ITV

Category: TV Shows

  • Travelxp launches new show, ‘Timeless Tamil Nadu’

    Mumbai: Travelxp has launched a new show “Timeless Tamil Nadu”. The eight-part series follows popular travel personality Alex Outhwaite as she explores the state’s pristine beaches, foggy mountain retreats, and spontaneous experiences.

    Despite making numerous journeys to India, Alex has never had the chance to travel to one of its most southern states. In the show, she discovers some of the place’s best-kept secrets after finally getting the chance.

    Culture and religious endowments department tourism  principal secretary Dr. B. Chandra Mohan said , “Not many people are aware that Tamil Nadu has one of the longest coastlines in the country. The many immersive cultural experiences and adventure activities that the state has to offer are also largely unexplored. What we have is a blend of fascinating history, extraordinary natural beauty, a rich culinary heritage and so much more that makes Tamil Nadu a holistic travel destination. We are excited about the show created by Travelxp because it will make travelers across the globe aware of the diversity of the state.”

    This series was conceptualised and directed by national award-winning director Kamakhya Narayan Singh, and it was filmed in various cities across the state. The breathtaking scenery of hill towns like Ooty and Kodaikanal with their lush green mountains and cascading waterfalls, the magnificent medieval architecture of heritage towns like Karaikudi, the lesser-known foodie havens of the state like Madurai, and the natural beauty of hidden gems like the gulf of mannar marine national park are all explored by the film.

    Travelxp 4K HD sales regional head  Altaf Ladak, commented, “When we first planned to cover Tamil Nadu, we were aware of its historical and cultural richness. While filming, however, the team realized that there are many sides to the state of which even domestic travelers are not fully aware. Surfing on a Blue Flag-certified beach, tea tasting at a plantation, savoring biryani on a banana leaf, and getting a chance to observe or participate in age-old arts and crafts like the making of handloom sarees or an ancient dance form – these are only a few of the unique experiences we have featured in our show. New age travel aspirations include untapped travel destinations, deeper cultural immersion, meaningful cross-cultural connections and, ultimately, richer, more unique experiences. This series will showcase how Tamil Nadu is a destination that offers all of those things.”

    The highly anticipated show will be available on all travelxp channels as well as its OTT platform travelxp on Play Store, App Store, FireTV, Android TV, and Xiaomi Patchwall, with new episodes releasing every weekend.

  • Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Zee Cine Awards 2023

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL), is all set to present the Zee Cine Awards a platform that celebrates excellence in cinema and presents some truly memorable larger than life performances by the some of the most sought after superstars of tinsel town. The prestigious awards show has felicitated the inspiring journeys of countless luminaries, filmmakers and technicians over the years. Come  February 26, the who’s who of the Indian film fraternity, global dignitaries and world media will attend the latest edition of this highly anticipated awards show. Fans from across the globe will witness the biggest entertainment night as Zee Cinema, Zee TV & ZEE5 will soon showcase Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Zee Cine Awards 2023.

    Soon after megastars Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan announced that they’ll be performing at the awards show, Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Zee Cine Awards opens up voting for its Viewers’ Choice categories such as Best Film,’ ‘Best Actor Male’, ‘Best Actor Female’ and ‘Song of the Year.’ Awarding the most deserving talent based on public votes is a part of ZEE’s constant endeavour of having its finger on the pulse of the audience and letting every viewer know that their opinion truly counts.

    ZEE has taken a pioneering consumer forward big data led approach for determining the nominations and winners for the Viewer’s Choice Awards. This has been possible through the development of a data driven decision support system that taps into 20+ open data sources for all the movies released from Jan Dec 2022. The proprietary model stands on 3 pillars i.e popularity, ratings and box office collections. The data sources include platforms where consumers post comments, express opinions about movies and actors such as social media platforms, review & rating websites, ticket booking & audio streaming platforms. The proprietary big data algorithm also taps into box office collection sources and scrapes data across these multiple platforms to arrive at a unified score for every movie, actor, actress and song. The top rankers based on the unified score in every category make it to the nominations list. This ensures that all nominations for the 4 ZEE Cine Awards Viewer’s Choice categories (Best Actor Male, Best Actor Female, Best Film, song of the year) are consumer forward  and resonate with actual consumer preferences and their opinions. In other words, a true reflection of the choice and voice of the viewer.

    The Best Film category includes movies across genres that not only have dominated the box office but also received critical acclaim. The nominees in this category are Gangubai Kathiawadi, The Kashmir Files, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Brahmastra: Part One Shiva, Drishyam 2, JugJugg Jeeyo.

    The Best Actor (Male & Female) category, on the other hand, applauds the outstanding talent showcased this year. The nominees in the male category include Varun Dhawan for his immaculate performance in Bhediya, Kartik Aaryan for his impactful role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Ranbir Kapoor for his action-packed and inspirational role in Brahmastra: Part One Shiva, Hrithik Roshan and Ajay Devgn for their intense characters and portrayal in Vikram Vedha and Drishyam 2 respectively as well as Anupam Kher for his magnificent performance in The Kashmir Files.

    Among the female leads, the nominees include Alia Bhatt for her hard hitting roles in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Darlings, Deepika Padukone for her spirited performance in Gehraiyaan, Kiara Advani for her charming act in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Kriti Sanon for her effervescent role in Bhediya and Bhumi Pednekar for her remarkable performance in Badhaai Do.

    The Song of the Year category comprises chartbusters like Kesariya from Brahmastra: Part One Shiva, Doobey from Gehraiyaan, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 Title Track from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, The Punjaabban Song from JugJugg Jeeyo, Apna Bana Le from Bhediya and Maiyaa Mainu from Jersey.

  • Shark Tank rejects five crore offer from Unstop

     Mumbai: Shark Tank India Season two is gaining momentum. While some businesses get outright rejected, some CEOs reject the offers made. This is the story of a founder who bargained for a lower amount just to ensure that his team is happy and he dilutes less.

     India is the land of enterprising businessmen who have made a name for themselves on a global scale. Gone are the days when running and owning a business was restricted to just the rich. With Shark Tank’s Season 2, millions of viewers tune in to each episode of Shark Tank India. Some are still harping on about Ashneer Grover and his rough round the edges remark. While others are truly enthralled by the sheer ingenuity of some of the startups. With every mid sentence cut to break, the audience is at the edge of their seats. The Sharks too, are playing to the ebb and flow of the show and using their wit and knowledge to share the most useful insights.

    One Delhi based startup, Unstop, saw hungry sharks circling around it with ample poking, prodding and name calling Unstop and Shark Tank: Founded by Ankit Aggrawal, Unstop is an early talent engagement and hiring platform that helps talented individuals from untapped corners of the country find their place in the job market. Through its platform, Unstop connects these individuals with the right employers and helps them build the skills and experience they need to succeed. On the other hand, employers leverage Unstop to Brand, Source, Engage, Assess and Hire right candidates. Today, the startup has a community of 4.5 million students, freshers and professionals with zero to five years of experience. As soon as Ankit Aggarwal hit the stage, the Sharks were captivated by his pitch. At one point, they had to jolt out of the trance and one of the Sharks said, “Please stop Unstop!” Some say that the secret to a Sharks’ favour is having your numbers, comms and charisma on point and Ankit delivered on all three.

     Aggarwal received an offer of five crores for ten per cent equity from Jain. He was quick to decline the offer saying that it wouldn’t be fair to dilute that much equity and wanted to respect and increase the valuation at which his team was given shares, not VCs. Then we were all made privy to the magnanimity of Ankit Aggarwal so much so that Namita Thapar ended up calling him Ankit Makhanwal. After a little back and forth, and some negotiations, Aman Gupta, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, and Amit Jain finally agreed on investing two crores for four per cent equity.

  • Zee Cine Awards 2023 gives a sneak peek into its exciting lineup of performers

    Mumbai:Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL), India’s television, media and entertainment conglomerate, brings back the biggest celebration of Bollywood  Zee Cine Awards a show that celebrates cinema and the true spirit of heroism embodied in larger than life performances and  entertainment. The award show has trotted the globe with its previous editions and felicitated the inspiring journeys of countless luminaries, filmmakers and technicians over the years. And, this February, Mumbai will play host to Bollywood’s finest talent, global dignitaries, world media and a melange of glitz and glamour at the highly anticipated star studded event. Fans from across the globe will witness the biggest entertainment night as Zee Cinema, Zee TV & ZEE5 will soon showcase ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena Presents Zee Cine Awards 2023’.  

    Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan made the announcement in style with an extraordinary press conference. The actors announced ‘Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Zee Cine Awards 2023’ and walked down memory lane, sharing some of their fondest memories from the previous editions of the awards show.

    Bhatt said, “Zee Cine Awards is an awards ceremony that the film fraternity eagerly looks forward to year after year and I am honoured that I have the privilege to announce its 2023 edition. It has been a while since I performed live on stage and hence that makes this performance even more exciting for me. 2022 has been special in so many ways and I can’t wait to have a blast on stage to all my hit songs. Super thrilled to be performing live at Zee Cine Awards and it will be a special performance that all the audiences will absolutely love!”

    Dhawan added, “Zee Cine Awards, over the years, has so many memories for me  be it my performance with Kiara or the awards won for Badrinath Ki Dulhania and Judwaa 2, this awards show has a special place in my heart… 2022 has been a great year and my fans are going to love my act at Zee Cine Awards 2023.”   

    Maruti Suzuki India executive officer marketing Shashank Srivastava told, “This association marks the beginning of a new and exciting partnership between India’s largest automotive channel, Maruti Suzuki Arena and one of biggest celebrations of Bollywood  Zee Cine Awards, to celebrate the magical and extravagant world of Bollywood. Maruti Suzuki believes in bringing the joy of mobility to all and creating exciting new experiences. Maruti Suzuki Arena is bringing this vision to reality with a modern, tech enabled and youthful experience.”

  • Evan Shapiro to deliver a keynote at MipTV in April in France

    Evan Shapiro to deliver a keynote at MipTV in April in France

    Mumbai: MipTV has announced it has partnered with industry thought leader Evan Shapiro on exclusive research. This will be unveiled in a scene-setting keynote on the opening day of the market. The event will be held from 17-19 April.

    Shapiro will draw on the new audience research, exclusive to MipTV, to challenge assumptions and provide insights to global industry shifts, trends and evolving business models from the stage of the Debussy Theatre of Cannes’ Palais des Festivals on 17 April 2023.

    An Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer and professor of Television at New York University, Shapiro is acclaimed for his bold predictions and distinctive visualisations of the global tech and entertainment ecosystem shared via his influential newsletter Media War & Peace, as co-host of podcast Cancel Culture and through his change agency ESHAP.

    Shapiro said, “Armed with a raft of fresh new research from a survey of tens of thousands of media consumers, I’m coming to Cannes to challenge the international tv community to move beyond incremental change and reimagine television for the way our audiences want content now.”

    RX France Entertainment division director & director of MipTV Lucy Smith said, “Mip markets are about context alongside content, provided by the industry’s best minds. Evan is a one off. His predictions are bold, incisive and thought provoking, his style unique. In a rapidly evolving global ecosystem such insights are not only invaluable but inspirational.”

  • Colors’ ‘Bigg Boss 16’ onboards Hershey’s Kisses as an associate partner

    Colors’ ‘Bigg Boss 16’ onboards Hershey’s Kisses as an associate partner

    Mumbai: Bigg Boss season 16 has roped in Hershey India as its associate partner. Hershey’s products have brightened the space with their sweetness by satiating the contestants’ sweet tooth, giving them more and more reasons to celebrate and express their emotions.

    Hershey’s Kisses has installed its visicooler in the captain’s room, and its ownership belongs to the house captain.

    Commenting on the association, Hershey India marketing director Ankit Desai said, “Bigg Boss is one of the biggest reality shows in India and has achieved a cult status. We are thrilled about our partnership with Bigg Boss, and we feel it’s one of the best platforms to reach our audience. Hershey’s is all about building warm connections and celebrating togetherness and I am glad to see that our indulgent range of chocolates has struck a chord with contestants in the house. The partnership has helped us leverage the massive reach and popularity Bigg Boss enjoys among consumers.”

    Viacom18 head, revenue, Colors Pavithra KR says, “Bigg Boss has reinforced itself as the no. 1 non-fiction show in the general entertainment category by engaging with the audience every single day. The platform has continued to provide brands with innovative ways to integrate. The collaboration with Hershey’s Kisses has helped the brand gain a sweet spot among its target audience through Bigg Boss. Especially Rozik’s craving for chocolates and the drama around Hershey’s kisses chocolate station in the captain’s room has given numerous organic stories. Hence the brand became a part of the immersive experience of the show.”

    The 16th season of Bigg Boss is focused on offering a robust experience to brand partners through means of engagement, excitement & entertainment. The idea is to assist the brands in creating a powerful & impactful narrative that has the potential to build a lasting connection with the audience through content present in multiple markets, cutting across geo-social cross-sections in India.

  • Mukul Madhav Foundation addresses child labour in a short film ‘Baitullah’

    Mukul Madhav Foundation addresses child labour in a short film ‘Baitullah’

    Mumbai: Finolex Industries’ corporate social responsibility arm, the Mukul Madhav Foundation, has released a short movie, Baitullah. addressing child labour. The award winning short film is sure to open your eyes. The picture, picturing a little boy named Baitullah working at a tea stall in the city, poses the question to the viewer.

    Directed, written and produced by Jitendra Rai (M/S Matheno Films), the main protagonist is played by child artist Om Kanojiya, supported by Ishtiyak Khan and Vipin Sharma. The film has been nominated and selected at 85+ international and national film festivals and has already won 26 awards.

    “What does this child need to do to become like you?” is a question that is met with awkward silence in the film but hopes to ignite a conversation amongst viewers and the more fortunate.

    Millions of children across the world, and especially in India, are exploited and denied their childhood every day. They are kept out of classrooms and forced to work as touts or earn a daily wage for their families due to poverty, lack of awareness, or just plain neglect and apathy. Most are hidden away in sweatshops making shoes, jewelry, and firecrackers. But some are in plain sight. ‘Chottu’ at your friendly neighbourhood tea stall or lunch place.

    Speaking on the evolution of the film, the director Jitendra Rai said, “As a filmmaker, I look at the world around me with my eyes wide open. I couldn’t ignore the child labour I saw around me, but I was also left with a sense of helplessness. As a filmmaker, I chose to capture this helplessness, the silent appeal these children have in their eyes when they look at people better-off than them.”

    Rai added, “This helplessness turned into hope, when I saw the work that is being done by organisations like the Mukul Madhav Foundation. I am also grateful for their support of this film.”

    Mukul Madhav Foundation managing trustee Ritu Chhabria said, “This film asks a question that started us on our journey working with marginalised and vulnerable children: how could each child enjoy the things we take for granted in our lives? We set out to put things in place, one small block at a time.”

    Established in 1999, the Mukul Madhav Foundation works with communities across India, uplifting the less fortunate with hope and dignity. Their work with children, especially those vulnerable to exploitation, assault, and trafficking, is slowly tilting the scale at the grassroots. Supporting children with initiatives in education, nutrition, and mental health. Offering a helpline, counsellors, and legal aid for children. Rescuing and rehabilitating exploited children and then reintegrating them back into the mainstream. But even more importantly, strengthening the community. Giving parents and youth access to healthcare, sanitation, skill development, and employment. Giving each of them a sense of dignity. With the belief that in order for children to be safe, their community must first feel financially and emotionally secure.

  • MTV launches new season of its dating reality franchise ‘MTVSplitsvilla X4’

    MTV launches new season of its dating reality franchise ‘MTVSplitsvilla X4’

    Mumbai: MTV continues to up the ante with tentpole original content for its viewers, solidifying its position as the leader in youth-centric entertainment.

    MTV Splitsvilla X4 is set to present a unique blend of modern dating and classic romance, where true love is earned.

    Co-powered by Wildstone Deos & Perfumes and ONN…Total Comfort, the show will premiere on MTV and Voot on 12 November and air every Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.

    Speaking on amping up the content portfolio with its marquee property, Viacom18 Youth, Music, and English entertainment cluster head Anshul Ailawadi said, “MTV continues to spearhead youth entertainment in India with its repertoire of in-vogue content that evolves with its target audience. On the heels of successful franchises like MTV Roadies – Journey in South Africa and MTV Hustle 2.0, we’re set to launch the latest season of our tentpole show, MTV Splitsvilla X4. We’re sure the new season will be loved by all fans, old and new.”

    MTV Splitsvilla X4 is hosted by actors Sunny Leone and Arjun Bijlani and features drop-dead gorgeous girls and hunky dudes—Splitsvillains separated by distance and staying on the Isles of Venus and Mars, respectively. The die-hard romantics will face challenges in order to meet their date on the other side.

    Prospective couples can be seen bonding over ‘Island Flings’ and getting to know each other better. Audiences can also expect intriguing love triangles and unexpected wildcard entries, which are sure to keep everyone on their toes. The competition will culminate in a nail-biting finish as the couples compete to be crowned the winning couple.

  • The Q launch new series ‘Bhaago Bhaago, Bhoot Aaya’

    The Q launch new series ‘Bhaago Bhaago, Bhoot Aaya’

    Mumbai: The Q has launched its original series Bhaago Bhaago, Bhoot Aaya, introducing the FTA universe for the first time to the entertaining comedy with a naughty ghost.

    Bhaago Bhaago, Bhoot Aaya will premiere on The Q on 1 November 2022 at 7:30 p.m. and will air from Monday to Friday.

    This genre-bending show, set in a haunted resort, is based on the antics of a zany cast of characters, led by a cute little ghost named ‘Nanhe,’ who makes it impossible for guests to have a peaceful stay. Aditya, who works at the resort, is faced with a unique challenge in dealing with Nanhe’s tricks because he is the only person who can see and talk to this cute little naughty ghost.

    Among the cast members are Heth Makwana, Gaurav Sharma, Sheersha Tiwari, Naman Arora, Sushma Murudkar, Kapil Yashraj, and Neetu Pachori. The Q’s Zara Hatke storytelling approach is reinforced by the launch of Bhaago Bhaago, Bhoot Aaya, which solidifies the channel’s position as the go-to destination for young India’s new-age entertainment.

    Speaking on the launch, QYOU Media India’s Simran Hoon said, “The Q introduced Indian viewers to a new style of storytelling. Our storytelling is highly differentiated and one that has grown on our viewers. We have consistently delivered entertainment and have set new benchmarks in the FTA category, establishing ourselves as a destination for new-age and wholesome entertainment. Bhaago Bhaago, Bhoot Aaya is an extension of our DNA and we are sure that our viewers will welcome the show and the unique concept that is on offer.”

    “Bhaago Bhaago, Bhoot Aaya is The Q’s fresh new take on wholesome family entertainment. The supremely cute Nanhe, our friendly naughty ghost, will leave no stone unturned to cause crazy chaos in everyone’s lives, especially Aditya’s, a suave young man who happens to be the only person who can see and interact with him. This is a show that families with kids just cannot afford to miss. The Q has always pushed the envelope with regards to content, and this show, with its exciting cat and mouse battle of the wits between the two of them, is sure to set new standards of wholesome family entertainment,” concluded The Q Programming Head Ashutosh Barve.

  • In partnership with Airtel, Big Boss Marathi announces new plot-twists and innovative brand integrations

    In partnership with Airtel, Big Boss Marathi announces new plot-twists and innovative brand integrations

    Mumbai: Bigg Boss Marathi has partnered with Airtel to install a phone booth inside the ‘house’ through which the contestants can connect with anyone outside the show.

    Essence, the global data and measurement-driven media agency behind this innovation, has left no stone unturned in creating a one-of-a-kind experience for both contestants and viewers of the unrivalled show.

    The phone booth also plays the signature Airtel song, transporting viewers on a nostalgic journey.

    For the first time, Airtel ran a Bigg Boss contest in which the lucky winner was chosen from millions of Airtel customers to be a part of the ‘house.’ For the first time in Marathi television history, a unique brand association like this has resulted in a commoner winning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of this magnitude.

    Bigg Boss Marathi is in its fourth season, hosted by the versatile actor-director-producer Mahesh Manjrekar, and features an exciting mix of 16 housemates who make the season an entertainment extravaganza.

    This season promises nonstop entertainment, exclusive cuts, round-the-clock content drops, and a 24-hour live feed from the house, exclusively on Voot, Monday through Friday.

    Viacom18 Regional Entertainment revenue head Bikash Kundu said, “We are thrilled to join hands with India’s leading telecom company, Airtel, through an innovation-driven marketing concept. While the phone booth became a huge hit on the show, the contest received a humongous response across traditional and new-age media. We reached out to the combined user base of Airtel and Colors Marathi through TVCs, on-ground activations, push messages, recorded announcements and messages, among other initiatives, making the campaign a massive success.”

    Essence managing director (India) Sonali Malaviya commented, “As Airtel’s integrated media agency of record, Essence is excited to partner with Viacom18 and Colors Marathi on this custom content innovation initiative. Leveraging the popular reality television show Bigg Boss, the idea and execution have enabled us to help drive increased consumer engagement and brand consideration for Airtel in the market. We look forward to collaborating on even more creative opportunities and breakthrough experiences to help Airtel win in the dynamic telecommunications category.”