ITV

Tag: Zee Marathi

  • Kamali roars onto screens as 3,000 kids chant Shivstuti in record-setting launch

    Kamali roars onto screens as 3,000 kids chant Shivstuti in record-setting launch

    MUMBAI: Zee Marathi pulled off a launch fit for a legend with its new show Kamali, rallying over 3,000 schoolchildren in Thane for a mass chanting of the sacred Shivstuti, a tribute to Maharashtra’s iconic warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The thunderous homage, led by the show’s protagonist Kamali (played by Vijaya Babar), wasn’t just devotional; it was historical. The event has earned a proud place in the World Records Book of India.

    Held on 28 June at the Saraswati Mandir Trust Ground, the high-decibel spectacle began at 10:30 AM and turned into a moving celebration of Marathi pride and cultural legacy. Kamali’s lead cast – Vijaya Babar, Ketaki Kulkarni (Anika), and Nikhil Damle (Rishi) — joined the children in chanting, bringing added star power to a moment steeped in emotion and grandeur.

    The energy was electric. As chants soared and saffron flags fluttered, Zee Marathi received a formal certificate and medal for the record-breaking feat — a public relations dream and a symbolic launchpad for a show steeped in valor, tradition, and female strength.

    With Kamali, Zee Marathi is clearly not here to tiptoe. It’s charging in, script in one hand and sword in the other.

  • Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    MUMBAI:  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has closed its financial year on a high note, reporting a 32 per cent rise in EBITDA to Rs 11,962 million for FY25, powered by sharp cost control and solid performance across its digital and television businesses. The company’s board has recommended a dividend of Rs 2.43 per equity share of Re 1, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

    Zee’s traditional TV business held its ground, maintaining a stable 16.8 per cent share of the Indian TV network viewership, even as sports broadcasts slightly ate into general entertainment viewership. Notably, Zeel’s regional channels — Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu — emerged as strong performers.

    On the digital front, Zeel’s streaming platform Zee5 recorded a six per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 9,760 million in FY25. Even more impressive was the platform’s ability to rein in losses, slashing its EBITDA losses by Rs 5,572 million over the year. Zee5’s growth was fuelled by 20 new original titles, which helped it maintain user engagement despite a challenging digital ad market.

    Zee Studios had a busy quarter, releasing eight films across Hindi and regional languages, bolstering its presence in the domestic film market. Meanwhile, Zee Music Co (ZMC) continued its YouTube dominance, reaching 164 million subscribers with a whopping 190 billion views in FY25. ZMC added 14.7 million new subscribers during the year, solidifying its position as the second-largest music label on YouTube.

    Zee’s financials reflected strong cost discipline. Total revenue for FY25 stood at Rs 82,941 million, with an EBITDA margin of 14.4 per cent — a 390 basis point increase from FY24. Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations surged by 245 per cent to Rs 6,874 million, a testament to the company’s focus on profitability.

    The balance sheet looked rock-solid with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs 24.1 billion by March 2025, including Rs 2 billion from the first tranche of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB). The company’s net profit for the year came in at Rs 6,795 million, a massive 381 per cent jump over FY24.

    * Operating revenue for FY25: Rs 82,941 million, down four per cent YoY due to advertising pressure.
    * Expenditure fell by eight per cent to Rs 70,979 million, reflecting strong cost control.
    * EBITDA for FY25 rose to Rs 11,962 million, with a margin of 14.4 per cent, up 390 bps YoY.
    * Profit before tax (PBT) from continuing operations surged 143 per cent to Rs 9,261 million.
    * Zee’s all-India TV network share: 16.8 per cent, marginally down by 30 basis points YoY.
    * Regional powerhouses included Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu.
    * TV revenues saw a mixed bag, with advertising under pressure but subscription and syndication revenue offering a cushion.
    * Zee5 revenue: Rs 9,760 million, up 6 per cent YoY.
    * EBITDA losses cut by Rs 5,572 million in FY25.
    * Original content: 20 new titles, driving user engagement.
    * Syndication revenue provided an additional boost.
    * Zee Studios: Eight films released in Q4 FY25 across Hindi and regional languages.
    * Notable releases included Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (Zee Bangla), Naa Ninna Bidalaare  (Zee Kannada), Lakshmi Nivasam (Zee Telugu), and Gatti Melam (Zee Tamil).
    * Zee Studios maintained its focus on a balanced mix of in-house and distributed titles.
    * ZMC: Total subscribers: 164 million across all channels, up 14.7 million YoY.
    * Total video views: 190 billion in FY25.
    * ZMC remains the second-largest music label on YouTube globally.

  • Zee Marathi announces ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’

    Zee Marathi announces ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’

    Mumbai: Zee Marathi has announced new show, ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’, celebrated with a 25-hour bhajan marathon at the revered site of Pandharpur. This event not only broke the records but also etched a new chapter in the World Records Book of India.

    On 12 September, at 11:30 AM, the atmosphere in Pandharpur, Maharashtra was alive with harmonious melodies as devotees and music enthusiasts gathered to partake in this spiritual celebration. The Bhajan marathon, which continued until 1:00 PM on 13 September, was a vibrant expression of faith, community, and the inherent beauty within every individual. As the melodious chants filled the air, the voices of 15 dedicated bhajan groups, each contributed to a vibrant tapestry of devotion. In this harmonious confluence of sound and spirit.

    The uninterrupted 25-hour bhajan was performed by talented bhajan groups, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Following this remarkable marathon, the ‘Savalyachi Janu Savali’ team was honored with a certificate and medal from the World Records Book of India, generating substantial buzz around the show.

    In a heartfelt homage to tradition, the star cast, led by Prapti Redkar and Sainkeet Kamat, transformed the launch event into a sacred pilgrimage, as they adorned the ancient Pandharpur Temple with Tulsi leaves symbolizing their devotion and intertwining the essence of the show. This poignant gesture not only honoured the spiritual essence of the narrative but also united the cast with the community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were present.

  • Zee Marathi launches ‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’

    Zee Marathi launches ‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’

    Mumbai: Zee Marathi has launched its new cinematic television show, “Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada”, with the ambition to set new standards in Marathi GECs. The premise of the show based on the brother-sister bond is unique and not explored on Marathi television. To capture the authentic beauty and culture of Maharashtra, the show was filmed on location in Satara. The characters’ journeys are depicted on an unprecedented cinematic scale. The show’s unique narrative demanded a campaign of grand proportions, to captivate audiences across Maharashtra. From the initial release of the promotional video on social media, the response was nothing short of phenomenal, sparking excitement and anticipation. The campaign, powered by music, features the “Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada” song, set to become the Marathi brother-sister anthem.

    The launch of the show was befitting its cinematic feel when a larger-than-life 30-feet cutout of the character ‘Surya Dada’ was unveiled in Satara, where the storyline is based. This initiative created buzz and garnered attention at the grand premiere with the press and audience alike. The cutout was unveiled by the main cast of the show, Nitish Chavan, and Disha Pardeshi, along with the show’s producer, Shweta Shinde, in the presence of a live audience.

    The activity was followed by an on-ground premiere of the show for audiences and press alike. The response and the anticipation generated for the content have been heartening. In line with the scale of the campaign, airing a ‘Curtain Raiser’ for a fiction show was an unprecedented first for Marathi television.

    Zee Marathi and Zee Kannada chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur expressed, “‘Our latest project, ‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’, is set to revolutionize the Marathi TV landscape with its innovative storytelling and production quality approach. This serial promises to offer viewers an unparalleled cinematic experience, showcasing a compelling narrative that delves into the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships. With a focus on themes of love, duty, and familial bonds, the show is poised to resonate deeply with audiences. This ambitious venture underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of television content and marks a significant milestone in Marathi television. We are proud to bring this groundbreaking project to viewers and look forward to celebrating this new era in Marathi television together.”

    Zee Marathi chief channel officer V.R. Hema shared, “‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’ exemplifies Zee Marathi’s dedication to captivating storytelling and engaging viewing experiences. The show highlights the beautiful yet underexplored relationship between brothers and sisters, bringing to the fore an evocative and inspiring tale of a brother who supports his sister’s aspirations and tackles the societal conditioning that inhibits them. The premiere event in Satara was a tremendous success, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd in full support of their beloved character, Surya Dada. The energy and excitement at the event underlined the show’s growing anticipation and set the stage for a remarkable television experience.”

  • Zee Marathi embarks on a transformational journey

    Zee Marathi embarks on a transformational journey

    Mumbai: The words Mi Marathi Zee Marathi evoke a deep emotional connection with Marathi viewers, stirring feelings of pride, joy, and love, with a strong sense of Maharashtrian culture and family ties. This profound bond is celebrated through the channel’s new look, which embodies a fresh and vibrant representation of Maharashtrian traditions with a focus on growth and transformation. The refreshed packaging embodies dynamic energy, cultural richness, and joyful symbols honouring Marathi heritage through the Sonchafa flower.

    With changing market trends and consumer preferences, the channel has refreshed its approach to content viewing that resonates with today’s audience of all age groups. It is the only channel in the Marathi General Entertainment Channel (MGEC)  flourishing alongside high-impact sports properties. This success speaks volumes about content quality and appeal. In the past six months, innovatively designed non-fiction shows like ‘Jau Bai Gavat’ drove a 41% increase in the original slot viewership, and a significant 12% increase in Time Spent Viewing (TSV), alongside the launches of new fiction shows ‘Paaru’, ‘Shiva’, ‘Navri Mille Hitlerla’, and ‘Punha Kartavya Aahe’ marking a growth journey. Extensive consumer work guided the creation of new content tailored for Maharashtrian households, revealing a progressive mindset among viewers. Zee Marathi aims to inspire, particularly women, to shape their destinies. Existing and upcoming shows reflect this diversity in characters, concepts, and narratives.

    ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. chief cluster officer for South & West Sinu Prabhakaran shared his enthusiasm for the channel’s refreshed look. He expressed, “Zee Marathi has garnered significant admiration over the past two decades among the viewers, resonating deeply with their socio-cultural values and portraying stories that mirror their everyday experiences. Our fresh narratives and characters are tailored to connect with the modern woman, who is embracing a new perspective, broadening her horizons, and finding a deeper sense of purpose. This essence is beautifully encapsulated in the new look of the channel.”

    Zee Marathi & Zee Kannada chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur, expressed, “Our commitment to ground-breaking content shines through our recent successes. ‘Jau Bai Gavat’ marked a pioneering move into the Marathi space, resonating deeply with viewers. By strategically scheduling 7 days of original fiction during IPL, we not only boosted viewership but also stood out in the industry. Our prime-time content line-up refresh has kicked off with 4 launches in FY24- Q4 – ‘Paaru’, ‘Shiva’, ‘Navri Mile Hitler La’, and ‘Punha Kartavya Aahe’ and they have received great buzz and audience response. On the back of the refresh, we are excited to announce 2 more new shows ‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’ and ‘Drama Juniors’, promising a fresh and diverse viewing experience.”

    Zee Marathi chief channel officer V. R Hema added, “To fortify consumer love, we initiated a content transformation, delivering on our promises to viewers before reinforcing the shift with our brand’s refreshed look. Content depth and execution excellence drive our engagement strategy, guiding our journey to growth. As the sole channel in MGEC to increase GRPs and market share despite the peak cricket season challenge, we take pride in our new line-up’s appeal. The channel’s refreshed appearance reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, aesthetically pleasing content, fostering a deep connection with viewers, and embodying the spirit of ‘Mi Marathi, Zee Marathi’.”

  • Zeel Q2 PAT down by 58.3%; revenue up by 2.5%

    Zeel Q2 PAT down by 58.3%; revenue up by 2.5%

    Mumbai: Zee Enterprise Entertainment on Friday reported that second quarter revenue grew by 2.5 per cent to Rs 20,284 million compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal. Q2 FY23 Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) was down 28 per cent to Rs 2,973 million. It was impacted by slower growth in revenue and elevated investment in content, marketing, and technology. Ebitda margin was 14.7 per cent compared to 20.8 per cent for the same quarter in the previous fiscal. Profit after tax (PAT) fell by 58.3 per cent to Rs 1,128 million. Profit Before Tax fell by 50.7 per cent to $1,769 million.

    It said that a challenging macroeconomic environment continues to impact operating performance. Domestic ad revenues came in at Rs. 9,610 million, a decline of 7.7 per cent. Ad revenue growth was hampered by FTA withdrawal (Zee Anmol) and a difficult macroeconomic environment. Other sales and services revenue YoY is up 92 per cent aided by theatrical revenues and other syndication deals. Programming and technology costs increased due to higher theatrical releases, investments in Zee5 and higher programming hours in the linear business. Subscription revenue was up 4.2 per cent compared to the same quarter in the previous fiscal year.

    Q2 FY23 subscription revenues were aided by catch-up revenue from the previous quarter in the linear business and underlying organic growth in Zeee5 and music subscription revenues. Other sales and services revenue was up by 92 per cent aided by theatrical revenues and other syndication deals. The increase in marketing costs on a YoY basis is on account of new content launches and higher theatrical releases. Internationally, in Q2 FY23 ad revenue was Rs 518 million and subscription revenue was Rs 1,060 million.

    It stated that it would continue to invest in ZeeTV, Zee Marathi, Zee Tamil, and Movies in order to increase market share.

    Further, it strengthened its market position in Bangla, Odiya, Telugu and in the Kannada market. Q2 FY23 all-India TV network share was 16 per cent. QoQ it was up by 30 bps.

    Its OTT platform Zee5 reported Q2 revenues of Rs1,671 million, marking a 28 per cent growth over the same period in the previous fiscal. Zee5 global MAUs in Q2 FY23 were 112.4 million. This was an increase of 19 million over the same period in the previous fiscal year. The average watch time per month in Q2 FY23 was 198 minutes, an increase of 12 minutes over the same period in the previous fiscal. Over 66 shows and movies (including six originals) were released during the quarter.

    For Zee Studio, four Hindi and six regional movies were released during the quarter. Zeel also said that Zee Music Company is the second-largest music label with 89 million subscribers on YouTube.

  • Charter communications signs deal with Zee for distribution in the US

    Charter communications signs deal with Zee for distribution in the US

    Mumbai: Charter Communications announced the launch of new South Asian-focused video packages with up to 24 new channels as part of a programming expansion made possible in part by a distribution agreement for all of India’s Zee channels.

    The new India View packages, which feature significantly more content than Charter’s previous South Asian video offerings, are available to spectrum TV subscribers as well as customers who prefer to receive a streaming video package over the Internet+.

    The most popular Indian networks and Zee channels have been added to the India View tiers as part of Charter’s new distribution agreement with Asia TV USA, a Mumbai-based affiliate of Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

    The agreement includes the addition of 22 ZEE channels in multiple languages for spectrum video customers, including &TV, Zee Bangla, Zee Kannada, Zee Keralam, Zee Marathi, Zee Punjabi, Zee Tamil, Zee Telugu, Zee News, Zee World, and WION, in addition to the renewal of the agreement for the flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV, which is already offered by Charter.

    Charter’s executive vice president of programming acquisition, Tom Montemagno, said,”Our agreement with ZEE gives Spectrum customers access to some of the most popular news, sports, and entertainment programming from India in multiple languages.”

    He further said, “The addition of ZEE’s channels to our lineup enables us to offer our customers South Asian-focused video packages that are meaningfully more robust, with enhanced flexibility and value, and directly aligns with our commitment to provide programming that reflects our customers’ diverse interests and perspectives.”

    To promote the new programming and India View tiers, Charter and Zee have launched a co-branded marketing campaign in Spectrum markets with large South Asian populations, such as Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas, focusing on the streaming packages India View Stream ($19.99/month) and India View Stream Plus ($29.99/month).

    Zee’s agreement with the companies is the latest step in the company’s efforts to serve the growing South Asian communities in the United States. Since 1998, Zee has been present in the United States, promoting culturally rich stories while connecting South Asian audiences to their heartland.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises content and international markets president Punit Misra said,”The U.S. market is an important part of Zee Entertainment’s international strategy, and the increase in the South Asian population in the U.S. gives us an opportunity to serve the content needs of the growing population segment,”

    He added, “The vast majority of our audiences who live in the U.S. are foreign-born and have immigrated to the U.S. There is a very strong brand affinity in this group towards ZEE. We are delighted to expand our partnership with Charter to make this premium suite of channels available to Spectrum customers.”

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief business officer for international business Ashok Namboodiri said, “Our partnership with Charter is extremely vital to our growth objectives in the U.S., and the agreement facilitates the availability of a large variety of entertainment options targeted towards the South Asian audiences for Spectrum customers.”

    He added, “In addition to the Hindi content, we firmly believe that our next set of growth is expected from the vernacular languages like Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, and Punjabi, and ZEE is evaluating various production opportunities which will bring immense value to this growing population segment in the United States.”

  • Zee Marathi organises rally for their show ‘Appi Amchi Collector’

    Zee Marathi organises rally for their show ‘Appi Amchi Collector’

    Mumbai: Zee Marathi introduced its new show Appi Amchi Collector by organising a grand road show in Kolhapur and Satara. 

    A mega rally was held as part of the promotion for the show, and journalists and internet users from Kolhapur and Satara responded in a very positive way.

    The lead actress Shivani Naik (Appi) and producer Shweta Shinde’s drumming talent drew the attention of netizens. The collector of Satara District Ruchesh Jayavanshi attended the event, which was held at Chhatrapati Shivaji College in Satara.

    The actors of the show, including Naik and Santosh Patil (Bapu), as well as the show’s producers Shinde, Sanjay Khambe and Sheikh Madam, were all in attendance.

    Jayavanshi and the performers seized the chance to impart their insightful advice to the kids and other audience members. 

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief cluster officer – north, west & premium channels Amit Shah said, “Zee Marathi has been an intrinsic part of every Maharashtrian household, and we take immense pride in serving content that is a true reflection of Maharashtra’s rich cultural legacy. Keeping our consumers’ evolving content choices at the fore, we have been taking significant steps to enhance our content slate and deliver the best of entertainment.”

    He further added, “We are glad to unveil our latest offering, Appi Amchi Collector, with a grand rally in Satara and Kolhapur. Zee Marathi constantly aspires to craft innovative solutions that grab the attention of our partners and are also adored by our viewers. The innovative marketing activity undertaken for this show has garnered us an extremely positive response, which further gives us the confidence that this upcoming show will be well-received by our audiences.”

    Zee Marathi started airing the show from 22 August 2022, every Monday to Saturday at 7.00 p.m.

  • Zee Marathi launches ‘Satyavan Savitri’ in 3D visual effects

    Zee Marathi launches ‘Satyavan Savitri’ in 3D visual effects

    Mumbai: Zee Marathi has launched a mythological show Satyavan Savitri to offer a visual treat to the audiences with its spectacular 3D visual effects (VFX). It adds grandeur and takes viewers into different dimensions to enthrall them. Zee Marathi has become the first ever Marathi GEC to amp up the entertainment quotient with this brilliant move.

    Over the last twenty years, Zee Marathi has established itself not just as a channel but as Maharashtra’s socioeconomic and cultural facilitator. With its rich legacy and strong foothold in the Maharashtra market, Zee Marathi has always set high benchmarks when it comes to creativity and innovation.

    Keeping up to its unique format, the show was also launched in an innovative manner, wherein the media was given an exceptional experience using virtual reality storytelling. With the virtual reality (VR) glasses on, the media plunged themselves into the immersive & engaging three-dimensional world of Satyavan Savitri. The cast of the show took this exciting experience too and were mesmerized by the output of the show. Zee Marathi has always kept its audiences at the centre of all its decisions, and the channel extended this experience to its beloved audiences as well. Zee Marathi is visiting audiences across Maharashtra and showing them the magic behind the VR glasses. This unique promotional activity is leaving the audiences surprised.

    Commenting on this, Zee Entertainment Enterprises chief cluster officer – north, west & premium channels Amit Shah said, “Zee Marathi is not just a channel but also a mirror to the cultural heritage of Maharashtra. The channel has always pushed its boundaries to enhance its offerings and present top-notch entertainment to its viewers. This time, Zee Marathi is not just offering the folklore of Satyavan Savitri but is bringing forth the most exciting visual treat to them with 3D VFX which offers an unusual viewing experience. We hope that the audience appreciates our efforts and enjoys this unique experience and the show.”

  • Zee Marathi announces new season of ‘Home Minister’

    Zee Marathi announces new season of ‘Home Minister’

    Mumbai: Zee Marathi has announced a new season of its longest-running game show “Home Minister.” The upcoming edition titled “Mahaminister” will premiere on 11 April, with one-hour episodes airing every day.  

    The channel recently released a promo of the show featuring host Adesh Bandekar.

    Over the years, the ‘Paithani’ – a popular variety of sari – has become synonymous with the show. The upcoming season, which will take place in various prominent cities of Maharashtra, will see the winner take home a ‘Paithani’ worth Rs 11 lakh, said the statement.

    “In the glorious 22 years of Zee Marathi’s journey, ‘Home Minister’ has been a magnum opus,” commented Zee Marathi business head Nilesh Mayekar. “The show has won billions of hearts and got unwavering support from the audience. To return the love, we decided to introduce the new season with a bang. ‘Mahaminister’ is going to be grand. We are getting great responses from the audience since the promo was released.”  

    “At Zee Marathi, we have been known for creating content formats that are led from a strong consumer understanding and have the innate ability to capture our viewers’ hearts. Among such formats in the channel’s rich legacy has been ‘Home Minister’, one of the longest-running and most popular shows for the channel,” shared Zee chief cluster officer for North, West and premium Amit Shah. “We are excited as the show embarks on a new journey as we enhance this format further with the new season. Mahaminister will be bigger, grander, and much more exciting, and we are sure it will keep audiences hooked to their screens.”