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Tag: Prime Video

  • Prime Video’s festive season: 11 must-binge movies & shows!

    Prime Video’s festive season: 11 must-binge movies & shows!

    Mumbai: With a promise to deliver engaging, rich, and top-notch entertainment, Prime Video has your festive season entertainment needs covered. Prime members are in for a treat with a bouquet of the very best content across various genres to enjoy with their families. As everyone gears up for the best time of the year, here are some films and shows in various languages available for streaming on Prime Video, all from the comfort of your home.

    Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (Coming Soon)

    The Transformers universe is expanding even further with its seventh instalment, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. This instalment focuses on the Autobots and Optimus Prime as they face their greatest obstacle to date. They must work together with the powerful faction of Transformers known as the Maximals to save Earth, as a new menace with the potential to wipe out the entire planet appears.

    Rainbow Rishta (Coming Soon)

    Featuring six fierce and fabulous real stories of love, Rainbow Rishta is a groundbreaking new docuseries that celebrates queer love in India! Enter the riveting worlds of the protagonists, as they move mountains to make their seemingly impossible dreams come true.

    Upload S3 (Streaming Now)

    Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill) has created a science fiction comedy series called Upload S3, which is set in a futuristic, technologically advanced world. Furthermore, the most unique aspect of the series is that humans can opt to be uploaded into a virtual world. Season 3 of the Amazon Original will premiere on October 20, with eight episodes released weekly until 10 November.

    The Burial (Streaming Now)

    Inspired by true events, the Amazon Original film The Burial is a courtroom drama. It follows an interesting court battle where a lawyer helps a funeral home owner save his family business from a corporate behemoth. The film features Jaime Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones and Jurnee Smollett in pivotal roles and is an incredible watch to witness how justice unfolds.

    Takeshi’s Castle (Coming Soon)

    India’s reboot of the beloved 80s Japanese show Takeshi’s Castle is back with Bhuvan Bam as a commentator. This Hindi version of the show will soon hit Prime Video. The eight-episode series will stream exclusively on Prime Video India.

    The Other Zoey (Streaming Now)

    American Amazon Original film The Other Zoey revolves around Zoey Miller (Josephine Langford), a super smart computer major uninterested in romantic love, who has her life thrown upside down when Zach (Drew Starkey), a popular college soccer player, gets amnesia and mistakes Zoey as his girlfriend. Just before she reveals the truth, she meets Zach’s cousin, Miles (Archie Renaux), with whom she has a lot in common. Still pretending to be Zach’s girlfriend, she realises she has feelings for both of them and is forced to confront her fears to make an impossible decision.

    007: Road to a Million (November 10)

    The reality show 007’s Road to a Million – S1 embarks on a journey of nine regular individuals competing to win a life-altering £1,000,000 prize, and are set off on an incredible journey through a series of James Bond-inspired tasks to uncover questions buried throughout the globe. The adventure series will premiere on Prime Video on November 10.

    Permanent Roommates S3 (Streaming Now)

    Featuring Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh in the lead roles, season three of Permanent Roommates brings back the internet’s favourite couple. In the romantic coming-of-age drama, Mikesh and Tanya are in a live-in relationship but have different aspirations for their future. Tanya wants to go abroad, while Mikesh wants to stay in India. Despite their differences, will they be able to sustain their relationship? The latest season is as entertaining as the first two, with diverse characters, perfect comic timing and replete with fun-filled moments. It rightly captures the essence of modern-day relationships as they set out to come on common grounds for love! The series is now streaming on Prime Video.

    Aspirants S2 (October 25)One of India’s top-rated shows (9.2/10 on IMDb), the latest season of Aspirants follows the journey of its characters – Abhilash, Guri and Sandeep as they navigate life through love, career, ambition and dreams, with stakes much higher and double the fun in the second attempt. The new season offers a dual narrative that switches between the past and the present. Along with senior aspirant Sandeep Bhaiyya, who also encounters hurdles, the three IAS hopefuls near the end of their back-breaking journey with twice as many obstacles. Now an IAS official, Abhilash attempts to maintain his valued friendships while attempting to walk the tightrope between right and wrong at work. The TVF drama will premiere worldwide on Prime Video on October 25.

    Maama Maschindra (Streaming Now)

    Maama Maschindra is a Telugu action drama starring Sudheer Babu as Parasuram, who wants to seek revenge for the death of his mother by confronting his father and stepmother. The film beautifully portrays father-daughter bonding and is a gripping tale about family, and revenge and the drama is now streaming on Prime Video.  

    Mark Antony (Streaming Now)

    Set in the 90s, Mark Antony is a Tamil blockbuster film. The sci-fi adventure tale blends future technologies and the violent world of gangsters. Mark, who gets his hands on a phone that lets him travel back in time, uses it to uncover family secrets and confront his guardian and adopted father’s (SJ Suryah) true motives. Get ready for an adventurous ride as the film is now streaming on Prime Video.

  • Prime Video continues its masterclass series at the SRFTI, Kolkata

    Prime Video continues its masterclass series at the SRFTI, Kolkata

    Mumbai: Prime Video successfully conducted a highly insightful masterclass on Creating Period Dramas for New Age Audiences at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. This is Prime Video’s second masterclass, following the maiden edition at FTII, Pune, and is a testament to Prime Video’s commitment to strengthening India’s creative economy as outlined in the Letter of Engagement (LoE) inked earlier this year between Amazon India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). Graced by Shri Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary, MIB, this masterclass featured award-winning filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and the highly versatile actor Sidhant Gupta, both representing the much-loved Amazon Originals series Jubilee, as well as Nikhil Madhok, Head of Hindi Originals, Prime Video, India.

    Building on the global success of Amazon Original Series Jubilee, this masterclass explored the art of creating outstanding period dramas such as this acclaimed series. Panelists provided insights into the creative process behind conceptualizing historical narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. The session underscored streaming’s transformative role in storytelling and filmmaking, offering diverse opportunities for creative and technical talent to experiment with various formats, themes, and genres.

    MIB Joint Secretary Shri Vikram Sahay said, “Incorporating the essence of our rich past and the legacy of our culture into contemporary storytelling not only enriches India’s soft power internationally but also provides a platform for the talent of tomorrow to take it even further. Shows like Jubilee speak volumes about our talent – not just the stars you see on- -screen, but even those behind the camera, the directors, scriptwriters, musicians, and singers. By embracing our heritage and presenting it in a modern context, we’re crafting narratives that resonate with global audiences while nurturing the creative minds that will shape the future of our entertainment industry. This has been the collective vision and endeavour of Amazon India and MIB joining hands to enable creative ecosystems in India.”  

    The collaboration between Amazon and MIB seeks to establish channels for nurturing creative talent in India, enhance the capabilities of prestigious film and television institutions, and exhibit ‘Made in India’ creative content on a global scale.

    “It’s vital for Prime Video to host these masterclasses and invest in India’s creative talent because we believe in the power of stories to inspire, educate, and entertain,” said Prime Video head of Hindi Originals Nikhil Madhok. “By providing a platform for emerging talent and seasoned industry professionals to come together, we are not just enriching the creative landscape but also fostering an environment where innovation and originality can thrive. Our commitment to such initiatives aligns with our mission to create exceptional content that resonates with diverse audiences globally, and these masterclasses are a testament to that vision.”

    Amazon Original series Jubilee creator and director Vikramaditya Motwane shared his perspective on writing multi-genre stories, “In the case of Jubilee, it was a conscious decision to merge the period drama with a murder mystery. Murder mystery as a genre has always been popular, it is one of my favourites. And I believe that if the story and characters resonate with the audience, the audience gets invested in what happens next – then episodic cliffhangers will get them to click on the next episode and encourage them to keep watching.”

    Sidhant Gupta, who garnered immense popularity after his role in Jubilee as Jay Khanna, talked about the need for research to build a character in a period drama, “Research is everything in a period drama. I led with curiosity and responsibility which made me feel safe and kept the fun alive. Start slowly, start with small questions and the big questions will find us. It’s living the dream and the process demands some heavy lifting. Playing a character is an endless finding, I can only ever feel prepared enough to be able to surrender. I believe it is okay to ask as many questions as you want while researching – by the time we reach the set, we don’t feel dependent – which is an unnecessary burden on the director.”

    Prime Video will be hosting additional masterclasses as part of its Letter of Engagement with MIB, at leading film institutions across the nation in the coming months.

  • Five reasons to watch ‘Permanent Roommates’ Season 3

    Five reasons to watch ‘Permanent Roommates’ Season 3

    Mumbai: One of India’s earliest web series that stole our hearts with its endearing characters, Mikesh and Tanya, Permanent Roommates is back with season three on Prime Video. The TVF original series Permanent Roommates captured the attention of viewers and critics in India, garnering praise for both season one and season two. Directed by Shreyansh Pandey, this much-loved relationship drama explores companionship, love, and ambitions all under the umbrella of modern-day dating. After the release of season two in 2016, Permanent Roommates Season 3 promises a blend of comedy and heartfelt emotions that fans have been waiting for.

    Here are five compelling reasons to watch Permanent Roommates Season 3.

    Mikesh and Tanya

    Permanent Roommates Season 3 delves deeper into the lives of its much-loved characters, Mikesh and Tanya, as they work through their ambitions and loving relationship. From Mikesh not wanting to fly to Canada to Tanya looking forward to her dreams, the roommates share their ups and downs giving us an honest and relatable portrayal of love and relationships.

    Hilarious comedy and heartfelt emotions

    Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh’s starrer series Permanent Roommates is known for its situational comedy and mushy romance. The latest season of the show promises to bring back the same comedy and adventure for viewers. With fun-filled comedy, crackling dialogues, and light-hearted moments, every episode feels like a rollercoaster of emotions.

    Engaging storyline

    Season 3 presents an engaging and unpredictable storyline, keeping the viewers engrossed in  Mikesh and Tanya’s journey.  The series strikes the ideal balance between drama and comedy, ensuring a delightful experience that touches on serious subjects with some good laughter.  The show echoes how couples of today’s time think and feel about love and relationships.

    Strong ensemble cast

    The talented cast brings the characters to life with their flawless performances, making the show even more enjoyable and authentic. Along with Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh,  watching Sheeba Chaddha and Shishir Sharma in their phenomenal characters is a delight to watch The supporting characters add more fun, emotion, and drama to the series. Every character has added flavors of life to the series.

    Relationship challenges

    Permanent Roommates not only has a great storyline or brilliant characters but it also shows how one should deal with challenges that come in life. Season 3 subtly showcases the challenges faced by Mikesh and Tanya but also provides insights and perspectives that can resonate with viewers in various stages of their own lives.

    Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) and directed by Shreyansh Pandey, Season 3 of Permanent Roommates will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across over 240 countries and territories from 18 October. Featuring Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh in the lead roles, the romantic drama will bring the internet’s favorite couple back in this latest addition to the Prime membership.

    Permanent Roommates Season 3 is a part of Prime Video’s festive line-up for the Great Indian Festival 2023 starting 8 October onwards. The line-up also includes several other original series and blockbuster movies across multiple languages, special discounts every day for the first 1000 customers renting titles on the Prime Video store and ‘Diwali Special Offers’ for customers with up to 50 per cent discounts across several Prime Video channels.

  • Prime Video drops new season of ‘Permanent Roommates

    Prime Video drops new season of ‘Permanent Roommates

    Mumbai: Prime Video, the most loved entertainment destination, today announced the exclusive global premiere of the latest season of the highly-anticipated romantic drama Permanent Roommates. Produced by The Viral Fever (TVF) and directed by Shreyansh Pandey, Season Three of Permanent Roommates will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across 240 countries and territories from 18 October. Featuring Sumeet Vyas and Nidhi Singh in the lead roles, the romantic drama will bring back internet’s favourite couple back in this latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just Rs 1499/year.

    “We are excited to bring back the much-loved relationship drama to our viewers. It manifests our commitment to serving audiences worldwide with content that is not only entertaining but also highly relatable. The characters Mikesh and Tanya and their bittersweet companionship while working through their personal ambitions, and how it has a bearing on their relationship has resonated well with the audience. The latest season is poised to bring back that quintessential world of Permanent Roommates and also elevate the show’s fandom further.” said Manish Menghani, director of content licensing, at Prime Video India. “Our collaboration with TVF has been truly incredible. We are thrilled to have joined forces once again and exclusively premiere the latest season on Prime Video starting 18 October.”

    “We are thrilled to announce the latest season of Permanent Roommates. As creators, this series has always held a special place in our hearts. Being our passion project, it heralded a web revolution of sorts back in 2014. We couldn’t be happier to share this next chapter with you after the incredible love and support we have received for Mikesh and Tanya. As we introduce this series to our viewers we are not only bringing back the series but also rekindling the special connection we have with them. The exclusive launch of the latest season on Prime Video is a proud moment to celebrate as it will reach a wider audience across 240 countries and territories.” said Shreyansh Pandey, head of TVF Originals and director of the show.  

    Permanent Roommates Season Three is a part of Prime Video’s festive line-up for the Great Indian Festival 2023 starting October 8 onwards. The line-up also includes several other original series and blockbuster movies across multiple languages, special discounts every day for the first 1000 customers renting titles on the Prime Video store and ‘Diwali Special Offers’ for customers with up to 50 per cent discounts across several Prime Video channels.

  • Prime Video: A Unified APAC Strategy or Bespoke Country Approaches to Win?

    Prime Video: A Unified APAC Strategy or Bespoke Country Approaches to Win?

    Mumbai: APOS, the defining voice and global platform for the Asia Pacific media and telecoms industry, took place from 26-28 September 2023, at the Ayana Estate in Bali, Indonesia.

    Created & curated by Media Partners Asia, APOS is the ultimate destination for deals, partnerships and thought leadership with a focus on content, connectivity and commerce sectors.

    APOS was established in 2010 and is attended by global, local, and regional industry leaders.

    The speakers of the panel discussion on ‘Prime Video: A Unified APAC Strategy or Bespoke Country Approaches to Win?’ were Prime Video VP Asia Pacific Gaurav Gandhi, Prime Video director Southeast Asia David Simonsen, and Prime Video head of originals – India and SEA Aparna Purohit.

    On your long-term strategy and on applying insights from your successful ventures in India

    Aparna: I’m thrilled about my expanded role overseeing Originals in Southeast Asia. First, looking back at the past seven and a half years in India, where we pioneered premium cinematic content. It was a journey of breaking new ground and convincing filmmakers to join us in creating something unprecedented. We learned and grew together, and our shows like “Inside Edge” became cultural phenomena, demonstrating our long-term vision and creative commitment. We invested time and creativity without hesitation and championed gender balance both on and off-screen. Our India team continues to excel.

    Now, in Southeast Asia, I see endless possibilities. Meeting creators there highlighted the universal power of storytelling, transcending language and culture. Our strategy is to craft authentic, locally rooted stories that resonate with each unique audience. We’ll build upon the strong foundation laid by our exceptional teams on the ground. It’s an exciting journey, tailoring content to our customers’ preferences and connecting through the art of storytelling.

    On some successes, challenges, and your broader ambitions

    David: In our first year, we’ve seen significant success in building a strong team in Singapore. We’ve made excellent hires, fostering diversity and expertise within our team. Our regional infrastructure, active for the past six months, has further bolstered our capabilities to reach millions of customers across the region. We’ve been strategizing for customer engagement and acquisition.

    On the flip side, we’ve encountered challenges related to product and consumption events. However, we’ve stayed committed to our plans and adapted as needed. The introduction of three new modes in Q2 this year has had a substantial impact on our business, positioning us favorably.

    We view this year as foundational, having established valuable relationships in the market and forged new partnerships in programming and production. Looking ahead, we’re excited about the opportunities the next few years hold.

    On approaching significant markets like Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand, especially considering Thailand doesn’t have a standalone service yet

    David: Certainly, Prime is a significant aspect of our business, and we’re diving into it in greater depth in our priority markets. Quality and customer experience are paramount, and this remains consistent across our various offerings. Rather than viewing it as a barrier, we see it as an opportunity to cultivate and expand a brand-new subscription service in markets where we haven’t made our mark yet.

    On your strategies driving scale in both past and present market landscapes and lessons from these experiences that can be applied to markets like Thailand and the Philippines

    Gaurav: Amazon’s approach always centers on understanding customers’ needs and creating value. We start by identifying white spaces in each market, seeking ways to win local customers across key segments. In Japan, our success lies in being the go-to destination for local content, including films and unscripted formats. We’ve also excelled in sports, particularly baseball and boxing. Our channels business thrives, forming a robust entertainment ecosystem for a vast customer base.

    When we began, we were clear about not limiting ourselves to a single language but scaling across languages simultaneously. We focused on two key dimensions: original content and a personalized user experience. These differentiators have been instrumental in our success. We’ve also looked at the business-to-customer category, addressing the overwhelming amount of content and the need for a better user experience.

    Another key aspect is our commitment to breaking barriers and creating categories where opportunities exist.

    Our collaboration with T-Mobile in India is a prime example of expanding beyond language silos, and it has been remarkably successful, showcasing the potential for creators and offering a richer experience for customers. These strategies are part of our ongoing efforts to innovate and cater to diverse customer preferences.

    On navigating different scenarios, you’ve competed with Netflix in Japan to build the category. India appears to be developing a global category, while Netflix dominates in Southeast Asia.

    Gaurav: We’re certainly excited about being a beloved content service for our customers, offering a diverse range of programming pillars. We program our content while also partnering with others.

    Our service encompasses a wide variety of content, including movies, shows, and sports, catering to diverse emotional experiences. Collaboration with our partners is key to this approach. As we venture into Southeast Asian territories, some of which are in the early stages of development, we aim to play a significant role in shaping the creative economy. We envision not only contributing to the existing category but also expanding it through our offerings.

    On mentioning Prime Video as a one-stop entertainment destination and elaborating on how this strategy will unfold in APAC, especially considering the significance of live sports and the convergence of live sports, channels, and television in this region and  it enhancing the overall user experience

    Gaurav: We’re actively involved in live sports in various parts of the world, with a stronger presence in Japan, where we’ve had success in baseball and boxing. We’re exploring channel content as well, and it’s an exciting part of our offerings.

    In terms of sports programming, we evaluate it on an event-by-event basis to provide our customers with a compelling experience. Additionally, sports plays a crucial role in our channels offering, complementing the digital wallet approach.

    We’ve seen strong demand for video-on-demand sports content, especially in India. Our strategy varies by country, taking into account the market’s maturity. In India, we’ve adopted a curated strategy with a focus on live sports events and a vast catalog of recent movies. The response has been highly positive, with deep engagement and customer satisfaction.

    We collaborate with global and local partners, creating a comprehensive spectrum of offerings. We’re open to discussing partnerships with anyone interested in expanding their reach, whether they are global or local partners.

    On your strategy for engaging with pay TV operators and telcos in the region and are there any early successes or partnerships you’d like to highlight

    David: Overall, we’re diligently working on each chapter, ensuring our retail funnel remains in top shape. We’re actively pursuing partnerships with a clear goal in mind: engaging and retaining customers through these collaborations. Expanding our reach is of paramount importance to us, providing customers with various gateways to access and enjoy the Prime service.

    In addition, we have dedicated teams managing relationships with our partners across the board. We prioritize the onboarding process, striving to get customers onto the service swiftly and efficiently. Our focus is on building relationships where Prime Video complements the broader B2B ecosystem. You can expect to hear more from us on this front as we continue to make progress, even though we may have been relatively quiet in this space in the past.

    On envisioning potential opportunities in Indonesia and expanding this model across the region and globally and are there specific areas you believe require further attention and development

    Aparna: We’ve witnessed how some of our international shows gain popularity and travel across Europe and beyond. India shows have seen up to 20 per cent of their viewership come from outside their home country. The diverse linguistic palette is striking, with viewers comfortably consuming content in more than three or four languages. I firmly believe that the next wave of global content innovation will emerge from this region.

  • Meme Chat ropes in Vivek Satya Mitram as head Of brand strategy & PR

    Meme Chat ropes in Vivek Satya Mitram as head Of brand strategy & PR

    Mumbai: Gurgaon-based leading meme marketing platform Meme Chat has roped in industry veteran and renowned brand communication and PR strategist Vivek Satya Mitram as Head Of Brand Strategy and PR.

    Vivek is a key hire and will be part of the leadership team at Meme Chat. As Head Of Brand Strategy and PR, he will be spearheading the brand marketing, consumer connects, investor relations and public relations (PR) initiatives for the startup that is redefining the digital marketing space by channelising the proven virality quotient and humour connect of memes, to secure unimaginable awareness and unique recall for brands organically.  

    Speaking on the appointment, Meme Chat co-founder and chief executive officer Kyle Fernandes said, “We are truly elated to work with Vivek. His decades of experience in the media and brand communication space, along with a proven track record of shaping multiple successful startups into trustworthy brands, will surely be a value addition at Meme Chat. He will be working on crafting strategies for brand communication, marketing, PR and investor communications. Vivek’s association with the company also reiterates our commitment to build a great team at Meme Chat roping in veterans from industry that can help us accelerate our growth plans and achieve our goals.”

    For over a decade, former journalist, serial entrepreneur and independent brand consultant Vivek has been instrumental in shaping the unique brand identity and hyper-growth for scores of fast-paced startups including WittyFeed, MyOperator, Bobble AI, Winni, Vitto, and Oye! Rickshaw by crafting compelling brand communication strategies. He is known for building impeccable communication strategies that align business goals, the founder’s vision and the growth plans to ensure 360-degree visibility, the right brand positioning, consistent key messaging and the tangible measurable impact on business growth and the brand value.

    Commenting on his latest role Vivek said, “I am thrilled to be part of Meme Chat & its super talented team that has envisioned an innovative brand marketing solution for ensuring massive organic visibility, awareness & connect for the brands among GenZies & millennials by using the enormous creative potential of memes. I am truly moved by the amazing work they have done for so many marquee brands, including Prime Video, Share Chat, McDonald’s, OnePlus, PVR Cinemas, Marvel etc.“

    He adds, “I have always been excited to work with passionate young founders who want to translate their crazy ideas into reality and build something that can redefine the existing norms of the industry. Meme Chat is one such idea that has the potential to bring a paradigm shift in the digital marketing industry. I am looking forward to adding value in their growth journey as a brand custodian, mentor and co-learner.”

    Meme Chat, founded by Kyle Fernandes & and Taaran Chanana has a humongous 5 million base of creators on it’s main app. Besides the main app where users are incentivised to create and distribute memes, the startup offers two other products — MemeChat Keyboard, an integrated keyboard for Android and iOS users to share memes on other messaging platforms, and MemeChat Studio, a fully automated solution for brands and corporates to commission memes en masse and distribute them. Meme Chat is emerging as the fastest-growing meme marketing platform and an obvious choice for brands looking to leverage viral marketing.

  • Prime Video and PivotRoots collaborate to create multi-brand integrated campaign for Made In Heaven Season 2

    Prime Video and PivotRoots collaborate to create multi-brand integrated campaign for Made In Heaven Season 2

    Mumbai: Prime Video, one of India’s most popular video streaming services, has once again captivated its audiences with the much-awaited Season 2 of its critically acclaimed series Made In Heaven. Buoyed by the critical acclaim of the Emmy-nominated show, Prime Video orchestrated a strategic and exhilarating campaign powered by PivotRoots – a Havas Company, to reignite the buzz among fans and introduce the show to new audiences, aiming to make this season an even greater success.  

    Leveraging high-impact strategic partnerships across prominent platforms, the campaign achieved a resounding success in both contextual communication and visually appealing creatives. PivotRoots vice president-media Ashok Shinde said, “For a show that constantly pushes boundaries, we identified popular and frequently visited media destinations by the intended audience and crafted integrations that harped on the marquee themes from the show. This allowed the show to be omnipresent with a creative approach that reiterated the return of the grandest wedding celebration, which one shouldn’t miss.”  

    Strategic Partnerships:  

    Prime Video’s campaign spearheaded by PivotRoots, engaged in strategic collaborations with top platforms, establishing a strong and contextual presence across various user journeys:  

    1. Uber Collaboration  

    Partnering with Uber, one of the largest on-demand rideshare applications, the campaign ensured a comprehensive and engaging user journey. From requesting a trip to throughout the ride, the show’s communication was seamlessly integrated into the app. The creative concept revolved around the notion that Genda Phools (marigold flowers) were adorning the streets, heralding the return of grand wedding celebrations. With every step of the journey, the user was greeted with a celebratory tone and contextual copy, culminating in the grand release announcement.  

    Uber advertising head of programmatic and partnerships Jillian Kranz said, “With an average view time of over 100 seconds, Journey Ads are a powerful and effective way to capture consumers’ attention during their trip, driving purchases and building brand awareness amongst a highly in-demand demographic. The Made in Heaven campaign seamlessly integrated Amazon’s messaging, creating and sustaining excitement for the show.”

    Httpool by Aleph managing director Amit Gupta mentioned, “We are thrilled to share the remarkable success of the collaboration between Amazon Prime Video and Uber, made possible through our valued partnership with PivotRoots and Httpool by Aleph.”

    2. Swiggy Integration

    Recognizing the extensive user engagement on Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience delivery platform, the campaign took over one of the most frequently visited sections of the app – the order track screen which appears once a user completes placing an order. Here, the delivery icon transformed into an image of a truck adorned with Genda flowers, symbolizing the arrival of festivities. At the top of the map, PivotRoots strategized to place an icon of Genda Phool accompanied by contextual copy, revealing the comeback of Made In Heaven. An animated innovation banner further strengthened the connection between the campaign and the imagery, leaving a lasting impact.

    Swiggy head of ads and monetization Ajit Panigrahi said, “Swiggy’s post-order food tracking screen is viewed with great excitement as users wait for their favourite dishes to be delivered, just like Made in Heaven Season 2, which has been one of the most awaited shows on OTT. We collaborated with Amazon Prime and PivotRoots, to creatively communicate this in the form of a contextual map integration on the food post order page, also giving users a view of the trailer on the same page.”

    3. MakeMyTrip Partnership

    Given the show’s exotic locales, a partnership with MakeMyTrip, the country’s leading travel platform, was formed to deepen user engagement. This collaboration resulted in the creation of Made In Heaven Holiday Packages inspired by the show’s lead characters. The packages, adorned with visuals from the series, resonated with the characters’ personalities. These packages were prominently featured in a branded hub across various touchpoints within the app, delivering maximum visibility and engagement.

    MakeMyTrip chief marketing officer & chief business officer – corporate Raj Rishi Singh said, “Travel is often inspired by visuals from popular films and television shows that appeal to our sensibilities. Made in Heaven has been one such cultural phenomenon, inspiring conversations and giving us mood boards for various occasions, including travel. We are pleased to have partnered with Amazon Prime Video and PivotRoots to curate travel packages based on protagonists from the show, inspiring millions to travel with itinerates made in heaven.”

    4. Media Buying

    Additionally, as part of various media buys, PivotRoots collaborated with 25 + top sites and apps including niche partners like Ferns and Petals, Wedding Sutra, Wed Me Good and Conde Nast Traveller to deploy high-impact contextual banners.  By taking over key touchpoints on popular platforms, the campaign driven by PivotRoots, was able to reach a large and engaged audience which helped Prime Video’s Made In Heaven Season 2 to become one of the most talked-about shows of the year.

  • Seven Korean picks to check out this Korean Thanksgiving

    Seven Korean picks to check out this Korean Thanksgiving

    Mumbai: Be it Korean food, K-pop, or K-dramas, Korean trends have taken the world by storm. With the quintessential elements of creativity, simplicity, relatability, and fun – Korean series, movies, and audiobooks will either lighten up your mood or keep you hooked till the very end. With Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) around the corner, it would only be fitting to engage in a binge session of these Korean titles along with a bowl of ramyeon of course. This is why we’ve put together the most sought-after Korean titles from Audible, Netflix,  Disney + Hotstar, and Prime Video to inspire, engage, and entertain you to the core.

    I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

    Platform: Audible

    Tteokbokki, or simmered rice cake, is a Korean dish often seen in K-dramas and widely enjoyed by cinephiles across the world. Discover how this unique dish takes center stage in this part memoir and part self-help book. This audiobook is based on the life of a successful young woman working as a social media director at a publishing house who is struggling to navigate through depression, social awkwardness, and work exhaustion. As a result, she decides to visit a psychiatrist and spends over a 12-week period disentangling bad behavior loops, knee-jerk reactions, and harmful cycles of self-abuse. Wondering what Tteokbokki has to do with all of this? Tune into Audible to understand why! A must-listen for those entangled in similar labyrinths of life, this audiobook will surely encompass valuable life lessons and a boost of inspiration all of us need.

    In Order to Live

    Platform: Audible

    Wonder what it feels like to be trapped in a country ruled by a fierce dictator, with no hope and nowhere to go? Well, this was the life of the North Korean human rights activist and TED speaker Yeonmi Park who fled the oppressive communist state when she was 13 years old. The concept of freedom was too far-fetched for her, the most comforting thing she could think of was to survive her reality. She knew that if she and her family stayed behind they would die – from starvation,  a disease, or even execution. Witness the harrowing tale of the woman’s escape with the assistance of China’s underworld and her rise as she became an exemplary human rights activist by the time she turned 21.

    Korean Folk Tales

    Platform: Audible

    This collection showcases stories of heroes, tricksters, and supernatural creatures, and unfolds the deep cultural roots and traditions of the Korean people. Get yourself an immersive experience of powerful storytelling to illuminate the human experience with multi-cultural depth and important life lessons. Korean folklore is known for its philosophical elements incorporating beliefs from Confucianism (ancient Chinese Philosophy) and Korean mythological figures, making it a great listen for children and adults.

    A Time Called You

    Platform: Netflix

    A Time Called You is the story of a  young woman Jun-hee who mourns the death of her boyfriend. Unable to cope with the loss, she goes back in time to 1998 but is perplexed as she wakes up in a different body of an 18-year-old Min-ju. As she navigates this new reality, she meets Si-heon, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased boyfriend. To make this more intriguing, the series also has a love triangle, a complex time travel curveball, and lots of suspense. Difficult to sum up the plot in words, one has to watch this drama on Netflix to find out how her life unfolds as she time-travels her way to 1998 and back.

    The Roundup: No Way Out

    Platform: Prime Video

    Seven years after the roundup in Vietnam, Detective Ma Seok-do joins a new squad to investigate a murder case which leads them to an illegal drug Hiper. He starts to dig deeper and discovers an unknown gang of thugs involved in supplying the drug. This troublesome case leading to a drug war is important to him as it is his first case after seven years following a roundup in Vietnam. Perfectly balancing the dichotomy of good and evil, the storytelling in this Prime Video movie is brilliant and adventurous. An ideal pick for a movie night, grab your popcorn, and enjoy this critically acclaimed crime drama with friends and family.

    Call It Love

    Platform: Disney + Hotstar

    A revenge drama that takes an unexpected turn, Call it Love is the perfect watch for a weekend. The female lead Woojoo decides to take revenge for all the injustices she has suffered when her family unexpectedly becomes homeless. But her plans change when her enemy Dongjin turns out to be a thoroughly lovable, lonely, and gentle soul. After her father’s death, Woo-Joo is kicked out of her home by the woman her father dated. She decides to take revenge on that woman only to stumble upon her son Han Dong-Jin and falls in love with him. An unexpected and humorous turn of events makes the series a promising watch for rom-com lovers.

    Heartbeat

    Platform: Prime Video

    Heartbeat is a humorous light-hearted romance centered around the love story of a 100-year-old vampire on the cusp of fulfilling his wish to become a human and a mesmerising woman who does not fear him. The series showcases relatable characters in blossoming romance, hoping that their love will transform the reality of the male lead’s vampire-bound life. If you’re one of those who enjoys situational satire with a romantic element, then this is the OTT series for you.

  • Prime Video India announces Takeshi’s Castle’s new season with Bhuvan Bam as the commentator

    Prime Video India announces Takeshi’s Castle’s new season with Bhuvan Bam as the commentator

    Mumbai: Prime Video today announced the Indian reboot of the popular 80s Japanese game show, Takeshi’s Castle, with actor and content creator Bhuvan Bam taking on a new role of a commentator. The eight-episode series will stream exclusively for viewers on Prime Video India. The brand-new season will retain the eccentricities that people saw in the original version – swashbuckling adventures, fun set-ups, and challenging games coupled with hilarious commentary. As contestants travel from one terrifying escapade to another, Bhuvan Bam will be providing a uniquely Indian perspective and add elements of fun and laughter as one of his most-loved characters – ‘Titu Mama’ from BB Ki Vines.

    Recapturing the essence of the original series, viewers will get to watch over 100 contestants—the “attacking army”—attempt to storm the impenetrable castle, fighting off all kinds of guards, devils, and giant foam mushrooms along the way. Only the bravest and luckiest will make it through to take on Takeshi himself, and potentially bank 1 million yen.

    “Takeshi’s Castle is certainly one of the most iconic shows in India’s television history. Not just in India, but across the globe, Takeshi’s Castle has a huge fan following,” said Prime Video, India director – content licensing Manish Menghani. “As a global streaming service, our mission is to curate diverse content from all corners of the globe, while preserving its relevance and resonance with our local audiences. We are thrilled to announce Bhuvan Bam as the voice of the brand-new season of Takeshi’s Castle. We are sure that his uproarious and off-beat commentary of this iconic Japanese game show will have the viewers in splits. This show promises to rekindle nostalgia and offer an entirely fresh and exhilarating experience to younger audiences.”

    Commenting on the involvement in the iconic show, actor and creator Bhuvan Bam said, “Since the original version of Takeshi’s Castle was on television, I have been an ardent fan of the concept, execution and the hilarity of the game show. It’s highly nostalgic for me to have grown up seeing the show and now voicing it, is genuinely a full circle moment. I don’t think there is anyone in my generation who hasn’t loved and enjoyed this madcap comedy. Being a part of this incredible game show is a privilege and an honor. As an entertainer, my viewers have always appreciated the unique yet relatable characters that I’ve portrayed, and I happy to bring a bit of my creative self as ‘Titu Mama’. I am hopeful that the younger generation will get love this show as much as we did.”

  • Prime Video announces Barbie and Meg 2: The Trench premiere on OTT

    Prime Video announces Barbie and Meg 2: The Trench premiere on OTT

    Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, is bringing a double treat for movie lovers across India with the premiere of global blockbusters, Barbie and Meg 2: The Trench. Launching within a few weeks of their theatrical release, both the movies will be available to rent on Prime Video, for Rs 499 each. In addition to Barbie and Meg 2: The Trench, Prime Video Store offers customers the opportunity to rent and watch a vast selection of movies from around the world.

    Barbie is a story about Barbies in the Barbieland, one of which is a stereotypical Barbie, played by Margot Robbie. When her so-called perfect days suddenly crumble down, she starts experiencing an existential crisis and starts to think of death out of the blue. In order to comprehend herself and learn her actual purpose, she must journey to the human world. Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, her kinda-sorta lover, joins along for the voyage. Directed by Greta Gerwig and written along with Noah Baumbach, Barbie became a cultural phenomenon upon release, and one of the biggest box-office successes of the year. Barbie is now available to rent on Prime Video.

    A sequel to the 2018 film, The Meg, Meg 2: The Trench follows Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) who has been involved in fighting environmental crime while also assisting Mana One in investigating a deeper portion of the Mariana Trench where the Megalodon was discovered. When a hostile mining operation threatens their goal and pushes them into a high-stakes struggle for survival, a group of scientists must outrun and outswim the monstrous Megalodons. Directed by Ben Wheatley from a screenplay by Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, and Dean Georgaris, Meg 2: The Trench, is based on the 1999 novel The Trench by Steve Alten, and was a global box-office success upon release. Viewers can rent this action-adventure on Prime Video from 18 September onwards.

    As the first choice of entertainment for everyone, Prime Video offers an incredible selection of movies and TV shows from India and around the world. In addition, its video entertainment marketplace further expands the choice and selection for customers. Through Prime Video Channels, Prime members can purchase add-on subscriptions to an ever-increasing array of streaming services and enjoy their content on Prime Video itself. Movie rentals on Prime Video is an extension of its entertainment marketplace offering, and provides Prime members, as well as, anyone who is not yet a Prime member an at-home, theater-like early access to the latest and popular Indian and Hollywood films, including titles beyond the ones available with Prime subscription.

    The rental destination can be accessed via the Storetab on primevideo.com and the Prime Video app on Android smartphones, smart TVs, connected STBs and Fire TV stick. Customers get a 48-hour window to complete the film once playback is initiated. Customers can start watching the film within 30 days of the transaction date.