News & Gossip

The film Hanuman Ansh has grossed nearly Rs340 crore at the box office, which is unprecedented for its modest budget. Producer Namrata G Singh emphasizes the significance of preserving intellectual property in storytelling. The film, rooted in spirituality, explores the life of Neem Karoli Maharaj and his connections with devotees. It also aims to expand into various formats and languages to reach global audiences.

The Indian Super League experienced a remarkable 65 million YouTube views in its opening week. Five matches reached a total of 52 million viewers, with NorthEast United FC versus Mohun Bagan Super Giant leading in popularity. The opening match featured Bengaluru FC against Sporting Club Delhi and attracted 8.9 million views. The league gained 120,000 new subscribers during this period, totaling 2.7 million subscribers.

India has the potential to leverage its cultural heritage and creative capabilities for economic growth in various sectors. Rajan Navani emphasized the collaboration required among industry and government to achieve this vision. The focus is on using artificial intelligence responsibly to improve creativity in the media landscape. Educational institutions play a role in fostering skills in emerging technologies and engaging audiences.

Gunjan Soni announced that India's creator economy is transforming as creators develop professional media businesses. YouTube's ecosystem made significant contributions to the GDP, supporting nearly a million jobs in 2025. The export of Indian culture is growing, with creatives reaching international audiences through various formats. AI is positively impacting productivity for creative workers, and investments in technology are urged. Collaboration is essential to advance the opportunities within India's storytelling potential.

OBT Sports & Entertainment has formed a partnership with World Chess Champion D Gukesh to manage his brand. This exclusive deal will focus on brand endorsements, commercial strategy, and content collaborations. Gukesh aims to explore meaningful opportunities beyond chess while maintaining his individual values. The partnership seeks to elevate his profile as a recognized young sporting personality in global markets.

Gaurav Banerjee emphasized the need for India to create an AI-enabled creative stack during the CII Big Picture Summit. He suggested that collaboration among educators and technology companies is essential for developing future entertainment talent. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of evolving measurement and monetization systems as audiences shift between platforms. Banerjee also expressed the need for a more strategic approach to discovering and nurturing creative talent.

TIPS Music revenue from operations reached ₹120.1 crore, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 35 percent. Operating EBITDA stood at ₹84.6 crore, marking a 25 percent growth compared to the same period last year. The company released 73 new songs this quarter, enhancing its content portfolio substantially.

JetSynthesys has introduced JetKreate, an AI-powered platform integrating scripting, visuals, audio, and video production. This platform was revealed at the CII Big Picture Summit 2026 in Mumbai and aims to streamline content creation. JetKreate caters to individual creators, marketers, brands, and agencies by allowing the development of various types of content. The platform offers free credits for new users alongside paid plans for enhanced features.

Tata Play is launching the Tata Play Smart app, enabling access to over 500 live television channels. The app requires an internet connection and is compatible with various devices including smart TVs. Tata Play maintains that traditional DTH services will continue to exist alongside streaming services. The company aims to expand its user base by attracting households yet to subscribe to pay television.

JioHotstar has partnered with NBCUniversal’s The Peacock Hub for the ninth and final season of Koffee With Karan, hosted by Karan Johar, premiering October 14. The collaboration marks a shift from distributing global content to supporting Indian originals, reflecting growing international interest in homegrown intellectual property.

Sony Pictures Networks India will launch its Tamil general entertainment channel Sony Vizha on October 19 at 8 p.m. The channel will feature reality shows, series, films, and live cricket focusing on Tamil culture. Notable programs include Tamil Idol and Celebrity MasterChef Tamil with A. R. Rahman and Samantha Ruth Prabhu as judges. Other shows will cover themes like friendship and real-life crime cases set in Tamil Nadu.

Moj, owned by Mohalla Tech, has surpassed 500 million downloads on the Google Play Store recently. It ranks fourth in India’s Social Media category, standing out as the only Indian app in the top four. The platform boasts over 1 billion daily video plays, with users spending nearly 300 minutes monthly. Additionally, creators on Moj are earning close to Rs 100 crore annually, demonstrating substantial growth.

India’s paid DTH television subscriber base fell 13.4% year-on-year to 48.56 million in June 2026, while private FM radio advertising revenue declined 9.1% sequentially to Rs 376.16 crore, according to TRAI. The data point to continued pressure on traditional broadcasting even as IPTV and community radio continue to expand.

Producers are opposing PVR Inox’s proposed alternatives to Virtual Print Fee (VPF), arguing they replace one charge with another instead of eliminating the cost of digitally delivering films to theatres.

Galleri5 has rolled out enhanced functionalities for its AI Studio platform, tailored to streamline film production workflows. The company's vision includes integrating sophisticated technologies into traditional VFX and animation methods.

Uday Shankar highlights that India's sports industry presents substantial long-term investment opportunities, particularly in cricket and others. He urges potential investors to adopt a longer timeframe beyond five years for returns. Shankar also notes that while cricket remains dominant, other sports are gaining significant audiences as well. The challenges include rising media-rights costs and competition with technology platforms. Furthermore, simplifying cricket formats could enhance viewer enjoyment and excitement over time.

Nana Patekar, a prominent actor, brought the common man's experiences to life through his powerful performances. His dedication to theatre and film was evident in his diverse roles and artistic vision. Patekar's transition from parallel cinema to mainstream films demonstrated his broad range as an actor. His portrayal of complex characters resonated with audiences, showcasing various emotional shades. Ultimately, he left a lasting legacy in the Indian film industry.

A recent report indicates that 81% of marketers in India prioritize reach in media planning. Despite this, only 17% consider attention quality as important for their decisions. Measurement of attention remains a significant challenge, with 92% of marketers highlighting the lack of standardization. The report emphasizes the need for attention metrics to complement reach in advertising strategies.

Sony Marathi has onboarded 13 brand partners for the upcoming season of Kon Honar Crorepati, hosted by Madhuri Dixit. The show is set to premiere on October 12, 2026, at 9 pm. ChatGPT and PNG Jewellers will be the co-presenting sponsors for this season's theme, Aata Khel Badalnaar. Various brands, including Fortune+ Soyabean Oil, Avaada, and Sunder Super Coconut Cookies, will join as partners.

Investors in India's sports industry are diversifying their focus beyond cricket to include women's sports and emerging leagues. Companies like Capri Sports and JKC Sports are betting on developing sustainable sporting properties outside cricket. Streaming is also changing the landscape by allowing sports to engage audiences without traditional television dependence. As interest in women's sports grows, corporate investment is expected to rise in various disciplines.

Nana Patekar, a renowned Indian actor, passed away at his home in Goa at the age of 76. He had a complex persona and impressive versatility, excelling in various film genres throughout his career. Patekar was recognised for his impactful performances in critically acclaimed films and social contributions. He faced controversy during his life, but his legacy remains significant in Indian cinema.

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies and YouTube introduced AI-enabled short films under their Create with AI programme. These films were produced in collaboration with various creative studios and showcased at the IICT Theatre in Mumbai. The initiative, launched in November 2025, aims to support AI-led projects in India. Generative media tools are expected to boost productivity for creative professionals, saving significant amounts of time.

The Indian Super League has announced a partnership with YouTube for its 2026-27 season broadcasting. All 163 matches will be streamed live and free on YouTube, enhancing accessibility for fans. Sony Sports Network will broadcast the league on television, ensuring a comprehensive viewing experience.

Spotify will introduce its audiobook service in India on November 12, 2026, enabling local users to access new content. The service will be available primarily through an Audiobooks+ add-on for Premium and Free users. Initially, Indian users can access a global catalogue featuring over 350,000 titles in different languages. Spotify aims to increase its presence in India by leveraging local partnerships and payment integrations.

In an exciting move, JioHotstar has unveiled its streaming platform for the Middle East and North Africa, partnering with STARZPLAY. The collaboration opens the door to JioHotstar Originals and a diverse range of Indian content in various languages, aimed at regional audiences. Monthly packages are available at AED 34.99 and AED 49.99, addressing the needs of the South Asian diaspora for varied entertainment options.

Kannada, Telugu and Tamil cricket feeds have shown significant growth during TATA IPL 2026. JioStar launched 'Beyond Boundaries' to enhance advertiser partnerships with regional-language programming. The Telugu feed experienced the highest digital watch time growth at 30%. The initiative highlights various successful regional programming that connects with local audiences. JioStar aims to capitalize on the increased interest in regional-language cricket viewership.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to actor Salman Khan regarding his suit against the film 'Kala Hiran'. The film's producer, Amit Jani, argues that Khan's claims represent parallel litigation concerning the same issues. Khan is seeking to restrain the release and dissemination of the film, which he claims infringes on his personality rights.

Zee5 has launched an AI-driven feature called Clips to enhance content discovery through short videos. This feature processes long-form content by extracting engaging moments and converting them into vertical videos. Users can easily transition from these Clips to full-length movies or shows for a complete viewing experience. The collaboration with Google Cloud emphasizes the use of advanced technology for automating content packaging at scale.

Arijit Singh has confirmed a nine-city tour for January to May 2027 to celebrate his 20 years in music. The tour will include performances in cities like Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Mumbai, among others. Each concert is designed with advanced features such as 360-degree audio and visual effects for an immersive experience. Singh stated that he looks forward to connecting with fans and sharing these memorable songs live.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the monetization landscape for film stars, cricketers, and digital creators. Licensing AI-generated versions of their identities allows celebrities to earn revenue without physical presence. Platforms like Studio Blo and Sparkonomy enable protection and control over digital identities for creators. The growing concern over unauthorized use of identities emphasizes the need for standard licensing and verifiable consent.

NCLAT upheld the NCLT's decision to allow a minority group of IMPPA to pursue legal action. The minority members alleged financial mismanagement and irregularities within the organisation. The petition received support from 209 members, which met the required threshold under the Companies Act. IMPPA's arguments questioning the petition’s validity were rejected by the NCLAT. This ruling enables an investigation into the alleged mismanagement within IMPPA.

The conservative backlash against progressive films can stifle constructive artistic discourse. Tamil movie Dorothy specifically draws attention to its depiction of transgender identities and the narrative direction taken. Although it has its flaws, the film delivers impactful performances and evocative music that resonate with audiences. Dorothy serves as a catalyst for vital discussions around representation and inclusivity in Indian cinema, pushing boundaries and underscoring the positive changes that have emerged.

Mumbai movie tickets could become Rs 5-10 more expensive if the BMC raises its per-show entertainment tax from Rs 60 to Rs 400. Exhibitors and producers say the fixed levy would reduce box-office revenue available for sharing, with the impact becoming sharper for poorly attended shows and potentially adding pressure to an industry still recovering from weak footfalls.

he media and entertainment sector is likely to see an improvement in spending and growth momentum in the December quarter, supported by a late Diwali, a stronger content pipeline and improving monetisation across digital, subscription and sports segments, Nuvama Research said in its October 1 sector preview.

A new Tibetan historical drama, Four Rivers Six Ranges, is bringing renewed attention to Tibet’s resistance movement and the exile community’s efforts to preserve its history. The film, shot partly in Nepal’s Mustang region, follows fighters who aided the Dalai Lama’s 1959 escape and arrives as Tibet’s political future faces uncertainty over the Dalai Lama’s succession and evolving India-China ties.

Eventions IPO aims to strengthen financial stability, support working capital, and pay off debt. Funds from the IPO will also help invest in a subsidiary and address general corporate purposes. Eventions reported growth in total income and profit after tax over the past three years.

In a significant move, the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies has signed five MoUs with several organizations to strengthen industry partnerships. These agreements are tailored to encourage educational and technological improvements in creative sectors, specifically targeting skill enhancement and infrastructure in the audiovisual field. This initiative aspires to link budding talents with global career opportunities while fostering a thriving creative economy in India.

Industry executives are calling for TRAI to reassess the New Tariff Order's impact on media regulations. They emphasize the need for lighter, principles-based regulations in response to the shift towards digital platforms. The television industry has seen improved revenues, yet there is a noted migration of viewers to OTT services. Regulators are encouraged to provide flexibility for companies to innovate product offerings.

Prime Video is adding many major entertainment franchises to its October 2026 lineup, offering subscribers numerous recognizable films and new programming to explore. The complete James Bond collection arrives October 1, along with all four John Wick filmsThe Bond collection includes films showcasing multiple actors who have featured 007 and comes as Amazon continues work toward a new movie.

Speaking in a panel discussion at Ficci Frames, India's leading media and entertainment conclave, Zee Entertainment CEO Punit Goenka said the industry has transformed and is no longer simply about investing in and focusing on either television or digital.

JioStar launched a deep product integration with ChatGPT during the IPL that went beyond conventional search. Viewers could ask questions about players and matches in natural language while watching the game and receive contextual information without interrupting their viewing experience.

Entertainment company Eloelo Group has unveiled Dolphin AI, an agentic AI studio designed to handle video production from scripting and planning to generation and editing. The AI agent's main proposition is to maintain continuity across multiple shots. The platform was developed initially to address Eloelo’s own high-volume video production requirements and is now being offered to external users.

Prabhat emphasized the need for India's media and entertainment industry to create enduring economic value. He noted that overwhelming scale of content production is insufficient for sustainability and growth in creative enterprises. Greater investment in original intellectual property and improved protection against piracy were highlighted as essential.

JioStar is betting that India’s next phase of sports viewing will combine live matches with AI, commerce, regional languages and interactive features. With Indian-language viewing accounting for 90% of watch time and integrations such as Swiggy driving transactions, the broadcaster is looking beyond eyeballs to turn its growing sports audience into a broader digital commerce opportunity.

Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat sees a human comeback in an AI-heavy content world, predicting audiences will gravitate towards more authentic, less AI-driven storytelling. He also wants India to move from being a massive content consumer to a global creator of original IP, using its stories to power tourism and creative economy.

Uday Shankar, at FICCI FRAMES, discussed the media industry's responsibility in building Brand India. He highlighted the need for diverse storytelling in news, entertainment, and sports. Shankar emphasized that media shapes society's imagination and aspirations for a better future. He acknowledged the industry's changes with a younger generation bringing innovative ideas and solutions. Overall, he believes the media's role is critical in shaping India's narrative and identity.

Indian viewers are increasingly using various screens for content consumption as the industry adapts. Traditional pay-TV is facing competition from streaming services and connected television options. New app-based delivery for linear channels has been introduced by multiple traditional distributors. Linear television maintains its relevance, especially as a shared viewing medium for families. Live sports events like TATA IPL demonstrate the merging of traditional and digital viewing experiences.

JioStar CEO Kevin Vaz emphasized the urgent need for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to restore BARC audience ratings. This absence of credible audience data is creating uncertainty for broadcasters and advertisers during the festive season. Vaz noted that reliable audience measurement is crucial for brands to effectively plan campaigns. He also expressed the need for regulatory reforms to support the evolution of linear broadcasting.

Kevin Vaz emphasized the importance of restoring BARC audience ratings to ensure stability in the broadcasting sector. He noted the vital role of reliable measurement during the festive season for campaign planning. Vaz highlighted the growth of India's media and entertainment industry, particularly in the digital segment and live events. He pointed out emerging opportunities in content commerce and new formats like micro-dramas.