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Tag: Disney +Hotstar

  • Disney+ Hotstar signs 13 sponsors for IPL 2022

    Disney+ Hotstar signs 13 sponsors for IPL 2022

    Mumbai: Streaming major Disney+ Hotstar has roped in 13 sponsors for the 15th edition of the Tata IPL 2022. Dream11 has come onboard as the ‘co-presenting’ sponsor, with Tata and Cred as the ‘co-powered by’ sponsors. Swiggy, Pristyn Care, Zepto, Ather Energy, Niyo, Parle Agro, Spotify, Livspace, L’Oreal and Spinny have been signed-on as associate sponsors.

    Tata IPL is scheduled to commence on 26 March and the tournament will be broadcast live on Disney+ Hotstar and the Star Sports Network.

    “In the next few weeks, the entire nation will be gripped by T20 fever with the commencement of Tata IPL,” said Disney Star head – ad sales Nitin Bawankule. “There is heightened interest from advertisers across categories for the upcoming season of Tata IPL owing to the addition of new teams and rejig in the pre-existing squads, thus an opportunity for them to reach out to a new set of audiences. The advertiser sentiment is extremely positive, all key features including Super 4s, Super 6s, Fall of Wickets and Milestones have sold out on our platform already. We look forward to delivering an impactful T20 season for our advertisers.”

    “Disney+ Hotstar presents brands with the opportunity to reach highly engaged, affluent audiences across India through its sharp targeting options on live sports, an industry first. The platform has a host of innovative advertising and branded content solutions for businesses to reach out to, engage with their audiences more effectively, and tell their brand stories on live cricket like never before,” said the statement.

  • Star Plus brings back ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ after 14 years

    Star Plus brings back ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ after 14 years

    Mumbai: Star Plus has decided to stir nostalgia among its viewers this February. The broadcaster has announced that its popular family saga ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ is set to return to the television screens after close to 14 years.

    The iconic TV show which made actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani a household name for her portray of Tulsi Virani will re-run on Star Plus at 5 pm daily, starting 16 February. It will also be available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, the broadcaster announced on Twitter on Tuesday.

     

     

    Getting all nostalgic, producer Ekta Kapoor took to Instagram to share the old promo of the serial, which features Irani opening the gates of the Virani household to welcome audiences into the world of the show. Reminiscing the earlier days, Kapoor wrote, “Today, as I look back, I recall every memory, every moment that made this show a most loved one! Usi pyaar ke saath judiye is safar se dobaara. Budhvaar se, harr roz, shaam 5 baje, sirf StarPlus par.”

     

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by Erkrek (@ektarkapoor)

     

    The soap opera aired first aired on Star Plus on 3 July 2000 and ran till 6 November 2008 becoming one of the longest-running TV shows at that time. Set around the day-to-day affairs of the Gujarat-based Virani family, the TV show that aired between 10-11 pm on weekdays struck a chord with the masses.

    During the eight years of telecast, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi became one of the most-watched Hindi GEC shows in India, after Kaun Banega Crorepati. Featuring actors like Ronit Roy, Amar Upadhyay, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan Tejwani, it also won the ‘Best Continuing Series’ at the Indian Telly Awards for six consecutive years (2002-2007) 

    The show took a leap in story three times including 20 years leap in February 2002, a three years leap, and again a 20 years leap in June 2006, before finally going off air in 2008.

  • Disney+ Hotstar to premiere ‘Rudra – The Edge of Darkness’ on 4 March

    Disney+ Hotstar to premiere ‘Rudra – The Edge of Darkness’ on 4 March

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar has released the second trailer for “Rudra – The Edge of Darkness.” The six-episode series starring Ajay Devgn in the lead is slated to go live on 4 March in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bengali.

    The show is an India rendition of the British series “Luther.” Directed by Rajesh Mapuskar, the series is produced by Applause Entertainment in association with BBC Studios India. The show features a stellar cast including Raashi Khanna, Esha Deol, Atul Kulkarni, Ashwini Kalsekar, Tarun Gahlot, Ashish Vidyarthi, and Satyadeep Misra in pivotal roles.

    “In Rudra – The Edge of Darkness, we are excited to bring a riveting thriller with one of India’s most loved actors, Ajay Devgn. Sameer Nair and his amazing team, Applause have helped deliver a show that we hope you will enjoy” said the head of content for Disney+ Hotstar and Disney Star HSM entertainment network Gaurav Banerjee.

    “We are truly excited to be part of Ajay Devgn’s digital debut at such an ambitious scale with Rudra – The Edge Of Darkness,” said Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair. “It’s been a terrific experience working on this unique narrative together with an amazing cast, crew and our production partners, BBC Studios. At Applause, we believe in the power of stories and storytelling, and with Rudra, we take forward our creative partnership with industry leader Disney+ Hotstar, and hope to continue entertaining audiences across the globe.”

  • Disney+ Hotstar crosses 45.9 million paid subscribers

    Disney+ Hotstar crosses 45.9 million paid subscribers

    Mumbai: The Walt Disney Company on Thursday reported its earnings for the quarter ended 1 January 2022. The media company’s direct-to-home revenues increased by 34 per cent to reach $4.6 billion. This increase was driven by higher subscriber growth and increases in retail pricing.

    Disney+ added 11.7 million subscribers during the quarter taking its total base from 118.1 million to 129.8 million. The company also revealed that it had 45.9 million Disney+ Hotstar subscribers. In comparison, Disney+ domestic subscribers (US+Canada) stood at 42.9 million and international subscribers excluding Hotstar stood at 41.1 million at the end of the quarter.

    The average monthly revenue per user (ARPU) for Disney+ stood at $4.41. The ARPUs for Disney+ Hotstar increased from $0.98 to $1.03 due to launches in new territories with higher average prices, partially offset by a higher mix of wholesale subscribers.

    However, the DTC business also saw a higher operating loss at $0.6 billion (27 per cent increase) driven by higher programming, production, marketing and technology costs at Disney+.

    Overall, Disney posted revenues of $21.8 billion registering a growth of 34 per cent year-on-year. The company’s media and entertainment distribution business brought in about $14.58 billion in revenues registering a growth of 15 per cent YoY. Its operating income was $808 million a decrease of 40 per cent over the same quarter in the previous year.

    Disney’s linear network business posted revenues of $7.7 billion and content sales and licensing revenues stood at $2.4 billion. Disney’s linear network business remained essentially flat over last year.

    International channel revenues for the quarter decreased by four per cent to $1.6 billion reflecting the closure of channels across its markets. The growth in channels that continued to operate in the current and prior year quarters was due to an increase in advertising revenue driven by higher rates.

    “We’ve had a very strong start to the fiscal year, with the launch of a new franchise with Encanto, and a significant increase in total subscriptions across our streaming portfolio to 196.4 million, including 11.8 million Disney+ subscribers added in the first quarter,” The Walt Disney Company chief executive officer Bob Chapek. “This marks the final year of The Walt Disney Company’s first century, and performance like this coupled with our unmatched collection of assets and platforms, creative capabilities, and unique place in the culture give me great confidence we will continue to define entertainment for the next 100 years.”

  • Ankit Desai rejoins Marico as media & digital marketing head

    Ankit Desai rejoins Marico as media & digital marketing head

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar’s former executive Ankit Desai has joined Marico as head – media and digital marketing (India & global centre of excellence). 

    Desai had quit the FMCG major in 2019 to join Disney+ Hotstar as vice president and head – product revenue strategy (entertainment). He spent close to three years at the streaming platform. 

    Armed with nearly 18 years of professional experience, Desai is a media professional with expertise in digital marketing, strategic media planning/buying and revenue strategy. 

    He joined Marico in March 2011 as media manager before getting elevated as group media manager – India in 2014. Before Marico, he was with NDTV, where he was in charge of marketing, communication, and brand management. He has also worked with GroupM as media planner and with Dainik Jagran as ad sales executive.

    Desai has completed his PG in advertising from Symbiosis International University in 2006.

  • Disney+ Hotstar appoints Shweta Poojari as PR & publicity head for India

    Disney+ Hotstar appoints Shweta Poojari as PR & publicity head for India

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar has appointed Shweta Poojari as head of public relations and publicity for the Indian market. She will report to Disney+ Hotstar chief marketing officer Siddharth Sakdher. 

    She was previously managing publicity for Netflix originals in India for three years.

    “After an incredible three plus years at Netflix my exciting journey here comes to a close,” she announced on LinkedIn. “My time at Netflix has been something that I will cherish forever. It was an honour to be a part of the team that set the wheels in motion for the brand in the country. I am grateful to have worked alongside some of the brightest minds in the business. I am now excited to start this next phase of my life with Disney+ Hotstar.”

    A PR professional with over a decade of experience, Poojari has had stints at leading media organisations such as LINOpinion – the PR division of Lowe Lintas, Avian Media, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Inox Leisure.

  • ‘Akhanda’ becomes most-watched Telugu film on Disney+ Hotstar

    ‘Akhanda’ becomes most-watched Telugu film on Disney+ Hotstar

    Mumbai: OTT streaming service Disney+ Hotstar stated that the film “Akhanda” has garnered the highest viewership and watch time on the platform for a Telugu language title.

    “We are overwhelmed by the response for ‘Akhanda,’ which after a strong theatrical performance has proven to be a record-breaker on Disney+ Hotstar too,” said Disney+ Hotstar head content and Disney Star India head HSM entertainment network Gaurav Banerjee. “Audiences have tuned in to watch the movie on launch day in record numbers and viewers’ anticipation and response to the Streaming premiere is unprecedented.”

    Directed by Boyapati Srinu, the film features an ensemble cast with actors Nandamuri Balakrishna, Jagapathi Babu, Srikanth, Pragya Jaiswal, Shamna Kasim, Viji Chandrasekha and Subbaraju. “I am thankful to my audience who always stood by me, each time I have tried something new,” said actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. “I have the blessings of Lord Shiva and after such an overwhelming response in the Box office celebrating 50 days, we also did a record-breaking opening on Disney+ Hotstar. I am enjoying this period and happy that many more movie lovers got to watch the movie from anywhere through this.”

    The film’s music, which has received accolades for the background score and songs, is provided by SS Taman. The film has also been praised for its top-notch production quality.

    “This is my hattrick blockbuster with Natasimham Balakrishna and I am thankful to all my viewers for their appreciation,” said director Boyapati Srinu. “After 50 days of celebration, getting the biggest opening in Disney+ Hotstar is so impressive. Many who couldn’t watch in theatre due to Covid can now watch in Disney+ Hotstar and enjoy an epic extravagance.”

  • Mashal Sports releases schedule for second part of PKL 8

    Mashal Sports releases schedule for second part of PKL 8

    Mumbai: Mashal Sports has announced the second part of the ongoing vivo Pro Kabaddi League with next 33 matches to be played from 20 January to 4 February. The event will be broadcast live every day from 7:30 p.m onwards on Star Sports network and Disney+ Hotstar.

    Out of 132 matches, PKL season 8 has already witnessed 66 matches between 12 teams and the next 33 matches will include ‘rivalry week’ where playing teams are selected for popular sentiments and folklore between respective geographies. The ‘rivalry week’ of PKL season 8 will be played from 31 January to 4 February.

    “A notable feature of Pro Kabaddi is that it offers the highest number of matches among front-ranking Indian sports leagues,” said Mashal Sports CEO and PKL league commissioner Anupam Goswami. “This is a unique value proposition for its 12 Teams, its athlete pool, as well as sports fans and sponsors in our country’s sports ecosystem.  The completion of 66 matches of the first half of season 8, as well as the release of the next 33 matches, is proof of our commitment to this intrinsic value of Pro Kabaddi.”   

    “We are proud to be associated with Pro Kabaddi, which has undertaken the massive task of conducting its eighth season in the given challenging circumstances,” said vivo India director brand strategy Yogendra Sriramula.

  • Disney+ Hotstar to launch OTT exclusive season of ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ on 30 Jan

    Disney+ Hotstar to launch OTT exclusive season of ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ on 30 Jan

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar is set to launch the OTT exclusive season of “Bigg Boss Tamil” from 30 January.

    Actor Kamal Haasan who has hosted five seasons of “Bigg Boss” on TV will be seen hosting “Bigg Boss Ultimate” on the platform. The OTT season will reunite some of the most popular and celebrated contestants of past seasons, giving them a second chance to claim the coveted title. “The first OTT version of Big Boss Ultimate is on Disney+ Hotstar,” said Kamal Haasan. “I’m extremely excited to continue staying in touch with you by hosting the OTT version as well. The new format is now available 24/7 to engage and entertain you more. I am 100 per cent confident that you will find this whole new experience refreshing and interesting.”

    The makers of the show have made innovative changes to the format to keep audiences engaged throughout the season. “One of the innovations is the 24hr feed, which will allow fans to watch what’s happening in the “Bigg Boss” house throughout the day,” said the platform.

    “At Disney+ Hotstar we have always challenged conventions and been at the forefront of content creation with powerful and innovative storytelling formats,” said a Disney+ Hotstar spokesperson. “With a massive hit show like Bigg Boss Ultimate, we endeavor to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers.   The addition of this one-of-a-kind show on Disney+ Hotstar is a definitive step to bringing top-notch, cutting-edge entertainment experiences to Tamil audiences. We want to continue to provide entertainment experiences that are high in quality in a manner that viewers can immerse themselves in stories we want to tell.”

    “We are elated to be a part of the first-ever OTT season of Bigg Boss Ultimate, I’m confident that this new format will keep viewers engaged with a video content stream from the set, and a fresh new set of rules,” said “Bigg Boss Ultimate” production head. “Partnering with a platform that is accessible to millions of Indians, like Disney+ Hotstar, ensures that viewers will get the chance to enjoy uninterrupted entertainment that we bring to them.”

  • Disney+ Hotstar strengthens Telugu content offering with new titles

    Disney+ Hotstar strengthens Telugu content offering with new titles

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar on Friday announced a strong lineup of Telugu entertainment as it welcomes viewers to Mana Vinoda Vishwam (Our Entertainment Universe). Telugu superstar Ram Charan, along with King Nagarjuna, Sharat Kumar, Naveen Chandra, Ishaan, Akanksha Singh, Krishna Vijay, Boyapati Srinu, Krish, Ajay, Anjali, Madhu Shalini, Hari Yelleti, Thiru (director of “Jhansi”) Prasad Devineni (Producer – Arka Media), Krishna Kulasekaran, Rajeev Reddy and many more talents united to unveil new and upcoming Telugu titles.

    Disney+ Hotstar’s robust regional lineup includes the Jagapathi Babu, Sharat Kumar and Naveen Chandra-starrer first-ever original Telugu Hotstar Specials series “Parampara.” The series is backed by “Baahubali” producers Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni of Arka Mediaworks Production and has been written by Hari Yelleti and directed by filmmaker Krishna Vijay L. 

    The platform will also stream the Telugu digital-exclusive season of the nation’s favourite reality show “Bigg Boss Live,” hosted by popular celebrity star Nagarjuna. “9 hours,” a thrilling bank robbery presented by directed by Krish starring Tarak Ratna and Ajay among others, “Jhansi,” starring Anjali in the lead role, an action-packed web series about an amnesiac woman and a doting mother who unravels her true identity and confronts her dark past making her a reluctant vigilante and “Shaitan,” a thriller written and directed by Maahi Raghav.

    “We have always been at the forefront of revolutionising the way content is created and consumed in India – and are delighted to continue this journey to create an unparalleled Telugu entertainment experience for our viewers,” stated Disney+ Hotstar president and head Sunil Rayan. “Joining forces with some of the prolific minds in the industry, we are excited to offer fresh content in Telugu with path-breaking narratives through Parampara, 9 Hours and Jhansi as well as exciting formats through BiggBoss Live. With this foray, we endeavour to take one more step towards elevating the entertainment experience for viewers across India.”

     The new Telugu lineup on Disney+ Hotstar follows the successful releases of titles in the recent past such as “Unheard,” “Maestro,” “Adbhutam,” “MaaOoriPolimera,”  and “Annabelle Sethupathi,” bringing diverse and unique stories especially curated for Telugu entertainment lovers, shining a spotlight on locally relevant narratives and featuring some of the biggest stars of Tollywood in blockbuster films.  

    “Our foray in Telugu entertainment highlights an interesting time in the industry, showcasing incredible talent such as Jagapathi Babu, Sarath Kumar and many more playing never seen before roles and characters,” said Disney+ Hotstar and HSM Entertainment Network, Star & Disney India president and head – content Gaurav Banerjee. “We are delighted to step into the world of Telugu entertainment and look forward to bringing stories and performances that will resonate and strike a chord across viewers.”

    Talking about the campaign, the face of the Disney+ Hotstar’s Telugu launch actor Ram Charan said, “The entertainment landscape in India is transforming drastically with digital presence. Telugu entertainment entering this landscape with Disney+ Hotstar is a great boost for all associated with the industry. The audience can look forward to seeing their favourite stars don new and intriguing characters that will leave them spell bound. The global audience too now gets an opportunity to watch highly engaging Telugu stories that had otherwise been limited to theatres and regional channels. The stars are now shining on Telugu entertainment, and I am happy to be the face of it.”

    “Digital streaming platforms in the country are growing their footprint and it is interesting how the platform is leveraging the Tollywood industry’s large fan following to bring in original productions and creative narratives. The addition of Telugu dedicated series and films on Disney+ Hotstar, is a definitive step towards democratising entertainment for the global audience,” commented Telugu superstar Nagarjuna.

    “When the best talents come together, it makes for a fascinating production on screen. Disney+ Hotstar bringing on board so many of Tollywood’s stars and fresh talent with its original films and series will start a new phase of Tollywood creativity,” remarked actor Jagapathi Babu.