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Tag: Manish Kalra

  • Zee5 adopts common media application format

    Zee5 adopts common media application format

    Mumbai: Zee5 has successfully adopted the common media application format (CMAF) at a wider scale to transform content delivery and enhance viewer experience. The innovative move, implemented by the company’s technology & innovation centre based in Bengaluru, facilitates smoother video playback across devices and allows Zee5 users to experience good AV quality even in areas with low internet bandwidth.

    By optimising bandwidth consumption and reducing operational costs, Zee5 is expanding its reach to 100 million users, ensuring more viewers can have access to high-quality streaming. CMAF is a versatile and extensible standard designed to package segmented media, enabling seamless cross-device compatibility. By adopting CMAF, Zee5 is not only ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience but also reducing latency, a critical factor in live streaming of sports, news and events.

    Reflecting on the impact of CMAF, Zee’s chief technology and product officer Shiva Chinnasamy said, “Our strategic focus is to provide best-in-class AV experience even in areas with low internet. CMAF allows us to serve content more efficiently, ensuring no data wastage while delivering high-quality immersive experiences to every viewer, no matter their bandwidth. Zee5 is focusing on building in-house capabilities to provide robust services and experience to their consumers and adoption of CMAF is a crucial step to achieve the same.”

    Zee5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “At Zee5, we remain focused on enhancing viewer experience through cutting-edge technology. Adopting the Common Media Application Format (CMAF) is a step forward in Zee5’s vision to democratise access to quality entertainment. This ensures that even in regions with low internet connectivity, our users can enjoy seamless viewing experiences. This strategic move reflects our commitment to bring quality content to a broader audience, which also aligns with our goal of delivering immersive entertainment across multiple devices. CMAF represents a significant step in further refining how our viewers engage with content on our platform.”

    Commenting on the success of the format, Zee’s SVP & head of video engineering Suneel Khare said, “The implementation of CMAF is strategic. It allows us to streamline and improve our content delivery, enabling real-time low-latency streaming while significantly reducing data requirements. This enhancement ensures smoother playback even in regions with low bandwidth, expanding Zee5’s reach to a broader audience, including those with limited internet access.”

    Zee5’s successful implementation of CMAF has resulted in several key advantages, including:

    . Low-latency streaming: Essential for live events, CMAF ensures near real-time video delivery, minimizing delays and enhancing live event viewing.

    . Bandwidth optimization: The efficient CMAF packaging reduces data consumption, enhancing video quality in low-bandwidth environments.

    . Cross-device compatibility: CMAF supports both HLS (HTTP live streaming) and DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) formats, ensuring consistent video playback across mobile devices, Smart TVs, and more.

    . Future-ready encryption: CMAF utilises Widevine CBCS technology, a standard for content protection that allows for seamless playback across both Apple & Android devices and ensures a seamless and secure streaming experience.

    Zee’s principal architect of video engineering Rahul Banerjee added, “With CMAF, the real-time improvements in video quality and reduced buffering have significantly enhanced viewer engagement. This upgrade ensures viewers enjoy higher-quality streams with minimal delays, even in regions with weaker internet connectivity.”

    CMAF has enhanced the viewer experience and provided operational benefits for Zee5. By optimising content packaging, it has reduced storage requirements by over 30 per cent while keeping CDN (content delivery network) costs stable despite increased demand for higher-resolution content. Additionally, CMAF’s scalability allows Zee5 to expand its global reach in over 12 languages, maintaining consistent performance during peak usage.

    With CMAF, Zee5 improves operational efficiency and strengthens its commitment to delivering quality content to a diverse audience. The platform’s approach to content packaging and delivery positions it well for the evolving OTT landscape.

  • ZEE5 continues the exclusive OTT partner for Mumbaicha Raja

    ZEE5 continues the exclusive OTT partner for Mumbaicha Raja

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s home-grown video streaming platform and multilingual storyteller for multiple entertainment seekers is proud to announce its continued partnership with the iconic Mumbaicha Raja for the third consecutive year. From 7 – 17 September 2024, ZEE5 will be live-streaming Bappa’s darshan and aarti straight from the pandal on the platform, bringing the divine festivities of Ganesh Chaturthi directly to the screens of millions of viewers across India, at zero cost.

    Speaking about the collaboration, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “We are excited to begin another year of festive celebrations, blessed by Mumbaicha Raja on ZEE5. As a top OTT platform with a strong presence in regional markets, we are dedicated to bringing the iconic Ganpati celebration at Mumbaicha Raja to millions of homes nationwide. I send my warmest wishes to all our viewers and invite them to enjoy the festivities from the comfort of their homes through ZEE5.”

    ZEE5 offers a diverse range of high-quality content catering to its viewers, showcasing a selection of thoughtfully crafted narratives, including premium Marathi titles such as Dharmaveer: Mukkam Post Thane, Mulshi Pattern, Fatteshikast, Zombivli, Timepass 3, Gulabjaam, Timepass, Chi Va Chi Sau Ka, Ventilator, Anandi Gopal, among others.

    https://www.zee5.com/live-tv/mumbaicha-raja/0-9-9z5210099

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  • ZEE5’s new TVC asks viewers ‘ZEE5 TV Dekha Kya’

    ZEE5’s new TVC asks viewers ‘ZEE5 TV Dekha Kya’

    Mumbai: ZEE5 has introduced its latest AVOD brand campaign, “ZEE5 TV Dekha Kya”, to increase the adoption of connected TVs. The latest TVC highlights the availability of AVOD content on smart TVs, which is currently on air across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms. Launching this new campaign, ZEE5 reaffirms its commitment to educating users about the flexibility and convenience of watching their favourite TV shows on ZEE5’s AVOD proposition, ZEE5 TV Apna TV.

    The TVC humorously addresses the scenario of missing out on TV shows due to the constraints of traditional broadcasting schedules. The promos feature a disgruntled wife and mother who missed her TV show and is introduced to the concept of watching ZEE5 on a connected TV by her child. The child explains how ZEE5 allows users to move beyond the limitations of scheduled TV programming, offering a wide array of content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

    Speaking about the campaign, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “We aim to connect with our audience in innovative ways to reinforce ZEE5’s AVOD identity through ‘ZEE5 TV, Apna TV’. The ‘ZEE5 TV Dekha Kya’ campaign reflects our dedication to offering a seamless and enjoyable entertainment experience to our audiences at their convenience. With the rise of connected devices, this TVC gives viewers the flexibility to enjoy their favourite content directly on their smart TVs, anytime, leading to an on-demand, high-quality viewing experience.”

    The campaign will be available in multiple languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bangla, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam to reach a wider audience. This inclusive approach ensures that viewers from different regions across India can enjoy the benefits of ZEE5’s extensive library of content, tailored to their preferences and languages.

  • ‘Berlin’ to premiere soon on ZEE5

    ‘Berlin’ to premiere soon on ZEE5

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India’s video streaming platform has announced its upcoming movie ‘Berlin,’ a groundbreaking spy thriller that has already taken the international film circuit by storm. Set against the backdrop of 1990s New Delhi, this first-of-its-kind espionage drama has garnered critical acclaim at various prestigious film festivals worldwide. Adding to its growing list of accolades, ‘Berlin’ was also screened at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM 2024) on 17 Aug at Hoyts Cinema. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Atul Sabharwal, ‘Berlin’ features a stellar ensemble cast including Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose, Anupriya Goenka, and Kabir Bedi. This high-stakes drama, lauded for its outstanding performances and distinctive storytelling, promises to be an engrossing tale of undercover activities, deceit, and moral ambiguity. Produced by Zee Studios and Yippee Ki Yay Motion Pictures, ‘Berlin’ is now set to captivate a wider audience as it prepares for its exclusive premiere on ZEE5.

    ‘Berlin’ takes viewers into the icy winters of the 1990’s in Delhi, where a silent storm of espionage is brewing. The story revolves around three main characters whose lives are about to collide in unexpected ways. Ishwak Singh will be seen in an unusual yet challenging role – a deaf-mute young man accused of being a foreign spy. Aparshakti Khurana, stepping out of his comfort zone, will be seen as a sign language expert tasked with unlocking the secrets hidden in silence. Anupriya Goenka adds fuel to the fire as an enigmatic agent, her true loyalties shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, Rahul Bose races against time as an intelligence officer, fighting not just external threats but also the shadows within his own agency. As layers of deception peel away, alliances shift and questions multiply: In a world where nothing is as it seems. And in this high-stakes game of betrayal, who will make it out alive?

    ZEE5 chief business officer Manish Kalra expressed, “We are excited to introduce ‘Berlin’ to our platform, aligning with our strategy of curating quality content that resonates with diverse audience segments. This movie is an addition to ZEE5’s extensive library, reflecting our ongoing commitment to delivering compelling narratives that push the boundaries of storytelling. ‘Berlin,’ with its stellar cast, complex plot and a first of its kind narrative with the backdrop of 1990s Delhi, has garnered critical acclaim at international film festivals. We are confident it will set a new benchmark in the espionage genre for the Indian streaming market. It will further enhance ZEE5’s appeal to both our existing subscribers and new viewers seeking quality entertainment.”

    Zee Studios CBO Umesh Kr Bansal said, “Berlin’ is a groundbreaking addition to Zee Studios’ diverse slate, capturing a unique era in Indian history through an intense spy thriller. We’re proud to see its global acclaim and excited to bring this compelling story to our ZEE5 audience”

    Yippee Ki Yay Motion Pictures producer Manav Shrivastav said, “We are delighted to join hands with ZEE5 for the launch of ‘Berlin’. This platform offers us the perfect stage to showcase this intricate, high-stakes spy thriller to a vast and diverse audience across India and beyond. ‘Berlin’ is a movie that pushes the boundaries of the espionage genre in Indian content, and we are very happy that it will soon premiere on the platform for audience to watch it. We’re confident that this partnership with ZEE5 will help us reach a far wider audience.

    List of festivals and awards:

    . Mumbai Academy of Moving Images, MAMI | Mumbai, India 

    . Indian Film Festival Los Angeles, IFFLA | Los Angeles, USA

    . Stars Asian International Film Festival, SAIFF, Mr. Ishwak Singh Award for best actor | Los Angeles, USA

    . Asian World Film Festival | Award for Outstanding Cinematic Achievement | Los Angeles, USA

    . Indian Film Festival of South Asia | Toronto, Canada

    . London Indian Film Festival | London, UK

    . Red Lorry Film Festival | Mumbai, India 

    . Indian Habitat Film Festival, New Delhi, India

    Filmmaker Atul Sabharwal mentioned, “With ‘Berlin’, we’ve created a spy thriller that is sure to keep the audiences on the edge of their couches. The on-screen chemistry between Aparshakti and Ishwak is nothing short of electric – it’s a treat that I believe viewers will thoroughly enjoy. Having the opportunity to collaborate with such versatile stars, alongside our visionary producers and the platform giant ZEE5, is any filmmaker’s dream. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into this project, and I’m optimistic it will strike a chord with viewers. The entire team is excited and eagerly looking forward to the premiere. ‘Berlin’ is our labour of love that we can’t wait to share with the world.” 

  • ZEE5 launches ‘Azaadi Ka Jashn, ZEE5 Ke Sang’

    ZEE5 launches ‘Azaadi Ka Jashn, ZEE5 Ke Sang’

    Mumbai: As a part of ZEE5 Manoranjan Festival, ZEE5 has announced the launch of ‘Azadi Ka Jashn, ZEE5 Ke Sang’ campaign to commemorate India’s 78th year of Independence. Under the campaign, ZEE5 offers free access to 61 SVOD titles between 10 August and 8 September 2024. The initiative is in line with the brand’s vision to empower audiences, offering quality choices, while democratizing entertainment for all.

    The line-up features successful titles across eight languages: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Punjabi, Kannada, Marathi, and Malayalam, highlighting the rich cultural and linguistic diversity of India. The month-long campaign showcases some of the most prominent titles including URI: The Surgical Strike, State of Siege: Temple Attack, Attack, Zombivli, Veergati, Har Har Mahadev, Valimai, Republic, Head Bush, Parineeta, Keedam, Maurh, among others.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “At ZEE5, it has always been an endeavour to democratise the accessibility to best-in-class entertainment while offering better value propositions to our consumers. We have designed the ZEE5 Manoranjan Festival to cater to the growing appetite for quality content across multiple markets, including tier II and III cities. The campaign underscores our dedication to offer diverse, engaging stories to our viewers, and the ZEE5 Manoranjan Festival is a celebration of that promise.”

    ZEE5 India head of AVOD marketing and YouTube revenue Abhirup Datta said, “Our festive campaigns have always been loved by the audience and we are eager to bring them back this year. With ‘Azadi Ka Jashn, ZEE5 Ke Sang’, we aim to empower ZEE5’s audiences with choice by bringing a wide selection of premium SVOD content titles across languages, at no cost for a limited period. It is our commitment to foster an inclusive entertainment landscape where every consumer on the platform can experience quality storytelling.”

  • ZEE5 unveils ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ with 3D projection at Mumbai’s David Sassoon Library’s Clock Tower

    ZEE5 unveils ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ with 3D projection at Mumbai’s David Sassoon Library’s Clock Tower

    Mumbai: Mumbai’s iconic David Sassoon Library’s clock tower was the centre of all attention on Friday evening as ZEE5 held a captivating 3D projection of its just released mystery thriller ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’. Mumbaikars were in for a spectacular surprise as the multilingual storyteller enthralled commuters and by-standers with a sneak peak into the highly anticipated mystery drama. A collaboration between Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is directed by Umesh Bisht and stars the trio of Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra and Dhairya Karwa.  

    Known for its Victorian Gothic architecture, the David Sassoon Library is an integral part of Mumbai’s heritage. The showcase which took place on the day of the show’s launch, 9 August, offered a visually stunning preview of the series, bringing its time-bending narrative to life against the backdrop of one of Mumbai’s most historic landmarks. This takeover by ZEE5 is a testament to the brand’s vision to entertain and engage diverse audiences through concerted high impact initiatives. Prior to the 3D showcase, ZEE5 had held a high-octane trailer launch and a power-packed special screening for industry stalwarts and cinephiles.

    Leveraging the creative brilliance and expertise of both Sikhya Entertainment and Dharmatic Entertainment, Gyaarah Gyaarah has opened to rave reviews. In a bid to meet the massive audience anticipation for the show, ZEE5 dropped all eight episodes of the mystery thriller on 8 August at 11:11 pm. The much-awaited show is a strong step forward in solidifying the homegrown streaming platform’s leadership in India’s OTT ecosystem.

    Gyaarah Gyaarah, starring Raghav Juyal, Kritika Kamra and Dhairya Karwa follows the story of Yug Arya (Raghav Juyal), a young police officer in the present day (2016), who discovers a mysterious communication link with Shaurya Anthwal (Dhairya Karwa), a senior detective from the 1990s through a mysterious walkie talkie. The main hook of this temporal mystery is Vamika Rawat (Kritika Kamra), once mentored by Shaurya before his mysterious disappearance, and now guiding Yug in the present. As Shaurya and Yug collaborate to solve cold cases across time, they unknowingly set off a chain of events that alters the course of history. With each tick of the clock, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ peels the layers of mysteries where past and present collide, leaving viewers questioning the very fabric of time itself.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “At ZEE5, we are dedicated to providing quality storytelling and entertainment to our viewers. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ embodies this vision with its innovative mix of crime-thriller, mystery, and drama. As part of our broader strategy to create immersive and unique marketing initiatives, the 3D projection mapping at the iconic David Sassoon Library in Mumbai serves as the perfect launch for this mystery series. We’re following a 360-degree high-impact marketing campaign to do justice to a show of this stature. ZEE5 remains committed to delivering best in class viewing experiences and engagement to our viewers so we can continue to delight them”.

    Raghav Juyal shared his excitement, “Finally, the wait is over! All of us are super excited for the premiere of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ on ZEE5. This show is unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it. The Clock Tower event at David Sassoon Library was mind-blowing. Seeing our story come to life through cutting-edge 3D projection mapping on this historic building was the perfect way to announce the arrival of the series on ZEE5. I urge everyone to binge-watch the show right away. Trust me, you’re in for a wild ride through time and it is going to be your best investment this weekend.”

    Kritika Kamra mentioned, “We are so excited that ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has finally dropped on ZEE5, and I’ve actually started believing in the magic of 11:11! The 3D projection at the David Sassoon Library’s clock tower was such a proud moment for all of us. It was thrilling to see the magic of Gyaarah Gyaarah come alive via 3D projection, lights, sound and drama. It’s a great start, drawing attention to this iconic landmark and giving everyone a glimpse of the adventure that lies ahead. I can’t wait for everyone to experience ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ on ZEE5.”

    Dhairya Karwa added, “Three police officers, two time zones, and one thrilling experience! ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has finally made its way to the fans. What sets our show apart is how it explores the ripple effects of our actions across decades. The 3D projection at David Sassoon Library wasn’t just a visual treat; it was a ‘jhalak’ of how exciting and extravagant our show is. I believe ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ will hit you on multiple levels – it’s a gripping mystery, a thought-provoking drama, and a fresh take on the concept of time. So, get ready to say ‘Kya baat hai!’ because this series will keep you guessing until the very end.”

  • ZEE5’s ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ to premiere on 15 August

    ZEE5’s ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ to premiere on 15 August

    Mumbai: ZEE5 to deliver a pulse-racing Independence Day treat with the premiere of ZEE5 Original, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ on 15 August. This detective thriller, based on the iconic Narayan Sanyal’s ‘Sonar Kanta,’ promises to keep viewers glued to their screens as they unravel a murderous mystery alongside the brilliant advocate P.K. Basu. Created by the visionary filmmaker and actor Joydeep Mukherjee, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye boasts a stellar cast led by the versatile Saswata Chatterjee as the iconic P.K. Basu, national award-winner Ananya Chatterjee as Rani Basu, and marking his electrifying OTT debut is the charismatic Soham Chakraborty. This powerhouse ensemble breathes life into a story that’s as much about solving crimes as it is about confronting personal demons. Stream the biggest murder mystery of Bengal, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ starting 15 August on ZEE5.

    Embed Link: https://youtu.be/NoQojBnaKbA?feature=shared

    Set against the misty, storm-lashed backdrop of Darjeeling, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ plunges viewers into a world where nothing is as it seems. P.K. Basu [Saswata Chatterjee], haunted by the tragic loss of his daughter, finds himself in a race against time at the ominous Hotel Repose. As a killer stalks the halls, seeking their next victim, a savage storm cuts off all communication with the outside world. Trapped with a cast of suspicious characters, each harboring their own dark secrets, P.K Basu must rely on his razor-sharp intellect and uncanny observational skills to unmask the murderer before they strike again. But this is no ordinary whodunit. As bodies pile up and the tension ratchets to unbearable levels, viewers will be forced to question everything they think they know. Is the killer among the hotel guests? Or could it be someone closer to home? With each twist and turn, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ will keep audiences entertained, making every frame worth watching.

    ZEE5 chief business officer Manish Kalra expressed, “At ZEE5, we’re thrilled to present our latest offering ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’, featuring some of the biggest talents of the Bangla creative ecosystem. Bengal as a market has been a key focus area for us with ZEE5 launching multiple originals in the last one year. Our content strategy has featured quality storytelling and some powerhouse local collaborations. This has led to the diversification of our library and has also resulted in incremental audience engagement and watch-time. We’ve witnessed immense popularity and dedicated fandom for murder mysteries and detective thrillers, especially in the Bengali market. ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ is not just a nod to Bengal’s rich literary tradition, but it is also a modern, high-octane thriller that we believe will captivate audiences across India. The series represents our commitment to delving deeper into regional content and expanding our reach to viewers who crave high-quality, locally resonant storytelling.”

    Director Joydeep Mukherjee remarked, “Bringing ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ to life has been a journey very close to my heart. We’ve taken Narayan Sanyal’s beloved ‘Sonar Kanta’ and reimagined it for today’s audience, creating a thriller that’s as emotionally resonant as it is along with being suspenseful.  Saswata Chatterjee breathing life into P.K. Basu, an advocate haunted by personal loss, and Soham Chakraborty making his OTT debut along with national award winner Ananya Chatterjee playing the role of Rani Basu. we’ve crafted a story that will keep viewers guessing until the final frame. Set against the wondrous backdrop of storm-ravaged Darjeeling, ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ is more than a mystery – it’s a psychological rollercoaster that will test your nerves. We’ve poured our hearts into every aspect of this series, from the intricate plot twists to the haunting cinematography, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience the tension, drama, and emotional depth of this uniquely Bengali thriller.”

    Saswata Chatterjee said, “Bringing P.K. Basu to life in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye has been incredibly rewarding. Basu is a successful lawyer whose world crumbles when he loses his daughter due to a case he took personally. This tragedy transforms him, pushing him to use his keen observational skills to stop a criminal. What drew me to this role was Basu’s struggle to protect his loved ones from a dangerous killer while battling his own grief. It’s a character that requires both intellect and emotion, and I’m eager for viewers to follow Basu’s journey through our suspenseful story.”

    Ananya Chatterjee shared, “Playing Rani Basu in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ has been a touching experience. Rani is a mother and wife whose world is shattered by the loss of her daughter Mithu. She sees visions of her dead child, which adds an eerie element to her character. Despite her grief, Rani helps her husband with his cases, offering valuable insights. It’s been rewarding to portray this complex woman who balances her sorrow with a desire to be useful. I’m looking forward to viewers seeing how Rani’s story unfolds in this gripping thriller.”

    Soham Chakraborty expressed his excitement, “Debuting on OTT with the role of Subir Roy in ‘Kaantaye Kaantaye’ has been incredibly thrilling. Portraying a character deeply enmeshed in a gripping and suspenseful storyline alongside P.K. Basu has pushed me to explore new facets of my acting. The series is packed with intensity and unexpected twists, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience this riveting story.”

  • ZEE5 launches #AbHarMardKhatreMain campaign

    ZEE5 launches #AbHarMardKhatreMain campaign

    Mumbai: ZEE5 unveiled the #AbHarMardKhatreMain campaign following the successful launch of the recent original horror comedy film “Kakuda”. The film has been running successfully on ZEE5 and has crossed the watch time of over 200 million minutes in just 10 days of its release.

    As a part of the campaign, ZEE5 partnered with Swiggy through map integration within the app’s post-order delivery tracking screen. Within the tracking screen, Kakuda is following the delivery partner, blending delivery with entertainment. This collaboration garnered significant attention, prompting the audience to share the unusual Swiggy activity on social media. The two-day campaign generated more than 10 million impressions and sparked organic social media chatter.

    ZEE5 #AbHarMardKhatreMein campaign kicked off on social media with people starting to spot warning notes across Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, advising men to open their doors every Tuesday at 7:15 pm to avoid making Kakuda angry. Reels were then created by influencers, generating over 2000 comments and creating a significant social media buzz. The campaign also saw metros making announcements, warning men to beware of opening doors for Kakuda at 7:15 pm, further spreading awareness about Kakuda’s wrath. The overall activity garnered 11 million views and a reach of eight million.

     

     

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “We are delighted with the overwhelming response to our #AbHarMardKhatreMain campaign. The initiative was designed to raise awareness and generate buzz about ‘Kakuda’ in a fun and engaging way. Through this, our aim was not only to highlight the film’s unique storyline but also showcase ZEE5’s commitment to delivering compelling content and experiences that resonate with our audience.”

    ‘Kakuda’, starring Riteish Deshmukh, Sonakshi Sinha, and Saqib Saleem, is a movie, recently premiered on ZEE5 platform. It is set in the village of Ratodi in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district. The film revolves around a peculiar ritual that demands the opening of the smaller door of each house every Tuesday at 7:15 pm sharp. Failure to comply with this rule invites the wrath of Kakuda, who punishes the man of the house.

  • ZEE5 drops ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ trailer

    ZEE5 drops ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ trailer

    Mumbai: “Time is a flat circle,” Nietzsche once said. But what if that circle could be bent, twisted, and manipulated? ZEE5 is all set to shatter the boundaries of time and space with the mind-bending trailer of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah.’ Set to premiere on 9 August, this Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor co-production questions the viewers on the possibility of altering present and future by changing the past.

    Launched today, the trailer plunges viewers into a world where the impossible becomes possible, leaving them to wonder about the existence and power of time. Helmed by the visionary director Umesh Bist, ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ boasts a powerhouse cast including Kritika Kamra, Dhairya Karwa, and Raghav Juyal in the lead and Gautami Kapoor, Harsh Chhaya, Purnendu Bhattacharya, Mukti Mohan, Gaurav Sharma, among others.

    Co-produced by Karan Johar and Apoorva Mehta of Dharmatic Entertainment, and Oscar-winning filmmaker duo Guneet Monga Kapoor and Achin Jain of Sikhya Entertainment, Gyaarah Gyaarah tells the riveting tale of two police officers from different eras connected by a mysterious walkie-talkie and the butterfly effect it causes on the past and present.

    The past year has seen ZEE5 accomplish multiple highlights and milestones. The platform has witnessed a whopping 85Bn minutes of watch-time in the past year, with strong viewership coming in from metros and non-metros alike. Tier II and III cities account for 40 per cent of ZEE5’s viewership, while Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi lead in metro consumption. Popular genres on the platform include thrillers, romance, dramas, action-adventure, and comedies, with pan-Indian audiences strongly gravitating to the multilingual storyteller’s diverse content library.

    Talking about the overall success of ZEE5 and the launch of Gyaarah Gyaarah, ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra said, “At ZEE5, we remain dedicated to bringing exceptional content to our viewers. The trailer launch of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a testament to this commitment. Our collaboration with Guneet Monga’s Sikhya Entertainment and Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, both renowned for their storytelling excellence, is an exciting step towards enriching ZEE5’s diverse content library. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ offers a unique blend of mystery, and drama in a way that we believe will captivate audiences in India and beyond. We’re confident that this series will set a new benchmark for original content in the digital streaming space.”

    A senior detective Shaurya Anthwal, played by Dhairya Karwa, from the 1990s and a young police officer Yug Arya, portrayed by Raghav Juyal, find themselves linked by a perplexing communication tool that springs to life at 11:11 pm for a fleeting 60 seconds. At the center of this temporal whirlwind is a determined woman Vamika Rawat, played by Kritika Kamra, once mentored by the senior detective Shaurya Anthwal before he mysteriously disappeared and now guiding the present-day young police officer Yug Arya.

    As Shaurya and Yug join forces to crack the many cold cases, they unknowingly set off a chain reaction, altering the course of history with each breakthrough. Vamika, who is oblivious to the extraordinary connection between Shaurya and Yug is increasingly puzzled by her subordinate’s uncanny insights. With every solved mystery, this unlikely trio edges closer to uncovering a staggering truth about the officer’s vanishing act and the nature of their impossible alliance. Racing against the clock and battling the repercussions of their time-altering actions, will they unearth the secrets behind their mystifying bond, or will the weight of changing destiny prove too perilous to bear? Tune-in to ZEE5 to know more as Gyaarah Gyaarah is set to premiere on 9 August.  

    Kritika Kamra said, “Stepping into the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an exhilarating journey for me. This role is unlike anything I’ve ever done before – it’s pushed me out of my comfort zone. Playing a cop in this mind-bending mystery thriller has been both thrilling and demanding. Moreover, working alongside visionaries like Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor is a dream come true – their guidance and creative energy on set was truly inspiring. I can’t wait for ZEE5’s audience to experience this unique story that blends time, suspense, and human emotions in such an unlikely way, that makes the storytelling graph of the show truly unique and exciting”.

    Raghav Juyal said, “Being part of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been a transformative experience for me.  I started my journey on a TV reality show, seamlessly transitioned into hosting and comedic roles. Now, as I make a mark in the Bollywood industry, I am deeply grateful to Guneet for recognizing my potential and encouraging me to embrace serious and challenging roles. Portraying a police officer for the first time feels like a significant responsibility, it’s a big leap from my usual performances, and I’m grateful for this opportunity. It allows me to showcase a different side of my acting abilities and I can’t wait for the ZEE5 audiences to see what we’ve created with ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ – it’s going to be a whole new experience for me and hopefully for the audience too!”.

    Dhairya Karwa said, “Immersing myself in the world of ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ has been an incredible journey. The idea of manipulating time and its impact on our decisions is fascinating, and it’s been thrilling to portray that on screen. Collaborating with such a talented cast and being guided by Karan Johar, Guneet Monga Kapoor and Umesh Sir has been a special experience. This project is unlike anything I’ve worked on before – it’s intense, makes you think, and keeps you engaged. I can’t wait for ZEE5 audiences to delve into this distinctive mix of thriller and suspense that challenges our perception of reality. ‘Gyaarah Gyaarah’ is a series that will make you reevaluate everything you thought you knew about time and fate”.

  • ZEE5 live streams Calcutta Football League matches

    ZEE5 live streams Calcutta Football League matches

    Mumbai: ZEE5 has announced its partnership with the Calcutta Football League, a historic football competition in West Bengal organised by the Indian Football Association. As a part of the partnership, the fans can now stream all the top matches live on ZEE5. This collaboration aims to captivate audiences, especially the fervent supporters of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, given their immense passion for the sport.

    Kicked off on the 27 June, The Calcutta Football League will continue till the 30 September with ZEE5 featuring 26 teams divided in two groups of 13 teams playing a total of 199 matches. The tournament includes iconic teams such as Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan Sporting Club, and Diamond Harbour FC, amongst others. To cater to a diverse array of audiences, the matches would be streamed both in Bangla and English commentary, ensuring that fans can enjoy routing for their preferred team in their language of choice. Additionally, ZEE5 will offer video-on-demand (VOD) content, highlighting the best goals and key moments from the matches for fans to get up to speed with the league at their convenience even if they miss a few matches.

    ZEE5 India chief business officer Manish Kalra stated, “We are delighted to partner with the Calcutta Football League to bring our audience an immersive football streaming experience. This partnership not only highlights ZEE5’s commitment to delivering high-quality sports content but also celebrates the rich football culture of Bengal. It exemplifies our dedication to pushing boundaries and ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience for our viewers.”

    Indian Football Association secretary Anirban Dutta said, “We are thrilled that this deal has come to fruition, as it marks the first time the Calcutta Football League will be broadcasted on a major platform like ZEE5. This is a significant step forward for the league and its fans.”

    Last year, c partnered with Big Bang Media to bring one of the biggest esports tournaments, IESF Big Bang Asia Open 2023. The tournament had over 80,000 participants from across 40 countries in Asia and the Middle East. Following the big success of The DP World International League T20 Season 2, ZEE5 is also set to air the third season of ILT20 starting on 11 January 2025, featuring 34 matches culminating in the final on 9 February 2025.