Tag: Amazon Prime

  • Must-watch fantasy series and movies you can’t miss

    Must-watch fantasy series and movies you can’t miss

    Mumbai: If you love fantasy and the supernatural, this list is for you. Dive into magical worlds filled with epic adventures, mythical creatures, and captivating stories that will transport you to realms of imagination and wonder. Each entry promises a unique journey full of excitement and intrigue, offering a perfect escape from the everyday.

    Prepare to be enchanted by tales where the extraordinary comes to life. Here’s the list:

    Deadpool & Wolverine: The upcoming movie featuring promises to be a high-octane blend of humour, action, and oh-so-intense storytelling. Set to bring together two of Marvel’s most iconic anti-heroes, the film will see Ryan Reynolds reprising his role as the irreverent Deadpool, while Hugh Jackman returns as the formidable Wolverine. Fans can expect an exhilarating ride as these two characters, known for their sharp wit and fierce combat skills, team up for a thrilling adventure.

    Number Zero (Pocket FM): Vipin is known for his interplanetary travels, but his latest journey brings him to Earth, a planet he has never explored before. Determined to keep his visit a secret, he quickly learns that hiding such a venture is no easy feat. As Vipin lands on Earth, he faces a series of unexpected challenges. Will he adapt to life on this human-dominated planet? His survival depends on blending in and navigating the complexities of human society. Tune in to Number Zero on Pocket FM to uncover the thrilling adventures that await Vipin on Earth.

    Shoorveer (Pocket FM): A hundred years into the future, humanity has unlocked the power of teleportation, revolutionizing life as we know it. However, teleportation doesn’t transport people through time but to an entirely different planet filled with strange creatures and unknown dangers. Stranded in this new world, humans must find a way to survive and coexist with the bizarre inhabitants. With each teleportation, new challenges and mysteries unfold, testing the limits of human resilience. Discover how they navigate this alien terrain and fight for their survival by listening to Shoorveer on Pocket FM.

    The Boys (Amazon Prime): “The Boys” dives into a dark and gritty world where superheroes, known as Supes, are corrupt and abusive, far from their public personas. Led by Billy Butcher, portrayed by Karl Urban, a vigilante group known as The Boys takes on these powerful beings to expose their true nature and hold them accountable. Hughie Campbell, played by Jack Quaid, joins the team after a personal tragedy caused by a careless Supe. Opposing them is Homelander, the leader of the Seven, played by Antony Starr, whose public heroism masks a sinister and manipulative nature. The show explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked heroism.

    House of the Dragon (Jio Cinema): Set 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” delves into the turbulent history of House Targaryen, chronicling their rise and fall. The series centres on the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, where rival factions vie for the Iron Throne. Paddy Considine stars as King Viserys I Targaryen, whose succession sparks conflict, while Emma D’Arcy plays his daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, a key contender for the throne. Matt Smith portrays Prince Daemon Targaryen, Rhaenyra’s ambitious and unpredictable uncle. What secrets and betrayals will emerge as the Targaryens fight to maintain their legacy? Unravel the dramatic saga of fire and blood by tuning in to “House of the Dragon” on JioCinema.

    Thank God (Amazon Prime): It is a 2022 Indian Hindi-language fantasy comedy-drama directed by Indra Kumar, featuring Sidharth Malhotra, Ajay Devgn, and Rakul Preet Singh. The film follows Ayaan Kapoor, a selfish real estate businessman who, after a severe road accident, finds himself in Heaven. There, he is given a chance to return to Earth by playing the “Game of Life” while his body is in an operation theatre. The movie combines humour and fantasy as Ayaan’s journey prompts him to reflect on his life choices, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining watch.

    Damsel (Netflix): Damsel, starring Millie Bobby Brown, is an exciting Netflix fantasy adventure movie where a young woman, expecting to marry a charming prince, discovers she’s been deceived and thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon. Stripped of any help, she must rely on her wits and will to survive, battling the dragon and uncovering her inner strength in this gripping tale of betrayal and empowerment. With stunning visuals and intense action, Damsel is a must-watch for fans of thrilling and empowering stories.

    Madame Web (Netflix): Starring Dakota Johnson, this is an intriguing Marvel film that follows the story of a clairvoyant mutant with powerful psychic abilities. As she navigates her mysterious and complex life, she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens the entire Spider-Verse, forcing her to use her unique powers to protect both herself and the web of heroes connected to her. With a blend of supernatural intrigue and intense action, Madame Web promises to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and dynamic performances.

  • For an average Indian viewer, distinction between original and adapted content is often irrelevant: Mautik Tolia

    For an average Indian viewer, distinction between original and adapted content is often irrelevant: Mautik Tolia

    Mumbai:  With over 3000+ hours of content produced across 50+ shows for major broadcasters and OTT platforms, Bodhitree Multimedia Ltd specializes in drama, thriller, horror, comedy, and lifestyle genres. Their services encompass producing, directing, writing, dubbing, mixing, subtitling, content editing, and localization for a variety of media including television, films, and digital platforms, operating primarily on a B2B business model.

    The company operates in three main verticals: Broadcast – Hindi General Entertainment, Content for OTT platforms, and Regional Content across languages such as Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, and Gujarati for broadcast and digital. By focusing on trending and edgy themes, Bodhitree has established a strong reputation in the Indian media industry, becoming a preferred partner for many broadcasters and OTT platforms, thanks to their versatile and high-quality productions.

    Bodhitree most recently launched Gunaah on Hotstar, Class on Netflix. Other titles under Bodhitree include Fuh se Fantasy, The Gone Game, Marzi, The Raikar Case, among others.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to Bodhitree Multimedia’s managing director Mautik Tolia, where he highlighted their significant content consumption growth, adaptations, new ventures and much more…

    Edited excepts

    Your recent show “Gunaah” on Disney+ Hotstar has been a significant success with 3.4 million views. What factors do you attribute to its popularity, and how does it fit into BTML’s overall content strategy?

    When we examined the original Turkish content, we found it to be highly plot-driven and filled with raw emotions. These elements resonate strongly with the Indian audience due to their deep-rooted appeal in pulpy storytelling, themes of revenge, drama, and family betrayal. Recognizing this, we tailored the content into a love story, confident that it would connect well with Indian audiences, particularly those who consume Hotstar. This approach has proven successful, garnering a very positive response for the show.

    BTML has been actively expanding into new ventures such as media rights management and studio facilities. How do these new ventures complement your core business of content production?

    Our strategy involves vertical expansion within our existing businesses, addressing specific infrastructure needs within the industry. We aim to fill crucial gaps in the market, ensuring we meet growing demands effectively.

    With the establishment of subsidiaries focusing on regional content like Marathi and Bhojpuri, how important is regional language content to BTML’s growth strategy, and what are your future plans in this segment?

    Regional content plays an important role in our strategy, given its exponential growth potential, especially through OTT platforms as internet penetration increases. While Hindi remains a dominant market, regional languages such as Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali are gaining significant traction in content consumption, mirroring trends seen in traditional broadcasting. We are poised to capitalize on this shift by producing tailored content in regional languages.

    BTML reported a 50% revenue growth in FY24 and an EBITDA margin of 14.23%. What were the key drivers behind this growth, and how do you plan to sustain this momentum in the coming years?

    Key drivers behind this growth is that our expanded content strategy is more inclusive than before, encompassing a wider range of platforms beyond TV and OTT. This diversification includes the establishment of subsidiaries and other strategic initiatives, reflecting our commitment to broader market coverage and sustained growth.

    Adaptations like “Class” on Netflix have been well-received. Could you elaborate on your thoughts on adapting international content for the Indian audience?

    For an average Indian viewer, the distinction between original and adapted content is often irrelevant; what matters most is the quality and appeal of the content itself. Whether an adaptation of an international series or a homegrown production, viewers judge based on its merits rather than its origins.

    As the managing director, what is your vision for BTML in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to position the company amidst competition and changing consumer preferences?

    The industry is undergoing rationalization, and we position ourselves to serve all verticals of content creation comprehensively. Our trajectory aims to encompass diverse languages, genres, and formats, ensuring a versatile presence in the content creation landscape.

  • Excitel collaborates  with Amazon Prime for cable cutter plan benefits

    Excitel collaborates with Amazon Prime for cable cutter plan benefits

    Mumbai: Excitel, a home internet start-up has joined hands with Amazon Prime to offer the much-loved Prime benefits to its customers. Subscribers of Excitel’s flagship Cable Cutter plan will be able to subscribe to Prime Lite, and access Prime Video’s extensive content library, as well as enjoy free unlimited same-day delivery across 1M+ products and next-day delivery across 4M+ products on Amazon.

    In addition to Prime Lite with Excitel, the enhanced Cable Cutter™ plan also provides up to 300 Mbps of lightning speed, 300+ Live TV channels, and easy access to 22+ OTT platforms including Prime Video, all for just Rs 719 per month, offering offers users a diverse range of entertainment options to choose from.

    Plan Name

    Speed

    Offer Price

    Cable Cutter™ – Plan

    Up to 300 Mbps

    Prime Lite with Excitel, along with 22+ OTT services such as Prime Video, Disney+Hotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, etc. along with 300+ FTA channels

    Rs 719/month*

    Rs 719/month to be paid upfront for 12 months

    Commenting on this partnership, Excitel Broadband, founder and CEO Vivek Raina said, “India’s media market is changing fast. With more people watching ‘OTT Video’ and still using Cable TV, it’s clear that our audience wants a mix of entertainment options. At Excitel, we firmly believe that delivering this experience requires innovative solutions that leverage the power of the Internet. Our collaboration with Amazon Prime marks a significant step towards this vision. By offering Prime Lite with Excitel which combines Amazon’s entertainment and shopping benefits with our affordable internet plans, we’re creating a new era of home entertainment that blends OTT, TV, and the power of the internet.”

    “At Prime Video we are constantly looking at ways to strengthen our distribution to ensure wider availability of our much-loved movies and series,” said a Prime Video spokesperson. “The collaboration with Excitel provides seamless access to Prime Video’s full selection of content, as well as Prime Lite benefits like unlimited free shopping & shipping of ‘Same-day/Next-Day’ delivery, Prime exclusive deals and much more. With this collaboration, we are making premium entertainment even more accessible to customers in India.”

    Subscribers can enjoy a seamless streaming experience at lightning-fast speeds of up to 300 Mbps with uninterrupted access to the full selection of Prime Video’s movies and series including the highly popular Original series like Panchayat, Mirzapur, The Family Man, Dhootha, Inspector Rishi,  blockbuster movies Tiger 3, Kantara, Maja Ma, Bawaal, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, and many more, along with international series and movies like Fallout, Citadel, The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, The Boys, to name a few. This is in addition to other Prime Lite benefits like free unlimited same-day delivery across 1M+ products and next-day delivery across 4M+ products, Prime early access & exclusive deals and 5% cashback on Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card while shopping on Amazon.

    Prime Lite with Excitel stands out as the premier choice for internet service, as Excitel has been recognized by OOKLA, as the fastest internet speed provider. In addition to this prestigious accolade, users can also enjoy a diverse array of TV shows and live content in various Indian and international languages such as English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Gujarati, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi, and Punjabi.

  • Santa’s picks: Seven shows to make your holidays merry & bright!

    Santa’s picks: Seven shows to make your holidays merry & bright!

    Mumbai: As the winter chill embraces our homes and the scent of joy fills the air, it’s time to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and dive right into the festive season. What better way to celebrate than embarking on a marathon of festive shows that promise laughter, love, and a sprinkle of the holiday cheer? From thrillers to amusing comedies, we have curated a list that will capture the essence of Christmas for you. May your days be merry, your binge sessions be jolly, and your heart be light with the magic of the season!

    Mistletoe Murders

    Platform: Audible

    Excited to experience a Christmas that isn’t just about jingle bells and mistletoe but a thrilling escapade filled with mystery, romance, and laughter? This audiobook is the right pick for you. Join Emily Lane, the owner of ‘Under the Mistletoe,’ in a quaint town where her Christmas-themed store becomes the backdrop for not-so-quaint local murders. Tune into this Audible mystery where Emily’s charming exterior conceals a secret past, and Detective-Constable Sam Wilner wonders if there’s more to her than meets the eye. This audiobook promises a holiday-themed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

    The Christmas Guest

    Platform: Audible

    Experience the enchanting Cotswolds manor house through the eyes of Ashley Smith, a lonely American studying in London, invited to spend Christmas at the manor. Documented in her diary, Ashley’s idyllic holiday takes a mysterious turn with the Chapman family and the secrets that lurk within the old manor. Is there something strange about the old house? What could the motives of the mysterious Chapman family be? And what holiday horrors might be lying in wait? This audiobook promises a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and holiday magic that will keep you hooked from the first chapter to the last.

    Bright Lights, Big Christmas

    Platform: Audible

    For those yearning to hear a feel-good Christmas story, ‘Bright Lights, Big Christmas’ on Audible offers a delightful mix of country charm and city magic. Follow Kerry Tolliver as she trades the mountains of North Carolina for the bustling streets of New York City during the Christmas season, ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself. With family ties, quirky neighbours, and unexpected romance, Kerry’s adventure is a delightful mix of country charm and urban romance. This audiobook is a perfect choice for those seeking a Christmas story with a touch of humour and romance!

    Elf Me

    Platform: Amazon Prime

    There is no stop to browsing what you can watch this Christmas. Get ready for a laugh-out-loud comedy with ’Elf Me’! In this film, you will meet Trip, an unconventional elf, on a hilarious journey as Santa Claus’ not-so-traditional helper. Teaming up with Elia, a shy and unconventional boy, Trip discovers the true meaning of friendship. It is a heartwarming tale filled with humour, magic, and the spirit of Christmas, which makes for a must-watch this holiday season.

    Your Christmas or Mine 2

    Platform: Amazon Prime

    The holiday hurley-burly continues with Hayley Taylor and Hubert James Hughes in this uproarious Amazon Prime sequel. Join them for another uproarious family Christmas filled with laughter and chaos. This much-anticipated sequel promises to deliver the perfect blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, making it a perfect watch for those looking to continue the festive fun.

    Christmas as Usual

    Platform: Netflix

    In time for the holiday season—a cultural clash wrapped in festive cheer, ‘Christmas as Usual’ on Netflix unfolds the chaos when Indian roots meet Norwegian traditions. In this film, you can join Thea, portrayed by Ida Ursin-Holm, and Jashan, played by stand-up comic Kanan Gill, as they navigate the mayhem that ensues when Indian roots meet Norwegian traditions during Christmas. This romantic comedy, straight from the Nordic region, promises laughs, love, and a celebration of diverse holiday customs.

    Family Switch

    Platform: Netflix

    In this chaotic Christmas comedy, the Walker family experiences a pre-holiday upheaval when a cosmic event swaps parents with their teenage kids. The film is a comedic rollercoaster headlined by Jennifer Garner and Brady Noon, adding a festive twist to the body-swap genre. Jennifer portrays Jess Walker, the meticulous and organized mother who discovers that her way isn’t always the best for everyone. Get ready for laughs and moments of plunging into pandemonium in this Netflix holiday special.

  • NH Studioz to release ‘Ittu Si Baat’ on Amazon Prime

    NH Studioz to release ‘Ittu Si Baat’ on Amazon Prime

    Mumbai: This Christmas, NH Studioz is set to spread cinematic magic on your holiday season with the worldwide release of the Bollywood rom-com, ‘Ittu Si Baat’, on Amazon Prime. Available from 24 December in an extraordinary 35 languages, this delightful film promises to warm hearts across the globe, making it a perfect addition to your festive celebrations.

    Creatively helmed by Lakshman Utekar and produced in collaboration with Kathputali Creations, ‘Ittu Si Baat‘ is more than just a movie – it is a celebration of love, dreams, and the simple joys of life. Set against the charming backdrop of Chunar, near Varanasi, the film invites viewers into a world where first love blossoms and dreams take flight.

    NH Studioz director Shreyans Hirawat said “ As families gather around the world to celebrate Christmas, we are excited to offer ‘Ittu Si Baat’ as a gift that transcends borders and languages. It is something that the entire family can watch together. This film, with its universal theme of love and aspiration, resonates with the spirit of the season and is sure to bring smiles and warmth to our viewers.”

    Starring Bhupendra Jadawat and Gayatri Bhardwaj along with a stellar supporting cast, the film has already earned acclaim for its engaging storytelling and memorable performances. It is a story that speaks to everyone, reminding us of the power of love and the importance of chasing our dreams.

    NH Studioz to present this charming tale on a global stage, making it accessible to a vast audience in a myriad of languages. The film is a testament to the studio’s commitment to sharing the beauty of Indian cinema with the world.

    “With ‘Ittu Si Baat’, we invite viewers to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy a story that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining. This is our Christmas present to you – a story to cherish, in a language you love.” added Shreyans.

  • OTT in 2023: A year of moderate success as streaming platforms hit the sweet spot

    OTT in 2023: A year of moderate success as streaming platforms hit the sweet spot

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms have become the go-to destination for consumers seeking on-demand content. From Disney+Hotstar to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony LIV, and JioCinema, it’s evident that streaming services have found the elusive sweet spot, achieving a year of moderate success. This success can be attributed to several factors, including content innovation and evolving user experiences.

    According to a report by Ormax Media, they have released select findings of the report, which reveal that the Indian OTT audience universe is currently at 481.1 million (or 48.11 Crore) people. This translated into a penetration of 34 per cent. The report defines an OTT audience who watched at least one online video (free or paid) in the last one month. The report breaks down this universe by gender, age, NCCS, pop strata, states, and cities.

    The report also revealed that there are currently 101.8 million active paid (B2C) OTT subscriptions in India, across 36.4 Million SvOD (B2C) audiences, i.e., an average of 2.8 subscriptions per paying audience member. B2C subscriptions in the report refer to subscribers who have taken a membership directly with the OTT platform, in contrast with B2B subscriptions, which are via telecom packs offered by various operators. Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru are the top three cities on paid subscriptions, with more than six million active paid subscriptions each.

    Regulations

    Another highlighting moment of this year was the introduction of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation Bill) 2023. According to the experts, the government’s move to regulate OTT video streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, SonyLiv, etc., under the bill, could affect content innovation and autonomy, derailing the growth path, experts said. Content on OTTs works on a “pull model”, wherein consumers choose the content. As such, any stringent programme and advertising codes might lead to content censorship and affect the audience experience.

    Once the Bill becomes an Act, it would bring streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hotstar completely within the ambit of the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) without having to rely on the Information Technology Rules, 2021, government officials said.

    The policy experts however said that first, the Bill should clearly mention if this would supersede the IT Act and second, the government can only amend certain codes of ethics in the IT Act instead of bringing them under a new legislation.

    Sports

    Disney+ Hotstar emerged as a powerhouse in 2023, with its decision to offer cricket tournaments — the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup — free to its mobile users in India. With this, they have set new benchmarks for viewership, redefining the cricketing landscape. The highly anticipated final clash between team India and Australia has not only etched itself into the chronicles of sporting history but has also become the most-watched event ever on both linear TV and digital streaming. It recorded a peak concurrency of 13 Crore viewers on TV and 5.9 crore peak concurrency on Disney+ Hotstar (Digital).

    With the success of both the cricket tournaments, Disney+ Hotstar has also announced this year’s season of Pro Kabaddi League will be available to stream for all the mobile users in India starting 2 December 2023.

    Movies and series of 2023

    Hindi movies like Pathaan, Jawan, Animal, Vaccine War, Gadar 2 Tiger 3, OMG 2, Adipurush etc garned well at the box office and OTT platforms as well.

    There has been a plethora of series from The Railway Men, Kohrra, Trial By Fire, Chamak Scam 2003: The Telgi Story to Taaza Khabar, Farzi, Dahaad, The Night Manager, Citadel etc.

    According to a press statement from Jio Cinema stated that the platform registered 245 crore video views and 540 crore votes across the two months that Bigg Boss OTT 2 streamed on the platform. It also claimed to be the highest viewership for a live streamed event in India, after IPL.

    Reality OTT shows like Shark Tank India Season 2, MasterChef India Season 7, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 15, also fared well at Sony LIV.

  • How has the Indian viewer of long-content evolved?

    How has the Indian viewer of long-content evolved?

    Mumbai: A decade ago, Indian television was dominated by soap operas and family dramas. The limited choice and often repetitive content left viewers wanting more. This frustration paved the way for the streaming revolution. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, and others entered the Indian market, offering a plethora of options across genres and languages.

    The Indian viewers, once bound by rigid TV schedules, suddenly had the freedom to watch what they wanted, when they wanted. This marked the beginning of a seismic shift in the consumption of long-form content. The audience was no longer tethered to the living room; they could watch their favourite shows and movies on their smartphones, tablets, or laptops. One of the most significant changes in the Indian viewer’s preferences has been the diversification of content. While family dramas and sitcoms still hold a special place in our hearts, viewers have grown more inclined towards exploring diverse genres. Crime thrillers, historical dramas, sci-fi series, and international content have found a dedicated fan base. Here are some more evolutions of the long form content consumer

    Nuanced storytelling

    The long form content viewer today has broken away from traditional, run of the mill concepts which were mass favourites. Traditional entertainment often followed familiar and predictable formulas. For example, many television shows and movies relied on standard plotlines, character archetypes, and storytelling techniques that had proven successful. Today more and more viewers are shifting are demanding nuanced and complex storylines to keep them hooked. This means they want narratives that challenge them intellectually, emotionally, and morally. They want characters with depth and development, intricate plot twists, and thought-provoking themes. This demand has led to the creation of content that explores a wide range of topics and genres.

    Binge watching

    Binge-watching has transformed the way audiences consume content. In the past, viewers were limited by TV schedules and movie timings, but now, with long-form content readily accessible, binge-watching has become a common phenomenon. It involves viewers becoming deeply engrossed in a show, series, or movie, often watching multiple seasons or episodes in one sitting due to content availability. Many proudly admit to being binge-watchers. This surge in binge-watching has created a higher demand for content, as consumption accelerates, prompting content creators to produce more to meet viewers’ insatiable appetite for continuous, immersive storytelling

    Watching content from different regions

    Most long form content had restricted distribution due to language issues. However, today, global accessibility, including subtitles and dubbing, has cultivated enthusiastic fans worldwide. The popularity of Turkish serials and K-dramas in India stands testament to this fact. The pandemic accelerated language-agnostic viewing as viewers sought compelling content through digital streaming, uncovering gems from various regions. Now, the focus is on the content’s concept and storyline, transcending language and cultural origins. This shift has expanded markets for long-form content creators.

    Passive to active consumers

    Today’s social media natives aren’t passive consumers of long-form content; they’re active and engaged fans. They form fan clubs, create pages for celebrities and characters, drive trending hashtags, and participate in content discussions on platforms like Reddit. This involvement sparks spin-offs, alternate storylines, and direct feedback loops with writers, influencing the creative process

    Over the years, the Indian viewer’s journey has undergone a remarkable transformation, as they have played a pivotal role in shaping and driving numerous changes within the long form content market.

    The author of this article is Creative Viibe founder Santosh Kher.

  • Kelly Day shares her views on Prime Video’s customer-first strategy globally

    Kelly Day shares her views on Prime Video’s customer-first strategy globally

    Mumbai: In a fireside conversation at APOS Bali (Indonesia) 2023, created and curated by Media Partners Asia (MPA), Prime Video VP international prime video Kelly Day shared her views on Prime Video’s customer-first strategy globally. “As a customer-first organization, delivering great content selection, convenience of accessing the expansive content offerings and customer value, act as the major differentiators for Prime Video globally. Our mission is to become the one-stop entertainment destination, a place where customers can find all of their video entertainment under one roof, be it content produced by us or by other studios, content from our partners such as Paramount+, HBO Max, Starz, BritBox, accessible through Prime Video Channels, or titles to rent or buy via our TVOD Store; or fast channels, linear channels, AVOD channels that we have in many locales. So, we’re really trying to deliver the maximum selection possible.”

    Underscoring the investments Prime Video has made on behalf of customers worldwide, Kelly went on to share that since early 2022, Prime Video has been delivering even more variety and value through Original content, having launched 280 local Original titles across 25 countries. The service is further complementing this by bringing an incredible selection of content to the service through TVOD and Channels, with over 500 channels partners around the world, delivering incredible value to customers.

    On the importance of building local content offerings, Day shared, “We do not want our customers to see Prime Video as one homogenized, global service. For each of our geos, we want customers to consider it as a local experience, but with all the benefits of getting a credible technology platform, with great global Originals and other acquired content. Japan and India are two great examples where we have deeply invested in building an extensive array of local, authentic content that resonates with the customers.”

    Talking about the role of international content as a growth engine, Day elaborated, “Original content is a key pillar of growth. Over the last few years, we have invested in a lot in our big/key tentpoles, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Wheel of Time, Reacher, Citadel, and Jack Ryan, and these titles really resonate with our Prime customers globally and we see these working in almost every country around the world. That’s really what brings people into Prime Video, and once we have them engage with the service, then there is so much more that they can explore, whether it is licensed content such as Yellowstone or The Last of Us or Barbie or Super Mario Bros. Movie. And that is what we are really focused on trying to provide at Prime Video – a very personalized and engaging experience so that whenever customers come to the service, they are always going to find something that works for them, that they want to watch.”

    “We see the APAC region offering an incredible subscriber growth opportunity with the high-quality content engine we are developing across Asia. Be it Japanese Originals, Indian movies and series, Korean dramas, and much more, all this is resonating with customers not only in the local markets but across the world. Not just Asia, international content from Spain and Argentina is increasingly becoming popular with customers, including English-speaking markets such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, to name a few. Customers from these locales are truly embracing the authentic, engaging, quality storytelling coming from all over the world.”

    Identifying Japan and India as the key growth drivers in the region and the potential in the Asia Pacific region, Kelly said, “We are relatively new in Southeast Asia and are in different phases of maturity in different countries. Japan is one of our most mature locales, India has been a huge growth driver over the last couple of years, in other markets we are just getting started, but we are incredibly excited by the opportunity here.”

    Day signed off by saying, “We really want to be a singular entertainment destination where customers can find amazing content at an incredible value, great price, in the convenience of really having one place to go. We want to deliver a very personalized experience with an easy to use, single billing application that just makes it easy for customers to navigate everything that’s out there and find something worth watching.”

  • Gritty stories depicting the realities of the entertainment industry

    Gritty stories depicting the realities of the entertainment industry

    Mumbai: Many films and shows have depicted the reality of showbiz. Some have romanticised the allure of cinema and the glamour world while others have depicted the heartbreak and disillusion that the industry inflicts upon strugglers. Here are a few such narratives that don’t gloss over the gritty realities strugglers have to face in the city of dreams.

    Heroine: Kareena Kapoor stars in a role that brings back memories of many top actors who shimmered brightly for a while but could not sustain success or find lasting personal happiness. Directed, written, and co-produced by Madhur Bhandarkar, the film also dwells upon gender politics, the role of yellow journalism, publicity gimmicks, and ageism in the industry. It also depicts how veteran actors are mistreated on sets and the way the market value of stars changes on the basis of their last release. It also stars Arjun Rampal, Randeep Hooda, Shahana Goswami, Raqesh Bapat, Divya Dutta, Helen,  Mugdha Godse, and Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. Watch it on Apple TV.

    Bombay Babes (Season 1 and 2): This iTap winner directed by Ashish Bhatia, revolves around a few young women who hope to make it big in Mumbai but then their dream auditions turn into nightmares. And their plans to carve a niche in the frenzied metro are derailed by predatorial men. How these women then join forces to avenge themselves and protect each other makes for a riveting watch. This Hindi web series stars Ruby Bharaj, Navneet Kaur, Surabhi Tiwari, Kanika Gupta and Shipra Dwivedi as the lead characters of Angel, Jenny, Dolly,  Farzeen, and Sandi respectively.  The show is an engrossing story of empowerment and self-discovery and is available on iTap.

    Fashion: Meghna, a small-town girl loses herself in the race to become the face of a top fashion brand on the city’s tallest hoarding. She becomes the most sought-after model,  trades love for success and soon loses her footing when she realises that fame is ephemeral and everyone is dispensable in the world of glamour. How she finds her own authentic self after losing everything is both a cautionary tale and a story of hope. This  Madhur Bhandarkar directorial starred Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and Mugdha Godse in lead roles, with Arjan Bajwa, Samir Soni and Arbaaz Khan.  You can stream it on Netflix.

    Jubilee: This period drama created and directed by Vikramaditya Motwane reimagines the birth of the star system in pre and post-independence India through the events in Roy Talkies, a place where ambitious fame seekers flock to realise their dreams of stardom.  The show stars Prosenjit Chatterjee, Aparshakti Khurana, Sidhant Gupta, Aditi Rao Hydari, Wamiqa Gabbi and Ram Kapoor and begins with the search for a new actor who will be named  ‘Madan Kumar’.  In the race to be anointed as the new discovery of Roy Talkies, Binod, a projector boy does the unthinkable and becomes an unlikely star. Watch it on Amazon Prime.  

    Luck by Chance: ‘Luck by Chance’,  Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut stars Farhan Akhtar as Vikram Jaisingh, a ruthlessly ambitious actor who lives with her disapproving aunt in Mumbai and hopes to make it big one day. A chance meeting with Neena (Dimple Kapadia), a once-famous actress leads to an audition for a solo lead in a big production and he manipulates a rival to bag the role. He then betrays his girlfriend and aspiring actor Sona (Konkona Sen Sharma) and begins a relationship with his co-star. However,  when success arrives, he realises that it alone cannot bring happiness. Glittering with guest stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Akshaye Khanna, the film also starred Rishi Kapoor, Isha Sharvani, and Juhi Chawla. You can watch it on Netflix.

  • YouTube dethrones Google, tops YouGov’s Best Brand Rankings 2022 in India

    YouTube dethrones Google, tops YouGov’s Best Brand Rankings 2022 in India

    Mumbai: Global tech giant YouTube has dethroned Google to top YouGov’s 2022 Best Brand Rankings in India, recording an increase of +2.5 to its year-on-year brand health score.

    YouGov’s latest rankings reveal the top ten brands in terms of overall brand health, according to urban Indians. The rankings are based on the index score from YouGov BrandIndex, which is a measure of overall brand health that indicates how well a brand is delivering on its brand promise on key attributes and is calculated by taking the average of the impression, quality, value, satisfaction, recommend and reputation scores collected in BrandIndex.

    Google moves down one spot to second (with a score of 54.9), and WhatsApp moves up to third (53.9) with a considerable increase in its year-on-year score.

    E-commerce giant Amazon moved down one spot to fourth, but its video-on-demand platform, Amazon Prime, moved off the list this year. Flipkart enhanced its brand perception over the past year but moved down three places in the 2022 rankings, to ninth (40.8).

    This year, many new brands make up the top ten list. Amul is fifth on the list with a score of 49.5. Tanishq follows in the sixth (42.2), Cadbury Dairy Milk in the seventh (41.3), and Dettol Disinfectant in the eighth (40.9). Zomato rounds up the top ten in tenth (40.0).

    The rankings also show the brands that have improved the most over the past 12 months. Air India is the most improved brand of the year, with a change in score of +7.1.

    Telegram is the second-best mover with a change in score of +5.2, along with other social media platforms such as Instagram (change in score +3.9) and WhatsApp (+3.5).

    Smartphone brands like Realme (+4.0) and global electronics company Apple (+3.4) appear in the list of improvers.

    Myntra (+3.3), Booking.com (3.0), Tata Motors (+2.8), and Flipkart (+2.7) are other brands to appear in India’s 2022 top ten improvers list.