News & Gossip

A new wave of faith-based filmmaking is emerging in India. Religious leaders from various traditions are supporting an eight-film series on Hindu gods. This initiative draws inspiration from successful models like Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' and 'Chaar Sahibzaade'. The first film, 'The Chronicles of Devi: Chapter 1 - Mahishasura', has been announced.

The passing of Asha Bhosle at the age of 92 marks the end of an era for Indian music. She was part of an iconic group alongside Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh, creating an unparalleled legacy. Their enchanting melodies still resonate deeply with fans today.

Indian cinema anticipates a slowdown in box office earnings for 2026. Major film releases are being pushed back, creating a content gap. This shift impacts projected growth, with revised estimates now showing a 10-15% increase instead of the earlier 25-30%. Producers are rethinking strategies after recent franchise successes, leading to reshoots and a focus on mid-budget films.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has advised ZEE5 against releasing the docu-series 'Lawrence of Punjab' due to concerns raised by Punjab Police about public order risks. The Punjab Congress chief had also petitioned the High Court, fearing glorification of gangster culture. The ministry's advisory cited potential negative influence on youth and undermining law enforcement efforts.

The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation is requesting an extension to implement new television rating rules. Key provisions regarding board restructuring, panel expansion, and cross-screen measurement require more time. The industry body also raised concerns about the role of distribution platforms and tech firms in audience measurement. These changes impact significant ad spends.

Makers of popular video game PUBG looks to double down on investments and IP creation. Will invest both from its balance sheet as well as a new tech focussed fund.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has rolled out a new directive for IPTV operators, reinforcing the importance of the 2008 policy guidelines. It emphasizes that telecom licensees and cable providers must file a self-attested declaration prior to launching their services. This user-friendly approach eliminates unnecessary third-party involvement, while also advising caution against any unauthorized representatives.

TIPS Music Limited (formerly Tips Industries Limited), one of India's leading publicly listed music labels, announced its audited financial results for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, delivering strong growth across key financial metrics.

Microdrama platforms are partnering with telecom operators to combat market fragmentation and boost subscriptions. With over 20 apps and significant growth, the sector faces challenges in monetizing through advertising. Telcos aim to replicate successful OTT bundling models to increase ARPU and retention by offering combined data and content packages.

The ET Women Conclave 2026 celebrated inspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with dialogues on authenticity, wellness, and impact. The event featured discussions on women scripting their success, staying true to themselves, and leading with confidence. It also highlighted advancements in women's health and the future of Indian craft-based fashion.

While most Indian streaming platforms have adopted hybrid ad-supported and subscription models due to high churn, Netflix remains an ad-free outlier. Despite global ad revenue growth and a successful ad-supported tier elsewhere, India's unique market dynamics and Netflix's premium positioning are key factors. Experts predict Netflix will eventually introduce advertising to expand its reach and revenue.

Warner Chappell Music has launched direct operations in India, shifting from sub-publishing to a full-scale local presence. This move aims to provide Indian songwriters enhanced access to WCM's global network and rights management systems amidst India's rapidly expanding music economy. Jay Mehta will lead the new division, overseeing both recorded music and publishing across India and neighboring South Asian markets.

Sony Pictures Networks India has secured India media rights for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan for about $3.5–4 million. The event will air on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. With 41 sports, including cricket, the games are expected to draw strong Indian viewership.

Major global and Indian gaming companies are competing for the International Cricket Council's official gaming rights. This competition highlights the growing commercial value of cricket video games. Several prominent companies have expressed interest in the tender process. The ICC is adopting a more structured approach to its gaming rights.

JioHotstar launches signal-led commerce advertising, an industry-first to engage high-intent consumers based on purchase signals, not just viewing habits. Quick commerce platform Instamart is the inaugural partner, leveraging this data-led approach to bridge content discovery with seamless purchasing during the IPL season.

Sony Pictures Networks India will broadcast the 2026 Asian Games from Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event will be shown on Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony LIV. India achieved a record 107 medals in the previous edition. Cricket will be a key attraction for Indian viewers.

Pocket FM has appointed Lalit Gangwar as Chief Operating Officer. He will now lead the company's global audio business. This move supports Pocket FM's international expansion plans. Gangwar was instrumental in the platform's growth in India and its US market entry. The company aims for predictable, long-term growth.

Lionsgate Play is shifting its India strategy to prioritize theatrical distribution, planning to release 10-12 premium Hollywood films annually starting September 2026 before their exclusive streaming debut. This theatrical-first approach aims to enhance visibility and audience engagement, offering a seamless journey from cinemas to its streaming platform.

Jio Studios and Collective Artists Network have revealed the teaser for their new film Krishna. This movie uses an AI-native filmmaking process. The technology, called Galleri5, integrates artificial intelligence throughout production. This aims to improve efficiency and lower costs. It also makes advanced tools more accessible.

Films designed to provoke polarizing social media debates are proving to be an effective post-release marketing strategy. By tapping into uncomfortable social truths, these movies sustain audience attention and drive incremental footfalls through online arguments. This phenomenon is particularly evident in urban centers where social media significantly influences public consciousness and viewing habits.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises is investing up to Rs 116 crore in Phantom Digital Effects Ltd. to expand into the AVGC segment. This strategic move aims to enhance Zee's content creation capabilities across platforms and genres by leveraging PhantomFX's global expertise and AI-integrated production.

Women in Film India has selected four talented women filmmakers for prestigious scholarships to the Cannes Film Festival. Archana Borhade and Molshri Singh will attend the Producers Network, supported by Jio Studios. Suruchi Sharma and Jasmin A. Singh are chosen for the impACT Lab.

Dish TV India shareholders overwhelmingly approved the appointment of three independent directors, signaling strong confidence in the company's strategic direction. This move reinforces the DTH operator's focus on strengthening core operations and pursuing sustainable growth across its DTH business and newer ventures like connected TV and OTT.

JioHotstar introduces Conversational Voice Discovery, a new feature using ChatGPT to help users find content. Users can describe their mood or desired genre, and the platform suggests relevant shows and movies. This aims to reduce scrolling and indecision. While multilingual support is a plus, the feature has limitations in handling specific queries and broader knowledge gaps.

Walmart-owned Flipkart is set to enter India's burgeoning movie and concert ticket market, aiming for a May launch. This move into the fast-growing entertainment sector will see Flipkart compete with established players like BookMyShow and Zomato's District. The company is also piloting food delivery, signaling expansion into competitive, low-margin businesses.

Streaming powerhouses are choosing to partner with Indian digital platforms, looking to delve into the rapidly expanding OTT market without significant risk. Leaders like BBC, Disney+, and Warner Bros Discovery are leveraging local expertise to tap into a massive user base.

Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has assured cinema owners that the company will maintain a minimum release slate of 30 films a year if regulators approve its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery.

Netflix Chairman Reed Hastings has announced he will step down from the streaming company he co-founded 29 years ago, at a time when the firm is facing slowing growth, rising competition and investor pressure after a failed merger attempt with Warner Bros Discovery.

Media and entertainment deals will remain strong in 2026. Transactions will focus on content, gaming, sports, and AI companies with intellectual property. Most deals will be mid-sized. The sector saw significant activity in 2025, with deal volumes rising. Value creation will be driven by content, IP, and platform consolidation. Digital advertising will also see more mergers and acquisitions.

HBO Max is now available in India exclusively on JioHotstar. This partnership brings popular shows like Euphoria and The Last of Us to Indian viewers. Upcoming releases include new seasons of House of the Dragon and the Harry Potter series. Subscribers can also access classic series and Warner Bros. films.

VR Global Media has launched a $250 million capital programme to build a global entertainment platform, with an initial $120 million fundraise already underway. The investment will be used across film production, distribution, sports franchises and media-tech ventures, aiming to create an integrated and institutionally funded creative ecosystem.

Birla Studios and Vodafone Idea are launching 'Reel Se Real Star'. This mobile-first platform will discover acting talent nationwide. Aspiring actors can audition using their smartphones. The initiative removes traditional barriers to entry. Shortlisted participants will receive mentorship. Winners may get roles in feature films. This partnership aims to democratize talent discovery across India.

India's music streaming sector is seeing strong growth. Paid subscribers have increased significantly and are expected to rise further. Affordable plans, telecom bundles, and better payment systems are boosting numbers. Streamers are also focusing on regional content and superior audio quality. Live events are seen as a future differentiator.

India's broadcast sector is set for a major regulatory overhaul. TRAI is planning a broad review of pricing, distribution, and platform rules. This comes after the New Tariff Order faced criticism for not ensuring affordability and transparency. The move aims to address structural concerns and adapt to changing consumer habits and competition from streaming services.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge continues its impressive box office run, becoming the first Hindi film to surpass ₹1,000 crore net in India and reaching ₹1,680 crore worldwide gross. The Aditya Dhar directorial is now chasing the lifetime collection of Pushpa 2: The Rule, needing approximately ₹187 crore more to claim the top spot.

Small-budget southern films are outperforming big-star movies. These productions, made for under ₹10 crore, are delivering impressive returns, often five to ten times their investment. Script and content now drive audiences, especially the youth and families. This trend signifies a major shift in the southern film industry towards efficient, content-focused storytelling.

Hathway Cable and Datacom has a new chief executive officer. Gurjeev Singh Kapoor will take over from Tavinderjit Singh Panesar. Kapoor brings extensive experience from the media and entertainment sector. Panesar is retiring after a long tenure with the company. This leadership change occurs as the cable industry faces digital competition.

India's streaming market is booming. Mobile data and smartphones are driving growth. YouTube leads with the most users. JioHotstar follows closely. Netflix is now ahead of Amazon Prime Video. ZEE5 focuses on subscriptions and local content. This strategy is boosting revenue and profitability for ZEE5.

PVR INOX brings the global K-pop wave to Indian theatres with exclusive live screenings of BTS’s ‘Arirang’ world tour. Fans can experience performances from Goyang and Tokyo on the big screen. These cinematic events will be held across over 20 cities nationwide. This initiative caters to the growing demand from the BTS ARMY in India.

FIFA is struggling to sell media rights for the 2026 and 2030 World Cups in India. The governing body has significantly reduced its asking price. This situation arises from a slowdown in the sports broadcasting market and fewer potential buyers. JioStar, the current rights holder, is seen as the main contender.

Dish TV receives a significant relief as JC Flowers Asset Reconstruction withdraws its petition. The petition was filed before the National Company Law Tribunal seeking an extraordinary general meeting. This move comes after a prolonged tussle over board reconstitution. Dish TV shareholders had previously rejected several company proposals. The withdrawal marks a crucial development for the direct-to-home service provider.

Omnicom Global Solutions India aims to boost its workforce to 8,000 employees this year. The company is integrating operations following a major merger. India is becoming a central hub for AI-driven marketing initiatives. The focus is on creating a unified marketing delivery engine and enhancing martech capabilities for global clients.

Firozabad cyber crime police have apprehended three individuals from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan. They were running an illegal IPTV network. This network illegally streamed premium television and OTT content. This included ongoing IPL matches. The operation is part of a larger crackdown on piracy. Authorities seized electronic devices and froze ₹20 lakh.

ShemarooMe has significantly boosted its Gujarati content by acquiring OHO Gujarati's entire library, featuring over 30 original web series and 450 actors. This move aims to enhance accessibility for regional stories, with the popular series 'Vitthal Teedi' starring Pratik Gandhi set to premiere soon. The acquisition solidifies ShemarooMe's position in the Gujarati OTT market.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has instructed BARC to halt reporting TRPs for news channels for four weeks. This measure aims to curb sensationalism and speculative content amid the West Asia conflict. The directive seeks to promote responsible broadcasting practices.

FanCode will broadcast three major golf championships in India. These include the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open. This marks the second year FanCode is the 'home of golf'. Fans can watch live and on demand. A bundled annual pass is available. This strengthens FanCode's position for global sports content.

YRF Entertainment has announced the appointment of Saugata Mukherjee as its new Head of Content, signaling a bold new chapter for the company. Mukherjee, known for his dynamic content strategy developed during his tenure at SonyLIV and HBO Max, will spearhead the creative direction of YRF's film and series projects. Yogendra Mogre will maintain his role as Executive Producer.

Dhurandhar The Revenge has crossed ₹1,000 crore nett in India and ₹1,600 crore worldwide by its third weekend, according to the makers. The Aditya Dhar directorial showed sustained demand, collecting ₹1,041 crore nett in India and ₹1,622 crore globally, including ₹394 crore overseas.

Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge has set new overseas records, becoming the first Indian film to cross $25 million in North America and €1 million in Germany, where it is now the highest-grossing Indian release.

Dhurandhar The Revenge is captivating audiences with its thrilling run, inching closer to the monumental ₹1,000 crore mark in India. Globally, it has amassed an impressive ₹1,501 crore. From the get-go, the film shattered opening records and has continued to thrive in its second weekend.