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Tag: Ullu

  • Govt cracks down on ‘obscene’ OTTs, blocks 25 sites under IT Act

    Govt cracks down on ‘obscene’ OTTs, blocks 25 sites under IT Act

    MUMBAI: The Indian government has turned up the heat on shady OTT platforms. In a sweeping regulatory crackdown, the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) has ordered internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to 25 websites accused of hosting unlawful and “obscene” content, invoking multiple sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and allied rules.

    The directive, signed by the ministry’s joint secretary and authorised officer acting as nodal officer under digital media law, targets platforms such as Ullu, Altt, Big Shots, MoodX, Mojflix, Hulchul, and Desiflix — notorious for pushing the boundaries of online content. The move expands last year’s clampdown on what the government termed “indecent representation of women” and content harmful to public decency and morality.

    The notification reminds intermediaries that under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000, they lose their safe harbour protections if they fail to act swiftly on government orders. Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, further bars platforms from hosting anything that undermines India’s sovereignty, public order, or morality. Non-compliance, as per Rule 7, invites prosecution under prevailing laws.

    The list of banned apps and sites reads like a roll-call of India’s risqué OTT underbelly: Boomex, Navarasa Lite, Kangan App, Bull App, Feneo, ShowX, HotX VIP, NeonX VIP, Triflicks and more.

    The government cited violations of Section 67 and 67A of the IT Act (which deal with electronic transmission of obscene material), Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (obscene acts and songs), and Section 4 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

    The MIB has also asked the department of telecommunications (DoT) to ensure ISPs comply. The move is being positioned as part of India’s broader push to clean up its digital content ecosystem and hold digital intermediaries accountable.

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  • Ullu dives into Web3 with spicy new token, UlluCoin

    Ullu dives into Web3 with spicy new token, UlluCoin

    MUMBAI: Ullu, the OTT platform that made a name for itself with bold originals and a 42-million-strong user base, is now spicing things up in the crypto world. The streamer has officially launched UlluCoin, its own utility token, marking its first big leap into the Web3 space.

    Minted with a max supply of 100 billion tokens, UlluCoin aims to power immersive experiences and engagement across Ullu’s expanding digital ecosystem. The token is issued by a newly floated entity and signals the platform’s evolution from Web2 to decentralised, blockchain-enabled interaction, a move few Indian entertainment players have dared to make.

    Backing the venture is Cypher Capital Markets, the Dubai-based VC heavyweight with a taste for emerging tech and crypto. Known for placing early bets on Web3 winners, Cypher brings serious clout and capital to Ullu’s blockchain ambitions.

    Cypher Capital investment director, Harsh Agarwal says, “At Cypher Capital, we look for projects that combine massive user scale with real-world utility and UlluCoin fits that vision perfectly. We’re excited to back and help UlluCoin scale globally”.

    On the launch, Ullu CEO Avinash Duggar said, “This is a big moment for India and for Ullu. We’ve always strived to stay ahead of the curve, empowering users, unlocking new value for creators, and building a smarter entertainment economy.”

    He added, “UlluCoin is more than just a token; it’s a full-stack utility ecosystem built on one of the most active OTT platforms in the region. With over 109 million downloads and 42 million active subscribers, Ullu offers native distribution, unmatched engagement, and a powerful use case for real-world blockchain adoption.”

    Ganesh Lore of Chainsense Ltd. stated, “Web3 is our gateway to scaling businesses globally, and Ullu is the perfect example. Chainsense Ltd has joined as UlluCoin’s official Web3 partner, leading blockchain infrastructure, tokenomics, and global expansion.”

    With UlluCoin, the streaming rebel now wants to become a Web3 disruptor. Entertainment, meet decentralisation.
     

  • Nivedita Basu joins Dangal as vice president – fiction

    Nivedita Basu joins Dangal as vice president – fiction

    Mumbai: In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its creative portfolio, Dangal, a leading general entertainment channel (GEC) under the Enterr10 Television Network, has appointed Nivedita Basu as vice president – fiction (Hindi, Oriya, Bangla). With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Basu’s return to the GEC space is set to usher in a new era of innovation and content excellence for Dangal.

    Known for her stellar contributions at Balaji Telefilms, where she helmed iconic shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Basu brings an impressive repertoire of over 100 television shows. Her expertise in audience engagement, content creation, and production management positions her as a driving force in Dangal’s ambitious expansion plans across regional and national markets.

    Expressing her enthusiasm, Basu stated, “Joining Dangal is an exciting new chapter in my career. With its strong reputation and commitment to creating impactful content, I look forward to contributing to its continued success. Meeting Manish Singhal, whose visionary leadership has made Dangal the number one Hindi GEC channel, has further fueled my excitement. I am thrilled to collaborate with him and the talented team at Dangal, and I am eager to explore opportunities to expand the channel’s portfolio with innovative and engaging projects.”

    In her previous role as senior vice president (Content) at Atrangii, Ullu, and Hari Om App, Basu transformed brands into household names, turning them into profit-making entities. She also spearheaded the launch of India’s first devotional channel, Hari Om, marking a significant milestone in her career.

    Dangal’s reputation for delivering diverse, engaging programming is expected to benefit greatly from Basu’s industry acumen and creative vision. Her leadership will focus on overseeing ongoing projects, exploring growth opportunities, and shaping the strategic direction of the channel’s fiction content.

  • Ullu to continue making edgy content: Vibhu Agarwal

    Ullu to continue making edgy content: Vibhu Agarwal

    Mumbai: OTT platform Ullu, launched in 2018, will not move away from creating edgy adult content, said founder Vibhu Agarwal at an event held recently. Instead, Agarwal has launched a Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) ‘Atrangii’ accompanied by a catch-up OTT platform to cater to the family audience.

    “When I entered the OTT space, I sought to create content that is fresh. All OTT platforms were creating the same kind of content, whether it is a suspense or a thriller. As a businessman, I wanted to enter a white space that no one has addressed before,” said Vibhu Agarwal.

    The platform had found itself on the wrong side of public opinion after it was accused of featuring ‘edgy’ and ‘sleazy’ content to its audiences. It was reported that Agarwal was moving away from creating edgy adult content with a Ullu 2.0 strategy after the ministry of information and broadcasting introduced The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

    Agarwal said, “We have built a certain audience and subscription base, based on the kind of content that ULLU makes. The content is not wrong because there are people watching it. We’ve offered a buffet of shows including horror, suspense, thriller and brought many good actors into the ecosystem with shows like ‘Tandoor,’ ‘Peshawar,’ ‘Cyanide’ and others.”

    “That’s why we are launching our second OTT platform and entering the GEC space that’s going to bring both live and catch-up content for audiences,” he added. “The content on this platform will be separate from ULLU and will be more in line with GEC content. This will not be a ‘saas-bahu’ style GEC because again we’re looking at an unaddressed white space. Instead, the channel will feature limited series that will focus on the quality of content.”

    Agarwal said that the ministry of information and broadcasting has been open minded when it comes to the kind of content served by OTT players. “The IT Rules that came out on 24 February 2021 don’t bar OTTs from showcasing any kind of content. They have only asked for the classification of content where OTT platforms should showcase a disclaimer on the nature of content that they are showing. They have also mandated the creation of a self-regulatory body for addressing grievances when it comes to content on OTT platforms.”

    The pandemic led to an increase in content consumption on OTT platforms. Agarwal observed that the three-month release slate of OTT platforms was condensed to 15-25 days to cater to the demand for content. ULLU platform itself ensured to release a new web original at least once or twice a week. Going forward, he stated that the platform has a plan to release up to three originals per week.

    Agarwal predicts that, while regional OTT platforms are subscription-driven businesses right now, they will all switch to an advertising-led model due to the intense competition in the OTT space. “When you speak about investing in regional content, most national OTT platforms are only investing in South content because they are able to monetise it easily. I believe that regional OTT platforms that serve content in languages such as Gujarati, Punjabi, Haryanvi, Bhojpuri etc. will have to become advertising video-on-demand platforms. Only the global players with deep pockets will be able to remain subscription-driven. Most Indian owned platforms will have to shift to an AVOD model whether they cater to Hindi-speaking audiences or any other regional language.”

    “Ullu content will be distributed in international markets as well but not via the app,” stated Agarwal. “There is a large international Indian audience that would like to watch our content which is dubbed in English. The problem is to activate payment gateways in international markets. The viewership and subscription outside of India is limited because of few payment options. Also, most of our consumption occurs on mobile platforms, whereas in the US and UK mobile data is not as cheap. Audiences there watch content on devices such as Roku that are more popular. That’s why we are planning to distribute our content via local agencies.”

    Agarwal noted that 80 per cent of OTT platforms don’t pay enough attention to technology which is the biggest enabler of OTT user experience. “The app should be user friendly and every feature should work,” he said.

  • Ullu appoints Nivedita Basu as head of content strategy & business alliances

    Ullu appoints Nivedita Basu as head of content strategy & business alliances

    Mumbai: Homegrown OTT platform Ullu has appointed Nivedita Basu as the head of content strategy and business alliances. Her role will entail developing, creating, and producing original content and leading strategic business alliances for the platform. 

    With over two decades of experience in production and programming, Nivedita is one of the most noteworthy professionals in the entertainment industry. Her most significant stint was with Balaji Telefilms, where she donned the hat of a creative director.  She was key in revolutionising Indian soap series and also spear-headed content creation for leading Indian GEC namely Star, Zee Entertainment, Sony amongst many others. She is lauded for shows like “Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” “Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki,” “Kasauti Zindagii Ki,” “Kusum” and has also worked as a creative director for 24 at Anil Kapoor Film Company. Prior to joining Ullu, Nivedita had directed and co-produced its much-talked-about show “Tandoor.”

    Speaking on her appointment, Ullu founder and CEO Vibhu Agarwal said, “As we continue to expand and foray in different domains, Nivedita’s rich and illustrious experience will help us drive our goals. In her capacity, Nivedita will be responsible for not just creating engaging original content but also identifying the right talent for it. She will also lead our existing and new key business alliances.”

    “It gives me immense pleasure to join the vibrant and growing team of Ullu. Its commendable, how in such a short span of time, Ullu has established itself as a key player in the OTT space which offers content across genres,” said Nivedita Basu. “Earlier last year it expanded its library with family viewing shows like Assi Nabbe Poore Sau,  Bulls of Dalal Street, Cyanide and Tandoor amongst others which had some of the best-known talents from the industry along with intriguing concepts.  It is now at a pivotal juncture of diversifying and I join the team to further solidify its premium content offering.  I am really thankful to Vibhu ji for instilling faith in me.  I hope to take Ullu’s premium content domains to new heights and make the brand a one-stop destination of entertainment across domains.”

  • Voot inks three-year digital exclusive content partnership with Ullu

    Voot inks three-year digital exclusive content partnership with Ullu

    Mumbai: Viacom18 and Voot have announced a content partnership with on-demand streaming platform Ullu. As part of the partnership, Voot will showcase 100 titles from the Ullu library starting from 14 January.

    As a part of the three-year digital exclusive deal, Voot will get access to popular original shows from the Ullu library across thriller, crime, horror, and comedy genres in different languages. These shows are headlined by popular faces such as Rakesh Bapat, Hina Khan, Sharib Hashmi, Rohit Roy, Sharad Malhotra, Anupriya Goenka, Iqbal Khan, Tanushree Dutta, Ashmit Patel, Hiten Tejwani, Minissha Lamba, Rashmi Desai, Devoleena Bhattacharjee, among others

    Voot titles such as “Tandoor,” “Assi Nabbe Pure Sau,” “Panchali,” “Cyanide,” “26th January” will be available on Ullu’s platform from 14 January and other titles like “Peshawar,” “Paper,” “The Bull of Dalal Street,” “Tadap,” and “Pratiksha” will be available from 21 January 2022 onwards.  

    “Our partnership with Ullu will help us to widen our content library and meet the ever-growing demands of our viewers,” said Viacom18 Digital Ventures head – AVOD (Voot) Chanpreet Arora. “This partnership gives us access to quality content across genres and languages and is a step forward in cementing Voot’s leadership in the AVOD ecosystem.”

    “It has always been our intent to make our content widely accessible and available. Our partnership with Voot provides us an excellent opportunity to do so,” Ullu’s CEO and founder Vibhu Agarwal. “Most of our Ullu Originals have a binge factor and it matches the consumption pattern of binge-watching on Voot. We are sure that Voot viewers will certainly benefit from this association as it offers them content that is fresh and exciting.”

    The shows will be available in multiple languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bhojpuri, English amongst others. 

  • Ullu brings in a refreshing new change to its content with Slip

    Ullu brings in a refreshing new change to its content with Slip

    New Delhi: Ullu, a platform that streams 18+ content, is all set to launch a new show titled Slip that revolves around the life of three individuals, Johnny, Naina, and Anjuman. The story depicts how the lives of these characters slip and turn upside down in 24 hours due to the choices they make.

    A gripping tale, Slip is full of suspense, thrill and excitement. It portrays the realism and the downside of making wrong choices. The trailer for the show was released on 22 November and received strong reviews across social media platforms.

    Watch the trailer here:

    Directed by Rajeev Mendiratta, Slip features a stunning cast with well-known faces from the TV world featuring Anirudh Dave as Johnny, Pooja Bisht as Naina, Swati Sharma as Anjuman, Mayur Mehta as Prince, Vicky Ahuja as Inspector Ahuja and Dolphin Dubey as Saima. It is co-produced by Seventh Sense Productions.

    In a highly competitive world, Ullu has emerged to be one of the leading OTT platforms in the country and Slip is a unique addition to its list of premium shows. Ullu is highly focused on curating high-quality content and Slip is the first of the many shows to come.

    “Clean content started with Slip. While some people appreciated, some did not. But the overall response has been satisfactory. The audience needs time to change.” says Ullu CEO Vibhu Agarwal. He adds, “We will be bringing more of such content, our plan is to follow government guidelines and bring entertainment and good content for our audience”

    “When I heard the script, I loved the storyline and the screenplay. I put on weight for my character to look like an ordinary girl from UP and worked on my accent”, says Pooja Bisht. “The series is very realistic, life is all about the choices we make, that’s how people face different problems in their life and slip on the wrong path. Overall, it was a really amazing experience for me.”

    As Ullu evolves its content, season 1 of this exciting web-series is now streaming live on the OTT platform and has already received some very good reviews and comments from the viewers. Head over to the Ullu app and website, for a good binge-watch.

    The app was launched in December 2018 and has over 10 million downloads on Google's Play Store. It operates on a subscription model. On the content front, it follows a partnership model where the producers associate with the platform on a revenue-sharing model.