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Tag: Arunabh Kumar

  • Prime Video Wins the Inaugural Best Web Series (OTT) Award for Panchayat Season 2 at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

    Prime Video Wins the Inaugural Best Web Series (OTT) Award for Panchayat Season 2 at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

    Mumbai Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today created history by winning the maiden Best Web Series (OTT) Award for Panchayat Season 2 at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. The award has been instituted to acknowledge and encourage India’s thriving streaming sector. A total of 32 entries across 10 languages from 15 OTT platforms were selected for the introductory Best Web Series award. The entries for the coveted award were judged by a five-member jury headed by filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Other members of the jury included filmmakers Utpal Borpujari and Krishna DK, and actors Divya Dutta and Prosenjit Chatterjee.  

    Directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra and produced by TVF’s Arunabh Kumar, Panchayat Season 2 features a highly talented ensemble cast including Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, , Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, and Sanvikaa. The comedy-drama captures the journey of an urban engineering graduate Abhishek Tripathi, portrayed by Jitendra Kumar, who for the lack of a better job option, reluctantly, joins as the Secretary of a Panchayat Office in Phulera, a remote fictional village in Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. Following a stupendous first season, the second season delves deeper into life at Phulera, as it brings new challenges for Abhishek, who has to cope with the everyday workings of the decrepit Panchayat office, deal with the local village politics and the villagers, while also trying to prepare for his CAT exams for a future in the corporate world. Peppered with slice of life moments and ample doses of humour, the series reflects the daily tribulations of village life, tracing Abhishek’s growing camaraderie with Pradhan, Vikas, Prahlad and Manju Devi, as newer issues crop up in the village while he diligently tries to balance it all.

    “At Prime Video, our aim is to bring to life distinctive, relatable and ultimately deeply entertaining stories that reflect the rich and diverse cultures of our amazing country. These are stories from deep within India that at the same time represent universal themes and emotions, ultimately delighting audiences across the globe.” said Prime Video India country director Sushant Sreeram. “Panchayat is one such heart-warming story set within the richness of India’s culture and traditions. The series’ win today at the first ever Best Web Series (OTT) Award at the highly acclaimed 54th IFFI, Goa, is a testament to our dedication to curate truly immersive content for customers. IFFI and Prime Video share a common vision to promote the highly prolific Indian creative economy by providing them a platform to showcase their creative brilliance and cinematic excellence to the world. Thank you, to the jury and organizers at IFFI, we are truly honored to have received this recognition.”

    “Panchayat started off as a really simple idea, a coming of age story about a young engineering graduate man who sets off to a village and joins as a Panchayat secretary. What follows is a heartwarming story about his experiences living in this simple village, dealing with people and their everyday lives. This is a show that has received immense love from audiences and critics in India and around the world and has become a part of the cultural zeitgeist. The rootedness of the story and characters have made Panchayat into a global success, as a testament to our belief at Prime Video that authentic and honest stories can transcend borders,” said Prime Video India director – content licensing Manish Menghani India. “We are thankful to IFFI and the jury for recognizing the passion behind this remarkable and unique show, the audience for showering us with constant love and anticipation, and of course, the director, writers, the wonderful, amazing partners we have at TVF, the brilliant cast, and crew, without whom the show wouldn’t have become what it is today.”

    Mishra said, “A heartfelt thank you to the esteemed IFFI jury for recognizing Panchayat Season 2 with the Best Web Series (OTT) Award. It’s a genuine honor for our entire team. I am supremely grateful to Arunabh Kumar, the co-creator on this show who had the vision of bringing rural India to the screen.” He continued, “Panchayat wasn’t just a project; it was a narrative meant to reflect the intricate tapestry of India’s quintessential village life – rich in surprising complexities yet brimming with heart. Our aim was to craft a story set in rustic India, with a compelling slice-of-life narrative and a dash of humor. The exceptional talents of versatile actors like Neena Gupta, Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, and the entire Panchayat cast made it possible to transform this simple tale of everyday occurrences in an Indian village into an award-winning series. It’s heartening to see audiences in India and across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video appreciating the storytelling. Thank you for the global love!” 

  • Priyadarshini Indalkar and Priya Banerjee join the cast of Sony LIV’s Shantit Kranti 2

    Priyadarshini Indalkar and Priya Banerjee join the cast of Sony LIV’s Shantit Kranti 2

    Mumbai: After the success of Shantit Kranti, Sony LIV is now gearing up for the release of the highly anticipated second season of its hit Marathi original. The critically acclaimed show is set to take viewers on another enthralling journey filled with laughter, relatability, and introspection. Adding a fresh twist to the narrative, the makers have unveiled two new additions to the cast – Priyadarshini Indalkar and Priya Banerjee.

    This season will see Priyadarshini Indalkar, known for her remarkable stint on Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra, step into the shoes of Samruddhi, who navigates through the complexities of an arranged marriage with Shreyas. On the other hand, the versatile actress Priya Banerjee will be seen essaying the role of Kani, an NRI from San Francisco.

    Expressing her excitement about Shantit Kranti 2, Priyadarshini Indalkar shared, “I instantly resonated with Samruddhi’s character when it was first pitched to me. She’s a straightforward woman who believes in the power of genuine connections. Her journey in the show is a testament to the power of love’s potential. I can’t wait for the audience to witness my character and her relationship with Shreyas in the series.”

    Talking about her role in the series, Priya Banerjee added, “Kani’s character is such a beautiful blend of spontaneity and self-reflection. I think a lot of our generation can relate to her earnest search for happiness. Kani’s journey reminded me that life’s most special moments can be found in the simplest, most unexpected places. Shantit Kranti 2 is a rollercoaster of emotions and I’m so grateful to be a part of this incredible project.”

    Created by TVF in association with BhaDiPa and produced by Arunabh Kumar, the show is directed by Sarang Sathaye and Paula McGlynn. The series stars Abhay Mahajan, Alok Rajwade, Lalit Prabhakar, Mrinmayee Godbole, Priya Banerjee, Priyadarshini Indalkar among others.

    Shantit Kranti 2 streaming on 13 October only on Sony LIV!

  • Beloved trio Prasanna, Dinar, and Shreyas return with Shantit Kranti season 2

    Beloved trio Prasanna, Dinar, and Shreyas return with Shantit Kranti season 2

    Mumbai: After the massive success of season one, Sony LIV is all set to bring the second season of its critically acclaimed Marathi original – Shantit Kranti. Season 2 promises a double dose of laughter and awakens the spirit of self-discovery. Uniting after 18 months, Shreyas (Abhay Mahajan) surprises the boys with news that he’s getting married, and three boys decide to leave for Shreyas’s international bachelor trip. Things spiral out of control when they realise Shreyas is not even engaged, Prasanna (Lalit Prabhakar) has brought his baby along, and Dinar (Alok Rajwade) has booked them on a six-day pilgrimage to Nepal in a bus with 10 random strangers instead of bachelor’s trip.

    Lalit Prabhakar said, “Shantit Kranti season 1 received immense love from the audience. We are excited to return with an all-new season where we embark on a new journey that is filled with revelations, laughter, twists, turns, and more! This season truly redefines the bonds as well as introduces new characters that help each one of us grow. We hope this season will entertain and resonate with the audience.”

    Created by TVF in association with BhaDiPa and produced by Arunabh Kumar, the show is directed by Sarang Sathaye and Paula McGlynn. The series stars Abhay Mahajan, Alok Rajwade, Lalit Prabhakar, Mrinmayee Godbole, Priya Banerjee, Priyadarshini Indalkar among others.

    Shantit Kranti 2 streaming from 13 October only on Sony LIV.

  • ZEE5 announces season third of ‘Tripling’

    ZEE5 announces season third of ‘Tripling’

    Mumbai: ZEE5 has announced the third instalment of Tripling, featuring Sumeet Vyas, Maanvi Gagroo, Amol Parashar, Kumud Mishra, Shernaz Patel and Kunaal Roy Kapur in significant roles.

    Produced by Arunabh Kumar, the series is directed by Neeraj Udhwani; the story is by Arunabh Kumar and Sumeet Vyas; the screenplay is by Sumeet Vyas; and the dialogues are by Sumeet Vyas and Abbas Dalal.

    The family friendliness and banter that made the earlier seasons of the programme so relevant and entertaining contributed to its initial success, and this season won’t be any different.

    The third season of Tripling will span five episodes and capture the essence of the three siblings and their relationship as they set out on a new adventure this season with the help of their parents and separate partners.  

    Speaking on the announcement, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “Tripling is a popular series that has garnered a loyal following amongst the masses. We are excited to bring the third season on ZEE5 and are thankful to our partner, TVF, for enabling us to bring the fan-favourite to millions of homes this festive season, giving them a chance to enjoy their much-loved show with their family and friends. Staying true to our commitment to consumer-first, we will continue to invest in curating a diverse, relatable, and engaging portfolio on ZEE5.”

    ZEE5 chief content officer of Hindi originals Nimisha Pandey added, “After the heart-warming response to Saas Bahu Achaar Pvt Ltd, we are very excited to partner again with Arunabh Kumar and the TVF team. Director Neeraj Udhwani has brought to life in the new season of Tripling, the trials and tribulations of the three adorable and quirky siblings with a fun twist. This season delves into a unique but relatable facet of evolving relationships in today’s context and is peppered with the quintessential TVF humour. I hope audiences will enjoy bingeing on this perfect family entertainer during the festivities.”

    “While creating season three of Tripling, Sumeet and I wanted to get back to the original ethos of the show, which has always been about “Crisis mein family hi kaam aati hai,” but where the siblings face a major twist within the family itself. The season also includes a timely trek, replacing the trip with the usual dose of humour and relatable emotions,” said TVF founder Arunabh Kumar.

    “The uniqueness of season three lies in its focus on the family. We all know and love Chandan, Chitvan, and Chanchal, but where do their quirks and eccentricities come from? Their parents, obviously, who are as crazy as them and make their own unusual choices, which the three siblings have to deal with. The fans are in for a treat as this season has got a bit of everything—the usual humour and lots of drama,” commented Neeraj Udhwani.

  • Telugu OTT platform Aha to recreate TVF’s Permanent Roommates

    Telugu OTT platform Aha to recreate TVF’s Permanent Roommates

    KOLKATA: Aha, a Telugu OTT streaming platform brings a pleasant festive surprise for its viewers. In a first of its kind association, the Telugu streaming platform has joined hands with The Viral Fever, popularly known as TVF to recreate the magic of its widely appreciated series, Permanent Roommates. As a part of this association, Aha will remake the show as CommitMental for its Telugu speaking audience. All set to premiere on 13 November, the series is directed by Pavan Sadineni, an acclaimed film director in the Telugu Movie industry and will feature Punarnavi Bhupalam and Udbhav Raghunandan in the lead roles.

    In a pool of numerous love stories, which might feel unrealistic at times, Permanent Roommates stands out with its engaging slice-of-life narration. The remake of India’s first web series, tailor-made for the digital audience, Permanent Roommates had become a trendsetter in no time. aha through its remake, named CommitMental aims to replicate the same success in the regional segment. With CommitMental, Aha seeks to expand its content bouquet by introducing a youth-centric show to build resonance and relatability amongst its audiences.

    Read more OTT news

    Aha is amongst the fastest emerging homegrown OTT platforms in the regional entertainment category. Keeping the audience at its core, the OTT platform hosts a wide-array of content ranging from web series- fictional and non-fictional, exclusive movie premiers, animated content for kids and many more. This association also marks TVF's entry into the regional entertainment space after catering to the Hindi speaking audience across the country.

    Aha promoter Allu Aravind said, “We have always believed that great content must reach audiences, irrespective of any geographical or language barriers. We are glad to associate with a platform such as TVF for their popular show Permanent Roommates. Youth being our primary audience, this is a strategic alliance with an aim to connect with the viewers by bringing the kind of show which is entertaining and extremely relatable.”

    TVF founder Arunabh Kumar said, “Permanent Roommates was India’s first web-show and it gives immense joy as it now also becomes the first Indian web series to be recreated in another language. We would like to extend our gratitude to aha for deciding to recreate the show and bringing it to the Telugu-speaking audience. We are proud to partner with Aravind Sir and have new avenues for TVF to tell great stories beyond Hindi speaking markets and explore a new region.”

    Launched in February 2020, aha is capturing the Telugu masses swiftly with its diverse content and has become one of the top-grossing apps in the market in just few months of its launch.  A complete family entertainer, aha is gradually becoming the first choice for the Telugu speaking audience across the world.

  • Tiger Global invest $6 million in TVF

    Tiger Global invest $6 million in TVF

    MUMBAI: The Viral Fever (TVF), an over-the-top (OTT) platform, has raised an additional $6 million (around Rs 41 crore at current exchange rates) from existing investor Tiger Global, according to VCCircle.

    Tiger Global is one of the most active venture capital investors, with around 50 firms in its portfolio. It has backed unicorns including e-commerce major Flipkart, classifieds platform Quikr and ride-sharing firms Ola and Uber.

    TVF started out as a YouTube channel that produced premium content targeted at a young demographic. Besides YouTube, its website and Android and iOS apps also serve as digital OTT content distribution platforms.

    TVF which is operated by Contagious Online Media Network, raised the fresh capital at an estimated post-money valuation of around $40 million (around Rs 270 crore). TVF has also raised more than $20 million in external funding, which includes a $4.97 million investment from Tiger Global in July.

    The platform was founded in 2010 by Arunabh Kumar and incorporated in August 2015. It is backed by well-known individual investors that include Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Ola co-founders Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati, Freecharge founder Kunal Shah and Toppr founder Zishaan Hayath, among others.

    TVF generates its revenues through marketing and advertising streams associated with its content viewership. It is yet to charge audiences for its content.

    The company had a tumultuous 2017 after founder and CEO Kumar stepped down as chief executive officer following accusations of sexual harassment by a former employee.

    He was replaced by TVF’s chief operating officer Dhawal Gusain.

  • TVF elevates Gusain as CEO as Kumar steps down

    MUMBAI: TVF, a VoD platform which had last year received Rs 660 million investment from Tiger Global Management Llc, has elevated Dhawal Gusain as the CEO. Gusain has taken over the new role from Arunabh Kumar who has decided to step down.

    Gusain has been with TVF since 2015 as the COO of the firm. With over a decade of industry experience, Gusain has been in leadership and management roles across various sectors and geographies.

    In the past, he has worked with Hindustan Unilever Limited, PwC’s strategy & (formerly Booz & Company) and DropThought (VC-backed Silicon Valley start-up) at various locations in India and the United States.

    Gusain has an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B-Tech from IIT Kharagpur.

  • Satisfying writer, client and customer is biggest challenge: Arunabh Kumar

    Satisfying writer, client and customer is biggest challenge: Arunabh Kumar

    MUMBAI: The room was jam packed. Industry specialists came in droves to support Indiantelevision.com’s flagship event, Vidnet 2016: Content on the Go, India’s first focused OTT conference.

    The speaker line-up made a beefy face. Some of the biggest names shared knowledge and expertise on the podium.

    And the one who rose to a thundering applause, thanks to his cult following and inimitable personality, was Arunabh Kumar, CEO & Founder at The Viral Fever.

    In a one-to-one with indiantelevision.com CEO, Founder and Editor-in-Chief Anil Wanvari, Arunabh shared some valuable insights on the ever evolving content ecosystem. The session began with the airing of the promo of TVF’s upcoming venture, Tripling.

    “This is the first time ever that a promo of a web-series has gone viral. With Tripling, we are touching new levels of execution,” Arunabh said with a chuckle.

    Anil, snappy as ever, shot a flurry of questions to Jogi from Pitchers (character played by Arunabh). Answering why TVF is yet to partner with an established OTT platform, the beardy Arunabh said: “We are open to do so, but sadly none can afford us.”
    Confident and brave…indeed!!

    Arunabh revealed TVF’s upcoming ambitious venture, a full-fledged movie. Yes, a movie which will be a game-changer.

    “The team is currently working on it and we assure that it will be three times better than 3 Idiots. It’s going to be a full-length feature film. Once it is complete, we will plan its distribution. All big players in the movie industry have entered web space, so we decided to do the opposite.”

    The conversation proceeded with Anil and Arunabh discussing possibilities of a collaborative approach, to merge energies of different creators.

    “We would love to work with others. Our aim is simple. Whoever is working with us should be creatively satisfied and feel that they have done their best work with us,” added Arunabh.

    TVF has been one of the driving forces in the space of branded content. Arunabh shared his mantra on the same.

    “There is more competition now, which is good. It means better content will be produced. Satisfying the triangle of the writer, the client and the customer is the biggest challenge. Though the headcount of content creators have increased, there are enough brands out there to support all of us.”

    He summed up with a masterpiece: “The USP is teamwork. You need to have a good team which will believe in your project. Rest, anything can be achieved.”
    Touché!!!

  • Satisfying writer, client and customer is biggest challenge: Arunabh Kumar

    Satisfying writer, client and customer is biggest challenge: Arunabh Kumar

    MUMBAI: The room was jam packed. Industry specialists came in droves to support Indiantelevision.com’s flagship event, Vidnet 2016: Content on the Go, India’s first focused OTT conference.

    The speaker line-up made a beefy face. Some of the biggest names shared knowledge and expertise on the podium.

    And the one who rose to a thundering applause, thanks to his cult following and inimitable personality, was Arunabh Kumar, CEO & Founder at The Viral Fever.

    In a one-to-one with indiantelevision.com CEO, Founder and Editor-in-Chief Anil Wanvari, Arunabh shared some valuable insights on the ever evolving content ecosystem. The session began with the airing of the promo of TVF’s upcoming venture, Tripling.

    “This is the first time ever that a promo of a web-series has gone viral. With Tripling, we are touching new levels of execution,” Arunabh said with a chuckle.

    Anil, snappy as ever, shot a flurry of questions to Jogi from Pitchers (character played by Arunabh). Answering why TVF is yet to partner with an established OTT platform, the beardy Arunabh said: “We are open to do so, but sadly none can afford us.”
    Confident and brave…indeed!!

    Arunabh revealed TVF’s upcoming ambitious venture, a full-fledged movie. Yes, a movie which will be a game-changer.

    “The team is currently working on it and we assure that it will be three times better than 3 Idiots. It’s going to be a full-length feature film. Once it is complete, we will plan its distribution. All big players in the movie industry have entered web space, so we decided to do the opposite.”

    The conversation proceeded with Anil and Arunabh discussing possibilities of a collaborative approach, to merge energies of different creators.

    “We would love to work with others. Our aim is simple. Whoever is working with us should be creatively satisfied and feel that they have done their best work with us,” added Arunabh.

    TVF has been one of the driving forces in the space of branded content. Arunabh shared his mantra on the same.

    “There is more competition now, which is good. It means better content will be produced. Satisfying the triangle of the writer, the client and the customer is the biggest challenge. Though the headcount of content creators have increased, there are enough brands out there to support all of us.”

    He summed up with a masterpiece: “The USP is teamwork. You need to have a good team which will believe in your project. Rest, anything can be achieved.”
    Touché!!!

  • TVF to launch Barely Speaking with Arnub

    TVF to launch Barely Speaking with Arnub

    MUMBAI: After creating quite a buzz during its last season two years ago and reviving the talk show culture in India, TVF is all set to launch Season 2 of the most watched online talk show in India – TVF’s innovative, popular, iconic talk show – Barely Speaking with Arnub – later this month.

    Created as a parody to a TV talk show, the first season of Barely Speaking with Arnubfeatured leading actors and political icons – from Shahrukh Khan, Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra to the current New Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal.

    The popular online show was built on the same ideology and premise on which TVF was initially created, which was to deliver great and awesome content for its audiences.TVF entered the niche market of online talk shows in 2014 with Barely Speaking with Arnub. The talk show became an instant hit with audiences not just in India, but across the world, with each episode clocking over 2 million views!

    In the growing age of digital media where branded online content has taken off in a big way, the silver screen has realised the importance of the web. Barely Speaking with Arnub provides a innovative platform not just to films and filmmakers for their pre-release promotions, but, also to celebrities to showcase their human, more natural side to their fans, not just in India, but across the world!

    Arunabh Kumar, CEO and Founder of TVF says, “TV Channels have tried a lot of talks shows and the new millennium has seen several established actors trying their hand at hosting one. This led to all of the talk shows being more or less similar in India. From radio to television to print media, every domain has been tried and tested by celebrities to connect to their audiences, but no medium connects them better than digital. When we wanted to create an online talk show, we knew that no amount of marketing or promotions would help if we don’t create a talk show with a difference. And that’s when we decided to turn the talk show format on its head and conceive it as the ‘toughest host a guest will ever get!’

    In the growing age of digital media, where online content is spreading like wildfire, every popular celebrity has recognised the importance and power of the web. Stars and celebrities want to connect to young viewers and that’s where we have managed to hit the nail with the TVF Brand which everyone loves and deliver a talk show that stands out. And more so, it helps them stand up for something they believe in with a smile. TVF created ‘Barely Speaking with Arnub’ catering to the digital audiences’ taste and helping humanise some of the country’s biggest celebrities. In the scores of interviews that SRK gives for his movie promotions, what audiences remember is ‘Barely Speaking With Arnub’. It is also the most watched online talk show in India. TVF also created history in India by getting a politician on the show and talk to us as one of us. With the 2nd Season of Barely Speaking, we want to help get more celebrities from across the field connect to new age Indians and share what they believe in. And of course the host – Arnub with a U — ensures to keep the viewers and guests smiling!.”

    Biswapati Sarkar, Executive Creative Director, TVF added, “The funny thing about the show is not that we are making fun of celebrities or that we are parodying the existing Indian journalism culture. It is the fact there is a show at all and real life celebrities are appearing in it. This season, we have expanded the Arnub universe featuring new storylines and characters in his life apart from the interviews. I’m having a great time right now working with the writers on the episodes and really excited to play Arnub once again.”

    Catch the Season 2 trailer of Barely Speaking with Arnub here – http://tvfplay.com/257c9a