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Tag: web series

  • Lionsgate Play’s second Indian original ‘Jugaadistan’ out 4 March

    Lionsgate Play’s second Indian original ‘Jugaadistan’ out 4 March

    Mumbai: Lionsgate Play has announced that its second Indian original “Jugaadistan” will start streaming on the platform from 4 March.

    Directed by Akarsh Khurana and Adhaar Khurana, “Jugaadistan” features Sumeet Vyas, Arjun Mathur, Parambrata Chatterjee, Rukshar Dhillon, Taaruk Raina, Gopal Datt and Ahsaas Channa.

    The show will take the audiences through the dusty by-lanes of a campus. The campus drama explores college politicians, professors who make students go weak in their knees, young people navigating their own moralities and matters of the heart, said the platform in a statement. 

    “It’s a show that we’ve put all our might behind,” said Lionsgate MD South Asia and networks – emerging markets Asia Rohit Jain. “With ‘Hiccups and Hookups’ we explored modern family dynamics; this time we took a real tour of campus life. It’s not as hunky-dory as our pop culture makes it seem with their nostalgic songs and romantic stories. We get real and explore the gritty side that has never been seen on screen before. At Lionsgate Play, the endeavour is to chase stories that are out of the ordinary and I can’t wait for the world to watch it.”

    “This series is a delightful combination of all the colours of life that we experience in college,” said Lionsgate India vice president originals Mrinalini Khanna. “Akarsh and Adhaar along with the writers and cast have managed to bring to life the innocence of growing up as well as the seriousness of making life-changing decisions at a young age, effortlessly. We’re excited to showcase a series that is not only contemporary but also timeless in many ways. I guarantee, no matter what age you’re at – you’re going to relate and reminisce with ‘Jugaadistan’.”

    “As a filmmaker and storyteller, you are always looking to push the envelope and challenge yourself,” said director Akarsh Khurana. “I wanted to do just that when this presented itself. While I have done youth-centric, college stuff before, this was like a different take on it. Like the darker side of our college years, and Delhi like we don’t see often. We delve into an array of issues – college politics, student dynamics, side incomes – all of which are significant in how people’s lives are shaped in their formative years. After all, college is the beginning of the rest of your adult life. The decisions we take then usually have far-reaching consequences. I also really enjoyed the track of investigative journalism and the quest for the truth that runs parallel to all the student shenanigans.”

  • All set to create franchises for multiple seasons in 2022: MX Player’s Gautam Talwar

    All set to create franchises for multiple seasons in 2022: MX Player’s Gautam Talwar

    Mumbai: MX Player has had a strong start to 2022 with two of its shows “Campus Diaries” and “Bhaukaal 2” crossing 100 million views metric in a short period of time. The platform is all set to release its third MX Original for the year “Raktanchal 2” and expects the show to perform equally well, with a third season already under production.

    “2021 was a fantastic year for us as we got many back-to-back hits,” says MX Player chief content officer Gautam Talwar. “The next big thing for the OTT is to create franchises for multiple seasons and we’re going to create some serious franchises this year.”

    Talwar reveals that MX Originals including “Ek Thi Begum,” “Indori Ishq,” “Matsya Kaand,” “Raktanchal” and “Aashram” all have crossed the 100 million views mark and most are in development for multiple seasons. “Aashram” and “Raktanchal” are in development for a third season.

    “The exciting part was how quickly its new shows ‘Campus Diaries’ and ‘Matsya Kaand’ crossed the 100 million mark,” says Talwar. “The time it took for these shows to reach 100 million views was uncomprehendingly fast. ‘Campus Diaries’ achieved those numbers in less than three weeks while ‘Matsya Kaand’ got there in less than four.”

    The platform has found success in the regional OTT piece that several video-on-demand platforms have found difficult to crack. Two of its regional shows “Queen” in Tamil and “Samantar” in Marathi have also achieved 100 million views.

    “‘Queen’ and ‘Samantar’ have crossed those milestones but by attracting audiences in multiple languages, say in Marathi plus Hindi or Tamil plus Hindi. We’re doubling down on these two languages – Tamil and Marathi – since we’ve seen some success and you’ll see a couple of good Marathi shows coming out this year,” says Talwar. The platform has also dubbed “Matsya Kaand” in Punjabi.

    On using the 100 million views metric to evaluate its shows, Talwar says, “In the case of YouTube if the videos garner four million views, then people call it a big hit. But, our shows are much longer so we don’t count 30 seconds of watch time as a view. If YouTube is the biggest video platform available to consumers, then we’re probably the second to have that kind of reach and distribution. Of course, a big advantage for us is distribution and low barrier for entry but if you don’t put out the right piece of content then it won’t work well.”

    According to Talwar, the consumers have also given a thumbs up to the content on the platform. “Nobody will give me the go-ahead to make a second season for a show if season one has not worked well. The fact that we’ve commissioned multiple new seasons of most of our shows (Samantar, Ek Thi Begum, Matsya Kaand, Campus Diaries, Bhaukaal, Raktanchal, Aashram) means that the consumer is coming back to watch it,” he adds.

    Like most OTT platforms MX Player is increasing its content investments for 2022 and is filling the production pipeline of shows until 2024. “There’s no doubt in our mind that the consumer chases good shows and the increasing competition means that we’re definitely doubling down on our investments,” he sums up.

  • Digital series ‘Matsya Kaand’ crosses 100 million views on MX Player

    Digital series ‘Matsya Kaand’ crosses 100 million views on MX Player

    Mumbai: Digital series “Matsya Kaand” has crossed 100 million views on MX Player within 30 days of its release, the OTT platform said on Wednesday.

    Produced by Banijay Asia, the series stars Ravii Dubey, Ravi Kishan, Piyush Mishra, Zoya Afroz, Madhur Mittal, Rajesh Sharma and Naved Aslam amongst others and is directed by Ajay Bhuyan. The series has been well received with a 9.4 out of 10 rating on IMDb.

    “We are amidst a content revolution where we are witnessing refreshing, experimental content taking the front seat with the audience all over the world,” said Banijay Asia founder and CEO Deepak Dhar. “At Banijay Asia, we thrive on presenting narratives that resonate with the cultural milieu and we look forward to following the same route with accelerated zeal and efforts in our forthcoming presentations.”

    “We are thrilled to have witnessed such a fantastic response from audiences for Matsya Kaand,” said MX Player chief content officer Gautam Talwar. “While the show crossed a 100 million views mark within a month, we are still seeing new viewers joining the Matsya Club each day.”

    “Matsya Kaand has truly changed the trajectory of my career. It challenged me as an actor and made me physically mentally and spiritually align with this craft like never before,” said actor Ravii Dubey. “Receiving positive reviews of the show re-affirmed that all the hard work we’ve put in as a team has paid off.”

  • Disney+ Hotstar to stream its first Telugu original ‘Parampara’

    Disney+ Hotstar to stream its first Telugu original ‘Parampara’

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar has announced that its first Telugu Hotstar Special “Parampara” will begin streaming on 24 December. The platform dropped a trailer for the new show on Wednesday.

    Written by Hari Yelleti and directed by Krishna Vijay L and Viswanath Arigela, the show features a stellar cast including Naveen Chandra, Ishan, Aakanksha Singh and others. The show is led by Jagapathi Babu and Sarath Kumar. The series is backed by Baahubali producers Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni of Arka Mediaworks Production.

    “‘Parampara’ is a drama that is based on the power ambitions of its characters,” said director Krishna Vijay L. “The audience will be treated to a power drama that packs emotions, actions and an enticing story that will keep them hooked on to the series.”

    “I am honoured to mark my digital web series debut with Parampara and the waves it is expected to create for Telugu digital entertainment space,” said veteran actor Sarath Kumar. “My role as a powerful business tycoon has multiple layers that have been masterfully maneuvered through Krishna Vijay L’s direction. As an actor working on a web series for the first time, there are certain transitions that need to be done and it was a journey filled with excitement and exploration about my acting process. I hope ‘Parampara’ finds resonance with the audience.”

    “‘Parampara’ has a very unique story to tell. Through the series, the audience will enjoy a roller coaster ride of power tussles, deception and family infightings,” said actor Jagapathi Babu. “For my character Mohan Rao, there is a silent intensity to the way he walks, moves and talks that is very captivating. The entire build-up of the character had several learnings for me both as an actor and human. I had a lot of fun playing Mohan Rao and I hope that comes through in the series as well.”

  • SonyLIV’s ‘The Whistleblower’ to begin streaming on 16 Dec

    SonyLIV’s ‘The Whistleblower’ to begin streaming on 16 Dec

    Mumbai: SonyLIV has announced its latest fictional offering “The Whistleblower” that begins streaming on 16 December.

    Produced by StudioNEXT, the series features actors Ravi Kishan, Ritwik Bhowmik and Sonali Kulkarni in leading roles. Directed by Manoj Pillai, created and written by Ajay Monga, the series also features actors Ankita Sharma, Ashish Verma, Hemant Kher, Joy Sengupta, Riddhi Khakar, Sachin Khedekar and Zakir Hussain among others in prominent roles.

    The series is inspired by a series of true events across India. The show traces the journey of Dr Sanket played by Ritwik, a final year medical student who gets himself entangled in a chain of events that trigger chaos within a system. The repercussions of Sanket’s actions take a toll on his personal life and his world starts to crumble.

    Directed by Manoj Pillai, created and written by Ajay Monga, the series also features actors Ankita Sharma, Ashish Verma, Hemant Kher, Joy Sengupta, Riddhi Khakar, Sachin Khedekar and Zakir Hussain among others in prominent roles. “This is my first directorial-debut and I couldn’t have asked for a story better than this,” said Manoj Pillai. “The script is new-age, pathbreaking and bold. I am elated to be backed by SonyLIV and StudioNEXT who are known to push the bar and create authentic and gripping content.”

    “‘The Whistleblower’ is a fictional story but is absolutely relevant to India. We are happy to bring a power-packed narrative that has been put together by StudioNEXT, Manoj Pillai and Ajay Monga,” said Sony Pictures Networks India head – content SonyLIV and Sony Entertainment Television Ashish Golwalkar.

    “At StudioNEXT, it’s our endeavour to present to our viewers ‘entertainment shows with a purpose,” said StudioNEXT head Indranil Chakraborty. “In line with this thought, we are excited to present an impactful and compelling story with ‘The Whistleblower’. With a brilliant set of actors, the series has been spearheaded by a strong team led by the creative vision of Ritesh Modi. Ajay Monga’s writing and Manoj Pillai’s direction brilliantly work together bringing alive the story with utmost authenticity.”

    “‘The Whistleblower’ is a fictional story with shades of real incidents that have frequently occurred around us,” said StudioNEXT creative director Ritesh Modi. “Hence it was our priority to keep the story authentic and engaging in its narration. I am very delighted that the show stands high on parameters that makes it a compelling watch.”

    “‘The Whistleblower’ is a story of a privileged medical student who takes his lifestyle and opportunities for granted,” said writer and creator Ajay Monga. “His casual approach and reckless actions result in his own moral compass of right and wrong being compromised. Later, his conscience ultimately leaves him with no option but to turn into a Whistle-blower.

    “Playing a character like Sanket in ‘The Whistleblower’ has been challenging yet fulfilling,” said actor Ritwik Bhowmik. “The script and director’s vision helped me shape the character of Sanket and bring depth to it. I am grateful to SonyLIV and StudioNEXT for this career-defining opportunity.”

    “Jayraj’s character has been one of the most interesting one in my career,” said actor Ravi Kishan. “The character has many layers and needed to be played with utmost conviction. I hope the viewers find it interesting and enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed playing it.”

  • Motion Content Group, Film Critics Guild announce latest edition of Critics’ Choice Awards

    Motion Content Group, Film Critics Guild announce latest edition of Critics’ Choice Awards

    Mumbai: Motion Content Group of GroupM, in collaboration with the Film Critics Guild announced the launch of the fourth edition of Critics’ Choice Awards to honour the talent in short films, web series, and feature films.

    After three successful editions of the Critics’ Choice Awards, Film Critics Guild and Motion Content Group in collaboration with Vistas Media Capital gear up for the fourth edition of the awards. “We are delighted to present the fourth edition of Critics’ Choice Awards which has become a very important calendar event for us and the filmmakers,” stated Vistas Media Capital CEO Abhayanand Singh. “Covid has obviously caused a lot of disruption to the film industry but the quality of content that has come out this year only validates that the spirits are high and good quality content will continue to entertain the audience.”

    This year, Critics’ Choice Awards 2022 has received an overwhelming response from short filmmakers across the country to register a record number of entries of the short films produced in 2021. The Critics’ Choice Awards jury would adjudge and applaud the best in the business and encourage Indian content creators, said the statement.

    The 2020 short film winners were Adil Hussain (Best Actor, short film “Meal”) and Amruta Subhash (Best Actress, short film “The Booth”), Shazia Iqbal (Best Director for “Bebaak”) and best short film was “Bebaak.”

    “Despite its challenges, the last two years have witnessed game-changing developments in the content arena. Especially this year, creators have pushed the envelope and crafted content that is compelling enough to draw them to theatres or make them forget the looming threat of the dreaded virus,” said Film Critics Guild chairperson Anupama Chopra.

    “As the Critics’ Choice Awards enter their fourth year, they have become coveted and celebrated by creators and talent alike as a unique and credible platform. We are proud of our partnership with the Film Critics Guild and Vistas Media Capital and are committed to making this platform bigger and better,” commented GroupM India president of trading and partnerships Ashwin Padmanabhan.

  • aha’s new web series ‘Alludu Garu’ to premiere on 29 Oct

    aha’s new web series ‘Alludu Garu’ to premiere on 29 Oct

    Mumbai: Telugu streaming platform aha has announced a new web series “Alludu Garu” that is slated to release on 29 October.

    The series stars Abhijeet Poondla, Dhanya Balakrishna, Y Kasi Viswanath, Sudha, and Shalini Kondepudi in key roles. The show is directed by Jayanth Gali (known for “Love Life” and “Pakodi”) and produced by Tamada Media. Bru is the presenting sponsor for the show.

    “Alludu Garu” is a coming-of-age story that revolves around a newly-married couple Ajay and Amulya. It focuses on the plight of Ajay, who is forced to stay with his clingy in-laws Ashok, Nalini in a conservative household. Despite his initial reluctance, Ajay tries hard to meet their expectations and fit into the family, keeping his contrasting world views aside. While his struggles will tickle your funny bones without a doubt, you are sure to empathise with his plight.

    “aha has made it a habit to deliver one hit show after the other in multiple genres, from ‘Tharagathi Gadhi Daati’ to ‘Kudi Yedamaithe’ to ‘The Baker and The Beauty’. We’re sure ‘Alludu Garu’ will be an equally promising addition to our diverse content library of Telugu web originals and movies,” said aha CEO Ajit Thakur. “The show has the potential to strike a chord with audiences across all age groups, for it’s a relevant take on relationships within a middle-class household in a lighter vein. We’re happy to collaborate with Bru and are hopeful to continue our wonderful association in the future. “

    “Being a regional OTT player, we are the one-stop shop for fulfilling all entertainment needs with the convenience of local language connect. Accordingly, our partnership with brands allows us to create more engaging formats. We are delighted to partner with Bru in this,” said aha head – non-subscription revenue Nitin Burman. “As our roadmap is to find unique stories of the Telugu land that are relatable to the constantly progressing audience and fans, we look forward to continuing our associations.”

  • SonyLIV announces new web series ‘Pulwama Key No 1026’

    SonyLIV announces new web series ‘Pulwama Key No 1026’

    Mumbai: SonyLIV has announced that it will create a series on the Pulwama terror attack called “Pulwama Key No 1026,” helmed by National award-winning director Onir. 

    The eight-episode show will be based on the book “The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur” by award-winning author and journalist Rahul Pandita. “As a journalist reporting from conflict areas, my endeavour always has been to lend a face to people who otherwise get buried in history as statistics. The soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack had names, lives, dreams, hopes of the future. So do those who investigated the case painstakingly, often putting themselves in danger. I am glad that with my friend Onir we will be able to tell these individual stories all woven in one epic drama,” said Pandita, about the upcoming project.

    On 14 February 2019, a gruesome terror attack claimed the lives of 40 Indian soldiers and evoked the nation’s anger. “The series is a tribute to all those martyrs whose dreams were blown to smithereens the minute the suicide bomber’s car hit the bus,” the streaming platform said in a statement. 

    “The Pulwama terror attack did not just claim the lives of 40 CRPF Jawans, it broke India and its people,” said director and showrunner Onir. “It’s a story every Indian should know, and I feel honored to helm this project along with writer Rahul Pandita.”

    “Since its revamp last year, SonyLIV’s constant endeavor has been to highlight stories of India that have a global relevance,” said Sony Pictures Networks India head of content for SonyLIV and Sony Entertainment Television Ashish Golwalkar. “Rahul Pandita’s book The Lover Boy of Bahawalpur is a noteworthy read and brings out the unknown facts about the incident and what ensued thereon. We are pleased to announce this project that’s backed by Onir, an amazing director.”

  • MX original ‘EK Thi Begum 2’ crosses 300 million streams

    MX original ‘EK Thi Begum 2’ crosses 300 million streams

    Mumbai: MX Player original series “Ek Thi Begum 2” has crossed 300 million streams over five days, said the OTT platform in a statement. The Anuja Sathe starrer has received an 8.8 rating on IMDb and ranks amongst the platform’s biggest hits like “Aashram,” “Bhaukal,” and “Raktanchal.”

    Directed by Sachin Darekar and Vishal Modhave, “Ek Thi Begum 2” is laced with a host of talented actors including Shahab Ali, Ajay Gehi, Hitesh Bhojraj, Chinmay Mandlekar, Vijay Nikam, Resham Shrivardhankar, Rajendra Shisatkar, Nazar Khan, Sauraseni Maitra, Lokesh Gupte, Mir Sarwar, Purnanada Wandekar and Rohan Gujar in pivotal roles.

    “I am overwhelmed by the response Ek Thi Begum 2 has received,” said the lead actress Anuja Sathe. “This series goes to show that it isn’t star power but gripping narratives and content that pulls in audiences.”

    The show was available for streaming in Hindi and Marathi dubs and is a rare sequel that has received as much acclaim as its predecessor.

    “We are delighted to see a regional, bilingual show like Ek Thi Begum turn into one of the most-watched series on MX Player,” said MX Player chief content officer Gautam Talwar. “We always strive to deliver interesting elements from different realms and Ek Thi Begum 2 has given us a chance to recreate that era’s fascination in today’s world and we are glad that the audience is appreciating it.”

  • Oho Gujarati to stream ‘110’ starting 30 September

    Oho Gujarati to stream ‘110’ starting 30 September

    Mumbai: OTT platform Oho Gujarati will premiere its latest web series “110” on 30 September.

    Directed by Abhishek Jain and produced by Anish Shah, “110” is an Oho original that features actors like Jay Upadhyay, Sanjay Bhatiya, Shivani Joshi among others.

    Oho Gujarati is a joint venture of CineMan Productions and Khushi Advertising. Co-founded by Abhishek Jain and Pranay Shah, the vision of this language OTT platform is to offer a plethora of content – fictional and non-fictional, in various formats – films, short films, web/mini-series, documentaries, plays, table readings, music video and much more.