ITV

Tag: Viacom18

  • Viacom18 revolutionises employee care with fun, inclusive perks program

    Viacom18 revolutionises employee care with fun, inclusive perks program

    Mumbai: Viacom18 is redefining workplace excellence by introducing Perks Against Mundanity, an innovative, game-inspired benefits program. Focused on creating an engaging and empowering environment, Viacom18 sets new benchmarks in employee care with over 40 perks spanning health, wellness, and diversity & inclusion (D&I). The company’s people-first approach ensures its workforce remains happy, motivated, and ready to thrive in the fast-paced media & entertainment world.  

    In this industry-leading move, Viacom18’s Perks Against Mundanity transforms traditional workplace perks into a fun and interactive experience. Employees can explore their benefits through a card game, designed specifically for the predominantly Gen-Z and Millennial workforce. Themed cards represent different offerings, making the process of discovering perks both engaging and reflective of the company’s vibrant culture.  

    Viacom18, chief human resources officer and people head, Smita Puranesh shared her excitement, “At Viacom18, we believe in creating a workplace that mirrors the same energy and creativity we bring to our content and technology. Our benefits are thoughtfully curated to reflect the needs of our diverse workforce, and we’ve made the experience of discovering these perks engaging and fun. By blending creativity with care, we ensure that our employees feel seen, valued, and most importantly, excited to be a part of our journey. An engaged employee naturally becomes a brand ambassador of the organisation, and that’s why our culture goes beyond just work—it’s about thriving together.”

    Perks Against Mundanity offers a wide range of benefits, including:  

    – Wellness on the House: In-house doctors, nutritionists, annual health checkups, and gym memberships.  

    – Be You Be Proud: Gender-affirming surgery assistance to support inclusivity.  

    – Parenting Perks: IVF insurance, adoption assistance, and “Baby Bootcamp” for new parents.  

    – Express Yourself (Permanently): A tattoo allowance to encourage individuality and self-expression.  

    – Breakup Brightener: Uplifting perks for colleagues going through tough times, showing empathy in action.  

    Other creative benefits include Tailwag Fund for pet care, Bad Day, Better Vibes with chocolate gifts and team-building activities, and special offers for plant enthusiasts through the Lord of The Urban Jungle initiative.  

    Viacom18’s Perks Against Mundanity blends creativity with care, turning every workday into an exciting and supportive experience. By pushing the boundaries of employee engagement, Viacom18 continues to create a workspace where both people and ideas can truly thrive.

  • Nick x Fevicreate Idea Labs secures top honours at ANN Awards 2024

    Nick x Fevicreate Idea Labs secures top honours at ANN Awards 2024

    Mumbai: Fevicreate Idea Labs, Pidilite’s annual art and craft competition in partnership with Nick, won the prestigious ANN Award for Best Live Action Program” in the Kids category. Partnering with Nick places brands at the forefront of kids’ entertainment, ensuring unmatched engagement and visibility. Nick’s expertise in connecting with young audiences makes it the ultimate destination for brands looking to build saliency in the kids’ market. As a fellow kids-first brand, Pidilite integrates play and learning into its core values, offering products that inspire imagination while imparting valuable skills. Collaborative initiatives like Fevicreate Idea Labs showcase that a deep understanding of children’s interests and preferences can elevate a brand’s presence and impact.

    Aired on Nick, Sonic and JioCinema, the Kids’ network ensured that the show was out there through a multi-channel marketing blitz including on-air, digital and social media touchpoints. This partnership not only facilitated the creation of a unique, interactive experience but also led to the highest reach ever achieved for a branded content piece in the kids’ category. The competition provided young talents with a platform to showcase creativity and innovation with groundbreaking projects centred around themes such as Marine Life and Space Exploration. This initiative, produced in collaboration with Prisha Arts and facilitated by Madison, offered children across the nation a unique opportunity to innovate and express themselves using Pidilite’s renowned products. With over 1.5 lakh students participating, the show’s recognition underlines its successful blend of art, science, and education.

    Commenting on the win, Viacom18 business head of kids TV Network Anu Sikka said, “We are thrilled that Fevicreate Idea Labs has won the prestigious ANN Award. This recognition comes on the back of the deep synergy between Nick and Pidilite, showcasing how our partnership goes beyond traditional television to deliver out-of-the-box innovation. We excel in providing solutions across various brand categories through a kids-first lens, addressing unique challenges and elevating brand experiences. By leveraging the immense popularity of Nick Toons like Chikoo Aur Bunty, we’ve successfully brought this IP to life, setting a new benchmark in kids’ programming.”

    Pidilite senior vice president of consumer products business Kashyap Gala “At Fevicreate, we wholeheartedly support the concept of ‘learning by doing.’ School boards and NEP guidelines advocate for ‘Art-Integrated Learning,’ emphasizing that more learning should take place through art and craft. We are elated that the Fevicreate Idea Labs initiative has been recognized with the ANN Award for Best Live Action Program. This achievement validates our commitment to nurturing creativity through the perfect blend of art, craft, and science. Partnering with Nickelodeon allowed us to reach countless young creators, and this recognition further boosts our efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey.”

    Madison COO Vandana Ramkrishna said “Winning the ANN Award for Best Live Action Program is an incredible honor for Fevicreate Idea Labs and the entire team involved. At Madison, we take great pride in working on projects that make a difference, and this recognition is a testament to the synergy between Pidilite, Nickelodeon, and ourselves. The success of this initiative not only highlights the impact of our efforts but also motivates us to push the boundaries of creative programming for kids in the future.”

  • Reliance-Viacom18-Disney merger gets NCLT nod too

    Reliance-Viacom18-Disney merger gets NCLT nod too

    MUMBAI: Even as media watchers await the detailed order of the Competition Commission of India, (CCI) another hurdle has been cleared by Reliance Industries relating to the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star India – that of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

    It was on Friday that the NCLT gave it the green signal. Judicial member Kishore Vemulapalli and technical member Anu Jagmohan Singh gave the thumbs up to what will become India’s leading media conglomerate valued at over Rs 70,000 crore.

    Reliance owns a clutch of channels including the Colors and Sports 18 brands through its offshoot Viacom18 as well as the OTT platform JioCinema. It is seeking to merge these into Star India creating a giant merged combined entity.

    The NCLT has directed the companies to get ministry of information and broadcasting approval before resorting to any such transfer of channels. 

    Additionally, it has directed the firms to file the NCLT order and the approved scheme with  the registrar of companies within 30 days as well as approach the superintendent of stamps for stamp duty adjudication, if applicable, within 60 days.

  • DesiPlay TV launches on Rakuten TV

    DesiPlay TV launches on Rakuten TV

    Mumbai: DesiPlay TV, Viacom18’s FAST channel featuring premium Hindi content, has announced its exciting launch on Rakuten TV in the United Kingdom and across Europe in Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.

    IndiaCast Media, the content monetisation arm of TV18 and Viacom18, is expanding DesiPlay TV’s global reach, allowing audiences greater access to popular content from India. DesiPlay TV’s recent launch on Pluto TV in the UK and Europe, followed by its addition to Rakuten TV, highlights IndiaCast Media’s dedication to bringing entertainment to viewers worldwide. DesiPlay TV is now available on major FAST platforms such as Sling, Plex, Pluto TV, Shahid, YuppTV, and Rakuten TV, covering the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

    “We are thrilled to announce the launch of DesiPlay TV on Rakuten TV, further solidifying our position as the number one provider of premium Hindi content for audiences worldwide,” said IndiaCast Media Distribution Pvt Ltd executive vice president and head of international business, Govind Shahi. “This strategic partnership allows us to reach a wider audience across the UK & Europe and cater to the growing demand for high-quality Hindi entertainment. With DesiPlay TV now available on Rakuten TV, more viewers can explore a world of captivating stories and unforgettable characters, that too in HD quality with English subtitles!”

    DesiPlay TV offers a curated collection of Hindi television shows and Bollywood movies, catering to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re interested in the drama of daily soaps like ‘Uttaran,’ ‘Na Aana Is Des Laado,’ ‘Tu Aashiqui,’ ‘Sanskaar: Dharohar Apnon Ki,’ the suspense of crime thrillers like ‘Code Red,’ cooking competitions on ‘Kitchen Champion,’ or Bollywood films featuring actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai, and Katrina Kaif, DesiPlay TV provides a diverse range of content.

  • Vivek Srivastava to join JioCinema as EVP & business head

    Vivek Srivastava to join JioCinema as EVP & business head

    Mumbai: Vivek Srivastava, who led growth and business operations for Amazon Prime Video in India, will be taking over as the executive vice-president and business head for JioCinema Hindi, as per sources.

    Before Amazon, Srivastava held key roles in the media industry, such as president of digital and broadcast at Times Network and head of digital and commercial at Colors, Viacom18. In his new role, he will report to Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd president of general entertainment Alok Jain.

    His appointment comes at a time when JioCinema has surpassed 15 million paying subscribers, following the launch of new subscription plans in April.

    Despite being a late entrant in local-language originals, JioCinema aims to grow its subscriber base with affordable pricing. Viacom18’s media operations are also set to merge with Star India Pvt Ltd, in a deal valued at ₹70,350 crore, with Reliance Industries investing ₹11,500 crore ($1.4 billion) to support its growth.

  • The Reliance-Disney merger’s impact on the media ecosystem: an Elara perspective

    The Reliance-Disney merger’s impact on the media ecosystem: an Elara perspective

    MUMBAI: We believe the merger of Viacom18 and Star India will have a big impact on the entire M&E ecosystem as the combined entity will command a huge market share. The merger will create a large media juggernaut with 108 plus channels (Star India has 70+ TV channels in eight languages whereas Viacom has 38 TV channels in eight languages), two large OTT apps (Jio Cinema and Hotstar) and two film studios (one each of Reliance and Disney India). Large market opportunity (TAM) for the merged company, as India’s M&E market for print, TV and digital is at $18 billion in CY22, poised to post a CAGR of 8.2 per cent  over CY22-25 (Source: EY FICCI).

    Post the merger, the combined entity will command a TV advertisement/TV subscription (excluding distributors/DTH/MSO revenue)/Total TV market share of 40 per cent /44 per cent /42 per cent  (as of FY23) respectively. The merged entity is expected to command a digital OTT market share of ~34 per cent  in CY23, while the TV viewership share in top 10 channels (according to BARC) is ~40 per cent  as of CY23. The consolidation between RIL and Disney on the India TV side could have a negative impact on other linear TV broadcasters, such as Sun TV, Zee, Sony, and others, as they may not be scale up on market share. The merged entity’s focus on maximizing market share through increased investments in content, synergies, and enhanced marketing power poses challenges for individual broadcasters to compete and grow. With a large customer base across various genres, including regional genres and urban GEC, the combined entity aims to dominate key markets, potentially leading to market share loss and challenges for other players, including the possibility of smaller channels shutting down.

    Jio Cinema + Disney Hotstar merger – potential negative for global OTT giants

    The merger of JioCinema and Hotstar poses a challenge for global OTT platforms, as India’s market values bundling and is price sensitive. The combined entity can offer a comprehensive package including web series, movies, sports, originals, and a global catalogue. This bundled premium plan, possibly in collaboration with Jio’s large subscriber base, may hinder the ability of global OTT platforms to raise Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).

    Better prospects of profitability in the medium to long term

    The merger may result in improved profitability for the combined entity as there may be a reduction in employee cost, production cost and marketing costs on the TV side and content costs, particularly on the OTT side, which could contribute to a more sustainable path to profitability over the medium to long term. Currently, both platforms are facing heavy losses due to high content costs, and Jio Cinema relies solely on AVOD without significant paid subscriber revenue. With the combination of Hotstar and JioCinema, the merged entity can enhance its subscription revenue by increasing subscription prices and attracting a larger subscriber base. Reliance may drive the entire business through Jio Platforms, with a significant influx of ad revenues in digital advertising. The digital advertising market, being a winner-takes-all business, heavily relies on scale. They may also have a pay-based mechanism via Jio Cinema/Hotstar at a larger scale which will propel healthy subscription revenue over the medium term

    Monopoly in sports properties may lead to higher ad revenues

    On the sports front, the merged entity is set to become monopolistic, with Disney and Jio collectively controlling approximately ~75-80 per cent  of the Indian sports market across both linear TV and digital platforms. This dominance in sports, primarily cricket, positions them to command a substantial share of the overall ad market, showcasing strong growth in an industry where sports is a key driver of viewership on both linear TV and digital platforms. In CY22, sports adex (TV+Digital) in India stood at  Rs 71billion (according to GroupM) out of which Disney India had a contribution of ~80 per cent . The combined entity will have lucrative sports properties like Indian Premier League (both TV and digital), ICC cricket tournaments (both TV and digital), Wimbledon, Pro Kabaddi League, BCCI domestic cricket etc.

    Telco customer retention and bundling

    Telecom companies have used OTT as a value-add to retain/gain subscribers. And OTT companies piggyback on telecom plays to scale up their subscriber base – TSPs (telecom service providers) have larger access to a wide variety of customers. With the vast content library of Jio and Disney, the merged entity’s content, spanning 1) international movies, 2) web series, 3) sports content and 4) catch-up TV content, could prove advantageous for Jio subscribers and make it a one-stop content hub. There might be initiatives such as a Jio Prime offering, providing subscribers access to content at an affordable or even free price through last mile resource and 5G wireless access. The company will have a big advantage of last mile with Jio having a subscriber base of more than 450 million smartphone users This will hit Bharti Airtel as it has tried to tie up with OTT players in the content ecosystem to offer value-add. Thus, Bharti Airtel may have to invest heavily in own content or shape partnerships with global OTT giants such as Netflix and Amazon or other OTT platforms to generate clout in the content ecosystem.

    Synergy prospects

    – The ad revenue potential from IPL is expected to increase significantly with the merged entity having exclusive rights (TV+Digital) to IPL. This consolidation may result in bundled advertisement revenues, potentially mitigating the higher cost of IPL rights and reducing overall losses; due to IPL rights being split between TV and digital between two different platforms and digital platform offering IPL free, there was a big dent in the IPL revenues on TV, which could see some respite.

    – The merger is anticipated to bring about restructuring in employee costs, reduced production expenses, and lower advertisement costs for TV. These potential cost synergies could contribute to improved margins for the merged entity. On the sports side too, content costs may pare sharply for TV, digital over the medium to long term, given that fewer platforms may bid aggressively for expensive properties.

    – In digital, content cost inflation (content cost for web series 3-5x higher than for TV non-fiction shows, per episode) has been sharper due to heavy fragmentation in the OTT market and entry of global giants with deep pockets. With the merger, content cost in digital may see much lower growth, which may improve the unit economics for the OTT business, potentially resulting in lower EBITDA losses for Jio Cinema and Hotstar.

    – Considering the critical role of technological advancements in the success of OTT platforms, the integration of Disney’s technological expertise is expected to enhance the user experience on Jio Cinema. This improvement may subsequently drive higher subscriber numbers and revenue growth.

    Risks

    – Post CCI approval, NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal) approval may take another eight to 12 months

    – A below par customer experience on the video apps despite a wide variety of content may not augur well in subscribers paying for the same; global OTT giants like Netflix have a very superior experience to command a premium ARPU

    – Continuance of hefty losses of the merged entity over the near to medium term due to high costs sports properties (IPL, ICC tournaments & BCCI bilateral rights) could negatively impact valuation prospects for the merged entity

    Shareholding pattern of the merged entity

    After the merger, the ownership structure of the combined entity will be as follows: Reliance will hold 53 per cent  stake through cash infusion, after acquiring Paramount’s balance stake and factoring TV18 and Viacom 18 stake in JV, which are RIL’s subsidiaries;  Disney will hold 36.8 per cent , whereas the Bodhi Tree (stake through Viacom18) /TV18 (ex of Reliance stake) will hold balance 6.2 per cent /3.8 per cent  stake respectively.

    Valuation

    The joint entity, including cash infusion, is valued at  RS 704bn. This valuation comprises  Rs 115 billion in cash,  Rs 330 billion for Viacom18 (including Jio Cinema) and the remaining  Rs 260 billion (~USD 3.2 billion) is the combined valuation of Star India and Hotstar. This valuation of Star India and Hotstar is much lower compared to pre-covid valuation of $12-13 billion which may be due to 1) loss of IPL digital rights leading to ~50 per cent  ad revenue decline and 40 per cent  subscription revenue decline for Hotstar, 2) TV ad revenue remaining flat over FY19-23 and 3) sports content which may continue to incur hefty losses in linear TV due to slower revenue growth. From a valuation standpoint, the impact on TV18 (which owns 13 per cent  in Viacom18) is minimal to negative, as the combined entity is expected to generate substantial losses in the near term due to sports content. Additionally, TV18’s stake in the merged entity is valued at  Rs 42 billion, implying a hefty premium for its news business at  Rs 40 billion (considering TV18’s overall current market cap of  Rs 82 billion).

  • CCI gives go ahead to Viacom18-Disney Star India marriage

    CCI gives go ahead to Viacom18-Disney Star India marriage

    MUMBAI: The big fusion has been given the go ahead. The Competition Commission of India  (CCI) has approved the proposed merger involving Reliance Industries Limited, Viacom18 Media Private Limited, Digital18 Media Limited, Star India Private Limited and Star Television Productions Limited, subject to the compliance of voluntary modifications.

    The CCI, in its post on the X platform, stated, “C-2024/05/1155 Commission approves the proposed combination involving Reliance Industries Ltd, Viacom18 Media Private Ltd, Digital18 Media Ltd, Star India Private Ltd, and Star Television Productions Ltd, subject to the compliance of voluntary modifications.”

     

    This approval was announced just a day before Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) 47th annual general meeting. 

    A press release issued by the CCI later in the evening at 6:34 pm on the Press Information Bureau website stated: 

    The proposed combination envisages to combine the entertainment businesses (along with certain other identified businesses) of Viacom18, part of RIL group and SIPL, wholly owned by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC). As a result of the transaction, SIPL, currently a wholly owned entity of TWDC through its subsidiaries, shall become a joint venture (JV) which will be jointly held by RIL, Viacom18 and existing TWDC subsidiaries.
    RIL, either directly or indirectly, is engaged in several businesses such as exploration and production of oil and gas; petroleum refining and marketing; manufacture and sale of petrochemicals; manufacture and sale of chemicals; organised retail; media and entertainment activities; and telecommunication and digital services in India and worldwide.

    Viacom18 is, inter alia, engaged in the business of broadcasting of television (TV) channels, operation of an OTT platform, selling commercial advertisement space on TV channels, licensing of merchandise, and organization of live events in India and worldwide. Viacom18 is also engaged in the business of production and distribution of motion pictures.

    SIPL is engaged in a range of media activities including TV broadcasting and the production of AV content and motion pictures, operation of an OTT platform, and selling commercial advertisement space on TV channels and OTT platforms. SIPL is, directly or indirectly, a wholly owned entity of TWDC.

    STPL is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and owned, indirectly, by TWDC.

    The Commission approved the proposed combination subject to the compliance of voluntary modifications.

    Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
     

    Earlier in February 2024, RIL’s subsidiary Viacom18 and Disney’s Indian unit, Star India, had unveiled plans for merging their businesses, setting the stage for the creation of one of the largest TV and digital streaming platforms in India.

    Under the merger arrangement, Viacom18’s media operations will be integrated with Star India Pvt Ltd (SIPL) through a scheme of arrangement approved by the court. The joint venture, which is valued at Rs 70,350 crore (approximately $8.5 billion) on a post-money basis, involves an infusion of Rs 11,500 crore (about $1.4 billion) by RIL to support the new entity’s growth strategy.

    The combined entity will position itself to compete with major players like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon, boasting a portfolio of 120 TV channels and two streaming platforms. The new board of directors will comprise 10 members, with five nominated by RIL, three by Disney, and two serving as independent directors.

    Nita Ambani is set to be the chairperson of the merged entity, while Walt Disney former executive Uday Shankar, will serve as vice chairperson. The merger is projected to be finalised between the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

    Ownership in the joint venture will be structured as follows: RIL will hold a 16.34 per cent stake, Viacom18 will own 46.82 per cent, and Disney will have a 36.84 per cent share, according to the merger agreement’s terms.

    On 28 August, following the announcement, RIL’s shares remained steady, closing at Rs 2,999 per share. Notably, the CCI’s approval was announced after trading hours.

  • JioCinema to live-stream Paralympic Games Paris 2024

    JioCinema to live-stream Paralympic Games Paris 2024

    Mumbai: Coming on the heels of a historic presentation of Paris 2024, Viacom18 announced JioCinema will live-stream Paralympic Games Paris 2024, scheduled to take place in the French Capital from 28 August –8 September. In addition to live coverage of the event on JioCinema, Sports18 TV Network will also run daily highlights from the 12-day event. JioCinema will offer the best action across two concurrent feeds for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games giving viewers a comprehensive presentation of the marquee event.

    The announcement of Viacom18’s presentation of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 comes just days after Viacom18 announced the most comprehensive Olympic presentation yet in India, amassing an unprecedented watch-time of over 1,500 crore minutes and over 17 crore viewers across platforms.

    “Our commitment to celebrating and taking the spirit of Olympic movement forward continues with the Paralympic Games presentation. The Paralympic movement in India has grown in eminence with the medal-winning feats of our athletes,” said Viacom18 Sports head of marketing Damyant Singh. “We are pleased to present the inspiring stories of the world’s best para-athletes with an enhanced and engaging viewing experience.”

    With 84 para-athletes, India will send its largest contingent to the Paralympic Games to date. Participating in 12 disciplines, India has four para-athletes who will go to Paris as defending champions: Sumit Antil (men’s javelin throw F64), Krishna Nagar (men’s badminton singles SH6), Manish Narwal (men’s shooting 50m pistol SH1) and Avani Lekhara (women’s 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1).

    The Indian contingent also includes World No. 1 women’s singles SH6 player Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan. The SH6 event will be staged at the Paralympics for the first time this edition. Tokyo 2020 was India’s most successful Paralympics with a record 19 medals including five gold, eight silver and six bronze Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal.

    Viewers will be able to catch the opening ceremony tonight, 11:30 PM IST and live action from the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 from 29 August noon onwards.

  • COLORS presents new show ‘Suman Indori’ premiering on 3 September

    COLORS presents new show ‘Suman Indori’ premiering on 3 September

    Mumbai: Family dynamics often involve a subtle struggle for control within the household. COLORS introduces “Suman Indori,” a family drama that explores the tension between an elder sister-in-law and her younger counterpart. The show centers on the power dynamics between Devika, the elder sister-in-law, and Suman, the younger sister-in-law, who marries Teerth, a member of a prominent family. Starring Ashnoor Kaur as Suman, Zain Imam as Teerth and Anita Hassanandani as Devika, and produced by Pratik Sharma of Studio LSD, ‘Suman Indori’ premieres on the 3 September and will air daily at 6:30 pm on COLORS.

    Set in Indore, “Suman Indori” tells the story of Suman, a street food vendor whose life changes when she marries Teerth, an aspiring politician from a powerful family. As she navigates her new role as a daughter-in-law, she encounters opposition from her elder sister-in-law, Devika. The two women find themselves in a continuous power struggle. Teerth, meanwhile, views his marriage to Suman as a means to advance his political career. The show follows their interactions and the resulting shifts in household dynamics.

    Talking about boarding the show, Anita Hassanandani said, “With Suman Indori, I’m stepping into the role of Devika, a tez-tarrar Jethani of a powerful political family. Devika’s the queen bee who loves calling the shots, whether it’s deciding the dinner menu, or controlling the family business. To the world, her devrani, Suman, is just the new bahu, but to Devika, she’s a ticking time bomb with that annoying charm of winning people over without even trying. What follows is a classic devrani-jethani showdown packed with power plays and mind games. Here’s hoping that viewers will rally behind the show by showering it with love!”

    Excited to essay the role of Suman, Ashnoor Kaur said, “I’m thrilled a show like Suman Indori marks my comeback on television and it is my third collaboration with COLORS. I’ll be seen embodying Suman, a resilient young woman, the breadwinner of her family, who goes from being the ‘beti’ of her city’s chaat kingdom in Sarafa bazaar to a daughter-in-law of a powerful family after a reluctant marriage. That’s when the tashan begins, between her and her jethani, who sees her as a potential usurper of her dominion over the household. But Suman being Suman, is prepared to dish out all the hurdles Devika throws her way. What I love about my character is that in a world where everyone is chasing power, she is feisty and remains true to her values.”

    Sharing his thoughts about essaying the role of Teerth, Zain Imam said, “It’s incredible to be back with COLORS for a show as special as Suman Indori. I will be seen portraying Teerth, an opportunistic politician who’s always calculating his next play to attract goodwill. He marries Suman as a stunt that will get him brownie points in people’s view. I’ve spent countless hours observing the nuances of how politicians conduct themselves. This role allows me to showcase my acting range, and I can’t wait for audiences to see what I’ve brought to the screen.  Among all the shows out there, the beauty of Suman Indori is that it captures the corridors of power within a family.”

    Get ready to witness the drama in ‘Suman Indori’ premiering on 3 September and thereafter every day at 6:30 pm only on COLORS.

  • Colors Kannada to premiere the blockbuster film of the year 2024

    Colors Kannada to premiere the blockbuster film of the year 2024

    Mumbai: Keeping its promise to enthrall the audiences throughout the clock, Colors Kannada is set to bring the much-anticipated blockbuster movie of the year Kotee to your home as World Television Premiere. Starring Dolly Dhananjaya in the lead role, this family drama is a perfect blend of sentiment, unexpected twists, and hope, making it a must-watch for people of all ages.

    In association with special partners GRB Ghee, Kotee will premiere on 24 August at 7.30PM. Parameshwar Gundkal’s maiden film as a director explores the life of a young cab driver and runs a packers-and-movers business, traversing the challenges of life while holding onto his dreams, in a heart-warming way.

    The gripping story, where the clash between honesty and the dreams of earning one crore rupees has made a resounding impact in theatres, is now set for its world television premiere, giving our viewers a chance to experience it.

    Dhananjaya anchors Kotee with his endearing portrayal of a middle-class man. The film has a stellar supporting cast including Ramesh Indira, Moksha Kushal, Tara, Rangayana Raghu. Highlight of the movie is the special appearance of Duniya Vijay.

    Colors Kannada business head Prashanth Nayak shared his excitement, stating, “We have been committed to delivering the top-notch entertainment to our audiences. The film’s relatable storyline and strong performances make it an ideal fit for a family night in. We’re confident that our viewers will connect with the film’s message and enjoy this cinematic experience together.”