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Tag: Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd

  • Vikas Boni appointed Crunchyroll’s India lead for global distribution & partnerships

    Vikas Boni appointed Crunchyroll’s India lead for global distribution & partnerships

    MUMBAI: Vikas Boni has taken on the role of senior director and India lead for global distribution & partnerships at Crunchyroll, the world’s leading destination for anime and fandom. Based in Mumbai,  Boni’s mandate is to shape the next phase of growth for Crunchyroll in the region. He commenced his new role in July 2025.

    With over 16 years of experience across the media and digital landscape, Boni specialises in building high-impact partnerships, driving revenue growth, and leading content-driven businesses at scale.

    Prior to joining Crunchyroll, he served as business head & chief operating officer at Stars N Stripes, an award-winning digital marketing agency, from April 2023 to June 2025. In this capacity, he was responsible for developing and implementing the agency’s go-to-market strategy, aiming for a tenfold expansion within five years. His responsibilities included managing the agency’s overall profit and loss and establishing four distinct growth services: Studio SNS (branded content division), Social Circle (social media management), Shortcuts (short video content and tech solutions), and In The Air (creator platform).

    Boni also held significant leadership positions at Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd  for over 13 years. His roles there included vice president and head of content licensing & partnerships for JioTV & JioTV+, where he led content licensing, acquisition, and partnerships to enhance the content portfolio and drive value for Jio Platforms Ltd.

    He also served as vice president and head of partnerships for Voot Select & Voot Shots, leading global partnerships for Voot and launching the short-form video product Voot Shots. Additionally, he was vice president and head of MTV Beats, business planning & content partnerships (YME), overseeing business planning and strategic partnerships for Viacom18’s Youth, Music & English Entertainment cluster. He played a pivotal role in launching and scaling youth-focused platforms like MTV Beats, MTV Indies, and Voot Shots.

    He began his career as an assistant manager in the strategy group at TAM Media Research from December 2007 to March 2010. Boni holds an MBA in marketing and a BE in information technology from the University of Mumbai.

  • JioCinema Premium unveils trailer for ‘The Magic of Shiri’

    JioCinema Premium unveils trailer for ‘The Magic of Shiri’

    Mumbai – Building on the excitement since the date announcement, JioCinema Premium today unveiled the trailer for The Magic of Shiri, a heartwarming slice-of-life drama that beautifully portrays the journey of a woman pursuing her dreams in the enchanting world of magic. With an exceptional cast featuring Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, Jaaved Jaaferi, Namit Das, and Parmeet Sethi, the ten-episodic series captures life’s small joys, challenges, and the magic found in everyday resilience, and will be available to stream on JioCinema Premium starting 14 November.

     

     

    Presented by Jio Studios, produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Tanveer Bookwala (Ding Infinity), Shiri is adamant to realize her dream of emerging as the world’s best magician and create a legacy in an industry dominated by stereotypes and gender biases. Shiri struggles to find her rightful place in the world of magic but refuses to let that inner spark of desire and determination flicker or flinch, irrespective of the challenges thrown at her. The trailer also introduces Jaaved Jaaferi as a powerful magician, and features Namit Das in a pivotal role.

    Commenting on the series, actor Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya said, “Shiri is a story of every woman, finding her way in a world that doesn’t always make space for her. Playing her has been a rewarding experience because it reminded me of the everyday battles, we all face to keep moving forward, no matter the odds. Her journey is so relatable — it’s about holding onto a dream and pushing through, even when it feels impossible. She is every woman who has ever dared to dream beyond society’s boundaries, refusing to be held back by the challenges life throws at her.”

    Further adding, Jaaved Jaaferi said, “This is a tale for anyone who has at some point in their life been told that their dreams are too big or that their goals are out of reach. Shiri’s inspiring journey beautifully captures the magic of resilience, passion and determination. My character adds a certain intensity and depth to the story and plays a pivotal role as friend, philosopher and guide in Shiri’s journey through the world of magic.”

  • MTV Original ‘Moving Mountains Within’ to premiere on 7 August

    MTV Original ‘Moving Mountains Within’ to premiere on 7 August

    Mumbai: MTV has announced the release of its latest documentary, ‘Moving Mountains Within’, premiering on 7 August 2024 on JioCinema Premium. Directed by Abhishek Kumawat and produced by Dr Rajat Chauhan and Abhishek Kumawat, this captivating documentary takes viewers on an extraordinary journey through the plateau of Ladakh. It captures awe-inspiring challenges and victories that the ultra-runners go through in one of the world’s toughest and craziest races – La Ultra – The High.

    This documentary isn’t just about race; it’s a testament to human passion and resilience. The 60-minute film showcases ultra-runners achieving the tough task of running at Ladakh’s 17,582 ft while battling rapidly changing weather, in August 2019.

    Moving Mountains Within, includes distances of 55, 111, 222, 333, and an astounding 555 km. In this desert-like terrain, where ordinary people struggle to breathe and risk dying from altitude sickness, some runners attempted to complete 555 km in 132 hours for the first time, making it one of the toughest races in the world. The runners include Mathew Maday (555 km participant) and Cassendra Turner (222 km), a couple from the US who are successful entrepreneurs; Jason Reardon (555 km), an ex-military man from Australia; Ashish Kasodekar (555 km), a 40-year-old runner from India who previously completed 333 km in La Ultra 2018; Shikha Pahwa (222 km), a restaurant owner from Delhi; and Lukasz Sagan, who left his job to train for La Ultra.

    What makes the race unique is that there is no prize money or reward – the runners are driven to achieve the impossible feat, purely out of their passion for running. The documentary beautifully captures the camaraderie and smiles among the runners while also portraying how they brave heavy snowfall, physical breakdowns, and mental challenges to power on triumphantly.

    Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd business head – youth & English cluster, Anshul Ailawadi said, “We are incredibly excited to bring ‘Moving Mountains Within’ to our JioCinema Premium users. The ultra-runners are a living example of what the human mind and body can achieve. As a premier youth entertainment brand, we’re proud to diversify our non-fiction content offerings with authentic stories that provide a deeper connect to GenZ and Millennials, who are searching for purpose and meaning.”

  • Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Sahil Chopra promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media

    Mumbai: Sahil Chopra has been promoted as associate VP at Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. He announced the news via Linkdin post stating, “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Associate Vice President at Viacom18 Media Private Limited!”

    Previously, he was associated with JioCinema as senior director – Brand & Sports Marketing, where he was the creative strategy lead for sports portfolio – TATA IPL, BCCI domestic series, Olympics, WPL etc.

    Chopra is a marketing specialist with 11+ years of experience in content marketing across Media platforms. Skilled in creating value for businesses via brands. Trained in Digital Marketing and Social media marketing from the Indian School of business (ISB), Hyderabad and PGDM in Brand Management from MICA.

  • Live Content on OTT: Challenges, Opportunities and Triumphs

    Live Content on OTT: Challenges, Opportunities and Triumphs

    Mumbai: Internet and Mobile Association of India’s (IAMAI) 18th India Digital Summit, was held at Jio Convention Centre, BKC on 27 and 28 February. Many dignitaries where present from the digital advertising and martech industry and also many session from various sector took place. One such highlighting session was the fireside chat which dwelled deep into the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs of live content on OTT in India. The chat was moderated by sports broadcaster Mayanti Langer and featured Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd CEO (Sports) Anil Jayraj. The event provided a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving OTT landscape in the country and also the exponential growth of sports content especially cricket.

    The session kicked off with an exploration of the challenges plaguing the OTT industry in India. From technological hurdles to content censorship regulations, Jayraj shared about the obstacles hindering the seamless delivery of live content to consumers. Issues such as bandwidth constraints and infrastructure limitations were also addressed, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to ensure uninterrupted streaming experiences for users across diverse demographics.

    Jayraj also shed light on the opportunities awaiting OTT platforms in India. With the growth of digital penetration and the rising popularity of smartphones, the country presents a fertile ground for content creators and distributors. The chat explained the importance of personalised content recommendations, user engagement strategies, and monetisation models tailored to the Indian market.

    Against the backdrop of challenges and opportunities, the session celebrated the triumphs of OTT platforms that have successfully carved a niche in the Indian sports ecosystem. From sports events to music concerts, the power of live streaming in fostering real-time interactions and community building was evident.

    As the session drew to a close, participants were left with a sense of optimism for the future of OTT in India. With advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors reshaping the way content is consumed and distributed, the journey ahead promises both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the ecosystem.

  • Viacom18’s action against FairPlay results in the arrest of key stakeholder of the betting platform!

    Viacom18’s action against FairPlay results in the arrest of key stakeholder of the betting platform!

    Mumbai: During the unprecedented success of IPL 2023, Viacom18 was locked in legal battle against the betting website ‘FairPlay’ for the  infringement of digital streaming rights of Viacom18. This update comes on the heels of the arrest of Gulam Abbas Muni, a key figure behind FairPlay’s operations in India. The saga, originating in early 2023 with the media buzz surrounding IPL, has unfolded with the entertainment network Viacom18 taking due legal recourse in the face of infringement of their exclusive rights.

    Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. general counsel commented on the matter, stating, “The unlawful streaming made it imperative for us to intervene promptly. After almost a whole year of persistence we now have one of the perpetrators behind bars. In such cases prompt action is of utmost importance. The damage caused was not just financial but also to our reputation. At Viacom18, we consistently strive to stay ahead of infringers/pirates through proactive legal measures and will continue to do so.”

    Taking advantage of the hype around IPL 2023, the online betting platform ‘FairPlay’ falsely advertised across print, digital media, and hoardings in Mumbai and other major cities. Not only endorsing the gaming/betting website but also illicitly associating itself with the streaming rights of  IPL, using taglines like “Watch IPL for Free, LIVE”. Subsequently, it was revealed that IPL 2023 was being unlawfully streamed on the FairPlay platform.

    Having secured the digital rights for IPL from BCCI for a period of 5 years, Viacom18 took swift measures by seeking a pre-infringement injunction. By an order dated 21st December 2022 passed by the Hon’ble Madras High Court, more than 4,750 specified websites, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), unknown parties were restrained from streaming/hosting/downloading/exhibiting/transmitting or making available content that violates Viacom18’s rights in the IPL.

    On 19th April 2023, the Hon’ble Madras High Court granted an Injunction against FairPlay, thereby restraining the unauthorized digital streaming/hosting/downloading/exhibiting/transmitting of the IPL 2023 on the FairPlay website, including any advertisements. Given FairPlay’s infringement of Viacom18’s rights, Viacom18 filed a suit before the Madras High Court and filed an application for Interim Injunction against FairPlay.

    Furthering their commitment to protecting their rights, Viacom18 filed a criminal complaint before the Maharashtra Cyber Digital Crime Unit (MCDCU) against FairPlay and its owners and distributors, namely Abbas, Penny, and Joe, for copyright infringement, criminal conspiracy, and cheating, among other offenses, thus enforcing Viacom18’s rights in IPL.

    After months of thorough investigation, on 12 December 2023, the MCDCU successfully arrested Abbas, one of the prime accused. The Accused Gulam Abbas Muni was produced before the Court on the same day and has been remanded to police custody until the next date.

    In conclusion, through prompt and proactive actions, Viacom18 has continued their fight against piracy, resulting in a successful enforcement of its rights and reducing piracy.

  • KKR announces Kaustabh Jha as new Head of Marketing

    KKR announces Kaustabh Jha as new Head of Marketing

    Mumbai: Kolkata Knight Riders announces the appointment of Kaustubh Jha as Head of Marketing. Kaustubh comes with over 10 years of experience in partnerships, content marketing and campaign management. He joins KKR from ESPN, where he was leading brand and content marketing for both ESPN Cricinfo and ESPN.in.

    Venky Mysore CEO & MD, KKR said, “We are delighted to have Kaustubh on board to lead the Marketing & fan building initiatives of the Knight Rider brand, which is not only the leading brand in IPL but through our presence in CPL & other initiatives around the world has genuinely become a global brand”

    Prior to ESPN, Kaustubh was part of Marketing, Business & Consumer Insights team at MTV, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

  • Catch the movie ‘Motu Patlu in Deep Sea Adventure’ only on Nickelodeon

    Catch the movie ‘Motu Patlu in Deep Sea Adventure’ only on Nickelodeon

    MUMBAI: From comic books to television shows and now TV specials; the two iconic characters ‘Motu’ and ‘Patlu’ have narrated their famous tales to all generations over time through Lot Pot Comics. The franchise has come a long way where the famous duo is now engaging kids on Nickelodeon through hilarious episodes, TV specials, digital and even on-ground activations. Expanding this franchise, Nickelodeon, the store-house of comedy where “Funny Rules”, is all set to telecast their third movie ‘MotuPatlu in Deep Sea Adventure’ thisSaturday, 24th May at 10:30 am.

    Motu Patlu takes kids on an adventurous underwater journey this Saturday, 24th May at 10:30 am in their new movie ‘MotuPatlu in Deep Sea Adventure’. Motu and Patlu are shipwrecked and captured by the vile King Shark. What follows then is a series of comic situations, combined with a thrilling underwater adventure, as the awesome-twosome fight their way to save their lives.

    Commenting on the TV Special, Nina Elavia Jaipuria – EVP & Business Head, Kids Cluster, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. says, “Motu and Patlu continue to make kids laugh with their daily dose of entertainment on Nickelodeon. We are taking the engagement to a whole new level with Motu and Patlu travelling from Furfuri Nagar to explore the deep blue seas. We are confident that the kids will enjoy the action-packed adventure and comedy the movie will bring.”

    Maya Digital Studios CMD Ketan Mehta said, “Given the success of the MotuPatlu franchise, we decided to create the third movie with Nickelodeon. It only reinstates the fact that the audience loves the Indian animation content. We will continue this partnership with Nickelodeon and hope to receive the same amount of love from kids for this.”

    Nickelodeon is further engaging kids with ‘Nickelodeon Comedy Elections’, an one-of-its-kind campaign in which kids get a chance to vote for their favorite show – MotuPatlu or PakdamPakdai. If their show gets the maximum votes, they stand to win goodies like mobile phones and PSP’s.

     

    To participate, kids have to watch MotuPatlu andPakdamPakdai between 6 to 7 pm daily and voice their choice through SMS to 56882 or dial 5056882 from Vodafone, Aircel, Airtel, Idea, Reliance, Tata mobile & Airtel Landline/ 1255568 from BSNL Landline, mobile & MTNL mobile and even vote Online at http://www.nickindia.com/.

     
    Join Motu and Patlu in their adventurous journey as they sail on the blue seas, dodging various obstacles, on Saturday, 24th May at 10:30 am only on Nickelodeon

  • Nick India’s Pakdam Pakdai adjudged ‘Best Animated TV Episode’

    Nick India’s Pakdam Pakdai adjudged ‘Best Animated TV Episode’

    MUMBAI: After capturing the imagination of Nicksters across the country, Nick India’s super hit and India’s first ever chase comedy, Pakdam Pakdai won the ‘Best Animated TV Episode’ at the FICCI BAF 2014 Awards.

     

    Launched in May 2013, Pakdam Pakdai, co-produced with Toonz Animation,has since then gone on to make a home for itself in the daily viewing habits of children all over India. This hilarious animated show that has taken the nation by storm revolves around a rollicking adventure between a friendly but gullible dog Doggy Don, and the three naughty mice that live in his house – Chotu, Lambu and Motu. Doggy Don is aided in his futile but fun attempts to defeat the mice by his older brother Colonel, an ex-army dog who is smarter than Doggy Don, but not as smart as the three mice.

     

    Commenting on this achievement, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, EVP & Business Head, Kids Cluster, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. said, “Nick pioneered into unchartered territory last year with the creation of Pakdam Pakdai, a hilarious Indian chase comedy. Pakdam Pakdai is Nick’s third indigenous animated show which has captured the hearts and minds of our little viewers.  We would like to thank FICCI for this prestigious award that has only strengthened our belief that fresh concepts and cutting edge content is the key to engaging and entertaining our audience.”

     

    Anu Sikka, Vice President, Programming & Scheduling, Kids Cluster, Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd said, “It’s a matter of honour and extreme pleasure to receive appreciation for Pakdam Pakdai, a show that is very close to our hearts. Creative storyline and superior quality animation are key to this show’s success. We will continue to innovate and challenge the norms to keep our audiences entertained in the years to come”.

     

    Every episode of Pakdam Pakdai weaves in a unique and hilarious storyline and is supported with Bollywood flavoured dialogues and fun characters, breaking the monotonous boundaries of a regular animated series. Pakdam Pakdai airs on Nick every day at 6 pm.

  • Nickelodeon to inspire kids to save the planet through ‘The Big Help’

    Nickelodeon to inspire kids to save the planet through ‘The Big Help’

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon’s ‘The Big Help’ is back to encourage kids to come forward and take steps towards a greener environment. An international initiative in its fifth year in India, The Big Help, has helped millions of kids across 27 countries make a difference to the planet with their efforts. The pro-socio movement aims at inspiring children to take real action to save the Mother Earth.

    As one of the leading kids’ franchise, Nickelodeon’s endeavor is to motivate kids to play an active role in saving the planet. Kids can log on to https://www.facebook.com/nickindia and take the BIG HELP PLEDGE for a greener environment. The pledge will reflect on the users’ profile page thereby encouraging their friends to come forward and participate in the movement. The month long initiative will culminate on Earth Hour on March 29th, with the city that has the maximum number of kids taking the pledge being honoured as ‘India’s Greenest City’.

    With the aim to address serious environmental issues in a manner that’s relatable to kids, Nickelodeon’s popular toonslike Ninja, MotuPatlu, Dora will come together to share some of their favourite ‘green tips’.What’s more? A ‘Green Facts’ tab on the Big Help page will give users fascinating facts about trees and the environment that one may have never heard before.

    Commenting on the channel’s latest undertaking, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, EVP & Business Head, Kids Cluster, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. said “The Big Help aims to make children the change agents of today in order to build a better tomorrow. . We at Nickelodeon truly believe that the future lies in the hands of today’s kids and hence as a responsible broadcaster, it’s extremely important to instill the values of environment conservation and protection from a young age. With The Big Help, we aim to provide kids with a platform where they not only can voice their opinion but also take charge and lead the way.”

    Rajneel Kumar, VP & Business Head- Digital Media, Viacom18 talks about the digital angle to the campaign- “Today’s kidsare online and what better way to involve them than on that platform.  We have reached out to them there by getting them to pledge online &help raise awareness about the global environmental issues affecting our world. The entire campaign is designed in amanner that ensures our young viewers are aware, take proactive steps towards a greener tomorrow& spread the word in their digital community.”

    This year, the entire Nickelodeon franchise – Nick, Sonic, Nick Jr. and Teen Nick is coming together to strengthen the movement and take it to the next level. Join Nickelodeon’sThe Big Help and let’s create a greener and a brighter future, together!