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Tag: Rohit Jain

  • Lionsgate roars louder as Hollywood meets Hyderabad in 2026

    Lionsgate roars louder as Hollywood meets Hyderabad in 2026

    MUMBAI: Hollywood’s roaring lion just found its desi accent. Lionsgate Play, the premium streaming platform that’s redefined Hollywood for Indian screens, is entering 2026 with a bang and a hundred more. The platform has announced a record-breaking slate of 100 plus premieres across languages, cementing its claim as India’s “Home for Action” while widening its cinematic jungle to embrace regional storytelling.

    In just five years, Lionsgate Play has grown from a niche Hollywood service into a full-blown entertainment powerhouse now reaching over 40 million viewers through a vast distribution network that stretches from metros to mini-screens. Its latest evolution? A blend of blockbuster swagger and local soul.

    2025 was the turning point. With audiences increasingly vibing to Southern storytelling, Lionsgate Play turned its camera beyond Los Angeles, premiering Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam titles like Dakshina, Eleven, Soothravakyam, and Racharikam. The result was pure box-office streaming energy, a 40 per cent surge in consumption, even as the global industry reeled from the Hollywood strikes of 2024.

    And now, 2026 promises an even bolder leap. The platform’s upcoming lineup is stacked like never before, a global-meets-local buffet of spectacle and storytelling.

    The Hollywood big guns are back: From Gerard Butler’s Greenland: Migration to Angelina Jolie’s Kiss of the Spider Woman, and from Mutiny to The Rivals of Amziah King, the slate packs serious star wattage with the likes of Jason Statham, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, and Matthew McConaughey.

    The South stays strong: Building on its regional momentum, Lionsgate Play is rolling out 25 plus Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada titles, ensuring that cinematic flavour flows from both sides of the equator.

    The Hindi turn: The streamer is also going desi in Delhi expanding into Hindi originals with a curated mix of crime thrillers, horror comedies, and game shows, each designed to tap India’s ever-evolving taste for drama with a twist.

    And the classics never fade: In between the new, Lionsgate Play is doubling down on its cult collection. Think Sherlock meets Spider-Man, Rambo joins Men in Black, and Charlie Chaplin shares screen space with Jumanji and Anaconda. A line-up tailor-made for every mood, every generation.

    “Our journey so far has been defined by bold storytelling and a deep understanding of what today’s audience seeks quality, variety, and authenticity,” said Lionsgate Play Asia president Rohit Jain. “2026 marks a turning point. We’re scaling our stories, deepening regional connections, and making premium global entertainment more inclusive and accessible than ever before.”

    With its expanding footprint and its eye firmly on cultural inclusivity, Lionsgate Play is no longer just Hollywood’s Indian outpost, it’s a full-fledged entertainment ecosystem where Los Angeles meets Lucknow, and where cinematic worlds collide, connect, and click ‘Play’.

  • Lionsgate Play partners with Ncell in Nepal for Biz Sadhain ONÚ customers

    Lionsgate Play partners with Ncell in Nepal for Biz Sadhain ONÚ customers

    Mumbai: Ncell in line with its commitment to Sadhain ON has partnered with Lionsgate Play, a premium streaming service from Lionsgate India and Starz, to offer Biz Sadhain ON users quality content that is second to none. Lionsgate Play features a library of premium content, binge-worthy franchises, and premieres.

    This partnership aims to enhance the experience of customers subscribing to Biz Sadhain ON by providing bundled subscription offers and exclusive content for better customer engagement and satisfaction. Customers who have already accessed this platform since the launch of Biz Sadhain ON have expressed excitement about the platform and its rich content library.

    Every Ncell customer buying Biz Sadhain ON plans above Rs 499 is eligible to enjoy Lionsgate’s bold, inclusive, provocative, empowering, and engaging content. Additionally, Biz Sadhain ON users receive subscription-free access to the Mero Lagani App, which tracks share profit and loss.

    “We are thrilled to introduce Lionsgate Play to Nepal with Ncell, offering viewers a world-class streaming experience,” said Lionsgate Play, Asia president Rohit Jain. “With our vast library of content, including critically acclaimed movies and series, we are confident that Lionsgate Play will become the go-to destination for entertainment lovers across the country.”

    Lionsgate Play offers a diverse range of content across various genres, catering to different tastes and preferences. The platform features a wide selection of content, including Hollywood blockbuster movies, TV shows, original content under the Lionsgate banner, documentaries, kids and family content, and international films and series that appeal to global audiences.

    “Lionsgate Play is a very exclusive offer for our Biz Sadhain ON customers. This is the ticket that ensures special access to the vast content library of Lionsgate, one of the world’s leading standalone, pure-play, publicly traded content companies,” said Ncell chief commercial officer Umair Mohsin. “So far, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback since Lionsgate Play became accessible in Nepal for our Biz Sadhain ON customers, as our streaming partner.”

    To access Lionsgate Play, customers can quickly upgrade their plans to Biz Sadhain ON by dialling *123# or visiting the Ncell App. The Lionsgate Play app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Amazon Firestick.

  • Lionsgate, Abundantia Entertainment and EFAR Films join forces to co-produce two films in India

    Lionsgate, Abundantia Entertainment and EFAR Films join forces to co-produce two films in India

    Mumbai: Lionsgate, a global entertainment company, content development company EFAR Films and India’s leading content producer Abundantia Entertainment have come together to bring to Indian audiences two exciting movies. The first is a highly anticipated action-comedy motion picture that promises thrills and drama loaded with fun. The other film is a romantic comedy with lovable and memorable characters. Scripting is underway for both projects and exciting, top-of-the-line creative talent is being brought together to lead each title.

    Lionsgate Play Asia President Rohit Jain said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Abundantia Entertainment and EFAR Films on two exciting upcoming projects. The projects underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and culturally resonant films to audiences world over, and we are thrilled to bring this to life for our audiences in India. This is a testament to the power of gripping storytelling and the creative vision of our partners.”

    Abundantia Entertainment founder & CEO  Vikram Malhotra, said, “At Abundantia Entertainment, we are committed to producing high-quality and engaging content that is uniquely Indian and resonates with audiences globally. The two upcoming films perfectly align with this vision. We are delighted to collaborate with Global Major Studio Lionsgate and with EFAR Films to bring these stories to life in India.”

    Kavita Sharma Gandhi, Founder & CEO of EFAR Films, said, “We are delighted to be part of this exciting development alongside Lionsgate and Abundantia Entertainment. Our aim is to tell stories that are rooted in Indian ethos and culture with a universal appeal. We look forward to working together to create a memorable cinematic experience through these creative projects and this unique partnership.”

    Stay tuned for more updates on this collaboration as the production progresses.

  • Lionsgate Play & Smart partner for affordable binge-watch deal in Philippines

    Lionsgate Play & Smart partner for affordable binge-watch deal in Philippines

    Mumbai: Premium streaming platform Lionsgate Play has announced its groundbreaking partnership with mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) aimed at redefining the landscape of digital entertainment for Filipinos. Starting today, all Smart Prepaid and Smart Postpaid subscribers in the Philippines may enjoy affordable premium streaming subscriptions as they dive into Lionsgate Play’s expansive library of blockbuster franchises and innovative original series. Whether they’re movie enthusiasts or binge-watchers, Smart customers can take advantage of the best rates to access Lionsgate Play’s curated library.

    Since it entered the Philippines market in June 2022, Lionsgate Play has been making waves with its entertainment offerings that lean toward the provocative, thrilling, and edgy. The official streaming platform of the renowned Hollywood studio Lionsgate, it offers blockbuster franchises (including John Wick, The Hunger Games, Twilight, Step-Up, and Saw); award-winning Lionsgate feature films (such as La La Land and Wonder); original series that cut across multiple genres (like Power, Gaslit, Party Down, The Serpent Queen, Ramy, Minx, and more).

    Pocket-friendly prices for world-class entertainment

    “Our partnership with Smart is an integral part of our continued expansion efforts across Southeast Asia,” said Lionsgate Play Asia president Rohit Jain. “This collaboration aligns with our vision to distribute our content more broadly and to diversify our subscriber base, enabling audiences to ‘play more, browse less.’ We’re committed to strategic partnerships, and Smart is the perfect partner to help us achieve that goal.”

    “This collaboration with Lionsgate Play solidifies our commitment to delivering the widest breadth of world-class entertainment to the fingertips of Filipinos. Through this partnership, we reinforce our mission to make sure that every Smart user has more options to enjoy the content they want to consume,” said Wireless Business at Smart head of consumer Alex O. Caeg.

    “Powered by Smart, our customers can enjoy seamless streaming of their favourite movies, and access their beloved series from Lionsgate Play’s phenomenal library. Whether at home or on the go, they have the option to indulge in uninterrupted entertainment and immerse themselves in top-notch streaming at their convenience,” adds Kristine A. Go, SVP for Consumer Wireless Business at Smart.

    Smart subscribers will be able to enjoy these cinematic offerings at incredibly affordable rates. An LGP subscription is priced at just PHP 99/month for Smart subscribers, compared to the standard rate of PHP 129/month. Smart will also be rolling out an extra affordable 7-day subscription for a mere PHP 39, making LGP’s exceptional entertainment available to everyone. 

  • Lionsgate Play announces new original ‘Gamer Log’ based on e-sports

    Lionsgate Play announces new original ‘Gamer Log’ based on e-sports

    Mumbai: Streaming platform Lionsgate Play has announced a new show titled “Gamer Log” set against the backdrop of competitive esports. The show is produced by RDP Pulp Fiction Entertainment and headed by Abhinay Deo and Neeta Shah.

    “This will be a first-of-a-kind Indian gaming show that will follow the adventures and misadventures of a team of professional gamers,” said the platform in a statement. The show has been created by Karmanya Ahuja.

    Lionsgate MD South Asia and Networks – emerging markets Asia Rohit Jain said this announcement reiterates their mission to bring compelling stories and new content to viewers across the globe. “E-sports is a booming industry in India; 350+ million online gamers were recorded last year, and it’s an upward growth from here. Gamer Log will essentially showcase the lives of these very gamers. We look forward to working with Abhinay and Neeta on a show that will be funny, youthful, and mainstream,” Jain added.

    “’Gamer Log’ embodies the exact principles of content coming out of Lionsgate stable – innovation blended with entertainment,” added Lionsgate Play VP originals Mrinalini Khanna.

    “We are thrilled to be working with Lionsgate Play for ‘Gamer Log’,” said producer and showrunner Abhinay Deo. “With this show, we plan to tap into an unexplored world, bringing audiences a story about friendship, camaraderie, hopes, dreams, and ambition.”

    “’Gamer Log’ is a unique concept with peculiar characters who are quirky yet extremely relatable, managing internal dysfunction and navigating the competitive world of esports with comedy, drama, entertainment and a lot of gaming,” said producer Neeta Shah. “Abhinay and I believe that Lionsgate Play’s ethos works best for ‘Gamer Log’ – it’s a story for the masses with an innovative thought. I’m glad that Rohit and Mrinalini are in complete sync with our vision of the show.”

  • Lionsgate Play partners with Sony Music for ‘Jugaadistan’

    Lionsgate Play partners with Sony Music for ‘Jugaadistan’

    Mumbai: Lionsgate Play has partnered with Sony Music for their upcoming Indian original series “Jugaadistan.”

    Sony Music has picked a diverse album that reflects the theme of the show and brought homegrown music band Indian Ocean and have songs by Akasa, Mika Singh and The Yellow Diary amongst others. They will be promoting it under their banner.

    The show’s stellar background music complements and completes the vast narrative with ease. Put together by Anurag Saikia, Khamosh Shah, Prabhdeep Taba Chake, Traffic Jam and Moussak – the songs blend mainstream voices with the music of celebrated underground artists. The

    “Right from the word go, we paid a lot of attention to the music of the show,” said Lionsgate managing director South Asia and networks – emerging markets Asia Rohit Jain. “It is a campus drama, and we didn’t want the usual run-of-the mill songs for it. Each track has been crafted with attention to detail and reflects the theme and mood of our story. We are glad that so many artists agreed to come and do the music for the show. We tried to keep the album’s vibe very diverse so that the songs appeal to college goers across the country. And for those who’ve passed out and adulted, it’s a trip back to good times!”

    “There is novelty in this album and that was our biggest draw,” said Sony Music India executive director Sanujeet Bhujabal. “We were mesmerised by the use of the sounds by artists who come from such different worlds and yet fit in so beautifully with the album. It was a delight hearing the beats of Indian Ocean, the Yellow Diary and Akasa in a mainstream show, though they are well known for their pop tracks. And yet, the show has found such talented indie artists to score their background music. This is an eclectic album that is bound to strike a chord with everyone.”

    “In today’s dynamic global music ecosystem, we at Lionsgate want to give our audience a holistic experience which includes music by the finest,” said Lionsgate vice president licensing and content partnerships Gayathiri Guliani. “The music created for ‘Jugaadistan’ is created with the best of singers, composers and artists that give a desi yet urban vibe. ‘Jugaadistan’s’ music connects instantly to all age groups. We couldn’t have looked for a better partner than Sony Music for ‘Jugaadistan’s’ music to reach new heights.”

  • Lionsgate Play announces first Indian original show ‘Hiccups and Hookups’

    Lionsgate Play announces first Indian original show ‘Hiccups and Hookups’

    Mumbai: Lionsgate Play, the streaming service platform from Lionsgate India and Starz has announced the release date of its first Indian original series production “Hiccups and Hookups.” The family dramedy will premiere on  26 November, exclusively on the platform.

    The Kunal Kohli-directed series will feature Lara Dutta, Prateik Babbar, Shinnova, Divya Seth, Nassar Abdullah, Khalid Siddiqui, Meiyang Chang, Meera Chopra, and Ayn Zoya.

    “Hiccups and Hookups” is the story of Vasudha Rao (Dutta), a newly separated single mother living with her brother Akhil Rao (Babbar) and her daughter Kavanya Khattar (Shinnova). As the two coaches each other through the crazy world of dating while raising Vasudha’s teenage daughter, their closeness and honesty allows them to share the good, bad, and ugly side of their relationships. The plot explores multiple layers of the lead characters and how they deal with their own challenges and their baggage with each other. The sassy yet heart-warming series opens doors to accepting a dysfunctional family without any judgment, shared the platform in a statement.

    “It gives us immense pleasure to finally reveal the name of our first Indian original series ‘Hiccups & Hookups.’ We are certain the viewers are going to love the onscreen magic created by Lara Dutta, Prateik Babbar, and Kunal Kohli. With our first Indian original series, we aim to stay true to our ethos of entertaining our audience with unique, bold and edgy content,” stated Lionsgate managing director for South Asia and networks – emerging markets Asia Rohit Jain.

  • Lionsgate India promotes Shreya Channa as VP, people office SA & SEA

    Lionsgate India promotes Shreya Channa as VP, people office SA & SEA

    Mumbai: Lionsgate India on Wednesday announced that Shreya Channa, who joined the firm earlier this year as VP – head of people office, to become a part of the expansion for South Asia (SA) and emerging markets of Asia. She will be reporting to Lionsgate MD Rohit Jain.

    Channa will work closely with Rohit Jain and Lionsgate global CHRO Ross Pollack who is based in the USA, to expand Lionsgate’s strategy and people operations in emerging markets of Asia, said the company in a statement.

    Channa is a seasoned HR professional with over 17 years of experience in human capital consulting, corporate HR and has advised Fortune 500 companies in India and the USA in technology and telecom, among other industries. She has held a number of senior HR positions advising executive teams.

    “At Lionsgate, we believe that people are the differentiating secret recipe and soul of an organisation, we work everyday to build a culture of creativity and continuous learning. Shreya’s acumen and expertise will help us to supercharge the next era of Lionsgate in the region,” said Rohit Jain.

    “We are looking at an exciting lineup in Asia in the coming year,” said Channa. “I look forward to partnering closely across the business and our teams as we continue to deliver our strategic priorities and execute on the many opportunities that lie ahead.

  • Lionsgate Play to produce new Indian original ‘Feels Like Home’

    Lionsgate Play to produce new Indian original ‘Feels Like Home’

    Mumbai: Streaming service Lionsgate Play has announced the production of its next Indian original series “Feels Like Home”.

    The show is created by Sidhanta Mathur known for series like “Little Things”, “What The Folks” and “Minus One”. Directed by Sahir Raza, the series features Prit Kamani, Anshuman Malhotra, Vishnu Kaushal, and Mihir Ahuja.

    Vishnu Kaushal is a popular content creator among millennial audiences; Prit Kamani featured in the hit film “Maska”; Anshuman Malhotra won accolades for his role in “Haider” and Mihir Ahuja recently featured in the mini-series “Feels Like Ishq”.

    “At Lionsgate Play we are looking to create a fantastic mix of premium content from global to Indian. Our Indian original slate is well rounded with stories from an urban family to a college drama and now a sneak peek into the lives of four boys who our viewers will love,” said Lionsgate South Asia and Networks, managing director – emerging markets Asia, Rohit Jain. “We want to tell more local stories and bring them to a global audience by continuing to expand our slate of Indian Originals across languages and genres. We are proud to add our latest original series featuring cutting-edge young talent that will resonate with our audience.”

    “Feels Like Home is a show revolving around four youngsters and how they deal with what life is throwing at them. We have a very talented cast on board, and we’re so happy to have the series presented exclusively on Lionsgate Play, which has become the new go-to entertainment platform for young adults,” said Writeous Studio, founder, Sidhanta Mathur.

  • Lionsgate Play announces its launch in the Philippines

    Lionsgate Play announces its launch in the Philippines

    Mumbai: Lionsgate Play, South Asia-based platform of premium subscription service STARZ, on Friday announced its continued expansion in Southeast Asia by getting ready for launching operations in the Philippines. The media company has appointed Ma Cecilia Marino as the general manager to lead its business in the region.

    With a population of 109 million, the Philippines will become the newest territory added to the STARZ global footprint which now includes 60 countries, the company said in a statement.  

    Lionsgate Play, MD South Asia, and networks – emerging markets Asia, Rohit Jain will continue to spearhead operations in the region. Marino will begin operations in the Philippines under the guidance of Jain, it added.

    “We are thrilled to expand into the Philippines where over a third of the population uses OTT services, a trend that has accelerated in the past two years as Filipinos become avid streaming consumers,” Jain said. “We see this as a great opportunity to reach and engage with them.  As part of this process, we are building a strong leadership team beginning with the appointment of Ma Cecilia Marino to lead our growth there, taking Lionsgate Play to new heights while creating long-term value for our stakeholders,” he added.

    Marino has over 25 years of experience in business strategy & development, brand marketing, and partnerships. She has worked closely with the dynamic telecommunications and fast-paced consumer industries. Most recently, she headed the integrated sales group of KidZania Manila, a global learning and entertainment brand.

    “I am delighted to join the team at Lionsgate and bring my expertise and a fresh perspective to the table,” Marino said. “The Philippines is an indispensable market for the South Asian business, and I am confident that the Filipino audience will enjoy Lionsgate Play’s unique and exclusive streaming offering.”

    According to a recent study by the Trade Desk, 36 million consumers stream two billion hours of OTT content per month in the Philippines, making OTT one of the fastest-growing media channels in the country. The mounting dominance of Hollywood films and soaring OTT viewership in the Philippines, coupled with only a few premium services to meet demand, creates a great market opportunity for Lionsgate Play to thrive in the country.

    The premium video streaming service also recently launched its service in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, after a successful rollout in India last year.