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Tag: Hollywood movies

  • JioHotstar SvoD has unmatched local and global content – Ampere Analysis research

    JioHotstar SvoD has unmatched local and global content – Ampere Analysis research

    MUMBAI: Now, it’s got an endorsement from leading research and data anslysis firm Ampere Analysis.  JioHotstar formed through the merger of Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema, has been given the stamp  of the largest subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) services in the market, boasting over 14,000 movies and TV seasons at launch.

    JioHotstar has a significant advantage in the Indian SVoD market by combining extensive local content with premium Hollywood titles, says the research and data analysis firm in an insight post released on its portal yesterday.   Over 60 per cent of its library consists of locally-produced content, including hit TV shows from Star and Colors TV networks. 

    This aligns with Indian viewers’ strong preference for domestic entertainment, with 62 per cent of surveyed audiences reporting they watch locally-produced movies “very often.” Notable titles in its library include Hanu-Man, the Baahubali films, and reality TV favorite Bigg Boss.

    However, JioHotstar also addresses India’s growing demand for Hollywood movies, a key battleground against Netflix, says Ampere. 

     

    Inda tv shows

    While 41 per cent of surveyed Indian viewers watch Hollywood films “very often,” JioHotstar delivers a vast selection, leveraging Disney’s franchises such as Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, alongside exclusive content from Universal (Oppenheimer, Despicable Me 4), Warner Bros. (Harry Potter, The Dark Knight), and Paramount (Mission: Impossible, Transformers). Additionally, the platform offers popular US TV shows from HBO, Showtime, and Nickelodeon.

    Beyond movies and TV, JioHotstar is set to dominate India’s sports streaming space. The platform holds exclusive rights to three of the country’s most-followed sports events: the Indian Premier League (IPL), Premier League soccer, and Wimbledon. 

    Cricket, India’s most popular sport, is a crucial driver for subscriptions—43  per cent of surveyed respondents follow it avidly. The IPL, in particular, was pivotal to Disney+ Hotstar’s previous subscriber growth, and its loss in 2023 led to a significant decline in subscriptions.

    With a well-balanced mix of local productions, Hollywood blockbusters, and top-tier sports content, JioHotstar emerges as a formidable force in India’s competitive SVoD market.

  • Hungama Digital Media rebrands as Hungama OTT for a bigger, bolder future

    Hungama Digital Media rebrands as Hungama OTT for a bigger, bolder future

    MUMBAI: Was Hungama fashionably late to the OTT party, or are they about to crash it in style? With competitors already miles ahead, it’s time to see what game-changing surprises they have in store.

    In a move that screams bigger, better, and bolder, Hungama Digital Media has rebranded its flagship Hungama app as Hungama OTT. This strategic transformation marks a major step in Hungama’s mission to create an all-in-one entertainment powerhouse, bringing together originals, blockbuster films, music, podcasts, and more under one digital roof.

    Gone are the days of juggling multiple platforms—Hungama OTT offers an extensive premium content library, featuring binge-worthy Hungama originals, chart-topping music videos, Hollywood and Indian cinema blockbusters, and a treasure trove of podcasts and audiobooks. With an impressive collection of regional and international content, Hungama OTT promises something for every kind of entertainment lover.

    Since its inception, Hungama has been a trailblazer in digital entertainment, constantly evolving to keep up with user preferences and technological advancements. This rebranding reaffirms its commitment to making entertainment effortlessly accessible, ensuring that users always have something exciting to watch, listen to, or groove to.

    Movie buffs can explore 5,000+ films in English, Hindi, and regional languages, while short-film enthusiasts get access to 1,500+ critically acclaimed short films. The platform also boasts 7,500+ hours of kids’ and television content, along with 150,000+ short-format videos covering music, film gossip, humour, and spirituality.

    Hungama OTT is not just an update—it’s an entertainment glow-up of epic proportions. With a fresh identity and a content universe that keeps expanding faster than your watchlist, Hungama is redefining digital entertainment, offering users a dynamic, immersive, and endlessly binge-worthy experience.

  • Box office records its best performance post-Covid in Jan-Apr: Report

    Box office records its best performance post-Covid in Jan-Apr: Report

    Mumbai: Box office numbers reach Rs 4,200 crore during January-April recording the cinema exhibition industry’s best performance post-Covid, as per a report by cinema advertising company Interactive Television, GroupM India and media consulting firm Ormax Media.

    The report titled ‘India is back…at the theatres’ found that average monthly box office collections stood at Rs 1,000 crore. “These milestones have been achieved despite the impact of the third wave and 18 percent of cinemas still being closed since 2019,” said the statement.

    “K.G.F: Chapter 2” is the best performing film of the quarter with Rs 1,008 crore in collections so far, followed by “RRR” and “The Kashmir Files” with gross collections of Rs 875 crore and Rs 293 crore, respectively. The report also indicates that in-cinema footballs have recovered compared to 2019 levels.

    While there were no Hollywood blockbusters released during January-April, the report indicates that with the strong line-up of Hollywood movies slated for the rest of the year, 2022 collections may surpass 2019 gross box office collections of Rs 1,595 crore for Hollywood movies. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” which was released in May has done very well and upcoming films such as “Avatar: The Way of Water”, “Thor: Love and Thunder”, and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” are expected to beat previous records.

    The future of regional cinema namely Marathi and Punjabi cinema looks positive with four Marathi films crossing rupees one crore in their opening weekend collection. Hindi cinema contributed 38 per cent to the box office and almost 60 per cent of this share comes from Hindi dubbed versions of South India films, primarily “K.G.F: Chapter 2” and “RRR”.

    GroupM South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar, said “It is good to see the cinemas back on track. Five months into this year and we are seeing very promising numbers in terms of box office collection and consumer footfalls in the theatres. Movies have always been India’s favourite source of entertainment and this year looks very optimistic to us in terms of recovery, following two years of slowdown due to covid. This report will help advertisers plan their campaigns appropriately and it will help revive the in-cinema advertising domain which in turn will help recover the previously slowed down economy.”

    Interactive Television (iTV) founder and managing director & Kinetic India managing director Ajay Mehta said, “With the return of audience into the cinemas, we are also seeing major advertiser interest picking up on where it was left in 2019. We have already seen more than 350 brands active in cinema and with the festive season, we expect it to go much beyond that. The operating capacity of the cinema halls is set to cross the 90 per cent mark by mid-year. With several big-ticket releases planned across languages for the rest of 2022, we are very optimistic about this year’s cinema AdEx (advertising expenditure) as India comes back to its favourite entertainment hub.”

    The report states that 2022 is expected to be the strongest year ever at the Indian box office. With the resurgence of cinema, the medium is also attracting advertisers from various spectrums of the industry. As per GroupM, around 280 brands advertised their products/services in the opening week of “K.G.F: Chapter 2”.

    “Over the last two years, when cinemas were shut due to the pandemic, many analysts were quick to write an obituary of the theatrical medium,” said Ormax Media founder and CEO Shailesh Kapoor.

    “The first four months of 2022 have proven how far removed from reality that analysis was. The theatrical medium has not only bounced back but emerged as stronger than it has been in decades. 2022 will be the biggest box office year till date, and by a good margin too,” he added.

  • YouTube announces free TV shows and films for US viewers

    YouTube announces free TV shows and films for US viewers

    Mumbai: Google-owned YouTube has announced that popular television shows and films from major studios will be available in the US for free, with ads, using smart televisions, mobile devices or web browsers. The video platform has over 1,500 films from Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate, FilmRise, and more.

    The American audience will now have access to nearly 4,000 episodes of TV shows like “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Andromeda,” “Heartland,” and many more. New titles in March include “Gone in Sixty Seconds,” “Runaway Bride” and “Legally Blonde.”

    US users can access these films and shows and up to 100 new titles each week on web browsers, mobile devices, and most connected TVs via the YouTube on TV app.

    “More people are choosing to experience YouTube on the big screen with friends and family. In fact, according to Nielsen, YouTube reached over 135 million people on connected TVs in the US in December 2021. YouTube is at the forefront of the consumer shift to CTV viewership as the top ad-supported streaming platform with the content people enjoy and the creators they love,” YouTube said in a blog post.

    To enhance the viewing experience, the video platform is also unveiling brand new streamlined navigation and immersive banner art. The rich visuals and new menus will help users more easily find their favourite TV shows, whether they choose to rent, purchase, or watch for free with ads. Many of these titles are also now available in high definition 1080p with 5.1 surround sound audio on supported devices.

  • 20th VES Awards: DNEG sweeps seven awards for visual effects

    20th VES Awards: DNEG sweeps seven awards for visual effects

    Mumbai: The London-based VFX major Double Negative (DNEG) has received seven awards at the 20th Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards held in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The company is a technology-enabled visual effect and animation studio for the creation of feature film, television and multiplatform content.  This year’s seven VES awards bring The company’s all-time total to 18.

    The four of DNEG’s seven awards honoured its VFX work on Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar 2022 frontrunner “Dune,” including the main award for ‘Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature,’ which was presented by the filmmaker himself.

    DNEG also received two awards for its work on the Apple TV+ drama “Foundation,” as well as the award for ‘Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature” for Edgar Wright’s “Last Night In Soho.”

    DNEG’s dominant and expansive awards haul on the evening provides further evidence of the company’s leading capabilities in the visual effects and animation industries. This year’s extraordinary levels of success and the recognition of the Visual Effects Society add to DNEG’s impressive list of recent and historical accolades, said the statement.

    “Thank you to the Visual Effects Society for honouring the incredible work of our teams and congratulations to all of our winners, collaborators, global teams and clients on this epic achievement,” commented DNEG chairman and CEO Namit Malhotra. “It is important to note that these projects were all in production during the pandemic. Despite the challenges of finding new ways of working in this incredibly difficult time for the world, DNEG has produced work of a quality that has been recognised as outstanding by the VES – an industry body that provides a detailed and comprehensive gauge of the technology and artistry that makes this work so special.”

    “This, alongside the unprecedented number of awards that we won last night, is a massive testament to the capabilities of our teams, and the trust of our customers that DNEG will always deliver their vision to the highest possible standard. It is also a huge validation of DNEG’s ambitious growth plans as we go from strength to strength, scaling our business, and delivering great results across all of our global teams,” Malhotra further said.

    DNEG’s complete 2022 VES Award winners are:

    Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature: “Dune” – Paul Lambert, Brice Parker, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor, Gerd Nefzer

    Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature: “Last Night in Soho” – Tom Proctor, Gavin Gregory, Julian Gnass, Fabricio Baessa

    Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Episode: “Foundation” – The Emperor’s Peace – Chris MacLean, Addie Manis, Mike Enriquez, Chris Keller, Paul Byrne

    Outstanding Model in a Photoreal or Animated Project: “Dune” – Royal Ornithopter – Marc Austin, Anna Yamazoe, Michael Chang, Rachael Dunk

    Outstanding Effects Simulations in a Photoreal Feature: “Dune” – Dunes of Arrakis – Gero Grimm, Ivan Larinin, Hideki Okano, Zuny An

    Outstanding Effects Simulation in an Episode, Commercial, or Real-Time Project: “Foundation” – Collapse of the Galactic Empire – Giovanni Casadei, Mikel Zuloaga, Steven Moor, Louis Manjarres

    Outstanding Compositing & Lighting in a Feature: “Dune” – Attack on Arrakeen – Gregory Haas, Francesco Dell’Anna, Abhishek Chaturvedi, Cleve Zhu

    DNEG served as lead VFX partner on each of the above projects, with work completed throughout its worldwide studios, according to the company.

  • STARZ streamer Lionsgate Play launches in Sri Lanka

    STARZ streamer Lionsgate Play launches in Sri Lanka

    Mumbai: In a bid to expand its presence in Asia, the US-based streaming platform STARZ has launched its direct-to-consumer (DTC) OTT app Lionsgate Play in Sri Lanka, following its launch in India and Indonesia.

    The premium subscription service will bring Lionsgate Play’s vast library of Hollywood blockbusters, film franchises, and premium original series and boxsets immediately accessible to the subscribers, the platform said in a statement on Tuesday.

    The service has also launched at attractive price points to Sri Lankan consumers to enjoy the best of global entertainment affordably and at their convenience, it added.

    “We are thrilled to bring Lionsgate’s global brand to Sri Lanka with the launch of the Lionsgate Play app,” MD of South Asia and Networks-Emerging Markets Asia, Rohit Jain said.

    “Sri Lanka is a key market for us with its promising internet penetration, rapid growth in broadband, and the recent introduction of unlimited internet packs. We want to provide the finest, never seen before content that will captivate our audiences with bespoke entertainment drawing on the most exciting current releases and our premium library. The launch of Lionsgate Play will bring premium world-class entertainment right to the pockets of the consumers. We are certain that the launch will initiate altogether a new unparalleled entertainment experience to the island nation.”

  • &flix celebrates three years of Hollywood films

    &flix celebrates three years of Hollywood films

    Mumbai: Popular English movie channel &flix will celebrate its third anniversary on 3 June and air a ‘Flix birthday special’ bouquet of movies for its viewers all day-long. 

    The channel has lined up some blockbuster films for binge viewing on 3 June. The day will begin with Terminator 3: Rise of Machines that stars Hollywood action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role. The film is the story of a powerful cyborg from a post-apocalyptic future who tries to protect his companion in the present. The film also stars Nick Stahl, Claire Danes, and Kristanna Loken in the lead roles. 

    Another movie that will be telecasted is Godzilla starring Matthew Broderick and Jean Reno in the lead roles. Released in 1998, this movie directed by Roland Emmerich is widely considered a classic among film buffs. 

    Michael Bay’s Transformers, Avengers: Infinity War, Will Smith starrer Men In Black, and Bad Boys For Life will be also telecasted as a part of &flix’s third-anniversary celebrations.

  • This March &flix brings ‘Flix Superheroes’

    This March &flix brings ‘Flix Superheroes’

    MUMBAI: There is something mystifying about a hero in a costume, covered in a cape and mask to protect himself and his near beloved ones but, there's always more to him than what meets the eye. This month, &flix takes charge to shine the light on these men behind the mask who have reminded us time that they're truly Awesome and Then Some. Get ready to celebrate and experience a wonderful feeling this march as &flix brings back its premier movie block and celebrate awesomeness with ‘Flix Superheroes’. Enjoy binge worthy titles of the biggest superhero Blockbusters airing all week starting 15 March, weeknights at 9PM only on &flix.

    Bringing you the who’s who of Hollywood, here’s an army of heroes who have inspired you to be the best versions of yourselves and unleash the superhero within you. From your web-slinging friendly, neighbourhood Spider-Man starring Tom Holland in Spider-Man: Homecoming to The Amazing Spiderman starring Andrew Garfield, there’s your regular dose of action and comedy with the young superhero. Wielding his hammer with god like powers, the last place you would want to be is in the path of the God of thunder in Thor who is the ideal personification for total Armageddon. The Russo brothers are at it again bringing to you a double dose of Marvel’s biggest blockbusters to witness the extraordinary coming together of heroes for the greatest battle of the 21 century. While one hero is never too satisfying to satiate your hunger, maybe ten or more might.  Avengers Endgame & Avengers Infinity Wars are guaranteed to give you the steroid kick to amp you up for a phenomenal evening of entertainment. Fans all over were saddened to hear of the passing of Chadwick Boseman whose role as the Black Panther brought solidarity to the team and will now see its airing on television as part of this captivating block. If revenge is a dish best served cold, then order me a doggy pack to-go as one man finds himself with a single purpose to find the people responsible for sowing the seeds of anger and hate in him with the airing of Punisher: War Zone. Find yourself drawn to movies that will leave you in awe-someness this month and catch some of the other global hits with titles like The Avengers, Marvel’s Big Hero 6, Vin Diesel Starrer Bloodshot, end of the world apocalypse in Resident Evil and more only with Flix Superheroes on &flix.

    Celebrate awesomeness this month with the biggest Superhero movies weeknights at 9 only on &flix

  • Critically acclaimed American dystopian drama, ‘Fast Color’ to premiere on MN+ and Romedy NOW

    Critically acclaimed American dystopian drama, ‘Fast Color’ to premiere on MN+ and Romedy NOW

    Mumbai: Offering some of the most celebrated Hollywood movies of all time to its viewers, MN+ and Romedy NOW will simulcast the Indian Television premiere of the American supernatural movie, ‘Fast Color’ this Sunday October 25, at 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

    Written and directed by Julia Hart, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Lorraine Toussaint, and Saniyya Sidney, Fast Color narrates an inspiring story of redemption, recovery and healing, featuring three generations of strong women coming to terms with their special abilities. Set in the American Midwest, in a dystopian near-future, the movie allows space for questions and confusion. The story revolves around a woman named Ruth (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who is forced to go on the run when her superpowers are discovered. She flees back to her family where she begins to mend the broken relationships with her mother and daughter and learns that the power she needed was inside her all along. With an introspective take on the superhero movie, Fast Color is a sci-fi film which exploits the superhero ethos, leaving audiences pondering at the end. The movie received praise for its visual style, performances, direction, and stimulating story.

    MN+ and Romedy NOW treat its viewers this weekend with a movie that explores the universal theme of superpower with an empowering narrative that fits today’s era.

  • This Republic Day, feel inspired and entertained by SPN’s English Cluster

    This Republic Day, feel inspired and entertained by SPN’s English Cluster

    MUMBAI: As the nation embarks on a celebration of pride and valour on Republic Day, SPN’s English Cluster brings an entertainment parade of the finest shows and movies for its viewers. See India like never-before on Sony BBC Earth, feel inspired by watching the greatest stories of survival and rebellion on Sony PIX and unwind watching the best musical show on AXN.

    Starting 11am on Saturday January 26, India’s most loved factual entertainment channel, Sony BBC Earth will air a marathon of ‘desi’ content to intensify the patriotic vibes and make India ‘feel alive’. The channel will showcase a unique side of India with iconic shows like Ganges with Sue Perkins, Tuning 2 You, Monumental Challenge – Taj Mahal, Joanna Lumely’s India, Kolkata with Sue Perkins, Hidden India, Kumbh Mela, Rick Stein’s India and Shaun Micallef’s Stairway to Heaven – stories that the country is proud of.

    Sony PIX, home to blockbuster Hollywood movies, will celebrate true heroes and victories to mark India’s 70th Republic Day by airing epic movies like 300, Rambo: First Blood 2, Battleship, Suicide Squad, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Great Wall. That’s not all. This power-packed day will also have the Indian Television Premiere of American Made, starring Hollywood action mega-star Tom Cruise, followed by a movie on India’s Cricket icon Sachin: A billion Dreams.

    The music lovers are in for a special treat with AXN as the channel telecasts the best episodes from the latest season of the biggest international singing reality show The Voice.