News & Gossip

After surviving gruelling physical challenges and intense pitch rounds, cloud automation platform Toystack AI emerged as the season winner. Tim Draper awarded the $1 million prize in a dramatic finale that also saw other finalists receive unexpected investment offers.

Esports is becoming a lucrative career in India. Top players earn up to Rs 1 crore annually. Many players see it as a viable profession. Opportunities are growing for coaches and managers too. The market is projected for significant growth. Regulatory changes are expected to boost investment and user base. This evolving field offers new professional avenues.

JioHotstar introduces Shop the Look, a new feature for instant shopping directly from your mobile. Viewers can now buy products seen on screen without leaving the app. This innovation, starting with fashion and NEWME on MTV Splitsvilla, aims to make shopping effortless. The platform plans to expand this feature to other categories, tapping into India's growing creator-commerce market.

The World Pickleball League announced Sony LIV as its official digital streaming partner for Season 2. All 120 matches will be available live and on demand. This partnership expands the league's digital reach for its upcoming season. Season 2 features more teams, matches, and international players. Celebrity owners are also part of the league.

AI audio firm ElevenLabs has appointed Karthik Rajaram as its India head. Rajaram will lead strategy and revenue growth. He brings extensive experience in scaling tech businesses. India is a key market for AI voice technology. ElevenLabs is investing in local teams and partnerships. The company aims to deploy AI voice solutions at scale across India's diverse sectors.

Google-owned Gemini has secured a three-year sponsorship deal with the Indian Premier League (IPL) worth an estimated Rs 270 crore. This significant partnership highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence platforms in Indian cricket, following ChatGPT's sponsorship of the Women's Premier League.

Southern films across India are struggling at the box office, particularly as their share of Hindi film revenues sees a sharp decline. Analysts suggest that the root cause lies in a shortage of universal themes and repetitive storytelling. Relying solely on star power from various regions is no longer enough.

Silicon Valley startup FaiBLE Media Inc. has launched with a mission to decode the science of storytelling using AI. Co-founded by Sharad Devarajan and Dr. Mark Sagar, the company aims to develop new media experiences, including 'Quantum Stories' that offer non-linear narrative paths. FaiBLE seeks to identify scientific patterns behind emotional resonance in stories, inspired by scientific breakthroughs like AlphaFold.

JioHotstar will launch new monthly subscription plans on January 28, 2026. Prices will start at ₹79 for the Mobile tier. This offers more flexible payment options for viewers. New monthly, quarterly, and annual plans will be available for Mobile, Super, and Premium tiers. Hollywood content will be included in Super and Premium plans for new users.

ET NOW is set to broadcast a week-long special show, 'Davos Diaries,' nightly at 9 pm, featuring exclusive interviews with global leaders and offering daily insights into discussions shaping the economic agenda and their impact on India.

JioStar's net profit fell 33% quarter-on-quarter to ₹888 crore, despite a 12% rise in revenue to ₹6,896 crore, driven by growth in sports and entertainment. The company noted healthy subscription revenue across digital and TV, with digital entertainment hitting record highs. However, the TV advertising market remains challenging.

The company operates 28 linear television channels across Hindi, English, Marathi, and Bangla, spanning general entertainment, movies, kids and sports. While SPNI has a presence in select regional markets such as Marathi and Bangla, its scale in these markets remains limited, while South India remains a major vacuum in its portfolio.

The company has realigned its leadership team to support the transition from a linear-first model to an integrated linear and digital content strategy, with sharper ownership across content and a consolidated revenue structure.

Dhurandhar's massive success challenges the notion that Bollywood fails to reach its audience. By considering India's economic realities and limited screens, the true addressable market is revealed. This blockbuster achieved significant penetration within this smaller, yet dominant, segment, showcasing a sophisticated new Bollywood strategy where theatrical releases act as powerful marketing funnels for long-term ancillary profits.

Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment have inked a landmark global Pay-1 licensing deal, granting Netflix exclusive worldwide streaming rights to SPE's feature films after their theatrical and home entertainment runs. This multi-year agreement, rolling out globally by early 2029, will also include select library titles, expanding Netflix's offerings with popular franchises and upcoming anticipated films.

Big Tree Entertainment, operating BookMyShow, saw its net profit surge to '192 crore in FY25. This growth stems from a robust performance in its ticketing and live events segments. The company's total income also increased significantly. Live events, including music festivals and concerts, played a key role in this expansion. BookMyShow's online ticketing business remained its largest revenue source.

Film studios are now acting more like moneylenders than co-producers. They are imposing tougher terms in film deals. This shift comes as many movies struggle to recover costs at the box office. Studios are focusing on safeguarding their capital. Producers now bear more risk, while studios maintain significant control over films and their intellectual property.

Netflix is preparing an all-cash offer for Warner Bros Discovery’s studios and streaming businesses, Reuters reported, intensifying a high-stakes takeover battle also involving Paramount. Warner Bros has so far leaned toward Netflix’s bid, citing lower financing risk, despite Paramount’s higher all-cash offer for the entire company.

Lionsgate has invested an estimated $100 million in its streaming business in the region over the years, sources familiar with the business said. The platform has around 5 million paid subscribers.

Netflix is adapting to Indian audience tastes, emphasizing clean entertainment. This was evident at an event where eight short films showcasing Indian start-ups were unveiled. These films, a collaboration between the government and Netflix, highlight social impact innovations. The initiative also provided skilling opportunities to students, offering them hands-on experience in animation and voiceovers.

The move comes as the global influencer marketing industry continues to grow rapidly and is projected to reach $90 billion by 2030. One has been created to meet increasing demand from brands for integrated creative solutions with global execution capabilities.

Indian film and entertainment production houses are changing how they get money. They now raise funds against confirmed deals with streaming services and TV channels. This new approach helps producers get working capital faster. It also offers investors a less risky way to fund content. Structured credit platforms are making financing quicker and cheaper for producers across India.

Doubling India's cinema screens in five years could create 1.25 lakh jobs and add Rs 950 crore in taxes. A report suggests increasing screens to 20,000 with measures like tax holidays. Deregulation of ticket pricing and granting industry status for electricity tariffs are recommended. Alternate theatre uses and 24x7 operations can boost revenue.

Sony Pictures Networks India is embarking on a significant transformation, with potential layoffs affecting more than 100 staff members as cost-saving measures take center stage. The outsourcing of post-production tasks is on the horizon, reflecting the organization's need to navigate tough market landscapes more effectively.

Prasar Bharati is launching 'Creator's Corner' on DD News and digital platforms. Content creators will get a 30-minute prime time slot five days a week. This initiative operates on a revenue-sharing model, with creators receiving 90 percent of the revenue. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is also undergoing restructuring to align with new technology and creators.

The Bombay High Court has ruled for IMAX Corporation in its arbitration case against Subhash Chandra's E-City Entertainment. This decision allows for the enforcement of foreign arbitral awards against the company. The court rejected E-City's objections. E-City Entertainment is restrained from dealing with its properties and assets. The court imposed costs on E-City Entertainment.

Indian cinema is set for a massive year. Big stars like Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Rajnikanth have major releases planned. This strong lineup of Hindi, regional, and Hollywood films is expected to boost box office collections significantly. Industry experts predict a record haul, with growth anticipated due to diverse content and increased Gen Z attendance.

Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar' has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-earning Hindi film of all time with a net collection of Rs 831.40 crore. The spy thriller, starring Ranveer Singh, surpassed the previous record held by 'Pushpa 2: The Rule' (Hindi version). The film's success is attributed to its strong week-on-week performance and gripping narrative.

Indian cinema has reached a significant milestone. The film 'Homebound' has moved to the next voting stage for the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. This marks a rare achievement for Indian cinema. The film follows childhood friends and their aspirations. Final nominations will be announced soon. This recognition brings global attention to Indian filmmaking.

Universal Music Group's acquisition of a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment for ₹2,400 crore signals a potential surge in foreign M&A interest in India's media sector. The Maharashtra government is actively promoting Mumbai as a global creative hub, attracting sustained global interest across various entertainment verticals.

Universal Music Group has acquired a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment. This deal values the Bollywood production house at ₹2,400 crore. Excel Entertainment will retain creative control. UMG gains a strategic foothold in the video business. This partnership aims to take culturally rooted stories globally. It highlights a renewed wave of consolidation in the media industry.

Network18 has renewed its decade-long partnership with CNN International for its English news channel, CNN-News18, extending the agreement through December 31, 2035. This renewed collaboration will significantly enhance the channel's digital presence, expanding its reach on platforms like YouTube and Connected TV to a global audience.

Foreign investment surged in India's media sector. The information and broadcasting industry attracted ₹5,586 crore in the September quarter of FY26. Films and advertising led this growth. Overseas investors focused on content and production assets. Prime Focus was a major recipient of these funds. This marks a significant increase from previous quarters.

India's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to foster structured growth in the live entertainment sector. This initiative aims to streamline processes, boost the concert economy, and position India as a leading global destination by 2030, supporting millions of jobs and significant economic expansion.

India's booming podcast industry faces a transparency crisis as paid interviews are increasingly disguised as organic content. For fees up to ₹30 lakh, individuals gain visibility, but audiences are often unaware, blurring the lines between genuine conversation and paid promotion. This practice raises concerns about consumer trust and the integrity of independent media.

Indians are travelling abroad for music festivals and concerts. This trend is growing and expected to continue in 2026. Popular destinations include Singapore, Bangkok, and Paris. Younger travellers and professionals are combining these events with short holidays. Many plan trips around global touring schedules and festival calendars. India's own music events also attract travellers.

Many Indian television channels are shutting down. Broadcasters are surrendering licenses as viewers move to digital platforms. This trend is driven by changing market conditions and financial challenges. Advertising revenue is also falling. This signals a major shift in India's media landscape.

Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor has declared the Bollywood film 'Dhurandhar' tax-free. The movie was filmed extensively in Ladakh, showcasing its scenic beauty. This move signals strong support for filmmakers. The administration is also developing a new film policy. 'Dhurandhar' has achieved significant box office success, becoming the first Hindi film to cross Rs 100 crore in its fourth week.

Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, has achieved a historic box office milestone. It is the first Hindi film to cross Rs 100 crore in its fourth week. The movie has maintained strong collections for 28 consecutive days. Dhurandhar's performance highlights renewed audience interest in large-scale cinema. The film's total India net collection has reached Rs 784.50 crore.

This move by streamers reflects their sharp focus on profitability after having paid irrational prices for films to expand their libraries, materially impacting profitability.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved Arugn Technologies’ proposal to acquire AION Capital’s stake in teleport operator Planetcast Media, paving the way for a change in ownership at the broadcast services firm. Arugn Technologies is a special purpose vehicle of Planetcast promoters Lallit Jain and Mahendra Nath Vyas.

India's entertainment industry is seeing a rise in reverse engineering content, with streaming platforms and producers now asking writers to publish non-fiction books before developing them into web series or films. This approach, driven by legal cushioning and audience interest in non-fiction, helps mitigate intellectual property disputes and serves as a testing ground for cinematic adaptation.

A new trend is emerging in India's entertainment sector. Writers are now publishing non-fiction stories as books before developing them into web series or films. This approach helps protect intellectual property and prevent legal complications. Publishers also benefit from increased book publicity.

Bollywood is struggling to connect with Gen Z, who seek authentic, fresh storytelling over formulaic narratives. While this demographic enjoys diverse genres and theatrical experiences, mainstream Hindi cinema's current offerings often fail to resonate. Makers must adapt marketing and creative strategies to capture their attention.

Gen Z is reshaping content, commerce, and creativity by demanding interactive, creator-led ecosystems and micro-payment models. Their preference for gaming, short-form storytelling, and blending of formats drives platforms to innovate. This generation actively participates, creates, and monetizes, transforming content into a dynamic social and commercial loop.

Gen Z is embracing a new nightlife trend, opting for bhajan-led community gatherings and kirtan EDM over traditional clubbing. This sober social movement is gaining significant traction, with ticketed devotional nights selling out and searches for related terms skyrocketing. Organizers anticipate this spiritual-social format to become mainstream by 2026.

Gen Z is revolutionizing the art market by embracing it as a lifestyle, prioritizing flexibility, transparency, and ethical relevance. They are driving the rise of young contemporary artists and regional voices, often starting with accessible price points and fractional ownership. The art world is adapting by leveraging social media and offering more approachable collecting experiences to engage this demographic.

2025 Year Ender: India's media landscape saw challenges in 2025. Monetisation pressures and shifting viewer habits impacted television and digital video. While linear TV remained profitable, streaming growth slowed, relying heavily on live sports. Digital platforms grew, but consumption became more divided. Connected TV adoption surged, indicating a move towards a two-device market. Value creation is increasingly shifting towards digital investments.

India’s film industry posted steady growth in 2025, with net box-office collections rising 12% to ₹10,453 crore, led by a 20% jump in Hindi film earnings to ₹4,792.7 crore. Industry executives said audience preferences shifted clearly towards strong storytelling rather than star power, across genres and film lengths.

Culver Max Entertainment receives a reprieve from the NCLAT. The appellate tribunal has overturned a previous NCLT decision that dismissed an insolvency plea against a fintech firm. The case will now be heard again by the NCLT. The NCLAT emphasized that Culver Max should have been given a chance to fix application defects.