs, bringing groundbreaking business ideas to the forefront.”
     

  • Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    MUMBAI: Another season of drama, strategy, and nail-biting eliminations has come to a close, and Bigg Boss Season 18 has done it again—breaking records, dominating screens, and keeping millions glued to their couches. The reality TV juggernaut raked in a mind-blowing 205+ million viewersh  across TV and JioCinema, with a total of 112 billion viewing minutes (yes, you read that right!). And if that wasn’t enough, social media went into overdrive, racking up 5.6 billion views across platforms, with 2.9 billion views on JioCinema alone. Now, that’s what you call a blockbuster

    JioStar head of revenue – entertainment & international, Ajit Varghese summed it up perfectly, “Year after year, Bigg Boss continues to redefine entertainment, offering brands the ultimate platform to forge deep audience connections. The response to this season has been phenomenal, and we’re excited to push the boundaries even further.”

    Bigg Boss, the crown jewel of JioStar’s entertainment empire, continues to strike gold with its regional editions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali. With each passing season, the show mirrors society’s evolving dynamics, proving that nothing beats the thrill of watching strangers fight, form alliances, and occasionally (just occasionally) find friendship.

    This year, Bigg Boss Jaante Hain took unpredictability to the next level, with the all-seeing Bigg Boss predicting contestants’ futures. The “Time Ka Tandav” theme was a masterstroke, amplifying the mind games, shock twists, and pulse-racing moments that had fans hooked. Who knew reality TV could be this deliciously dramatic?

    When you pull in numbers like these, it’s no surprise that brands are lining up to be part of the magic. Season 18 had the backing of some of the biggest names, including co-powered partners Belavita, Vaseline, and Parle Hide & Seek, and special sponsors like Ching’s Schezwan Chutney and Berger Paints.

    The sponsorship lineup also featured beauty partner Blue Heaven, hygiene partner Harpic, and home decor partner My Trident, alongside Go Cheese, Macho Sporto, Good Knight, and Galaxy Chocolate as associate sponsors. On the digital front, major players like Vimal, Housing.com, Oppo, LG Hot and Cold AC, and Rapido Cabs amplified the show’s reach, with First Games, Manyavar, Manforce, Kellogg’s Muesli, Roff, Streax, and Swiss Beauty adding to the mix.

    Love it or hate it, you just can’t ignore it. Bigg Boss 18 was an unstoppable force across YouTube, Meta, and X, fueling heated debates, meme storms, and endless discussions. Whether it was contestants’ fiery showdowns, jaw-dropping twists, or unexpected evictions, social media lived and breathed every moment.

    With record-breaking numbers, insane engagement, and a growing fanbase, Bigg Boss has once again proved why it remains India’s most-loved reality show. And if Season 18 was this explosive, we can only imagine what’s in store for next year. Buckle up, because the drama is far from over!

  • Clapstore Toys makes big splash with all shark deal

    Clapstore Toys makes big splash with all shark deal

    MUMBAI: In a world dominated by screens, two young entrepreneurs are redefining playtime! Yash Thombare (22) and Vedang Nalawade (21) from Pune are on a mission to bring the joy of real-world play back to children. With their brainchild, Clapstore Toys, launched in 2020, they’ve created educational toys designed to engage kids aged till six years while fostering essential skills. Already impacting over 50,000 families across India, their success story is gaining momentum.

    In the latest season of Shark Tank India 4,  Thombare and  Nalawade took centre stage with their innovative product – the portable busy boards. A first in India, these boards aim to captivate young minds with hands-on, screen-free learning. The Sharks were initially intrigued but skeptical until they saw the product in action. After a heartwarming live demo with kids, the duo’s pitch gained traction. Seeking Rs 80 lakh for four per cent equity, the founders struck a sweet deal: Rs 1 crore for 10 per cent equity, backed by all five Sharks!

    “The Sharks’ feedback was invaluable,” said Thombare and Nalawade. “Their mentorship will accelerate our growth and help us make our innovative toys more accessible to families across India.” Their victory on Shark Tank is a testament to their unwavering belief in the power of real play and their mission to enrich childhood development through screen-free toys.

    So, what’s next for Clapstore? With the support of the Sharks, this dynamic duo is ready to scale up and take their vision even further.

  • 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.  

  • GoQuest gets new distribution deals for Turkish Drama Kuma going

    GoQuest gets new distribution deals for Turkish Drama Kuma going

    MUMBAI: It’s quest to go further global has met with more success. Indian content distribution firm GoQuest Media has secured licensing deals in additional territories for it first co-production, the Turkish family drama Kuma (The Other Wife): Latvia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Kenya.

    These new agreements build on earlier sales announced at Mipcom 2024, which included Hungary, Romania, and India. The series, produced by Stellar Yapim, completed production in October 2024 and has since debuted on television.

    Further distribution deals were recently closed by co-producers VIP 2000 TV, extending Kuma’s reach to Paraguay, Peru, and Panama.

    Set against the rugged landscapes of eastern Turkey, Kuma (The Other Wife) tells the gripping story of Ceylan, a woman falsely accused of murder. Forced into becoming the second wife of Karan — the brother of the man she is accused of killing — Ceylan navigates a complex family dynamic while fighting to clear her name. The drama explores themes of love, redemption, and resilience.

    GoQuest Media, headquartered in Mumbai with offices in the UK and Vietnam, specialises in the global distribution of high-quality international dramas and scripted formats. The company’s curated catalogue includes titles featured on major platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Globoplay, SBS, Voyo, and Telemundo. It has a sales presence in Istanbul and the Central and Eastern Europe region.     

  • 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.

  • Sony LIV’s Shark Tank India 4 nets record sponsors and high viewer interest

    Sony LIV’s Shark Tank India 4 nets record sponsors and high viewer interest

    MUMBAI: Buckle up, entrepreneurs and dreamers! Shark Tank India 4 is back on Sony LIV, and this season isn’t just swimming in talent—it’s making waves with a powerhouse lineup of sponsors. The much-loved reality show, now streaming, continues to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences by shining a spotlight on India’s most ambitious and innovative business minds. With bold pitches, high-stakes deals, and cutting-edge ideas, this season is set to redefine entrepreneurship for the country.

    The show’s impressive sponsor roster includes Acko, Pokerbaazi, and Swiggy Instamart as co-presenting sponsors, along with Adani and Jaguar as co-powered sponsors. Partner sponsors Rayzon Solar, Icici Direct, Lenskart, and Sofy have also joined the entrepreneurial bandwagon, leveraging Shark Tank’s wide reach to connect with India’s ever-growing startup ecosystem.

    This season, a star-studded panel of sharks leads the charge. Returning favourites like Anupam Mittal (People Group), Aman Gupta (boAt Lifestyle), Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), and Vineeta Singh (Sugar Cosmetics) are joined by new faces, including Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal), and Varun Dua (Acko). Each brings their unique expertise to enrich conversations and inspire India’s next wave of entrepreneurs.

    Sony LIV head of ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangla highlighted the show’s success, “Shark Tank India has redefined reality TV in the country, blending inspiration with entertainment to captivate viewers. It offers brands a unique platform to showcase impactful campaigns and connect with a diverse audience. Partnering with the show taps into the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impression. The show’s phenomenal success, driving 40 per cent growth on CTV and 27 per cent growth in engagement, is fuelled by great content. This season also features a wide range of business pitches, from traditional ventures to cutting-edge tech.”

    Acko CMO Ashish Mishra, explained their commitment to the show, “Acko’s association with Shark Tank India has always celebrated change. We want to continue putting a spotlight on changemakers – the entrepreneurs who have the vision to drive positive change in society. Our changemakers have always had bold ideas and creative solutions and used their skills for the betterment of our country. With the Changemaker Wall, we have taken this spotlight to the next level. We worked with talented artists from across the country and asked them to express their interpretation of positive change. These incredible pieces of art, along with the talented entrepreneurs from Shark Tank, come together to showcase our commitment towards positive change. Together, we are championing a future where innovation meets purpose.”

    Baazi Games CEO Navkiran Singh shared a unique perspective, “Both Poker and entrepreneurship thrive on strategy, risk management, and adaptability. The skills required to build a business, such as making calculated decisions and staying resilient, are equally vital in Poker, making the two deeply interconnected. That’s why we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Shark Tank for its third season. This platform is a celebration of the ‘Make in India for the World’ vision and a catalyst for empowering entrepreneurs to build exceptional businesses. Its growing popularity perfectly aligns with the spirit of innovation and strategy that we at Baazi Games deeply value.”

    Swiggy Instamart CEO Amitesh Jha expressed his excitement about the collaboration, “We’re just a week into the launch of Shark Tank 4, and already, we’re witnessing some incredible products and promising entrepreneurs. This partnership is particularly exciting for us at Swiggy Instamart, as we’re always looking for ways to bring exciting new D2C brands to users and it aligns with our core value of making innovation both a reality and easily accessible to consumers. What’s also exciting is that we get to offer these debut products to our customers through Swiggy Instamart, delivering them within minutes giving a great boost to these brands.”

    With its growing popularity, Shark Tank India 4 promises not only to entertain but also to empower. By pairing inspiring entrepreneurial stories with top-tier brand partnerships, the show cements its role as a beacon for innovation and ambition in India.

    Catch Shark Tank India 4 every Monday to Friday at 8 pm, exclusively on Sony LIV.

  • Shemaroo Umang to debut Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain in primetime

    Shemaroo Umang to debut Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain in primetime

    MUMBAI: What happens when centuries-old family traditions meet modern twists? Shemaroo Umang’s latest show, Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, dares to flip the script on inheritance, hierarchy, and familial power dynamics.

    Set against the opulent backdrop of Rajasthan, this gripping family drama premieres 27 January 2025, airing Monday to Saturday at 9:00 pm. With a plot brimming with twists, stellar performances, and emotional depth, this show promises to keep viewers glued to their screens.

    Produced by Natkhat Productions, helmed by renowned writer and producer Raghuvir Shekhawat, the show explores an age-old Indian tradition: passing the keys of the family haveli to the eldest daughter-in-law. But what if this cherished custom takes an unexpected turn? Enter Chaina, played by the vivacious Diksha Dhami, the youngest daughter-in-law of the haveli, who disrupts the family’s power dynamics with her charm, wit, and resilience.

    Joining Chaina’s journey is Sheel Verma, portraying the enigmatic Jayveer, and Ishita Ganguly, who takes on the role of the scheming sister-in-law Chamkeeli, determined to challenge the new order in the family. Set in the grandeur of Rajasthan’s aristocratic traditions, the show follows the mystery surrounding Chaina’s unexpected rise as the Chhoti Thakurain and her battle to navigate shifting allegiances, jealousy, and secrets hidden within the haveli’s grand walls.

    Shemaroo Entertainment COO of broadcasting business, Sandeep Gupta expressed his excitement, “Television audiences today crave content that resonates on a deeper emotional level. ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain’ is a refreshing break from conventional melodrama. The show introduces strong, complex characters and relatable dynamics that families will enjoy watching together. This marks our second collaboration with Raghuvir Shekhawat, and we’re confident it will leave an indelible mark in the primetime slot.”

    Shekhawat shared his passion for the project, saying, “This show is more than a story; it’s a reflection of the changing dynamics within Indian families. While the ‘saas-bahu’ trope has reigned supreme, the often-overlooked relationship between the jethani (eldest daughter-in-law) and devrani (youngest daughter-in-law) holds untapped potential. With ‘Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain,’ I aim to bring this dynamic to the forefront in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.”

    Shekhawat also celebrated the launch of Natkhat Productions, calling this show his ‘first baby’ and a personal milestone in his two-decade career.

    With its intricate storytelling, stunning visuals, and powerful performances, Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain promises to redefine family dramas. The show captures the essence of tradition while exploring themes of empowerment, resilience, and transformation. Viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises that will resonate long after the credits roll.