Entertainment
Saiyaara's box office success: How minimal promotion revolutionized Bollywood marketing strategies
Saiyaara's unexpected box-office success, earning ₹274 crore in 14 days with minimal promotion, has revitalized Bollywood amidst recent failures. Its marketing strategy targeted tier II-III cities, leveraging audience reaction videos and creating intrigue around the lead pair. Experts attribute the film's success to a romantic musical drought, relatable themes for young adults, and clever use of social media trends.
Ajit Varghese to replace Vikram Sakhuja as Madison's Group CEO – Media & OOH
Madison Media welcomes Ajit Varghese, former JioStar Head of Revenue, as Partner and Group CEO – Media & OOH, succeeding Vikram Sakhuja. Varghese, returning to Madison after leadership roles at global companies, brings over three decades of experience.
Social gaming platform STAN raises $8.5 million
STAN, an Indian social gaming platform, has raised $8.5 million in funding from Japanese gaming giants like Bandai Namco and Square Enix, along with Google's AI Futures Fund. The funds will fuel expansion in India and other mobile-first markets, focusing on AI-driven personalization and creator tools. STAN aims to empower creators and build gaming communities, leveraging its 25 million downloads.
JioStar CEO-Digital Kiran Mani to chair IAMAI’s Digital Entertainment Committee
Kiran Mani is the new Chairman of the Digital Entertainment Committee. The Internet and Mobile Association of India made the announcement. Deepit Purkayastha joins as Co-Chair. Mani aims to foster an inclusive and innovative entertainment ecosystem. He envisions India as a global hub for digital storytelling. The committee will focus on content regulation and technology adoption.
Govt has blocked 43 OTT platforms for violating content norms: Ashwini Vaishnaw
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took action against several OTT platforms. Forty-three platforms faced blocking for not following India's digital content rules. These platforms showed explicit, violent, and culturally insensitive content. The ministry had previously warned platforms to comply with IT rules. Some blocked platforms include ULLU and ALTT.
MovieVerse Studios, Beacon Media forge content alliance for Global South
MovieVerse Studios and Beacon Media have formed a global content alliance, focusing on the Global South to connect Hollywood, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. This collaboration aims to create diverse content, including feature films and digital-first series, highlighting underrepresented stories and bridging cultures.
DTH companies may get licence fee relief
Faced with subscriber churn and revenue decline, India's DTH operators are lobbying for a reduction in the 8% license fee. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reviewing the fee structure and preparing a Cabinet note, potentially reducing it to align with TRAI's recommendations.
Big-budget clash with south films to test Bollywood mettle
Bollywood's theatrical revival faces a crucial test in the latter half of 2025 as big-budget Hindi films clash with highly anticipated southern releases. With films like 'War 2' and 'Coolie' vying for audience attention, the box office battle could significantly impact revenue, potentially costing each film ₹20-40 crore in North India alone.
Inter-ministerial committee to develop coordinated action plans to curb film piracy: I&B
Responding to an unstarred question on the unauthorised circulation of Indian films, Dr. Murugan said the government remains fully conscious of the adverse impact of digital piracy on the creative economy. He outlined several steps taken to curb piracy, particularly involving pre-release content and international piracy networks operating via the dark web and torrent platforms.
ALTT, once a ₹1,209 crore asset for Balaji, now among platforms blocked by MIB
Balaji Telefilms' streaming platform, ALTT, valued at ₹1,209 crore, faces a government ban along with 24 other OTT platforms due to alleged violations of Indian laws concerning obscenity and indecent representation of women. This action follows the IT Rules, 2021, impacting ALTT's future after strategic shifts to a hybrid SVOD/AVOD model and significant investment by Balaji Telefilms.
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Banned adult streaming platforms evading blocks, MIB informs Standing Committee
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is actively addressing the resurgence of blocked adult content platforms operating under new guises. They are reviewing instances of platforms circumventing bans and taking action under IT Rules, 2021.
MIB asks ISPs to block 25 streaming platforms over obscenity, indecent representation
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered a ban on 25 OTT platforms. These platforms allegedly host inappropriate content. Internet service providers across India will block access. The ministry found violations of IT Act and other laws. The platforms include ULLU, ALTT, and others. The government is acting to safeguard public decency.
Prime Video bets on entertainment to build scalable SVOD business in India, without cricket
Amazon Prime Video India is confident in building a sustainable subscription video-on-demand business without relying on cricket, focusing on entertainment content and a broader entertainment ecosystem. The platform is expanding its reach through local content in multiple languages, original productions, and strategic partnerships, aiming for deeper penetration in smaller towns and cities.
Picture abhi baaki hai…! Karnataka’s ticket price cap is multiplexes’ latest plot twist
Karnataka considers capping movie ticket prices at Rs 200. This move impacts multiplexes like PVR-Inox. Theatres rely on ticket revenue, food sales, and ads. Lower ticket prices may affect premium formats. Streaming platforms pose a threat. The industry might need to adjust its business model. Theatres may focus on food sales. Other states might follow suit.
India's concert economy to create 1.2 cr temporary jobs by 2030-2032, says NLB Services
India's live event scene is booming. NLB Services reports nearly 12 million temporary jobs are expected by 2030-2032. Over 100 large concerts will happen yearly. Tier II and III cities are becoming hotspots. Concerts boost local economies. Coldplay's Ahmedabad show added Rs 641 crore. Many temporary roles become full-time. The concert economy will cross Rs 15,000 crores soon.
Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) signs MoUs with Comic Con, and Green Rain Studios to power India’s AVGC-XR growth
The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) has forged strategic partnerships with Comic Con India and Green Rain Studios to bolster India's AVGC-XR ecosystem. These MoUs aim to integrate industry expertise with academic excellence through student engagement, IP development, and real-time technology skills training. This collaboration seeks to nurture homegrown talent and bridge the gap between academia and industry.
