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  • Frooti makes web series debut with TTT’s friendship tale Yaar Log!

    Frooti makes web series debut with TTT’s friendship tale Yaar Log!

    MUMBAI: One sip, one script, and a lot of feels. Parle Agro’s beloved mango drink, Frooti, just made a bold new move from supermarket shelves to streaming screens with the launch of Yaar Log!, an original six-part web series produced by Collective Artists Network’s Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT).

    This isn’t just product placement, it’s Parle Agro’s first leap into long-form branded storytelling, and it’s all about friendships that feel as familiar and fizzy as the iconic yellow drink. The show follows a tight-knit group of friends who begin to unravel emotionally when their glue, a core member ironically nicknamed ‘Frooti’ announces he’s moving abroad. What follows is equal parts heartache and hilarity, with Frooti (the drink) making cameo after cameo in fridge raids, meltdowns, and tender goodbyes.

    Yaar Log! marks the first time Frooti has been woven into a narrative format. Known for its association with fun and youth culture, the drink is cleverly used as a metaphor for comfort and continuity, the friend who never leaves, even when others do.

    “Frooti has always been more than just a beverage, it’s been part of our memories and mischief,” said Parle Agro joint managing director and CMO Nadia Chauhan. “Yaar Log! is about deepening that emotional bond not through ads, but through stories that stick.”

    The series premiered on 20 May on TTT’s YouTube and Instagram, with new episodes dropping weekly.

    According to TTT Founder & CEO Anuj Gosalia Yaar Log! is a tribute to friendships that shift with time but stay rooted in shared rituals. “It’s for every group chat that’s gone quiet after one friend moved away. And it’s for the bottles of Frooti that stayed in the fridge like a promise.”

    With its mix of humour, nostalgia and refreshingly real moments, Yaar Log! positions Frooti not just as a drink, but as a bottled-up feeling sweet, fizzy and always by your side.

    And just like that, Frooti’s gone from chilling in your fridge… to warming your heart.

  • Dave & Buster’s levels up the city’s fun quotient

    Dave & Buster’s levels up the city’s fun quotient

     MUMBAI: Roll the dice, raise a toast, and get your game face on, Dave & Buster’s is all set to serve up Mumbai’s most eclectic indoor experience yet. After making waves in Bangalore, the global entertainment dining chain is gearing up for its second Indian outing, this time in the bustling heart of Andheri West, with a brand-new venue at Infinity Mall, launching this June.

    Spanning 27,000 sq. ft., the flagship Koramangala location quickly became one of Bangalore’s buzziest hangouts. Now, the Malpani Group, the masterminds behind Dave & Buster’s India and creators of theme park giants like Imagicaa is taking the fun up a notch, as Mumbai becomes the next playground for its high-octane mix of food, drinks, and arcade madness.

    Staying true to its global philosophy of “Eat. Drink. Play. Watch.”, the new outlet promises a vibrant, immersive venue where diners can bite into global flavours, sip on inventive cocktails, and play everything from vintage arcade games to modern digital challenges. Think loaded nachos and joystick duels, burgers with a side of buzzer-beaters all under one neon-lit roof.

    “Following the phenomenal success in Bangalore, Mumbai was the obvious next destination,” said Malpani Group director Shreya Malpani. “We’re not just opening another venue, we’re creating a city-wide hotspot where culture meets competition and celebration meets social energy.”

    With the backing of Malpani Group’s legacy in delivering entertainment that sticks from theme parks to now upscale indoor gaming the Mumbai launch is part of a larger game plan to turn metro venues into multi-sensory entertainment hubs.

    Whether you’re in it for the food, the flippers, or the full-throttle fun, one thing’s for sure: Dave & Buster’s is about to make Mumbai play like never before.

  • Balaji Telefilms merger proposal for ALT Digital and Marinating Films with itself gets NCLT sanction

    Balaji Telefilms merger proposal for ALT Digital and Marinating Films with itself gets NCLT sanction

    MUMBAI:  Balaji Telefilms has received the green light from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Mumbai, for its Composite Scheme of Arrangement that merges its wholly owned subsidiaries — Alt Digital Media Entertainment and Marinating Films — into the parent company. The appointed date for the merger has been set as 1 April 2024.

    The scheme, sanctioned under sections 230–232 of the Companies Act, aims to simplify the group structure, slash redundancies, and boost operating efficiency across its content empire — from streaming platform ALTT to reality show production and IP development.

    According to the tribunal’s order, the merged entity will benefit from economies of scale, unified cash flow management, and enhanced resource optimisation — all under the Balaji banner, which is already listed on NSE and BSE. No shares will be issued, given the transferor companies are fully owned by the transferee.
    The consolidation brings together:

    * Alt Digital, home to subscription-based OTT content under the ALTT brand;
    * Marinating Films, known for unscripted and event IP;
    * and Balaji Telefilms, India’s leading producer of Hindi and regional TV content.

    The merger was approved by shareholders at an April 2025 meeting and has cleared all statutory hurdles, including SEBI, BSE, NSE and tax authorities. The company has also settled creditor objections and responded to pending GST disputes, with all liabilities transferring to Balaji Telefilms post-merger.

    In short, Balaji is scripting a cleaner, leaner, and meaner future — bringing its IP under one tent to better play the platform and profit game. The final step? Filing the certified order with the Registrar of Companies, which will trigger the scheme’s effective date.

    More drama, less duplication — just the way Ekta Kapoor likes it.

  • Tanishq shines bright with Diamonds Do Good honour in Las Vegas

    Tanishq shines bright with Diamonds Do Good honour in Las Vegas

    MUMBAI: Tanishq and Mia by Tanishq, the jewellery jewels in the Tata crown, have clinched the prestigious Diamonds Do Good Purpose-Driven Business Leadership Award at the 2025 ceremony held in Las Vegas. The glittering accolade was collected by Titan Co chief executive -jewellery division Ajoy Chawla on behalf of both brands.

    Hosted by the Diamonds Do Good Foundation, the awards shine a spotlight on leaders in the natural diamond industry who are setting the global standard for responsible luxury. Tanishq and Mia were lauded for embedding ethics, traceability, sustainability, and community upliftment deep into their supply chain — proving that doing good and doing well can indeed go hand in hand.

    Central to this honour is Titan’s Supplier Engagement Protocol (TSEP), a 4P framework covering Place, People, Process, and Planet — with third-party audits and full compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). The brands also advocate gold exchange to reduce mining impact and have established artisan parks to provide safe, clean and dignified workspaces for India’s legendary karigars.

    The brands were especially recognised for:
    * Championing full traceability in diamond sourcing
    * Uplifting India’s artisan communities
    * Driving sustainability from mine to market
    * Redefining responsible luxury in the global South

    In his acceptance speech, Chawla  invoked Tata patriarch Jamsetji Tata, quoting: “In a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business but is, in fact, the very purpose of its existence.” He  added, “Tanishq is the living expression of that belief — every piece we design is a tribute to the values of those who wear it, and the hands that shape it.”

    This win underscores the Tata Group’s commitment to purpose before profit — and Tanishq’s promise that the journey to ‘being good’ is as enduring as the sparkle of a well-cut diamond.

  • Front and centre Manorama News makes a clear case for credibility

    Front and centre Manorama News makes a clear case for credibility

    MUMBAI: In the age of blink-and-miss news, Manorama News is making sure you don’t miss a thing by being quite literally right in front of you. The Malayalam news powerhouse is turning heads and tuning in hearts with its sharp brand refresh and high-impact campaign, Neril Kaanam which translates to “Right in Front of You.” With a tagline that doubles as a promise, the initiative repositions Manorama News not just as a source of updates, but as an omnipresent part of a Malayali’s daily routine.

    This strategic rebranding now live across TV, digital, and mobile platforms isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about agility, authenticity, and attention. The refresh includes a sleeker logo, bigger fonts for bite-sized clarity, and graphics built with a digital-first lens all designed by Ian Wormleighton of Twin Associates, UK, who’s also helped craft visual identities for the BBC.

    “Viewers shouldn’t have to go looking for the news, it should find them,” said MM TV CEO P. R. Satheesh. “That’s the essence of Neril Kaanam.”

    The results are showing. Whether it’s breaking news, local weather or cricket scores, everything now lands front and centre literally. The channel has also launched new shows like Actually Enthannu Sambhavichathu, Trending News, and Innu Nadannathu, designed to give viewers more depth without the drag.

    What’s truly breaking new ground, however, is the use of anchors themselves in a set of six promotional films, a first in Indian TV news marketing turning familiar faces into brand storytellers.

    With a 360-degree marketing push spanning television, print, digital, and outdoor, the Neril Kaanam message is everywhere. And early feedback suggests it’s working viewers are noticing, conversations are spiking, and digital engagement metrics are climbing.

    In short, Manorama News isn’t just refreshing its look, it’s refreshing how news is seen, heard, and trusted.

  • DocuBay sets sail with hard-hitting original ‘Gateway of Europe’ on World Refugee Day

    DocuBay sets sail with hard-hitting original ‘Gateway of Europe’ on World Refugee Day

    MUMBAI: DocuBay is casting a powerful spotlight on one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises with its upcoming original, Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, premiering 20 June to mark World Refugee Day.

    Set on the Italian island of Lampedusa – the perilous frontline of Europe’s migration story – the documentary captures the raw, unfiltered stories of those who risk everything to escape war, poverty and persecution. Through intimate interviews with migrants, locals, and rescue workers, the film traces a harrowing route paved with hope, heartbreak and hard questions.

    Produced by IN10 Media Network’s premium documentary arm, the film peels back the headlines to reveal the human cost and quiet heroism behind one of the 21st century’s defining struggles. From overcrowded boats to overburdened border patrols, Gateway of Europe pulls no punches in exploring the emotional and political complexities that continue to rock the continent.

    IN10 Media Network managing director Aditya Pittie said, “At DocuBay, we believe storytelling has the power to foster change, empathy and drive meaningful conversations. “Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis brings to life the human dimension of a geopolitical challenge that involves migration, human rights, and policy that affects millions globally. This documentary is a call to awareness and action, highlighting voices that are often unheard.”

    Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, filmmaker & director Max Serio said, “My goal was to capture the human faces behind the migration crisis, for which people are driven by hope, fear, and the search for a better life. This film is an invitation to understand their journey beyond borders and politics.”

    DocuBay chief content officer Samar Khan said, “At DocuBay, we remain
    committed to curating purpose-driven content that resonates universally, provokes thought, and builds bridges across cultures. With Gateway of Europe – The Migrant Crisis, we encourage viewers to look past the surface and confront the emotional depth and personal struggles behind the global migration conversation. Documentary like this has the power to go beyond numbers and headlines, transforming complex societal issues into intimate, human experiences.”

    As the debate over borders intensifies, DocuBay invites viewers to look beyond the statistics and confront the human stories that rarely make the evening news.

  • Psych-ed up for scares as Abundantia and Furia forge horror pact

    Psych-ed up for scares as Abundantia and Furia forge horror pact

    MUMBAI: Get ready to sleep with the lights on, Chhorii is just the beginning. Riding high on the bone-chilling success of Chhorii 2, Abundantia Entertainment and horror maverick Vishal Furia are joining forces once again to craft a new wave of fright fests under the studio’s dedicated horror vertical, Psych.

    With critics and fans still reeling from Chhorii 2’s sinister twists and culturally grounded horror, the sequel has cemented itself as a standout in Indian horror both terrifying and thoughtful. Now, director Furia and Abundantia’s Vikram Malhotra are doubling down on the genre with a fresh slate of terrifying tales that go beyond shadows and jump scares.

    “Vishal’s storytelling is rooted, gripping and layered, he’s redefined horror for Indian audiences. Together, we’re not just making scary films. We’re building an entire universe of fear that mirrors the evolving Indian psyche,” said Malhotra, Founder and CEO of Abundantia Entertainment.

    Furia echoed the thrill: “Our journey with Chhorii has just scratched the surface. Psych is the next chapter, an incubator for stories that leave lasting chills, long after the screen goes dark.”

    The collaboration is already in motion with two films in development. One is inspired by a shocking real-life incident in urban India, while the second ventures deep into the spine-tingling realms of Indian cultural mythology.

    With Psych, Abundantia becomes one of India’s only content studios with a dedicated horror label aiming not just to entertain, but to transform how Indian viewers experience the genre. The productions will be platform-agnostic, promising edge-of-the-seat scares across OTT and theatrical screens alike.

    From emotionally intelligent hauntings to folklore-fuelled fear, this duo isn’t just raising the bar they’re raising the dead.

  • Mutual Fund vs PPF: Which One Should You Choose?

    Mutual Fund vs PPF: Which One Should You Choose?

    When it comes to investing funds in India, two of the most popular options are Mutual Funds and the Public Provident Fund (PPF). Both are widely used by individuals with different financial goals. While some investors prefer the safety of assured gains, others look for higher returns even if it means taking some risks. PPF and Mutual Funds offer benefits like tax savings, long-term wealth creation, and flexible investment options. However, they differ in key aspects, such as risk, returns, and duration. This article explains what PPF and Mutual Funds are, their differences, and which might suit your needs better.

    What is a Mutual Fund?

    A Mutual fund is a type of investment managed by professional fund managers at Asset Management Companies (AMCs). These funds collect capital from many investors and invest it in a variety of financial assets such as shares, bonds, and government securities. Mutual funds are available in different types, like equity funds, debt funds, and hybrid funds. Each type comes with its level of risk versus return potential, allowing investors to choose a fund that matches their financial goals and risk appetite.

    Since mutual funds are market-linked investments, they do not guarantee returns. However, with regular investments over a long period, especially through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), they have the potential to deliver appropriate returns. SIPs also make investing more disciplined and manageable. You can use a mutual fund SIP calculator to estimate how much your funds might grow over time based on your monthly investment and the expected rate of return.

    What is PPF?

    The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed long-term savings scheme designed to encourage small savings while offering assured returns. It provides a fixed rate of interest, which is reviewed periodically by the central government. The interest earned on the investment is compounded annually and is tax-free, making PPF a popular choice among conservative investors seeking a safe and steady return.

    A PPF account comes with a mandatory lock-in period, making it ideal for long-term financial goals like retirement planning. Contributions made to a PPF account are also eligible for tax deductions under the Income Tax Act. For better planning, you can use a Public Provident Fund calculator to estimate the future value of your investment based on your annual contributions and the prevailing interest rate.

    Key Differences Between Mutual Fund and PPF

    Here are the key differences between mutual funds and a PPF:

    1. Risk: PPF is a low-risk investment since it is backed by the government and offers fixed returns. Mutual funds, on the other hand, involve market risk. Their value depends on how the stock and bond markets perform.

    2. Returns: PPF currently offers around 7–8% annual interest, which is reviewed quarterly by the government. Mutual Funds can offer higher returns—equity funds may give 10–15% annually—but these returns are not fixed and may vary depending on market performance.

    3. Investment Duration: PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years, making it suitable for long-term goals. You can extend it in blocks of 5 years after maturity. Mutual funds offer more flexibility. You can invest for a few months or several years, depending on your goals.

    4. Liquidity: PPF is less liquid due to its long lock-in. Partial withdrawals are allowed only after a certain year. Mutual funds offer high liquidity, as most types can be redeemed anytime, though tax and exit loads may apply.

    5. Tax Benefits: Both PPF and tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) qualify for deductions under Section 80C. However, while PPF interest and maturity amount are tax-free, ELSS gains above ₹1 lakh annually are taxed at 10%.

    6. Diversification: PPF invests mainly in fixed-income instruments. Mutual funds offer greater portfolio diversification across various sectors and asset classes, which can reduce overall investment risk.

    What Should You Choose?

    Choosing between PPF and mutual funds depends on your financial goals and risk appetite. If you are a conservative investor looking for assured returns and long-term savings with tax benefits, PPF may be a great choice. It offers stability, safety, and tax-free returns. However, if you are willing to take some risk in exchange for the possibility of higher returns, mutual funds, especially equity funds, can be more rewarding over time. They also give you the flexibility to invest for short or long durations. Many investors choose a combination of both to balance risk and reward in their investment portfolio.

    Conclusion

    PPF and mutual funds are both useful investment options with different advantages. While PPF provides a safe and secure way to build a retirement corpus, mutual funds offer the opportunity for higher returns with market-linked growth. The choice depends on your risk profile, time horizon, and financial goals. Beginners and risk-averse investors may prefer PPF, while those with a higher risk tolerance and long-term goals can consider mutual funds. Ideally, diversifying across both options can help you build a balanced and well-performing investment portfolio for the future. 
     

  • Greaves Electric Mobility shifts gears with Vikas Singh as new managing director

    Greaves Electric Mobility shifts gears with Vikas Singh as new managing director

    MUMBAI: Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd (GEML), the EV arm of Greaves Cotton, has plugged in fresh leadership with the appointment of Vikas Singh as its new managing director, effective 2 June. He takes the wheel just as India’s EV market hits the fast lane.

    With a career that cuts across India’s most dynamic consumer sectors and a knack for navigating regulated terrain, Singh is expected to inject agility and momentum into GEML’s next growth sprint. He steps in to lead the current management team, tasked with scaling up the company’s vision of making smart, sustainable mobility accessible to every Indian.

    An alumnus of FMS, University of Delhi, Singh has held senior roles across Indian and global firms, bringing with him a playbook of transformation, growth, and grit.

    “In line with our long-term strategic vision and continued focus on strengthening leadership for  future growth, the Board of Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd has approved the appointment of  Mr. Vikas Singh as managing director, effective June 2, 2025,” Greaves Electric Mobility Ltd.

    The move signals GEML’s deepening commitment to democratising e-mobility — a sector now charged with innovation, policy tailwinds and rising mass appeal. With Singh at the helm, Greaves is clearly betting on experience meeting acceleration.
     

  • Infinix Presses Play on India’s Esports Scene

    Infinix Presses Play on India’s Esports Scene

    MUMBAI: In what appears to be a strategic masterstroke in the Indian esports game, Infinix has pressed play on its latest endeavour, aiming to capture the hearts and thumbs of competitive players. The new-age smartphone brand isn’t just launching a new device; it’s making a bold statement, seeking to redefine its presence within India’s burgeoning gaming ecosystem.

    To truly resonate with the gaming demographic, Infinix has forged alliances with some heavyweight figures. Comedian and digital creator Tanmay Bhat, alongside top-tier gaming influencers Total Gaming, Mizo, and Shreeman Legend, are now part of the Infinix team. This collaborative move highlights a significant cultural shift: gaming is no longer just a pastime, but a passion-driven space where skill, community, and competitive spirit converge for today’s youth. Modern gamers aren’t merely in the market for a phone; they demand performance that keeps pace with their rigorous “grind,” bold designs that unmistakably scream “gaming,” and cutting-edge technology that facilitates their seamless entry into the thrilling world of Esports.

    Enter the Infinix GT 30 Pro, a device meticulously crafted with “gaming-first” features to address the escalating demand for high-octane mobile competition. Designed with flagship-grade precision, this smartphone boasts the world’s first Mediatek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate processor, ensuring unparalleled processing power. For battle royale enthusiasts, it offers Krafton-certified 120FPS BGMI support, promising buttery-smooth gameplay. Further enhancing the tactile experience are the integrated GT Shoulder Triggers, while its bold Cyber Mecha Design, complete with customizable RGB lighting, ensures it looks every bit the part. To elevate the overall gaming experience, a suite of AI-powered features has been integrated, including Esports Mode, Xboost, AI audio enhancement, and haptics, all painstakingly optimised to deliver more immersive and responsive gameplay.

    Ultimately, through these calculated collaborations, Infinix is not simply unveiling a product. It’s actively championing a mindset shift within India’s dynamic gaming culture, reinforcing its long-term commitment to cultivating talent by empowering grassroots Esports athletes, a dedication exemplified by its existing partnership with the professional team True Rippers.