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  • Globecast unveils content-sharing platform for sports rights holders

    Globecast unveils content-sharing platform for sports rights holders

    MONACO: Sports broadcasters are getting a new weapon in the battle for eyeballs. Globecast will showcase Content Exchange, its latest media platform solution, at Sportel 2025 in Monaco from 20 to 22 October.

    The platform, designed for rights holders and sports federations, offers a unified, all-IP infrastructure combining satellite, fibre and hybrid cloud technologies. It enables seamless acquisition, processing and delivery of both live and on-demand content, creating a secure hub that connects content owners with broadcasters and unlocks new monetisation opportunities.

    “With the launch of Globecast Content Exchange, we’re transforming the way sports content is delivered and shared,” said Globecast head of digital media development Steve MacMurray. “It gives rights holders unmatched flexibility and control to distribute highlights, live feeds and on-demand content to partners and fans worldwide, all through a simplified, scalable and secure platform.”

    Visitors to stand G.05 can experience the technology first-hand. The solution promises scalable transmission and processing for demanding media applications, offering rightsholders greater control over distribution in today’s hybrid media landscape.

    Globecast will also spotlight its recent sports collaborations. Racer  Network, which will broadcast over 300 live motorsport events in 2025, has partnered with the company to enhance quality and streamline delivery using advanced graphics and cloud playout. Meanwhile, Globecast’s extended partnership with Premier Padel as global delivery partner for the 2025 and 2026 seasons supports the sport’s international expansion through a fully IP- and cloud-based distribution model.

  • Doordarshan and Collective Media reimagine the Mahabharat with AI

    Doordarshan and Collective Media reimagine the Mahabharat with AI

    NEW DELHI: India’s most celebrated epic is getting a technological makeover. Collective Media Network’s Historyverse has unveiled an AI-led reimagining of the Mahabharat, set to premiere on Waves OTT on 25 October 2025. Doordarshan will broadcast it every Sunday at 11:00 AM from 2 November 2025.

    The collaboration pairs Prasar Bharati’s nationwide reach with the creative firepower of a next-generation media network. Advanced AI tools have been used to reconstruct the epic’s sprawling universe—its characters, battlefields and moral quandaries—with cinematic scale and striking realism.

    “Like millions of Indians, I grew up watching the classic Mahabharata on television every Sunday. It was an experience that shaped my imagination and my connection to our culture,” said founder & group chief executive Vijay Subramaniam. “With Mahabharat, our hope is to give today’s generation a similar touchstone that feels as immersive and unifying as it did for us, but told through the possibilities of today’s technology.”

    Prasar Bharati chief executive Gaurav Dwivedi noted that the original Mahabharat‘s re-telecast during lockdown reminded viewers how deeply these narratives bind families together. “Partnering on this AI-led reimagining allows audiences to experience one of India’s greatest epics anew—honouring tradition while embracing cutting-edge technology in storytelling.”

    Waves, Prasar Bharati’s official OTT platform, has quickly amassed millions of users with its credible, family-friendly and multilingual content. The platform offers video-on-demand, live events and an extensive library of television, radio, audio and magazine programming. The Mahabharat project exemplifies how heritage and innovation can converge to create contemporary narratives that resonate across India and beyond.

  • Pouring art into every bottle

    Pouring art into every bottle

    MUMBAI: When wine met canvas, India found its masterpiece. Grover Zampa, India’s most awarded fine wine producer, has partnered with creative agency Black Cab to give its flagship art collection a stunning new identity, one where every pour feels like a brushstroke and every bottle a work of art.

    The brief was bold yet simple: lift wine beyond taste and transform it into an expression of India’s artistic and cultural heritage. The campaign’s creative core rested on a powerful idea, winemaking is liquid art. Just as an artist paints with emotion and precision, Grover’s winemakers craft each vintage with the same passion and finesse.

    For instance, the Cabernet-Shiraz: robust and full-bodied, found its visual twin in a bold, deep-toned artwork that captured its complexity. Each varietal collaborated with an artist whose palette reflected the wine’s personality, turning labels into miniature galleries of Indian expression.

    Digitally, the campaign positioned every bottle as an exclusive collectible, a limited-edition artwork from the vineyards of Nandi Hills and Nashik Valley. High-quality imagery and evocative storytelling elevated Grover Zampa from a fine wine label to a cultural brand, one that toasts both craftsmanship and creativity.

    Social media became its art gallery, where fans shared their own “liquid art” moments. Bottles were photographed, displayed, and admired like paintings, each post a digital canvas celebrating the spirit of Indian excellence.

    By blending art, storytelling, and digital innovation, Grover Zampa’s relaunch uncorked a refreshing narrative, that Indian wine can be as rich in culture as it is in flavour. With this campaign, every sip isn’t just wine tasting; it’s art appreciation.
     

  • Runs Reels and Revenue Knight Riders Boss Mysore Hits a Six at FICCI Frames

    Runs Reels and Revenue Knight Riders Boss Mysore Hits a Six at FICCI Frames

    MUMBAI: If cricket and cinema are the twin gods of India, then Venky Mysore is their high priest. At the FICCI FRAMES 2025, the CEO of Knight Riders Group and Red Chillies Entertainment took the stage to lay out the playbook for India’s sports-entertainment juggernaut, mixing statistics, storytelling, and a dash of showbiz flair.

    Mysore, reflecting on his journey across two industries, described himself as straddling India’s “two religions,” cricket and movies. “Live sports is unscripted spectacle,” he said, contrasting it with scripted films where even action scenes follow a pre-determined cut. That unpredictability, Mysore explained, is what keeps audiences riveted, game after game.

    The numbers speak volumes. Celebrating 15 years with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Mysore revealed he has witnessed 228 matches with the franchise. The IPL alone commands an astonishing 165-169 million viewers on television, surpassing even the Super Bowl’s 155 million. “The real-time tension, the tribalism, the emotional stakes, it’s a thrill that no scripted entertainment can replicate,” he emphasised.

    The magic of live sports extends beyond the pitch. From merchandising and ticket sales to broadcasting and sponsorship, Mysore highlighted the massive economic engine behind cricket. “We do economic impact studies for every city we play in from Kolkata to Trinbago to Abu Dhabi and now Los Angeles,” he said, pointing out the ripple effect on tourism, hospitality, and local businesses.

    Mysore also gave a glimpse into the global ambitions of Knight Riders, noting the establishment of the L.A. Knight Riders and their stadium plans ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. “Stadium naming rights discussions are already underway, which shows the value that live sports can create economically,” he added.

    Entertainment, of course, is never far from cricket. Mysore explained how live events are being personalised for different audiences, citing innovations like multi-cam viewing, vertical video feeds, social gaming integrations, and interactive features mirroring the kind of bespoke content that digital platforms thrive on. “Every live moment can be a story, a connection, and a commercial opportunity,” he said, highlighting how AI, gaming, and the creator economy are poised to transform live sports in the next three to five years.

    While cricket remains the anchor, Mysore is betting on expansion. “Other sports like kabaddi, tennis, golf, and football can adopt our model,” he said, citing Pro Kabaddi as a successful adaptation. Women’s cricket, too, is high on the agenda. “It’s about making the sport representative and inclusive. Young girls are now aspiring to play because of the WPL, and that’s a flywheel that will keep spinning,” Mysore noted, emphasising the cultural and social impact of sports beyond the commercial.

    Mysore’s keynote also shed light on the convergence of sports, entertainment, and commerce. He noted how live spectacles like the IPL, Super Bowl, and Olympics attract diverse audiences through music, fashion, and celebrity appearances, creating a hybrid ecosystem where culture meets business. “Entertainment today isn’t just consumed, it’s experienced, shared, and lived,” he said, neatly summarising his vision for the future.

    On valuations, Mysore remained measured yet optimistic. Comparing cricket franchises to US sports teams, he suggested India has only scratched the surface in terms of economic potential. “In LA, the lowest valuation for a sports team is over a billion dollars. Cricket has similar global appeal, and there’s huge investment yet to come,” he said.

    From his high-octane reflections to the meticulous statistics, Mysore’s address offered a masterclass in the business and cultural power of sports. The underlying message was clear: cricket and entertainment are no longer just games or films, they are engines of connection, commerce, and culture, shaping the future of live experiences in India and beyond.

  • Studio 100 Film brings The Last Dodo to life at AFM 2025 premiere

    Studio 100 Film brings The Last Dodo to life at AFM 2025 premiere

    MUMBAI: It’s extinction no more, the dodo’s back and ready to soar. The Studio 100 Film is giving the world’s most famous flightless bird a new pair of wings with The Last Dodo, which makes its grand debut at the American Film Market (AFM) 2025 in Santa Monica.

    The vibrant CGI-animated family feature follows Dave the last surviving dodo,  who finds himself navigating the perilous streets of 17th-century London. With help from his street-smart sidekick, Eggy the rat, Dave must overcome his fear of flying, proving that courage sometimes comes with feathers.

    Produced by Australia’s Cheeky Little Media (Kangaroo Beach, Vegesaurs) and the UK’s Cantilever Media (The Amazing Maurice), the film is co-directed by Jun Falkenstein (The Tigger Movie) and written by Simon and Tristan Dodd. The international collaboration brings together creative forces from Australia, the UK, and India, a global flock united by humour and heart.

    “This film reimagines the dodo not as a relic, but as the beating heart of a hilarious buddy story,” said Studio 100 Film senior manager sales and acquisition Lorena Booth. “It’s full of laughs, surprises and a message that really takes off.”

    Cheeky Little Media chief content officer Patrick Egerton added, “The dodo has always captured our imagination: tragic, funny, or both. Dave is all that and more, a character you’ll root for in a wildly funny and heartfelt adventure.”

    Currently in development and slated for release in 2027, The Last Dodo promises a feather-ruffling mix of comedy, courage, and charm, a film that proves even the extinct can make a spectacular comeback.

     

  • Faiza Mirza to lead Wace India’s expansion of Australian curriculum

    Faiza Mirza to lead Wace India’s expansion of Australian curriculum

    MUMBAI: The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) has appointed Faiza Mirza as chief operating officer for India, marking a key step in expanding Australia’s government-backed curriculum across the country.

    The Wace programme, administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) under the Government of Western Australia, is the first international government curriculum officially recognised in India. It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and has received equivalence from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

    Offered in over 16 countries including Singapore, China, Japan, and Malaysia, Wace is known for its rigorous academic design, skills-based learning, and global university pathways. The curriculum now seeks to onboard 100 Indian partner schools within three years.

    “I am honoured to lead Wace India during this pivotal moment for global education,” said Mirza. “Our goal is to make world-class, government-backed education both accessible and inclusive for Indian students.”

    Mirza brings more than 12 years of experience in education and organisational development, having previously worked with the Association of International Schools of India (TAISI) on leadership development and global partnerships. She holds an Msc in retail marketing and management from Kingston University and a BBA from Amity University.

    With Mirza at the helm, Wace India will focus on curriculum integration, school capacity building, and teacher training, advancing a vision of quality, globally benchmarked education that resonates with India’s diverse learning ecosystem.

     

  • Oppo India sparks festive glow with Tum Jagmagao featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Jitendra Kumar

    Oppo India sparks festive glow with Tum Jagmagao featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Jitendra Kumar

    MUMBAI: Now here’s a campaign that truly rings in the light from within! Oppo India has unveiled its festive brand film ‘Tum Jagmagao’, featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Jitendra Kumar, in a celebration that goes beyond diyas and decorations, straight into the glow of self-discovery.

    Through cinematic storytelling, the film follows Ranbir as he returns to his childhood home for a rushed Diwali visit, only to rediscover himself through forgotten memories, friendships, and the warmth of family. What begins as a hurried holiday turns into a gentle reminder that the brightest light often comes from within.

    In true Oppo fashion, technology plays a starring role. The Oppo reno 14 5G Diwali edition and F31 pro plus 5G weave seamlessly into the story, helping capture those fleeting festive moments and keeping loved ones close through crystal-clear calls. With its heat-sensitive colour-changing technology, the reno 14 Diwali edition even reflects the festive hues of the season, inspired by mandala art and peacock motifs.

    “Tum Jagmagao reflects Oppo’s belief that technology should empower people to live fully and shine from within,” said Oppo India head of product and digital marketing Sushant Vashistha. “The Reno and F31 series are not just devices, but companions that help capture and relive life’s brightest moments.”

    For Ranbir Kapoor, the campaign strikes an emotional chord. “It captures the joy of rediscovering yourself in the little moments that truly matter,” he shared. Co-star Jitendra Kumar echoed the sentiment, calling it a reminder that Diwali’s real magic lies in reconnecting with oneself and those who light up our lives.

     

  • Libas lights up the festive season with festive campaign Roshni

    Libas lights up the festive season with festive campaign Roshni

    MUMBAI: Here’s a fashion story that truly shines from within! Libas, India’s leading ultra-fast fashion brand, has launched its 2025 festive campaign Roshni, a dazzling celebration of light, power, and the divine energy that every woman carries within.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Libas (@libasindia)

     

    Much like its name, Roshni (meaning light) glows with symbolism, honouring women as the embodiment of the Devi, balancing strength with grace. Drawing from Indian history and timeless tales, the campaign weaves mythology and modernity into one luminous narrative.

    The accompanying festive collection captures that same spirit: flowy silhouettes, intricate embroidery, and sequinned details that sparkle with understated glamour. Crafted in plush velvet and silk, the pieces radiate regal charm, with prices ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,000. Think florals, shimmer, and everything that lights up the festive mood.

    Speaking about the campaign, Libas head of marketing Nisha Khatr said, “With Roshni, we wanted to capture the true essence of the festive season: joy, strength, and light. India has always been a land of Devis, and this collection embodies that duality: gentle yet fierce.”

    Available across Libas’ app, website, leading e-commerce marketplaces, and offline stores, Roshni invites women to celebrate not just the sparkle around them, but also the glow within.

    Because this festive season, as Libas reminds us, light isn’t just something you see. It’s something you wear. 

  • Asian Paints turns ‘Mera wala blue’ into ‘Meri wali blue’ for women in blue

    Asian Paints turns ‘Mera wala blue’ into ‘Meri wali blue’ for women in blue

    MUMBAI: Talk about a fresh coat of inspiration! Asian Paints has added a vibrant twist to its iconic Mera wala blue with the launch of Meri wali blue, a heartfelt campaign celebrating India’s women cricketers and the fans who bring the game to life from their living rooms.

    Part of the brand’s ongoing Har ghar blue narrative, the new film beautifully captures how cricket, while played on the pitch, truly lives in Indian homes, in the cheers, emotions, and shared pride that colour every household blue.

    Conceptualised by FCB Kinnect and directed by Good Morning Films, the film traces the journey of a blue jersey, from a tailor’s careful stitching to a young girl’s gleeful cry of “Meri Wali Blue” as she spots her hero Harmanpreet Kaur’s number on it. The message is simple yet stirring: India cheers for India Wala Blue.

    The campaign extends Asian Paints’ deep association with cricket, following its smart integrations during the India vs England series and Asia Cup earlier this year. The brand has painted itself firmly into the nation’s sporting story. This time, by championing the rise of women’s cricket and the growing chorus of fans rallying behind it.

    Asian Paints Ltd MD & CEO Amit Syngle said, “Cricket brings families, friends, and neighbours together. With Meri Wali Blue, we’re proud to celebrate India’s women cricketers, whose grit and grace continue to inspire millions.”

    FCB Kinnect CEO Rohan Mehta added, “Building on an idea that’s shaped culture and giving it fresh relevance is powerful. With just one word, Meri Wali Blue carries hope and belief for generations of women athletes.”

    As group executive creative director Yogesh Mani Pradhan put it, “It’s not just an ad,  it’s a rallying cry for today, turning nostalgia into a new cultural moment.”

  • Stories from the heartland go global

    Stories from the heartland go global

    MUMBAI: Stories that stay rooted, yet take flight, that’s the new India calling. At FICCI Frames 2025, a star-studded panel on “Local Roots, Global Reach: Indian Storytelling from the Heartland” turned into a masterclass on why stories told with heart are now travelling the farthest.

    Moderated by broadcast journalist Anuradha Sengupta, the session featured The Viral Fever president Vijay Koshy, actors Neena Gupta, Pratik Gandhi, Faisal Malik, and Vineet Kumar Singh, voices that have lived and shaped India’s storytelling renaissance.

    “Anything that comes from the heart will touch the heart,” said Neena Gupta, drawing applause as she spoke of how authenticity, not algorithms, drives real connection.

    Pratik Gandhi reflected on his own journey after Scam 1992, “Stories can come from anywhere, but emotions are universal,” he added, noting how success opened creative doors rather than data dashboards.

    Vijay Koshy traced this evolution from Youtube freedom to OTT patronage. “We learnt the hard way in the digital world. Platforms are the new patrons, much like kings once funded artists,” he said, recalling how Panchayat, a show rejected by many, went on to become a cultural phenomenon precisely because “nothing was happening” in it.

    For Vineet Kumar Singh, heartland tales are India’s timeless truth. “Whether it’s Mother India or Panchayat, every story that mirrors real life finds its way to people’s hearts,” he said, reflecting on how viewers discover themselves in the stories of small towns and forgotten bylanes.

    Neena Gupta, ever candid, summed it up, “I think we should always try to go to the resources you have,” underlining how creators can draw on their own experiences and surroundings to tell authentic stories.

    The discussion also delved into the shifting sands of streaming. Sengupta reminded the panel that subscription models are giving way to ad-led formats. Koshy, however, remained optimistic. “We are not afraid. Authenticity will always survive,” he said with quiet conviction.

    As the session wrapped, Vineet shared a moving anecdote about Supermen of Malegaon, a small-town film that won hearts globally. “When it ended at the Toronto International Film Festival, the applause didn’t stop. That’s the power of stories from our soil,” he smiled.

    From villages to viral screens, India’s storytellers seem to have found their sweet spot: telling tales that are homegrown, heartfelt, and now, truly world-bound.