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Tag: movies

  • Enjoy the ultimate musical experience at home with &PrivéHD

    Enjoy the ultimate musical experience at home with &PrivéHD

    Mumbai: &PrivéHD is the home to nuanced cinema, bringing critically acclaimed films to Indian audiences. To take its offerings a notch higher, the channel had previously introduced Privé Theatre; a creative collaboration with Zee Theatre which has been mainstreaming premium theatrical content and teleplays to a worldwide audience since 2018. The synergistic aim was to keep the love for theatre alive amongst audiences, and now continuing the same legacy, the channel has announced Privé Musicals, another collaboration with Zee Theatre. Through the new property, the channel and Zee Theatre will co-present musical plays that are timeless classics and some even have been inspirations for blockbuster Hollywood films.

    Privé Musicals offer a form of entertainment that appeals to those seeking high-quality performances, refined storytelling, and a sophisticated theatre experience. It creates its relevance in the present time by incorporating contemporary themes, modern music styles, and relevant storylines. Musicals are a treat for those who enjoy music in all its forms. These include classics like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’.

    Speaking about this new initiative, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief channel officer – English cluster Rishi Parekh shared, “Since its inception, we at &PrivéHD, have been committed to delivering differentiated and niche content to the TV-viewing audience and after introducing World Box Office and Privé Theatre, our next step in this direction is Privé Musicals. This new IP will host some of the most renowned musical plays on the channel, which must be on the bucket list of both music and theatre lovers. Musicals like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’ are some evergreen classics that will be a part of our programming and our aim is to give viewers a chance to witness these masterpieces from the comfort of their homes.”

    ‘The Sound of Music’ is based on an original 1959 Broadway production which was inspired by Maria von Trapp’s, ‘The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.’  In 1965, came the iconic film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. This version stars Grammy winner Carrie Underwood as Maria.

    ‘Peter Pan Live!’ is based on Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie’s story about a boy with a never-ending childhood. Academy award winner Christopher Walke plays Captain Hook while Critics’ Choice Award nominee Allison Williams stars as Peter Pan.

    ‘Hairspray Live’ was watched by over nine million viewers and went on to win three Emmy awards in 2016 and revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a small-town girl who becomes an overnight success after appearing on a TV dance show. The musical boasts a dream cast including marquee names like Ariana Grande and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson.

    ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical,’ is an aspirational story set to Sir Elton John’s tunes. Set in a dreary English mining town, it traces the journey of a young boy who chooses ballet shoes over boxing gloves. It stars Elliot Hanna, Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley.

    Privé Musicals resonate with the interests and sensibilities of all generations including the modern GenZs. This is a golden chance for all to enjoy the brilliance of world-renowned presentations, from the comfort of their homes, musicals that are certainly on every theatre lover’s bucket list.

    Stay tuned for more information on Privé Musicals.

  • Nimrod Antal calls Matthew Modine and Liam Neeson ‘two kings of the craft’

    Nimrod Antal calls Matthew Modine and Liam Neeson ‘two kings of the craft’

    Mumbai: It’s do or die! Lionsgate’s action packed Retribution starring the iconic Liam Neeson released in Indian theaters on 25 August. Directed by Nimrod Antal, this high-octane thriller follows Matt Turner in a cat and mouse chase when an anonymous caller threatens to blow up his family. With his back against a wall, Matt must battle his way out and protect his loved ones in order to clear his name. But the question remains – with a countdown underway, will he make it out alive? Retribution also sees Matthew Modine, Jack Champion and Embeth Davidtz in pivotal roles.

    Talking about working with Liam Neeson and Matthew Modine, director Antal said, “We are talking about two men that I have been a fan of before I ever had an opportunity to be a colleague. They say you don’t want to meet your heroes, but, you know, sometimes you do. With Matthew and Liam, there’s an incredible warmth between them, but you’re also dealing with two kings of the craft. It’s pretty magical for me. When I have people of this caliber, it elevates my game and makes me very conscientious when it comes to my role. These guys really do hear what directors are saying. So I’m always very cautious as to what I’m saying.”

    Helmed by Nimrod Antal, Lionsgate and PVRINOX Pictures released Retribution in India on 25 August 2023.

  • Celebrate Chandrayaan-3’s success with sci-fi streaming this weekend

    Celebrate Chandrayaan-3’s success with sci-fi streaming this weekend

    Mumbai: We’re soaring higher than ever before, riding the waves of Chandrayaan-3’s historic lunar landing! If this has ignited your fascination with space exploration, then we’re here to take you on an astronomical ride! Tag along as we celebrate this remarkable achievement, venturing into the depths of the cosmos with these five titles that promise an out-of-the-world escape. From asteroid encounters, and astronauts, to gripping science fiction and intergalactic conflicts, these narratives allow you to traverse the marvels of outer-space. So, here’s to lifting off into a world of cosmic wonders!

    Apollo 1

    Platform: Audible

    Step into a time machine and journey back to Apollo’s first moon landing when astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee entered a new spacecraft atop a colossal Saturn rocket at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. Little did they know, this routine rehearsal would seal their fate, never allowing them to leave the craft alive. The Apollo 1 disaster could’ve spelled the end of space aspirations, yet it didn’t—instead, it spurred a complete spacecraft overhaul that propelled humanity toward its ultimate goal: moonwalking. Don’t miss out on ‘Apollo 1’ as it unravels the spellbinding saga of these fearless space daredevils, the catastrophe that shook them, and the mind-bending transformation that followed.

    Rocket Boys

    Platform: Sony LIV

    Drawing inspiration from the Pokhran nuclear test, code-named Operation Smiling Buddha, Indian scientists are gearing up for a daring mission to test their very first nuclear bomb. All this while the possibility of war hangs in the balance. There’s a clash between their ambitions and ethical uncertainties as India’s space program takes off amidst a shuffle in the top leadership. Catch Jim Sarbh, Ishwak Singh, Regina Cassandra, and Saba Azad take on the roles of Dr. Homi J Bhabha, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Mrinalini Sarabhai, and Parvana ‘Pipsy’ Irani and immerse yourself in a thrilling mix of history, drama, and pure entertainment!

    Asteroid: Discovery

    Platform: Audible

    The gripping trilogy from a master storyteller – Bobby Akart, the  Gunner Fox series begins with Asteroid: Discovery. Gunner Fox, a United States Air Force fighter pilot and Earth scientist discovers an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. In the history of our planet, five extinction-level events have occurred caused by asteroids. Gunner Fox serves up evidence for the astonishing fragility and unpredictability of life. It is a testament to the reality that everything we have can be diminished at the mercy of invisible forces, the very forces that made our existence possible a few hundred thousand years ago.

    Rocketry: The Nambi Effect

    Platform: Amazon Prime

    Sweep away on a riveting cinematic journey into the life of Nambi Narayanan, an exceptional Indian rocket scientist. Nambi’s narrative echoes that of legends; A brilliant mind with an all-consuming passion that ignites foes, painting him as a formidable adversary and an unstoppable force. But here’s the twist: the film isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a challenge, urging you to embrace the duty of recognizing and exalting these exceptional contributors. Brace yourself, for this isn’t your ordinary movie; it’s a vibrant call to celebrate true brilliance!

    Mission Over Mars

    Platform: Zee 5

    Buckle up for an electrifying tale that unfolds the awe-inspiring journey of India’s Mars mission. Based on true events, this show beams you into India’s audacious quest to conquer Mars. The spotlight is on four brilliant women scientists—Nandita Hariprasad, Moushumi Ghosh, Neetu Sinha, and Meghan Reddy—whose steely determination forms the beating heart of this story. Battling against the clock, wrestling with mind-bending technical puzzles, they sprint towards a mission that had the world collectively gaping in astonishment. This is not just a journey, it’s India’s highest flight—India ki sabse oonchi udaan—where every second sparks with drama and every triumph soars with triumph.a

  • Experience Ajay Devgn’s power in ‘Bholaa’ world TV premiere on 27 Aug on Zee Cinema

    Experience Ajay Devgn’s power in ‘Bholaa’ world TV premiere on 27 Aug on Zee Cinema

    Mumbai: Yeh bhakt mahakaal ka, karega naash shaitaan ka! Witness the ever-reliable Ajay Devgn channel his inner Raudra avatar to fight like a fearless warrior as Zee Cinema presents the World Television Premiere of Bholaa. Symbolising the attributes of Lord Shiva – strength and fearlessness, watch him bring a father’s unbreakable determination to reunite with his daughter, against all odds with the world television premiere of Bholaa on Zee Cinema on Sunday, 27 August at 8 pm.

    Zee Cinema, being true to its philosophy ‘Jazbaa Hai Jeene Mein, Jab Cinema Hai Seene Mein’, has time and again presented unique campaigns to connect with their audience. For the world TV premiere of Bholaa, the channel has once again devised a unique initiative, engaging with Shiv Bhakts across the nation on the auspicious occasion of Shravan Somvaar & Nagpanchami.

    Bowing down to the greatness of Lord Shiva and joining Shiv bhakts in their aradhana, Zee Cinema created an unmatched experience at prominent temples such as Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Mahakaal Temple in Ujjain and Trambakeshwar Temple in Nashik. Devotees from around the country visited these Shiv Temples on the auspicious occasion and the channel joined them every step of the way. Be it distributing cloth bags for their prasad and extending refreshments to people in queues, to offering maha-prasad to Bholenath and serving the needy with that, channel dedicated itself to the seva of the Lord and his devotees. Devotees at each location had their hearts brimming with reverence as they departed not only with blessings but a unique and holistic experience.

    When discussing the film “Bholaa,” the Mass Maharaja, Ajay Devgn, shared, “”Bholaa is a large-scale action spectacle with an emotional core. The process of creating Bholaa has been a fulfilling journey for me as both a director and an actor. I’ve consistently strived to introduce innovative filmmaking techniques, many of which are used in the action sequences in Bholaa. The heartfelt connection between the father and daughter in the film is bound to resonate with numerous people. I am looking forward to audiences watching the film on television and immersing themselves in the world of Bholaa.”

    The Ajay-Tabu winner combo reunites with Bholaa, along with notable actors like Sanjay Mishra, Deepak Dobriyal, Gajraj Rao amongst others.

  • Comic Con India is back in Bengaluru for a three-day extravaganza!

    Comic Con India is back in Bengaluru for a three-day extravaganza!

    Mumbai: Comic Con India, the nation’s foremost pop culture phenomenon, announces the launch of its eagerly awaited 11 editions in Bengaluru.  The three days celebration will be hosted from 17 to 19 November and the tickets are available now. Comic Con India also announced exclusive passes for super fans with super-charged surprises this season! With an illustrious legacy of delivering exceptional entertainment and fostering creativity, this edition promises an immersive experience like never before.

    Experience Bengaluru Comic Con’s 11 editions, a thrilling pop culture journey into comics, movies, TV shows, and gaming. Interact with characters, explore artist alleys, and join exclusive panels with industry insiders. Get ready to have the time of your life! Book your tickets for Bengaluru Comic Con 2023 for 17,18 and 19 November at KTPO Trade Center, Whitefeild

  • Balaji’s consolidated six-month revenue nearly doubles to Rs 283 cr

    Balaji’s consolidated six-month revenue nearly doubles to Rs 283 cr

    Mumbai: Balaji Telefilms announced its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended 30 September 2022. Balaji’s consolidated six-month revenue was Rs 283 crore versus Rs 142 crore in the same period in the previous fiscal. The group’s Ebitda loss was Rs 35 crore versus Rs 69 crore in the first half of the previous fiscal.

    During the three months of this quarter, it had a pipeline of eight shows on air across four leading broadcasters. In Q2 FY23, the TV business produced 275 hours of content, up from 189 hours in Q2 FY22. Two new shows across varied genres have been lined up and are currently under production. The business contributed to extremely healthy margins during H1 FY23 and will continue to be volume-led. The current quarter’s realisation of Rs 30.37 lakh per hour is nine per cent higher than the previous quarter’s. Balaji said that its shows have often been regarded as channel drivers for broadcasters as they have been consistently well received by audiences.

    AltBalaji’s direct subscription revenue stood at five crore rupees in Q2 FY23, and the business is expected to retain the momentum as per current run rates for the balance of the year considering a strong content library in place with 93 shows and 18 movies, which include multiple seasons of shows. Apharan 2 and Code M S2 were launched in Q1 and Q2 respectively and both shows have been well received. The company sold 6.1 lakh subscriptions (including 3.2 lakh renewals) during the six months ending 30 September 2022. This excludes subscribers on partner apps where the content continues to do well. The current engagement time is 53+ minutes, with a watch time of 16.4 billion minutes. Video views stand at 1.4 billion cumulatively to date.

    It had two theatrical releases in Q2 FY23. It said that its first release for the year, Ek Villain Returns starring John Abraham and Arjun Kapoor released on 29 July to positive reviews and garnered a strong box office collection. Its subsequent theatrical release, Dobaaraa starring Taapsee Pannu in August, received widespread critical acclaim on account of its niche concept. It also released Goodbye, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rashmika Mandanna, in October to positive reviews. It has three more movies lined up for release in FY23, wherein we have pre-locked revenue deals, thereby de-risking the movie business segment significantly. The pipeline includes Freddy, starring the nation’s current heartthrob Kartik Aryan, which has already been blocked for a direct-to-digital release starting 2 December on Disney+ Hotstar and also includes Kathal, starring Sanya Malhotra, which is also headed for a direct to digital release on Netflix.

    Balaji Telefilms MD Shobha Kapoor said, “Our TV business continues to perform well in terms of production hours, and we hope to improve this momentum as two new shows are added to our robust pipeline of eight shows that we currently have on air across channels and genres that will enable us to achieve volume growth. As always, we are confident that our content will strike a chord with audiences, as our storytelling is backed by strong creative capabilities, which drive our business growth and allow our brand to flourish in this domain. We are also extremely elated that, after a gap of almost two and a half years, we had our first theatrical release in July this year. Ek Villain Returns, headlined by a strong star cast, received positive audience reviews, which were also reflected in its box office collection.

    “Our subsequent theatrical release, Dobaaraa starring Taapsee Pannu garnered a great critical response and was trending at the number one spot on Netflix upon its release on OTT subsequently. It continued to dominate the OTT space by consistently featuring in the top ten category for multiple weeks, which demonstrates our strong content capabilities yet again. Additionally, we have a robust pipeline of three more movies to be released this year and are confident that these will exceed expectations and take our brand a notch higher. We continue to have strong controls on the cash spent while driving overall profitability, including some strong strategic content sharing deals that allow us to further our growth.”

    Operational And Financial Highlights:

    The TV business remained steady in the third quarter, with 275 hours of production across eight shows and a strong pipeline of two more shows currently in production. The business will continue to be volume-led; ALTBalaji’s total subscriptions sold in H1 FY23 were 6.1 lakh. In Q2 FY23, direct subscription revenues were five crore rupees.

    After a gap of more than two and a half years, it had its first theatrical release of the year in July. Ek Villain Returns was released. Dobaaraa, starring Taapsee Pannu and Goodbye starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rashmika Mandanna, were released on 19 August and 7 October respectively, and received widespread critical acclaim by audiences. Dobaaraa trended at the No. 1 spot, subsequently on Netflix, upon its release on OTT.

    The current pipeline includes three more projects. This includes Freddy starring Kartik Aryan, which has already been blocked for a direct-to-digital release starting 2 December on Disney+ Hotstar as well as Kathal starring Sanya Malhotra which is also headed for a direct to digital release on Netflix.

  • Zeel Q2 PAT down by 58.3%; revenue up by 2.5%

    Zeel Q2 PAT down by 58.3%; revenue up by 2.5%

    Mumbai: Zee Enterprise Entertainment on Friday reported that second quarter revenue grew by 2.5 per cent to Rs 20,284 million compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal. Q2 FY23 Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) was down 28 per cent to Rs 2,973 million. It was impacted by slower growth in revenue and elevated investment in content, marketing, and technology. Ebitda margin was 14.7 per cent compared to 20.8 per cent for the same quarter in the previous fiscal. Profit after tax (PAT) fell by 58.3 per cent to Rs 1,128 million. Profit Before Tax fell by 50.7 per cent to $1,769 million.

    It said that a challenging macroeconomic environment continues to impact operating performance. Domestic ad revenues came in at Rs. 9,610 million, a decline of 7.7 per cent. Ad revenue growth was hampered by FTA withdrawal (Zee Anmol) and a difficult macroeconomic environment. Other sales and services revenue YoY is up 92 per cent aided by theatrical revenues and other syndication deals. Programming and technology costs increased due to higher theatrical releases, investments in Zee5 and higher programming hours in the linear business. Subscription revenue was up 4.2 per cent compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal year.

    Q2 FY23 subscription revenues were aided by catch-up revenue from the previous quarter in the linear business and underlying organic growth in Zeee5 and music subscription revenues. Other sales and services revenue was up by 92 per cent aided by theatrical revenues and other syndication deals. The increase in marketing costs on a YoY basis is on account of new content launches and higher theatrical releases. Internationally, in Q2 FY23 ad revenue was Rs 518 million and subscription revenue was Rs 1,060 million.

    It stated that it would continue to invest in ZeeTV, Zee Marathi, Zee Tamil, and Movies in order to increase market share.

    Further, it strengthened its market position in Bangla, Odiya, Telugu and in the Kannada market. Q2 FY23 all-India TV network share was 16 per cent. QoQ it was up by 30 bps.

    Its OTT platform Zee5 reported Q2 revenues of Rs1,671 million, marking a 28 per cent growth over the same period in the previous fiscal. Zee5 global MAUs in Q2 FY23 were 112.4 million. This was an increase of 19 million over the same period in the previous fiscal year. The average watch time per month in Q2 FY23 was 198 minutes, an increase of 12 minutes over the same period in the previous fiscal. Over 66 shows and movies (including six originals) were released during the quarter.

    For Zee Studio, four Hindi and six regional movies were released during the quarter. Zeel also said that Zee Music Company is the second-largest music label with 89 million subscribers on YouTube.

  • Jimmy Kimmel to host The Oscar Awards for a third time

    Jimmy Kimmel to host The Oscar Awards for a third time

    Mumbai: Emmy Award-winning late-night talk show host and producer Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the 95th Oscars. This is Hollywood’s most prestigious awards show. The announcements were made by executive producers and showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner. Kimmel hosted back-to-back broadcasts in 2017 (the 89th Awards) and 2018 (the 90th Awards). Molly McNearney will serve as an executive producer. The 95th Oscars will air live on ABC in the US and in broadcast outlets in over 200 territories worldwide on Sunday, 12 March, 2023. In India, the show will air on Star Movies Live early in the morning on 13 March. It will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

    “We’re super thrilled to have Jimmy score his hat trick on this global stage. We know he will be funny and ready for anything!”, said Weiss and Kirshner.

    “Jimmy is the perfect host to help us recognise the incredible artists and films of our 95th Oscars. His love of movies, live TV expertise, and ability to connect with our global audiences will create an unforgettable experience for our millions of viewers worldwide. With Kimmel, Weiss, and Kirshner’s fresh perspective and masterful guidance, the Oscars will celebrate its rich 95-year history, the collaborative nature of moviemaking, and our diverse, dynamic, and deeply creative community of filmmakers,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang.

    “Having Jimmy Kimmel return to host ‘The Oscars’ is a dream come true. As we see every night on his own show, Jimmy can handle anything with both heart and humor, and we know that he will deliver the laughs and celebratory moments that define the Oscars. We love being the home of Hollywood’s biggest night and can’t wait to toast the success of this year’s cinema and storytelling,” said ABC Entertainment, Hulu, and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals president Craig Erwich.

    “Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honour or a trap. Either way, I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said ‘no,’” said Kimmel.

    Kimmel serves as host and executive producer of ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and recently signed a three-year contract extension, making him one of the longest-running talk show hosts in American television history.

  • YouTube’s Primetime Channels to bring more than 30 services in one single place

    YouTube’s Primetime Channels to bring more than 30 services in one single place

    Mumbai: Digital video social network YouTube has announced the launch of ‘Primetime Channels.’ Users will be able to sign up, browse, and watch TV shows, movies, and sports from streaming services such as Showtime, Starz, Paramount+, AMC+, ViX+ and more, all directly on YouTube.

    In a blog post, YouTube director of product management Erin Teague wrote that the digital video social network will roll out an early version of ‘Primetime Channels’ in the US. To sign up, users can head to the movies and TV hub, where they will see over 30 channels that they can buy directly through YouTube, with streaming services such as NBA League Pass and more coming soon.

    “‘Primetime Channels’ adds even more content that you just can’t miss to our collection of thousands of movies and shows available for rent or purchase, or for free with ads. Choosing between sci-fi or horror? Well, we got both options covered with the Paramount+ original Star Trek: Picard and Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire on AMC+. Are you itching to see Spider-Man: No Way Home for the hundredth time? We have that too, through Starz. Or maybe you’ve been meaning to catch up on a great drama. From 1883 on Paramount+ to The Chi on Showtime, you can enjoy it all right on YouTube,” wrote Teague.

    “We are excited to expand our partnership with YouTube to offer customers of Paramount+ another way to stream the content they love. This new feature gives us the opportunity to expand our presence on YouTube, broadening our reach and giving consumers even more choice when it comes to streaming the best in entertainment,” said Paramount Streaming chief strategy officer & business development officer Jeff Shultz.

    “Once users sign up, content from your ‘Primetime Channels’ will be reflected in the YouTube experience you know and love. For fans who like to go deeper into what they’re watching, ‘Primetime Channels’ will feature shows and movies with curated trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and cast interviews. When searching for content from your purchases, you’ll be able to quickly identify and access them in the search results, alongside videos from your favourite creators. And YouTube recommendations will also include programmes from ‘Primetime Channels,’ delivering a personalised selection of content across YouTube that appeals to all your interests.

    “People already come to YouTube to watch trailers for highly anticipated movies or clips of scenes from their favourite TV episodes. Now you can continue watching directly on YouTube. And you will continue to have choice and control over your accounts with the ability to manage all of them in one place.

    “Whether it’s subscribing to Nerdist to find favourite clues after watching a Yellowjackets episode on Showtime or finding makeup tutorials from Trixie Mattel to recreate your favourite looks from Paramount+’s original series RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, you can now immerse yourself in all the content YouTube has to offer.”

    “We’ll continue working with our partners to bring even more content options to ‘Primetime Channels,’ build new unique features that only YouTube can deliver, and expand to our international users, so please let us know what you’d like to see next!”, wrote Teague.

     

  • Sony-Zee merger marks the start of consolidation in the TV industry: Ashish Bhasin

    Sony-Zee merger marks the start of consolidation in the TV industry: Ashish Bhasin

    Mumbai: Recently, the shareholders of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) gave their approval for the proposed merger with Sony. RD&X Network co-founder & chairman Ashish Bhasin feels that this is the first step of consolidation in the TV industry.

    “I think that in the coming three to five years you will see more major players being born through consolidation with deeper pockets and more muscle. They will join Disney-Star India, Sony-Zee, Warner Bros. Discovery and others. On OTT as well, there will certainly be consolidation. OTT will run through a similar cycle to TV. TV saw lots of smaller players. Now consolidation is happening. In OTT, I expect something similar, though, with a lag in the timeline. Furthermore, as 5G expands and consumers begin to cut the cord, the line between what is TV and what is OTT will blur. I am certain that consolidation will be the rule. All the big players will look for more and more consolidation opportunities.”

    He further pointed out that mediums that do not go in for consolidation will always struggle. He gives the outdoor industry as an example. “The strength to invest is not there. Bettering the quality of the medium will not happen till there are fewer but larger, consolidated players, with a longer-term vision. Not consolidating will be a handicap for the medium. Print is reasonably consolidated in some ways. And print is slightly different as many organisations have a long history. Some were set up before our independence. It plays a role that is beyond commercial. So the journey there will be different. But apart from print, consolidation will be important moving forward in every medium.”

    Talking about the ramifications of the Sony-Zee merger, he noted that this is the beginning of consolidation in the Indian TV industry. “There will be fewer, bigger, consolidated players. The reason for this is that content is becoming more and more expensive in games. Distribution does not come easy and cheap. The Sony-Zee merger is probably the first step towards that. Consolidation will happen across genres and languages.” He added that there are many regional channels and smaller channels that may be acquired. Also, with OTT becoming important, there is scope for better consolidation there and with digital in general.

    A larger player means more content investment, which will have a positive impact on ad revenue growth. “A very strong entity will be created. Between the two of them, excluding sports, they have a market share of closer to 25 per cent. That gives them the opportunity to get better content. This will also result in better distribution. If that happens, viewership will improve and so will ad revenues. Ultimately, ad revenues are a function of supply and demand. If they create stickiness through better content, then ad revenues will also go up. Zee and Sony are very experienced players. So together they will become an even more formidable combination.”

    He agrees that they will get better bargaining power both on the content side and the advertising side. Furthermore, they can engage in more innovations and experiments. “But it is not just about power. There will be a combination of many benefits. They will be able to do better, bigger packages, deals across genres.” He also noted that stronger consolidated players can result in better deals and gave the example of cricket rights being sold for a huge upside (IPL, ICC).

    On the OTT front, he believes that the merger provides the entity with a greater opportunity to acquire better content. “A merger of this size will give clout in multiple areas, not just in one silo.” In terms of cultural synergy, he noted that in any merger and acquisition, one of the key targets is how do you integrate? Culture is a key part. “Acquiring organisations are geared up to make sure that this area is addressed. Each organisation has a different DNA. The challenge of the leadership is retaining the essence of the DNA while at the same time getting them to work in one direction. This is an on-going exercise. I am sure that Sony-Zee have already thought of it and they already have a plan.”

    Speaking about the Warner Bros.-Discovery merger, he said that it is important to measure potential impact not against the universe but within the niche that it is playing within. “Every merger handled well has a positive impact. If an advertiser only targets kids and the merger creates a big leader, say in kids, then it is a very different scenario for both the entity and that advertiser.”