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  • Hybe’s K-pop cine fest hits a high note with 320,000 fans across Asia

    Hybe’s K-pop cine fest hits a high note with 320,000 fans across Asia

    MUMBAI : Hybe turned the volume up to 11 with its Asia edition of Hybe Cine Fest, drawing over 320,000 fans into more than 370 cinemas across 10 regions from July 10 to 13. Backed by Weverse and in partnership with Trafalgar Releasing, the four-day extravaganza turned multiplexes into mosh pits, K-pop style.

    The lineup? A mic-drop of Hybe’s biggest acts: concert films of BTS, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, and Enhypen brought screaming fans back to the front row. The main event? #Runseokjin_Ep.Tour featuring BTS’ Jin was livestreamed from Japan on July 12, sending armies into a euphoric meltdown.

    But this was no regular cinema crawl. With Hybe Cinema Noraebang turning theatres into full-blown karaoke sessions, fans belted out 22 iconic tracks from 10 Hybe artists, all while waving lightsticks and dancing in the aisles. Adding to the chaos and charm were selfie booths, dance challenges, and walls where fans left notes for their idols.

    First rolled out in Latin America, the cine fest’s Asian sequel played in Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Japan is next on the bill, with encore screenings planned in Indonesia and Hong Kong to keep up with fan frenzy.

    For Hybe, it’s not just content, it’s a K-pop carnival on the big screen.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Unfiltered Naari streams on ShemarooMe

    Unfiltered Naari streams on ShemarooMe

    MUMBAI : What does a woman really want? If Bollywood’s tried and failed to crack it, Unfiltered Naari gives it a shot with a cheeky twist. The Hindi dubbed version of Gujarati blockbuster Fakt Mahilao Maate is now streaming on ShemarooMe, and it’s putting the spotlight on womanhood, gender gags, and one very confused lad with a supernatural gift.

    Originally a smash hit among Gujarati audiences, the film marks megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s Gujarati cinema debut, now repackaged for pan-India viewers in a language that promises even more punch. Directed by Jay Bodas and produced by Anand Pandit and Vaishal Shah, the film stars Yash Soni as Chintan, a middle-class bloke suddenly blessed (or cursed?) with the power to understand women.

    From matriarchs to mates, Chintan’s world is full of opinionated, unapologetic women. But when he starts hearing their unfiltered thoughts, the real chaos begins. Peppered with satire, heart, and some Bachchan baritone, Unfiltered Naari explores what happens when empathy meets exasperation in the great gender tug-of-war.

    The cast also includes Deeksha Joshi, Tarjanee Bhadla, Bhavini Jani, Kalpana Gagdekar, Chetan Daiya, Vaishakh Rathod, Deep Vaidya and Om Bhatt, adding to the ensemble madness.

    ShemarooMe’s Hindi launch of the film is part of its larger push to give regional gems a national stage. As gender debates get louder and more layered, Unfiltered Naari doesn’t claim to solve them, it just wants to make you laugh, think, and maybe text your mum more often.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Kantar unpacks ‘The Indian Masculinity Maze’ in new report

    Kantar unpacks ‘The Indian Masculinity Maze’ in new report

    MUMBAI: The age-old Marlboro Man is losing relevance and Kantar has the receipts to prove it. In its latest study, The Indian Masculinity Maze, launched in partnership with the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and UN Women’s Unstereotype Alliance, Kantar dives into the complicated, contradictory world of Indian manhood and how badly advertising is getting it wrong.

    The research surveyed 880 urban men aged 18–45 across eight Indian cities and dissected over 450 TV ads in 12 languages. The results paint a jarring picture of what happens when marketing lags behind culture.

    Commenting on the report, Kantar executive vice president, Insights Division, and co-author of the report, Prasanna Kumar said, “This report isn’t about rewriting masculinity overnight. It’s about recognising where men are today, often caught between tradition and transition and helping brands engage with that complexity in a way that’s both commercially smart and culturally sensitive.”

    Masculinity misfired: what ads keep botching

    It’s 2025, but the ‘macho man’ stereotype still dominates Indian adland. According to Kantar:

    1.    71 per cent of men agree that “real men don’t cry”—but increasingly find the idea limiting.

    2.    Only 6 per cent of male characters in ads show emotional care or respect towards women.

    3.    A staggering 94 per cent of ads don’t challenge traditional male roles.

    4.    Voiceovers still scream patriarchy: 43 per cent male vs just 31 per cent female.

    5.    Household and caregiving roles for men? Featured in a measly 1 per cent of ads.

    Gen Z men, in particular, are left out in the cold. While they’re more open to emotional expression and shared domestic responsibilities, ads seem stuck in the past—showing them as overly confident, immaculately groomed, and little else.

    Soumya Mohanty, Kantar managing director & chief client officer- South Asia, Insights Division, added, “Most ads still rely on outdated male stereotypes, rarely showing men as emotionally present or involved at home. This widens the gap between reality and representation. But this isn’t just a cultural miss; it’s a commercial one. Our LINK data shows that ads breaking these norms deliver significantly stronger brand equity and sales impact.”

    Here’s the kicker: ads that portray emotionally nuanced men perform better. Kantar’s LINK database shows a 63-point lift in brand equity and a 44-point bump in short-term sales when brands ditch the stoic-provider trope and embrace complexity.

    Brands that test their ads with inclusive male samples, particularly in personal care and household categories, see markedly better cross-gender performance.

    ASCI CEO and secretary general Manisha Kapoor said, “ASCI is committed to fostering progressive advertising representations. Earlier this year, we launched the ‘Manifest: Masculinities Beyond the Mask’ study, in collaboration with the Unstereotype Alliance (convened by UN Women). We are now pleased to associate with Kantar on ‘The Indian Masculinity Maze’ to take this conversation forward. The Kantar report will help the industry move beyond superficial portrayals to understand not just the diverse realities of men today, but also to create positive representations of men that are in sync with reality.”

    Gen Z men are open to vulnerability, fluid identity, and nurturing roles—but advertising hasn’t caught up. Over 60 per cent feel ads obsess over confidence and looks, and 32 per cent say fatherhood and caregiving are glaringly underrepresented.

    “They’re navigating a cultural identity crisis, and advertising is just adding to the noise,” notes the report.

    Kantar outlines a clear six-point plan for brands ready to break the bro-code:

    1.    Portray real lives – Men don’t live in protein shake commercials. Show them as they are—stressed, caring, flawed, and figuring it out.

    2.    Represent shared roles – Normalize dads doing dishes and men expressing emotion.

    3.    Focus on the emotional journey – Confidence is earned, not assumed.

    4.    Test inclusively – Male perspectives matter—especially in products they use but don’t see themselves in.

    5.    Model modern masculinity – Let men be soft, uncertain, nurturing and human.

    6.    Colour the whitespace – Health, identity, mental well-being—these aren’t side plots, they’re main stories waiting to be told.    

    “Kantar has been a founding member of the Unstereotype Alliance India Chapter. We value our collaboration with Kantar and ASCI on this important initiative to develop the study on masculinities in Indian advertising. Achieving gender equality and inclusion requires the meaningful engagement of all genders, including men and boys. It is important that marketers and content creators better understand evolving perspectives and aspirations to help challenge gender stereotypes and promote more inclusive narratives” said UN Women India Country Office  Country Representative, ad interim, Kanta Singh.

    So the bottom line is real men do cry and real brands should pay attention.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Soaked and Sold Moto G96 Wins Hearts with Water Baby Campaign

    Soaked and Sold Moto G96 Wins Hearts with Water Baby Campaign

     MUMBAI: Phones usually dread the drizzle this one does a dance in it. With the monsoon in full swing, SW Network and Flipkart have tapped into a universal fear wet phones and flipped it on its head with the launch campaign for the Moto G96, a smartphone that’s not just water-resistant, but water-embracing. Armed with an IP68 rating and a Watertouch Display that works flawlessly even when soaked, the G96 became the centrepiece of a cheeky, insight-rich campaign titled “Always a Water Baby.” The phone’s monsoon-proof credentials became an open invitation to throw away the plastic bags and rice bowls and say goodbye to panic-mode hairdryers.

    The outdoor campaign went bold and witty hoardings dismissed old-school hacks with lines like “You don’t need these anymore.” In one standout execution, the agency installed a monsoon shelter with the tagline: “While other phones run for cover, I’d stand in the rain for you.” Subtle, it was not but the point was made loud and clear.

    Print creatives took gentle digs at waterproof phone pouches still clinging to relevance, while a quirky double-hoarding visual metaphor featured the Moto G96 as “a great catch”  literally caught between two billboards.

    “Moto G96 doesn’t just survive water, it loves it,” said SW Network co-founder Raghav Bagai. “We wanted the campaign to be playful, visual and instantly relatable. ‘Water Baby’ gave us the perfect language to celebrate this feature without falling into the spec-sheet trap.”

    Instead of leaning on technical jargon, the campaign found humour in a shared everyday pain phones and puddles are usually a nightmare pairing. But not this time.

    With the G96, SW Network shows once again it knows how to turn product truth into pop culture, proving that even in tech advertising, a little splash of humanity goes a long way.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • From WatchMojo to Stream TV: A Movie Lover’s Guide to YouTube’s Best Content

    From WatchMojo to Stream TV: A Movie Lover’s Guide to YouTube’s Best Content

    Let’s be real-if you’re a movie lover, there’s a high chance that YouTube is your second favorite cinema screen. Whether you’re into movie facts, behind-the-scenes stories, actor deep-dives, or fan theory breakdowns, YouTube has become the ultimate hangout spot for film nerds.

    The platform is jam-packed with movie-focused channels, each with their own flavor. From hype-driven countdowns to slow-burn retrospectives, there’s something for every type of movie buff. We’re shining a spotlight on two destinations for film enthusiasts-Stream TV and WatchMojo-and why they’ve become go-to sources for movie lovers everywhere. So, grab some popcorn, mute the group chat, and let’s jump into the world of YouTube movie breakdowns.

    WatchMojo: The Reigning King of Lists

    If you’ve spent more than 5 minutes on YouTube, you’ve likely seen a WatchMojo video. Known for their addictive top 10 lists, WatchMojo has been feeding our obsession with ranked content for over a decade.

    What makes them so watchable? It’s the pacing, the smooth voiceovers, and those endlessly clickable titles. From “Top 10 Villain Monologues” to “Best Plot Twists of the 21st Century,” they know how to keep your curiosity piqued. Their content is perfect for casual viewers and hardcore fans alike. Think of it as the potato chips of YouTube movie content-impossible to stop at just one.

    WatchMojo thrives on pop culture moments. You’ll find retrospectives on blockbuster hits, character rankings, and even director-focused countdowns. Their videos are structured for maximum engagement, blending visuals, commentary, and rapid-fire facts that keep your eyes glued to the screen. It’s binge-worthy and surprisingly educational if you’re trying to sound smart during movie night debates. So, if you’re ever unsure what to watch next or feel like arguing with a ranking, WatchMojo’s got your back.

    Stream TV: The Hidden Gem You Didn’t Know You Needed

    Now, let’s talk about the other side of the coin-Stream TV. Where WatchMojo delivers quick hits, Stream TV dives deep. This is the channel you turn to when you want context, nuance, and a genuinely insightful perspective on the films and stars you love.

    Stream TV isn’t concerned with just popularity; it’s about passion. They spotlight legendary actors, explore their earliest roles, and revisit overlooked films that time forgot. Watching their videos feels like sitting down with your smartest movie-loving friend-the one who knows the trivia, the backstories, and all the little things that make movies magic.

    What’s especially refreshing is Stream TV’s sincerity. There’s no snark for the sake of clicks, no hot takes manufactured for drama-just thoughtful, engaging content for true film fans. Whether you’re chasing forgotten Hollywood gems or just appreciate a solid film critique that doesn’t feel recycled, Stream TV is a refreshing addition to any movie lover’s subscription list. Find out more here.

    A video from Stream TV might cover Morgan Freeman’s film debut or dive into how a cult classic slowly built its loyal fanbase. These aren’t just breakdowns-they’re tributes.

    What Makes These Channels So Bingeable?

    We’ve all been there. One video turns into three, and suddenly it’s 2 AM and you’re halfway through a breakdown of a movie you haven’t seen since 2005. But why are these videos so addictive?

    It’s because great movie channels offer more than just information-they offer a new lens through which to experience films. They remind us that movies are layered art forms filled with symbolism and storytelling genius. And the best part? These channels create a sense of community. You’re not just watching a video-you’re part of a global conversation of fans who see the same magic in movies that you do.

    With WatchMojo, you’re ranking your favorites and comparing notes. With Stream TV, you’re rediscovering why you fell in love with film in the first place.

    Rewatch Value, Reinvented

    One underrated benefit of movie breakdowns? They breathe new life into old favorites. That action film you loved at 15? Turns out it had serious themes you missed. That rom-com you wrote off as cheesy? It had clever writing and visual callbacks you totally overlooked.

    Both WatchMojo and Stream TV tap into this rewatch value. The former makes you want to revisit the classics to see if they really are the “top 10 of all time,” while the latter offers new reasons to rewatch and reappreciate long-forgotten gems. By the time you’re done with a few breakdowns, your weekend watchlist practically writes itself.

    A Word on Style and Accessibility

    Another reason these channels are so successful? Their style is accessible. You don’t need a film degree to enjoy them. Whether you’re a casual moviegoer or someone who debates Kubrick’s symbolism for fun, there’s something here for you.

    WatchMojo’s pace makes it easy to consume on the go-during lunch breaks, between errands, or right before bed. Stream TV, meanwhile, encourages slower, more immersive viewing. It’s perfect for winding down and soaking up some movie love without the noise.

    And let’s be honest-good narration goes a long way. Both channels have nailed the voiceover game, with clear, engaging narration that feels natural and easy to follow.

    The Future of Film Commentary is Digital

    Gone are the days when film lovers had to wait for DVD commentaries or hope their favorite critic covered the movie they liked. Now, with just a few clicks, you can dive into a world of analysis, nostalgia, and film geekery.

    WatchMojo and Stream TV represent the two ends of a beautiful spectrum-one fast, fun, and flashy; the other thoughtful, focused, and full of heart. And together, they prove that the future of film commentary doesn’t lie in print-it lives and breathes on YouTube. So the next time a film leaves you with questions, emotions, or even just a weird sense of déjà vu, you know where to go.

    Final Frame

    In the ever-evolving world of film fandom, these YouTube channels have carved out their own space-offering connection, education, and a deeper appreciation for cinema. They’re not just filling time between binge-watching sessions-they’re enhancing the entire movie experience.

    So next time you finish a film and aren’t quite ready to let it go, you know what to do: fire up. YouTube, plug in those headphones, and let the breakdowns begin. For a thoughtful, story-driven perspective that truly celebrates cinema, you can always start exploring Stream TV, a thoughtfully curated corner of YouTube.

  • Inderpeet Singh Gaba joins Miraggio as vp, brand marketing

    Inderpeet Singh Gaba joins Miraggio as vp, brand marketing

    MUMBAI: After putting his best foot forward with global giants like Birkenstock and Luxottica, Inderpeet Singh Gaba has now slung his marketing savvy over his shoulder, quite literally, by stepping into his new role as vice president, brand marketing at Miraggio, the fast-growing handbag brand.

    With a résumé that reads like a fashion week guest list stints at Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Vision Express, PepperTap and Aditya Birla Group — Gaba brings a heady mix of retail precision, digital chops, and global brand-building firepower. Most recently, at Birkenstock, he helped plant the iconic German sandal brand firmly into the Indian fashion consciousness.

    From comfortable soles to luxury totes, Gaba’s marketing journey proves he’s no stranger to switching gears and strutting with style.

  • Hemant Rupani to head Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages as CEO

    Hemant Rupani to head Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages as CEO

    BENGALURU:  Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB), India’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, has named Hemant Rupani as its new chief executive, effective 8 September. Rupani takes over from Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who is moving on to a new role within the global Coca-Cola system.

    Rupani, a seasoned operator with stints across FMCG, telecom, and tech, currently serves as Mondelez’s business unit president for southeast Asia, overseeing operations in Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. He joined Mondelez in 2016 and has held leadership roles in India and Vietnam, rising to his current post in 2022.

    The appointment comes at a pivotal time for HCCB, following Coca-Cola’s move in December 2024 to sell a 40 per cent stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings Pvt Ltd—the parent company of HCCB—to the Jubilant Bhartia group.

    A mechanical engineering graduate from Regional Engineering College, Jaipur, with an MBA in marketing from FMS Delhi, Rupani began his career in 1997 at ICI India. He has since worked with PepsiCo, Infosys, Vodafone, and Britannia, steadily climbing the leadership ladder across sectors.

    He will report to the HCCB board and is expected to steer the company’s next phase of growth, amid rising investment in India and intensifying competition in the beverage market.

    The Coca-Cola Co, listed on NYSE as KO, operates in over 200 markets and employs more than 700,000 people through its global bottling partners.

  • Sony PAL scores big as free-to-air favourite with desi hits and mass reach

    Sony PAL scores big as free-to-air favourite with desi hits and mass reach

    MUMBAI: Sony PAL is having a serious moment in Indian living rooms—and it didn’t get there by chance. The free-to-air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has emerged as the fastest growing GEC in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), with numbers that would make even primetime rivals sweat.

    BARC data from April to June 2025 puts the channel’s reach at a staggering 192 million viewers—the highest among all FTA Hindi GECs over 13 weeks (NCCS 15+, Weeks 14–26). In 9 out of those 13 weeks, Sony PAL ranked no. 1 in reach. That’s not just traction—it’s dominance.

    The channel cracked the code by serving up tried-and-tested fan favourites—Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Vighnahatha Ganesha, and The Kapil Sharma Show—for free. For the first time, these primetime giants were available without a subscription, and the move paid off.

    With its family-first programming slate and no paywall in sight, Sony PAL has become the go-to channel for viewers looking for comfort food in content form. It’s the kind of television that skips the sass but delivers on sanskaar and smiles, hitting the sweet spot for India’s heartland audiences.

    In a fragmented TV landscape, where loyalty is fickle and attention spans shorter than an ad jingle, Sony PAL has managed to hold its ground—and expand it. Its audience-first philosophy, combined with mass-friendly storytelling, is proof that when you make great content accessible, the viewers show up in droves.

    And right now, they’re turning up in the millions.

  • &TV’s new comedy ‘Gharwali Pedwali’ promises a hauntingly hilarious ride

    &TV’s new comedy ‘Gharwali Pedwali’ promises a hauntingly hilarious ride

    MUMBAI: If you thought married life was complicated, wait till you meet Jeetu—&TV’s latest leading man who accidentally ends up with two wives: one human, one haunting.

    After striking gold with shows like Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, &TV is back to spice up prime time with Gharwali Pedwali, a quirky family comedy with a delightfully paranormal punch. Produced by Peninsula Productions, the show blends classic desi sitcom madness with an unexpected celestial curveball.

    At the heart of this tale is Prithvi Mishra aka Jeetu, a lovable, no-frills everyman whose life has always come in twos. Two mums, two dads, two bosses… and now, courtesy of a last-minute astrological mishap, two wives. Just as he’s ready to tie the knot with the modern and spirited Savi, he’s forced into marrying a peepal tree. Enter Latika, a ghostly bride who believes the symbolic wedding was very much the real deal.

    The show leans into the absurd with flair, promising laugh-out-loud chaos, emotional curveballs, and a double dose of drama. True to its roots, Gharwali Pedwali delivers the signature &TV flavour—relatable, rooted, and ridiculously entertaining.

    No spoilers on how Jeetu navigates this ghostly love triangle, but one thing’s for sure, viewers are in for a spook-tacular treat.

    Gharwali Pedwali is coming soon, only on &TV.

  • Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    MUMBAI: NDTV announces the appointment of Namrata Dadwal as senior editor, NDTV 24×7, with a clear mandate – to supercharge the network’s data journalism and analytics, and weave sharper insights into the heart of its news programming.

    Dadwal steps into the role with over 18 years of experience at the intersection of journalism, data, and visual storytelling. She has built and led editorial teams that have turned complex numbers into clear, compelling narratives – whether heading the Data Intelligence Unit at TV Today Network, crafting in‑depth features at The Economic Times, or shaping high‑impact communication campaigns with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF.

    She has set up award‑winning data desks, mentored young journalists, and spearheaded projects that combine editorial depth with digital innovation – skills that are increasingly vital as newsrooms evolve to bring clarity and context in conversations.

    ‘Namrata’s appointment signals a decisive move to embed data at the core of our storytelling. Her ability to translate analytics into narratives will add a new dimension to how NDTV 24×7 explains the world to its viewers’, said NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief, Rahul Kanwal.