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Tag: OTT

  • “Wiz Films will always venture into new creative formats”: Wiz Films’ Viraf Sarkari

    “Wiz Films will always venture into new creative formats”: Wiz Films’ Viraf Sarkari

    Mumbai: In today’s dynamic entertainment landscape, the art of storytelling takes myriad forms, capturing hearts and minds across cultures and generations. Diverse content creation has become the heartbeat of modern narratives, where stories unfold in multifaceted ways—from riveting films and immersive series to innovative formats that challenge conventions.

    Amidst this vibrant tapestry, Wiz Films emerges as a beacon of creative brilliance, driven by a mission to craft distinctive content that establishes meaningful connections and resonates with a diverse global audience. Wiz Films, driven by a deep commitment to storytelling, thrives on captivating imaginations through innovative technologies and diverse formats. Beyond films and series, they offer line production, film liaison services across regions, and content syndication. As it ventures into filmmaking, Wiz Films aims to become a global production powerhouse, delivering entertaining and valuable content for audiences, and create value for stakeholders.

    Indiantelevision.com in conversation with Wiz Films director Viraf Sarkari delved deeper into Wiz Films’ inception, its target audience, the inspiration behind the latest film ‘Kadak Singh’, and more…

    Sarkari, a dynamic professional and prominent figure in the entertainment industry, stands as one of the co-founders of Wizcraft and serves as a director of Wiz Films. He has produced and directed Broadway-style musical productions like Zangoora, the world’s largest and longest-running Bollywood musical, and Jaan-e-Jigar in Dubai Parks & Resorts. As a seasoned producer and director, Viraf has orchestrated global sporting opening and closing ceremonies, mega concerts with renowned artists, and film award ceremonies. Currently, he has expanded his horizons to produce and direct innovative content for OTT platforms and cinema releases, involving ventures such as web series, docu-series, feature films, ad films, and music videos. His diverse portfolio underscores his influential role in shaping the landscape of entertainment on a global scale.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On the inception of Wiz Films

    Wiz Films was conceived as a natural progression in our three-decade-long journey in the entertainment and live events industry. With 36 years of experience in organising diverse formats such as corporate events, parties, award functions, concerts, and musical and theatrical productions, Andre, Sabbas, and I sensed the opportunity to extend our expertise to film production. This expansion marks a significant milestone for us, completing the circle of our journey in the dynamic world of entertainment.

    On Wiz Films setting itself apart from so many production houses in terms of storytelling and content creation

    Wiz Films distinguishes itself in the realm of storytelling and content creation by focusing on the essence of meaningful cinema. While we acknowledge our presence in the industry, with just one film to our credit, we refrain from drawing direct comparisons with other production houses. Our primary goal is to craft compelling narratives inspired by true events, striving to deliver impactful and high-quality films that resonate with audiences. At Wiz Films, our commitment lies in bringing forth the best stories to the world, contributing to the cinematic landscape with authenticity and purpose.

    On Wiz Films having a niche genre or specific audience that it primarily targets, or is it more about universal appeal

    Wiz Films strives itself on exploring a diverse range of genres to cater to a broad audience. Whether it’s a compelling family drama, a gripping murder mystery, a laugh-out-loud comedy, an adrenaline-pumping action film, a quirky and unconventional movie, or a heartwarming romantic story, we are open to it all. Our primary focus lies in identifying exceptional stories and well-crafted scripts. The key criterion for us is a narrative that stands out and has the potential to captivate audiences. We prioritise uniqueness, steering away from current trends to bring fresh and engaging content to audiences across the world.

    On any new genres or forms that Wiz Films is keen on exploring in the near future

    Wiz Films will always venture into new creative formats. We are exploring the possibilities of adapting our Broadway-style Bollywood musical production “Balle Balle” a big fat Indian wedding.

    On the inspiration behind ‘Kadak Singh’, and Wiz Films seeing this film contributing to the current cinematic landscape

    Kadak Singh was conceived 12 years ago, and after a dedicated six-year production effort, we successfully brought it to fruition. The primary focus throughout this journey was crafting a unique and compelling script, which we believe sets the film apart. Contributing to the current cinematic landscape, Kadak Singh stands out as a multi-genre experience—blending elements of family drama, crime, romance, and comedy. The film’s distinctiveness lies not only in its diverse genres but also in its well-crafted screenplay. Overall, Kadak Singh offers a fresh perspective, enriching the cinematic landscape with its innovative approach.

    On Wiz Films approaching the production of diverse content, such as web series, docu-series, feature films, ad films, and music videos

    Wiz Films adopts a tailored approach to producing diverse content, spanning web series, docu-series, feature films, ad films, and music videos. Each genre is handled by a dedicated team of specialists, ensuring a focused and nuanced execution. For instance, when working on a docu-series, we enlist a director with expertise in that specific format. The same principle applies to web series, feature films, ad films, and music videos, where teams are curated based on their proficiency in the respective genres. This strategic allocation of specialized teams allows Wiz Films to deliver high-quality and targeted content across a spectrum of creative formats.

    On your film liaison services across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, are there any collaborations or partnerships on the horizon that audiences should be excited about

    Currently, we are working on a project which is an exciting Indo-Bollywood collaboration tentatively titled “Children of God”. With this project we will explore to leverage the technical expertise and creative talent from both Hollywood and Indian Cinema, presenting a unique and ground-breaking production. As technology advances rapidly, our goal is to stay ahead of the curve. We envision creating interactive films and embracing emerging trends such as VR movies, 3D, and 360-degree experiences.

    On Wiz Films’ future plans and aspirations, including any new market entries or the exploration of emerging trends in the entertainment sector

    Wiz Films has a clear vision for the future, focusing on creating captivating films with global appeal. As technology advances rapidly, our goal is to stay ahead of the curve. In our strategic planning, we are exploring the integration of technology and creativity. By constantly updating ourselves with the latest technology, we aim to position Wiz Films as a leading force in the industry, where the world becomes our stage. Our commitment is to remain current and innovative, ensuring our films resonate with audiences globally. 

  • Catch the magic of OTT actor roundtable today on ENT Live

    Catch the magic of OTT actor roundtable today on ENT Live

    Mumbai: ABP Live’s Entertainment channel ENT Live, has announced an exclusive and star-studded roundtable discussion set to captivate audiences, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the world of digital entertainment. Hosted by ENT Live’s Editor, Amit Bhatia, this engaging discussion brings together eight prominent OTT actors at the esteemed Meta office in Mumbai.

    Scheduled for airing on December 30, 2023 at 9 PM, this momentous gathering promises an evening of unparalleled insights and candid conversations. Viewers will be treated to the thoughts and perspectives of some of the industry’s most versatile and celebrated actors, shedding light on the intricacies of their craft and the rapidly evolving landscape of OTT platforms.

    The ensemble of talent features esteemed personalities, including:

    Naveen Kasturia, renowned for his exceptional portrayal in Amazon Prime’s “Aspirants.”

    · Sharib Hashmi, acclaimed for his captivating performance in the widely acclaimed “Family Man.”

    · Maanvi Gagroo, a household name from the popular web series “Four More Shots” and the recent “Half Love Half Arranged.”

    · Sunny Hinduja, known for his impactful roles in the web series “The Railway Men.”

    · Gagan Arora Aka Bagga, the engaging talent behind “College Romance.”

    · Lubna Salim, a notable figure from ZEE5’s “Aam Aadmi Family,” brings her charm to the table.

    · Dibyendu Bhattacharya, seen in “The Railway Men” and the movie “Mission Raniganj,” offers his seasoned presence.

    · Anshul Chauhan, recognized for her role as Ranbir Kapoor’s sister in “Animal,” completing the stellar lineup.

    This dynamic roundtable discussion, set against the vibrant backdrop of the Meta office in Mumbai, promises an intimate and insightful exploration into the world of these accomplished artists. Audiences will have the exclusive opportunity to witness first-hand the candid exchanges and profound perspectives that shape the future of digital entertainment.

    ENT Live invited viewers to tune in at 9 PM on December 30, 2023, for this unforgettable rendezvous with brilliance only on ABP Live’s Entertainment channel ENT Live.

    (Production team published ENT LIVE photo if you have for this event release otherwise use which i shared)

  • #ZEE5Rewind: 2023 in a flashback!

    #ZEE5Rewind: 2023 in a flashback!

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s largest home-grown video streaming platform, and the OTT arm of ZEEL, releases #ZEE5Rewind 2023, highlighting a year filled with groundbreaking content across languages. With a paying subscriber in each leading city of the country, the platform experienced an extraordinary surge in streaming hours, across SVOD, AVOD and TVOD offerings. ZEE5’s biggest hits of the year, spanning heartwarming dramas, family entertainers, to adrenaline-pumping thrillers, is a testament to its commitment to build a platform that caters to every audience with entertainment of their choice.

    Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bangla, Marathi, Punjabi, and Kannada emerged as the top languages. The West and the South markets led the race for SVOD, closely followed by the East and the North. Titles across Direct-to-Digitals and originals which were undisputed chart-toppers were ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain’, ‘Mrs. Undercover’, ‘Taj’ in Hindi, ‘Ayali’, ‘Sengalam’, ‘Oru Kodai Murder Mystery’ in Tamil, ‘Vyavastha’, ‘Puli Meka’, ‘Maya Bazaar For Sale’ in Telugu, and ‘Abar Proloy’, ‘Swetkali’, ‘Roktokorobi’ in Bangla. In an industry-first development, ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain’ went for a theatrical release following its digital launch owing to massive audience support. It is now a part of IMDB’s coveted Top 250 titles list and a recipient of multiple awards.

    Coming to post-theatricals, the movies which enjoyed significant audience favour were ‘Unchaai’, ‘Gadar 2’ in Hindi, ‘Vidhuthalai – Part I’, ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’ in Tamil, ‘Writer Padmabhushan’, ‘Karthikeya 2’ in Telugu, ‘Vedha’ in Kannada, ‘Babe Bhangra Paunde Ne’, ‘Maurh’ in Punjabi, ‘Pranaya Vilasam’ in Malayalam, ‘Vaalvi’, ‘Ghar Banduk Biryani’ in Marathi, and ‘Projapoti’, ‘Shabash Feluda” in Bangla. ZEE5 also became a leading name in showcasing socially relevant stories and narratives featuring real-life personas. Titles like ‘Lost’, ‘Tarla’, ‘Ayali’, ‘Abar Proloy’, ‘Chhatriwali’, ‘Haddi’, ‘Koose Munisamy Veerappan’ and several others received positive audience reactions, further cementing ZEE5’s position as the country’s OTT platform of choice.

    Top five streaming titles of 2023:

    ZEE5’s AVOD content triumphed in 2023, captivating audiences and bolstering the platform’s commitment to providing accessible and engaging entertainment for all. West and South dominated here too, closely followed by the North and East markets. The ad-supported roster featured an extensive line-up of movies and web shows in Hindi and regional languages, along with Korean drama series dubbed in local languages. Exclusive films like ‘Country Mafia with Ravi Kishan, ‘Am I Next’ with Anushka Sen, Anshuman Jha’s ‘Lakadbaggha’, and Priyamani’s ‘Sarvam Shakti Mayam’ enjoyed strong audience reception, alongside rising popularity for devotional content, and cricket and e-sports streaming. The past year has also solidified ZEE5’s dedication to innovation, with a continued focus on pushing boundaries, making a meaningful impact, and delivering compelling content that resonates with audiences worldwide.

    Establishing a stronger connect with the diverse audience base, ZEE5 introduced socially relevant and creative campaigns for content promotions in line with the vision of #ZEE5GameChangers. For instance, for the film ‘Tarla’, ZEE5 expressed appreciation for the dabbawalla community in Mumbai with a surprise lunch, accompanied by a meet and greet with actors Huma Qureshi and Sharib Hashmi. On the occasions of National Girl Child Day and International Education Day, ZEE5 organized screenings of ‘Ayali’ across Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful engagement. For the launch of ‘Duranga’ S2, ZEE5 organised a dialogue between the cast and the female police force at the New Delhi Headquarters. The discussion shed light on the challenges and triumphs of women in law enforcement, contributing to a broader societal dialogue. Additionally, leading up to the launch of ZEE5’s popular Bangla series, ‘Shabash Feluda,’ a vibrant two-day Feluda-themed event was organized in Kolkata. Drawing inspiration from the iconic characters in the novels, the Feluda Fair led to much fanfare and excitement among audiences in the city. Further to acknowledge the love from our viewers, a content wrap-up chart featuring individual consumption highlights is shared with top ZEE5 bingers at year-end.

    Going forward, 2024 promises to be an exhilarating year for ZEE5 with multiple power-packed releases, like Guneet Monga’s highly anticipated ‘Gyarah Gyarah’, the Telugu spy-thriller series ‘Mission Tashafi’, and return of popular titles like ‘Sunflower S2’ and ‘Broken News S2’.

  • Break into the New Year with your favourite stars on Lionsgate Play

    Break into the New Year with your favourite stars on Lionsgate Play

    Mumbai: ‘Celebrate endings, for they precede new beginnings.’ As we step into the New Year, it’s important for us to look back and cherish the moments, people and memories that stayed with us. Be it your friends, family or partner, commemorating the start of a ‘new chapter’ should be special in every sense. So, as you cosy up with your fam-jam for a quiet night in, Lionsgate Play brings to you a slate of titles across every genre. From the action-packed Keanu Reeves’ blockbuster John Wick: Chapter 4 to the critically acclaimed Past Lives, the platform has a binge-list. Kick-back, relax and get ready for a banging 2024 with your favourite stars from across the globe.

    John Wick: Chapter 4

    Indulge in the action movie of the year! There’s a price to pay and Baba Yaga has come to collect! Keanu Reeves is back with a Bang in Lionsgate Play’s John Wick: Chapter 4 as he looks to go up against the mighty High Table. Given the unlimited resources at the High Table’s disposal, John turns to allies Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, and Lance Riddick to help him for the fight of his life. With his life on the line will John Wick be able to pull off the impossible once again?

    Past Lives

    A love story that makes everything pale in comparison. Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, Golden Globe Nominee, Past Lives is the heart-wrenching tale of two childhood friends who are separated when Nora immigrates to America. Almost a decade later when Hae Sung comes looking for Nora, they both confront destiny, love and the choices they made. Directed by Celine Song, the film is soul-food for every romance lover.

    About My Father

    This Robert De Niro starrer makes for the perfect laugh. Unlike the usual bitter-sweet chemistry between father and son, this one surely sets itself apart. Based on the life of the popular comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, this rib-tickling comedy has a high quotient of never-ending laughter and impeccable comic commentary on family and culture. The film promises to be a hilarious and heartwarming tribute to different cultures and experiences as told through the eyes of one of today’s most beloved comedians, starring Sebastian Maniscalco himself along with Kim Cattrall and Leslie Bibb.

    JoyRide

    These girls just want to have fun! Packed with comedy, drama and some NSFW instances, Joy Ride follows Audrey Sullivan on a path to self-discovery. When Audrey’s business trip to Asia goes wrong, she calls on her childhood bestie, Lolo, her college friend Kat and Lolo’s eccentric cousin Deadeye for help. Stranded in a country with nowhere to go, this wild squad embarks on a journey of utter chaos and debauchery that unveils their true loving selves. Starring Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu and Sabrina Wu in titular roles, Joy Ride is the vacation we all want to go on.

    Minus One: New Chapter

    This seasoned show takes you through the story of Varun and Riya as they navigate the complexities of modern love and being broken up. From not being able to live without each other in Season 1, to never wanting to see each other again in Season 2, Lionsgate Play’s Indian Original Minus One: New Chapter is a roller coaster of emotions. Starring Ayush Mehra and Aisha Ahmed, Minus One is a story of love, longing and heartbreak as it touches on the themes of honesty, transparency and unrequited love.

    Plane

    An action film starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter, Plane follows a commercial pilot named Brodie Torrance and a terrifying crash that marks only the beginning of his epic journey in the film. While an action film starring the two may seem like an obvious win for most audiences, the film’s plot is a darker action adventure with a life-or-death scenario. In Plane, Butler and Colter band together as pilot and fugitive to protect their fellow besieged crash survivors from swarming, hostage-taking pirates.

    Shotgun Wedding

    Wear your best clothes as you are invited to the biggest wedding celebration of the year. Featuring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel, the story builds on an ultimate destination wedding, hijacked by criminals, where suddenly everyone’s lives are in danger when the entire party is taken hostage. In the process of saving their families, the couple rediscovers why they fell in love in the first place. With a stellar star cast and amazing comedic chops, the movie will be a journey of fun, wit and tickling humour while the bride and the groom try to save the day and their wedding. 

  • India Today Originals & Netflix present a true crime documentary CURRY & CYANIDE: The Jolly Joseph Case

    India Today Originals & Netflix present a true crime documentary CURRY & CYANIDE: The Jolly Joseph Case

    Mumbai: Jolly Joseph – mother, wife, daughter, alleged murderer. In a quaint town of Kerala, a string of unexpected deaths unravel at its center – a chatty, churchgoing, well-respected neighbour. Premiering on 22 December, Curry & Cyanide – The Jolly Joseph Case, India Today Original’s second collaboration with Netflix India, and third production in the OTT space, offers a compelling glimpse into a bone-chilling story.

    When news of the Koodathai deaths, in Kerala, first broke it was the profile of the prime suspect that shook the nation. Jolly Joseph, twice married once widowed, mother of two who was loved by family and community alike – was suspected of poisoning six family members, including a two-year-old child. Most people on hearing the details of the case echoed the same sentiment “she could have belonged in my family.” The film rips apart the façade of normalcy of the Indian middle-class family and asks the question – who is family? Who can you trust?

    Produced by India Today Originals, the film is directed by National Award winner Christo Tomy, edited by the US-based post-production house – Union Editorial, and written by National Award winning Shalini Usha Bhagat. Through firsthand testimonials it aims to piece together the many lies Jolly presented to the world and the sinister truth lurking beneath. Inviting audiences to reflect on the fragility of human relationships and the unnerving mysteries behind seemingly ordinary lives.

    Click here to watch the film.

  • Watcho exclusively premieres the thriller series ‘Oh My Wife!’

    Watcho exclusively premieres the thriller series ‘Oh My Wife!’

    Mumbai: Watcho Exclusives, the OTT platform from Dish TV India Limited, is set to wrap up 2023 on a high note with the launch of yet another entertaining original series – ‘ Oh My Wife!’ produced by Shaurya Singh, ‘Oh My Wife!’ is a suspense thriller series, which is written and directed by Shaurya Singh. The series features an ensemble cast including Mudasir Bhatt, Lokesh Batta, Sneha Singh Sisodia, and Deepanshi N Shakya in pivotal roles.

    The story follows Vivek, a skilled forensic expert, as he navigates through personal turmoil while tackling a high-profile murder case. Balancing professional challenges and personal demons, Vivek faces a twist when suspicions arise about his wife. As he investigates potential suspects, Vivek becomes uncertain about his wife’s intentions, leading him on a suspenseful journey to uncover the truth. The series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, posing the ultimate question: Is Vivek’s wife hiding something sinister, or is the killer someone else entirely? The gripping narrative unfolds with each episode, leaving audiences guessing until the very end.

    Throughout the year, Watcho Exclusives has streamed with a captivating array of original series, including Luck Shots, Aarambh, GillHarry, Explosive, The Morning Show, Manghadant, Avaidh, and Jaunpur, among others. Launched in 2019, the OTT platform has established itself as a go-to destination for entertaining content. Now, with the release of ‘Oh My Wife!’, it is elevating the entertainment quotient further.

    Actor Mudasir Bhatt, who plays the titular role of Vivek, opened up about his experience and said, “Playing a forensic expert in ‘Oh My Wife!’ has been quite a journey. I got into the nitty-gritty of forensic science, read books, and binged a bunch of content to get the hang of it. When I first read the script, I was hooked on the story. I couldn’t wait to find out who the killer was and what secrets Sujata was hiding. Sure, I had my moments of doubt and nerves about pulling it off, but the script and the character’s depth grabbed me, and I knew I had to take on the challenge. Moreover, Watcho Exclusives’ commitment to unique storytelling and compelling narratives got me excited. It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t wait for everyone to check it out!”

    Actress Sneha Singh Sisodia, who plays Vivek’s wife – Sujata in the series, shared,”To step into Sujata’s shoes, I dug deep into her secrets, fears, and the tricky act of pretending. The gripping story and the chance to explore a character with hidden layers pulled me to this Watcho Exclusives series. As an actress, I connect with the mystery and vulnerability she has. It’s a role that keeps me alert. While I may not have her secrets, I understand the depth she adds to the story. I hope the audience enjoys the suspense in ‘Oh My Wife!’ as much as I loved bringing this character to life.”

    Join Vivek in solving this intriguing mystery and uncover the truth by tuning in to ‘Oh My Wife!’ available exclusively on Watcho. Don’t miss out on the suspense and drama – it’s a journey you won’t want to skip!

    Watch ‘Oh My Wife!’ on Watcho, accessible across multiple devices including Fire TV Stick, Dish SMRT Hub, D2h Magic, Android, and iOS smartphones, or online at www.WATCHO.com

  • NH Studioz to release ‘Ittu Si Baat’ on Amazon Prime

    NH Studioz to release ‘Ittu Si Baat’ on Amazon Prime

    Mumbai: This Christmas, NH Studioz is set to spread cinematic magic on your holiday season with the worldwide release of the Bollywood rom-com, ‘Ittu Si Baat’, on Amazon Prime. Available from 24 December in an extraordinary 35 languages, this delightful film promises to warm hearts across the globe, making it a perfect addition to your festive celebrations.

    Creatively helmed by Lakshman Utekar and produced in collaboration with Kathputali Creations, ‘Ittu Si Baat‘ is more than just a movie – it is a celebration of love, dreams, and the simple joys of life. Set against the charming backdrop of Chunar, near Varanasi, the film invites viewers into a world where first love blossoms and dreams take flight.

    NH Studioz director Shreyans Hirawat said “ As families gather around the world to celebrate Christmas, we are excited to offer ‘Ittu Si Baat’ as a gift that transcends borders and languages. It is something that the entire family can watch together. This film, with its universal theme of love and aspiration, resonates with the spirit of the season and is sure to bring smiles and warmth to our viewers.”

    Starring Bhupendra Jadawat and Gayatri Bhardwaj along with a stellar supporting cast, the film has already earned acclaim for its engaging storytelling and memorable performances. It is a story that speaks to everyone, reminding us of the power of love and the importance of chasing our dreams.

    NH Studioz to present this charming tale on a global stage, making it accessible to a vast audience in a myriad of languages. The film is a testament to the studio’s commitment to sharing the beauty of Indian cinema with the world.

    “With ‘Ittu Si Baat’, we invite viewers to embrace the holiday spirit and enjoy a story that is as heartwarming as it is entertaining. This is our Christmas present to you – a story to cherish, in a language you love.” added Shreyans.

  • ZEE5 Global rolled out a campaign titled ‘The Great ZEE5 Giveaway’ which offers guaranteed gifts

    ZEE5 Global rolled out a campaign titled ‘The Great ZEE5 Giveaway’ which offers guaranteed gifts

    Mumbai: In a special holiday season initiative, ZEE5 Global, the streaming service for South Asian content, has rolled out a campaign titled ‘The Great ZEE5 Giveaway’ which offers guaranteed gifts ranging from gift vouchers to vacations for US consumers on purchase of its 4K packs or add-on packs.

    Launched in association with the online South Asian marketplace in the US, Quickly, the Gift cards rewards partner, the consumer giveback program was announced during the recent launch of ZEE5 Global Add-ons – a strategic move to aggregate multiple South Asian streaming platforms on the ZEE5 Global platform. This initiative will offer a one-stop destination to consumers for easy and seamless access to their favourite South Asian content.

    With this limited period offer timed especially with the holiday season, subscribers can participate in a new year sweepstakes for a chance to win vacations to Hawaii, wireless headphones, tablets, smartwatches and more. In addition, every subscriber gets a guaranteed gift voucher worth $10 with a ZEE5 4K monthly subscription and $40 with an annual subscription.

    ZEE5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand said, “It’s been a huge year for us here in the US as we’ve become the leading South Asian streaming platform in the shortest possible time and it’s all on the back of the massive love from our consumers.  To say thank you and express our gratitude, we’re now looking to delight our consumers through multiple initiatives. From the recently launched ZEE5 Add-ons which will simplify how they subscribe to and access their South Asian content now on a single platform, to offering guaranteed rewards with every subscription in partnership with another key South Asian brand, Quicklly, as well as a chance to win exciting Hawaii vacations and other gifts in our upcoming New Year sweepstakes, we want to ensure that this holiday season is even more memorable with ZEE5 Global.”

    Sharing about the partnership COO of Quicklly Inc Pritesh Velankar said, “At Quicklly, we are thrilled to collaborate with ZEE5 Global to bring a unique blend of entertainment and cultural convenience to our users. With our aligned mission and values, we believe this is just the beginning of a partnership that will redefine the way people engage with their favourite entertainment, flavours and fashion from the comforts of their home.”

    ZEE5 Global Add-ons is available across platforms like Android, iOS, www.zee5.com, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, and Samsung TVs.

    For more information on the campaign, please visit https://www.zee5.com/global/blog/the-great-zee5-consumer-giveaway/

  • India’s digital media: $12B to $36B by 2030, driven by OTT, gaming, ads – Redseer

    India’s digital media: $12B to $36B by 2030, driven by OTT, gaming, ads – Redseer

    Mumbai: India’s current landscape of Internet users is dominated by a 450-500 million strong cohort of explorers, followed by 300-320 million transactors and 35-40 million mature users. Redseer’s Research estimates that India’s volume of mature users will outpace that of the USA by 2030 as the digital media and entertainment landscape, which is currently valued at US$ 12 bn, will triple in size. Non–Real Money Gaming (Non-RMG) and the rise of OTT across audio and video are among the contributors to the sector’s current growth trajectory despite the slowdown in digital ad spending and regulatory changes affecting the RMG space.

    As the sector looks to chart its way forward, three key factors will prove to be critical to its growth: a) the continued increase of paid users across OTT video, audio and gaming, b) the rise of regional content, c) the growing share of digital ad spend across new-age and traditional brands. The following are a few important trends that have taken over the Indian Digital Media and Entertainment (M&E) landscape in the last two years.

    OTT Video, OTT Audio, RMG and non-RMG gaming saw a rise in paid users and expanding Average Revenue Per Paying Users (ARPPU)

    In FY23 alone, the media and entertainment landscape saw accelerated growth in the paid user base and in turn the Average Revenue Per Paying Users (ARPPU). Across M&E segments, paid user growth went up to 90% in FY23. Subscription bundling, low-cost packs, micro-payment and pay-per-views were the key factors propelling this growth. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges regarding higher Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC) and low user retention. Finding creative solutions to overcome these challenges will place the sector on the path toward profitability in the next 3-5 years. Typically, it takes 2 years for OTT Video platforms to break even on CACs for individual customers. Long-term solutions such as innovative monetization models, localized and regional content for Tier-2+ demographics, and models such as keeping the first episode of original properties free could work in the favor of OTT platforms.

    Audio series and Audiobooks draw in more paying users for the OTT Audio sector

    Leading players in India’s Audio series and Audiobooks grew ~9X in FY2022-23 fueled by a growth in paid users, engaging content with immersive experiences as well as sachet payment options. The increased supply of both immersive entertainment and non-entertainment regional content and the competitive price points of subscription models can be credited to the growth of the audiobook category.

    The rise of core gaming, eSports and live streaming places India’s gaming industry in good stead

    India is currently looking at a 150 Mn-strong community of mid-core/ core gamers in 2023 alone, a significant portion of which have graduated from casual gameplay. With components such as in-gaming payments opening access to costumes and accessories, the gaming segment is seeing ~40% paid user penetration. The levelling up of gamers from casual to mature gaming is also spurring an increase in the viewership of live streams and has opened multiple possibilities for the development of a vibrant domestic eSporting ecosystem. 2022 saw Nodwin Gaming, a leading eSports organizer, conduct a one-of-its-kind eSporting tournament ‘Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) Masters Series’ which was live-streamed on a mainstream TV channel.

    Short-form video platforms emerge as media of interest for brands for Tier-2+ access and monetisation

    India’s Short-Form Video (SFV) platforms boast a sizeable user base of 250 million, of which 2/3 hail from Tier-2+ cities. ~40 per cent of the use base was also observed to be online transactors thereby providing brands and advertisers with ample scope for monetization, and an unprecedented opportunity to reach out to a larger volume of Tier-2 audiences. Monetization is relatively nascent on Indian SFV platforms and it is currently restricted to ad revenue and influencer marketing.

    The growth of ‘Made for India’ content is oiling the wheels of India’s vibrant digital media and entertainment industry. The increased uptake of core gaming also adds to the sector’s growth potential. Creatively solving the challenges of CAC, user retention and subscriptions can enable the sector to grow exponentially in the years to come. 

  • RunnTV crosses 50 thousands app downloads

    RunnTV crosses 50 thousands app downloads

    Mumbai: RunnTV, the Indian FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) based content streaming platform targeting only Indian audiences, has achieved a benchmark by surpassing 50,000 downloads in a short timeframe while targeting only selective Indian cities. This response underscores RunnTV’s relevance and experience for OTT users in India.

    Since its launch in November 2023, RunnTV has built and captivated audiences with its curated content and experience delivered with user-friendly interface, and innovative features. The app’s instant appeal to a broad audience can be attributed to RunnTV’s aim to deliver high-quality entertainment experience that caters to the evolving preferences of today’s digital audience.

    RunnTV is targeting the emerging and high growth FAST market in India. This initial response to RunnTV clearly highlights the void and a need for a free TV platform with great user experience and good content without any clutter created with a dump of available free content. RunnTV will soon be available on Smart TVs and other aggregator platforms.  

    OTT App Name stands out with its features, such as mentioning any unique features which have garnered positive feedback from users and contributed to the app’s rapid growth.

    Runn TV founder & CEO Manish Sinha said, “We are thrilled to have reached the milestone of 50,000 downloads in such a short span. This achievement is a testament to our RunnTV team’s dedication to delivering exceptional entertainment and streaming experience. We are grateful to our users for their support and trust in our platform, this is definitely a great start to our vision to make RunnTV the Entertainment Experience Destination for Indians across the globe.”  

    As RunnTV continues to evolve and expand its channels and content offerings, the company is optimistic to provide an entertainment experience that brings many firsts to the Indian OTT audience.