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Tag: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd

  • ZEE5 celebrates sixth anniversary with 580+ million viewers globally

    ZEE5 celebrates sixth anniversary with 580+ million viewers globally

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s largest home-grown video streaming platform, and the OTT arm of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL), completes six glorious years of providing exceptional streaming experiences and quality watch time to billions of people across 190+ countries. Launched in 2018, ZEE5 has over the years become a household name, not just in India but also globally, with a robust digital-first consumer-centric strategy backed by a strong content funnel. Home to 200,000 hours of premium South Asian entertainment in 20 languages, ZEE5 possesses an unrivalled library, featuring more than 6000 titles and 230+ originals. Today, the platform boasts a significant presence in India and is the No. 1 South Asian streaming platform across international markets, as per App Annie data.

    On the content front, in the last year, ZEE5 has been home to some of the most prominent titles like ‘RRR’, ‘Gadar 2’, ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ in Hindi; ‘Vidhuthalai – Part I’ in Tamil; Karthikeya 2’ in Telugu; ‘Vedha’ in Kannada; and Shabash Feluda’ in Bangla, amongst others. The platform also launched successful originals across languages like ‘‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain’, ‘Taj: Divided by Blood’, ‘Mrs. Undercover” in Hindi; ‘Koose Munisamy Veerappan’, ‘Ayali’, ‘Sengalam’, ‘Oru Kodai Murder Mystery’ in Tamil; ‘Vyavastha’, ‘Puli Meka’, ‘Maya Bazaar For Sale’ in Telugu; and ‘Abar Proloy’, ‘Chhotolok’, ‘Swetkali’, ‘Shabash Feluda’, ‘Roktokorobi’ in Bangla, to name a few.

    While ‘Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai’ stood out with the highest watch-time across ZEE5 movies, ‘Taj: Divided by Blood’ topped the watch-time list among all ZEE5 titles released in the last 6 years. Popular originals like ‘Abhay’, ‘Rangbaaz’, ‘Sunflower’, ‘State of Siege: 26/11’, and ‘Rangbaaz: Darr Ki Rajneeti’ also feature in the top 10 shows on the platform, while ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, ‘Radhe – Your Most Wanted Bhai’, ‘RRR’, ‘Antim: The Final Truth’, ‘Silence…Can You Hear It?’ and ‘The Kashmir Files’ feature in the top 10 movies list. Going forward, 2024 promises to be yet an exciting year for ZEE5 with multiple power-packed releases, like ‘Sam Bahadur’, ‘Kaatera’, ‘The Kerala Story’, ‘Sunflower S2’, ‘Broken News S2’, Guneet Monga’s ‘Gyarah Gyarah’, and the Telugu spy-thriller series ‘Mission Tashafi’, amongst others.

    Speaking on the occasion, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd president – Digital Businesses & Platforms Amit Goenka said, “Over the last six years, ZEE5 has played a pivotal role in delivering accessibility and affordability to its consumers across the globe. As we cross yet another milestone in our journey, our aim is to further fortify the synergies between content and technology to build a robust consumer experience across connected devices. While we remain committed to offering immersive entertainment experiences to our consumers across our digital platforms, the parallel growth trajectory of the linear and digital ecosystem will enable us to further strengthen our capabilities. As the digital landscape matures steadily, and improved infrastructure further proliferates the ability for transactions on digital platforms, the opportunities remain endless. As pioneers in the industry, we will continue to maintain a strong focus on growth and innovation, simultaneously enabling a conducive environment for the industry at large.”

    ZEE5 India CBO Manish Kalra, said, “At ZEE5, we envision to be the platform of choice for billions of viewers with real, relatable, and relevant stories in languages that resonate with them. Over the last few years, we have focused on improving user experience and launching multiple blockbuster movies and originals while using technological innovations to improve our platform experience significantly. 2023 has been eventful with many firsts and multiple successful projects strengthening our presence across markets with significant penetration in the tier III and IV cities. Tech adoptions across business touchpoints for increasing efficiency and enhancing in-app experience have been a priority. 2024 has already started on a strong note with the release of ‘Sam Bahadur’ and “The Kerala Story”. As the industry scales newer heights, ZEE5’s unwavering commitment will remain centered around delighting our users with more focus on delivering quality content seamlessly.”

    ZEE5 Global CBO Archana Anand said, “From the initial idea of taking our South Asian content global, to growing out the business to become the No.1 South Asian streaming platform internationally, it has been a remarkable journey. Today, ZEE5 Global stands as the premier destination for South Asian content, connecting the diaspora across the world with their language content. And as we continue to grow out our massive leadership in the US., our recent pivot to becoming an Aggregator of South Asian streaming platforms with the launch of ZEE5 Add-ons, only further cements our position in the market as the singular largest hub for South Asian content. South Asian stories are finally claiming their well-deserved spotlight on the global arena, and we look to be at the forefront of this conversation, setting the stage for even more disruptive growth.”

  • DP World ILT20 Season 2 records staggering 113M reach in its opening week

    DP World ILT20 Season 2 records staggering 113M reach in its opening week

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), India’s largest content and entertainment powerhouse, has announced the viewership numbers for the opening week of DP World ILT20’s second season.

    The tournament garnered an impressive reach of 113 million in its opening week, as per data released by BARC TV+OOH. The company has reported an uptick of 12 per cent as compared to last year among males 15+ in India’s urban audiences (15+; India urban). Furthermore, the time spent on the series has surged by an impressive 32 per cent among viewers aged 15 and above in urban markets across India (15+; India urban). This substantial increase in viewing duration emphasizes the league’s ability to captivate and retain the attention of its audience, contributing to a more immersive and rewarding viewer experience.

    The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches is being played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in the Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

    On the back of this, DP World ILT20 continues to successfully be the world’s second most-watched global T20 league. As the official global broadcast partner of the league, ZEE Entertainment offers the widest live coverage of the ongoing tournament through its 10 linear channels and streaming platform – ZEE5, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience for audiences across India and around the globe.

    Commenting on the announcement, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd president – business, South Asia Rahul Johri said, “We are delighted with the response that the second edition of DP World ILT20 has garnered. It is a testament of the league’s expanding appeal and a growing fan base across India. The event is escalating global enthusiasm for cricket, and we take immense pride in spearheading this phenomenon.”

    The truly-international T20 cricket league has proven to be an immense success, captivating fans worldwide as they eagerly tune in to witness the riveting action on the field. The competition has unfolded with intense and thrilling competition between teams, accompanied by stellar performances from players, creating a captivating spectacle that has consistently kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout the entire series.

    ZEE Entertainment had announced a star-studded panel of commentators, which include — Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Rohan Gavaskar, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Vivek Razdan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, who are joined by Alan Wilkins, Simon Doull, Daren Ganga, Danny Morrison and Niall O’Brien. With this distinguished commentary panel, ZEE Entertainment promises to offer a distinctive viewing experience, with iconic voices that promise to deliver captivating action from the league.

    Earlier this month, ZEE Entertainment unveiled its campaign film, featuring ace cricketer David Warner in a distinctive avatar along with Indian superstar Harbhajan Singh. Positioned as the biggest challenge for cricketers at the start of the year 2024, the campaign beautifully captures the passion and ambition of cricket players for this highly-competitive tournament, which will feature a roster of the most talented T20I cricketers.

    Cricket fans can watch this only-global T20 league on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and leading OTT platform ZEE5. All single header matches will be broadcast Live at 8 pm India prime time. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4 pm.

    (*Source: BARC: 2+, India U+R, [Including TV+OOH, LIVE+PPL])
     

  • ZEE Entertainment conducts board meeting to take note of merger termination notice by Sony

    ZEE Entertainment conducts board meeting to take note of merger termination notice by Sony

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (“ZEEL”), in its Board Meeting held today,  took on record communications received from Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Sony  Pictures Networks India) (“Culver Max”) and Bangla Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (“BEPL”) on 22 January 2024, purporting to terminate the Merger Co-operation Agreement dated 21 December 2021  (MCA), and seeking a termination fee of USD 90,000,000 (United States Dollars Ninety Million) on  account of alleged breaches by ZEEL of the terms of MCA, invoking arbitration and seeking interim  reliefs against ZEEL. ZEEL categorically denies all the assertions raised by Culver Max and BEPL on  the alleged breaches under the terms of the MCA, including their claims for the termination fee.

    The board of directors noted that all efforts and steps were taken by ZEEL in line with the Merger co-operation Agreement, approved by its shareholders and all regulatory authorities. ZEEL has consistently  worked towards the implementation of the mentioned scheme in the interest of the shareholders. ZEEL also held several deliberations and good faith negotiations with Culver Max and BEPL, with a view to consider an extension of the merger completion timeline, that did not materialise. ZEEL’s Board of Directors is evaluating all the available options. Based on the guidance received from the  Board, ZEEL will take all the necessary steps to protect the long-term interests of all its stakeholders,  including by taking appropriate legal action and contesting Culver Max and BEPL’s claims in the  arbitration proceedings.

    ZEEL inked the Merger co-operation agreement with Culver Max and BEPL on 21 December 2021,  in relation to the Composite Scheme of Arrangement, which was approved by the Mumbai bench of the  National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on 10 and 11 August 2023, respectively. Under the MCA, ZEEL exercised its right to require Culver Max and BEPL to enter into good faith  negotiations for a period of 30 days to arrive at a mutual agreement on the extension of the end date by a reasonable period of time for completion of the transaction as per the terms of the MCA.  During this period, despite conducting numerous deliberations in good faith, the parties failed to arrive  at a consensus on the purported pending conditions precedent that required action on the part of both  ZEEL and Culver Max, BEPL under the terms of the MCA Punit Goenka, MD & CEO of ZEEL, was agreeable to step down in the interest of the merger and proposals in this regard were discussed, including for appointment of a director on the Board of the merged company, protections for conduct of  pending investigations and legal proceedings in the best interest of ZEEL’s directors and shareholders and the consequent modifications to the scheme to incorporate the same. ZEEL proposed an extension  of a maximum period of six months for consummation of the transaction, however, Culver Max did not  provide any counter proposal for extension. These discussions did not result in any proposal from Sony  but they rather have chosen to terminate.

    ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chairman R. Gopalan said, “The board of directors has  taken note of Sony’s letters purporting to terminate the Merger co-operation Agreement, on the  company’s proposed merger with and into Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, invoking arbitration and  seeking interim reliefs. We are evaluating the next steps and considering the appropriate course of  action. The board has noted that the company took all the required steps in the course of its integration  journey over the last two years, to ensure that the scheme is implemented at the earliest. That said, the  board would like to assure its stakeholders that the company will take all the necessary actions, in the  best interest of all stakeholders, including by taking appropriate legal action and contesting Culver Max and BEPL’s claims in the arbitration proceedings. The board has complete faith in the highly  experienced senior management of the company and will continue to guide the team. We recognize and  value the trust our shareholders and stakeholders place in us, and we express gratitude for their  continued support.”

    ZEEL has displayed utmost commitment towards the merger by undertaking several permanent and  irreversible steps, resulting in one time and recurring costs for ZEEL. Despite this, the Company will  continue to evaluate organic and inorganic opportunities for growth, leveraging the intrinsic value of its  assets. ZEEL remains eternally grateful to its esteemed shareholders for their continued trust and belief in all its decisions. ZEEL also expresses immense gratitude to the legal and regulatory authorities for  their support in enabling the proposed merger and aims to continue working towards the overall growth  of the sector and Indian economy at large. The company recognises the efforts sown in by the teams, and remains grateful to all its business partners for their continued support. 

  • Sony calls off merger with Zee ?

    Sony calls off merger with Zee ?

    Mumbai: As per Bloomberg, Sony Group Corp. has officially informed Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. about its decision to cancel the merger between its India unit and the media network, bringing an end to a two-year acquisition saga. This move leaves Zee exposed to competition as its rivals strengthen their positions. The Japanese entertainment giant sent a termination letter to Zee on Monday, and it is expected to be disclosed to the exchange later, according to anonymous sources. The termination is attributed to the failure to meet the conditions of the merger agreement, as stated in the letter seen by Bloomberg.

    The termination comes after a prolonged deadlock between the companies, primarily revolving around the leadership of Zee’s CEO, Punit Goenka, in the merged entity. This issue arose amid an investigation into Goenka’s conduct by India’s capital markets regulator. The standoff has now seemingly thwarted the deal, which had the potential to create a $10 billion media giant capable of competing with global powerhouses like Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.

    Sony’s termination letter arrived following the expiration of a 30-day grace period over the weekend, during which the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a deadline set in late December.

    We will wait for an announcement from Sony, and Zee.”

     

  • ZEE Entertainment unveils star-studded commentator panel for DP World ILT20 Season 2

    ZEE Entertainment unveils star-studded commentator panel for DP World ILT20 Season 2

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), the official broadcaster of DP World ILT20, has announced a star-studded panel of commentators for the league’s upcoming second season. The world’s second most-watched league will be brought to life by a panel rounded-off with some of the leading cricketing experts in the world. The voices behind some of the most iconic moments in the sport in recent years — Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Rohan Gavaskar, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Vivek Razdan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, who will be joined by Alan Wilkins, Simon Doull, Daren Ganga, Danny Morrison and Niall O’Brien.

    With an illustrious array of distinguished personalities and renowned voices gracing the commentary panel, ZEE Entertainment promises to deliver captivating action from the league’s second season in an engaging and dynamic fashion. Former India captain Anjum Chopra as well as high-profile sports broadcasters Reema Malhotra and Natalie Germanos will be three esteemed female commentators on the panel.

    These accomplished individuals bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep passion for the game, promising to deliver comprehensive coverage and expert insights throughout the league’s upcoming season, elevating the cricket-viewing experience. The commentary will be available in English and Hindi languages.

    Starting 19th January 2024, cricket fans can watch this only global T20 league on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and leading OTT platform ZEE5. All single header matches will be broadcast Live at 8 pm India prime time, starting with the pre-match presentation at 7:30 pm. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4:00 pm.

    Speaking on this announcement, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) president – business Rahul Johri said, “We are delighted to unveil our distinguished commentator panel for the upcoming DP World ILT20 Season 2. The expertise and diverse perspectives of our esteemed commentators will undoubtedly enhance the excitement surrounding this premier cricketing event. As the upcoming season boasts presence of some of the biggest cricket stars worldwide, DP World ILT20 promises to be one of the most-competitive cricket leagues globally. With the league’s rising stature and global appeal, we are thrilled to bring this cricketing spectacle for the audience across the world.”

    Expressing his enthusiasm for commentating at the DP World ILT20, Virender Sehwag exclaimed, “UAE’s meteoric rise as a cricketing powerhouse in recent years is truly remarkable, and the DP World ILT20 is undoubtedly another jewel in its cricketing crown. As the highly anticipated Season 2 of the league is around the corner, I am anticipating electrifying performances from power-packed players. Following the phenomenal success garnered by the league’s inaugural season, I am confident in ZEE’s unwavering commitment to amplify the league and offer an exhilarating experience on display for global audiences.”

    Speaking about commentating in DP World ILT20, former legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram said, “I am truly thrilled to be part of the commentary team for the second season of DP World ILT20. The three iconic venues in the UAE will serve as the canvas for some of the most prominent T20 stars to showcase their talent.”

    Adding to this, former English cricketer and well-known commentator Alan Wilkins said, “I am honoured to be part of the esteemed commentary panel for the upcoming season of DP World ILT20. The recognised global league will be a celebration of the spirit of cricket as the sporting extravaganza unfolds across the UAE. As the second-most watched T20 cricket league globally, I believe that ZEE Entertainment is committed to making the league bigger and better, offering a fresh and exciting experience to a global audience.”

    Former Indian cricketer Rohan Gavaskar said, “As we step into the exciting journey of the DP World ILT20’s second season, I invite viewers to get ready for a captivating cricket experience on &Pictures and ZEE5. Featuring a global array of talent and strategic team plays, this season promises fans worldwide a thrilling and engaging spectacle.”

    Speaking about the magnitude of the league, former Pakistan cricketer and coach, Waqar Younis who will be part of the upcoming season’s commentator panel said, “DP World ILT20 is truly a cricketing rendezvous, featuring a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, making the league a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts globally. It is a celebration of cricketing diversity, with an array of player and team rivalries. I am very excited to be part of the commentators’ panel for the upcoming edition.”

    The truly international league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in the Season 2, including David Warner, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

    The 34-match event will be played at the three iconic UAE venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting 19 January 2024 to 17 February 2024. DP World ILT20 defending champions – Gulf Giants will be facing Sharjah Warriors, followed by Dubai Capitals’ opening match against MI Emirates. Dubai Capitals are set to begin their Season 2 on 20 January 2024. Last year’s runner-up Desert Vipers will open their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on 21 January at the Dubai International Stadium.

     

  • Zee Entertainment Targets 80 per cent plus prime-time viewership in the Telugu market.

    Zee Entertainment Targets 80 per cent plus prime-time viewership in the Telugu market.

    Mumbai: Media and entertainment company Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd aims to corner more than 80 per cent of prime-time television viewership in the Telugu market, as the overall southern territory emerges as its fastest-growing cluster within the television business, a senior company executive said. The company, which decided to tell more positive, women-centric stories post-COVID, operates 14 channels across the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam regions, and commands a 17 per cent market share in the south currently.

    “Southern markets like their content, be it movies or television. The average time spent per user is highest in the south and our effort, since our entry 18 years ago, has been to understand where the viewer is moving and juxtapose that into our content,”  Zee South chief cluster officer Siju Prabhakaran said in an interview. While the digital infrastructure improves and the region continues to see high penetration of mobile phones and the Internet, television will remain the first call of entertainment, the company believe.

    He added that the combined Zee-Sony entity (the merger deadline is 21 December) could have six to seven shows in the top ten in the Telugu market, besides an 80 per cent plus prime-time viewership share, which should be good news for advertisers. FMCG companies are particularly keen on the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana market.

    Also, retail, e-commerce and banking categories are emerging across the south, which also has the unique advantage of several local brands. “Television provides reach at the right cost and is here to stay. Business may not grow like it did 10-15 years ago, but the pace will remain steady,” he said.

    To be sure, concrete themes are emerging in the south Indian TV market, said Zee Telugu and Zee Keralam chief content officer  Anuradha Gudur. In the Telugu market, for instance, more males have entered the fold of TV viewing post covid and overall, there is demand for positive stories and stronger female characters. Prime-time viewership for Zee Telugu has grown by 38per cent in the year to October 2023.

    Two shows—Trinayani, about a woman who can predict the future, and Prema Entha Madhuram, which revolves around the love story of a middle-aged businessman and a young woman—have clocked in over ten television rating points.

    Zee Telugu, which ranks second in the market, commands a 33 per cent share, while Zee Tamil has registered a 20 per cent market share, despite the presence of legacy players like Sun TV. Zee Keralam, launched in 2018, has reached the number two position, while Zee Kannada ranks one in the market.

    Prabhakaran also pointed to the advantages of cross-pollination that a network like Zee enjoys. For example, Trinayani, a supernatural fiction television series on Zee Telugu, has been adapted from the eponymous Bengali language television series, which had been aired on Zee Bangla.

    The growth of digital media has also spelt good news for networks such as Zee that have benefited from streaming catch-up television content online.

    “Digital provides viewers with convenience and is growing. The second television set phenomenon has been replaced by OTT, and we see a lot of consumption taking place on connected TV sets,” Prabhakaran said, adding that while the company has brought out web originals in Tamil and Telugu, these are early days for the southern OTT market that is waiting to explode in the coming years.

    Sony Pictures Networks India Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) are facing hurdles in finalising their proposed merger due to a deadlock over leadership arrangements for the $10-bn merged entity, reports said.

  • David Warner joins DP World ILT20 & Zee Entertainment for ILT20 Season 2 campaign

    David Warner joins DP World ILT20 & Zee Entertainment for ILT20 Season 2 campaign

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., the leading Indian media & entertainment powerhouse, unveiled the highly anticipated marketing campaign for the second season for DP World ILT20. This season, the marketing campaign is being led by the world’s top cricketer David Warner along with Indian superstar Harbhajan Singh.

    The league’s global stature and the participation of marquee T20 cricketing talent; viewers will witness the players push their limits to emerge victorious, leaving ‘no stone unturned’ as they embark upon one of the toughest cricket leagues. Positioned as the biggest challenge for the cricketers at the start of new year 2024, the campaign “Koi Kasar Nahi Chhodenge” underscores their preparation, competitiveness, and commitment to the fans.  Following the success of the inaugural edition, ZEE is committed towards further strengthening the league’s appeal for viewers and partners alike.

    Slated to be the biggest T20 cricketing event at the beginning year 2024; the league features a roster of the most talented and celebrated international T20 cricketers. The 34-match event will be played at the three iconic cricketing destinations – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting from 19 January, 2024 until 17 February, 2024.

    Speaking at the campaign launch, Australian cricket star David Warner said, “As I gear up for my debut in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues, it’s truly an honor to be the face of this season’s marketing campaign. This campaign distinctly captures the league’s unparalleled stature and the exciting live cricketing contest viewers will enjoy over the 34 matches. It underscores the individual effort required at the world stage, with each cricketer giving their ultimate best. I am certain that the players will leave no stone unturned in their preparations ahead of the second season, as they strive to emerge victorious in the upcoming edition of the prestigious DP World ILT20.” Ace Australian cricketer David Warner is all set to make his debut in DP World ILT20, as part of the Dubai Capitals squad.

    The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches is played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Cricket fans can watch this action-packed event on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.

    ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) president – business Rahul Johri, “We are delighted to have David Warner along with league’s ambassador and commentator Harbhajan Singh to kick off DP World ILT20 Season 2 marketing campaign. The upcoming season will truly standout as one of the most significant T20 challenges and promises to offer thrilling action for cricket enthusiasts in India and around the world. With both David Warner and Harbhajan Singh seen in distinctive new avatars, the campaign film accentuates the fiercely competitive nature of DP World ILT20. At ZEE, through both linear television and streaming platform ZEE5, we aim to bring the excitement of the game to audiences like never before.”

    DP World ILT20 CEO David White said, “We are delighted to have David Warner and Harbhajan Singh in our Season 2 ad film. Warner is a fantastic cricketer and his passion for the game is well regarded around the world. Harbhajan is another great of the game, like Warner, Harbhajan has also made a big mark both as a cricketer, commentator and an entertainer. The two have done an incredible job in the ad film and I am sure that the ad film will leave a mark on cricket fans not only in India but around the world. The DP World ILT20 Season 2 will be richly entertaining for the fans, our broadcast partners Zee Network have put in an incredible effort in taking the tournament live around the world. We cannot wait for the action to begin on Friday, 19 January.”

    Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in the Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

    Following the opener in Sharjah between Sharjah Warriors and Gulf Giants on Friday, 19 January, Dubai Capitals will play MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday 20 January. Last year’s runner-up Desert Vipers will open their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium.

    All single header matches will be broadcast live at 8 pm India prime time, starting with the pre-match presentation at 7:30 PM. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4:00 pm.

    The campaign film is produced by tiqui-taka and their founder Jigar Fernandes, who has also directed the film.

  • ZEE sweeps Promax Asia & Digital Reinvent Awards 2023 clinching 15 awards

    ZEE sweeps Promax Asia & Digital Reinvent Awards 2023 clinching 15 awards

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), India’s leading content company, has swept the Promax Asia and the Digital Reinvent Awards, bagging a remarkable nine gold awards and six silver at the 2023 edition, for its unparalleled creativity and exceptional work in brand-defining campaigns.

    At the Promax Asia 2023 Awards, ZEE5’s ability to craft a compelling invite shone bright.  ZEE5’s ‘Kashmir Files’ trailer earned the coveted Best Factual Promo award, while the ‘Main Tajdaar’ video was awarded the Best Visual FX and Compositing for its captivating visuals and ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs’ bagged a Gold for the Best Reality promo. Additionally, ‘& Prive HD’ earned a gold award in the Best Editing category, while the striking series poster of ‘Ayali’ took home a gold in the Best Key Art category. Adding to ZEE’s accolades, Zee Café’s ‘Breaking Bad’ launch campaign and the ‘CVF Season 3’ launch promo garnered silver awards in the Best Drama Campaign and Best Reality Promo categories respectively. This impressive haul of metals is a testament to ZEE’s dedication to producing innovative and engaging content that resonates with audiences across Asia.

    At the Digital Reinvent 2023 Awards, the ‘Pitching to Ashneer Grover’ promo for ‘TVF Pitcher Season 2’secured gold in the ‘Best Use of Influencers Using Social Media’ category.  Zee Bangla dominated with their ‘Mother’s Day Campaign’ taking home gold for micro video content. The winning streak continued with their captivating ‘IPL Combat Campaign’ winning gold and ‘Neem Phuler Modhu’ launch campaign securing silver in the coveted Digital Brand Campaign of the Year award. The IPL Combat campaign’s success extended further with a silver in the Delivery on a Dime category.

    Zee Bangla’s ‘Neem Phuler Modhu’ launch campaign securing gold for “Organic Use of Social Media,” while the ‘Mother’s Day Campaign’ earned silver in the same category. Additionally, ZEE5’s ‘Taj: Divided by Blood Official Trailer’ also grabbed a silver under ‘Best in Promotion & Marketing: Trailer’ category.

    ZEE chief marketing officer – content SBU Kartik Mahadev said, “We are delighted about the wins at the recent Promax Asia and the Digital Reinvent 2023 awards. It has been our constant endeavour to leverage creativity and enable content discovery through compelling, insight-based invites that stand out amidst the clutter and I’d like to thank our internal teams at ZEE and creative partners in bringing this vision to life. These wins underscore the ability of our brands to consistently engage with viewers through a distinct point of view.”

    Promax India, the leading community in the nation’s entertainment market, successfully hosted the ‘Promax Asia India Awards 2023’ and the ‘Digital Reinvent 2023’ Awards, which commemorate remarkable accomplishments in the realms of entertainment marketing and design.

  • ZEE & nasscom forge partnership to support generative AI startups

    ZEE & nasscom forge partnership to support generative AI startups

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEE), India’s leading entertainment powerhouse today announced its partnership with nasscom for its recently-launched  Generative AI Foundry programme, that aims to foster innovation and growth in the start-up ecosystem.  Through the strategic partnership, ZEE’s Technology and Innovation Centre will primarily focus on enabling and supporting co-piloted generative AI solutions for India’s media and entertainment ecosystem.  

    In a collaborative effort, nasscom and ZEE’s Technology and Innovation Centre organised a one-day workshop to identify areas of mutual interest and explore synergies for potential partnerships. As part of the workshop, ZEE hosted 14 startups from the nasscom Generative AI Foundry programme at the ZEE  Technology & Innovation Hub in Bengaluru. With this one-of-its-kind initiative, the company aims to  foster collaborative growth and empower the select start-ups to succeed in the dynamic AI landscape.

    ZEE president – technology & data Nitin Mittal said “We are delighted to embark upon this exciting journey in collaboration with nasscom, aiming to shape the future of India’s AI community. The synergy between our endeavours, nasscom’s commitment to nurturing tech startups, and ZEE’s leadership in media innovation signifies more than just a convergence of minds—it represents a fusion of futuristic visions poised to define the industry’s next chapter. As a frontrunner in India’s M&E ecosystem, this partnership stands as a testament to our commitment towards elevating consumer experience by leveraging digital technologies. At ZEE, we believe that collaborations of this nature are instrumental in propelling the growth  of startups and fostering innovation in the India’s AI landscape.”

    nasscom ai head of Ankit Bose said “The partnership between both organisations is a significant one  for the Generative AI startups. It is heartening to witness excellent initiatives from the industry to collaborate with these startups. The innovative solutions possess the potential to transform various sectors  including M&E.”

    Nasscom’s Generative AI Foundry programme is aimed at nurturing technology startups in the AI domain to elevate India’s standing in the global Generative AI startup landscape. In a significant stride towards this mission, the programme, in collaboration with over 30 industry organizations and investors, selected  26 promising startups last month. These startups will receive comprehensive support, including mentorship, access to resources, funding, and industry connections, to propel their products to the next level.

    As ZEE joins forces with nasscom, the program is set to chart new frontiers and foster a collaborative environment that stimulates creativity and drives technological advancements. With a presence in over 190 countries offering quality content across multiple platforms and languages, reaching over 1.3 billion viewers, the benefits of the collaboration are set to have a significant influence on the M&E ecosystem in  India and beyond.

    Being an industry pioneer, ZEE has been consistently introducing an array of tech-centric initiatives in line with the vision and goals laid as part of its strategic vision. Following a tech-first approach, the company has been consistently enhancing its technological capabilities, leveraging AI to disrupt industry norms and provide an unparalleled experience to audiences globally.

  • ZEE5 bags multiple awards at The OTTplay Awards 2023

    ZEE5 bags multiple awards at The OTTplay Awards 2023

    Mumbai: ZEE5, India and Bharat’s largest home-grown video streaming platform, the OTT arm of ZEEL, bagged seven awards across categories at the OTTplay – One Nation, One OTT Awards 2023. ZEE5’s diverse range of titles including Ayali, Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai, Haddi, Chhatriwali, Tarla, shined at the event with seven accolades.

    Winning Categories:

    1.   Best Series – ‘Ayali’

    Emerging as a powerful reflection on patriarchal dynamics in India, ZEE5’s very own original ‘Ayali’ won the ‘Best Series’ title

    2.   Best Film on True Events – ‘Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai’

    The gripping courtroom drama inspired by a five-year-long standalone fight of lawyer Adv. PC Solanki, ‘Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai’ won the ‘Best Film on True Events’ title

    3.   Best Actor Male Film (Editor’s Choice) – Nawazuddin Siddiqui for his role in ‘Haddi’

    One of this era’s most versatile actors, Nawazuddin Siddiqui was bestowed the ‘Best Actor (Male) – Film’ (Editor’s choice) title for his performance in crime thriller ‘Haddi’

    4.   Best Actor Female Film (Popular Choice) – Rakul Preet Singh for her role in ‘Chhatriwali’

    Reigning the hearts of cinema lovers, Rakul Preet Singh received the ‘Best Actor (Female) – Film’ (Popular Choice) title for her captivating performance in ZEE5’s original social comedy ‘Chhatriwali’

    5.   Best Supporting Actor Male – Sharib Hashmi for his role in ‘Tarla’

    With his remarkable performance adding depth and authenticity to the film, Sharib Hashmi won the ‘Best Supporting Actor (Male)’ title for his role in ‘Tarla’

    6.   OTT Performer of the Year (Female) – Aditi Rao Hydari for her role in ‘Taj: Divided By Blood’

    Mesmerizing the audience with her elegance and captivating performance, Aditi Rao Hydari bagged the ‘OTT Performer of the Year (Female)’ award for her role in ZEE5’ original period drama ‘Taj: Divided By Blood’

    7.   Versatile Performer (Male) – Abhilash Thapliyal (Blurr)

    Proving his exceptional range and dedication to his craft, Mr. Abhilash Thapliyal bagged the ‘Versatile Performer (Male)’ title

    Hosted by OTTplay in partnership with Hindustan Times, the OTTPlay – One Nation, One OTT Award celebrates some of the most captivating OTT films, series, filmmakers and actors across all Indian languages that graced our screens in the past year. Being India’s first pan-nation OTT awards, OTTplay Awards is an ode to content that resonates with audiences nationwide. The event’s second edition took place on Sunday, 29 October 2023, at the Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai, which was attended by some of the most well-known names from the entertainment industry.