News & Gossip

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.

Film financing in India continues to remain structurally challenging, with film financiers entering projects at the earliest and riskiest stages while returns are realised much later and with significant uncertainty. Industry observers note that film financing looks more attractive on paper than in practice and in recent times the underlying risk-reward imbalance for financiers has only intensified.

Indian cinema is embracing 8k scanning and restoration. This move preserves classic films from decay and unlocks new revenue streams. Directors like Mani Ratnam and actors like Rajinikanth are leading this trend. 8k scanning ensures films remain relevant for future high-resolution viewing and enhances their value for licensing deals with streaming platforms. This strategic decision is future-proofing Indian cinematic heritage.

The market, currently estimated at $300 million, is projected to exceed $3 billion by 2030. Unlike traditional long-form shows, these are vertical, episodic stories lasting one to two minutes, designed for mobile-first audiences. The format has seen explosive global growth, particularly in China, and is now gaining traction in India as viewing habits fragment across the day.

Television Rating Points for news channels are now on hold for four weeks. The government took this step citing sensational and speculative reporting during crisis times. This decision aims to curb content driven by viewership competition during sensitive periods. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated this move is a precautionary measure. Stakeholders have reportedly accepted the directive without objections.

Pratilipi has launched Double Tap Films, India's first data-backed microdrama studio. This new venture will create short, vertical videos using insights from Pratilipi's vast story ecosystem. The studio leverages user-validated intellectual property from its author network. Double Tap Films aims to identify engaging narratives for mobile-first consumption. Its debut slate features titles across multiple Indian languages.

PVR INOX Marriott model strategy: PVR INOX is shifting to a Franchise Owned, Company Operated model. This strategy seeks to expand its multiplex presence in smaller Indian cities. Investors will fund the properties, while PVR INOX manages operations and the cinematic experience. This move mirrors global hotel chains' expansion tactics. The company is piloting this in Gwalior and Agra.

The ministry took 12 actions in 2024 and 2025 combined for violations of the Programme Code and Advertising Code, including four in 2024 and eight in 2025. This is significantly lower than 52 actions in 2022 and 37 in 2023.

In an order dated March 6, it noted that amid the Israel-Iran conflict, certain news channels were displaying “unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content”, which could potentially create panic among the public, particularly those with family or friends in the affected areas.

Zee Entertainment has cancelled over $215 million in unutilised foreign currency bonds. The company will also redeem $23.9 million in outstanding bonds. Zee is restructuring its content business, transferring a division to a subsidiary. It will invest in this subsidiary and also acquire a stake in a new creative entertainment entity.

JioStar has launched the IPL 2026 season with its most significant opening weekend ever. The tournament saw record viewership and engagement on both television and digital platforms. Over 515 million viewers tuned in, with watch-time increasing by 26%. Connected TV experienced substantial growth. Differentiated viewing experiences, including expert analysis, are enhancing fan immersion.

German media giant Burda Media has sold its Southeast Asia operations, BurdaLuxury, to Singapore's Jaipur Capital. This move allows Burda Media to focus on European markets. Jaipur Capital aims to expand its premium media presence across travel, luxury, and aviation in Southeast Asia. The acquisition includes all BurdaLuxury employees and operations in key Asian markets.

Kannada production house Paramvah Studios must pay Rs 25 lakh to MRT Music for unauthorized song use in 'Bachelor Party'. The Delhi High Court found them liable for copyright infringement and disobeying an earlier order. Despite arguments of minimal use, the court ruled the songs were crucial to the narrative, leading to a contempt charge and a hefty penalty.

Music labels are shifting from full album releases to staggered, singles-led drops for film soundtracks to sustain audience interest and maximise revenue from individual tracks. Each song is now treated as a standalone asset, with pre-release tracks building buzz and post-release songs maintaining momentum.

In a strategic overhaul, the EPIC Company has merged its television, digital, and content services into a single, robust brand: EPIC. This initiative streamlines operations while enhancing the scalability of its diverse content ecosystem. Now, all channels, digital platforms, and content properties come together under one cohesive identity.

Dish TV has petitioned the Kerala High Court, demanding that DD Free Dish, Prasar Bharati's free DTH service, be brought under the same encryption and regulatory rules as private operators. The company argues DD Free Dish's current unencrypted model unfairly disadvantages paid platforms, impacting subscriber numbers and violating fair competition principles.

Iconic cricket star MS Dhoni is making waves off the field by investing in Kuku, a dynamic platform redefining storytelling for mobile users. As the face of Kuku TV, a fresh microdrama app, Dhoni is fully committed to expanding Kuku's innovative reach.

IPL 2026: JioStar, Mukesh Ambani's entertainment venture, has terminated its IPL and Women's Premier League broadcast deals in Bangladesh due to its local partner's payment defaults. This move means no local broadcaster will air the IPL season, even if Bangladesh lifts its earlier ban. The termination follows a period of strained India-Bangladesh relations.

Dhurandhar: The Revenge has achieved remarkable box office success. The film has grossed over Rs 1,365 crore globally and Rs 867 crore in India. It has surpassed the lifetime collections of its predecessor in just 11 days. The movie also holds records for the highest paid previews and the biggest opening weekend.

As the IPL returns, illegal streaming persists despite official free streams, highlighting India's piracy paradox. While enforcement disrupts illegal viewing, piracy's organized, monetized ecosystem thrives on speed, scale, and user habit, posing a significant threat to the sports economy.

India's TV audience measurement system is set for a major overhaul. New rules mandate tracking viewership across all screens, including OTT platforms. Landing page viewership will no longer count towards ratings. Panel sizes will significantly increase to ensure accuracy. These changes aim to boost competition and transparency in the advertising market.

Hyderabad hosted the ET Industry Achievers – AP & Telangana 2025-26, celebrating leadership and innovation. Actor Boman Irani graced the event as chief guest, honouring 35 individuals and organisations across diverse sectors. The awards recognised significant contributions to industry and society, highlighting the dynamic growth of both states. Irani shared his success mantra, emphasizing perseverance and ethical conduct.

Russian producers have partnered with India and the international film industry to create "Persimmon of My Love," a musical comedy entirely shot in India utilizing Bollywood's full production capabilities. This marks the first large-scale Russian-Indian co-production since the Soviet era, set to release on April 1, 2026, highlighting expanding cultural and economic cooperation.

Jio Studios has achieved a remarkable feat with three consecutive films, Stree 2, Dhurandhar, and Dhurandhar: The Revenge, each surpassing Rs 500 crore net in India. Stree 2 set a new benchmark in 2024, followed by Dhurandhar in 2025 and Dhurandhar: The Revenge in 2026, showcasing a sustained period of box office success for the studio.

TATA IPL 2026 is attracting a large number of sponsors. Twenty-seven brands are backing the tournament. This includes tech giants and established Indian companies. JioStar's integrated platform offers brands wide reach. India's recent T20 World Cup win boosts cricket's appeal. The IPL remains a major platform for advertising and brand visibility.

Maharashtra's travel scene is changing. Concerts, sports, and festivals are bringing more visitors. People are staying longer and spending more. This boosts local economies. Events like Coldplay concerts and the Cricket World Cup saw big jumps in bookings. Music festivals are also a major draw. Younger travelers are planning trips around these events.

The Dhurandhar franchise has redefined Hindi cinema. Its massive success highlights the power of a director's vision and authentic storytelling. The films broke old filmmaking molds, focusing on depth and engaging narratives. Innovative editing, bold music choices, and a blend of genres have captivated audiences. This approach has set a new benchmark for the industry.

India's interactive media market is now worth $14 billion. The focus has shifted from gaining users to making money. Cheap data, smartphones, and UPI are key. Consumers are spending more on digital experiences. New content formats are growing fast. Gaming and animation are strong areas. Artificial intelligence is changing content creation and distribution.

Kuku, a Bengaluru-based company, is focusing on short, mobile-first content. It has expanded from audio to video and is entering cinema. Kuku's subscriber base has grown significantly. The company uses AI extensively for content creation, aiming to produce thousands of micro-dramas monthly. This strategy targets users' mobile consumption habits.

Collective Studios has partnered with True Story Films to launch Khana Dil Se – An AI Journey Through India’s Kitchen, an episodic series that explores India’s culinary heritage using artificial intelligence. Created by Hansal Mehta, the show marks his return to food storytelling decades after Khana Khazana. It features chef Shamsher Ahmed as culinary consultant, bringing expertise in regional cuisines.

Kuku FM and Kuku TV are venturing into movie theaters. Their first Hindi film, Indian Institute of Zombies, is a campus comedy. It blends horror, youth humor, and social commentary. The film releases nationwide on May 8. Kuku aims for a high-energy theatrical experience. This move expands their digital entertainment business. AI played a role in the film's creation.

Kiran Mani Resignation: Kiran Mani has departed JioStar as CEO – Digital to become OpenAI's new Managing Director for Asia Pacific. He will lead regional strategy and operations from Singapore, a move that underscores OpenAI's focus on the rapidly growing AI market in the region, with India being its second-largest global user base.