ITV

Tag: Viacom18

  • Viacom18 takes DesiPlayTV to Europe and the UK

    Viacom18 takes DesiPlayTV to Europe and the UK

    Mumbai: IndiaCast Media – part of the Viacom18 group – is playing a big hand in Europe. The syndication and distribution firm has announced the launch of Viacom18’s leading Hindi FAST channel, DesiPlay TV, on Pluto TV in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The channel is being made available in Hindi with English subtitles to enable audiences to enjoy the content.

    Following the channel’s success in Canada, where it has garnered popularity among the South Asian diaspora and local Canadians, DesiPlay TV is set to entertain British and  European audiences with its rich tapestry of Indian entertainment while being the first Hindi FAST channel to be present across Pluto TV’s network in Canada, UK, Ireland and Europe. In addition to Pluto TV, DesiPlay TV is now available on some of the leading networks across the global including Sling, Plex, Shahid, MyCo, and YuppTV.

    DesiPlay TV offers a curated selection of the most beloved and iconic Hindi television shows and Bollywood blockbusters. Viewers can indulge in the drama-packed world of popular and highly rated shows like Uttaran, Na Aana Is Des Laado, Dev, Tu Aashiqui, and Sanskaar: Dharohar Apnon Ki. The channel also boasts an impressive library of Hindi cinema blockbusters featuring legendary stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, and many more. To cater to a wider audience, DesiPlay TV also presents a diverse range of South Indian films dubbed in Hindi.

    “We are excited to bring DesiPlay TV to Pluto TV’s viewers in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and Nordic countries,” said IndiaCast Media executive vice-president & head of international business Govind Shahi. “The strong performance of the channel in Canada, US and Middle East demonstrates the immense appetite for Indian content among the global audiences that inherently appreciate and enjoy Indian content. In our consistent efforts to take good content to our audiences, we have seen considerable success with Desi Play TV and in that our collaboration with Pluto has been very instrumental. With this launch, we are opening up a new avenue for audiences and hoping to entertain and associate with global audiences and not only South Asians. This is truly in line with our intent of taking India to the world.”

  • Colors Gujarati brings ‘Assal Gujarati Nu Assal Entertainment’ with two new shows

    Colors Gujarati brings ‘Assal Gujarati Nu Assal Entertainment’ with two new shows

    Mumbai: Step into the heart of Gujarat, embracing its vibrant essence with Colors Gujarati. Get ready to be swept off your feet as they bring you ‘Assal Gujarati Nu Assal Entertainment’ with a brand new look and introduction of two new shows that will redefine your television experience.

    To celebrate this new chapter, Colors Gujarati launches a new brand ident and an anthem “Rangaara” featuring – Aditya Gadhvi, Falguni Pathak, Achint Thakkar, Saumya Joshi. The anthem beautifully captures the spirit and roots of Gujarat, resonating with the cultural heartbeat of the region. The channel presents – ‘United State of Gujarat’, the show will dive into a whirlwind journey across the culturally rich and diverse regions of Gujarat, where every episode promises laughter, drama, and heartwarming moments that will make you say, “Aapde to Gujarat maj radhaay!” Feel the magic of tradition and devotion come alive on your screens with ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ as the show will take you on a spiritual journey with melodious bhajans composed and sung by Parthiv Gohil that will resonate with your soul and make you hum along, “Shyam ni dhun to bau prem thi vaagi!”

    Ecstatic about this launch, Viacom18 president, general entertainment Alok Jain said, “At Colors Gujarati we are igniting a movement that celebrates our rich heritage, vibrant culture, and proud people of Gujarat marking a new chapter in Gujarati entertainment. The Gujarati audience is deeply proud of their culture, and we are honored to bring them the content that is rooted with Gujarati values. We stand committed to delivering unparalleled content with elevated production values and star-studded casts. Our refreshed branding and two groundbreaking shows set a new standard, establishing Colors Gujarati as the ultimate destination for premium entertainment.”

    Speaking about the two shows, Colors Gujarati and Colors Rishtey cluster head Arnab Das said, “Our journey to redefine regional entertainment continues with the launch of United State of Gujarat and Shyam Dhun Lagi Re. These shows mark a significant milestone in our commitment to blend the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat with contemporary storytelling, offering our audience the best quality viewing experience. Through these shows we are not just providing entertainment; but celebrating and preserving the essence of Gujarati culture, reflecting its vibrant spirit in every frame. We are thrilled to bring ‘Assal Gujarati Nu Assal Entertainment’ to our viewers and look forward to their enthusiastic reception.”

    With these exciting new shows, Colors Gujarati is set to revolutionize Gujarati entertainment, raising the bar with enhanced production values and a stellar lineup of actors. These engaging stories will seamlessly integrate with the rich traditions and vibrant culture of Gujarat. Starring a distinguished cast, ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ feature Neelu Vaghela (Baa), Krishna Bhardwaj (lord Krishna), Paresh Bhatt (Narsinh Mehta), and Hitu Kanodia (Narsinh Mehta’s father). The other show ‘United State of Gujarat’ features Siddharth Randeria (narrator), Raj Anadkat (Keshav), Sana Amin Sheikh (Kay), Ragini Shah (Suryakanta).

    For the first time ever, the audience will witness Bhakt Ki Kahani Krishna Ki Zubani through ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ a semi-mythological drama that traces the life of Adi Kavi Narsinh Mehta and his devotion for Lord Krishna. This narrative of love and devotion features an ensemble cast including Krishna Bhardwaj (lord Krishna), Neelu Vaghela (Baa), Paresh Bhatt (Narsinh Mehta), and Hitu Kanodia, bringing the story alive through the evocative power of music, led by esteemed singer Parthiv Gohil.

    Playing the role of lord Krishna in Shyam Dhun Lagi Re, Krishna Bhardwaj shared, “Stepping into the divine shoes of Lord Krishna for Shyam Dhun Lagi Re is a profound honor. This role allows me to connect deeply with the rich spiritual heritage and cultural essence of Gujarat. Colors Gujarati’s commitment to delivering ‘Assal Gujarati Nu Assal Entertainment’ is evident in the meticulous production and heartfelt storytelling of this show. I am thrilled to bring to life the cherished tales of Lord Krishna and his devotee Narsinh Mehta, hoping to inspire and touch the hearts of our audience.”

    Set against the backdrop of Dwarka, ‘United State Of Gujarat’ is an engaging family drama that promises to take viewers on a captivating journey across continents, exploring the lives and experiences of the global Gujarati diaspora. The show follows Kay (played by Sana Shaikh) on a heartfelt quest to discover her roots, reuniting with her mother Yamuna (played by Ami Trivedi) and her grandmother Baa (played by Ragini Shah). Also featuring stellar performances by Apara Mehta, Vandana Vithalani, and others, this journey blends tradition with emotion, encapsulating the essence of ‘Vatt Thi Gujarati’ (born in Gujarat) versus ‘Dil Thi Gujarati’ (heart that beats for Gujarat).

    Sharing his excitement about playing the role of Keshav from USG, Raj Anadkat said, “I am thrilled to be back on TV with a vibrant and flamboyant character, Keshav. Gujarati fans will definitely love this character and the show which boasts of Gujarati culture and traditions – assal Gujarati nu assal entertainment che.  Working with Colors Gujarati is going to be a great experience and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

    Stay tuned as Colors Gujarati continues to push boundaries and set new benchmarks by showcasing ‘Assal Gujarati Nu Assal Entertainment’ with two new shows premiering on 29 July 2024 ‘Shyam Dhun Lagi Re’ at 7:30 pm and ‘United State of Gujarat’ at 8:00 pm.

  • Viacom18 unveils Olympic opening ceremony coverage

    Viacom18 unveils Olympic opening ceremony coverage

    Mumbai: Days after unveiling the most comprehensive coverage ever of the Olympic Games, Viacom18, the official broadcast and digital partner for Paris 2024, has now announced a one-of-its-kind coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. The immersive coverage commences with a dedicated camera feed on the Team India boat throughout the Opening Ceremony on the Seine, giving viewers an up and close view of the contingent. Viacom18 will also have a presence on the boat which will enable securing real-time reactions, quotes, and footage of the Indian athletes as the colourful river parade floats through the heart of the French capital.

    The Opening Ceremony will be presented in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, unlocking wider access to the pinnacle of sports for Indians across the country. In addition to the extraordinary studio experts line-up of former champions across multiple sporting disciplines on Opening Day, India’s first athletics World Championship medal winner and two-time Olympian Anju Bobby George will take her place in Viacom18’s studios for Paris 2024.

    For the first time, Olympics coverage in India will be presented across 20 concurrent feeds on JioCinema for free, allowing fans to catch their preferred action and Indian performances at the Olympic Games anytime, anywhere on their preferred device. The presentation will have 17 sports-wise feeds and three curated feeds, all available in 4K.  

    The curated feeds will include an India feed in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, which allows viewers to catch all the action from the Indian contingent as it unfolds on-ground. The Women Power feed for the first time ever will exclusively capture the journey to glory of women Olympians for the entire edition, while a Best Global Action feed in English and Hindi, will allow viewers to track the finest athletes in the world in action at Paris 2024.

    On linear platforms, Sports18 – 1, Sports18 – 1 HD, and Sports18 – 2 will run India-focused feed, and Global Action will be available on Sports18 – 3. Sports18 – 1 and Sports18 – 1 HD will present the Games in English with Tamil and Telugu available on the language button. Sports18 – 2 will offer the Paris 2024 in Hindi.

    SBI and JSW Group will Co-Present Paris 2024 to viewers. ThumsUp and Herbalife have come on board as Associate Sponsors. AMFI, MRF, Bacardi Martini India Pvt Ltd and Punjab National Bank are Special Partners in Viacom18’s presentation of the Olympic Games, while Highlights will be presented by Aditya Birla Capital.

    India’s bid for glory at Paris 2024 will kick off on July 27 at 2:00 PM with Sandeep Singh-Elavenil Valarivan, and Arjun Babuta-Ramita Jindal featuring in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. Neeraj Chopra will tip off his Javelin Throw title defence on August 6th alongside countrymate Kishor Jena.

    Catch Viacom18’s expansive coverage of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony starting at 9 PM on July 26, live and exclusive on JioCinema, Sports18 Network, Colors Network, VH1, and MTV.
     

  • ShareChat partners with JioCinema to showcase exclusive Olympic Games Paris 2024 content

    ShareChat partners with JioCinema to showcase exclusive Olympic Games Paris 2024 content

    Mumbai: Every four years the most iconic games take place at a global stage. This year the Olympic Games are to be held in Paris, France with over 200 countries competing against each other. As the Indian contingent gears up for Paris 2024, ShareChat, India’s homegrown social media company, and JioCinema, the official digital partner for the Olympic Games, have entered a partnership to showcase exclusive content for sports fans to be closer to the action from 26 July to 11 August 2024.

    The collaboration aims to provide an unparalleled experience for users on ShareChat and Moj platforms. With a plethora of engaging content, including interviews, footage-based clips, studio content, and build-up videos, catering to a diverse and multi-lingual audience, ensuring the users stay updated with the riveting action.

    Moj a homegrown short video platform, revolutionizing short-form video for tier two audiences by bringing authentic regional content, the latest technology including Dolby Vision, and offering innovative monetizing avenues like virtual gifting for its creator community. This strategic utilization of short-form content aims to celebrate the Olympic spirit amongst millions of fans, delivering the best moments of the games in various regional languages and enhancing the viewing experience. Fans will also have access to insightful analysis from sports legends and commentators through studio clips available on both platforms.

    Announcing the partnership, ShareChat & Moj chief business officer Gaurav Jain said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Jio Cinema to bring official Olympics content to our vast user base, celebrate the spirit of the games, and cheer for the Indian contingent. By offering content in multiple regional languages, ShareChat and Moj have become the go-to destination for sports content and fandom allowing Indians to engage with Team India’s journey like never before.

    The widespread consumption of short videos has revolutionized the way we engage with content, and ShareChat is proud to offer a platform that caters to this demand. Blending content, culture and community ShareChat and Moj are slowly pivoting how marketers can use their creative imagination to build meaningful connections with their audiences.”

    “The partnership with ShareChat and Moj is a significant milestone in our journey to make digital content accessible to every Indian, driving a new kind of lean-in engagement,” said a Viacom18 spokesperson. “Innovation has been at the helm of our Paris 2024 presentation, be it through language offerings, curated feeds, or former Olympians who will join us as studio experts.  This partnership takes it a step further in that direction through its unique content offerings that will excite fans and draw them into celebrating the Olympic movement.”

    As the blue riband event inches closer, ShareChat and JioCinema aim to redefine the way fans engage with Olympic content, creating a truly enriching experience and setting a new benchmark for sports content consumption in India.

  • JioCinema set to revolutionise India’s Paris 2024 experience with ad innovations

    JioCinema set to revolutionise India’s Paris 2024 experience with ad innovations

    Mumbai: With over 100 Indian athletes set to prove their mettle at Paris 2024, the excitement is palpable. Every four years, the Olympics captivate the world like no other event, drawing unparalleled attention and enthusiasm. With a staggering 20 concurrent feeds, JioCinema will ensure fans catch every thrilling moment from wherever they are. These include 17 sports-wise feeds and 3 exclusively curated feeds dedicated to the Indian Contingent in Paris, Global Action, and a special focus on Women Athletes.

    It’s a unique opportunity for brands to align themselves with the values of excellence and unity to reach diverse audiences and drive resonance. The association with the Olympics lead to greater consumer trust and loyalty, as viewers often transfer the positive emotions and excitement they feel for the Olympics to the brands that support it. Additionally, the extensive media coverage and social media buzz around the Olympics provide brands with multiple channels to engage with audiences, further amplifying their message and presence.

    Viewers opting for the India feed can immerse themselves in the Olympic Games in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, following the Indian contingent’s performances. Additionally, the dedicated women-centric feed will chronicle the inspiring journeys of female Olympians throughout the event. Advertisers have a unique opportunity to leverage these feeds to reach a diverse and engaged audience. By aligning their campaigns with specific sports or thematic feeds, they can maximize visibility and resonance among viewers deeply invested in these specific Olympic narratives.

    Moreover, these curated feeds being streamed in stunning 4K resolution promise an unparalleled viewing experience, capturing the essence of the Olympic Games with exceptional clarity and vibrancy. They are a powerful medium for brands to connect with their target demographic in a meaningful and impactful manner. This integration of technology and content will ensure that advertisers can connect with viewers in meaningful ways, leveraging the global appeal and excitement of the Olympics to maximize brand impact and audience reach.

    To start the Olympic celebrations on a high note, Indian viewers have an exclusive treat in store — a dedicated camera feed focused on the India float during the Opening Ceremony. This special feature will ensure fans get a ring-side view of the Indian contingent as they proudly march and represent the country on the global sporting stage. Viewers will also enjoy extensive coverage of Indian athletes’ medal moments, including live interviews with family members.

    With Viacom18 holding digital and TV rights through JioCinema and Sports18 respectively, advertisers can craft targeted campaigns that resonate deeply with a captivated audience — irrespective of where they are watching Paris 2024. Whether through digital platforms or linear TV, advertisers can leverage curated media plans to maximize impact and engagement during this monumental event.

    Beyond sporting events, the Games are a global cultural phenomenon. JioCinema’s free streaming of the Olympics marks a milestone in viewer engagement, bridging the gap between fans and their sporting heroes like never before. It’s not just about watching; it’s about feeling a part of something historic, celebrating achievements and sharing in the triumphs of the athletes.

    The Olympics are a significant driver of national pride, fostering unity among citizens in the passionate support of their athletes. Brands can actively participate by aligning themselves with national pride and heritage narratives, strengthening their connection with audiences. Endorsing athletes allows brands to leverage their influence, particularly among younger generations. To effectively engage this demographic, brands can craft aspirational campaigns celebrating active lifestyles and sporting achievements.

    Alongside these interviews, domain experts in the studio will provide insights and commentary, enriching the viewing experience and offering deeper context to the achievements of the athletes. The comprehensive and immersive coverage aims to bring Indian viewers closer to the action across devices of their choice, celebrating the country’s sporting heroes and their incredible journeys.

    Strategic partnerships with JioCinema during Paris 2024 will allow brands to maximize presence, build genuine connections with audiences and positively influence consumer perception and loyalty.

  • Viacom18 Consumer Products celebrates 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants

    Viacom18 Consumer Products celebrates 25 years of SpongeBob SquarePants

    Mumbai: To mark the 25th anniversary of the critically acclaimed Nickelodeon animated series, SpongeBob SquarePants, Viacom18 Consumer Products is all set for a yearlong celebration featuring exciting new collaborations and exclusive merchandise. The licensing and merchandising arm of Viacom 18 has partnered with several major artists, such as Raul Urias and Jisu Choi, Daniel Mackey and Berthet One, and Dennis Gabbana and Tik Ka from East. Additionally, the celebration brings fans closer to their favourite character with an exclusive collection of swimwear, rainwear, bucket hats, tote bags, and more.

    Viacom18 Consumer Products Head Sachin Puntambekar said, “SpongeBob SquarePants is an iconic global franchise that has captured the imagination of fans for 25 years. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited to tap into the creator and artist economy for unique designs and exclusive merchandise. This campaign is a testament to our commitment towards immersive experiences that extend beyond the screen, transcending into the lives of our audiences.”

    Leaving no stone unturned for the SpongeBob SquarePants fandom, Viacom18 Consumer Products has planned an extensive marketing campaign spanning TV, retail, and digital activations. This includes SpongeBob and Patrick figurines at retail stores, takeovers, and dedicated character pages on D2C partner websites, collaborations with influencers, and promotional campaigns on popular channels such as Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1, and JioCinema.

    Celebrate the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants with exclusive merch available offline and online platforms like Reliance, Flipkart, Lifestyle, Amazon India, and Myntra. 

  • COLORS returns with ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’

    COLORS returns with ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’

    Mumbai: Get ready to redefine your notion of a ‘tourist trap’ as COLORS presents the 14th edition of stunt-based show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’, rewriting the script of vacationing by taking its troop of phobia fighters to Romania for the first time. With the theme ‘Darr ki Nayi Kahaniyaan in Romania…’, this fearsome getaway is sure to shake even the most daring preparations of its contestants. Amid all the novelty of this edition, one aspect of the show remains constant with filmmaker and award-winning TV host, Rohit Shetty making a comeback and mentoring the daredevils with his legendary experience. Produced by Endemol Shine India, Hyundai presents ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’, special partners Indica Easy Hair Color and Vicks, associate partners Smith & Jones Pasta Masala and Ambuja Cement, premieres on 27 July and thereafter will air every Saturday – Sunday at 9:30 pm only COLORS.

    At the outset, viewers will be treated to a grand entrance as Rohit Shetty descends from the skies in a chopper, only to land in a high-octane car chase that leads him to board the iconic European open-air red bus. That’s not all, the daredevil contestants will hop on this bus from the popular Romanian landmarks. Little do they know; their sightseeing tour is about to become an adrenaline-packed adventure! This season’s itinerary of thrills will stamp spine-chilling moments and panic on the contestants’ passports with a new theme every week. After all, variety is the spice of fright! From planes to trains, buses to cable cars – no mode of transport is safe from its devious challenges. And in a hair-raising first, these bravehearts will come face-to-face with Romania’s fierce bears, making it an epic showdown of the khiladis vs. bears!

    Viacom18 president – general entertainment Alok Jain said, “For 13 thrilling years, Khatron Ke Khiladi has been at the fore of courage-testing entertainment, reserving its place in the hearts of millions. Going from strength to strength, the flagship show has created a legacy of fearless adventures, and this upcoming season will redefine it with new themes each week. The show will be taking its tradition of fear-conquering to new heights as it touches down in Romania for the first time. Its legacy, records of high viewership, strong social media presence, and loyal audience make it an ideal platform for advertisers seeking exceptional impact and reach within their intended demographic. This season, we’re revving up the excitement with a groundbreaking partnership, welcoming Hyundai as our presenting sponsor for the first time. Together, we’ll be shifting gears, making the most of this thrilling ride of adventures. We are delighted to have Rohit Shetty mark a decade of hosting this show, bringing his signature style and blockbuster energy to inspire and guide the contestants through their adrenaline-pumping challenges.”

    Host Rohit Shetty said, “Facing fears head-on has been the very essence of Khatron Ke Khiladi and as we gear up for our 14th season in Romania, we’re not just changing locations – we’re rewriting the rulebook. This season, our contestants are in for the ride of their lives as we’re cranking up the heat with challenges that will push their absolute limits. I am looking forward for viewers to experience the season’s grand premiere.”

    Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar said, “We at Endemol Shine India are proud to watch Khatron Ke Khiladi become the epitome of action & adventure- packed entertainment in India. Bringing the international format of Fear Factor to India in itself was an exciting stunt for us, which we have been successfully performing for 14 years now. This year, Romania’s stunning landscapes will serve as the backdrop for the most innovative challenges of its our most loved television faces. We thank our host, Rohit Shetty, who has been the backbone of this show for a decade, bringing his massive experience in action to the course of performing stunts. The stage is set for a season that will captivate and thrill like never before. Besides, we believe that our strong association with COLORS is what catapults this show to new heights every year.”

    This year, an all-star lineup of 12 contestants is set to bring their unique brand of bravery to Romania. The roster includes ‘Bigg Boss’ alumni Shilpa Shinde, Abhishek Kumar, Nimrit Kaur Ahluwalia, Shalin Bhanot, and Asim Riaz; Marathi superstar Gashmeer Mahajani, actress Sumona Chakravarti; fitness enthusiast Krishna Shroff making her TV debut; and fiction actors Karan Veer Mehra, Kedar Aashish Mehrotraa, Niyati Fatnani, and Aditi Sharma transitioning to reality TV. In the new season, viewers can expect entertaining dynamics, with Abhishek and Shalin tagged as “Chote Miyaan Bade Miyaan” for their newfound friendship, and Karan and Shilpa dubbed “ShiKaar” for their playful pranks. Abhishek’s attempts to charm Romanian girls with his tooti-footi English and Sumona’s surprising transition from comedy queen to stunt performer will be a treat to watch. With this explosive mix of charisma and courage, ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi 14’ promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, offering the only haven amid heart-racing action.

  • Colors Marathi announces new season of ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’

    Colors Marathi announces new season of ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’

    Mumbai: The much-anticipated new season of Bigg Boss Marathi will premiere on 28 July 2024, bringing back the excitement and drama that fans love. The Bigg Boss house is ready to welcome its new housemates, with over 100 cameras capturing their every move. For 100 days, viewers will witness the intriguing, often unexpected, sides of the contestants, all under the watchful eye of superstar Riteish Deshmukh. Adding his unique style and charisma, Riteish promises a season full of masti and high-octane entertainment as he hosts the show this season. Produced by Banijay and Endemol Shine India, special partners Santoor, PN Gadgil and Sons, the new season of ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’ will air every night from next Sunday at 9 pm on Colors Marathi.

    This season, Bigg Boss Marathi will feature contestants from diverse fields, creating a dynamic mix that will be revealed soon. The promos have already given viewers a glimpse of Riteish’s engaging style and a hint of what they can expect from him on the show. So, it will be interesting to watch how he welcomes the contestants. Will he be a friend or a guide? Will he do Grand Masti with contestants, or be their Lai Bhaari companion? What happens when something goes wrong, or someone crosses the line? All this will unfold soon in Riteish’s style.

    Riteish Deshmukh while expressing his excitement about the new season of ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’ said, “I am excited bringing the new season of ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’ to you. I have been following this show closely all these years, and now I am thrilled to be associated with Colors Marathi as the new host of Bigg Boss Marathi. It’s our responsibility to present this show in a new style and new form. The new season of Bigg Boss Marathi will be full of excitement, drama, and a lot of fun.”

    Viacom18 president (general entertainment) Alok Jain said, “At Viacom18, we prioritize innovation, consistently introducing diverse themes across our channels to ensure every family member finds a story they connect with. Bigg Boss franchise exemplifies this commitment by evolving with fresh content and engaging formats. This season, with Riteish Deshmukh hosting Bigg Boss Marathi, we are redefining the viewing experience, bringing unexpected twists and dynamic interactions. By blending universal storytelling with local flavors, we are creating compelling narratives that resonate across different audiences. As we continue to set new benchmarks in entertainment, viewers can look forward to a season filled with unparalleled excitement.”

    Viacom18 cluster head, Colors Marathi, Colors Kannada, and Color Tamil, Sushma Rajesh said, “Colors Marathi has always been at the forefront of groundbreaking storytelling, and we are delighted to unveil the new season of Bigg Boss Marathi. After a period of eager anticipation, we are thrilled to bring back Bigg Boss Marathi with renewed energy and excitement, with Riteish Deshmukh as the new host. This season is set to offer a remarkable fusion of drama and intrigue, elevating the viewer experience and reinforcing our focus on varied and exceptional entertainment. We are confident this season will not only entertain but also resonate deeply with our audience, making it a truly unforgettable experience.”

    Colors Marathi programming head Kedar Shinde added, “Bigg Boss Marathi is Colors Marathi’s big ticket show and it’s returning after 2 years. This marks the beginning of a new era for Colors Marathi where novelty will be the buzzword to take the channel to newer heights. We have given Riteish Deshmukh, who is Bollywood and Maharashtra’s favorite superstar, the hosting responsibility of the show. Rest assured, this new season will be grander and more vibrant. It takes guts to be part of the game. This season will see contestants from different fields, different parts of the state. Their talent and popularity will take this season to newer heights for sure.”

    Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar said, “We are excited to launch this season of Bigg Boss Marathi which promises a fresh wave of drama & entertainment with the charismatic Riteish Deshmukh as our new host.  The overwhelming response from our audience season after season has inspired us to come together once more to create the 5th season of Bigg Boss Marathi, while also taking our association with Colors Marathi one step ahead. At Endemol Shine India, we want to make sure that interesting formats like Bigg Boss are tailored to connect with every household and resonate with the diverse linguistic and cultural tastes of our audiences. We are confident that this season will continue to captivate & engage our viewers while taking the Bigg Boss experience to new heights.”

    Bigg Boss is known for its intriguing, unpredictable, and humorous aspects, along with its compelling contestants. Beyond entertainment, Bigg Boss has been a launchpad for many, fulfilling dreams and establishing individual identities. As the doors to the Bigg Boss Marathi house open this time, viewers eagerly anticipate the new participants, their gameplay, and who will capture hearts and entertain with their antics.

    Bigg Boss Marathi’s new season premieres on 28 July and will air every day at 9 pm on Colors Marathi. Viewers can also catch the show anytime on JioCinema.
     

  • MTV introduces #TuchchVichaar campaign

    MTV introduces #TuchchVichaar campaign

    Mumbai: MTV introduced the #TuchchVichaar campaign in celebration of Pride Month. This innovative initiative aims to normalize acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community through a powerful short film and dynamic social media strategy. By leveraging social media and relatable digital symbols, MTV has created a movement that is impactful, accessible, and engaging for everyone. The campaign underscores MTV’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can live authentically and without fear of discrimination.

    Conceptualized by MTV the campaign film beautifully depicts a parallel universe where the LGBTQIA+ community is fully accepted, and it’s a straight, heterosexual individual who stands out as different. The story follows this individual as he faces judgment for his demeanour and discrimination for his identity. The film ends with a powerful message encouraging everyone to stand up against bullies and their harmful mindset.

    Despite progress in LGBTQIA+ rights, homophobia persists, fueled by ignorance and prejudice. In many parts of the world, homosexuality is still wrongly seen as a mental illness or moral failing, leading to discrimination. MTV’s #TuchchVichaar campaign addresses these small-minded attitudes (chhoti soch) that perpetuate discrimination.

    A key feature of #TuchchVichaar is the innovative use of the ‘??’ emoji to call out homophobia. Recognizing the widespread use of emojis among Gen Z and Millennials, the campaign uses this relatable symbol to spread its message in an engaging, non-preachy way.

    Viacom18 business head, youth, music, and English entertainment cluster Anshul Ailawadi said, “Awareness is the starting point of LGBTQIA+ allyship and action. Our #TucchhaVichaar campaign aims to make GenZ aware of unconscious biases in a simple yet clever way. The role reversal encourages a more empathetic view of the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. We hope the film inspires everyone who watches it to become better allies in action.”

    MTV talent verse came together to support the initiative, with talents like Amir Hossein, Azma Fallah, and Sandy Saha taking over their social media to share some love. The campaign’s short film and the impactful use of the emoji seek to ignite meaningful dialogue and inspire audiences to embrace LGBTQIA+ inclusivity. Join us in celebrating Pride Month and beyond because inclusivity is a year-round commitment.

     

  • Network18 reports strong Q1 growth of Rs 3141 crores

    Network18 reports strong Q1 growth of Rs 3141 crores

    Mumbai: Network18 Media and Investments Ltd reported consolidated operational revenue of Rs 3,141 crore for the quarter ending 30 June, fueled by impressive performances in the sports and news segments. The company’s digital portfolio also expanded in both reach and engagement.

    Network18 stated that its subsidiary Viacom18 has continued to invest in the sports and news sectors to drive future growth. The company noted that even though these segments are still in the development phase, they have rapidly achieved a strong brand presence and consumer recognition.

    TV News portfolio delivered 30 per cent advertising growth during the quarter. The network leveraged its leadership positions across key markets and election-linked advertising tailwinds to deliver industry-leading ad growth. EBITDA for the quarter saw a turnaround as revenue grew 14 per cent while costs were flat. The TV news network posted EBITDA of Rs 40 crore in Q1FY25, a 46 per cent increase (YoY).

    JioCinema achieved record digital IPL viewership during the quarter. IPL 2024 reached 620 million viewers, marking a 38 percent increase from the previous year. “Engagement also saw a significant rise, with audiences spending a total of more than 350 billion minutes watching the most popular annual sports event, over 50 percent higher than last season,” the company reported.

    Meanwhile, Network18 group’s digital brands solidified their leadership positions over the quarter, experiencing a substantial rise in monthly unique visitors. “With approximately 250 million unique visitors, Network18 narrowed the reach gap with the leader to about 10 percent, down from over 50 percent in March 2023,” the statement revealed.

    Network18’s digital news business recorded a 34 per cent growth in Q1FY25, with total revenue reaching Rs 109 crore compared to Rs 81 crore in the same quarter of FY24.

    The digital news portfolio of Network18 experienced a significant increase in monthly unique visitors. With 250 million unique visitors, Network18 narrowed the reach gap with the leader to just 10 per cent, down from over 50 per cent in March 2023.

    Moneycontrol maintained its position as the top player in both reach and engagement metrics, driven by comprehensive coverage of economic and market-related topics. Key engagement metrics such as monthly page views, time spent, and sessions were 20 per cent-70 per cent higher than those of the nearest competitor.

    Moneycontrol Pro surpassed 8.1 lakh paid subscribers, solidifying its status as the leading subscription-based news platform in India and one of the top three in Asia, according to FIPP’s Digital Subscription Report.

    News18.com established itself as the leading platform for non-English language consumers in India during the last quarter. The platform’s reach expanded significantly due to editorial and product initiatives, resulting in a 50 per cent  increase in monthly average unique visitors quarter-on-quarter and a 100% year-on-year growth in on-platform video views. News18’s mobile app saw an increase in MAUs, and the News18 Connected TV app was launched for platforms like Android, Samsung Tizen, and Firestick.

    Firstpost’s coverage of international events from an Indian perspective continued to drive reach and engagement throughout the quarter. The platform saw a 67 per cent increase in monthly active users and page views following the launch of its revamped website. On counting day, the website’s traffic doubled compared to normal days, with time spent increasing fourfold. Firstpost’s growth on YouTube also continued, with the subscriber count surpassing the five million mark.