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Tag: Disney +Hotstar

  • This Hindi Day, stream these superhero series and films in Hindi

    This Hindi Day, stream these superhero series and films in Hindi

    Mumbai: Superheroes are adored by everyone across the world not only because they offer you a glimpse of an alternate reality but also because they leave you hopeful of a better tomorrow. This Hindi day, get inspired by the courage of your beloved superheroes as we have rounded up some of the finest superhero series available on different services in Hindi. So, grab your popcorn, and perhaps a cape, and let’s explore the thrilling superhero universe in Hindi!

    Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord (Hindi Edition)

    Platform: Audible

    A localized production of the global phenomenon, Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord is the first season of the series which has been narrated by A-list actors such as Star-Lord like Saif Ali Khan (Peter Quill), Vrajesh Hirjee (Rocket), Sushant Divgikr (Cora), and Anagsha Biswas (Collector). Set in a dystopian future where supervillains have won over the heroes, Saif Ali Khan voices Star-Lord who is the charismatic leader of a ragtag crew accompanied by Rocket Raccoon when they discover the Earth isn’t what it used to be after they crash land 30 years later. Discover secrets, experience thrilling action sequences laced with humor, and delve into complex character dynamics as the story unravels across the immersive soundscape of an audio series.

    The Sandman, Act I (Hindi Edition)

    Platform: Audible

    Neil Gaiman, the renowned English comic-book writer has penned the famous Sandman Series published by DC. The Sandman Act 1 in Hindi features a stellar cast of narrators including Tabu (narrator), Vijay Varma (Morpheus), Manoj Bajpayee (Doctor Destiny), Adarsh Gourav (John Constantine), Neeraj Kabi (Lucifer) and Kubbra Sait (Death). In this Audible original, an occultist attempting to capture Death to bargain for eternal life traps her younger brother Dream instead. After his 70-year imprisonment and eventual escape, Dream, also known as Morpheus, quests for his lost objects of power. On his arduous journey, Morpheus (dream) encounters Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman. Tune in to The Sandman Act 1 on Audible to discover how Dream escapes and reclaims his lost territory.

    Minnal Murali

    Platform: Netflix

    Are you ready to witness the power of lightning and superhuman strength unleashed to defeat evil and save the world? Set in the 90’s, this film depicts the tale of a young tailor who becomes a superhuman after being struck by lightning. However, he soon realizes that he is not the only one with these superpowers in his village. The film promises to touch on various human emotions and grip the audience with action-packed performances, making it a must-watch for superhero enthusiasts.

    Avengers Endgame

    Platform: Disney + Hotstar

    Based on the Marvel superhero universe, ‘The Avengers Endgame’ features an ensemble cast including the likes of Hollywood celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Junior, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Drifting into space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle to call upon the Avenger to regroup. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers – Thor, Black Widow, Captain America, and Bruce Banner must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos. Power-packed with an all-star ensemble,  watch the gripping  Avengers Endgame to discover how the Avengers display immense courage and unity to defeat Thanos and restore balance in the world.

    Balveer (Season 3)

    Platform: SonyLIV

    Baalveer is a young superhero who fights evil forces and protects children using his magical powers. However, he is unaware of his superior’s scheming plan to betray him. When he is stripped of his powers and identity, he leads a mundane life until an unexpected event reignites his abilities. Seeking help from his female friend – Kaashvi,  he embarks on a journey to defeat his enemies. The season unfolds the unpredictable event that changes his reality. Will Baalveer become the ultimate hero he once was? Watch the latest season to know more.

    A Flying Jatt

    Platform: Zee 5

    A Flying Jatt is a one-of-a-kind Hindi superhero film starring Tiger Shroff and Jacqueline Fernandez. Aman, played by Tiger Shroff, discovers his powers when he engages in a fight with Raka, a mercenary. Adding to Aman’s trouble, a problem arises when Malhotra, a greedy industrialist wants to acquire a piece of land that belongs to Aman’s family. He convinces Raka, to help him cut a holy tree on the land, but Aman manages to stop them from doing so. Aman is a passionate environmentalist and uses his special powers to protect his village from toxic waste and pollution. Watch ‘A Flying Jatt’ to discover how Aman – the Jatt superhero battles his fear of heights to rescue his village from the diabolical Raka and Malhotra.

  • Mahindra to sponsor ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Disney Star for Auto and Farm business

    Mahindra to sponsor ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Disney Star for Auto and Farm business

    Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., leaders in farm and auto sectors, today announced the expansion of its cricketing association as the associate sponsor with Star Sports for the much-anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and ‘co-powered by’ sponsor on the digital platform, Disney+ Hotstar. This represents one of Mahindra’s most significant forays into sports sponsorships. In addition to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, this collaboration ensures visibility for Mahindra’s Automotive and Tractor brands during the upcoming Asia Cup 2023.

    With its strong presence during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Mahindra aims to foster a deeper connection with customers, fortifying the trust and bond they share with the brand. Additionally, Mahindra dealerships will host a series of engagement activities during the cricket season for customers.

    The ‘Click to Book Test Drive’ feature, set to be prominently showcased during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 broadcasts on Disney+ Hotstar, highlights the brand’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation. This enhanced feature will offer cricket enthusiasts a smooth bridge from the excitement of the match to the allure of experiencing Mahindra’s cutting-edge products first-hand.

    Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd executive director & CEO – Auto & Farm sectors Rajesh Jejurikar said, “We are excited to be a sponsor for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar. This sponsorship is a key milestone in our mission to connect deeply with the passion of millions of Indians. We see a strong synergistic resonance between our SUVs and Tractor brands and the vibrant spirit of Indian cricket. Through this sponsorship and our upcoming engagement activities, we aim to create cherished memories and strong bonds with our customers.”

    The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, coinciding with India’s festive spirit, presents a golden opportunity for Mahindra to connect with a vast audience. As India proudly hosts the entire tournament, cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for 48 thrilling matches, notably the India vs Pakistan showdown on 14 October. These matches, broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar in various languages, offer Mahindra a prime platform to engage with potential customers. Hotstar’s initiative to provide free access to mobile users further amplifies this reach. With viewership spanning across India, Mahindra is poised to deepen its connection with a diverse and expansive audience during this cricketing spectacle.

    From the goalposts of the FIFA World Cup to the association with multiple teams of the electrifying Indian T20 league to the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, Mahindra’s presence has been a testament to its dedication to excellence, both in the automotive & farm sectors and the sporting arena.

  • National Geographic’s brand-new series ‘India’s Mega Festivals’ explores the grandeur of India’s biggest celebrations with chef Gary Mehigan

    National Geographic’s brand-new series ‘India’s Mega Festivals’ explores the grandeur of India’s biggest celebrations with chef Gary Mehigan

    Mumbai: India is a country known for its opulent traditions, vibrant culture, and striking festivals! It embraces a tapestry of over a thousand festivals, creating a symphony of boundless joy and everlasting festivities throughout the year. To witness some of the grandest festivals of India, National Geographic India along with celebrity chefs Gary Mehigan & Pablo Naranjo Agular are all set to take viewers on a mesmerizing journey through a brand-new series titled ‘India’s Mega Festivals’. Premiering on September 6, at 8pm, the hosts will immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage, traditions and revel in flavours and fervour of the Indian festivals in the six-part series.

    Each 44-minute episode will feature a host unraveling unique celebrations: from the spirited Pulikali dance to serving a mega meal in the iconic Thrikkakara Temple during Onam; learning to play rhythmic beats on dhol to visiting mega pandals during Ganpati celebrations; pandal hopping to relishing Sandesh during Durga Puja and learning the war dance with the Sumi tribe to cooking with the famous Tetseo Sisters during the Hornbill Festival. Gary will also be seen experiencing the playfulness of Ras Leela, Lath-maar and Phoolon ki Holi, and discovering the essence of fasting, feasting, giving and forgiving on Eid-al-Fitr.

    “I was truly left speechless by the stunning display of devotion and the way it reflects the rich culture of India. National Geographic is a brand that has always inspired me through its unique, powerful, and thought-provoking style of storytelling. I am so happy that with National Geographic, I got an opportunity to explore, learn and experience some of the country’s biggest festivals. With this show, not only did I witness diverse cultures & traditions, but also immersed myself in regional cuisines and cooking techniques. I hope that viewers will also enjoy the show as much as I did,” said Mehigan.  

    “At National Geographic, we harness the power of storytelling and exploration to tell stories that can change the way we see the world while establishing a profound connection with our audiences. With India’s Mega Festivals, we are committed to bringing our viewers closer to the mesmerizing diversity of India’s rich heritage and offering a compelling and unforgettable journey through its vibrant festivities. Moreover, Gary Mehigan, with his unique charm and humor, adds an extra layer of delight to the narrative, ensuring a riveting viewing experience for our audience,” said Disney Star head – content and Disney+ Hotstar & HSM entertainment network Gaurav Banerjee.

  • Disney Star onboards 18 sponsors for the Asia Cup 2023

    Disney Star onboards 18 sponsors for the Asia Cup 2023

    Mumbai: The stage is set for an exhilarating cricketing spectacle as the Asia Cup 2023 approaches, and Disney Star, the official broadcaster, has onboarded a total of 18 sponsors for the upcoming tournament across Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar. The sponsors include renowned brands such as Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Glow & Lovely from HUL, Surf Excel, Jindal Panther, BPCL, My11Circle, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Amul, Maruti, Berger, McEnroe, Thums Up, Amazon Pay, MRF, Policy Bazaar, Tira from Reliance Retail and ICICI PRU MF.

    “Cricket fever is at an all-time high as sports fans across India wait in anticipation to watch the ‘Men In Blue’ in action at the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Brands across categories are equally excited and have come forward to collaborate with Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar to further their business objectives and get closer to millions of fans. We are thrilled with the positive response received for the Asia Cup and are looking forward to delivering an unmatched cricketing experience across both TV and Digital,” said Disney Star head of network – ad sales Ajit Varghese.

    As excitement for the Asia Cup reaches its peak, Disney Star’s resolute dedication to delivering exceptional content and memorable experiences remains unwavering.  The collaboration with these prestigious sponsors underscores the network’s dedication to delivering an exciting and immersive tournament for cricket fans.

    Both Star Sports and Disney+ Hostar recently unveiled their campaigns for the tournament, which have further notched up the buzz for the marquee cricket event. Additionally, the country is waiting in anticipation to watch the ‘greatest rivalry’ unfurl between India vs Pakistan, which will present a golden opportunity for brands to reach an unparalleled audience across the country.

    The Asia Cup 2023 is set to take place from 30 August to 17 September and the tournament will be broadcasted live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.

  • Watcho’s OTT hits two million premium subscribers in ten months

    Watcho’s OTT hits two million premium subscribers in ten months

    Mumbai: Dish TV’s OTT aggregation platform ‘Watcho- OTT super app’ today announced that its one-stop OTT entertainment solution has achieved a significant milestone of two million premium paid subscribers and a total of 80 million plus users within just ten months of its launch in 2022. The unique service offers bundled packages of the most popular OTT platforms all in one place, providing the subscribers with a comprehensive range of digital content libraries while enabling them the convenience of a single subscription.

    The service offered by Watcho enables viewers to access content from over 17 popular OTT destinations, including Watcho, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Sony LIV, Lionsgate Play, Hungama Play, HoiChoi, Klikk, EpicOn, Chaupal, Oho Gujarati, Manorama Max, FanCode, Raj TV, Tarang Plus and ShortsTV, through a single login and subscription model. Additionally, the OTT Super App provides access to Watcho’s massive library of original content including 40+ enthralling web series, Swag (UGC content), snackable shows, and live TV from Watcho exclusives.

    The success of the aggregation app can be attributed to its focus on delivering high-quality content to its users. The exciting line-up of shows from different platforms spans various genres —romance, corporate conspiracies, family drama, fantasy, adventure, and sci-fi amongst others.

    Dish TV India Ltd CEO Manoj Dobhal said, “We are delighted to announce that we have crossed the 2 million premium paid subscribers’ milestone for our Watcho OTT aggregation service, in just 10 months. This achievement is a testimony to our dedication to providing the largest spread of OTT content in a seamless user-friendly experience on our platform. Dish TV has been the pioneer in defining the way entertainment is consumed, carrying on the same legacy we remain committed to innovating and bringing new and exciting platforms to our ‘Watcho- OTT Super App’. We are confident that our efforts to deliver exciting entertainment content along with the best user experience will set a new benchmark in the industry. As we expand our content offerings and explore new opportunities, we thank our subscribers for their continued trust and support.”

    DishTV & Watcho corporate head – marketing  Sukhpreet Singh said, “We are elated to announce that our OTT aggregation platform has achieved the milestone of 2 million premium paid subscribers in a short span of time. This achievement is a significant step towards our goal of making Watcho the go-to destination for entertainment enthusiasts. We are dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of content that caters to the diverse interests of our subscribers. As we continue to expand our content offerings and explore new partnerships, we are committed to offering our users an unparalleled entertainment experience. We thank our subscribers for their support and look forward to adding more OTT partners to our platform in the near future.”

    Watcho also has a unique platform for user-generated content called Swag where people may create their own content and discover their potential. In Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu, Watcho now provides more than 35 original series, 300 exclusive plays, and over 100 live channels. 

  • Indian shoppers predicted to boost their spending by 14 per cent over the previous year this festive season: Disney+ Hotstar survey

    Indian shoppers predicted to boost their spending by 14 per cent over the previous year this festive season: Disney+ Hotstar survey

    Mumbai: As cricket fever grips the nation with only days to go to the Asia Cup followed by the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the second edition of Disney+ Hotstar’s Festive Shopping Sentiment Survey has found that shoppers this festive season are likely to increase their spending by 14 per cent over last year, driven by a 12 per cent increase in the size of their shopping baskets.

    Coinciding with India’s biggest festive season, both Asia Cup and The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will provide marketers with the best opportunity to leverage the cricketing properties and influence the positive spending sentiment observed in the second edition of Disney+ Hotstar’s Festive Shopping Sentiment survey.  Additionally, the platform has lifted its paywall for mobile and tablet only viewers for both the tournaments, thus democratizing the game for more than 540 million [Source – FICCI E&Y report] smartphone users across the country.

    The free streaming of the two widely watched sporting events will enable a lucrative avenue for marketers to make a mark in consumers’ minds before the festive season. As per the Festive Shopping Sentiment survey, nine  in ten consumers expressed a healthy appetite to spend for the upcoming season. With an average budget of Rs 17K, shoppers are predicted to boost their spending by 14 per cent compared to the previous year. This will be fueled by a 12 per cent rise in shopping basket size, with the most popular categories being clothes, mobile phones, and health and beauty. Festive bonanzas, such as brand and cashback incentives, discounts, and other promotions, can influence customer mindsets even more.

    The survey also found that consumer spending is expected to be heavily influenced by online ads. It is prone to sway towards online shopping, with 60 per cent of consumers discovering brands and services through online platforms as they shop for themselves and for gifting purposes. Accompanying the online shopping sentiments of seven out of ten shoppers, digital payment options too recorded a 36 per cent preference, with UPI in the lead.

    Disney Star head of network – Ad sales Ajit Varghese said, “With the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 being free-to-view to all mobile phone users, Disney+ Hotstar is poised to become the prime digital platform for marketers. This especially holds true for the Cricket World Cup, which returns home after a hiatus of 12 years, right before the peak festive season kicks in. Safe to say that all eyes are going to be on the action on the ground, making it a once-in-a-decade opportunity for brands looking to make the most out of the festive fervor amongst consumers.”

    Disney+ Hotstar is set to revolutionise Live Cricket advertising during the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with the launch of its self-serve platform. The platform is also offering over 75 targeting parameters (previously 35) that can be cross-tabbed to combine multiple parameters for granular reach and caters to all ticket sizes (from Rs two lacs to upto 50 lacs). Additionally, special rates have been introduced that are at par with leading UGC platforms. Starting at just Rs 49 (CPM) for non-India matches, and a special package for India-only matches at Rs 199 (CPM).

    Disney+ Hotstar

  • Disney+ Hotstar unveils ‘Bas Aao #FreeMeinDekhteJaao’ campaign

    Disney+ Hotstar unveils ‘Bas Aao #FreeMeinDekhteJaao’ campaign

    Mumbai: The much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 is around the corner and to amp up the excitement, Disney+ Hotstar has unveiled its campaign ‘Bas Aao. #FreeMeinDekhteJao’, focusing on its proposition of ‘FREE on mobile’. The platform has lifted its paywall for mobile and tablet only viewers for both Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this year to further democratise the game of cricket. Starting 30 August, the Asia Cup brings some of the biggest cricket rivalries at the forefront with teams going head-to-head to win the coveted trophy. Cricket lovers can watch all the matches from 3:00 PM (IST) LIVE & Exclusive on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports Network.

    Disney+ Hotstar’s new campaign for the Asia Cup 2023 takes a light-hearted and funny twist on the audience’s urge to catch the action packed matches anywhere – anytime on their mobile devices. Conceptualised by Tanmay Bhat, Deviah Bopanna and team Moonshot, the platform released a film that showcases the intensity of India’s love for cricket. The ad film is directed by Kishore Iyer.

    Speaking about the campaign, a Disney+ Hotstar spokesperson said, “Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indians, and we want to make this sport even more accessible to our users. By offering the opportunity to watch the Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 for free on mobiles, we are geared up to take cricket to every corner of the country and tap into digital-first audiences. The campaign film too reflects the same ethos, bringing to light the lengths we Indians go to follow cricket, along with Disney+ Hotstar’s commitment to delivering a top-notch and convenient viewing experience.”

    Adding to the thrill and fervor, the anticipated comebacks of big players such as KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer to the Asia Cup will add a dynamic edge to the matches, making the tournament even more enthralling for fans. Starting 30 August, the tournament, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan, will feature a total of six teams – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal – battling it out for the winning spot. The Group Stage of the tournament will be played from 30 August to 5 September, with India and Pakistan going head-to-head on 2 September. The next stage will be played from 6th September to 15 September, and the final match is scheduled for 17 September.

  • Dish TV India launches Watcho OTT plan ‘One Hai Toh Done Hai’

    Dish TV India launches Watcho OTT plan ‘One Hai Toh Done Hai’

    Mumbai: After a successful run with its own original content, Watcho is expanding its selection by offering packages of the most well-liked OTT platforms, giving its customers access to a vast array of new digital material while maintaining the ease of a single subscription.

    Through a single login and subscription mechanism, Watcho will provide OTT content from Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, Sony LIV, Lionsgate Play, Hungama Play, Hoichoi, Klikk, EpicOn, Chaupal, and Oho Gujarati.

    Subscribers will also have access to a massive library of original content, which includes 35+ captivating web series, UGC content, snackable shows, and live TV from Watcho exclusives. DishTV’s plans will be expanded as more OTT platforms join Watcho to make it a comprehensive entertainment destination.

    By juggling multiple platforms, Indian OTT viewers struggle to keep up with the latest content. Watcho’s latest OTT aggregation service lives up to its “One Hai Toh Done Hai” promise, which seeks to deliver the convenience of a single plan and payment package to contribute to the ease of access to maximum content in one place while improving the viewing experience.

    Furthermore, as an introductory offer (available for a limited time), DishTV, D2H, and Siti Cable subscribers can use and enjoy the new service for free for one month. Once subscribed, users would be able to access OTT content via the app or web on mobiles, tablets, laptops, and televisions.

    Speaking on the launch, Dish TV India CEO Anil Dua said, “As pioneers of DTH technology, Dish TV India has played a significant role in changing the Indian television landscape.”

    With rapid digitization, evolving consumer preferences, and a paradigm shift in the industry dynamics, we are moving a step ahead by aggregating video streaming apps (OTTs) and thereby expanding Watcho’s offerings. With Watcho’s new service, we have strengthened our OTT content distribution platform by creating a single subscription gateway that delivers amazing value and convenience to our subscribers.

    “With the introduction of these new services, we intend to make Watcho a one-stop entertainment destination with original content, linear TV, and on-demand diverse entertainment anytime, anywhere, and on any screen,” he added.

    Dish TV India marketing (DishTV & Watcho) corporate head Sukhpreet Singh said, “Watcho—Our home-grown OTT platform has been steadily growing its reach and crossed the 60 million plus downloads mark at the end of FY Q1 2022. The platform has been working towards carving a space for itself in the competitive and energetic streaming video services industry.”

    The industry is brimming with multiple OTT apps, which leaves consumers struggling to search for their preferred content. To address these consumer challenges, we are introducing the Watcho OTT aggregation service that will augment overall digital content consumption at an affordable price point. With this, we want to democratise the accessibility of various OTT platforms from a single platform.”

    Disney Star distribution head (International and India) Gurjeev Singh Kapoor added, “We are delighted to associate with Dish TV for Watcho. As Disney+ Hotstar continues to offer best-in-class content, through this association, we look forward to making our vast library of content accessible to new audiences. The consumers of Watcho will be able to binge-watch and enjoy the best of the content of Disney+ Hotstar.”

    Speaking about the partnership, ZEEL South Asia alliances and partnerships head Vivek Arora said, “At ZEE5, our endeavour has always been to expand our presence, democratise content consumption and make it accessible to audiences across markets. We are happy to partner with Dish TV for Watcho, which aims at broadening the horizons of digital content consumption in India. ZEE5 offers an invigorating slate featuring diverse content across genres, along with catch-up TV, old classics, and blockbusters across languages. We shall continue to strengthen our connection with the audience through innovations and alliances, offering unique entertainment exposures for an enhanced experience on the platform.”

    Speaking on the launch, Lionsgate executive vice president Amit Dhanuka said, “We at Lionsgate Play are elated to partner with Dish TV’s Watcho on their latest bundling offering. With the ever-evolving OTT space in India, app bundling plays an important role in helping brands reach a wider consumer base and will continue to do so in the future as well. With this extensive partnership too, we aim to offer the audience the best of our content at a great price and provide them with an enhanced viewing experience.”

    “The digital ecosystem is constantly evolving, and so are consumers. In today’s market, one needs to be present across platforms, and aggregation is increasingly playing an important role in helping users to find what to watch. With Watcho, we hope to expand our premium and multiform offerings to a larger set of audiences across the country,” said EPIC ON COO Sourjya Mohanty.

    Adding to this, Hoichoi COO Soumya Mukherjee stated, ” We always aim at making Hoichoi easily and widely accessible to our customers. Being a part of Watcho takes us a step forward in that direction. With this form of OTT aggregation, viewers can access a large number of platforms with just a single login. This adheres to our motive of providing our customers with the most convenient and enjoyable viewing experience and fits into our journey of spreading Hoichoi’s reach to all audiences.”

    Angel Television (Klikk) director Abhay Kumar Tantiya said, “We’re extremely happy and proud to partner with Watcho. Dish TV has long been one of the market leaders in the DTH space and has launched an OTT platform, Watcho, which will serve as a marketplace for other OTT platforms. Therefore, we are extremely happy to expand this relationship and push it forward with Watcho. Hopefully, this journey promises to be a memorable one alongside other OTT platforms. We’re looking forward to catering to more people and reaching a greater mass. Only onwards and upwards from here.”

    Oho Gujrati co-founder Abhishek Jain commented. “Today, Oho Gujarati is the foremost regional OTT platform in the Gujarat market. With more than 25 original shows, we look forward to adding two new originals every month. After widespread acceptance in Gujarat, we were looking to partner with national players for a bigger reach. Watcho, a venture by DishTV, is a complete entertainment package that offers new and convenient ways of enjoying your favourite shows and movies. We feel that it is the perfect vehicle to reach a larger audience base, and we are glad to be a part of its wide range of offerings. We look forward to entertaining more and more people with exciting Gujarati shows and films across the globe.”

    Chaupal managing director Sandeep Bansal said, “Chaupal signifies entertainment beyond boundaries, where regional languages and cultures interact, giving a glimpse of the Indian panorama. At Chaupal, we always believed in giving our subscribers a wealth of choices in terms of new content offerings in their mother tongues—Punjabi, Haryanvi, and Bhojpuri, to begin with. Since its launch in 2021, Chaupal has witnessed a huge surge in content consumption on large screens and connected devices. We are hopeful that the association with Dish TV’s Watcho will further boost Chaupal’s engagement and help its content traverse all barriers of region and language. We are thrilled about the collaboration between both brands.”

    Speaking about the association, Hungama Digital Media CEO Siddhartha Roy said, “Hungama Play has a diverse, multi-lingual, and multi-genre library of content. Our association with Watcho enables us to offer consumers wholesome entertainment led by an incredible library of movies, TV shows, and Hungama originals. We are excited to partner with Watcho and are certain that the content experience offered by Hungama Play will delight the consumers of Watcho and also expand the reach of our content to a new customer base.”

  • Disney+ Hotstar launches ‘Follow On’ for the T20 World Cup’s freemium users

    Disney+ Hotstar launches ‘Follow On’ for the T20 World Cup’s freemium users

    Mumbai: Amidst the on-going ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fever, Disney+ Hotstar elevates the cricketainment experience with the launch of Follow On. This is a special video feed that gives a real-time account of the cricket match – complete with stats, expert opinions, and insights into the game. Disney+ Hotstar makes Follow On available for all users—subscribers as well as freemium users. Freemium users on Disney+ Hotstar will be switched to Follow On after the free live cricket timer (a free sampling of live cricket offered to freemium users) expires, to be able to follow the game seamlessly.

    Follow On’s viewers can get analysis with graphics and visuals in Hindi by cricket commentators such as Sunil Vaidya, Sanjay Banerjee, Raman Bhanot, Vineet Garg, Naveen Srivastava, Reema Malhotra, Ajay Mehra, Padmajeet Sehrawat, and Manoj Sharma.

    A Disney+ Hotstar spokesperson said, “Disney+ Hotstar has always delivered the best-in-class live sports experience in India. With Follow On, we’re raising the bar by democratising access to premium cricket entertainment by providing a real-time account of the cricket action to all users—including our freemium viewers.

    “Every Disney+ Hotstar user is valuable to us, and we constantly strive to deliver innovation that helps users engage deeper with our platform. We look forward to rolling out Follow On to users, which will further bolster Disney+ Hotstar’s position as the one-stop-shop for cricketainment.”

  • Tata Play Binge becomes a standalone OTT offering for Rs 59

    Tata Play Binge becomes a standalone OTT offering for Rs 59

    Mumbai: Content distribution platform, Tata Play (formerly known as Tata Sky), has announced the expansion of its OTT entertainment app, Tata Play Binge, to all smartphone users, with no pre-requisite of needing a DTH subscription. Tata Play Binge, the application that aggregates content from across OTT platforms in India and presents it on a single screen, offers subscribers one of the largest collections of movies, TV series, web originals, and live sports from 17 streaming apps, along with gaming, under one roof. In an endeavour to ease the process of content discovery and reduce the hassle of multiple subscriptions, Tata Play Binge is introducing plans starting at Rs 59 per month and providing access to premium content across popular national, international, and regional apps as per subscribed plans. The platform will soon host 25 apps as eight more apps are slated to be added in the coming months.

    The all-new Tata Play Binge offers content in 12 languages from popular OTT apps such as Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, Voot Select, SonyLIV, MX Player, hoichoi, Namma flix, Chaupal, Planet Marathi, Sun NXT, Voot Kids, Eros Now, Hungama Play, ShemarooMe, EPICON, DocuBay & Curiosity Stream. Upcoming integrations include Apple TV+, Lionsgate Play, Travelxp, Shorts TV, Reeldrama, Manorama Max, Tarang Plus, Koode, and more. Tata Play DTH subscribers can access Netflix combo plans, and Amazon Prime Video can be accessed with an add-on subscription on Binge.

    Tata Play MD & CEO Harit Nagpal said, “Today, in India, approximately 70+ OTT services cater to 450 million plus consumers with just 90 million paid subscriptions. The penetration at a subscriber level drops further as each consumer needs to subscribe to multiple OTT services. The biggest bottlenecks to the growth of OTT subscriptions are accessibility, availability, and affordability. With our aggregated OTT platform, Binge, we endeavour to address these pain points. Content from across 17 OTT providers plus gaming is available today to all subscribers, accessible through a unified interface with a single subscription package starting at Rs 59 a month. Tata Play Binge makes entertainment easy for consumers while increasing the subscription footprint for our OTTpartners.

    “India is a value-conscious market and value is a derivative of both time and money. Just as Tata Play DTH has connected television viewers across the country to channels from multiple broadcasters, so will Tata Play Binge aggregate content from across OTTs for digital viewers across the country.”

    Tata Play Binge app presents a freemium model, wherein anyone can install the Binge app and view and browse free content across partner OTT apps; and can also watch premium content behind paywalls by choosing subscription plans starting from Rs 59 per month. A single subscription will allow simultaneous viewing on two or more devices. Options such as “Universal Search,” “Language Preference,” and “Create Your Own Binge List” have been made prominent features of the app to create personalised experiences for consumers that reduce time spent navigating multiple platforms.

    Tata Play continues its association with actors Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, R. Madhavan, and Priyamani, who have played relatable, everyday characters to bring out the essence of Tata Play Binge to larger audiences through the campaign, to make entertainment more jingalala. Covering multiple touchpoints, Tata Play Binge’s marketing campaign aims to reach out to potential customers across the country this festive season.

    Tata Play chief communication officer Anurag Kumar said, “Through our campaign, “Bachcha Bachcha janta hai” we have created relatable, slice-of-life characters to bring out the essence of the Tata Play Binge offering, which is – access to all the content from 17 OTT apps covering movies, shows, live sports and more, under a unified platform-  making entertainment consumption easy and simple.”

    Rooted in its mission of providing entertainment on any budget, any screen, anytime and anywhere, Tata Play, through Binge, gives easy and simple access to a variety of OTT content, personalised for the consumer.