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Tag: Zee5

  • ZEE5 makes its Malayalam original debut with ‘Kammatam’

    ZEE5 makes its Malayalam original debut with ‘Kammatam’

    MUMBAI: ZEE5 is rolling out the red carpet in Kerala, and it’s not for a romcom. The home-grown streaming giant is making its Malayalam original debut with Kammatam — a gritty, no-nonsense crime thriller inspired by a real-life murder that rattled Thrissur and the state at large.

    Premiering 29 August, the six-part investigative series is directed by Shan Thulasidharan and backed by 23 Feet Productions. It stars national award-winner Sudev Nair as circle inspector Antonio George — a man who smells something off when a planter’s suspicious “accident” scene doesn’t add up. A missing necklace, a dead auto driver with a shady past, and a mysterious two-wheeler later, and George finds himself knee-deep in a sinister web of lies, silence, and moral rot.

    Joining Nair is a powerhouse cast including Jins, Jeo Baby, Ajay Vaasudev, Akhil Kavalayoor, Arun Sol, Sreerekha, and Jordy Poonjaa. Together, they bring to life a story laced with betrayal, blood, and quiet rage — a far cry from your garden-variety whodunit.

    Set against the humid, brooding backdrop of Kerala’s heartland, Kammatam doesn’t just deliver on suspense — it unearths uncomfortable truths about complicity, conscience, and the cost of silence. ZEE5, which has been steadily expanding its regional footprint, is clearly not here to play it safe in the Malayalam market.

    Lloyd Xavier, senior vice president – marketing South and business Head – ZEE5 Tamil & Malayalam  said, “Kammatam exemplifies the compelling storytelling that defines Malayalam content, rooted, realistic and deeply engaging. Inspired by true events and set against the nuanced backdrop of small-town Kerala, the series delivers a gripping narrative with morally complex characters and sharp investigative drama. As we continue to strengthen our Malayalam slate, Kammatam reinforces our commitment to offering content that not only entertains but also reflects the cultural and emotional depth of the region.”

    Shan Thulasidharan, director of Kammatam said, “Kammatam is a grounded thriller built on real events that once shook a quiet town. The story draws its strength from the community’s closeness, yet secrets run deep. Filming in such an authentic setting allowed us to bring out the eerie normalcy that surrounds the unfolding mystery. We focused on telling a taut, character-driven story that feels real, unsettling, and deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural fabric”

    One thing’s certain: with Kammatam, ZEE5 isn’t just dipping its toes into Malayalam content — it’s diving headfirst into the deep end. And it’s bringing the body count with it.

  • Zee5 launches 5 free streaming channels on LG Smart TVs across India

    Zee5 launches 5 free streaming channels on LG Smart TVs across India

    MUMBAI: TV’s gone lean-back, not laid back and Zee5 is making sure your living room feels like a blockbuster. In a move that turbocharges its Connected TV game, Zee5 has launched five new genre-specific FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels on LG Channels, the built-in, free streaming platform available on all LG Smart TVs.

    The new channels Z Dil Se, Z Horror Nights, Z Comedy Nation, Z Cine Classic, and Z South Flix are aimed at viewers who want high-quality, no-strings-attached entertainment, ranging from nostalgic Hindi films and supernatural spooks to dubbed South blockbusters and feel-good family comedies. And the best part? They’re completely free, with no subscriptions, sign-ins, or downloads needed.

    Drawing from Zee5’s massive library of content spanning over 30 years of legacy IP, these channels are curated into snackable, always-on programming blocks tailored for India’s growing lean-back audience. With 5 genre-rich streams ready to go, all you need is a remote and a couch.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal explained, “Our FAST channel expansion to LG devices, backed by LG’s presence in Indian households, ensures seamless and free access to genre-led, high-quality content. It’s about more than just distribution, it’s about elevating the Connected TV experience for both viewers and advertisers.”

    LG Electronics India director of media entertainment solution Brian Jung added, “Zee5’s new FAST channels on LG make premium, culturally relevant, family-first content available without barriers. No paywalls, no passwords just pure entertainment.”

    Available instantly on LG Channels via the home screen of LG Smart TVs, these new additions represent a major stride in Zee5’s Connected TV ambitions, targeting India’s 20 million plus Smart TV households. For advertisers, the move opens doors to a highly engaged, screen-led demographic in a premium ad-supported format.

    Whether you’re in the mood for classic Govinda, spooky thrillers, or South Indian action dubbed in Hindi, Zee5’s FAST channels have a channel just for you no fees, just feels.

  • Nash8 drops a manga bomb with Too Yumm! and Ananya Panday

    Nash8 drops a manga bomb with Too Yumm! and Ananya Panday

    MUMBAI: Nash8, the two-year-old rebel in India’s creative agency circuit, is turning heads and thumbing through manga to redefine digital-first storytelling. Its latest campaign for Too Yumm! K-Bomb, featuring Ananya Panday, is a full-blown manga-meets-masala moment crafted with Gen Z precision and platform-native flair.

    The campaign’s centrepiece is a short-form podcast in manga style, dropped straight into Instagram Reels, with Panday as a snappy, snack-obsessed alter ego. Vibrant visuals, QR-led real-world extensions, and billboard art channelled straight from Tokyo’s street corners. this wasn’t an ad, it was a digital universe.

    “Gen Z can smell a traditional ad from a mile away,” saID Nash8 founder and creative director, Nasheet Shadani. “For Too Yumm!, we created a universe that didn’t just reference manga — it lived and breathed it. We read over 50 manga books before we even started designing. That’s the kind of depth we try and bring to the table.”

    With clients like Urban Company, MakeMyTrip, Zee5, and NoBroker already under its belt, Nash8’s approach is crystal clear: no repurposed TVCs, just scroll-stopping, mood-board-ready stories that feel more vibe than pitch.

    In an industry still catching up to Gen Z’s attention span, Nash8 is proving that the future of advertising isn’t about shouting louder, it’s about speaking the right language, one perfectly placed frame at a time.

  • Zee5 gives viewers a reel treat with free Friday movie premieres

    Zee5 gives viewers a reel treat with free Friday movie premieres

    MUMBAI: Popcorn’s optional, but the binge is guaranteed. Zee5 has rolled out a free film fest with its new Friday Box Office initiative, letting users across India stream top movies without paying a rupee and yes, they’re bringing out the big titles. Starting 20 June, Zee5 will premiere one major hit every Friday free for all across seven Indian languages: Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. It’s not a one-off either. Each film stays on the platform for a few weeks, giving users time to discover, watch and rewatch at their own pace.

    The lineup reads like a pan-India film award show: Tarla, Pad Man, Lost, Projapoti, Aparajito, Vikram Vedha, Valimai, Bangarraju, Geetha Govindam, Drishya 2, Tonic and more representing not only Zee5’s vast catalogue but its regional storytelling might.

    “At Zee5, we believe great stories should be within everyone’s reach,” said Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief marketing officer, Kartik Mahadev. “Friday Box Office is our way of democratising entertainment and inviting new users into the Zee5 world.”

    The move isn’t just a generous crowd-pleaser, it’s a savvy growth play. By opening up premium content for free, Zee5 is aiming to build user habit, grow engagement, and reaffirm its positioning as India’s go-to platform for inclusive, multilingual streaming.

    With India’s streaming audience getting younger, hungrier, and more language-diverse, Zee5’s new box office is taking blockbuster Fridays from theatres to screens subscription not required.

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  • Zee5 reboots with a bang: new look, new packs, and a love letter to Indian languages

    Zee5 reboots with a bang: new look, new packs, and a love letter to Indian languages

    MUMBAI: Zee5 just hit refresh over the weekend —and it’s speaking your language, literally. The homegrown OTT giant has rolled out a bold new brand identity, tech-fuelled upgrades, and a strategic pivot that’s rooted in regional pride, promising to be India’s most culturally authentic streamer yet.

    With its shiny new tagline Apni Bhasha, Apni Kahaniyan (My Language, My Stories), Zee5’s relaunch isn’t just cosmetic. It’s a full-throttle shift to a language-first, audience-personalised platform designed to woo viewers from every Indian pin code—and beyond.

    From slick new UI/UX features and AI-powered recommendations to storylines inspired by folklore and forgotten heroes, the platform is now structured around three pillars: content, experience, and affordability. Each major Indian language will have its own vertical, with dedicated teams creating hyper-local narratives that speak straight to the heart.

    The streamer’s language packs start at Rs 120/month, while the Hindi + Punjabi + Bhojpuri bundle comes in at Rs 220/month. The all-access plan, covering everything from Bengali thrillers to Tamil dramas, is pegged at Rs 320/month. Annual variants are on offer too.

    Upcoming titles include:
    * Detective Sherdil and Chhal Kapat: The Deception (Hindi)
    * Sattamum Neethiyum (Tamil)
    * Maarigallu (Kannada)
    * Mothubaru Love Story (Telugu)
    * Aata Thambhahya Naay (Marathi)
    * Vibhishan (Bengali)
    * Inspection Bungalow (Malayalam)

    “Our new brand identity marks a pivotal step in our journey to become a deeply personalized, language-first platform that mirrors the diversity of Indian audiences,” says Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) president digital businesses and platforms Amit Goenka,. “Our strategic focus is clear – strengthen our footprint across India and global markets, deepen engagement through culturally relevant storytelling, and continue building a tech-enabled, scalable platform that’s personalized and intuitive. It’s a cultural shift in how consumers discover, connect with, and consume Indian entertainment globally.”

    Zeel chief marketing officer Kartik Mahadev added: “Our brand campaign with the tagline Apni Bhasha. Apni Kahaniyan is rooted in the idea that language is belonging, a celebration of a deeply personal emotion. A story told in your language feels like it’s lived in and not just watched. Going across seven languages, this multi-lingual campaign is designed to resonate with large and small towns alike, including tier two , tier three cities as well as with global audiences. Rooted in our language-first content strategy and hyper-local personalization, this campaign brings to life Zee5’s belief that in your language, stories are endless.”

    Zeel chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur elaborated: “At Zee5, we’ve always believed that powerful storytelling begins with deep cultural insight. We’re deeply committed to serving audiences that have historically been underserved. By leaning into their realities, their languages, and their everyday stories, we’re expanding not just what we create-but who we create it for. Whether it’s long-form originals, short-form bites, or experimental formats, our goal is to delight viewers on their terms. This isn’t just a content strategy-with our language packs rollout, we are placing language at the centre of discovery, access, and engagement.”

    Zee5’s reboot to Z5 aligns with parent company Zeel’s  larger brand promise, “Yours Truly, Z”, and underscores the platform’s evolution into a truly Indian, truly inclusive digital home for stories in every shade and syllable.

    Watch the brand film here: Z5 – My Language, My Stories.

  • Finale Countdown Hits a High Note with Zee5’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live

    Finale Countdown Hits a High Note with Zee5’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live

    MUMBAI: Cue the drumroll, Karnataka, your favourite musical face-off is tuning into the digital age like never before. Zee5 is turning up the volume with a first-of-its-kind exclusive livestream of the Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa grand finale, streaming before TV on 5 June 2025. One of the biggest digital leaps in Indian reality television, this grand event marks the platform’s most ambitious live telecast yet, and it’s pulling out all the stops from fan-voting rewards to legendary judges and Rs 99 subscriptions that come with a side of surprises.

    Hosted by fan-favourite Anushree, the finale brings together a power-packed panel of judges Vijay Prakash, Rajesh Krishnan, and Arjun Janya who’ve helped shape Karnataka’s contemporary music scene and mentored countless rising stars along the way.

    What’s more, viewers are now part of the action like never before. From 14 May till two days before the finale, fans can log into the Zee5 app and vote for their favourite singer to win the title of “Most Popular Singer.” One lucky superfan might even be crowned the “Most Favourite Voter”, unlocking exclusive goodies.

    Zee5 and Zee Kannada business head Deepak Sriramulu stated, “Regional content continues to be a key pillar of our growth at Zee5, along with music playing a powerful role in connecting communities. The Grand Finale of Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a celebration of Karnataka’s rich musical legacy, and we are proud to bring this iconic cultural experience live to audiences across the globe. With exclusive digital-first access on Zee5, we’re taking regional entertainment to the next level, making it more immersive, interactive, and accessible than ever before. This marks the first time such a landmark event is being brought to life in the digital space, and it sets the stage for many exciting opportunities in the future as we continue to redefine how audiences engage with regional culture and music.”

    With its growing emphasis on regional-first entertainment, Zee5 continues to hit the high notes when it comes to local engagement. The platform’s Rs 99 subscription offer not only gets users early access to the musical finale but also puts them in the running for rewards making bingeing both emotional and rewarding.

    So whether you’re team high-octane vocals or rooting for that soulful crooner, this June 5th, your living room becomes the front row of Karnataka’s biggest musical celebration streaming exclusively, only on Zee5.

  • Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first

    MUMBAI: It wasn’t just the stars who shone this time, the fans had the final curtain call. The 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, presented by Maruti Suzuki, turned Mumbai’s NSCI Dome into a pulsating celebration of Indian cinema, where fandom met flair and the purple carpet shimmered with both glamour and gratitude.

    This wasn’t your usual awards night. It was fantertainment, as Zee dubbed it, a grand ode not only to the cinematic hits of the past year but to the people who made them resonate: the audience. With a stage set for celebration, the night transformed into a carnival of charisma, dance, drama and dazzling recognition.

    The purple carpet looked straight out of a Bollywood dream. Kartik Aaryan oozed old-school charm in an all-grey ensemble, while Ananya Panday stunned in a crisp white saree. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia set the black-dress bar high, joined by head-turners like Sharvari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor. From Tiger Shroff’s street-smart swag to Bobby Deol’s white-suited flair, the fashion parade was nothing short of fabulous.

    And when the lights dimmed, the drama dialled up. Kartik kicked off the performances with Bhool Bhulaiyaa energy, while Ananya, Tamannaah, and Tiger kept the heat alive with high-octane dance numbers. Sharvari, Rasha Thadani, Jacqueline, and Vaani followed suit, bringing a fresh mix of grace and groove. The lively trio of Vikrant Massey, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ravi Kishan took hosting duties to entertaining new highs with sharp humour and seamless banter.

    But the night wasn’t just about razzle-dazzle. It was about recognition with heart, honouring not just the big names but also the behind-the-scenes powerhouses: directors, technicians, debutantes, and everyone who made magic on screen in 2024. And for the first time, the event truly acknowledged the power of the public those who clap, stream, binge, rewatch, and believe in cinema.

    The 23rd edition also delivered poignant moments: fan tributes, heartfelt speeches, and curtain calls that brought cinema’s emotional pulse to the forefront. In a world obsessed with box office numbers, this night was a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about connection.

    So if you missed the magic, don’t worry Zee Cinema, Zee Tv and Zee5 are where the show goes on. Because when cinema’s brightest gather and fans take the spotlight, it’s not just an awards show, it’s a love letter to the stories that bring us together.

  • 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.

  • Zee5 enters Kannada originals with eerie thriller Ayyana Mane

    Zee5 enters Kannada originals with eerie thriller Ayyana Mane

    MUMBAI: Zee5, is making its much-anticipated Kannada original debut with Ayyana Mane—a gripping supernatural crime drama that unravels dark family secrets hidden behind ancestral doors.

    Directed by Ramesh Indira and produced by Shruthi Naidu Productions, the seven-episode mini-series stars Kushee Ravi, Akshya Nayak, and Manasi Sudheer. Set in the 1990s in the mist-laden hills of Chikmagalur, the story follows Jaji (played by Ravi), a newlywed bride who enters her husband’s ancestral home, unaware of the chilling history that awaits her.

    The Ayyana Mane household has seen three mysterious deaths—each one a daughter-in-law, each one linked to the family’s powerful deity, Kondayya. When Jaji arrives, what begins as a hopeful new chapter soon turns into a descent into fear, where whispers of curses and eerie coincidences blur the line between reality and superstition. With the help of the loyal maid Taayavva and police officer Mahanthesh, Jaji begins to piece together a horrifying puzzle—one that might cost her life.

    Zee5 spokesperson shared, “Kannada cinema has a rich legacy of storytelling, with audiences deeply connected to stories that blend culture, mystery, and emotion. Ayyana Mane is a perfect example of this—a crime drama infused with supernatural suspense, set in the breathtaking yet enigmatic town of Chikmagalur, where mist-covered hills and age-old traditions create the perfect backdrop for an eerie mystery. The show’s authentic locations, high-tech visuals, and immersive storytelling bring the haunting atmosphere to life, making it a truly amazing experience. We’re excited to expand our regional content slate with such interesting shows and Ayyana Mane is just the beginning of what’s to come for Kannada viewers on Zee5.”

    Director Indira stated, “With Ayyana Mane, I wanted to create more than just a mystery; I wanted to take the audience on a journey where fear, faith, and family secrets intertwine. This story is deeply rooted in Kannada culture, exploring the weight of traditions, the power of belief, and the darkness that sometimes hides within the familiar. The eerie ’90s setting adds to the tension, making the house feel like a character with secrets. Working with such a talented cast, especially Ravi, Nayak, Sudheer and producer Shruti Janardhana Naidu, who has brought this vision to life in the most haunting way. I hope Ayyana Mane keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and makes them question how much of what we fear is real and how much is created by those around us.”

    Ravi reflected, “Stepping into Jaji’s world felt like walking into a beautifully woven nightmare—one where every corner hides a secret, and every shadow whispers a warning! She starts off as an innocent, loving wife, deeply respectful of traditions, but as eerie events unfold, her quiet curiosity becomes her greatest strength—and possibly her biggest danger. Playing her was an intense experience, as she’s caught between fear, faith, and the desperate need to survive. Ayyana Mane isn’t just a mystery; it’s an emotional rollercoaster, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience its chilling secrets firsthand!”

     

  • Urvashi Sharma joins Havas Play, bringing digital flair to experiential marketing

    Urvashi Sharma joins Havas Play, bringing digital flair to experiential marketing

    MUMBAI:  Urvashi Sharma has announced her move to Havas Play, taking on the role of associate vice president. This appointment marks a significant step in Sharma’s career, transitioning her extensive digital advertising sales experience into the realm of experiential marketing. 

    Sharma’s career boasts a strong track record in digital advertising sales, with significant tenures at MX Player and Zee5. At MX Player, she held various roles, including LCS lead: north and regional manager, demonstrating her expertise in strategy, account management, and business development. Her time at Zee5 as a business partner: north LCS further solidified her skills in digital brand solutions and strategic partnerships.

    Prior to her digital media roles, Sharma gained experience in brand solutions and events management at Bennett Coleman and Co Ltd. (Times group), askme.com, The Walt Disney Co, BloombergUTV, and Fever FM (HT Media Ltd.). These positions honed her abilities in client relations, negotiation, and large-scale event management. Her foundational experience includes a stint as a relationship specialist at Genpact