ITV

Tag: Republic Day

  • Strategies rule over content, fail

    Strategies rule over content, fail

    Nothing worthwhile came along since Dangal, the film which helped the cinema halls sustain. When it did, two major production houses decided to release their films simultaneously. Kaabil from Rakesh Roshan’s production house and Raees from Excel Entertainment.

    Both the releases wanted to cash in on the long weekend as the 26 January, the Republic Day holiday fell on Thursday. To start with, both films releasing on the same day, whatever the occasion, was suicidal. And, for a producer to do that in an era when the multiplex owners call the shots had a role to play when having agreed to give both films an equal exposure, reneged and went along with Raees, which was not really meant for the multiplex audience. The outcome for both the films is tragic.

    The idea of releasing the film on Thursday to cash in on the Republic day, made sense. But, what was the logic of both film deciding to hit the screens on Wednesday, the day before the holiday. It was a midweek working day ahead of a long weekend. It turned out to be a bad decision. Both films had a poor opening day collections. While Kaabil suffered because of the competition, Raees was affected as the film’s negative word of mouth spread which reflected on its collections on other days.

    *Raees had an average opening of around Rs 20 crore on Wednesday. On Thursday, because of the holiday, it touched its peak only to drop by as much as 50 per cent on Friday and decline thereafter with even Sunday figures being below par. Looking at these figures, the film showed a potential to reach about Rs 90 crore for the opening weekend of five days.

    *Kaabil opened to a weak response and though the film enjoyed positive word of mouth from a section of the audience, it did not reflect much on the collections. This praise seemed more from the fallout of disappointment with Raees. It was more like a comparison than the real praise for the film. The film opened to half the figures of Raees and had its best day in Republic Day.

    The film collected Rs 57.4 crore for its opening weekend of five days.

    *OK Jaanu collected Rs 3.5 crore in its second week taking its two week total to Rs 20.35 crore.

    *Dangal added Rs 8.92 crore in its fifth week to take its five week total to Rs 383.87. It added another Rs 1.19 crore for the sixth weekend which takes its 38-day total to Rs 385.06 crore.

  • Strategies rule over content, fail

    Strategies rule over content, fail

    Nothing worthwhile came along since Dangal, the film which helped the cinema halls sustain. When it did, two major production houses decided to release their films simultaneously. Kaabil from Rakesh Roshan’s production house and Raees from Excel Entertainment.

    Both the releases wanted to cash in on the long weekend as the 26 January, the Republic Day holiday fell on Thursday. To start with, both films releasing on the same day, whatever the occasion, was suicidal. And, for a producer to do that in an era when the multiplex owners call the shots had a role to play when having agreed to give both films an equal exposure, reneged and went along with Raees, which was not really meant for the multiplex audience. The outcome for both the films is tragic.

    The idea of releasing the film on Thursday to cash in on the Republic day, made sense. But, what was the logic of both film deciding to hit the screens on Wednesday, the day before the holiday. It was a midweek working day ahead of a long weekend. It turned out to be a bad decision. Both films had a poor opening day collections. While Kaabil suffered because of the competition, Raees was affected as the film’s negative word of mouth spread which reflected on its collections on other days.

    *Raees had an average opening of around Rs 20 crore on Wednesday. On Thursday, because of the holiday, it touched its peak only to drop by as much as 50 per cent on Friday and decline thereafter with even Sunday figures being below par. Looking at these figures, the film showed a potential to reach about Rs 90 crore for the opening weekend of five days.

    *Kaabil opened to a weak response and though the film enjoyed positive word of mouth from a section of the audience, it did not reflect much on the collections. This praise seemed more from the fallout of disappointment with Raees. It was more like a comparison than the real praise for the film. The film opened to half the figures of Raees and had its best day in Republic Day.

    The film collected Rs 57.4 crore for its opening weekend of five days.

    *OK Jaanu collected Rs 3.5 crore in its second week taking its two week total to Rs 20.35 crore.

    *Dangal added Rs 8.92 crore in its fifth week to take its five week total to Rs 383.87. It added another Rs 1.19 crore for the sixth weekend which takes its 38-day total to Rs 385.06 crore.

  • Three ad campaigns to watch out for on Republic Day

    Three ad campaigns to watch out for on Republic Day

    MUMBAI: Marketers are forever in search of new engaging ways to connect with consumers, but consumers, at the end of the day, are people. In India, the word ‘people’ has a varied connotation with the country having a population of over a billion, nestling several languages, religions and cultures. Hence a message targeted at a few million might not connect with the rest. 

    While the Indian calendar is checkered with festivals that trigger traction from several millions, there are few things that connect the 1.8 billion as one like cricket, a national crisis or even our pride as Indians. 

    Creatives understand this well, and have time and again thrilled, moved, excited and even tickled us with these instances of Indian-ness. This Republic Day too, there are a handful of brands riding the patriotic wave and delivering some version of the many facets of what makes us Indian. Indiantelevision.com handpicks a few for our readers.

    9XM’s #OneDreamOneIndia

    A Republic Day video preaching religious harmony has been done to death and therefore is commonplace. But what about a video that reflects unity of several political ideologies? That is exactly what we see in this 90-second video where actors — who are clearly depicting stalwarts from major political parties in India — join hands to stand up against any threat to the nation. Going on air on 25 January, the ident ‘OneDreamOneIndia’ is sung by JSL Singh and Ranjit Bawa capturing the nation’s spirit of unity and freedom. The ident will be promoted across social media platforms and YouTube. After laughing at several newspaper cartoons that make fun of the rivalry between the national parties, and cracking up at their puppet parodies on television and digital medium, this new initiative from 9XM comes as a breath of fresh air.

    Gaali Free India

    Our constitution grants us free speech and by virtue of it we are free to use the language we choose, even if it is vulgar. But have we stretched our freedom too far to notice that ‘gaali’ has become part of our vocabulary? A question Water Communications’ founder and director Vandana Sethhi asks the nation through an innovative campaign.

    Inspired by Prime Minister’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiative, the campaign gives an interesting spin off and seeks cleanliness in speech. 

    Videocon: FlagOfChange

    The tricolour of Indian national flag evokes several emotions. It also carries the burden of several freedom fighters who gave their lives to gift us this day when we walk free with pride. It also carries the pride of the leaders of that time who gave their blood and sweat in building the Constitution. And yet we see many amongst us who take this for granted and bring down the decades worth of effort in a minute by giving into petty temptations. To some, it’s for extra cash, while for others, it might be to save themselves from bureaucratic hassles. This powerful short-film by Videocon created by Rediffusion Y&R reminds us of the burden of the Indian flag and urges everyone to start changing our mindset, at the same time inserting a message on anti-corruption.

  • Three ad campaigns to watch out for on Republic Day

    Three ad campaigns to watch out for on Republic Day

    MUMBAI: Marketers are forever in search of new engaging ways to connect with consumers, but consumers, at the end of the day, are people. In India, the word ‘people’ has a varied connotation with the country having a population of over a billion, nestling several languages, religions and cultures. Hence a message targeted at a few million might not connect with the rest. 

    While the Indian calendar is checkered with festivals that trigger traction from several millions, there are few things that connect the 1.8 billion as one like cricket, a national crisis or even our pride as Indians. 

    Creatives understand this well, and have time and again thrilled, moved, excited and even tickled us with these instances of Indian-ness. This Republic Day too, there are a handful of brands riding the patriotic wave and delivering some version of the many facets of what makes us Indian. Indiantelevision.com handpicks a few for our readers.

    9XM’s #OneDreamOneIndia

    A Republic Day video preaching religious harmony has been done to death and therefore is commonplace. But what about a video that reflects unity of several political ideologies? That is exactly what we see in this 90-second video where actors — who are clearly depicting stalwarts from major political parties in India — join hands to stand up against any threat to the nation. Going on air on 25 January, the ident ‘OneDreamOneIndia’ is sung by JSL Singh and Ranjit Bawa capturing the nation’s spirit of unity and freedom. The ident will be promoted across social media platforms and YouTube. After laughing at several newspaper cartoons that make fun of the rivalry between the national parties, and cracking up at their puppet parodies on television and digital medium, this new initiative from 9XM comes as a breath of fresh air.

    Gaali Free India

    Our constitution grants us free speech and by virtue of it we are free to use the language we choose, even if it is vulgar. But have we stretched our freedom too far to notice that ‘gaali’ has become part of our vocabulary? A question Water Communications’ founder and director Vandana Sethhi asks the nation through an innovative campaign.

    Inspired by Prime Minister’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ initiative, the campaign gives an interesting spin off and seeks cleanliness in speech. 

    Videocon: FlagOfChange

    The tricolour of Indian national flag evokes several emotions. It also carries the burden of several freedom fighters who gave their lives to gift us this day when we walk free with pride. It also carries the pride of the leaders of that time who gave their blood and sweat in building the Constitution. And yet we see many amongst us who take this for granted and bring down the decades worth of effort in a minute by giving into petty temptations. To some, it’s for extra cash, while for others, it might be to save themselves from bureaucratic hassles. This powerful short-film by Videocon created by Rediffusion Y&R reminds us of the burden of the Indian flag and urges everyone to start changing our mindset, at the same time inserting a message on anti-corruption.

  • Zee Café content line-up for January 2016

    Zee Café content line-up for January 2016

    MUMBAI: After having entertained its viewers all of 2015, Zee Café, the most preferred destination for English Entertainment, promises to continue enthralling its audience with the best and the latest shows all through 2016. 

     

    Gear up to celebrate Republic Day with Zee Café as the channel premieres a marathon of the final season of Cougar Town on 26 January 2016, 1:30 pm onwards. Also get your daily dose of laughter on ‘Comedy Rules @ 8’ on Zee Café with shows such as Two and a Half Men and Mike&Molly from 8:00pm to 9:00pm.

     

    Switched At Birth season 4 premieres on 10 January 2016 at 10:00 pm and will air every Saturdays and Sundays. Also don’t forget to catch the finale of the mini-series, The Astronaut Wives Club on 9 January 2016 at 10:00 pm only on Zee Café.

     

     Apart from the specials and the sitcoms, Along With the U.S. shows such as The Big Bang Theory, and The Vampire Diaries continue to woo the viewers this year. That is not it, tune-in to watch the ongoing shows like Pretty Little Lairs and America’s Got Talent and revel in the blend of amazing shows to keep you entertained throughout the week. And this is just the start!

  • ‘Mathrubhumi’ surprises reader with jasmine scented newspaper

    ‘Mathrubhumi’ surprises reader with jasmine scented newspaper

    MUMBAI: This Republic Day, Mathrubhumi – the Kerala based daily had a surprise for its readers. The newspaper wished readers with a jasmine-scented broadsheet; an attempt like this took place for the first time in Kerala.

     

    The surprise caught many readers unaware but soon it gave way to a smile on every face. It was an apt Republic Day gift to the readers by a newspaper that rose to prominence during the nation’s freedom struggle. Even the master head of the newspaper announcing the innovation – a jasmine plant twining Mathrubhumi with the Republic Day message just below it was a novelty.

     

    For the day, it was the talking point among the newspaper reading lot, and even the rare ones who don’t. A technological leap for a newspaper that’s at the forefront of innovation, it was a pleasant surprise in every sense for the readers.

  • Obamania: The biggest blockbuster of 2015

    Obamania: The biggest blockbuster of 2015

    For India weekend means late mornings, set of movies in theatres and relaxation. Subsequently Indian news media shifts the focus from hard news to Bollywood gossips and cupids. ’Twas a similar weekend but in the National Capital, the excitement was almost palpable on a sodden morning of fog and rain. The Eagle had indeed landed at the Palam Airport carrying POTUS and FLOTUS!

    Yes, it was the Air Force One carrying President of the United States Barack Obama and his wife and First Lady of the United States Michele Obama.

    Obamania had begun!

    The media spotlights were aimed on the door of that aircraft and journalists were on the edge of their seats in the studios. The moment the door opened, breaking news and flash tickers started rolling in each and every news channel. Every news channel began its claim of being distinguished and unabated. If one channel was emphasizing on economics, the other was showing exclusive footages of the hotel. Creative juices were flowing freely as far as headlines and programme names go on various news channels!

    NDTV named its coverage ‘Namo’ste Obama’, with anchoring responsibility majorly rotating amongst its senior brass of journalists namely Vishnu Som, Sreenivasan Jain, Vikram Chandra and Barkha Dutt. They ensured cameras were present everywhere and whatever penetrated through the lenses was discussed in detail with a panel of experts. Shekhar Gupta and Vivek Katju were among them.

    Times Now kept it simple by calling its coverage – “Obama’s India Visit.” CNN-IBN named it “Namaste Obama” and Headlines Today called it “Rolling Coverage Obama.”

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com on the entire three days’ coverage, NDTV CEO Vikram Chandra said, “We had a distinguished panel that had expertise in various fields and we were determined to have a comprehensive coverage. We were the only channel to have presence in the Taj Palace, where the CEOs met President Obama and Prime Minister Modi. We were also present in DAVOS where global economics was debated in presence of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and economist Nouriel Roubini.”

    The US President’s visit to attend the 66th Republic Day Celebration of India was indeed an event of historical importance. That aside, a lot of economic and strategic modifications were also expected from the visit. India now has a stable Government with absolute majority in the Lower House and economic growth is one of the prime need of the country at this point. The current Government has made its position clear on developing an open, business friendly market scenario. Not long back, India was one of the fragile five economies of the world and now the country aspires to be in the fantastic five.

    All news channels were exclusively covering the developments in Hyderabad House where Obama met Modi for a bilateral dialogue. After hours of speculations of what was happening inside, the deadlock was broken in a joint press conference where channels got the second big breaking news, which they termed as ‘Nuke Deal.’ Soon after, all news broadcasters began discussions on the positives and negatives of the Indo – US nuclear deal. That was the major talking point of Day 1 of President Obama’s India visit.

    Day 2 was India’s Republic Day. It was bitterly cold weather with overcast sky accompanied by a slight drizzle and the focal point was ‘Rajpath.’ The coverage responsibility was on India’s public broadcaster Doordarshan. A three hour long extravaganza was put forward by valiant soldiers of respective battalions. And it concluded with an Air Show by the Indian Air Force.

    When queried about the entire coverage, Doordarshan India deputy director general (IR) C K Jain said, “We employed the best of infrastructure and technicians to cover the parade. There was absolutely no commercialisation and the parade was covered uninterrupted. We did not accept any commercial advertisement, we showed some government ads before and after.”

    All other private channels were relaying DD’s coverage.

    On a national holiday, when executives separate themselves from work and corporate meetings, 26 January would see them preparing for one of the biggest meetings of their lives. From Ratan Tata to Anil Ambani, they all queued up to meet POTUS. This was the second major talking point of Day 2 – the CEO meet. The focal point this time was ‘Taj Palace’ and the breaking news was the $4 billion investment promise made by Obama. The detailed discussion on the deal summed up Day 2 coverage of Obama’s Visit.

    Speaking about the commercial impact of the coverage, Maxus South Asia MD Kartik Sharma said, “We have to wait for the ratings to see which news channel performed better. As per my opinion, the English news channels were more specific and slightly better than the Hindi ones but Hindi news channels also catered well to their viewers. In news channels there was a marginal hike in ad rate due to Obama’s visit.”

    On Day 3, Obama left for Riyadh but before taking off he gave an amazing speech to the Indian media that could be discussed for days. Addressing a gathering of 2000 students, Obama started his speech by saying ‘Namaste’ and concluded it with ‘Jai Hind’. During his speech he paid gratitude to Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, warned India against communalism and domestic fragmentation. To add to the delight of the students and journalists present, he recited the famous dialogue from the iconic Bollywood film, which completed 1000 weeks at the box office recently – Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayennge (DDLJ). “Senorita, bade bade deshon mein…you know what I mean,” said Obama. Not surprisingly, soon after DDLJ started trending on social media and became an important part of the round up.

    Though Obama’s visit was not a Bollywood movie, it turned out to be one of the biggest blockbuster event followed by one and all for various reasons.

  • ‘Mann ki Baat’ to feature Barrack Obama with Narendra Modi

    ‘Mann ki Baat’ to feature Barrack Obama with Narendra Modi

    NEW DELHI: This month’s edition of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ on All India Radio (AIR) will have two special features: it will feature both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting American President Barrack Obama, and will carry many commercials.

     

    The broadcast at 8 pm on the evening of 27 January is expected to be a simulcast by all major television channels including DD News.

     

    It is also expected to be carried on CNN simultaneously.

     

    The recording for ‘Mann ki Baat’ was done at the high-profile Hyderabad House in New Delhi at 3 pm on 25 January.

     

    Confirming this, AIR sources told indiantelevision.com that regional versions of this broadcast at 9 pm on 28 January will be carried by regional kendras of AIR.

     

    AIR will also have several commercials before and after the broadcast.

     

    Indians all over the world had been asked to give suggestions or questions for a special edition of the monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ on All India Radio this month. Questions or suggestions can be sent on mygov.nic.in. 

     

  • ‘Hawaizaada’ actor Ayushmann Khurrana to anchor Republic Day special on Big Magic

    ‘Hawaizaada’ actor Ayushmann Khurrana to anchor Republic Day special on Big Magic

    MUMBAI: Big Magic, the flagship national Hindi general entertainment channel from Reliance Broadcast Network is positioned as the one stop destination for humour. The channel is all geared up to celebrate Republic Day with the dashing young actor, Ayushmann Khurrana – a TV presenter turned actor as he engages the audience on Monday, 26th January, 7pm- 10pm only on Big Magic. Big Magic partners with Hawaizaada to celebrate the spirit of ‘Made in India’. Hawaizaada releases on Jan 30 2015.

     

    Pumped with fun, humor and patriotism all the shows on Big Magic will celebrate Republic Day with the special episodes wherein Ayushmann Khurrana will be the anchor link. Honoring this day with the entire country, Big Magic will add spark to this occasion with the presence of Ayushmann Khurrana who will also share anecdotes about his upcoming movie. He will be imparting a distinctive message of believing in oneself to the viewers of Big Magic. Ayushmann’s character in his upcoming movie Hawaizaada is based on a 19th century scientist and inventor who flew the 1st aircraft. He is believed to have invented the aeroplane before the Wright Brothers.

     

    Speaking on the three hour special on Big Magic, the dashing actor Ayushmann Khurrana said, “This Republic Day, I am happy to celebrate the essence of my upcoming movie – Hawaizaada which salutes the spirit of being Indian. I am happy to deliver this message to Big Magic viewers through its chatpata comedy content – If you dream, have the courage to accomplish it. My upcoming movie, Hawaizaada, celebrates the fulfilment of an unsung hero who brought forth the brilliance of an Indian talent and intelligence because he dared to dream and fulfil the same fearlessly.”

     

    Commenting on the same, Lavneesh Gupta, COO, Reliance Broadcast Network said, “To salute Republic Day, a momentous occasion for Indians, the BIG MAGIC family will come together to entertain our audience with fun-filled episodes. We’re glad to be sharing this special day with Ayushmann Khurrana , lead actor of Hawaizaada, where the film salutes Indianness and will together impart an inspiring message to our viewers.”

     

    The Republic Day special will be marketed heavily across television, radio and digital, ensuring excellent promotions and reach.

     

    Big Magic is available across key DTH players ranging Airtel, Videocon, DD Free Dish, Dish TV, Reliance Digital TV along with Hathway, Incable, Digicable, DEN, 7 Star, ABS, Siticable, Star Broadband and GTPL amongst others.

  • Channels asked to cover Republic Day with sign language interpretation from DD News

    Channels asked to cover Republic Day with sign language interpretation from DD News

    NEW DELHI: Private television channels, which normally re-transmit the signals of Doordarshan relating to the Republic Day Parade, have been asked to carry the sign language interpretation following a demand by the hearing impaired.

     

    DD News always telecasts the Parade with simultaneous sign language interpretation.

       

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in an advisory that it had received the request from the hearing impaired to ‘help them connect meaningfully with this important National Day.’

     

    As in previous years, DD will provide this feed free of cost to private channels.

     

    The Ministry noted, “Whereas the media has always been in the forefront of taking up important issues covering national integration, the progress of disadvantaged sections of the society etc. would be another step in the right direction by media to facilitate access to the Parade commentary to differently abled people. It is in this spirit that all TV channels interested in carrying the live telecast of the Republic Day Parade with commentary are advised to carry the signals of DD News with sign language interpretation.”