Tag: Sony TV

  • L&T Finance bowls a yorker with Jasprit Bumrah in new TVC

    L&T Finance bowls a yorker with Jasprit Bumrah in new TVC

    MUMBAI: Talk about delivering at pace! L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) has just dropped a high-octane TV commercial titled ‘Just Zoom Two-wheeler Loans,’ and it’s got more zip than a Jasprit Bumrah bouncer. With the speedster himself front and centre, the campaign cheekily pitches LTF’s loan process as being just as fast and precise as Bumrah’s bowling.

    Launched to coincide with the cricket frenzy of the Asia Cup 2025, where LTF is the associate sponsor on the Sony TV broadcast network, the ad is set in a swanky two-wheeler showroom. The moment of magic? As a hesitant customer wonders about the speed of loan approvals, a TV in the background shows Bumrah charging in. In perfect sync with his iconic run-up and wicket-taking delivery, the loan is approved in real time: documents uploaded, processed, and done.

    The spot cleverly underlines the brand’s tagline ‘Bumrah ki speed par’, marrying cricket fever with financial speed, thanks to LTF’s proprietary AIML-powered credit engine, ‘Project Cyclops’. This tech marvel whirs behind the scenes, assessing credit worthiness instantly and delivering approvals with, well, Bumrah-esque precision.

    “We wanted the film to be as sharp and direct as a Bumrah yorker,” said LTF, chief marketing officer, Kavita Jagtiani. “From instant approvals to AI-powered personalisation, the campaign captures everything we stand for: speed, precision, and simplicity.”

    But this isn’t just a TV play. LTF is rolling out a full-throttle integrated marketing campaign across 13 cities, including hoardings, metro branding, airport takeovers, inflight magazine placements, and even a WhatsApp bot to help you finance your dream bike with a few taps.

    And there’s more for cricket buffs – an AI-powered ‘Bowl like Bumrah’ contest invites fans to mimic the pacer’s style and speed for a chance to win exciting prizes, including Bumrah-signed gloves. The digital buzz is further amped up through an influencer campaign and a social media blitz.

    Viewers can catch the TVC on Sony Sports (in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam), as well as Sony Pix, Sony Max, Sony Wah, and their HD variants.

  • The slow eclipse of India’s media and broadcasting pioneers

    The slow eclipse of India’s media and broadcasting pioneers

    MUMBAI: Once, they blazed across the Indian media landscape with the swagger of pioneers. Entrepreneur-led behemoths like Subhash Chandra’s Zee Entertainment, Kalanithi Maran’s Sun TV, Prannoy Roy’s NDTV, and Raghav Bahl’s Network18 weren’t just market leaders — they were institutions, holding their own even as foreign giants circled hungrily.

    Today, those stars are fading. Some have already fallen.

    Network18 and TV18 are now firmly in the grip of Reliance Industries and Disney Star. NDTV, long a bastion of editorial independence, is under the control of the Adani Group. Its founders — Roy and Radhika — have exited stage left, their names now relics of an era that once prized journalistic idealism.

    Zee, once the crown jewel of Indian broadcasting, is barely hanging on. The Chandra family — once majority owners — now clutch a meagre four-odd  per cent stake. It’s a dramatic fall from grace fuelled by Subhash Chandra’s ill-advised adventures into infrastructure. To bankroll these forays, he pledged Zee shares, opening the gates to lenders who came calling. The result: a sharp dilution of promoter ownership and a credibility crisis. The failed merger with Sony’s Indian arm, Culver Max Entertainment, only added insult to injury — scuppered reportedly due to concerns about Zee’s financial hygiene. A company once viewed as squeaky clean had its reputation muddied.

    Sun TV, the fourth of the old guard, is also showing cracks. Helmed with iron discipline by Kalanithi Maran, it long stood as a symbol of stability. But the facade is now under strain. A family feud has burst into public view, with brother Dayanidhi Maran accusing Kala of wresting control of Sun TV through backdoor share acquisitions. Legal notices have flown, regulatory filings issued, and the company insists all was above board. Still, some reputational damage has been done — and the gossip mills are churning.

    The result is a media map being redrawn in real time. Where once these founders shaped the narrative, today they’re either sidelined, embattled, or ousted. And as corporate titans and conglomerates take over, the question is whether passion-led media can survive in an era of balance sheets, bottom lines, and boardroom power plays.

    India’s media isn’t short on ambition. But nostalgia alone won’t stop the sun from setting on yesterday’s giants.

  • Discover the best TV deals this festive season

    Discover the best TV deals this festive season

    Looking for the best TV deals this festive season? You’re in the right place! With Navratri in full swing and Diwali coming up, it’s the perfect time to upgrade to a new TV. Whether you’re into movies, sports, or gaming, there are some incredible discounts and offers on a wide range of Sony TVs and other top brands. So, here are the best TV deals this festive season.

    Best TV deals this festive season

    1. Sony Bravia 9 
    2. LG UT80 4K Ultra HD TV 
    3. Croma 4K Ultra HD Mini LED TV 
    4. TCL V6B 4K Ultra HD LED TV 
    5. Samsung Crystal 4K Vivid TV

    1. Sony Bravia 9

    Take your home theatre setup to the next level this festive season with the Sony Bravia 9 TV. With 4K resolution, HDR support, and XR TRILUMINOS PRO technology, this 4K Ultra HD Mini Google TV delivers vibrant colours and sharp details.

    The Acoustic Surface speakers offer immersive sound, and Google TV gives you easy access to your favourite apps and content. For gamers, the Bravia 9 Sony TV comes with a 120Hz refresh rate, XR Motion Clarity, and VRR for smooth gameplay. Furthermore, it’s packed with smart features like a built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant voice control, and access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store.

    2. LG UT80 4K Ultra HD TV

    The LG UT80 TV is perfect if you’re looking for a feature-packed TV that’s also not too hard on your wallet. It comes with a 50-inch 4K UHD display and a 60Hz refresh rate, offering crisp detail and rich, lifelike colours. The 2.0 channel speakers with 20 watts of power provide great sound, and the WebOS system makes it easy to access all your favourite streaming apps. Other features include HDR10, Dynamic Tone Mapping, AI Sound Pro, and Virtual 9.1.2 Up-mix.

    3. Croma 4K Ultra HD Mini LED TV

    If you’re looking for a powerful yet budget-friendly TV, the Croma 4K Ultra HD Mini LED Google TV is an excellent choice. With a massive 75-inch display, 3840×2160 pixel resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate, you’ll enjoy stunning visuals and smooth motion. Thanks to Mini LED technology, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos, this TV provides incredible picture quality and rich sound. Other features include built-in Chromecast and multiple connectivity options, along with hands-free voice control.

    4. TCL V6B 4K Ultra HD LED TV

    Whether you’re into movies, gaming, or just need a solid smart TV, the TCL V6B TV is another fantastic option. Its expansive 55-inch display delivers breathtaking clarity and vibrant colours, while Google TV integration makes it super easy to access all your favourite streaming services and apps.

    Thanks to the AiPQ picture processor, you’ll enjoy smooth performance and quick loading times. It also features built-in Chromecast and screen mirroring, making it easy to connect and share content. The 24W speaker system with Dolby Audio promises immersive sound and advanced eye care tech like low blue light and flicker-free technology help reduce eye strain.

    5. Samsung Crystal 4K Vivid TV

    The Samsung Crystal 4K Vivid TV is another solid option for upgrading your home entertainment this festive season. With its 55-inch LED screen, you’ll enjoy a stunning 4K UHD display that brings every scene to life with vibrant colours and amazing detail.

    The 20W sound system and Q-Symphony technology promise to create an immersive audio experience that puts you right in the action. Additionally, the TV comes with smart features like Tizen OS and voice control, so navigating your favourite streaming apps is super easy. Other features include Mega Contrast, UHD Dimming, and Motion Xcelerator. 
     

  • Shark Tank to get an Indian adaptation, set to air on Sony TV

    New Delhi: Critically acclaimed business-themed reality TV series Shark Tank is all set to get an Indian adaptation. The show will be aired on Sony TV, the channel has announced.

    The popular series produced by StudioNext shows entrepreneurs making business presentations to a panel of investors or ‘Sharks’ who decide whether to invest in their company or not.

    The Hindi GEC announced the launch of Shark Tank India on its social media handles and opened the registrations for young entrepreneurs to participate in the show. The promotional video features a young man from a middle-class family who aspires to start his business. He shares the idea with his family and friends, who then joke about “his big dreams”.

     

     

    “World ka no.1 business reality show Shark Tank aa raha hai India mein! Jahan Sharks, yaani India ke experienced businessmen, aapke business aur business idea ko parkhenge, taraashenge aur bada banayenge…” read the social media post, “Shark Tank India mein register karne ke liye SonyLIV app download ya update kare ya bio mein diye gaye link pe click kare.”

    People can participate in the show by downloading the SonyLIV app, where they can register online. They can also visit: https://sharktank.sonyliv.com/

    The show first aired on ABC in August 2009 and has had 12 successful seasons for far. The last episode aired on 21 May. ABC has renewed the series for its thirteenth season.

  • BARC week 20: Star Plus tops the list of Hindi GEC pay platforms

    BARC week 20: Star Plus tops the list of Hindi GEC pay platforms

    Mumbai: Star Plus has topped the list of pay platform channels in the report released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) for week 20 (15 May to 21 May 2021). The Hindi GEC was ranked second with 2357.44 Average Minute Audience (AMA), followed by Sony SAB (2159.02) and Colors (1375.48) ranked second and third respectively. 

    Zee TV bagged the fourth spot with 1180.56 AMA, while Sony Entertainment Television (1132.23) and Star Utsav (928.8) grabbed the fifth and sixth spots respectively. The remaining channels in the top 10 list of Hindi GEC pay platforms are Star Bharat (701.35), Sony Pal (598.01), Dangal (422.79), and Colors Rishtey (419.06).

    Star Utsav topped the BARC’s free platform list of Hindi GECs with 2101.41 AMA. Zee Anmol, Colors Rishtey, and Sony Pal were listed on the second, third, and fourth spots with 1078.96, 1016.59, and 956.05 AMA respectively. 

    Dangal (737.22), The Q (708.76), Big Magic (360.83), Shemaroo TV (143.4), DD National (19.75), and DD Retro (18.12) are the other channels that find their spot in BARC’s list of most-viewed free platforms. 

    In the urban market, the top 10 channels were Star Plus, Sony SAB, Colors, Star Utsav, Sony Entertainment Television, Zee TV, Sony Pal, Star Bharat, Colors Rishtey, and Dangal. 

    The top 10 channels in the rural category were Star Utsav, Zee Anmol, Colors Rishtey, Sony Pal, Star Plus, Dangal, Sony Sab, The Q, Zee TV, and Colors. 

  • Amitabh Bachchan returns to host Kaun Banega Crorepati 13

    Amitabh Bachchan returns to host Kaun Banega Crorepati 13

    NEW DELHI: At a time when the nation is reeling under the pall of the Covid2019 pandemic, TV audiences have been offered a ray of hope with the announcement of a new season of Kaun Banega Crorepati. The game show is one of the most popular programmes ever broadcasted on Indian television. One reason for the show’s enduring appeal is superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s warm and engaging anchorship. Now, Big B is all set to return as host of 13th season of KBC. 

    The makers of the show, Sony TV Entertainment broke the news by posting a teaser on their Instagram page. In the video, Amitabh Bachchan can be seen in his full swag, as he informs us that registrations for KBC will begin on 10 May. He also shares that he and the hot seat are waiting for people, and that they too should gear up for the show now.

     

     

    In another promotional video, the iconic actor can be seen watching out for a contestant who will sit opposite him on the hot seat. 

     

     

    It was in 2000 that Kaun Banega Crorepati had its pilot season with Amitabh Bachchan in the role of the host. The third season of the show was presented by Shah Rukh Khan, while the remaining 11 seasons were hosted by Bachchan. 

    During the filming of the 12th season of KBC, Amitabh Bachchan was diagnosed with Covid. After recovering, Bachchan completed the shoot while adhering to all safety protocols. 

  • BARC week 11: Zee TV slips to sixth spot in urban market.

    BARC week 11: Zee TV slips to sixth spot in urban market.

    MUMBAI: Star Plus, Sony Sab and Zee TV have continued to remain as top three channels in urban market and pay platform (Saturday 13 March 2021 to Friday 19 March 2021) of Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) data. Zee TV has slipped down to the sixth spot in urban market. 

    Pay Platform

    In week 11 of BARC India ratings, the top ten channels on pay platform were Star Plus, Sony Sab, Zee TV, Colors, Sony Entertainment Television, Star Utsav, Sony Pal, Star Bharat, Dangal, and Colors Rishtey.

    Urban Market

    In the urban market, the top ten channels were Star Plus, Sony Sab, Colors, Star Utsav,  Sony Entertainment Television, Zee TV,  Sony Pal, Dangal, Colors Ristey, and Zee Anmol in week 11 of BARC India ratings.

    Rural Market

    Star Utsav, Zee Anmol, Sony Pal, Dangal, Colors Rishtey, Star Plus, Zee TV, Sony Sab,  Big Magic, and Colors were the top ten channels in the rural market in week 11 of BARC India ratings.

    Free Platform

    On the free platform Star Utsav, Zee Anmol, Sony Pal, Dangal, Colors Rishtey, Big Magic, Shemaroo TV, DD National, DD Retro  and DD Madhya Pradesh were the top ten channels in week 11 of BARC India ratings.

  • BARC week 10: Star Plus, Sony Sab & Zee TV reign pay platform

    BARC week 10: Star Plus, Sony Sab & Zee TV reign pay platform

    MUMBAI: Sony Sab has continued to maintain its hold on the second position in urban market and pay platform(Saturday 6 March 2021 to Friday 12 March 2021) of Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) data. Colors Rishtey has replaced &TV for the tenth spot on pay platform.

    Pay Platform

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    In week ten of BARCIndia ratings, the top ten channels on pay platform were Star Plus, Sony Sab, Zee TV,Colors, Sony Entertainment Television, Star Utsav, Sony Pal, Star Bharat, Dangal, and Colors Rishtey.

    Urban Market

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    In the urban market, the top ten channels were Star Plus,Sony Sab, Colors,Star Utsav,  Zee TV, Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Pal, Dangal, Colors Ristey, and Zee Anmol in week ten of BARCIndia ratings.

    Rural Market

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    Star Utsav, Zee Anmol, Sony Pal, Dangal, Colors Rishtey, Star Plus, Zee TV,Sony Sab, Big Magic and Colors were the top ten channels in the rural market in week ten of BARCIndia ratings.

    Free Platform

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    On the free platform, Star Utsav, Zee Anmol,Sony Pal,Colors Rishtey,Dangal, Big Magic, Shemaroo TV, DD National,DD Retro and DD Madhya Pradesh were the top ten channels in week ten of BARCIndia ratings.

  • On casual sexism & gender disparity: ‘Ishk Par Zor Nahi’ promises something different

    On casual sexism & gender disparity: ‘Ishk Par Zor Nahi’ promises something different

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television has strengthened its primetime line-up with the launch of Ishk Par Zor Nahi from 15 March. Ishk Par Zor Nahi, a new-age, young love story of Ahaan and Ishqi – two people who are not just different in personality, but also share polarising viewpoints about marriage. Starring Akshita Mudgal as Ishqi and Param Singh as Ahaan Malhotra, the show is produced by Four Lions Films, and will air Monday to Friday at 9:30pm.

    Sony Entertainment Television & digital business content head Ashish Golwalkar shared that the channel is known for its variety entertainment, unique storylines and lovable characters. His effort is to create a property that can impart knowledge, highlight social and cultural issues prevalent in the society and leave a long-lasting image in the minds of audiences.

    Said he: “We have had a great start to the year, and we are committed to bring forth an eclectic mix of narratives to our viewers. Ishk Par Zor Nahi has a flavour of romance through an accidental couple who are poles apart from each other and nurture different perspectives on marriage, relationships and family. It is a fresh young love story with relatable characters, and we are pleased to partner with Gul Khan and Deepti Kalwani for this show. We are certain the audience will enjoy what the show has to offer.”

    According to Golwalkar, television has a limited scope in terms of creative expression, but what sets Ishk Par Zor Nahi apart is the way the makers have weaved the storyline. He credits Four Lions Films co-founder Gul Khan for coming up with the idea.

    “I’ve been working with SET for the past five years, and we’ve tried to collaborate on a project numerous times but somehow it didn’t work out. Finally, during the lockdown, I approached Khan to create a love drama. From there on, the process of writing, re-writing, casting started,” he detailed.

    The insights of the show are not very sublime or tough it is very simple, the way it is packaged makes it more engaging. It is a simple story of how two contrasting people come closer and eventually fall in love. What differentiates it is the value system, there upbringing, how they respond to societal norms which are deeply embedded within each family, added Golwalkar.

    Khan is looking forward to working with Sony Entertainment Television for the second time. She mentioned that while Four Lions Films is known for making romantic shows, there are many things which remains unsaid; SET has given her the platform to speak her mind and address these underlying issues.

    “In our society, casual sexism has become so common that we have questioning it. In a same household a girl and boy are treated differently, it is engraved in our minds that we have to change once we get married. It changes the way how we grow as an individual and at times bring a full stop to our happiness,” she shared.

    Khan went on to say not to be deceived by the show’s initial impression – it might look like a simple love story, but as the story unravels, audiences will witness intense drama. Normally, it takes three to four months to write the script for a show, but in this case, it took much more time as the makers were trying to strike the right balance. She also revealed that the team at Sony TV was quite demanding, in a positive manner. They were quite precise over what they wanted out of the show. 

    While addressing a virtual conference, Golwalkar clarified that the intention of Ishk Par Zor Nahi is not to influence audiences or instruct them what is right or wrong; rather, it seeks to entertain them and, along the way, subtly raise some thought-provoking questions. He further added, “We didn’t have many launches in the second half of last year but this time we are working on experimental shows, then there is a sitcom genre with Sargam Ki Sadhe Sati, Punyashlok Ahilyabai is doing well for us in the 7.30 pm slot. Our recently launched show, Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye is also performing well. So, in an all we are trying to bring variety with our fiction shows.”

  • BARC week 9: Colors slips down to third spot on pay platform

    BARC week 9: Colors slips down to third spot on pay platform

    MUMBAI: In comparison to week eight, Colors has slipped down to fourth position on pay platform(Saturday, 27 February 2021 to Friday, 5 March 2021) of Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) data. Sony Sab has bagged second spot on both pay platform and urban market.

    Pay Platform

    In week nine of BARCIndia ratings, the top ten channels on pay platform were Star Plus, Sony Sab, Zee TV,Colors, Sony Entertainment Television, Star Utsav, Sony Pal, Star Bharat, Dangal, and &TV.

    Urban Market

    In the urban market, the top ten channels were Star Plus,Sony Sab, Colors,Star Utsav,  Zee TV, Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Pal, Dangal,Zee Anmol and ColorsRistey in week nine of BARCIndia ratings.

    Rural Market

    Star Utsav, Zee Anmol, Sony Pal, Dangal, ColorsRishtey, Star Plus, Zee TV,Sony Sab,Colors, and Big Magic were the top ten channels in the rural market in week nine of BARCIndia ratings.

    Free Platform

    On the free platform, Star Utsav, Zee Anmol,Sony Pal,Dangal, ColorsRishtey, Big Magic, Shemaroo TV, DD National,DD Retro  and DD Madhya Pradesh were the top ten channels in week nine of BARCIndia ratings.