ITV

Tag: James Farrell

  • Culpa Tuya takes over the world, smashing Prime Video records!

    Culpa Tuya takes over the world, smashing Prime Video records!

    MUMBAI: Prime Video is rewriting the record books, and Culpa Tuya is at the centre of this cinematic revolution. This Spanish young-adult blockbuster didn’t just arrive—it took over, becoming the most-watched international original on Prime Video at launch. Who knew that a sequel from Mercedes Ron’s best-selling Culpables trilogy could ignite such a global frenzy?

    Since its release on 27 December 2024, the film has topped charts in over 170 countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Brazil, and Mexico—even securing a top three spot in the U.S. and U.K.. That’s right—90 per cent of streams came from outside Spain, proving that language barriers are no match for a gripping love story and some serious drama.

    So, what’s the secret? A sizzling narrative, characters you can’t help but root for, and the kind of suspense that keeps you glued to the screen. One thing is clear: Culpa Tuya isn’t just a movie—it’s a global movement.

    Prime Video also unveiled its top 10 most-watched non-English language international originals of 2024, spotlighting a year of record-breaking international hits. Seven different countries landed on the list, reflecting the platform’s commitment to global storytelling.

    Top 10 non-English language international originals on Prime Video in 2024 (Based on performance outside their country of origin in the first 4 weeks of launch):

    1. Culpa Tuya (Movie, Spain)

    2.  Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End (Movie, Spain)

    3.  Maxton Hall: The World Between Us (Series, Germany)

    4.  Citadel: Diana (Series, Italy)

    5.  Citadel: Honey Bunny (Series, India)

    6.  Red Queen (Series, Spain)

    7.  Marry My Husband (Series, Korea)

    8.  No Gain No Love (Series, Korea)

    9.  Betty La Fea, The Story Continues (Series, Colombia)

    10.  Like A Dragon: Yakuza (Series, Japan)

    The young-adult genre ruled 2024, with Culpa Tuya and Maxton Hall: The World Between Us leading the charge. Korean dramas also made waves, proving that audiences crave emotionally rich, binge-worthy content. Meanwhile, Spanish-language titles accounted for four out of the Top 10 spots, reinforcing the global appeal of Spanish storytelling.

    “It’s been a landmark year for International Originals on Prime Video, as customers increasingly embrace stories from across the world,” said Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios VP – international originals, James Farrell. “Our success proves that great storytelling transcends language and geography.”

    Prime Video’s international originals didn’t just travel well—they shattered records in their home countries. Among the biggest hits:

     .  Mirzapur, Season 3 (India) – The most-watched show on Prime Video India at launch

     .  Oshi No Ko (Japan) – The biggest debut for a Japanese Original

     . Who Killed Him? (Mexico) – Mexico’s most-watched title of all time

     . The Park Maniac (Brazil) – The top Brazilian Original ever

     . Nahir (Argentina) – The most-viewed title in Argentina’s history

    Prime Video is doubling down on global storytelling with a lineup of sequels, new seasons, and adaptations of beloved franchises. Fans can look forward to:

     . Culpa Nuestra (Spain) – The next installment in the Culpables trilogy

     . My Fault: London (UK) – A UK-based spin-off of the franchise

      . Maxton Hall: The World Between Us – Season 2 (Germany)

     . Red Queen – Season 2 (Spain)

     . Betty La Fea, The Story Continues – Season 2 (Colombia)

     . Superboys of Malegaon (India) – A highly anticipated new Indian series

    “We’re thrilled to see Culpa Tuya resonate with audiences worldwide, breaking records and setting new benchmarks,” said Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios head of movies & scripted TV, María Contreras. “The appetite for great international storytelling has never been stronger, and we’re committed to bringing even more compelling stories to our global audience.”

    With Prime Video’s International Originals smashing records across continents, 2025 is set to unleash even bigger cinematic waves. Who needs subtitles when a great story speaks every language? One thing is clear: the future of entertainment is borderless.

  • Citadel: Honey Bunny was Prime Video’s most watched series globally this weekend

    Citadel: Honey Bunny was Prime Video’s most watched series globally this weekend

    Mumbai— Prime Video revealed that the Indian Original spy series Citadel: Honey Bunny, born from the world of Citadel, was the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend. sThe Indian series directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and starring Varun Dhawan and Samantha, has drawn in huge global audiences, streamed in 200 countries worldwide. The series was in the top 10 in almost 150 countries, including US, UK, France, Italy, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and UAE, proving the trend that consumers are continuing to enjoy non-English language content.

    “The success of Citadel: Honey Bunny shows that our non-English language International Originals continue to find fans globally through Prime Video’s huge worldwide audience,” said Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios VP International Originals James Farrell.

    “Citadel: Honey Bunny’s success is another example of Indian content increasingly being appreciated by audiences worldwide,” said Prime Video India Head of Originals Nikhil Madhok. “It shows that local narratives can have universal appeal and engage customers across borders. The series has received an extremely positive response in India and we are thrilled that this action spy thriller is also the most watched series on Prime Video worldwide in its launch weekend.”

    “It has been a very enriching experience on a challenging project that gave us the unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the biggest names in global entertainment and build on a larger connected world of spies which goes beyond the conventional storytelling formats,” said Raj & DK. “We have enjoyed weaving in easter eggs and nostalgic throwbacks to 90s’ cinema into the world of Honey Bunny. And we are thrilled at the amazing response both from our home turf and from around the world!”

    “We continue to be immensely proud of our global partners on Citadel and the success of each installment in the series. DK and Raj’s Citadel: Honey Bunny is a truly fun, propulsive and subversive spy show. Writer Sita Menon has crafted outstanding scripts that our talented leads, Samantha and Varun Dhawan, bring to life through shining performances, said AGBO executive producer and chief creative officer Angela Russo-Otstot. “AGBO is honored to collaborate with such exceptional creatives, alongside Amazon and David Weil, in bringing this distinctive global series to audiences worldwide.”

    Citadel: Honey Bunny is directed by Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK) and written by Sita R. Menon, along with Raj & DK. The series is produced by D2R Films, Amazon MGM Studios, and executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO. Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot, and Scott Nemes from AGBO, alongside David Weil (Hunters), executive produce Citadel: Honey Bunny and all series within the world of Citadel. Midnight Radio is also an executive producer.

    The first season of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, premiered to global success in 2023, becoming Prime Video’s second most-watched new original series outside the US, and fourth most-watched worldwide, after 24 days. Executive produced by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO, Citadel and its subsequent action-espionage Original Series traverse the globe, evolving the story of spy agency Citadel and its powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Each series born from the world of Citadel stars top local talent and is created, produced and filmed in the region—bringing about stylistically unique shows with strong cultural identities rooted in their respective country of origin. The Italian Original, Citadel: Diana, which launched on 10 October, was the second series to debut from the world of Citadel and is followed by India’s series, Citadel: Honey Bunny, which launched on 7 November. Since the launch of both series, customers continue to watch season one of Citadel, drawing in more audiences globally. Season Two of Citadel, starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas alongside Stanley Tucci and Lesley Manville, is in production, with Joe Russo serving as director.

    Citadel: Honey Bunny joins Prime Video’s slate of International Originals debuting to record-breaking global success, including recent international hits; My Fault (‘Culpa Mía’), Maxton Hall – The World Between Us, and Like A Dragon: Yakuza, as well as upcoming launches, including Your Fault (‘Culpa Tuya’), The Sticky, and Look Back. The Indian Original series adds to Prime Video’s breadth of Indian-produced hits, such as Mirzapur, Farzi, The Family Man, and upcoming season two of Paatal Lok, season four of Panchayat and Matka King. As well as global Amazon MGM Studios-produced series and movies, such as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Fallout, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Road House, Saltburn, and The Idea of You. This is all available with a Prime membership. Prime subscribers can enjoy savings, convenience and entertainment, all in a single membership.

  • Amazon Prime Video’s India talent focus that’s working miracles

    Amazon Prime Video’s India talent focus that’s working miracles

    MUMBAI: At Amazon Prime Video HD, if there is one war cry that’s being heard loud and clear it is: India ahoy! There’s a reason behind it, according to a report in US publication Deadline. Head of Originals James Farrell, at an event announcing the launch of its biggest slate in Mumbai, said that one of five (or 20 per cent) of its subscribers outside of India watch content produced by Indian creators. He gave full credit for this success to the head of Indian originals Aparna Purohit and her team.

    A beaming Purohit who joined the international team on stage pointed out that she truly believes India is a land of storytellers — in every nook and cranny. “This is almost like the renaissance of Indian entertainment and amidst this multitude of stories, to find one that can connect and resonate with the audiences here and across the world is a challenge,” she added. “We just want to create a home for talent; a safe space where creators feel supported and that we’re willing to invest in them.”

    According to Farrell, that support is coming in the form of the format of shows such as One Mic Stand being remade in Germany.

    Amazon Studios president Jennifer Salke believes that what sets Prime Video apart from the other streamers is its razor sharp focus to be the home for talent. “What this means is that we have to have the best teams on the ground to cultivate the talent in the regions. Talent wants to be part of the Amazon Prime family and make incredible shows for people to enjoy not only in India but all over the world. We stand apart in that away,” she said.

    International operations vice-president Kelly Day highlighted that India is one of Amazon Prime Video’s fastest growing markets and has some of the streamer’s most engaged customers. “The future of global streaming services is about global expansion and moving much more ambitiously to serving customers in international markets and truly, India is really leading the way for us,” she said.

    Are the suits at Netflix who have relatively cooled off on India listening?