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Tag: Avinash Mudaliar

  • BSNL dials up drama with OTTplay packs and 300 plus live TV channels

    BSNL dials up drama with OTTplay packs and 300 plus live TV channels

    MUMBAI: BSNL is turning up the volume on entertainment. After January’s free BiTV rollout drew in massive traffic and fuelled a surge in demand for premium content, the state-run telco has now unveiled its Premium Content Packs, bringing OTTplay-powered streaming and 300 plus live TV channels straight to mobile users. The new packs, accessible via the BSNL Self Care App, Gpay, Phonepe and more, promise an all-in-one destination for films, shows, sports, news and regional gems. Robert J Ravi, chairman and managing director, BSNL, called it an “unmatched entertainment destination,” adding that the offering blends connectivity with curated OTT content.

    For BSNL director Sandeep Govil the move is as much about convenience as it is about content: “From flexible payment options to seamless access, we’ve made sure even the remotest corner of India can enjoy world-class content without barriers.”

    OTTplay’s co-founder and CEO Avinash Mudaliar, highlighted the scale of the collaboration, noting that with BSNL’s reach across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, millions of new viewers will gain access to premium streaming. “Together, we are not only offering great content but also bridging the digital divide,” he said.

    With 300 plus live channels, dozens of leading OTT platforms, and AI-powered content discovery, BSNL’s packs are designed to compete with the biggest players in streaming. If BiTV was the starter, this new chapter is the full-course binge.

  • Young Indian western classical vocalist strikes gold in Tokyo classical competition

    Young Indian western classical vocalist strikes gold in Tokyo classical competition

    MUMBAI: The daughter of a streaming aggregator boss has just delivered a performance to remember. Vanshi Mudaliar, the 12-year-old daughter of Avinash Mudaliar, co-founder and chief executive of OTTPlay, claimed the gold prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards in Tokyo on 20 August, performing live at the world-renowned Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

    The victory follows her silver medal at Vienna’s International Arts Festival in 2024, making her one of the youngest Indian musicians to secure consecutive top honours across Europe and Asia in Western classical music competitions—a field historically dominated by European, American and Russian performers.

    “Her victory at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall marks a breakthrough moment for Indian talent on the international classical music circuit,” says her father, clearly basking in paternal pride.

    The competition attracted global participants, with winners selected through online auditions before the most exceptional performers were invited to Tokyo for three days of live performances. Vanshi took the stage on the final day, 20 August.

    Her success stems from five years of intensive training under Rahel Shekatkar at Rahel Music Academy in Pune—a 150-kilometre journey from the family’s Mumbai base that has proved worthwhile. Despite the distance, this student-teacher partnership has now produced two major international victories.

    Shekatkar’s academy has established itself as a premier destination for western classical vocal training in India. Vanshi’s achievements demonstrate the quality of musical education available domestically, bridging Eastern and Western musical traditions.

    At just 12, Vanshi has carved out a unique position in India’s musical landscape through her dedication to Western classical music—a genre demanding exceptional technical precision, vocal control and interpretive skills. Her journey from Mumbai to Vienna to Tokyo illustrates the global recognition Indian artists can achieve in traditional western art forms.

    With two major international victories already secured, Vanshi represents a new generation of Indian classical musicians making their mark globally, opening doors for other young artists and highlighting the importance of nurturing musical talent early.

  • OTTplay strikes gold with Amazon Prime tie-up

    OTTplay strikes gold with Amazon Prime tie-up

    MUMBAI—OTTplay Premium joined hands with Amazon Prime to offer Prime Lite benefits to its customers, delivering unparalleled value. Amazon Prime Lite subscriptions will be available through OTTplay in two ways – through bundled offerings with OTTplay’s partner Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as NetPlus, KCCL, NXT, Railtel, and more, making it even easier for users across 1000+ cities and towns in India to seamlessly access Prime Video’s high-quality content, and also enjoy other Prime Lite benefits through varied subscription plans with OTTplay, as well as a top-up at ₹799 per year for OTTplay Premium subscribers who can enhance their existing subscription with Prime Lite benefits.

    With this collaboration, OTTplay will provide its customers unlimited access to Prime Video’s premium entertainment that includes an extensive library of award-winning and blockbuster Indian and international Originals, TV shows, movies, and more, on a single device of their choice, in HD quality with ads. Prime members also enjoy benefits like free unlimited Same-Day/Next-Day delivery, special access to everyday Prime offers, exclusive access to shopping events like Prime Day, and early access to Amazon Great Indian Festival.

    “At Prime Video, we remain committed to making it even more convenient for customers across India to access our diverse library of Indian and international Originals, movies, series, and more,” said Prime Video India director & head of SVOD Business Shilangi Mukherji. “This collaboration with OTTplay not only further simplifies access to Prime Video’s high-quality content selection but also delivers additional shopping and shipping benefits through Prime Lite—from unlimited free One-day/Two-day delivery across millions of products to early access to exclusive deals, and much more.”

    OTTplay Co-founder & CEO Avinash Mudaliar said, “This is a significant moment for us. Prime Video is a global leader in entertainment and bringing it to our platform reflects our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive and accessible video streaming experience in India. We are certain that our customers will appreciate the exciting combination of entertainment and other Prime benefits offered through this collaboration.”

  • Regional stories steal the show as audiences tune out the usual

    Regional stories steal the show as audiences tune out the usual

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, localisation! At the 9th edition of The Content Hub Summit 2025, the session on “The Rise and Rise of Regional Content” didn’t just capture attention, it underscored a seismic shift in what India watches and why. Gone are the days when Hindi content ruled unchallenged. From Marathi to Malayalam, Punjabi to Gujarati, regional languages are not only speaking up, they’re roaring loud across platforms and pushing boundaries with content that’s local in soul, but universal in appeal.

    Karan Taurani of Elara Capital, moderating the star-studded panel, noted that the 20th-ranked Hindi film today earns just ₹20 crore, a steep fall from pre-pandemic numbers where the 20th film could clock in Rs 70–Rs 80 crore. Rabindra Narayan, MD of PTC, echoed this, citing how Punjabi film Sehra raked in Rs 100 crore just from Maharashtra, denting a mainstream release like Bhabhi by an estimated Rs 20–Rs 30 crore.

    Rishi Negi of Banijay Asia pointed out that while Hindi struggles with resonance, regional films like Pushpa and KGF succeed because they tell stories rooted in emotion whether it’s a son seeking acceptance or avenging his mother. These narratives, Negi argued, transcend language and connect with audiences across demographics.

    The session also touched on the economics of production. Making content in regional languages isn’t just creatively liberating, it’s cost-effective too. With South Indian films now commanding higher acquisition budgets than Hindi titles on platforms like Netflix, the tide has clearly turned.

    Mamta Kamtikar from Junglee Pictures highlighted how Malayalam film Lones, produced on a modest budget, became a critical and cultural success due to strong storytelling and a buzz-worthy release strategy. “It’s not just about making a film,” she stressed, “it’s about making it travel emotionally and linguistically.”

    This brings us to another hot-button topic: localisation. Avinash Mudaliar of OTTplay noted that dubbing and subtitling in India have undergone a transformation. “Earlier, South Indian action films just needed punchy dialogues. Now, dubbing is almost script-rewriting. It’s no longer a mechanical job, it’s cultural translation.”

    But the challenge isn’t just about turning Tamil into Hindi. As Arpit Mankar of Shemaroo explained, a joke that lands in Delhi might bomb in Bengal. Comedy, drama, even character arcs need regional nuance something only local creators truly understand. That’s why Shemaroo has gone deep into Gujarati OTT, helping three films cross ₹10 crore in the first half of 2025 alone triple the usual annual average.

    ETV Win’s Saikrishna Koinni and others agreed: regional makers have the home-field advantage. They live the language, breathe the culture, and write stories with lived authenticity that no algorithm or distant studio exec can replicate.

    And there’s money on the table too. With over 33 OTTs now bundled into super-subscription packs and growing willingness to pay, regional content is not just filling the gap, it’s the main event.

    In short, India’s entertainment engine is no longer fuelled solely by Bollywood dreams. It’s powered by local love, dubbed brilliance, and subtitles that speak volumes. And if this panel is anything to go by, the future of Indian content is decidedly regional and refreshingly relatable.

  • HT Labs inks bold MoU with The Doers Company

    HT Labs inks bold MoU with The Doers Company

    MUMBAI: HT Labs, the innovation and product arm of HT Media, is going global. In a high-powered move blending startups, strategy, and smart cities, the company has signed a strategic MoU with The Doers Company, Europe’s leading innovation platform behind flagship events like Reflect Festival and the upcoming Doers Summit.

    The deal, signed at Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) under the patronage of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), sets the stage for a three-nation innovation corridor spanning India, Cyprus, and the UAE—with OTTplay, India’s first AI-powered OTT aggregator, at its core.

    What’s on the menu? Access to European innovation networks, cross-border pilots, founder-investor matchmaking, and a high-impact launchpad via Cyprus into Europe and Dubai for media-tech experiments in smart city infrastructure.

    The timing is razor-sharp. It follows a wave of diplomatic activity, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Cyprus and a tech-heavy Cypriot delegation’s Dubai mission—featuring chief scientist of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, who has become a key catalyst in this three-way partnership.

    Commenting on the partnership, Skourides remarked,

    “I would like to thank Mr. Avinash for his trust in our ecosystem and look forward to further profiling how Cyprus and other investors can benefit from bidirectional value creation. Such collaborations are the foundational pillars that build the future.”

    Dubai Silicon Oasis deputy director general Badr Buhannad said,

    “Dubai Silicon Oasis was envisioned as a smart, future-ready hub for innovation, talent, and entrepreneurship. Hosting the Doers Summit in partnership with The Doers Company aligns perfectly with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 to position the city among the world’s leading digital and economic centres. The Summit reinforces our mission to attract forward-looking ventures and connect European and Middle Eastern innovators—accelerating cross-border collaboration in support of the UAE’s vision for digital economy growth and global competitiveness.”

    HT Labs co-founder & CEO Avinash Mudaliar added, “At HT Labs, this isn’t just an expansion—it’s a strategic leap into the future. Dubai Silicon Oasis offers the ideal launchpad to take India’s most disruptive, AI-driven innovations to the world. At the core of our work is TaaS—Technology-as-a-Service—delivering scalable, AI-powered solutions across video, apps, web, and content systems that boost engagement, unlock new revenue, and enable global growth.With our strong focus on intelligent, tech-first solutions, we see immense potential to co-create platforms that resonate globally.

    What truly elevates this journey is the camaraderie we’ve built—especially with visionaries like Demetris Skourides, chief scientist of Cyprus. His insights and spirit of collaboration have made him not just a strategic ally, but a trusted friend in our cross-border mission.

    With OTTplay leading our media-tech push, we’re excited to align with DSO’s smart city vision and deliver transformative experiences in entertainment and data intelligence. This marks a defining chapter in building globally relevant platforms from India.”

    Also speaking on the occasion, The Doers Company & managing partner, zero one hundred, Dusan Duffek said, “With a young, tech-savvy population and a booming innovation ecosystem, Indian startups such as OTTplay etc. offer some of the most exciting investment opportunities globally. Similarly, startups from Europe and the Middle East are now building some of the most consequential technologies, which will have an impact not only regionally, but globally. We believe now is the time to build bridges, not borders, and connect this energy with global capital and strategic partners”.

    The Doers Company co-founder & CEO Stylianos Lambrou added, “We see a significant opportunity in India. With our growing presence in Greece, Cyprus, and now Dubai, we’re uniquely positioned to bridge the gap, providing Indian startups & companies with access to Europe, and offering European startups and companies a pathway into India. The strong relationship between my country and India gives us a powerful advantage, enabling us to amplify our impact across both regions.”

    With Cyprus positioning itself as a European gateway for Indian tech and Dubai doubling down on its digital infrastructure bets, the deal is more than just a handshake—it’s a multi-regional runway for talent, capital, and innovation to flow freely.

    Call it a soft-power play or a smart power shift—either way, HT Labs is now officially in the global game.

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  • HT Media’s Slurrp teams up with US giants to spice up global food storytelling

    HT Media’s Slurrp teams up with US giants to spice up global food storytelling

    MUMBAI: When a butter chicken meets a barbecue brisket, you know something flavourful is simmering. That’s exactly the recipe HT Media’s Slurrp is stirring up with its latest content partnership. The Indian digital food platform has joined hands with the US-based Enveritas Group (EVG Media) and Food & Beverage Magazine to dish out culinary stories that travel from Chandni Chowk to Charleston.

    Announced on April 23, the collaboration aims to whip up content that caters to the palates of both Indian readers and North American audiences, including millions of NRIs hungry for a taste of home. The digital buffet will include Indian-origin chef interviews, diaspora-driven dishes, and viral food trends with a desi tadka.

    “Through this partnership, we aim to offer our audience engaging and authentic content that celebrates Indian food culture, innovation, and creativity, while also connecting with the broader diaspora and food enthusiasts across the globe,” said HT Labs co-founder & CEO Avinash Mudaliar.

    Slurrp will lean into the storytelling prowess of Food & Beverage Magazine, the go-to voice in US hospitality circles. The magazine’s founder Michael Politz added, “This initiative aims to engage our readers with genuine and insightful stories that highlight the tradition, innovation, and creativity within Indian culinary arts.”

    Meanwhile, EVG Media-experts in SEO strategy, licensing, and content localisation-will serve as the digital backbone. “Our shared vision of providing high-quality, culturally rich content will enable us to connect with food enthusiasts in more meaningful ways,” said EVG Media CEO Brian Kolb.

    From mouth-watering recipe reels to profiles of Indian-origin foodpreneurs, the series plans to break naan and share culture across continents. Themes will include:

    .  The diversity of Indian cuisine

     .  The rise of Indian dishes in the US

    .  Celebrity and chef features

    .  Viral food trends with an Indian spin

    .  Indian-origin food startup spotlights

    The alliance will cater to the growing global appetite for Indian cuisine and the stories behind it. With Slurrp’s on-ground reach in India and the global lens of its Western partners, the content aims to serve both nostalgia and novelty in equal measure.

     

  • OTTplay partners with Connect Broadband

    OTTplay partners with Connect Broadband

    Mumbai: OTTplay, an OTT app and AI-based recommendation platform has partnered with Quadrant Televentures (Connect Broadband), a major internet service provider in North India, to enhance digital entertainment access. Through this alliance, users can access 25 popular OTT platforms via broadband plan subscriptions.

    Quadrant Televentures’ extensive FTTH network across Punjab, Chandigarh, and parts of Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir supports this initiative, delivering high-speed internet alongside premium entertainment. Newly launched plans cater to various internet speed needs, with seamless access to OTT platforms such as Sony Liv, Zee5, Chaupal, LionsgatePlay, Fancode, PTC, Shemaroo, and Cinemaworld, all available in a single subscription.

    The partnership includes five broadband plans with access to all 25 OTT apps: ₹519 (30 Mbps), ₹619 (60 Mbps), ₹719 (100 Mbps), ₹819 (150 Mbps), and ₹919 (200 Mbps).

    OTTplay CEO & co-founder Avinash Mudaliar said, “Our latest partnership with Quadrant Televentures Limited reflects OTTplay’s commitment to delivering the best digital experiences to our customers and viewers in Punjab. With Quadrant Televentures Limited reliable high-speed internet, we’re bringing an impressive selection of entertainment options to households, tailored for the rapidly growing demand for quality regional and international content. We are hopeful that this partnership will further enable us in reaching a larger audience and enable the best of OTT entertainment for them in this digital era.”

    A Quadrant Televentures’ management added, “We’re pleased to partner with OTTplay to bring an enhanced entertainment experience to our existing and new subscribers. We are confident that this partnership will strengthen our offerings with bundled plans that provide high-speed broadband, unlimited voice, and a rich OTT content package all under one umbrella, which is designed to deliver excellent value and meet the evolving needs of our customers in the region.”

    Through their partnership, OTTPlay and Quadrant Televentures offer access to 25 popular streaming platforms, including Sony Liv, Zee5, Shemaroo, Playflix, Fancode, PTC, Stage, Distro, VROTT, Chaupal, OTTPlay TV, CinemaWorld, OM TV, RunnTV, ShortsFndly, Dollywood, PowerKids, PrimeFlix, BhaktiFlix, Sanskar TV, Alt Balaji, Lionsgate, Ultra Jhakaas, and Dangal. This wide selection brings diverse, high-quality content to homes across Punjab.

    Users in Punjab can enjoy seamless streaming with a variety of content options, catering to different preferences and budgets.

  • OTTplay Premium partners with JioCinema

    OTTplay Premium partners with JioCinema

    Mumbai: OTTplay Premium, India’s super OTT app and leading AI-based recommendation engine, has announced a partnership with JioCinema, enhancing its content portfolio and streaming experience for users.

    With this partnership, OTTplay Premium subscribers will gain access to JioCinema’s content library, including popular shows like Bigg Boss, Game of Thrones, regional hits such as Unaad and Rathnam, and exclusive Jio Originals like Khalbali Records, PILL, Gaanth, as well as live TV channels like Colors, Comedy Central, and MTV Beats. Subscribers will also benefit from premium titles from HBO and Peacock, including The Penguin, Chicago P.D., Succession, Suits, The Fall Guy, and The Office.

    JioCinema’s content will first be available on OTTplay’s Android and iOS apps, followed by desktop and smart TVs in the coming weeks, ensuring a smooth experience across multiple platforms.

    OTTplay CEO Avinash Mudaliar said, “This partnership with JioCinema marks a significant milestone in OTTplay’s journey to become the ultimate destination for content discovery and streaming. By offering access to JioCinema’s rich catalog, including exclusive originals, we are broadening our content library to meet the diverse preferences of our users. With this integration, we are confident that OTTplay Premium will continue to lead the market in providing personalised, high-quality content across all regions of India.”

    This collaboration significantly expands OTTplay’s offerings, giving users access to a broader range of local and international content. With the addition of sports programs, highly anticipated Jio Originals, and iconic series from HBO and Peacock, OTTplay Premium can enhance engagement and increase user satisfaction in the OTT aggregation space.

    With JioCinema, OTTplay Premium now offers access to 38 plus OTT services across 10 plus languages and 18 plus genres. This partnership solidifies OTTplay’s position as India’s largest OTT aggregator, simplifying content discovery for users nationwide.

  • OTTplay Changemakers Awards 2024 to honour trailblazers of south Indian cinema

    OTTplay Changemakers Awards 2024 to honour trailblazers of south Indian cinema

    Mumbai: OTTplay, an OTT App and AI-based recommendation engine platform is set to unveil the second edition of the OTTplay Changemakers Awards on 26 October 2024, at the prestigious Taj Coromandel in Chennai. The highly anticipated event will shine the spotlight on the South Indian entertainment industry, honouring the individuals and creative minds who have driven innovation and transformation across OTT platforms and cinema.

    Building on the success of the inaugural edition in 2023, which celebrated disruptors from across the Indian film industries, the 2024 awards will focus exclusively on the thriving Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema industries. As south Indian films continue to break barriers with groundbreaking storytelling and commercial success, this year’s event will bring together visionaries from these vibrant industries.

    The awards ceremony will felicitate winners in about 35 categories, with special emphasis on the awards for disruptive star, most versatile performer and inspiring actor, across the four south industries, along with celebrating the pioneers of the industry. These categories, for both male and female talents, will highlight the creativity, versatility and social impact made by those who have left a lasting impression in both OTT and traditional cinema.

    OTTplay co-founder & CEO Avinash Mudaliar said, “The OTTplay Changemakers Awards is not just about recognizing talent; it’s about celebrating the power of storytelling to bring about real change. This year, with our exclusive focus on South Indian cinema, we’re honouring individuals who have pushed creative boundaries and inspired audiences globally. We are proud to continue the legacy started last year, now showcasing the incredible contributions of South Indian storytellers.”

    In addition to individual recognitions, the awards will spotlight two categories: ‘voice of change’ and ‘cinema for change’, which will honour contributions toward social causes such as supporting animal welfare and highlight the industry’s commitment to social responsibility.

    Just like last year, the credibility and transparency of the OTTplay Changemakers Awards are maintained through an editorially driven process led by OTTplay and Hindu Tamil Thisai, ensuring that each winner is thoughtfully selected and deserving of the recognition they receive.

    The event is supported by prestigious partners, including the Vedanta Anil Agarwal Foundation as the presenting sponsor and Hindu Tamil Thisai as a media partner. The excitement of the awards will reach a broader audience as the event will be streamed on Zee5, the official streaming partner, with Fever FM as the radio partner.

  • OTTplay now available on MG Windsor EV dashboard

    OTTplay now available on MG Windsor EV dashboard

    Mumbai: OTTplay, India’s AI-driven recommendation engine and OTT content aggregator, has entered the in-car entertainment space with its content now available on the dashboard of MG Motors’ latest car, the MG Windsor EV.

    This feature allows passengers to easily access various streaming platforms directly from the car’s dashboard, similar to using laptops or tablets. The OTTplay app offers a wide range of content across genres, languages, and platforms, providing a diverse selection of regional and global content for on-the-go viewing.

    Users and car owners can subscribe to 13 premium OTT platforms through OTTplay, accessible directly on the MG Windsor EV’s dashboard. The system, built with advanced technology, ensures seamless access to shows and movies, offering an in-car entertainment experience with intuitive controls and high-definition displays.

    Commenting on the new collaboration, OTTplay founder and CEO Avinash Mudaliar said, “With the growing demand for connectivity and seamless entertainment experiences, we are thrilled to be a part of this pioneering feature in MG Motors’ latest car. Our association has ensured the inclusion of key OTT apps for Indian households across the country, bringing a rich selection of content to our consumers’ fingertips, now making each journey more enjoyable and immersive. In our journey of constantly innovating, we are excited about building new avenues and formats for an entertaining viewing experience.”

    The OTTplay app features a vast library of content, including popular web series, movies, documentaries, and regional programs that appeal to a wide audience. Its user-friendly interface and personalized recommendations enhance the in-car entertainment experience. With three subscription options—binge, elite, and trial pack—users can choose the best fit for their needs, with the binge pack offering access to 13 OTTs for just Rs 99 per month.

    The infotainment system operates smoothly on the car dashboard, providing an interface similar to tablets and laptops. This development reflects OTTplay’s commitment to integrating smart technology and innovation into everyday living, improving comfort and entertainment for users across various viewing formats.