News & Gossip

Warner Bros Discovery's split into two entities, following similar moves by Comcast and Lionsgate, highlights a shift away from traditional media conglomerates. The industry is prioritizing streaming, separating high-growth digital units from slower legacy businesses to attract investors and compete with Netflix.

India's live entertainment sector is booming, fueled by Gen Z's desire for immersive experiences and a growing middle class. Concerts and comedy shows are selling out across the country, from major cities to emerging cultural hubs like Shillong. This surge is attracting international artists and driving significant economic impact, with projections indicating substantial revenue growth in the coming years.

Reliance Industries' RISE Worldwide partners with Denmark's BLAST ApS. They are creating Jio BLAST eSports. This joint venture will tap into India's growing eSports market. The partnership aims to operate gaming events. It will bring BLAST's global events to India. Events will be hosted on the JioGames platform. The JV will offer tournament management and marketing services.

From romantic dramas like Metro… In Dino and Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan to political thrillers like The Hunt and action-packed sequels like Son of Sardaar 2, July 2025 brings a vibrant mix of Bollywood releases across theatres and OTT.

India's evolving media landscape sees a push for co-investment in content creation, as platforms like JioStar seek to balance risk and reward with producers. This shift aims to move away from broadcasters bearing the full financial burden.

Cinépolis India has joined forces with Amazon Pay to provide customers with streamlined and secure digital payment options across its theatres and online platforms. This collaboration offers faster checkout, promotional offers, and rewards for booking tickets and purchasing food and beverages. The partnership aims to enhance the cinema experience through technology-led customer service and digital integration.

Yash Raj Films' War 2, a spy thriller starring Hrithik Roshan and NTR, will debut globally in IMAX on August 14, 2025. As part of the YRF Spy Universe, the film aims to deliver an immersive experience with its large screen and enhanced sound. IMAX is collaborating with Aditya Chopra to bring this action spectacle to audiences worldwide.

JioStar Entertainment leaders, Alok Jain and Krishnan Kutty, speaking at APOS 2025, urged a revamp of India's entertainment business model, emphasizing profitability and youth focus for sustainability. Jain stressed rebuilding the creative ecosystem, advocating collaboration over gatekeeping. Kutty highlighted the need for boldness rooted in Indian values and increased Gen Z programming.

Streaming platforms in India are focusing on ad-supported web series. This shift is due to stagnating subscriber growth and lower margins. Long-format shows are expected to rise on OTT platforms. Binge-watching fatigue and cost-effectiveness are driving this trend. Premium content faces challenges from piracy and actor reluctance. Ad-supported content sees subscriber growth, prompting creative partnerships.

During the 21-month Emergency in India, the government imposed strict censorship on arts and cinema, leading to the banning, stalling, or scrutiny of several films. Movies like "Aandhi," believed to be inspired by Indira Gandhi, and "Kissa Kursi Ka," a political satire, faced severe consequences.

JioStar's report reveals that digital platforms surpassed television in viewership for the 2025 IPL, reaching 652 million viewers compared to TV's 537 million. The tournament attracted 1.19 billion people, driven by digital adoption and innovative features. JioStar focused on personalized experiences, resulting in significant growth in subscribers and viewing time, making it the most monetized IPL edition ever.

Jiohotstar's subscriber base reached 300 million, nearing Netflix's global numbers. The Tata IPL edition aided subscriber addition. Digital viewership crossed television viewership. Jiostar reported high viewership translated into revenues. Digital viewership of the cricket league increased. The final fixture between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings had a reach of 237 million on digital. Telugu IPL viewers grew the fastest.

Assam Tourism Development Corporation has partnered with BookMyShow to bring international concerts to the state, aiming to establish Assam as a global concert destination. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma believes this initiative will boost cultural development, leveraging Assam's unique blend of tradition, youth, and natural beauty.

JetSynthesys' Global Music Junction (GMJ), with Hariprem Films (HPF), has partnered exclusively with folk singer Mame Khan to promote Indian folk music through digital content, brand partnerships, and international performances. HPF will manage Khan's digital presence and live performance bookings for his RockNRoots Project and Folk Orchestra of Rajasthan.

Aamir Khan's 'Sitaare Zameen Par' has made a strong debut. The film collected Rs 11.7 crore on its first day. R S Prasanna directed the movie. Aamir Khan, Aparna Purohit, and Ravi Bhagchandka produced it. The film is a spiritual sequel to 'Taare Zameen Par'. Aamir plays a basketball coach mentoring differently-abled individuals.

India concluded Cannes Lions with 32 medals, BBDO India securing a Silver Lion for Ariel's 'Share The Load' campaign, recognized for promoting equal household chore sharing. FCB India's 'Lucky Yatra' stood out as the most awarded campaign. The festival highlighted a shift towards the 'human' factor, alongside discussions on AI's role and impact-driven creative interventions.

Sun TV Network addresses a 22-year-old stake dispute between Kalanithi Maran and Dayanidhi Maran. Dayanidhi Maran alleges fraudulent seizure of company control. Sun TV denies the claims, asserting legal compliance. The company states the matter is personal and doesn't affect operations. Dayanidhi threatens legal action if his demands aren't met. Sun TV's revenue and net profit have recently declined.

Divya Khossla is set to star in an untitled dark comedy thriller, produced by Prerna Arora and directed by Umesh Shukla. Khossla expressed her excitement for the film, highlighting its blend of dark comedy and thriller elements. With a budget of Rs 15-20 crore, the film is scheduled for release this year.

Sun TV has refuted media reports of a dispute between Dayanidhi Maran and his brother Kalanithi Maran, concerning a 2003 share allotment. Dayanidhi allegedly sent a legal notice accusing Kalanithi of fraudulently seizing control. Sun TV clarified that the matter pertains to when the company was private, asserting all actions were legal and vetted before its public issue.

Dayanidhi Maran accuses Kalanithi Maran of fraudulently seizing control of Sun Group. He alleges a disputed share allotment in 2003. Dayanidhi demands restoration of the original shareholding structure. He plans legal action, including approaching SFIO and BCCI. The dispute involves Sun TV Network and other assets. Allegations include misuse of dividends and illegal share transfers.

Despite box office growth, the Indian film industry faces challenges. Stakeholders express nervousness due to these issues. A decline in elite audience attendance is a major concern. The industry also lacks well-made mass entertainers. Non-Hindi films contribute significantly to box office collections. Experts suggest focusing on mid-budget films with fresh stories.

JioStar's IPL 2025 season reached one billion viewers. The tournament recorded 840 billion minutes of watch-time. Digital views increased by 29%. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings final became the most-watched match. Virat Kohli lifted the trophy for the first time. JioStar introduced new digital features.

Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Mukund Acharya as its new Chief Technology Officer, effective today. Acharya, formerly Head of Engineering at JioHostar, will lead SPNI's technology portfolio, driving digital transformation and innovation across linear and digital platforms. He brings 29 years of experience and will report to Gaurav Banerjee, MD and CEO of SPNI.

Indian OTT platforms are changing strategies. They are now sharing content rights to manage costs. This shift includes films and even live sports. Recent examples include Tamil and Telugu films on multiple platforms. Sony also sublicensed cricket rights to JioHotstar. Experts believe this trend will continue. It offers cost efficiency and broader reach for content.

The Bombay High Court has urged the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to expedite the hearing between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) and Tata Play, aiming for the first week of July 2025. This direction follows SPNI's withdrawal of its High Court petition, with permission granted to address consumer concerns via social media.

Indian agencies made a strong showing at the Cannes Lions Festival, securing a total of 22 Lions by Day 3. Leo India's 'Tailor Test' for ACKO won Gold in Creative Data, while FCB India earned Silver for 'Lucky Yatra'.

Mastercard is collaborating with EVA Live to host over 20 music events across India. The events will take place between October and December 2025. Global stars like Enrique Iglesias, A.R. Rahman, and DJ Tiesto are scheduled to perform. Mastercard cardholders will get early ticket access and exclusive discounts. This partnership marks Mastercard's entry into performing arts sponsorship in South Asia.

Zee Entertainment's Ashish Sehgal argues that complete transparency in audience measurement could devalue content and shift power to advertisers. He highlights the importance of balancing transparency with the need to sustain a broad content ecosystem, contrasting algorithm-driven platforms with those investing in original storytelling. Zee is adopting an omnichannel approach, focusing on intellectual property and expanding beyond traditional broadcasting.

The Bombay High Court has directed Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) to approach the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) regarding its dispute with Tata Play over the renewal of their annual agreement. SPNI had challenged a TDSAT directive to remove social media posts referencing Tata Play.

Indian agencies continued their success at the Cannes Festival of Creativity, securing two Silver Lions and one Bronze on Day 2, adding to their previous nine wins. Talented won Silver for 'Avani's Gold,' while VML India earned Silver for Coke Studio Bharat's 'The Girl Who Played the Tutari.' Ogilvy India secured a Bronze for its 'Eye Test Menu' campaign.

Kantar's Media Compass 2025 reveals that while linear TV remains popular with 58% viewership, connected TV is gaining traction with 35 million new viewers, especially among younger, male, and rural audiences. A significant 23% of Indians are now digital-only, highlighting a shift in content consumption patterns and the need for nuanced media strategies across platforms to effectively reach diverse demographics.

Pocket Entertainment has promoted Umesh Bude to Chief Technology Officer, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping the company's technological vision. Bude will spearhead AI-driven storytelling and enhance user engagement across platforms like Pocket FM and Pocket Toons. His focus includes advancing generative AI capabilities and ensuring cutting-edge tech solutions, solidifying Pocket Entertainment's position in AI-powered entertainment.

Tata Play is expanding its addressable advertising by partnering with ZEE Entertainment, enabling targeted campaigns on Zee Cinema SD in India's top eight metro cities. This initiative allows brands to deliver customized ads to premium households, combining TV's broad reach with digital precision. Reaching 8.

Sony Pictures Entertainment is increasing its investment in the Indian media and entertainment sector, driven by economic and population growth. Following a failed merger with Zee Entertainment, SPNI is focusing on strengthening content production, digital platforms like SonyLIV, and distribution partnerships under new leadership. Recent investments include cricket rights and a revamp of Sony Entertainment Television's programming to boost viewership.

Ravi Krishnan launches Abler Sports & Entertainment. The company focuses on sports and entertainment. It emphasizes intellectual property and data. The goal is to enhance fan engagement. Abler Sports aims to boost revenue for rights holders. It also supports brands expanding globally. The company sees growth in women's sports. It blends sports with culture for broader appeal.

India opened strong at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity 2025, securing one Gold, four Silver, and three Bronze Lions on Day 1. FCB India led the tally with a Gold and Bronze for its 'Lucky Yatra' campaign for Indian Railways, along with a Silver for Too Yumm! in the Outdoor category. The 'Lucky Yatra' is also India's only entry shortlisted for the prestigious Titanium Lions.

Warner Bros. Pictures, Bhanushali Studios Limited, and JOAT Films collaborate. They will develop Indian adaptations of iconic Warner Bros. movies. The partnership aims to blend global storytelling with Indian culture. Warner Bros. Pictures will handle global distribution. Vinod Bhanushali and Jack Nguyen express excitement about the collaboration. The first title is currently under development.

Hindi film producers are increasingly hesitant to invest in debut filmmakers due to box-office unpredictability and a preference for proven formulas. The number of first-time directors has declined, even as the total number of film releases has increased.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Punjab Kings IPL final broke viewership records. 169 million Indians watched on TV. This surpassed the India versus Pakistan 2021 T20 World Cup match. RCB won their first title in 18 years. The match recorded high TV ratings. The tournament faced a brief suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict.

Airtel Digital TV is removing Zee Entertainment channels from its packages due to a recent price hike, mirroring a similar dispute between Sony and Tata Play. Airtel will adjust pack prices and offer Zee channels on an a la carte basis. This move comes as DTH operators resist price increases amid declining pay-TV subscribers and rising competition from OTT platforms.

India’s OTT platforms—including Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, and ZEE5—are adopting cost benchmarking practices to manage rising content production expenses and improve profitability. Consultancy firms like EY, PwC, and Deloitte are helping these platforms establish cost reference points across projects.

The NCLAT has upheld a CCI order penalizing UFO Moviez India and Qube Cinema Technologies for anti-competitive practices related to digital cinema equipment supply. The tribunal dismissed their plea for a stay, citing the CCI's findings and directing them to deposit 25% of the penalty.

PVR Inox is strategically expanding its reach into international cinema, aiming to cater to India's diverse film tastes. Starting with "Ballerina," the company plans to distribute major Hollywood titles and indie films from studios like Lionsgate and A24.

ZEE5, aiming for profitability, plans to slash operating losses by 50-60% in FY26, according to Amit Goenka. After reducing losses significantly in FY25, ZEE5 will focus on cost control and quality content, launching 100 titles with regional language focus. Despite competition from streaming giants, ZEE5's revenue grew by 6% in FY25.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has challenged a TDSAT order in the Bombay High Court, which restrained SPNI from disconnecting Tata Play over a subscription fee dispute. The court has issued notices to TDSAT and Tata Play, scheduling further hearings. SPNI seeks a fee hike, while Tata Play resists, citing declining viewership and already substantial payments made.

upGrad has appointed media and tech veteran Ferzad Palia to lead its newly launched Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business, marking a strategic expansion into mass-market, on-demand digital learning. Palia, formerly of JioCinema and Viacom18, will focus on building a scalable, AI-powered micro-learning ecosystem to cater to India’s next-gen learners.

India's cable television industry is facing a significant downturn, with an estimated 577,000 job losses projected between 2018 and 2025. This decline is attributed to a shrinking pay-TV subscriber base, dropping from 151 million in 2018 to a projected 71-81 million by 2030, fueled by rising channel costs, OTT competition, and free services.

Mihir Rale, former Disney and Star India General Counsel, has joined Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as a Partner and Co-Head of the Digital | TMT practice. Based in Mumbai, he brings over two decades of expertise in technology, data, and media.

Hindi dubbed southern films are not performing well. 'Thug Life' and other films failed to impress Hindi audiences. Experts cite poor marketing and short theatrical windows. They also mention a lack of universal stories. 'Pushpa 2' is an exception due to its entertainment value. The earlier euphoria around southern cinema has waned. Only Malayalam cinema remains relatively stable.

Sony Music India and The Hello Group (THG) have partnered to launch THG India, aiming to elevate Indian artists in the global live music arena. This joint venture combines Sony Music India's local expertise with THG's international network, offering comprehensive services like artist management, event booking, and publishing support.