ITV

Tag: Tamil Nadu

  • Tata Sky’s new ad promotes aggressively priced Thalaiva pack

    Tata Sky’s new ad promotes aggressively priced Thalaiva pack

    Mumbai: Content distribution platform and pay-TV platform Tata Sky has launched a new campaign for potential customers in Tamil Nadu.

    The narrative of the campaign “Vera Level” communicates the elevated entertainment options that are offered by a Tata Sky connection – highlighting the regional family packs available along with a one-touch remote for the price-sensitive segment. This includes the Thalaiva pack that “combines the best of Tamil channels, drama, film, kids, news and sports channels curated for the benefit of the entire family,” said the company in a statement.

    Conceptualised by Ogilvy India, the communication plan for the campaign is spread across print, TV, OOH and designed to resonate with metro and non-metro audiences.

    “Regional audience has a very strong connect with their TV sets and what they watch in it. Keeping this in mind, Tata Sky has always been at the forefront to make the TV viewing experience worthwhile and engaging,” said Tata Sky, chief communications officer, Anurag Kumar. “Our new campaign for Tamil Nadu beautifully highlights the distinct benefits of a Tata Sky connection and connects with the audiences through their most loved regional catchphrases – ‘Vera Level’ which means taking anything to a superior entertaining level, just like a Tata Sky connection does with its varied offerings and personalised bouquets.”

  • Madras HC refuses to stay Tamil Nadu’s ordinance banning online gambling

    Madras HC refuses to stay Tamil Nadu’s ordinance banning online gambling

    NEW DELHI: The Madras high court has declined to grant an interim stay on the Tamil Nadu government’s ordinance banning online gambling and games, including online rummy.

    Appearing for the state, advocate general Vijay Narayan today sought more time and urged the court to adjourn the matter till after Pongal. He also mentioned that there is a possibility that an act against online gambling may be presented in the legislative assembly in January, which may or may not be in the same form as the ordinance. However, the court clarified that no further extension would be given in the matter to file the counter.

    He argued that children are playing online rummy using their parents' credit card and the ordinance would nearly have any effect on the operations of the petitioners given that only two states – Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh – have banned online rummy.

    Previously, the court had refused to stay the ordinance on a petition moved by online gaming platform Junglee.

    Appearing for Junglee, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that the petitioners wanted an early resolution of the matter, adding that they can establish that online rummy is safer than rummy played in other places. He claimed that the business is getting impacted as it wrongly stopped.

    Meanwhile, Gameskraft Technologies also joined in the challenge mounted against the ordinance, in so far as it relates to online rummy. Advocate Mohan Parasaran, the counsel appearing for Gameskraft, urged the court to at least pass orders that no coercive action be taken against the petitioners in the interim.

    However, the bench refused to grant any interim relief save for the filing of a counter-affidavit by the state, and fixed the matter for further hearing on 18 January.

    Last month, Tamil Nadu became the third state in India to enforce a ban on online games and gambling after governor Banwarilal Purohit promulgated an ordinance on the same. The move came in the wake of a spate of suicides in the state by gamblers who lost money playing these online betting games.

  • Tamil Nadu to ban online gambling

    Tamil Nadu to ban online gambling

    NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government is taking action to ban online gambling, PTI quoted chief minister K Palaniswami as saying. The decision comes in the wake of several people committing suicide after becoming addicted to online games like rummy.

    The government has already informed the Madras high court about this, he added, and a legislation will be introduced to deem those who "conduct and indulge in online gambling" as criminals.

    The PMK had earlier urged the central government to take immediate steps to prohibit all kinds of online gambling, alleging it was highly addictive and several people who lost their money have ended their lives.

    Recently, a PIL was also filed in the Madras high court to ban online games citing their ill effects. The hearing of the case is scheduled for 19 November. 

  • ZEE Entertainment donates ambulances, PPE kits and 80,000 daily meals to Tamil Nadu

    ZEE Entertainment donates ambulances, PPE kits and 80,000 daily meals to Tamil Nadu

    MUMBAI:  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE), in line with its national level CSR drive against Covid2019, officially handed over critical healthcare equipment to the state of Tamil Nadu, further strengthening its fight against Covid2019. In the presence of the chief minister, Edappadi K Palaniswami, the first batch of 18 ambulances were handed over to the Tamil Nadu government. Additionally, ZEE has donated 12,500 PPE Kits, 5,000 face shields, surgical masks, and sanitizers each to the state.

    The company will be utilizing the sanctioned CSR budget (for the fight against Covid2019) to provide the following essentials to the state:

    Ambulances – 45 ambulances donated to the state.
    PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Kits – 12,500 kits donated to the state.
    Plastic Face Shields: 5,000 plastic face shields donated to the Chennai police force.
    Surgical Face Masks: 5,000 surgical face masks donated to the Chennai police force.
    Sanitizers: 5,000 sanitizers donated to the Chennai police force.

    Over and above the support towards healthcare relief, ZEE has also partnered with Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide 80,000 daily meals which will support migrants across the city of Chennai for a month.

    Speaking on this initiative, ZEE MD & CEO  Punit Goenka said, “ZEE is committed to providing strong support to the Tamil Nadu government in its fight against Covid2019, with a key focus on strengthening the overall healthcare infrastructure. We also stand together with the dedicated police force of Chennai who has been at the frontline in this fight against the pandemic.”

     In the handover ceremony presided by the CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, the government expressed its gratitude to ZEE for handing over the first set of 18 ambulances for Covid2019 relief. The CM also acknowledged the gesture from ZEE on his official twitter handle.

     In its national level CSR drive towards enhancing the country’s healthcare infrastructure against Covid2019, ZEE had committed to donating 240+ ambulances, 46,000+ PPE kits, 90+ oxygen humidifiers, and 6,00,000 daily meals. The donation to the state of Tamil Nadu is in line with this national level CSR drive.

    At a national level, ZEE has also financially supported over 5000 daily wage earners working directly or indirectly with the company. Further, 3400+ employees have contributed towards PM CARES Fund. The amount generated was matched by ZEE, and the collective proceeds were donated to PM CARES Fund.

  • Vasanth TV and Vasanth & Co founder H. Vasanthkumar dies of Covid2019

    Vasanth TV and Vasanth & Co founder H. Vasanthkumar dies of Covid2019

    MUMBAI: The dreaded SARSCOV2 virus claimed another victim from the television and political firmament today. 70-year-old Harikrishnan. Vasanthakumar, the founder of Tamil TV channel Vasanth TV, and Tamil Nadu’s biggest electronics retail chain Vasanth & Co succumbed to Covid2019 today in Chennai’a Apollo Hospital. Vasnathakumar was also a member of parliament representing the Kanyakumari constituency, a seat he successfully won in the 2019 elections.

    The veteran Congress leader was admitted to Apollo Hospital on 10 August after showing symptoms of Covid2019. He was battling the virus since then was put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment as well as a ventilator. But the once-upon-a-time salesman-turned entrepreneur-turned politician gave up the fight on Friday when he succumbed to the disease.

  • Tamil Nadu minister says film releases should come back to theatres

    Tamil Nadu minister says film releases should come back to theatres

    MUMBAI: Will blockbuster film releases make a comeback to the cinema halls away from OTT platform premieres?

    The jury is out. First the government has to allow theatres and multiplexes to pull down the padlocks they have put on them. Of course the multiplex association, Ficci and CII have all been making a push with the government on how the opening up can happen. 

    Now another push has come from Tamil Nadu, which has seen some  films coming out on OTT platforms first, skipping  theatre releases. Tamil Nadu’s state minister of information and publicity Kadambur Raju today stated that the their unfettered release would end up as a revenue loss for the state government.

    Speaking at a local function in Tuticorin in southern Tamil Nadu  he said it was okay that films such as Ponmagal Vandhal were released on OTT platforms during the lockdown phase but now that Unlock 1.0 has started, the government is not in favour of filmmakers taking such a route. He had a simple reason for this: the government is losing GST as well as entertainment tax in Tamil Nadu.

    Hence, he has urged the various stakeholders – producers, distributors and exhibitors –  to come together to find solutions to reverse this trend, according to a report in The Hans India.

    Meanwhile, the union minister of information and broadcaster Prakash Javadekar had last week told  a delegation of film producers and distributors via video-conference that he would look into the opening up of cinema halls by end June. He also told them he would inform the various ministries to provide succor as far salary subsidies, interest free loans for three years, exemption on taxes and duties, waiver of minimum demand charges on electricity and power at industrial rates. 

  • Asian Paints releases new TVCs on Ultima Protek for Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

    Asian Paints releases new TVCs on Ultima Protek for Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

    MUMBAI: It’s the exterior season and Asian Paints Ultima Protek welcomes it with a bang. After releasing a TVC exclusively for Kerala market, the brand has released two more separate TVCs for Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (APTG).

    The houses of Tamil Nadu and APTG speak of a unique synergy of tradition and modernity which the people of the states take a lot of pride in. They also face extreme weather fluctuations including erratic rains and scorching sun subjecting the exterior walls through a lot of strain. The need for the consumer was protection from sun & rain. The Lamination Guard Technology of Ultima Protek is designed to Laminate the house to provide complete protection with a promise of 10 years.

    Keeping the objective at the core, Asian Paints has launched a New TVC to clearly establish Ultima Protek as the Gold Standard of Exterior Emulsion. Conceptualized by Ogilvy India, the ad is directed by renowned director, Vasan Bala. The film opens with Colonel Shanmugam’s house (in the Tamil TVC) and Colonel Narasimha’s House (in the Telugu TVC) which is witness to multiple failed attempts by contractors in providing his house with protection from sun and rain. This issue persists until the Contractor played by the talented Bhagavathi Perumal shocks the Colonel when he offers to Laminate the house.

    Asian Paints Limited  CMO Jaideep Kanse said, “The dynamics of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are unique both in terms of the vagaries of weather and the consumer need hierarchy.  Asian Paints has always pioneered technology led innovation through its products to bring to consumers nothing but the best. This campaign is yet another step in that direction where Ultima Protek will be one stop solution to all the current problems pertaining to exterior walls by Laminating your house.”

    Ogilvy and Mather, India  chief strategy office Prem Narayan added saying, “Lamination is a commonly understood metaphor for protection. In this campaign, we are trying to surprise home owners that the same protection is now available for their homes too, thanks to Asian Paints Ultima Protek.”

    Presenting, Asian Paints Ultima Protek TVC in Tamil Nadu: Veetukkae

    Presenting, Asian Paints Ultima Protek TVC in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana: Intiki Lamination

  • ZEEL clarifies all its TV channels in Tamil Nadu are fully operational

    ZEEL clarifies all its TV channels in Tamil Nadu are fully operational

    MUMBAI: Recently, many consumers from the south market have complained of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) channels blackout on social media platforms. In thewake of the controversy, ZEEL has clarified that all of its television channels in Tamil Nadu are fully operational across leading cable and DTH operators, including Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd., SCV and V K Digital.

    The broadcaster also clarified that channels are also available across all leading DTH operators viz. Airtel Digital TV, Tata Sky, Dish TV, d2h, and Sun Direct and there has been no change in the consumer price (MRP) of the individual channels or channel packs whatsoever. Zee Prime Tamil SD pack is priced at Rs 10 only.

    It has also been mentioned that ZEEL has issued all the required communications to its esteemed viewers informing and urging them to approach their respective cable operators with a request to reactivate the channels, for which they have already paid Rs 10, as part of their monthly subscription.

    ZEEL had received several complaints and requests through emails and social media platforms, wherein the consumers mentioned that their cable operators have removed the ZEE Bouquet from their channel packs, without any communication or reason.

  • Tanishq TVC film with Nayanthara celebrates glittering gold & abundant auspiciousness

    Tanishq TVC film with Nayanthara celebrates glittering gold & abundant auspiciousness

    MUMBAI: Tanishq, India’s trusted jewellery brand has launched a new TVC campaign targeting its large customer base in Tamil Nadu.  The new TVC, featuring Southern superstar and face of Tanishq South, Nayanthara will showcase Tanishq’s strong understanding of the consumer, culture and customs from a local perspective. This new TVC campaign aims to bring alive that Tanishq is at the heart of every auspicious celebration, which is rooted deep within the cultural context of Tamil Nadu.

    Conceptualized with Lowe, the 60-second film has Nayanthara joining the celebration in different occasions – first birthday of a child, baby shower and golden wedding anniversary. To add more local flavour, the eclectic montage is set to the tune of ‘Kummi adi’, a traditional Tamil folk song which is an integral part of all celebrations from weddings to smaller ceremonies at home.

    Speaking about the film, Titan Company associate vice president– marketing, jewellery division Deepika Tewari said, “Tamil Nadu has always been one of our primary focus markets because of our history with the state and the fact that we started our journey by establishing our first store in Chennai and our factory is also located at Hosur. Tanishq's traditional designs and craftsmanship are a perfect fit with the jewellery preference of Tamil Nadu. The film is an attempt to tell our customers how deep-rooted we are as a jeweller, in every joyous and auspicious moment in their life. To crown it all, Nayanthara, with her elegance and striking beauty brings more glitter to the film, just like our brand.”  

    Quoting about the film, Lowe Lintas NCD Sagar Kapoor said, “With a large line of jewellery players in Tamil Nadu, Tanishq needed a strong emotional connect to win the hearts of Tamil Nadu.  The films speaks a simple language of connections by reaffirming the rooted Tamil identity through a popular Tamil folk song ‘Kummi adi’, a folk song which is an integral part of all celebrations from weddings to smaller ceremonies at home. The film features Nayanthara at her graceful and elegant best adding a touch of joy to every auspicious celebration.”

  • Sun TV Network focusing on achieving pre-NTO viewership in every single market

    Sun TV Network focusing on achieving pre-NTO viewership in every single market

    MUMBAI: While new tariff order (NTO) had brought down viewership of several pay channels initially across the country, Sun TV Network channels are bouncing back from the initial effect in key markets. As the channels are coming close to the pre-NTO regime viewership, the largest broadcaster is now focusing on every single market to get back to the reach percentage it was providing prior to the NTO implementation.

    “We are making all efforts in terms of ensuring that the channels are carried by all DTH and cable operators and it is placed in the appropriate MCM so it is accessible to a majority of the subscriber universe. So, that is why you are also seeing a good improvement in the rating numbers,” Sun TV Network CEO R Mahesh Kumar commented in an earnings call after its Q1 results.

    Kumar also added while inquired about a-la-carte adoption that very few subscribers have opted for a-la-carte. He noted that the majority of service providers and the customers have opted for the entire bouquet of channels. Notably, many broadcasters and DPOs have highlighted this trend of subscribers going for bundled packages after NTO implementation rather than selecting individual channels.

    While the group also has a large DTH business, Kumar is optimistic about the growth rate of DTH. He added that he witnessed a huge growth in private MSOs in the marketplace at a time when churn is happening from state-run Arasu Cable to other operators. Moreover, there is a significant portion of analogue which is also incrementally getting digitised.

    “In our estimate, upwards of 35 per cent is still analogue in this market. And in terms of seeding of STBs, it's being pushed both by private cable operators and DTH. Like even our own group company, Sun Direct has been extremely well in Tamil Nadu. Their numbers have grown from an average of 1,000, 2,000 to 5,000, and 6,000 a day,” Sun TV Network group CFO SL Narayanan commented.

    He also added that everything is happening across the system in Tamil Nadu based on NTO only. According to him, the only issue has been the difficulty of getting the reports from some of the smaller players because of their own inability to have new programs. He added that it's only a transitional phase and there would be lesser problems once things get streamlined and good software is available. While he added that most of them are adapting it also, the reporting levels have increased considerably in June or July.