ITV

Category: Thriller

  • Nippon TV bets on female-driven crime and comedy for global conquest

    Nippon TV bets on female-driven crime and comedy for global conquest

    CANNES: Japan’s Nippon TV is rolling the dice on two female-fronted scripted formats as it muscles into the lucrative international content market ahead of Mipcom 2025.

    The broadcaster unveiled Murderous Encounter, a dark romantic thriller about journalists investigating serial killings, and The Reluctant Preacher, a sharp comedy following an unmotivated teacher’s transformation. Both feature strong female protagonists battling personal demons whilst tackling crime and injustice.

    “We are confident that these stories can be successfully localised, captivating audiences in any market,” said Nippon TV head of international sales, content business and distribution Sayako Aoki.

    The Japanese giant is riding high on format success. Its drama Mother holds the record for most adaptations of an Asian series globally, with local versions spanning 11 countries from Turkey to Saudi Arabia. Nearly 90 per cent of Nippon TV’s content intellectual property is owned in-house, giving it hefty margins on international sales.

    Murderous Encounter follows two journalists whose professional rivalry turns romantic whilst investigating the Horus Eye Murders. As their relationship deepens, suspicion mounts that one might be the serial killer they’re hunting. The producers behind hits My Lover’s Secret and Your Turn to Kill are banking on their signature twist-heavy storytelling to hook global audiences.

    The Reluctant Preacher centres on a demotivated teacher assigned to a problem class who unexpectedly becomes a passionate educator delivering bold sermons. The comedy-drama ranked number one in its Japanese time slot among children and second among teenagers. Netflix has already snapped up global streaming rights.

    Both series have clocked over 2 million views on advertising-supported video platforms, signalling strong domestic appetite. The move underscores Japanese broadcasters’ growing confidence in exporting homegrown content as global streaming wars intensify demand for fresh formats.

    Nippon TV’s aggressive international push includes launching Gyokuro Studio for unscripted formats and establishing a Los Angeles business office targeting US and Latin American markets. The company owns streaming giant Hulu in Japan, giving it additional leverage in content distribution deals.

  • Balaji Telefilms scores digital hat-trick as ‘KULL’ tops streaming charts with 3.1 million viewers

    Balaji Telefilms scores digital hat-trick as ‘KULL’ tops streaming charts with 3.1 million viewers

    MUMBAI: In a digital content world where hype often overshadows heart, Balaji Telefilms has quietly delivered a streaming hat-trick. Its latest series KULL has emerged as India’s number one most-watched original web series for the week, clocking 3.1 million viewers, according to the Ormax OTT Audience Report. The political family drama has not only sustained but gained momentum since launch, outperforming a high-budget Netflix series with a similar theme.

    KULL’s rise has come without celebrity pull or excessive marketing muscle. Instead, its layered storytelling, morally grey characters and complex emotional arcs have found favour with audiences hungry for substance. The series follows two earlier digital triumphs for Balaji — Power of Paanch and Dus June Ki Raat — both JioCinema originals that tapped into youth angst and dark drama with equal finesse.

    “At Balaji, we’ve always believed that the core of a great show is not its scale, but its soul. Audiences today are willing to experiment with stories as long as they reflect emotional honesty, cultural relevance, and narrative ambition – with KULL, we didn’t just create another series; we created a world where every character felt real, every conflict had weight, and every moment resonated. The reactions and numbers validate what we’ve instinctively known — that good storytelling always finds its audience”, said Balaji Telefilms head – digital originals Aparna Ramachandran.

    She added, “Our vision going forward is to keep experimenting with formats, genres, and narratives that challenge convention while staying rooted in what makes a story truly memorable. The digital space is vast and evolving, but our north star remains unchanged — to tell stories that matter”.

    JioHotstar head of Hindi special Vivek Srivastava echoed the sentiment, “Kull was always destined to be a hit — and now the frenzy is real. A gripping tale of power, betrayal, and family at war — the battle for the throne has never been this ruthless. Haven’t streamed it yet? Now’s the time. Now streaming on Jio Hotstar!”

    Balaji’s triple win reaffirms its status as a key architect of India’s digital entertainment wave. As audiences evolve, Balaji seems poised to keep pace — not with loud launches, but with loud applause.

  • Horror havoc terror films aligns with Panic TV

    Horror havoc terror films aligns with Panic TV

    MUMBAI: Terror Films Releasing (TFR) has forged a strategic alliance with Cape May Studios’ newly launched horror channel, Panic TV, it was announced today. TFR has initiated this partnership by licensing a substantial collection of horror and thriller films from its catalogue to Panic TV, with plans to expand the content offering as the channel grows.

    “Terror Films continues to be trusted by filmmakers and fans alike with some of the best and most diverse indie horror content in the streaming space. Our job is to continue to secure new platform relationships in order to bring these films to a wider audience and this new partnership is what it’s all about,” stated TFR CEO Joe Dain.

    Based in New Jersey, Cape May Studios is developing a global network of FAST and AVOD channels, catering to niche audiences with strong, passionate fandoms whose content preferences are currently underserved. Their inaugural brand, Panic TV, offers a unique content proposition, addressing the demand for ‘recreational fear’ entertainment, with the brand promise ‘Fear Comes Home’.

    Panic TV will provide viewers with access to award-winning and genre-bending movies and TV content from contemporary storytellers, seamlessly blending genres such as action, thriller, mystery, crime, paranormal, science fiction, horror, and creature features.

    Targeting young millennials and Gen Z (18-40 years old), Panic TV aims to deliver authentic, thought-provoking content that resonates with their hyper-digital world.

    Panic TV is launching globally in English, Spanish, and Hindi over the coming weeks, with further language localisations planned for international markets.

    Cape May Studios founder & CEO Sachin Gokhale said, “We are beyond thrilled to partner with Terror Films, whose catalog of gripping horror and thriller titles aligns perfectly with our audience’s appetite for high-quality, innovative, adrenaline-fueled content. This agreement strengthens our content library and enhances our ability to provide a compelling and immersive ‘Fear’ centric viewing experience to our consumers.”

  • 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.

  • The Lord of the Rings forges ahead with season three

    The Lord of the Rings forges ahead with season three

    MUMBAI: Middle-earth is calling once more! Prime Video has confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is returning for a third season, with pre-production already underway. Filming is set to begin this spring at Shepperton Studios in the UK, marking a new chapter in Amazon’s most-watched fantasy saga. With over 170 million viewers worldwide, the series remains a powerhouse for Prime Video, driving record-breaking new subscriptions.

    Returning to shape the next season’s visual spectacle is Charlotte Brändström, now stepping in as an executive producer and director, alongside Sanaa Hamri and new addition Stefan Schwartz. Brändström, known for her work on The Witcher and The Man in the High Castle, directed multiple episodes in The Rings of Power’s first two seasons. Hamri, a veteran of The Wheel of Time and Empire, is back after directing several episodes in Season Two. Schwartz, whose credits include The Boys, Luther, and The Walking Dead, joins the directorial lineup for the first time.

    “The Rings of Power continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled that a third season is underway,” said Amazon MGM Studios head of television Vernon Sanders. “The creative team has an extraordinary vision for what’s to come, and we can’t wait to delve even deeper into the legendary tales that shaped Middle-earth.”

    The Rings of Power has become a defining title for Prime Video, boasting one of the platform’s biggest debuts and consistently drawing massive global engagement. Seasons one and two have been lauded for their epic storytelling and cinematic visuals, with both receiving certified fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.

    The series is helmed by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, with Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, and Kate Hazell also onboard. Brändström joins the executive producer ranks, ensuring continuity in the series’ grand vision.

  • 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.

  • MTV announces paranormal reality show ‘Dark Scroll – Muqabla Anjaan Se’

    MTV announces paranormal reality show ‘Dark Scroll – Muqabla Anjaan Se’

    Mumbai: MTV, a youth entertainment brand, announced the paranormal reality show, ‘MTV Dark Scroll – Muqabla Anjaan Se’. Pioneering a new avenue for youth entertainment, MTV’s new show hosted by actor Amit Sadh promises thrill-seeking young audiences a pathbreaking blend of horror and reality genres. MTV Dark Scroll in association with The Souled Store is set to premiere on 16 August, streaming every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 PM on JioCinema and airing at 10 PM on MTV.

    Set against the backdrop of Uttarakhand’s dense forests and misty mountains, MTV Dark Scroll, brings together 9 Seekers in 7 haunted locations. Guided by well-known paranormal investigator Sarbajeet Mohanty and psychic Pooja Vijay, the Seekers will investigate some chilling stories and face other-worldly challenges. The seekers will be tasked with a series of activities inside each haunted location using advanced entity-detection devices like Infrared Cameras, Electromagnetic Field Measures and Paranormal Investigation methods like the Estes Method.

    Reinforcing MTV India as an innovative and groundbreaking youth brand, the show gives today’s Gen-Z and Millennials adrenaline-pumping and immersive content that offers a break from the ordinary. Featuring innovative storytelling and compelling viewer experiences, MTV Dark Scroll once again underscores the brand’s commitment to edgy, forward-thinking, and trendsetting content.

    Horror content attracts 298 Mn viewers on TV annually, with 82 Mn tuning in every month, demonstrating the genre’s widespread and consistent appeal. Of these viewers, 55% are youth, equally split between males and females, according to BARC India (April’23-March’24, Horror genre on Hindi GEC & Hindi Movies). This makes ‘MTV Dark Scroll’ a significant addition to the genre, promising to captivate a substantial and engaged audience.

    Speaking on the launch of Dark Scroll, Viacom18 business head, youth, music, and English entertainment cluster Anshul Ailawadi said, “With MTV Dark Scroll – Muqabla Anjaan Se, we’re bolstering our non-fiction content offerings in a big way. Horror has a substantial following across the world, with reports suggesting that its consumption is connected to emotional stimulation and stress release. Additionally, our research showed that the pandemic only heightened the exploration of the paranormal for GenZ and Millennials. As a premier youth entertainment brand, tapping into this space gives a new avenue for brands to reach out to a young audience, at an unexplored intersection of horror and reality genres. We’re excited to bring a multi-dimensional entertainment experience through MTV Dark Scroll, combining interactive elements, gaming, and user-first tech innovations on JioCinema. This multi-platform approach ensures that our viewers can engage with the show in new and immersive ways.””

    Enhancing the viewer experience, JioCinema will introduce its first-ever immersive tech experiences for audiences –

    Launching JioCinema’s First Ever Immersive 360 Gaming Experience:

    JioCinema debuts its immersive 360 gaming experience with the MTV Dark Scroll game. Viewers can unlock haunted locations as the show progresses, making the viewing experience interactive and engaging. With opportunities to win phones and heart rate monitors, this initiative showcases JioCinema’s commitment to innovation and multi-dimensional entertainment.

    JioCinema’s Heart Rate Monitor App Integration:

    JioCinema introduces a proprietary heart rate monitor app for MTV Dark Scroll. This app displays contestants’ real-time fear levels during paranormal encounters, adding immersion and authenticity. Viewers can witness contestants’ physiological responses, enhancing their connection to the show.

    Thermal Experience Shooting for Enhanced Viewer Interaction:

    MTV Dark Scroll uses thermal imaging technology, allowing viewers to switch between standard and thermal feeds. This enables exploration of temperature fluctuations and spotting paranormal entities alongside contestants. JioCinema’s use of thermal technology exemplifies its commitment to cutting-edge, interactive viewing experiences.

    UGC Contest: “Spooky Stories in 60 Seconds”:

    JioCinema invites viewers to participate in the “Spooky Stories in 60 Seconds” contest. Fans can submit their own short horror stories, with winners receiving prizes and their stories featured on JioCinema. This contest promotes creative engagement and enhances the interactive viewing experience.

    ‘MTV Dark Scroll – Muqabla Anjaan Se’ is all set to take viewers on an unforgettable investigation of the paranormal, premiering on August 16. Each episode promises suspense, thrills, and a deeper look into the unknown!

    Catch the show every Fri, Sat, and Sun at 7 PM on JioCinema and 10 PM on MTV

  • Breaking Bad now in Hindi, premiering exclusively on Zee Café!

    Breaking Bad now in Hindi, premiering exclusively on Zee Café!

    Mumbai:Breaking Bad, a show which has won 64 Emmy Awards and seven Golden Globe Awards will be telecast in Hindi by ZEE Cafe for the Indian audiences. Zee Café’s exclusive Hindi version of ‘Breaking Bad’ gives Heisenberg a Desi twist in a one-of-a-kind promo!

    Zee Cafe has been at the forefront when it comes to bringing foreign language content and were the first ones to introduce K-Dramas and Animes in their programming. They have now hit another ball out of the stadium as they announced the telecast of the most iconic series in the history of television. The show holds its popularity even after more than 10 years of its first date of airing and has been the talking point for fans on social media. The stature of the show can be judged by the fact that celebrities like Shahrukh Khan, Rajkummar Rao, Ranbir Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, Anil Kapoor, Siddharth Malhotra amongst others have expressed their desire to be a part of the show if ever it is remade in Hindi. 

    Zee Cafe in order to build the buzz recently made cryptic posts about the show and received a whooping number of queries from the audiences. These posts also excited Youtubers and influencers and channels like Charcha with Bhurani and Strangers Review who shared their joy in their videos. 

    Created by Vince Gilligan, the gripping crime drama showcases the transformation of the lead character Walter White from a high school chemistry teacher to a methamphetamine producer in order to save his family’s future. The show focusing on the themes of antihero, power and integrity makes for a riveting watch for the viewers. It answered the question middle-aged men had asked of themselves for generations: what would happen if I quit my boring job and became an outlaw? And… it was quite dynamic and engaging. As of 26 July 2023, the show has been rated 9.5 on IMDb and is one of the critically acclaimed shows loved by critics and viewers alike. It is known for its iconic dialogues, characters and very engaging storyline. Popular AI tools such as Google Bard also identifies Breaking Bad as one of the best television shows of all time.  

    By bringing the timeless show in the native language of India, Zee Café is reaching a larger audience in the country and catering to the cultural diversity of the country. Sharing his excitement for bringing Breaking Bad in Hindi, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. chief business officer – English cluster Rishi Parekh shared, “At Zee Café, we are committed to providing engaging and valuable content to the viewers purely based on their interests. We have been quick to recognize the trends and align with them in our programming. We were the pioneers at introducing K-Dramas and Animes in their original language and now, we are all excited to present the iconic drama Breaking Bad in Hindi. It’s a celebrated series that captivated the hearts of many across the globe and surely deserves to reach to the grassroots of India. The show’s  first season aired in 2008 and is still known amongst some of the most critically acclaimed shows of all times. Zee Café is bringing the show in Hindi to ensure more penetration, and to make certain that the language barrier doesn’t keep the audience deprived of some exceptional content. The Hindi adaptation of Breaking Bad protects the original plot, characters and moral stand that made the show an international success and we are confident that the brilliant storytelling of the show brought to the Indian audience in their local language will definitely strike a chord with its viewers.”

  • ‘Farzi’ ranks number one on top prime video TV shows list globally

    Mumbai: Prime Video’s released crime thriller Farzi continues to break records and scale milestones. After two weeks of its release, the Shahid Kapoor and Vijay Sethupathi starrer series has ranked at number one among the Prime Video shows globally, based on overall online engagement, as per the report by televisionstats.com. While Farzi has secured the top position, other popular Prime Video shows featured on the list are The Boys, The Lord of the Rings, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. Created by Raj and DK, Farzi has been receiving tremendous response from the audiences and critics alike and now has caught the attention of the Prime members in over 240 countries and territories. The show has been applauded by viewers worldwide for its fast-paced and edgy narration, high-production values and genre-defining performances.

    Showing his excitement on this achievement, Kapoor posted on his social media handles about the top spot that Farzi scored on the global shows list of Prime Video.

    Produced by D2R Films and created by Raj & DK, Farzi marks the digital debut of Kapoor and Sethupathi. The series also features a cast including actors Raashii Khanna, Kay Kay Menon, Bhuvan Arora, Regina Cassandra, and Amol Palekar in pivotal roles. The crime thriller revolves around a con-artist Sunny (Shahid) who finds himself drawn into the dark while he plots a perfect con. However, Vijay, a fiery but eccentric task force officer, has made it his goal to eliminate the threat he represents to the country. The series is streaming now on Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories.

  • Sony SAB to telecast ‘Alibaba- Dastaan-e-Kabul’ in a new avatar

    Sony SAB to telecast ‘Alibaba- Dastaan-e-Kabul’ in a new avatar

    Mumbai: Sony SAB is all set to bring the Alibaba folk tale to the small screen, but in a never-seen-before avatar. Sony SAB’s new show Alibaba-Dastaan-e-Kabul promises viewers the opulence and grandeur they have never witnessed before on Indian television.

    Produced by Peninsula Pictures, the show is set against the backdrop of the enchanting city of Kabul. The stellar ensemble cast in the lead roles includes debutant Sheezan Khan as Alibaba and Tunisha Sharma in the role of Mariam.

    The outdoor scenes of the show have been shot in the exotic locales of Ladakh. It is set to air its premiere on Sony SAB from August 22nd, at 8 p.m., every Monday to Saturday.

    The show is a tale of a charismatic young man, Alibaba, with undeterred optimism and mesmerising charm. He is the custodian of five adorable orphans. Unaware of his capabilities and disparaged by destiny, Alibaba will be seen embarking on a wondrous quest that will reshape his life forever. From being a happy-go-lucky guy to being the one chosen by destiny itself to save the fate of Kabul. Alibaba’s fantastical journey will be the crux of this dazzling new show. To make matters interesting, he will meet an interesting and arresting beauty, Mariam, who will further help him along in his quest to realise his true destiny.

    With state-of-the-art computer graphics and visual effects by Illusion Reality Studioz, accompanied by an enthralling plot, this guarantees entertainment for every age group.

    Speaking about the show, Sony SAB business head Neeraj Vyas said, “We are pleased beyond words to present a grand show like Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul, a familiar and well-loved tale, but with a fresh new take. This story is packed with drama and emotions that viewers will love to watch on television. Sony SAB has consistently worked towards choosing stories that are wholesome and that appeal to the Indian psyche. Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul will add value to our ever expanding and diverse portfolio, and we can’t wait for the audience to enjoy it on screen.”

    Sheezan M Khan who’s portraying the role of Ali Baba said, “I’m immensely delighted to be a part of this show. Alibaba Dastaan-e-Kabul is certainly a majestic show, which will transport the viewers to a magical world. Along with an interesting storyline, the show offers an extra dose of entertainment with breath-taking visual effects and beautiful locations. I feel blessed to be able to portray the protagonist in the show. I hope the show receives a lot of love and unwavering support from the viewers.”