News & Gossip

Aditya Dhar's film Dhurandhar starring Ranveer Singh has achieved a major milestone. The movie has crossed the Rs 500 crore mark at the domestic box office. Released on December 5, Dhurandhar features a star-studded cast. The film's narrative is set against significant geopolitical and terror events.

Tata Play has until February 3 to address allegations from Sony Pictures Networks India, which claims that Tata Play postponed providing essential data to an auditor. The matter is currently being evaluated by the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.

Sony Pictures Networks India is launching the Indian version of Wheel of Fortune. Actor Akshay Kumar will host the show. This launch aims to boost the network's prime-time programming. It will also create a cross-platform property for broadcast and digital. The show is designed for brand integration and viewer participation. It is positioned as a key advertising property for 2026.

Bigg Boss Season 19 shattered viewership records, achieving a 30% higher digital reach and 65% growth in watch-time on JioHotstar. The season finale saw a live concurrency of 4.5 million, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This success underscores the show's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with a broad audience.

A key factor behind Dhurandhar's success is its clear departure from existing Hindi spy films. "In Bollywood, spy films have often been cheaper and tackier versions of James Bond movies. The makers of Dhurandhar have consciously avoided that path. In doing so, they have rewritten the grammar of the spy genre in Bollywood," said writer and investigative journalist Anirudhya Mitra. "The film is mounted extremely well. Its sound, production design and cinematography make it a far more credible spy film. It almost feels like a Pakistani film with an Indian character-something audiences have not seen before."

Spotify India has achieved a significant financial turnaround. The music streaming platform reported a net profit of Rs 75 crore for FY25, a substantial improvement from the previous year's loss. This success stems from robust revenue growth and a sharp decrease in advertising and marketing expenditures.

The Australian Open and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have extended their broadcast agreement, guaranteeing continued live coverage across India and the Indian subcontinent. SPNI will retain exclusive television and digital rights for the Grand Slam in the region, featuring multi-language feeds and expert analysis on Sony Sports Network channels and Sony LIV.

Danish Khan, Business Head of Sony LIV and Studio NEXT, is leaving Sony Pictures Networks India after a decade to pursue new opportunities. Khan significantly scaled Sony LIV's digital business, achieving five-fold revenue growth and four-fold user increase. He also played a key role in developing popular television and studio properties during his tenure.

The push comes as broadcasters and streamers tighten spending while trying to balance scale and monetisation, even as flagship Indian reality franchises become significantly more expensive to produce. This has raised the risks associated with launching untested formats.

The government has confirmed that Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms will not fall under the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) purview. Instead, content on these platforms is regulated by the IT Rules, 2021, which mandate a self-regulatory framework with government oversight. This approach aims to balance creative freedom with legal compliance through a structured grievance redressal process.

Kolkata's Cable TV Show 2025 sees fewer Bangladeshi delegates due to visa issues. Indian authorities intervened to allow about 60 participants. Bangladesh is a key market for Indian cable TV equipment. Reduced participation may affect cross-border trade. Chinese participation has also ceased. The show highlights new technologies in digital cable, broadband, and OTT services.

JioSaavn's 2025 recap reveals a vibrant audio landscape dominated by regional languages and familiar playback voices. Commute times remain peak listening hours, showcasing a blend of comfort and personalisation. Top artists and songs highlight a strong preference for local content, alongside growing engagement with regional and global performers, reinforcing the platform's multi-format appeal.

Cornerstone has launched a new talent management venture with Armour Entertainment. This marks Cornerstone's return as an independent player in the segment. Tiger Shroff is the first talent signed. The partnership aims to build long-term careers across films, endorsements, and digital platforms.

Neeraj Ghaywan's directorial 'Homebound,' starring Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, has advanced to the next round of voting for the 98th Academy Awards' International Feature Film category. Selected from 86 eligible countries, the film is now among 15 contenders vying for a final nomination at the Oscars 2026.

Despite strong viewership and competitive on-field performances by India, the anticipated commercial upside from marquee ICC events has failed to materialise at scale. Tournaments such as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 delivered healthy audiences, but advertising and subscription revenues fell short of internal expectations, says industry executives.

Saregama India has partnered with Bhansali Productions in a significant deal. This collaboration involves an equity investment by Saregama. The partnership aims to leverage Bhansali Productions' content creation with Saregama's music and live events business. Bhansali Productions will exclusively sell music rights for future films to Saregama. This strategic move is set to enhance Saregama's content pipeline and financial performance.

Hollywood filmmaker Michael Bay is collaborating with Bhanushali Studios for an upcoming Indian feature film. Directed by Anthony D’Souza with music by A.R. Rahman, the project aims to merge Hollywood-scale action with Indian storytelling. This marks Bay's first creative partnership with an Indian studio as Bhanushali Studios continues its global expansion.

Dharma Productions has acquired Cornerstone's stake in its talent management arm. The company is now Dharma Collab Artists Agency, or DCAA. This new agency will represent talent across film, music, sports, digital media, and live entertainment. Uday Singh Gauri will continue as CEO.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated in the Lok Sabha that the BCCI is not a recognised National Sports Federation (NSF). This status is expected to change with the new National Sports Governance Act next year, which mandates NSFs to register for central government funding and accountability.

India's micro-drama market is experiencing rapid growth, reaching $260 million annually, but faces challenges. Content fatigue due to repetitive storylines and slow refresh cycles is impacting user retention, with supply-side strain hindering content creation to meet rising demand. Future growth hinges on improving content velocity, quality, and monetization resilience.

Filmmaker Aditya Dhar's espionage drama 'Dhurandhar' has become a global box office sensation. The Ranveer Singh-starrer has collected Rs 552.70 crore worldwide in just 10 days. The film recorded the biggest Sunday ever for a Hindi movie on its second Sunday. 'Dhurandhar' has registered record-breaking collections for its second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Hindi cinema history.

JioStar has appointed G R Arun Kumar as its new Chief Financial Officer, bringing nearly three decades of extensive experience in finance, strategy, and operations. He will spearhead the company's Finance and Commercial functions, aiming to drive growth, profitability, and financial resilience. Kumar previously served as Group CFO and Head of Strategy at the Welspun Group.

JioHotstar is significantly boosting its South India presence with a Rs 4,000 crore investment over five years, commissioning 25 new regional titles. The platform aims to build viewing habits through long-running episodic shows and by doubling down on reality content, following strong post-merger momentum and consumer response.

Amid rising concerns, India's media industry is highlighting the risks of unregulated AI training exploiting copyrighted works. In response, the government is crafting a strategic framework to harmonise AI advancements with intellectual property rights.

The ICC and JioStar have jointly refuted reports suggesting JioStar's withdrawal from their India media-rights agreement. Both organizations affirmed the contract remains valid and in full force, with JioStar committed to its obligations for upcoming ICC events. This statement counters claims of financial losses and a new bidding process for future rights.

Pocket FM and Arka Mediaworks are expanding the Baahubali universe with a new 250-episode audio story. Set in Maahishmathi, the series aims to captivate both existing fans and new listeners with high-quality production. This collaboration marks a significant step in reimagining iconic Indian IPs for audio-first audiences.

MediaKind is acquiring Harmonic Inc.'s Video Business for approximately $145 million, aiming to establish itself as a leading independent SaaS streaming-infrastructure provider. This strategic move, expected to close in the first half of 2026, will combine complementary strengths to serve a global customer base and accelerate innovation in video solutions.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella developed an AI app to analyze cricket. He used it to pick a team of Indian test cricket legends. Nadella, a cricket enthusiast, also invests in cricket teams. He is currently in India, where Microsoft plans significant AI and cloud investments. Cricket has shaped Nadella's leadership skills.

Dharma Cornerstone Agency has been restructured as Karan Johar's Dharma Productions buys out Bunty Sajdeh's Cornerstone's 45% stake. The amicable split allows both entities to pursue independent strategies, with Dharma assuming full control of the talent management LLP. This move aims to integrate talent management with Dharma's content pipeline.

Private DTH companies anticipate a slower revenue decline of 3-4% in FY26, supported by IPTV bundles and higher marketing income. Despite subscriber churn to OTT and DD Free Dish, DTH operators are expanding into IPTV, offering bundled services. Cost controls and reduced discounts are expected to stabilize margins.

Regional languages are now leading India's paid OTT subscriptions. South India, along with growing Marathi and Bangla markets, are driving this shift. ZEE5 sees language-first viewing changing the streaming landscape. Affordable pricing and culturally rooted content are key factors. Films remain crucial for acquiring new subscribers. Horror is also emerging as a popular genre.

Rock legends Def Leppard are set to electrify India with their first full-scale headliner tour in 2026. Tickets go on sale December 13, 2025, exclusively via BookMyShow. This landmark event promises an unforgettable experience for Indian rock fans, celebrating the band's enduring legacy and the vibrant growth of live music in the country.

In a recent interaction, Danish Khan, head of Sony LIV, said the company is applying the same core content philosophy used in Hindi-speaking markets but adapting it to a far more competitive environment. As part of a broader content push, SonyLIV is gearing up to launch 11 originals in the South.

Indians are travelling for entertainment, boosting music tourism and live events. Premium experiences are growing, with state governments supporting the sector. Cinema remains popular, with regional films and re-releases drawing crowds.

India is rapidly transforming into a global hub for live entertainment, attracting major international festivals like Rolling Loud and Lollapalooza. This shift is driven by a young, engaged, and increasingly affluent demographic, with live events now a significant economic engine and a source of national pride.

The global cricket economy faces a significant correction in 2027 as major media rights deals expire amid a tougher market. Reduced advertising, lower TV profits and streaming losses are forcing broadcasters to cut spending. Industry consolidation, particularly the JioStar merger, has also lessened competition, signaling an end to the era of broadcasters absorbing losses for rights owners.

JioHotstar announced a ₹4,000 crore investment over five years to boost South India's media and entertainment sector. The platform unveiled 25 new South titles, including originals and returning franchises, and partnered with the Tamil Nadu government to expand its production ecosystem, aiming to create thousands of jobs and champion regional storytelling.

The announcement was made during a star-studded event here attended by leading figures from the region's film and television industries.

Delhi may have been an early stop on AP Dhillon’s explosive One of One India Tour, but it set a benchmark that will be hard to top. And with six more cities still on the lineup, fans across the country have plenty of chances to experience the energy, the music, and the surprises that lit up the capital.

Dhurandhar continues its strong box office run, earning Rs 24.30 crore on Monday to reach a total of Rs 130.80 crore. The film's success is driven by steady turnout, positive word-of-mouth, and significant online engagement with its characters and content. Early indicators suggest a stable performance in the coming week.

Warner Music India has joined forces with Rhythms.Life. This collaboration aims to boost Indian music and artists on the world stage. Emerging talent will gain wider global exposure. Rhythms.Life is a creator-focused platform. It empowers artists with control over their careers.

News broadcasters have urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to withdraw proposed landing page amendments, arguing it administratively regulates a sub judice matter. They contend the proposal revives a rejected technical methodology and unfairly penalizes broadcasters by excluding legitimate first exposure viewership.

Southern film industries are experiencing a significant correction in acquisition prices, with streaming platforms cutting rates for mid-budget films by 50-60%. This shift is attributed to producers overquoting budgets and the poor box office performance of regional films, leading platforms to reduce buying quotas and prioritize original content.

In a surprising turn of events, JioStar has communicated to the ICC that it must retract from its media rights contract for cricket events, primarily due to major financial challenges. This development has prompted the ICC to scout for alternative partners to secure rights for future tournaments.

Project Worldwide has launched its India/South Asia Project Hub in Bangalore, establishing a unified gateway for clients in a rapidly expanding market. This integrated hub brings together multiple specialist agencies under its "Hyperconnected Creativity" model, offering seamless access to cross-functional expertise through a single point of contact.

Prime Video has expanded its Indian marketplace with Moviesphere+, a Lionsgate service offering Hollywood films and TV shows. Subscribers gain access to titles like 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' and 'Mad Men' at an introductory annual price. This addition enhances Prime Video's role as a distribution hub for global streamers in India.

Publicis Groupe India has expanded Himanshu Saxena’s role, naming the BBH India managing director as president for the North and East regions across Saatchi & Saatchi India and Propagate. He will operate from Gurugram while continuing to lead BBH India, reporting to Paritosh Srivastava.

The Multiplex Association of India is worried about Netflix buying Warner Bros Discovery. They fear this deal will hurt movie theaters. Indian cinemas need many films to survive. A streaming giant buying a studio that favors online releases poses a threat. This could mean fewer movies for theaters and shorter release times. The association will raise these concerns with regulators.

There are more questions than answers about how ownership from a streaming giant would change things for Warner Bros. It's not even clear if it will pass antitrust scrutiny, or, if it does, what the details will look like.

The agreement - announced on Friday - follows a weeks-long bidding war where Netflix seized the lead with a nearly $28-a-share offer that eclipsed Paramount Skydance's nearly $24 bid for the whole of Warner Bros Discovery, including the cable TV assets slated for a spinoff.