ITV

Category: TV Shows

  • Aakash secures direct entry in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX

    Aakash secures direct entry in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX

    MUMBAI: Aakash, a Swiggy delivery partner, has swapped delivery routes for dance floors, earning a direct spot in Hip Hop India season two on Amazon MX Player. The show, known for showcasing hip-hop talent, returned with Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, promising a bigger and better season.

    Aakash’s dance skills first gained attention when he finished as a runner-up in Swiggy Wiggy Talent Hunt season two. Now, his passion has propelled him onto one of India’s most prestigious hip-hop platforms. Skipping the regional auditions, he advanced straight to the final selection, where his high-energy performance to Dance Ka Bhoot wowed the judges.

    Balancing work and responsibilities as the sole breadwinner of his family, Aakash’s journey reflects perseverance and dedication. Swiggy, committed to supporting its delivery partners beyond work, has extended financial aid to help him pursue professional dancing. Proudly wearing his Swiggy T-shirt, he stepped onto the stage, proving that ambition knows no boundaries.

    With Hip Hop India season two now streaming on Amazon MX Player, Aakash’s story is an inspiring testament to how dreams can take flight, no matter where they begin.
     

  • 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.

  • Waves Bazaar: Indian govt’s optimistic attempt at content trading platform

    Waves Bazaar: Indian govt’s optimistic attempt at content trading platform

    MUMBAI: Here’s another effort to set up an online marketplace for content trading despite the hundreds of carcasses that line the road of those who tried and failed. And it’s coming in from the Indian government’s ministry of information and broadcasting as well as the electronics and information technology ministry. 

    Called Waves Bazaar, it was unveiled recently  at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, by MIB, railways and electronics &IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, alongside minister of culture & tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The launch was attended by senior officials, including MIB secretary  Sanjay Jaju and  filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

    The platform is being touted as a pioneering one which will transform the global media and entertainment 
    industry.  What it hopes to achieve is becoming a central hub for professionals across film, television, gaming, advertising, music, animation, and emerging technologies such as AR, VR, and XR. Designed to facilitate seamless collaboration. The optimistic view is that  the platform will enable industry players to expand their reach, secure investment, and form high-value partnerships.

    It will feature global networking opportunities, structured buyer-seller meets and transactions, and exclusive access to industry events. The platform is divided into verticals catering to specific sectors, including film production, live events, advertising, game development, music, and digital content.

    For sellers, Waves Bazaar is being positioned to provide a structured environment to showcase services, from VFX and sound design to publishing and advertising. Film producers can connect with distributors, animation studios can pitch to gaming companies, and marketing agencies can engage with brands seeking media solutions. Buyers—including OTT platforms, media agencies, and event organisers—gain access to a streamlined platform for discovering talent and securing content.

    Users register on wavesbazaar.com, create profiles, list services or project requirements, and engage with prospective collaborators. By eliminating geographical barriers and enhancing industry connectivity, Waves Bazaar aims to redefine how business is conducted in the creative sector.(Have we not heard this one before?)
    The launch of Waves  Bazaar coincides with preparations for the inaugural World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (Waves 2025), scheduled for 1-4 May in Mumbai. Organised by the Indian government, the summit will showcase India’s creative and technological prowess across broadcasting, film, animation, AI, social media, and digital content.

     

  • Yuzvendra Chahal’s hilarious opening wish takes an unexpected turn

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s hilarious opening wish takes an unexpected turn

    MUMBAI: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has stepped into unfamiliar territory, swapping the cricket field for the mystical world of Aashram. In a humorous crossover for Aashram season three part two, now streaming for free on Amazon MX Player, Chahal seeks divine intervention but the results are far from what he imagined.

    In the video, Chahal, fully kitted out with pads, helmet, and bat, approaches Bobby Deol’s enigmatic Baba Nirala with one request to become an opening batsman. True to his style, Baba grants the wish with a resounding Tathastu! However, instead of taking the crease, Chahal finds himself opening everything but an innings water bottles, lunchboxes, and even jammed doors. Left bewildered, he sighs, Accha opener bana diya, Baba. Meanwhile, Baba, ever the mysterious figure, remarks, “No one leaves my Aashram empty-handed.”

    Chahal said, “I’ve always joked about opening the batting. This time, Baba made it happen just not in the way I expected!”

    With Baba’s mystical powers at play, nothing is ever straightforward in Aashram. Fans can watch the latest twists and turns in Aashram season three part two, available to stream for free on Amazon MX Player via mobile apps, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs.

  • Mattel and DC reunite in toy partnership as superheroes find new home

    Mattel and DC reunite in toy partnership as superheroes find new home

    MUMBAI: In what industry insiders are calling a “plastic fantastic reunion,” Mattel, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products have announced a global licensing agreement that will see Batman and friends return to their former toy maker starting in late 2026.

    The multi-year deal grants Mattel rights to produce action figures, playsets and collectibles based on DC’s entire roster of spandex-clad do-gooders and cackling villains. This means everything from Batman’s brooding silhouette to The Joker’s maniacal grin will soon grace toy shelves worldwide.

    Nick Karamanos of Mattel declared it “an incredibly proud milestone” to welcome DC back to the fold, whilst carefully avoiding mention of the years DC spent gallivanting with rival toymakers. One imagines there might have been a rather awkward “where have you been all these years?” conversation at the negotiating table.

    Warner Bros.’ Robert Oberschelp noted the timing coincides with “DC’s exciting new chapter in 2025,” though he refrained from specifying whether this excitement involves yet another Batman reboot or simply the accountants’ jubilation at the licensing fees.

    The arrangement builds upon an existing relationship between the companies spanning more than 30 brands, including Harry Potter and oddly enough, Ted Lasso, should you fancy your child playing with a miniature football manager known for colourful language and biscuit diplomacy.

    Industry analysts suggest this corporate marriage may deliver a much-needed boost to both parties, though they’ve stopped short of calling it a “super” partnership. 

    At the very least, Batman fans can look forward to their hero returning to the plastic realm where he arguably belongs—standing proudly on bedroom shelves, forever frozen in a heroic pose whilst collecting a fine layer of dust.

  • Jim Henson Co puppets its way into European distribution deal

    Jim Henson Co puppets its way into European distribution deal

    MUMBAI; The Jim Henson Co, currently celebrating seven decades of making children talk to felt, has appointed DeAPlaneta Entertainment to handle European distribution and licensing for several of its beloved children’s programmes.

    The agreement, signed as the puppet powerhouse marks its 70th birthday, covers distribution rights for award-winning shows including Dinosaur Train, Pajanimals, and Dot. Perhaps most notably, the deal includes the 1980s classic Fraggle Rock – proof that even after 40 years, audiences still can’t resist small creatures who live in caves and sing about radishes.

    DeAPlaneta Kids & Family content and media sales director Carlos Biern waxed lyrical about the partnership: “We are firmly committed to celebrating children’s content that encourages viewing as a shared experience. There is no better example than the output of The Jim Henson Co,” he said, presumably without having his hand operated from below.

    The Jim Henson Co  chief operating officer & president Chris Lytton added: “Parents around the world know that our productions will be innovative, educational, and of course entertaining,” neglecting to mention how many of those parents still feel emotionally scarred by the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal.

    DeAPlaneta Entertainment, a joint venture between Grupo Planeta and DeAgostini, has previously distributed acclaimed films including The Pianist, The King’s Speech, and 12 Years a Slave – all of which would have been markedly different had they featured Muppets.

    The Jim Henson Co’s recent productions include the Oscar-winning Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio for Netflix and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock for Apple TV+.

    The company continues to operate from Los Angeles, New York and London, quietly refusing to acknowledge that most children today would rather watch a teenager unbox toys on YouTube than engage with a talking sock.

  • Shruti Haasan’s ‘The Eye’ set to mesmerise India at Wench Film Festival

    Shruti Haasan’s ‘The Eye’ set to mesmerise India at Wench Film Festival

    MUMBAI: Indian audiences, prepare to be enthralled! Shruti Haasan is bringing her international lead debut to home turf. The Eye, a gripping British psychological thriller directed by Daphne Schmon, will premiere in India as the opening film at the fifth Wench Film Festival. The festival, founded by Sapna Bhavnani, is India’s only dedicated platform for horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films and will run from 27 February to 2 March 2025.

    The Eye follows Diana (Haasan), who embarks on a journey to a remote island where her husband, Felix (Mark Rowley), drowned. Seeking closure, she plans to scatter his ashes, but instead, she stumbles upon the eerie ‘Evil Eye’ ritual. This ancient practice offers a tantalising promise—to bring Felix back—but at a chilling cost.

    Shot on location in Athens and Corfu, the film immerses viewers in Greece’s breathtaking yet ominous landscapes. Following screenings at the London Independent Film Festival and the Greek International Film Festival, The Eye has generated significant global buzz, and its India premiere is set to amplify the excitement.

    Speaking ahead of the Indian premiere, Haasan expressed her enthusiasm for the project. “Psychological thrillers have always been a genre that fascinates me. To be part of a story that dives deep into human emotions, grief, and the supernatural is incredibly exciting. Besides the fact that the film has a riveting storyline and top-notch production quality, what makes this project even more special is that it was created under an all-women-led production house, which aligns with my passion for supporting women in the film industry. Furthermore, this film champions a sustainable way of filmmaking, something that the world desperately needs. If we want to continue telling our stories, we must be able to tell them in a manner that is conscious of our impact”, she said.

    Schmon, the creative force behind The Eye, shared her thoughts on the film’s depth and Haasan’s performance, “The Eye is both a love letter to Corfu, the island where my family is from, and an exploration of the dark psychological impulses surrounding grief. The story demanded an actor who could embody its emotional depth and complexity, and Shruti Haasan was the perfect fit. Her ability to navigate Diana’s grief, paranoia, and resilience with such authenticity is truly remarkable. It was only an artist of Shruti’s calibre who could do justice to this role, and she has delivered a stellar performance that will leave a lasting impact.”

    Beyond its haunting narrative, The Eye represents a shift towards sustainable filmmaking. Produced by Fingerprint Content, the film’s team made conscious efforts to reduce its environmental impact during production, setting a new standard for responsible filmmaking.

    With its powerful performances, an intriguing storyline, and an eerie yet visually stunning setting, The Eye is poised to leave audiences spellbound. As the festival opener, it will set the tone for a celebration of boundary-pushing genre cinema at the Wench Film Festival.

  • MipLondon sets the standard for a new content market

    MipLondon sets the standard for a new content market

    MUMBAI: More than 2,500 delegates from 70 plus countries. MipLondon – a fresh new gathering of executives to exchange ideas about the current and future state of video content, to trade in video content, and to help spur co-productions between bright young creators, studios and platforms – has seen a busy first three days. Most people have found the place buzzing with the right atmosphere in the IET and the Savoy in London. Here’s a load of pictures that the RX France team has shared. It’s been a lot of hard work and loads of business and fun! 
     

    MipLondon1MipLond2MipLondonMipLondonmipLondon

     

  • Swastik Productions ventures into branded spiritual content with Rudralife

    Swastik Productions ventures into branded spiritual content with Rudralife

    MUMBAI : Swastik Productions, known for its grand historical and cultural narratives, is expanding into branded content with a dedicated focus on spirituality. This new initiative aims to collaborate with brands to create engaging and meaningful storytelling that resonates with contemporary audiences.

    Marking its entry into this space, Swastik Productions has partnered with Rudralife, a leading name in Nepali Rudraksh, to launch Rudraksh: Shakti, Bhakti, Vigyan a unique series exploring the spiritual and scientific significance of Rudraksh. Premiering on Swastik Productions’ youtube channel from 20 February 2025, the series seeks to connect India’s youth and spiritual seekers with the country’s rich cultural heritage.

    Swastik Productions founder & CEO Siddharth Kumar Tewary highlighted,”We are moving beyond traditional storytelling to blend ancient wisdom with modern narratives. This collaboration with Rudralife is a step towards crafting impactful content that informs, inspires, and enhances brand engagement.”

    Rudralife founder Tanay Seetha added,”Rudraksh carries profound spiritual and cultural significance. Through Swastik Productions’ storytelling expertise, we aim to highlight its relevance in both historical and contemporary contexts.”

    Swastik Productions head of digital monetisation & brand partnerships Jitendra Joshi emphasised the power of storytelling in brand communication, “Branded content drives stronger recall than traditional advertising. Our approach ensures brands are seamlessly integrated into compelling narratives rather than just being sponsors.”

    Hosted by actor Ram Yashwardhan, known for his role as Lord Shiva in Shiv Shakti: Tap Tyaag Taandav, the series arrives at a time when Gen Z is increasingly drawn to spirituality. Studies indicate that 62 per cent of Gen Z seek spiritual clarity, while 70 per cent find confidence through prayer. This collaboration aims to meet their growing interest in India’s cultural roots, offering insightful content that bridges tradition and modernity.
     

  • Cooking up a storm: Celebrity MasterChef India on Sony LIV drives 2x subscription growth!

    Cooking up a storm: Celebrity MasterChef India on Sony LIV drives 2x subscription growth!

    MUMBAI: Sony LIV is serving up an irresistible culinary treat with the much-celebrated Celebrity MasterChef India, now streaming on the platform. A celebration of creativity, skill, and gastronomic excellence, this season takes the iconic format to new heights by bringing India’s favorite celebrities into the competitive cooking arena. Under the expert guidance of Chef Vikas Khanna, Chef Ranveer Brar, and host Farah Khan, these stars tackle high-stakes challenges to win hearts and claim the coveted title.

    This season of Celebrity MasterChef India has seen remarkable traction, registering a 13% growth in user base and a 26% increase in viewership. With watch time per user and subscriptions doubling, the show has firmly cemented its place as a fan favorite. A significant driver of this success is its high female skew, with 43% of the viewership being driven by female audiences.

    Adding to the grandeur of the show is a stellar lineup of sponsors who share a passion for quality and innovation. Veeba, as the Co-Presenting Sponsor, inspires culinary creativity. Joining the journey are ACKO, GI’s of India and Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta as Co-Powered Sponsors, with BSH Home Appliances stepping in as the exclusive Appliances Partner and Vinod Intelligent Cookware as Partner to elevate the cooking experience on Sony LIV. 

    These partnerships make Celebrity MasterChef India an inspiring journey where celebrities step out of their comfort zones, refine their culinary skills, and compete for glory under expert guidance.

    Comments

    Ranjana Mangla – Head Ad Revenue, Sony LIV

    At Sony LIV, we are dedicated to crafting extraordinary and immersive experiences, and Celebrity MasterChef India exemplifies this commitment. This season, we’ve partnered with visionary brands that share our passion for quality, innovation, and excellence—elevating the iconic MasterChef format to celebrate the love for food while delivering world-class entertainment. Food is more than just ingredients—it’s a cultural cornerstone that connects people across traditions and industries. Celebrity MasterChef India seamlessly integrates brands from diverse sectors, including BFSI, Consumer Durables, and Healthcare, offering a dynamic platform for meaningful collaborations. This season, we welcome an exciting mix of visionary brands driving innovation, thriving homegrown enterprises, and government initiatives that spotlight India’s rich heritage on a global stage. With a highly engaged, digitally savvy audience that values premium experiences and authentic storytelling, Celebrity MasterChef India creates impactful brand narratives that resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression.

    Viraj Bahl, Founder and MD, VRB Consumer Products (Veeba & Wok Wok) 

    We are delighted to collaborate with Celebrity MasterChef India once again. Cooking is an act of love and creativity, and great taste is the reward for that effort. Our endeavor is to empower our consumers to experiment fearlessly and bring their unique flavors to life—because life tastes better with Veeba. 

    Ashish Mishra, CMO – ACKO

    MasterChef India continues to inspire today’s audience to make informed, healthier choices, aligning perfectly with ACKO’s ethos of care, simplicity, and innovation. Our collaboration with MasterChef bridges the gap between healthy cooking and stress-free living, sharing mindful tips that show we genuinely care about our customers’ overall well-being.  With the show airing on Sony LIV, a platform renowned for its engaging and premium content, this partnership provides an excellent opportunity to amplify our message and drive meaningful connections with our audience.

    Shri Karan Thapar, Director – DPIIT

    The DPIIT values its partnership with SonyLIV’s MasterChef India, which aims to promote GI tag products. This collaboration is anticipated to elevate public consciousness regarding the cultural significance and inherent value imbued in these products due to their geographic origins. Furthermore, GI tagging facilitates the preservation of our country’s diverse geography, environmental conditions, and traditional practices – all of which contribute to the distinctiveness of these valued products.

    Celebrity MasterChef India streaming Monday to Friday at 8 PM on Sony LIV!