News & Gossip

Television advertising volumes fell 7% in January-July 2026 from a year earlier, extending the decline in TV advertising as brands increasingly shift budgets towards digital platforms, according to TAM AdEx. The decline follows a 9% fall in TV ad volumes during the same period in 2025. Linear TV ad revenue had also dropped 10.3% in 2025, according to a Ficci-EY report.

JioStar Vice Chairman Uday Shankar said cricket’s long-term success depends on broader media economics, beyond stadium attendance, as traditional media faces pressure from changing advertising models. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum, he also discussed the IPL’s relevance, women’s cricket, digital accessibility, AI-led content innovation and the evolving media business model.

Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has achieved a significant box office milestone. The film is now the highest-grossing R-rated movie globally. It surpassed "Deadpool & Wolverine" with its impressive worldwide earnings. This mythological epic also marks Nolan's biggest career success. The movie has generated over USD 1.352 billion at the box office.

Amazon will invest two billion dollars in Latin American productions through 2030. This significant investment aims to harness the region's extraordinary talent and audiences. The company plans to double original productions from key Latin American countries. Twenty-five new titles will premiere in 2027 and another twenty-five in 2028. This move follows Netflix's own expansion of original Latin American content.

Nielsen is preparing for an “agent-first” media landscape where AI agents could increasingly determine the content and advertising users encounter, CTO Anil Goel told ET. The shift could complicate audience measurement as AI-generated content expands and audiences fragment across platforms.

NCLT Mumbai has admitted Pen India’s insolvency petition against Reliance Entertainment Studios over a ₹11.94 crore default linked to a security deposit agreement. The tribunal held that the transaction qualified as financial debt and that Reliance’s liability remained outstanding despite its repayment mechanism. It rejected Reliance’s objections and initiated the corporate insolvency resolution process.

YouTube is offering significant payments to popular creators for exclusive content. This move aims to counter Netflix's aggressive efforts to attract top YouTube stars. Netflix has been signing creators and pursuing others for simultaneous video releases. YouTube warns that dual distribution could harm its platform's viewership and advertiser appeal. The competition intensifies as both platforms vie for viewers and the creators who draw them.

Warner Music Group is opening a new technology hub in Bengaluru next month. This facility will support global engineering, data infrastructure, and artificial intelligence initiatives. Mahesh Rao is leading the expansion, focusing on core data and audience products. The company is investing in local leadership and modern technology stacks. Bengaluru will play a central role in WMG's global engineering strategy.

The indie animated film 'Niu Lai' has captured the hearts of audiences across China, achieving unforeseen box-office success. About an endearing baby cow, this low-budget production has inspired a surge of merchandise sales. Its success stems from its heartfelt authenticity, steering clear of excessive marketing tactics, thus resonating with viewers who long for real connections.

Mid-budget films are making a notable comeback at the box office, with titles like Awarapan 2 and DC gaining substantial financial success. This trend dispels the myth that viewers prefer streaming options over cinema. Audiences are returning for powerful narratives and emotional depth, indicating a refined taste influenced by streaming services.

Connected TV households in India now number sixty-two to sixty-five million viewers. Growth is significantly higher in smaller towns and rural areas across India. This expansion is not replacing linear television but complementing its viewership. Prime time viewership is emerging strongly on both CTV and linear platforms. Household-level measurement and frequency management are key challenges for advertisers.

Panorama Studios has invested an undisclosed amount in vertical OTT platform Rocket Reels at a valuation of Rs 200 crore. The partnership aims to strengthen Rocket Reels' content pipeline, technology and production of original short-form series, while supporting its expansion into global markets.

Global investment firm KKR has acquired a minority stake in BookMyShow. This investment will support the entertainment platform's future growth and expansion plans. BookMyShow has evolved into a full-stack entertainment company since its founding. KKR's investment reflects confidence in India's growing entertainment sector.

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, the Rs 4,000-crore project is being mounted at a scale more commonly associated with Hollywood event films. Sony Pictures is handling worldwide distribution, giving the film access to a global distribution network from the outset.

Microdramas are reshaping the Hollywood landscape by delivering concise, captivating episodes that resonate with audiences. This innovative format is not only driving substantial revenue but also providing a wealth of job opportunities for creative talents. With the rise of Chinese-backed apps capturing millions of viewers, major entertainment firms have begun integrating vertical video into their offerings.

Tata Play and Spotify have partnered to offer a complimentary music trial. Eligible Tata Play Binge subscribers can receive four months of Spotify Premium. This collaboration aims to expand music offerings and customer reach for both companies. The service provides ad-free listening and access to millions of songs. This partnership complements Tata Play's existing television and OTT aggregation services.

The recent removal of the 12-minute advertising cap could lead to a minor uptick in revenue for broadcasters. Still, it's improbable that this will change the industry’s growth direction significantly. The key hurdle continues to be the demand from advertisers, as audiences gravitate towards digital and short-form video content. In this evolving landscape, Sun TV Network is more favorably positioned to capitalize on these shifts than Zee Entertainment.

Zee Entertainment has appointed Ashish Mishra as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Mishra will lead the company's network-wide marketing and brand agenda. He will focus on strengthening consumer propositions and driving marketing campaigns. Mishra's experience will help sharpen the company's marketing interventions and brand proposition. The company is strengthening its marketing capabilities and deepening consumer engagement.

Indian copyright law faces challenges with expired black and white film ownership. Colourised versions of these films create legal ambiguity for IP holders. This uncertainty hinders companies from fully monetizing restored cinematic heritage. Film labs and IP owners seek extended copyright terms for better protection. A proposal suggests aligning India's copyright duration with global standards.

This year, arguably for the first time, restored Indian classics have made it to the top four international film festivals -- from Cannes to TIFF.

Sony Pictures Networks India is launching a new Tamil channel named Sony Vizha. This general entertainment channel will officially go live in October 2026. The channel aims to offer premium content deeply rooted in Tamil culture and language. Sony Vizha will feature original fiction, global reality formats, and movies. This launch signifies Sony Pictures Networks India's entry into the Tamil entertainment market.

The Securities Appellate Tribunal has granted Zee Entertainment and Punit Goenka the go-ahead for a convertible warrants issuance. However, this approval is contingent on the appellants depositing the entire penalty imposed by Sebi. The tribunal highlighted the strong approval from public shareholders for the investment proposal, indicating that this warrants issue could substantially benefit them. Additionally, the deadline for issuing these warrants has been extended by a week.

JioStar launches a new campaign celebrating Indian Premier League football fans. The campaign features Tiger Shroff and cricketers Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag. It highlights the passion and loyalty of fans supporting their favorite clubs. The 2026/27 Premier League season begins August 22 and runs until May 30.

Microdrama is now a mainstream Indian entertainment format, with most audiences preferring it. Viewers spend over fifteen minutes daily watching these short, episodic stories. Social media feeds are the primary source for discovering new microdrama content. This format shows strong brand recall and purchase intent for advertisers. Microdrama offers creators and brands opportunities for deeper audience engagement.

The Securities Appellate Tribunal reserved its order on interim relief for Zee Entertainment and Punit Goenka. They are challenging a Securities and Exchange Board of India order which they deem punitive. Lawyers argued the order should not take effect until future resolutions are completed. These resolutions are for the company's overall benefit and future operations. Parties must file their replies and submissions within the next six weeks.

Television broadcasters anticipate a challenging festive advertising season ahead. This comes as ratings remain withheld following a ministry directive. Advertising demand is already subdued due to economic pressures and digital shifts. Free commercial time consumption has fallen to a three-year low. This situation impacts the entire TV broadcasting ecosystem significantly.

Indian music labels face over Rs 350 crore annual sync revenue loss. Unlicensed music use on social media platforms causes this significant financial impact. ContentLens offers an AI-powered solution to detect and recover this lost revenue. Their new managed Enforcement Service handles the entire process for music labels.

Zee Entertainment seeks SEBI clarification on its proposed fundraise from promoters. The company also challenged the regulator's market access ban order at SAT. Hearings for the ICC TV rights dispute arbitration with JioStar have concluded. Both parties are now filing post-hearing briefs for the arbitration. An outcome for the arbitration is anticipated possibly in the third quarter.

The ISL's media rights value has fallen from ₹275 crore a year paid by JioStar to ₹8.6 crore offered by FanCode for the 2025-26 season. JioStar had bid ₹5 crore for the property. FanCode and Sony Sports Network broadcast the league after intervention by the sports ministry helped facilitate the staging of the season, with the organisational burden falling disproportionately on the clubs.

Sony Pictures Networks India has unveiled its festive season content slate. This slate includes fiction, reality, movies, regional programming, and live sports. Sony LIV is positioned as the digital home for all SPNI offerings. The lineup features established shows and new homegrown concepts. This diverse content aims to connect with audiences across India.

Graphic India and Sadhguru are developing an animated feature film titled Shiva: The Adiyogi, which will explore Shiva's journey from transcendence to engagement with humanity. The film will culminate in the story of Shiva imparting the 112 ways of transcending the limitations of human existence, an account associated with the Adiyogi tradition.

Premier League fans in India demonstrate significant spending power and digital service subscriptions. The league's reach has expanded considerably across television and digital platforms. Viewership is growing beyond major cities, indicating wider appeal. Major international tournaments boost subsequent Premier League engagement significantly. This affluent and engaged audience offers brands substantial advertising opportunities.

The Greek island of Ithaca anticipates increased tourism following the release of the "Odyssey" film. Businesses and officials expect many visitors to follow the epic poem's inspiration. While the movie generated publicity, no scenes were filmed on the island itself. Visitors will find Homeric monuments and literary heritage points of interest. The island's natural beauty and mythological connections draw interest beyond typical beach destinations.

Proposed government rules may increase compliance burdens for India's OTT industry. Platforms could need to retrofit thousands of hours of existing films and shows. These new standards will apply to websites, mobile applications, and digital content. Larger platforms have one year to comply with non-negotiable provisions. All establishments must fully meet accessibility standards within two years.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has surpassed Avatar: The Way of Water as India's top-grossing Hollywood movie. The film has collected ₹407 crore in India, exceeding its predecessor's lifetime earnings. Aggressive marketing and the character's multi-generational appeal significantly boosted audience interest before its release. Exhibitors and analysts predict a lifetime collection of at least ₹450 crore due to sustained audience engagement.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has earned over Rs 400 crore in India. This makes it the highest-grossing Hollywood film released in the country. The movie stars Tom Holland and Zendaya in leading roles. It surpassed other major releases like The Odyssey and Obsession at the box office. The film follows Spider-Man facing new threats and physical changes.

HYBE, home to BTS, is expanding its global operations into India. The company sees India as a dynamic music ecosystem with significant growth potential. HYBE aims to develop Indian artists while respecting their cultural identities. They are currently auditioning for a new Indian global girl group.

PVR INOX plans to add one thousand screens over five years. The company is focusing on smaller cities and affordable multiplex formats. This expansion utilizes asset-light models with developer funding for projects. Single-screen cinemas are declining, creating opportunities for multiplex growth. PVR INOX aims to reach underserved markets with wider audience choices.

Christopher Nolan's epic film 'The Odyssey' has achieved a significant box office milestone. The movie has now earned over one billion dollars worldwide since its release. This success places it among the year's top-grossing films and boosts interest in Nolan's adaptation. The film features a large cast, including Matt Damon and Tom Holland in key roles.

Conceptualised by Ogilvy and crafted by music duo Maati Baani, the campaign brings together folk musicians and regional artists to reinterpret the brand's signature line, "Isko laga dala toh life jingalala," in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bangla, Awadhi and Gujarati.

The company said the production demonstrates "The Netflix Effect" by generating employment, supporting local businesses, advancing creative technology and investing in talent.

The long-awaited Awarapan 2 trailer is finally here, signaling Emraan Hashmi's comeback as the iconic Shivam Pandit. Viewers can expect the film to hit theaters globally on August 14, 2026. After his resurrection, Shivam embarks on a journey of vengeance, love, and redemption, with Disha Patani portraying Zara and Shabana Azmi taking on the role of the formidable antagonist, Nafisa.

Advertisers have shifted their focus, now putting greater emphasis on a celebrity's social media impact rather than their filmography for endorsement deals. Shah Rukh Khan exemplifies this trend, maintaining a strong brand presence without any recent cinematic releases. Digital endorsement agreements constitute a noteworthy part of total deals, with brands prioritizing favorable online opinions and innovative content creation as evaluation criteria.

The Supreme Court clarified that its recent interim order restricting the sharing and uploading of audio and video clips of court hearings does not prohibit news organisations from reporting judicial proceedings. The court said the restriction is limited to the use of audio and video recordings of hearings in news reports, while routine reportage of court proceedings remains unaffected.

In a bold move to strengthen its ties with Indian creativity, Netflix launched its India Storytelling Initiative designed to cultivate fresh storytelling talent. This program focuses on equipping aspiring creators with vital skills through strategic partnerships with organizations like IICT and NFDC. The initiative reflects Netflix's commitment to enhancing India's cultural landscape and investing in the nation's burgeoning creative economy.

Gracenote's India technology center is leading the company's artificial intelligence development efforts. This includes a new Model Context Protocol Server for improved entertainment discovery. The center's AI workflows convert unstructured data into structured metadata efficiently. This accelerates content processing times from days down to mere minutes. Gracenote leverages AI models and metadata expertise for superior content intelligence.

Spotify Premium subscribers in India now receive exclusive lifestyle benefits. These rewards include discounts from popular brands like MakeMyTrip and Nykaa. Premium members can also access invite-only music events and listening sessions. This initiative transforms Spotify Premium into a membership with added lifestyle advantages.

PVR Inox plans to launch 300 affordable cinemas in smaller towns. Tickets will be priced under two dollars to attract new audiences. This expansion aims to diversify revenue beyond major metropolitan areas. The company expects upcoming film releases to sustain box office momentum. Alternate events will also boost occupancy during slower periods.

India represents a crucial market for Netflix's future global expansion and growth. The company sees enormous potential for subscriber additions in this large market. Netflix is investing continuously across genres to deliver fresh programming at scale. Live sports rights are an opportunity, but unique Netflix events are the focus. The company is happy with its India business economics and progress over the decade.

PVR INOX is launching a new franchise model for tier-III cities. This capital-efficient format will expand organized entertainment options across India. The first SMART Cinemas property will open in Muzaffarpur, Bihar soon. PVR INOX has signed agreements for six more locations. This initiative aims to make premium cinema experiences more accessible.