Category: Reality

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.”

  • KBC Season 14 launches it’s campaign ‘Yeh Manch Hi Aisa Hai’

    KBC Season 14 launches it’s campaign ‘Yeh Manch Hi Aisa Hai’

    Mumbai: Sony Entertainment Television’s long-running show Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 14 has introduced the campaign “Yeh Manch Hi Aisa Hai.” This campaign is advocating how the esteemed platform has been a medium for contestants to put across their stories and proving how this manch is of the people, for the people, and by the people.

    The campaign highlights how Kaun Banega Crorepati has always served as an inspiration for those who wish to pursue their dreams and aspirations in the same way that the contestants on the show do, giving hope to those who aspire to pursue success in life. The show’s legendary host, Amitabh Bachchan, serves as the face of the campaign.

    KBC distinguishes itself from other reality television shows by promoting knowledge and demonstrating the power of knowledge to viewers. The “Ye Manch Hi Aisa Hai” campaign promotes the contestants as true representations of India’s vibrant, talented, and knowledgeable culture.

    KBC 14 has received a lot of attention since it premiered on 7 August , with hot seat contestants like Ayush Garg from Delhi, the first ‘Dhan Amrit’ winner; Rupin Sharma, the heroic DGP of Nagaland; Rishi Rajpoot, the welder from Kanpur; Army Personnel Girish Tandon; and, of course, the first Crorepati of the season, Kavita Chalwa, the sweet homemaker from Kolhapur, Maharashtra; Every Friday, a special segment called “Play Along Shukravaar” has been added to bring more people to the hot seat than the usual contestants, which has only added to the charm of the show, truly being for the people, the loyal viewers of the show. As the season progresses, the show promises to become more in tune with its audience, connecting with them.

  • NBC announces new spinoff series ‘America’s Got Talent: All Stars’

    NBC announces new spinoff series ‘America’s Got Talent: All Stars’

    Mumbai: US broadcaster NBC has announced another extension of its long-running reality competition series America’s Got Talent.

    Premiering next year, the spinoff series America’s Got Talent: All-Stars will feature contestants from the past 17 seasons. It will offer fans a chance to see some of their favourite acts from seasons past compete yet again.

    The new season will premiere in 2023.

    Executive producer Simon Cowell with AGT veterans Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel will judge the contestants, and Terry Crews will join as host.

    The contestants include winners, finalists, fan favourites, and viral sensations from previous seasons of America’s Got Talent and Got Talent franchises around the world. The contestants will take the stage once again, but this time to compete for the ultimate All-Star title.

  • Colors announces ‘Bigg Boss 16’ in all new avatar

    Colors announces ‘Bigg Boss 16’ in all new avatar

    Mumbai: Colors announced it is bringing back the latest season of Bigg Boss. Megastar Salman Khan is all set to return as the host of the reality show.

    Produced by Endemol Shine India, Bigg Boss Season 16 with special partner Ching’s Schezwan Chutney, make-up partner MyGlamm, and tasting partner Priya Gold Hunk will premiere on 1 October at 9:30 p.m. on Colors & Voot.

    For this game-changing season of Bigg Boss, the channel has devised a 360-degree extensive marketing and digital strategy spread across television, outdoor, print, digital, and cinema. 

    With the tagline of the season, “Game Badlega Kyunki Ab Bigg Boss Khud Khelega,” four unique promos will be aired on network and non-network television channels in Hindi and in regional genres. The show will also be promoted in the soon to be released movie, “Vikram Vedha,” across multiplex cinema theatres in Mumbai and Delhi. 

    Moreover, key junctions in Mumbai and Delhi will host large impact billboards. On the digital front, a stylized behind-the-scenes of the promo shoot featuring megastar and host Salman Khan was captured and released to excite the viewers. In an exclusive segment, digital creator RJ Karishma is set to unveil the most anticipated ‘Bigg Boss House.’ 

    Additionally, for the first time ever, a fun interactive element has been added where the fans of the show will get a chance to ask questions to the contestants before they step into the house. To keep the buzz going, the ‘Bigg Boss emoji’ will be live on Twitter from the launch week along with an Instagram filter with this year’s contestants, which will be created post-launch.

    Speaking about the launch of the biggest reality show on the network, Viacom18 Hindi mass entertainment and kids TV network head Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “Bigg Boss is one of India’s most celebrated reality shows and enjoys exceptional fandom. A spectacular marvel from our plethora of diverse content, this most anticipated show brings a massive dose of entertainment to our viewers. Extending engagement across all platforms, the show offers a great canvas for advertisers to connect with their target audience. After the grand success of Khatron Ke Khiladi, we aim to keep the entertainment quotient high with an unprecedented season of Bigg Boss.” 

    She further added, “We are delighted to welcome onboard our special partners Ching’s Schezwan Chutney, make-up partner MyGlamm, and taste partner Priya Gold Hunk. We look forward to adding another outstanding season with associate partners Garnier Men and Hershey’s Kisses. With this exciting new theme, we are certain that this unpredictable season will keep the viewers enthralled.”

    Satiating the curiosity around everything that happens inside the house, Bigg Boss 16 will continue to have a 24-hour live feed every Monday to Thursday only on Voot.

    Viacom18 Hindi mass entertainment chief content officer Manisha Sharma said, “15 years back, Bigg Boss revolutionised the world of entertainment by introducing Indian households to captive reality. Since then, this show has empowered us to experiment, grow, innovate, and unlock an entirely new level of entertainment. With the theme “Game Badlega, Kyunki Kb Bigg Boss Khelega,” the idea is to bring a twist to the most loved and authoritative character on the show. We’ve seen Bigg Boss in many avatars over the years, and for the first time, he will be seen playing the game. This season, we have an eclectic mix of celebrity contestants from different walks of life. The viewers already love some of them, and they’ll get to know the rest of them very soon. We are elated to have Salman Khan bring his star power and a sense of justice to the show once again.”

    Host, Salman Khan commented, “Coming back to Bigg Boss as a host every year feels like a tradition and I look forward to it. The immense love from the audience, the exciting mix of contestants, and the innovative themes undoubtedly make the journey truly special. The sixteenth season is set to be even more exciting with the theme, “Game Badlega, Kyunki Ab Bigg Boss Khud Khelega” and will bring a pandora of whole new twists. My best wishes to all the contestants, who will take on the challenge of competing with Bigg Boss.

    “The Bigg Boss of reality shows is back with the 16th season. Our endeavour at Endemol Shine India has been to consistently evolve, reinvent, and revolutionise the format of the show and up the game, season by season. This year, we will reveal a never-seen-before facet of the show with the mastermind of the house, Bigg Boss, not playing by the rules. The diverse mix of contestants will enhance the entertainment flavour as they compete against each other while courting the favour of their fellow contestants and audience. We look forward to a great season with the one-and-only Dabangg-host Salman Khan.”

  • Colors Kannada gets innovative to market Bigg Boss Kannada-9

    Colors Kannada gets innovative to market Bigg Boss Kannada-9

    Mumbai: Colors Kannada is getting one step closer to its audiences with standout marketing innovations and initiatives for the ninth season of Bigg Boss Kannada.

    Colors Kannada has adopted the ‘Hello BIGG BOSS Multiplex innovation’ that aims to convey messaging on Bigg Boss Kannada in two senses: visual and audible, to audiences on about 290 screens across the state.

    This innovation will involve both audio-messaging in Bigg Boss voice and the host Kiccha Sudeep featuring on-screen giving out an experience of the Bigg Boss house to all its audiences. This unique innovation will enthral theatre audiences across the state from 23 September 2022, a day before the Bigg Boss Kannada 9 grand premier, to 30 September 2022 for seven days.

    In another innovation as part of its marketing strategy on BBK 9, Colors Kannada will also activate mall promotions at Global Malls in Bengaluru where about two lakh plus audiences will watch the live streaming of Bigg Boss on 24 September 2022 where even former contestants from Bigg Boss Kannada OTT and lead artists from fiction shows of Colors Kannada will join the audiences.

    Along with this, Colors Kannada will be reaching out to its audiences through a French window ad on BBK9 with Vijaya Karnataka that will engage its readers to guess the fresh contestants participating in the ninth instalment of Bigg Boss Kannada.

    Presented by Colors Kannada, Bigg Boss Kannada 9 is powered by Nippon Paint, Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, Finolex Pipes. A23, Levista Instant Coffee, and Haier Bottom Mounted Refrigerator are the special partners and the health partner is Amruth Noni.

  • MTV launches ‘Hustle 2.0’ to bring rap battles to television

    MTV launches ‘Hustle 2.0’ to bring rap battles to television

    Mumbai: MTV India has brought back rap battleground Realme with MTV Hustle 2.0 following the phenomenal success of season one.

    The latest season of India’s first-ever rap reality television show, co-powered by Wild Stone, will feature 10 action-packed weeks and pit 16 of the nation’s most distinctive rap voices against one another.

    The Indian rapper Badshah will be the judge of the show, and other Indian rappers like EPR, King, Dino James, and Dee MC will be the Squad Bosses.

    Beginning on 3 September, MTV Hustle 2.0 will air on MTV India and Voot every Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.

    MTV youth, music, and English entertainment head Anshul Ailawadi said, “MTV Hustle 2.0 is an ode to India’s rap scene – it puts the spotlight on undiscovered talent and celebrates an art form that is amongst the youth’s foremost passion points. This season goes deeper into the country to offer tomorrow’s hip-hop icons their biggest canvas, today.”

    He further added, “The first season was in 2019 (three years back), and the first season was phenomenally successful. So we set this huge benchmark and don’t make mistakes. It’s a new format and a very high-scale show. If you see the rap scene in India, it is extremely diverse right from different parts. So it’s our responsibility and I hope that people will give justice.”

    With their signature styles, flair, and experience, they will equip their protégés and coach them through the mentoring journey to become industry-ready professionals.

    The show format also elevates the magnitude of the competition, wherein Badshah and the four Squad Bosses will groom and judge the contestants based on their talent, performance, metre, technique, musicality, and storytelling.

    Viewers will also get a chance to be a part of the journey by rooting for their favourite performer through public voting on the Voot app and by watching out for the ‘Squad of the Week’ and the ‘Performer of the Week’ as the show progresses.

    “MTV has always been able to shine the spotlight on trends that can become mainstream, and Hustle 2.0 does exactly that. This will inspire the next generation, so that’s the idea. It’s the scale to make it available for everyone,”  added Anshul.

    Fremantle India managing director Aradhana Bhola believes that this show is priceless. She said, “Bringing under the radar talent into the limelight is something we are passionate about at Fremantle. And when the stage is an iconic youth platform, unfolding the magic of rap music and inspiring life stories with the uber talented Badshah in the house, the excitement of MTV Hustle 2.0 becomes palpable.”

    She further added, “Every show has its beauty, and we do something that has absolute beauty because you’re very good for us. It’s so amazing to find talent. It’s part of a movement. It’s part of your personal story. It’s part of your work. It’s part of what’s happening around you. There’s so much soul in it that goes.”

    MTV content originals head Suchita Shah said, “It’s bigger and fiercer this season! Realme MTV Hustle 2.0 is all about discovering untapped rap talent and bringing their unique stories to viewers and music lovers across the nation. That fire and passion which drives rap music in all its glorious diversity is what makes the concept tick. The latest season elevates the rap battleground like never before, with the new format, judge, and squad bosses!”

    Anshul added, “This year you will see the MTV universe expand much more. You will see our digital content. We are coming up with very interesting shows.”

    “You’ll see a lot of work that we’re doing to promote music talent at the grassroots. We’re reaching a lot of raw talent, access to whatever it takes to make up the right content and hopefully, we’re getting that very often going forward,” he concluded.

  • Bigg Boss Malayalam 4 garners 2.3 mn impressions for the finale episode

    Bigg Boss Malayalam 4 garners 2.3 mn impressions for the finale episode

    Mumbai: The fourth season of the popular reality show Bigg Boss Malayalam has garnered 2.3 million impressions, the highest ever for the grand finale of the show across seasons till date. Season 4 which launched on 27 March 2022 witnessed participation from 20 contestants with diverse preferences, world-views, life-stories and continued to entertain audiences through several months.

    Dilsha Prasannan, who competed with six other finalists, was named the winner and awarded the prestigious trophy and this win also established Dilsha as the first ever female to win the title in the history of Bigg Boss Malayalam. The host of the show Mohanlal nurtured, supported and even criticised the contestants from time to time; making him a very involved host.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam 4 was presented by Nerolac and Repose mattress, and the title was sponsored by Ponds. Popular brands like Indiagate, Elite, Domex, and Preethi also supported the grand show. While Dazzler and Atomberg came onboard as special partners, Nandilath Gmart, Joy Alukkas, and the Confident group were the associate sponsors.

    In addition to the usual conflicts, friendship, love, physical activities and mind games, Bigg Boss Malayalam 4 stood out for its uncanny representation of the Malayali society, as promised by the season’s tagline ‘The new normal.’

    True to the positioning of the channel ‘Anudinam Valarunna Aathmabandham,’ the deep emotional bond between Asianet and its viewers keeps getting stronger day by day and the grand success of Bigg Boss Season 4, delivering double-digit rating consistently week-after-week is a testimony to that bond.

    Aside from overwhelming love and support from television viewers, the positive feedback across digital platforms and active audience engagement also reflects the show’s resonance amongst the audience.

    The show, today, has undoubtedly become one of the top shows on Indian television. Disney+ Hotstar fans also took to this season of Bigg Boss, resulting in huge traction on both TV and digital.