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  • Animeta launches AI film studio

    Animeta launches AI film studio

    MUMBAI: Singapore-based Animeta has fired up an AI film studio in Mumbai, betting that artificial intelligence can turbo-charge content creation for brands and filmmakers hungry for rapid-fire storytelling.

    The creator-tech company’s new vertical marries human creativity with machine-generated visuals, promising to churn out everything from promotional clips to feature-length films at breakneck speed. The venture taps into Google Cloud’s start-up programme, which provides access to the tech giant’s Vertex AI Veo3 video generation model alongside copyright protection.

    “We’ve built a hybrid model where human creativity and AI technology work together seamlessly, empowering creators to tell their stories faster, smarter, and infinitely scalable,” said Animeta founder Anish Mehta who has spent two decades reimagining animation storytelling.

    The Mumbai studio aims to capitalise on India’s booming digital content market whilst addressing creators’ perpetual challenge: producing high-quality material at scale without breaking budgets or timelines. The platform allows writers and filmmakers to blend original scripts, music and voice work with AI-generated visuals.

    Animeta already boasts heavyweight clients including Amazon, Starbucks, Warner Music, L’Oréal Group, Tata Group, McDonald’s and Uber through its Brandstar platform, which corrals over 400,000 creators. The company’s tech arsenal spans computer vision, video encoding, natural language processing and large language models.

    The move signals how AI is reshaping content production as streaming platforms and brands scramble for fresh material. Traditional filmmaking’s lengthy production cycles increasingly clash with digital-first audiences’ appetite for constant content consumption.

    Google Cloud’s backing provides crucial copyright indemnity—a key concern as AI-generated content faces legal scrutiny over intellectual property rights. The partnership positions Animeta to exploit AI’s creative potential whilst shielding clients from potential litigation.

    The venture underscores Mumbai’s emergence as a hub for AI-powered media innovation, challenging Hollywood’s traditional dominance in cutting-edge production technology.

  • Prime Video streams Kannappa in Hindi: a divine tale with starry cameos

    Prime Video streams Kannappa in Hindi: a divine tale with starry cameos

    MUMBAI: Prime Video today dropped the Hindi dub of the epic fantasy-action drama, giving audiences a chance to stream the much-talked-about Telugu blockbuster in their own tongue.

     

     

    Headlined by Vishnu Manchu, Kannappa isn’t short on star power, with dazzling cameos by Mohanlal, Prabhas, Akshay Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh and produced by Mohan Babu, the film is now available on Prime Video in Hindi, along with Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada versions.

    Based on true events and steeped in mythology, Kannappa follows the journey of Thinnadu (played by Manchu), a fearless tribal warrior who begins as an ardent atheist. His life takes a dramatic turn after a fateful encounter with Vayu Linga, a form of Lord Shiva, sparking a transformation into one of Shiva’s most devoted followers.

    With its mix of high-octane action, spiritual depth and larger-than-life visuals, the film aims to strike a chord with audiences across generations. Its sweeping narrative promises both spectacle and soul, making it a quintessential big-screen tale, now brought home via streaming.

    For Prime Video, this exclusive Hindi premiere further cements its position as India’s go-to entertainment hub, offering everything from homegrown originals to global blockbusters.

    So whether you’re here for the mythology, the megastars, or just the sheer scale, Kannappa is now just a click away. 
     

  • Asian Paints Sharad Shamman turns 40

    Asian Paints Sharad Shamman turns 40

    MUMBAI: Kolkata’s iconic taxi has just been given the ride of its life, thanks to ‘Asian Paints Sharad Shamman,’ which this year celebrates 40 colourful years of Pujo pride. Marking the milestone, Asian Paints has unveiled ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ a cinematic campaign and travelling installation that transforms the city’s beloved yellow cab into a rolling time machine. The film zips through four decades of Durga Pujo, blending nostalgia and newness in equal measure.

    The journey begins in the 1980s, with bamboo pandals and radio melodies, cruises into the ’90s with the rise of themes, steers into the 2000s spotlight of global attention and social messaging, and finally parks in today’s world of AR, VR and digital-first celebrations. Each era is splashed across the taxi’s changing surface: hand-painted motifs and designs shining in royale glitz, capturing the essence of Kolkata’s creativity.

    Music, too, gets a seatbelt moment. From retro tunes to modern beats, every decade’s soundtrack weaves into the storytelling, making the cab not just a carrier of memories but a jukebox of Pujo.

    “Festivals mirror their times, showing how societies evolve,” said Asian Paints, md & ceo, Amit Syngle. “With ‘Choltey Choltey Chollish,’ we wanted to honour 40 years of artistry while resonating with today’s generation. The yellow taxi embodies that timeless journey.”

    Ogilvy North, chief creative officer, Sujoy Roy added, “This is more than a tribute. It’s a love letter to Kolkata: its traditions, its imagination and the enduring spirit of Pujo.”

    With its stylised visuals, vibrant music and a fresh, youthful tone, the campaign doesn’t just celebrate ‘Sharad Shamman,’ it reaffirms Asian Paints’ place as Pujo’s unofficial custodian, turning art, culture and community into a living, moving canvas.

    Because in Kolkata, even a cab ride can feel like a festival.

  • Shandi Global stirs India with chickpea-based Chanza, targets 10 million dollars in ’25

    Shandi Global stirs India with chickpea-based Chanza, targets 10 million dollars in ’25

    MUMBAI: Call it chickpeas with a twist. Singapore-based food-tech innovator Shandi Global has landed in India with its flagship product Chanza: a protein-packed, plant-based alternative to meat and paneer that’s already winning fans abroad.

    Made entirely from whole chickpeas: no soy, gluten, or artificial binders in sight. Chanza cooks, tastes, and feels like soft, fibrous chunks of meat. From curries to kebabs, stir-fries to tandoori, it’s designed to slip seamlessly into India’s kitchen classics while packing a nutritional punch.

    The India launch marks Shandi Global’s biggest bet yet. The company has doubled its revenue every year, growing from 0.6 million dollars in 2023 to over 2.5 million dollars in 2025. With India now in its sights, it’s eyeing a bold leap to 10 million plus dollars revenue in 2025.

    “Protein deficiency is a massive issue here, and we want to change that,” said Shandi Global, co-founder, Dr. Gaurav Sharma. “Our vision is simple: Protein for All, Without Compromise.” His fellow co-founder, Dr Reena Sharma, added that the move was “both personal and purposeful,” aiming to fuse nutrition, fitness, and sustainability in everyday Indian diets.

    The rollout will start with restaurants, corporates, and institutions, before hitting retail shelves in metro cities by 2026. Partnerships with gyms and wellness communities are also planned to anchor Chanza firmly in India’s growing fitness culture.

    Shandi Global’s portfolio abroad already includes plant-based meats, protein soups, and drinks under brands like Forever, Sprouty, and Proty. New snacks, cookies, and ready-to-eat meals are in the works, powered by its proprietary Canatein/Sproutin technology.

    Recognition has followed too: at the ‘Vegan India Conference 2025’ in Mumbai, the company bagged the ‘Protein Innovation Icon of the Year Award’, presented by former mp Maneka Gandhi in the presence of  cj D.Y. Chandrachud.

    With India joining its global expansion map alongside Thailand, Canada, and Australia, Shandi Global isn’t just selling another plant-based product, it’s planting the seed for a protein revolution.

  • 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.

  • Short and sweet, One Take Media launches Vertigo TV for micro-dramas

    Short and sweet, One Take Media launches Vertigo TV for micro-dramas

    MUMBAI: Two minutes to drama, sixty to closure storytelling just got a major speed boost. Mumbai-based One Take Media has taken a bold leap into India’s streaming wars with the launch of Vertigo TV App, a first-of-its-kind platform dedicated to vertical, short-form dramas. The app introduces Indian audiences to a global bingeing trend micro-dramas that wrap up entire story arcs in 40 to 60 episodes, with each instalment lasting barely two minutes.

    In an era where Gen Z and millennials live by the swipe, Vertigo TV is built for the thumb and not the remote. It’s mobile-first, snackable, and designed for those who want their narratives as fast-paced as their feeds.

    “Vertigo TV App isn’t just a platform; it’s a movement redefining storytelling,” said One Take Media Founder & CEO Anil Khera. “Today’s viewers want rich narratives—and they want them fast. We’re bringing gripping Korean, Chinese and international micro-dramas to India in a way that feels fresh, addictive and mobile-native.”

    Micro-dramas, sometimes called mini-dramas or vertical dramas have exploded in Asia. By 2024, short-form videos made up over 60 per cent of all video consumption among 18–34-year-olds in Asia-Pacific, according to industry reports. In China alone, the micro-drama market was worth 5.3 billion dollars in 2023, growing at an impressive 18 per cent CAGR.

    Vertigo TV aims to replicate that boom in India with its SVOD model priced at Rs 499 per year, available on both Android and iOS.
    Why it clicks

    ●    Hook in 10 seconds: Every drama is crafted to capture attention instantly.

    ●    Mobile-optimised vertical format: Designed for on-the-go, one-hand viewing.

    ●    Global stories, local touch: Content spans Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Hindi, and English originals, complete with subtitles.

    ●    Binge without guilt: An entire show can be polished off during a commute, lunch break, or workout.

    ●    High replay value: Short arcs make rewatching and sharing irresistible.

    India’s OTT space has long been dominated by long-format web series and films. Vertigo TV flips the script by going short, vertical and international. With storytelling now tailored to India’s growing smartphone-first population, it offers a fresh alternative to the clutter of big-screen bingeing.

    For viewers tired of endless episodes, cliffhangers that drag for months, or padded narratives, Vertigo TV offers a micro-dose of high-stakes drama with cinematic quality. It may well spark India’s own micro-drama revolution.

    As Khera summed it up: “This is entertainment reimagined for the attention economy quick, powerful, and always within reach.

  • Technosport flexes festive fit with Durga Pujo film and Bengal expansion

    Technosport flexes festive fit with Durga Pujo film and Bengal expansion

    MUMBAI: Pujo just got a wardrobe workout. Technosport, India’s fastest-growing activewear brand, has draped itself in festive spirit with the launch of its Durga Pujo campaign, ‘Fit for Pujo’, while simultaneously flexing its retail muscle in Bengal.

    The campaign, unveiled on Mahalaya, stars acclaimed Bengali actor Bhaswar Chatterjee, whose presence adds a homegrown touch of authenticity. Through poetic visuals and a lyrical voiceover, the film celebrates autumn’s first whispers, the joy of new clothes, and the season of light and renewal. It ties these cultural cues neatly with Technosport’s promise of stylish, performance-driven activewear.

    “Pujo is not just about new clothes, it’s about preparing for a season of energy, joy, and fresh beginnings,” said Technosport, head of marketing, Patralika Agrawal. “With ‘Fit for Pujo,’ we wanted to capture that spirit, making activewear feel as festive as it is functional.”

    The campaign launch coincides with two new exclusive brand outlets opening in Kolkata’s Mani Square Mall and Asansol’s Sentrum Mall, bringing Technosport’s nationwide tally to 21 stores. With Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBO) revenues doubling year-on-year and an 83 per cent conversion rate on footfalls, the brand is confidently striding towards its Rs 600 crore revenue goal for FY 2025–26.

    By weaving Bhaswar Chatterjee’s cultural resonance into the narrative and making a strategic push in the East, Technosport is betting big on Pujo as more than just a festival. It’s the season to dress, renew and move.

  • Betting racket whacked for Rs 307 crore as ED strikes in Dubai

    Betting racket whacked for Rs 307 crore as ED strikes in Dubai

    NEW DELHI: India’s financial crimes enforcers have seized Dubai property and domestic bank deposits worth Rs 307 crore in a crackdown on an online betting operation centred around the Fairplay platform, according to a PTI report. 

    The Enforcement Directorate froze land, villas and flats in the Gulf emirate alongside Indian bank accounts under anti-money laundering laws, the agency said on Monday. The haul represents one of the largest asset seizures in India’s escalating war against illegal online gambling.

    The probe stems from a complaint filed by Viacom18 Media with Mumbai Police’s cyber wing, alleging the betting platform had inflicted revenue losses exceeding Rs 100 crore through violations of information technology and copyright laws.

    Investigators subsequently bundled together multiple cases against Fairplay and its associates for illegal online betting operations. The web of connected entities suggests a sophisticated money-laundering network spanning domestic and international jurisdictions.

    The seizures underscore how Indian authorities are pursuing betting operators’ offshore assets with increasing vigour. Dubai has emerged as a favoured destination for parking proceeds from India’s booming but largely illegal online gambling sector.

    The Fairplay case highlights the complex interplay between broadcasting rights violations and betting operations, with platforms allegedly using pirated content to drive traffic to gambling sites.
    India’s regulatory crackdown on online betting has intensified as authorities grapple with the sector’s explosive growth and its links to money laundering and tax evasion.

  • Atrangii hires veteran producer to spearhead content blitz

    Atrangii hires veteran producer to spearhead content blitz

    MUMBAI: Atrangii and Hari Om OTT have recruited  Vidyuth Bhandary as executive vice-president for content and studios, as the streaming platforms gear up for an aggressive expansion push.

    The appointment brings nearly three decades of media muscle to the homegrown platforms. Bhandary previously ran studios at Dice Media, where he masterminded OTT content development and production. His cv spans heavyweight roles at Times Internet/MX Media, FremantleMedia, Star India and Big FM, with credits including top-rated international format shows and blockbuster Indian streaming content.

    In his new perch, Bhandary will commandeer content teams across both platforms whilst heading up their newly-minted studio division. His brief includes turbo-charging Atrangii’s fiction and non-fiction pipeline and crafting devotional stories for Hari Om. The studio arm will churn out original intellectual property for third-party OTT services, television and films.

    “We’re in a phase of aggressive growth, expanding our footprint and cementing our leadership,” said Vibhu Agarwal, founder of both platforms. “Vidyuth’s appointment is a key step—his experience will help strengthen our in-house content engine and accelerate our plans to build a world-class studio ecosystem.”
    The hire signals Atrangii’s intent to muscle in on India’s crowded streaming battleground. Bhandary pledged to forge fresh content partnerships whilst building “a multi-year roadmap” for both domestic and international markets.

    “My goal is to help build a strong in-house content slate, while also developing a full-fledged studio setup,” he said. “I look forward to expanding into new markets, genres and achieving the vision set by the management.”
    The move underscores how Indian streaming services are doubling down on original content to differentiate themselves in an increasingly saturated market.

  • Bajaj Auto ropes in marketing chief to rev up brands

    Bajaj Auto ropes in marketing chief to rev up brands

    PUNEL:  India’s third-largest motorcycle maker has hired Kia India’s head of marketing and public relations to spearhead its marketing as well as kick start its sports bike brands further, as competition intensifies in the premium two-wheeler segment.

    Shakti Upadhyay has joined Bajaj Auto as vice president for brands. His first task will be to take charge of the company’s sports motorcycle portfolio including the once-dominant Pulsar and premium Dominar ranges. The appointment comes as Bajaj battles declining market share in key segments whilst rivals like TVS Suzuki and  Honda gain ground.

    Upadhyay spent over seven years at Kia India, where he orchestrated the south Korean carmaker’s transformation from unknown challenger to household name. Under his stewardship, Kia launched the Seltos compact SUV, Sonet sub-compact SUV, and Carnival MPV, helping the brand capture nearly 4 per cent of India’s passenger car market within five years.

    His track record includes award-winning campaigns that blended “bold positioning with emotional storytelling.” At Samsung Electronics, where he spent eight years before Kia, Upadhyay led marketing for consumer durables including premium television ranges.

    Bajaj’s hire signals urgency in revitalising brands that once dominated Indian roads. The Pulsar, launched in 2001, pioneered the performance motorcycle segment but has faced intensifying competition from Honda, and TVS Motor.  Dominar, positioned as a touring motorcycle, has struggled to gain traction since its 2016 launch.

    The Pune-based company’s motorcycle business has faced headwinds as consumers increasingly favour electric vehicles and premium brands. Bajaj’s domestic motorcycle sales fell eight per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2024, whilst competitors expanded market share.

    “Bajaj has always stood for innovation, performance, and a strong challenger spirit,” Upadhyay said in a LinkedIn post announcing his appointment. He emphasised plans to deepen “brand love” and drive “global ambition” for the motorcycle portfolio.

    The marketing veteran’s mandate extends beyond just the domestic market.  Bajaj exports motorcycles to over 70 countries, with international sales contributing roughly 40 per cent of total volumes. The company has a particularly strong presence in Africa and Latin America through partnerships and local assembly operations.

    Upadhyay’s appointment reflects broader industry trends as traditional automotive companies hire  talent from successful challengers. His experience launching new brands in competitive markets could prove valuable as Bajaj seeks to reinvent mature product lines whilst expanding into electric vehicles.

    The company faces particular challenges in the 125-250cc segment even as electric vehicle startups like Ola Electric and Ather Energy have begun encroaching on urban commuter segments traditionally dominated by conventional motorcycles.

    Industry analysts suggest Bajaj’s brand revival efforts will need to balance heritage appeal with contemporary relevance, particularly among younger consumers who increasingly view motorcycles as lifestyle statements rather than purely utilitarian transport.