Shweta Tripathi Sharma has a simple yardstick when it comes to choosing her roles— the further away the character is from her, the more excited she is about it. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein’s Shikha, who is unsuspecting and helpless as her love story takes a dark turn, then fit perfectly in her pursuit of different roles. “I want my characters to be different from me, and from each other,” starts Tripathi, when we get on a call with her. The second season of the Netflix romantic thriller, also starring Tahir Raj Bhasin and Aanchal G Singgh, is readying for release two years after the opening edition became a sleeper hit. What made reprising the role of Shikha more tempting for Tripathi was that writer-director Sidharth Sengupta had turned her character around. “The show asks the question, ‘How far would you go for love?’ This season reveals a new side to Shikha as she decides to fight for her love. You will see a feminine and vulnerable side to my character, yet one that is fierce and determined. It’s an exciting balance,” she grins. In her 14-year career so far, the actor has explored the varied shades of romance through different stories—from the tender first love in Masaan (2015) to heartbreak in Made in Heaven. She places Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein high on her list for simultaneously exploring love and obsession through her and Singgh’s characters. She says, “I’ve explored anger, revenge, and resilience in my previous roles, but this story shows how love can sometimes consume you. It’s refreshing to play a character who is driven by pure passion rather than darkness. Playing her has given me the chance to tap into a vulnerability that I’ve wanted to show for a long time.”
16 November,2024 07:49 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuPrime Video today unveiled the highly anticipated spill-all trailer for its first-ever talk show, 'The Rana Daggubati Show'. Created and hosted by the charismatic Rana Daggubati and executively produced by him under the banner of Spirit Media, the unscripted Telugu Original series will feature a dazzling line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Nani, Rishab Shetty, Siddhu Jonnalagadda with Sreeleela, S.S. Rajamouli with Ram Gopal Varma, and many more over eight extremely entertaining episodes. Rana Daggubati's upcoming talk show to premiere on November 23 Prime Video shared a trailer for the upcoming talk show. The riveting trailer is a glimpse into 'The Rana Daggubati Show' that breaks the mould of conventional chat shows and gives the audience a tantalizing peek into the lives of their favorite stars. From spilling the tea with Dulquer to souping up cars with Naga Chaitanya, from baking wood-fired pizzas with Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Sree Leela to ambushing Rajamouli at his outdoor shoot location, the show and Rana bring out a never-seen-before side of his guests. The Rana Daggubati Show will premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting November 23 in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes dropping every Saturday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Rana Daggubati says this is not your ordinary talk show “The Rana Daggubati Show isn’t your ordinary talk show! It’s a highly entertaining and interactive window into the very real and unfiltered lives of celebrities who appear on the show. My connection with them and the industry is family-like and not merely professional, and that’s what makes our conversations and the time we spend engaged in commonly shared hobbies so much more fun and natural. It’s a one-of-a-kind hangout spot where celebrities can feel right at home and truly be their candid and authentic selves. In the show, just as in our day-to-day lives, we’re absorbed in creative collaborations, reminiscing memories over a cup of coffee or munching our favorite food, cracking jokes, and delving into the back stories behind some of the most memorable moments in our respective careers—that maybe only a handful of people in the world would know,” said Rana Daggubati, host, creator, and executive producer of the show.
15 November,2024 06:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent'Freedom at Midnight', directed by Nikkhil Advani, has just been released and is already receiving rave reviews from audiences. The political drama delves into the struggle for independence and highlights the contributions of historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel in shaping India's history. The series is inspired by and adapted from the acclaimed book of the same name by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins. The first season premiered today, November 15, 2024. Now streaming on Sony LIV, fans have taken to Twitter to share their views, with many hailing the show as a compelling and well-executed historical drama. Fans’ Twitter reaction of 'Freedom at Midnight' While sharing the review of the series, one wrote, “I am Watching #FreedomAtMidnight! What stood out for me was the fresh perspective on independence, the depth of characters, and a storyline that’s keeping it real and unbiased. Definitely a unique take on a political drama!” Just finished #FreedomAtMidnight, and I’m speechless. A beautifully crafted political drama that sheds light on the complexities of independence. Nikkhil Advani has delivered a masterpiece. Don’t miss this one pic.twitter.com/j9DVpfhCKu — Surbhi rathod (@SurbhiDeshpade9) November 15, 2024 “Watching #FreedomAtMidnight feels like stepping into 1947. From the set design to the music, everything about it transports you to the past. Such a gripping, immersive experience. Kudos to the team!” another user shared. A third user shared, “FreedomAtMidnight is a rare gem! The political nuances, the emotional depth, and the historical accuracy make it a standout show. Sony LIV has truly delivered something special.” Hey guys Finally got around to #FreedomAtMidnight on Sony LIV, Incredible acting from start to finish, and the soundtrack! Absolutely perfect for setting the tone. Impressed! pic.twitter.com/RYNeIqhfrv — सरला (@Sarla_Sungroya) November 15, 2024 Meanwhile by hailing the incredible acting of the cast an ‘impressed’ fan wrote, “Hey guys Finally got around to #FreedomAtMidnight on Sony LIV, Incredible acting from start to finish, and the soundtrack! Absolutely perfect for setting the tone. Impressed!” “Just finished watching #FreedomAtMidnight on Sony LIV, and I’m blown away by its compelling narrative, authentic portrayal of events, and the sheer brilliance of the performances—truly a masterpiece!” another one commented A comment reads, “Just finished #FreedomAtMidnight, and I’m speechless. A beautifully crafted political drama that sheds light on the complexities of independence. Nikkhil Advani has delivered a masterpiece. Don’t miss this one” Just finished #FreedomAtMidnight, and I’m speechless. A beautifully crafted political drama that sheds light on the complexities of independence. Nikkhil Advani has delivered a masterpiece. Don’t miss this one pic.twitter.com/j9DVpfhCKu — Surbhi rathod (@SurbhiDeshpade9) November 15, 2024 More about Freedom at Midnight In the series actor Sidhant Gupta stars as Jawaharlal Nehru, Chirag Vohra and Rajendra Chawla take on the roles of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel respectively.
15 November,2024 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhen Aarya was nominated at the International Emmy Awards 2021, co-creator Sandeep Modi had to skip the do. However, this time, he won’t miss it for the world. Modi will fly out to Los Angeles later this month as The Night Manager eyes the trophy for the Best Drama Series at the International Emmy Awards 2024, to be held on November 25. “I still remember the day we found out about the nomination. For 10 minutes, I was jumping out of excitement. After a bit, my daughter said, ‘Come papa, we have to play now.’ In that second, I was reminded that my kids and my family are my real treasure,” smiles the creator. Sandeep Modi Starring Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sobhita Dhulipala, The Night Manager is an adaptation of Tom Hiddleston’s British show of the same name. With both the series germinating from John le Carre’s 1993 novel, Modi says it is the desi treatment that has lent the Hindi series its own identity. “Now, there is a lot of curiosity, respect and love for an Indian show at that level. It has taken us a decade to reach here; filmmakers like Mira Nair, Shekhar Kapur and others paved the way for us. The curve is beautiful because it started with local stories that resonate globally. Now, you see SS Rajamouli taking something hyper-local, a Telugu film [RRR, 2022], around the world. It’s reaching wider because it is pure to its roots. We have realised that we should be comfortable in our skin and make something deeply rooted [in our culture]; that will resonate. I made this adaptation of The Night Manager for India, for the people from Mumbai to Delhi, from Jabalpur to Kanpur. It’s a bonus that the West likes it. Our primary objective is to be honest to the world we know. The more we do that, the wider the story travels,” he states. Now is a good time to discuss the status of The Night Manager’s next season. Hiddleston has started filming the British spy thriller’s second instalment in the UK. “All of what John Le Carre wrote is part of season one. I think even the British team took a long time to figure out how to take a story like this ahead. They have cracked something, but it’s too early to talk about this. John le Carre’s family, Simon and Stephen [Cornwell], who own the rights, are leading its development. Whenever it happens, it can be exciting,” teases the creator. Is there a universe in the offing like the Russo Brothers are doing with Citadel? Even as Modi acknowledges that the scope of possibilities is wide, he says that the final call rests with the Le Carre family. “Since it all comes from the source material, the intent [of the way ahead] needs to come from the Le Carre family. Right now, they are very excited for us. They call The Night Manager the show that keeps giving. I think it’s the book that keeps giving. For an adaptation to be loved, not just across India, but across the world, and to be nominated is a huge deal. Whatever you do for the show, it gives back in a beautiful way.” Currently, Modi is in the midst of pre-production for his next, a Kartik Aaryan-led war drama backed by Karan Johar. Asked when it will go on floors, the director is guarded, only saying, “It’s an intensive project and will take its course. A journey has two parts: the destination you envision, and the unexpected paths that emerge along the way. Five years ago, I would never have predicted working on projects like Aarya and The Night Manager. I used to carry around 10 scripts, each representing a story I wanted to tell. But sometimes, the world presents a story, and you give it a try. This journey feels like flying a kite—you put your kite up in the air because you believe in it, but sometimes, the wiser choice is to trust the wind and see where it takes you rather than pushing against it.”
15 November,2024 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuMohabbat Se Badle Tak Ka Safar 'Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar', is a gripping new revenge saga that brings the pulse of India’s heartland to the screen. Set against the background of class struggles, this tale of love, betrayal, and revenge will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The show weaves a powerful narrative, where romance turns into vengeance, and betrayal drives the quest for redemption. As Kuldeep (Dhaval Thakur), a brilliant young man from a lower-class family, falls for the fearless Shanvika (Sanchita Basu) from the influential Chouhan family, their love is shattered by societal pressures, leading to devastating consequences. The series is set to stream exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar, from 22nd November 2024 onwards. How far can someone go for their love? The makers released the trailer of the series today. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Disney+ Hotstar (@disneyplushotstar) Produced by Bombay Show Studios and directed by Shraddha Pasi Jairath, this unusual tale of chase and love stars promising newcomers like Dhaval Thakur and Sanchita Basu alongside popular actors like Aniruddha Dave and Kapil Kanpuriya in pivotal roles. Dhaval Thakur describes his character in ‘Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar’ Dhaval Thakur said “Kuldeep’s character is very complex, it has extreme goodness as well as the evil side. The character is emotionally challenging and it took a lot of prep to make it come alive as well as to make it relatable to the audience. Thanks to the director and writers who had ironed out the complexities of Kuldeep on paper in the most simplistic manner that helped me get a jump start for the prep. The whole team has put in a lot of effort together to bring this story to life. I am grateful to Disney+ Hotstar, Shraddha Pasi Jairath, and Bombay Show Studios for giving me this opportunity.” Sanchita says that her character in ‘Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar’ is multidimensional Sanchita Basu said, “Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar is a story that evokes multiple emotions such as love, betrayal, power, redemption, and many others. I can confidently say that the story is relatable to everyone and anyone of any age group. This is something that everyone has experienced once in their life but with an interesting twist that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Shanvika is a character who’s tough on the outside but carries so much vulnerability beneath the surface. She is so multi-dimensional—there’s love, strength, and fear, all wrapped into one. I’m excited that ‘Thukra Ke Mera Pyaar’ is set to stream on Disney+ Hotstar and thankful for this opportunity.”
14 November,2024 07:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Video India today unveiled an exciting trailer for its upcoming original dance drama series, 'Waack Girls'. The series is created and directed by Padma Shri awardee Sooni Taraporevala and co-written by Sooni, Iyanah Bativala, and Ronny Sen; It is produced by Caleb Franklin, Vikesh Bhutani, and Sooni Taraporevala under the banners of Matter Entertainment, Chalkboard Entertainment, and Jigri Dost Productions. A delightful medley of dance, drama, music, heartbreak and humor, this energetic, fast-paced nine-episode series boasts a talented ensemble cast including Mekhola Bose, Rytasha Rathore, Anasua Chowdhury, Chrisann Pereira, Priyam Saha, Ruby Sah, Achintya Bose alongside acclaimed actors Barun Chanda, Lillete Dubey and the late Nitesh Pandey in pivotal roles. The drama series is all set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on November 22 in Hindi, with dubs in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Prime Video India releases trailer for 'Waack Girls' The trailer for 'Waack Girls' whisks viewers away to the lively streets of Kolkata, where the vibrant rhythm of waacking - a dynamic dance form largely unknown in India - intertwines with themes of friendship, resilience, and defiant self-expression. It showcases a diverse ensemble of young women, all united by their love for dance; offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of these six unapologetic 'Waack Girls', each with their own unique story. With clever writing, sharp punchlines, light-hearted moments, and music that makes you want to hit the dance floor, the series chronicles their adventures as they confront personal challenges, family expectations, societal norms, and even each other, celebrating both their individuality and unity. Portraying the role of an expert waacker and the team’s choreographer, Mekhola Bose shared, “Waacking is an amazing medium for self-expression through movement and emotion. For me, it has been an important tool for self-exploration. Collaborating with Sooni was a dream come true; she truly understands the art of storytelling through dance. Waack Girls embodies resilience, passion, and the raw beauty of self-expression, and I’m incredibly proud to bring this story to life with such talented actors. It’s an honor to showcase why Waacking deserves a prominent place on the global stage, and I’m thrilled for the audience to experience it on Prime Video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) Rytasha Rathore shares her experience of working on ‘Waack Girls’ Rytasha Rathore, who plays the manager of the dance group ‘Waack Girls’, shared, “From the moment I went in for that very first audition at Tess Joseph’s and met Sooni. I knew I must be a part of this show. I had never had the privilege of auditioning with the director in the room; the whole energy of the show was special from the get-go. Sooni is a living legend. Working with a team as fantastic as this one is a testament that manifestation does work! I’ve spent days journaling about the kind of work I want to do and the kind of people I want to do it with. 'Waack Girls' is an extension of that, a gift from the universe, a true collaboration made with the purest souls. I’m looking forward to finally sharing this piece of our hearts with the audience on Prime Video."
14 November,2024 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent'Bandish Bandits' season two is set to launch exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on December 13. The new season of this beloved musical drama continues its journey, artfully blending the intricate ragas, talas, and bandishes of Indian classical music with the bold, electrifying beats of modern rock and pop, as our leads – Radhe and Tamanna, now face off against each other in the quest for acceptance and glory. The narrative delves deeper into family legacy bringing themes of individuality, empowerment, and the balance between old and new to the forefront, as each character discovers and embraces their true self. The cast of 'Bandish Bandits' season two Produced by Amritpal Singh Bindra, and directed by Anand Tiwari, the Leo Media Collective Private Limited production will see the return of its versatile cast including Ritwik Bhowmik, Shreya Chaudhry, Sheeba Chaddha, Atul Kulkarni, Rajesh Tailang, and Kunaal Roy Kapur, along with new cast members, Divya Dutta, Rohan Gurbaxani, Yashaswini Dayama, Aaliyah Qureshi, and Saurabh Nayyar in pivotal roles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) “At Prime Video, we take pride in bringing stories and narratives that are not only culturally relevant but also showcase the rich tapestry of traditions we celebrate in India, 'Bandish Bandits' has been one such gem in our diverse list of originals,” said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video India. “We are thrilled to collaborate once again with Amritpal Singh Bindra and Anand Tiwari to present this beloved musical drama to our customers. With the sophomore season of 'Bandish Bandits', we’ve pushed the boundaries with the music and the story, diving into themes of legacy, identity, and ambition. It is a story we’re excited to bring to our customers and are confident that it will receive the same kind of love and acclaim as the first season did.” 'Bandish Bandits' makers feel extremely proud “'Bandish Bandits' is a series we’re extremely proud of. With season one, our ambition was to showcase Indian classical music authentically and engagingly, which is rarely explored in mainstream Indian entertainment, and explore the conflict between tradition and modernity, a theme that resonates with nearly everyone. With season two, we’re picking up from where we left off, but bringing in bigger conflicts as the stakes get higher and the tension between Radhe and Tamanna reaches a dramatic crescendo! The universal love and appreciation garnered by season one has validated the faith and work the cast and crew and the incredibly supportive team at Prime Video put behind the show, and we cannot wait for December 13 as we bring the newest season to audiences in India and across the world”, said Amritpal Singh Bindra, Producer of 'Bandish Bandits' Season 2.
13 November,2024 06:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrime Video announced November 23 as the premiere date of its first-ever talk show, The Rana Daggubati Show. Created and hosted by the charismatic Rana Daggubati and executive produced by him under the banner of Spirit Media, the unscripted Telugu Original eight-episode series will feature a dazzling line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Sree Leela, Nani, S.S. Rajamouli and Ram Gopal Varma, and many more, as they indulge in entertaining conversations peppered with intimate repartee and engaging activities that bring out a never-seen-before side of Rana’s guests. The Rana Daggubati Show will premiere exclusively on Prime Video starting November 23 in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide, with new episodes dropping every Saturday. About The Rana Daggubati Show Brimming with unfiltered conversations and unexplored facets of celebrities, The Rana Daggubati Show presents a refreshing take on the celebrity talk show format, as Rana and his guests unmask their fun side and reveal insights into their personal lives that are unknown to their fans and unheard of by the world while partaking in exciting activities and passionate hobbies that go beyond the silver screen. "The Rana Daggubati Show is an unconventional take on talk shows, going beyond surface-level exchanges to explore engaging conversations and intriguing activities that Rana and his guests fully immerse themselves in. The mystique surrounding some of the industry's biggest names piques the interest of audiences and fans, and Rana creates a warm, inviting atmosphere on the show, encouraging guests to shed their inhibitions and connect authentically with their fans,” said Nikhil Madhok, Head of Originals, Prime Video, India. “The Rana Daggubati Show offers a unique perspective on the personality behind the celebrity, and there’s no one better suited than the charming, hospitable, and talented Rana Daggubati to host this show and bridge the gap between celebrated guests and their fans. Building on the success of Dhootha, Prime Video remains committed to delivering exceptional content to the Telugu audience, and with this show, we’re thrilled to introduce a new genre of content to our roster that will entertain, engage, and captivate our audience.” What Rana has to say about his talk show Rana Daggubati, host, creator, and executive producer of the show said, “For too long, talk shows have just scratched the surface when it comes to getting to know our favorite celebs. But we’re flipping the script! Our show is a backstage pass into the real lives of these stars—many of whom are my buddies and colleagues. Think chill vibes, no filters, and a whole lot of unexpected moments. It’s like hanging out with your favorite icons as they spill the tea, share wild stories, and dive headfirst into the stuff they absolutely love. I’m excited! Soon fans in over 240 countries will get to kick back and experience this fun ride with us on Prime Video starting November 23! Get ready for all the feels, the laughs, and moments you’ll be texting your friends about—because this is as real and up-close as it gets!”
13 November,2024 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter 2 years, 10 months, 1 week, and 6 days of waiting, Purva is back! Following the heart-pounding thrill of Season 1, 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' returns to Netflix with a second season that’s spicier, darker, and juicier than ever. Love turns into an all-consuming, unforgiving obsession, where every move is calculated! This isn’t just love; it’s madness — and the revenge and twisted games have only intensified. Netflix dropped the trailer for Season 2 of 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' and the performances are thrilling and storyline gripping forcing you to be on the edge biting your nails throughout. Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein season 2 trailer out now Following last season’s jaw-dropping cliffhanger, where Purva was kidnapped, the ransom amount became a whopping Rs 100 crore bounty and Vikrant (Tahir) put many lives on the line. This season asks: "How pulpier can Pulpy get?" Revenge, betrayal, and fatal passion take center stage, serving up nail-biting drama at every turn. Vikrant sets out to kill Purva, but now his fate hangs in the balance — will he survive her grasp, or is he trapped in this twisted love story forever? It’s a deadly game of survival, and with Gurmeet Choudhary’s powerful entry this season, the stakes have only gotten higher. He’s vowed to bring Purva back, but no one knows who’ll make it out alive. The first season was loved by viewers and was trending in India's top 10 for a long time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) Cast of 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' Directed, written, and show run by Sidharth Sengupta and produced by Edgestorm Ventures Pvt Ltd, 'Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein' Season 2 features a powerhouse cast including Tahir Raj Bhasin, Shweta Tripathi, Anchal Singh, Saurabh Shukla, Arunoday Singh, Varun Badola, Gurmeet Choudhary, Brijendra Kala, Anant Joshi, Surya Sharma, Shashi Verma, Anjuman Saxena, and Hetal Gada, keeping audiences at the edge of their seat with every twist and turn. With the new season, Sengupta aims to push boundaries, delivering a story that dives straight into the heart of darkness — where every look, every silence, and every betrayal leaves a mark. Season 2 is a salute to the genre we grew up loving, capturing the thrills, chills, and intensity of stories that explore just how far one will go for love or revenge.
13 November,2024 01:50 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTelevision actor Arjun Bijlani reunites with his "Miley Jab Hum Tum" co-star, Rati Pandey for his latest project, “Insta Empire”, an audio series that delves into the complex world of social media. The actor shared that what drew him to the upcoming show was how relatable the story is for today’s audience. Arjun shared, “What attracted me to "Insta Empire" is how relatable the story is for today’s audience. Social media is such a big part of everyone’s lives, and the series explores that in a fresh, compelling way.” Speaking about his character, he stated, “This role is unique for Arjun, allowing him to connect with listeners on a deeper level through audio. My character has layers and depth, which is exciting to bring out through voice. I think fans will find it fascinating to hear this different side of the influencer world.” Bijlani also reflected on the evolution and growth of social media, saying he understands the highs and lows social media brings as it is a big part of his life too. He mentioned that "Insta Empire" goes beyond the glamorous side, highlighting the challenges of public scrutiny and the struggle to balance personal and professional lives. “The series dives deep into the impact of social media—beyond the glitz, it shows the challenges. It’s so real, and I think it’ll help people see both sides of influencer life, maybe even appreciate the moments offline more. It’s a powerful message, and I’m glad to be part of telling it,” the 'Naagin' actor further stated. Speaking about collaborating with Rati again, the actor expressed, “Working with Rati again has been amazing! We share such a great rapport from our earlier days, and it feels like no time has passed. We’ve both grown as actors, and bringing that growth to our characters in Insta Empire is really exciting. Fans who loved our pairing back then will enjoy this reunion in a new story with the same bond.” “Insta Empire” is an audio series on Pocket FM that explores the complexities of social media, examining both its appeal and the challenges it presents in modern life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 November,2024 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSOn Tuesday, the JioStar website went live, with the text on the screen simply reading, ‘Coming soon’. This marks a new chapter in the months-long merger that has been underway between Reliance Industries Limited’s Viacom18, and Disney Star India. In the months since the merger’s official announcement in February, there has been speculation about the road ahead for the two media networks’ OTT arms, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. With JioStar expected to be fully functional on November 14 midnight, an insider tells mid-day that the content of the two platforms will be merged. “The merging of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar will be complete by November 13. After JioStar goes live on November 14 midnight, the content of both streamers will be available on this platform under separate sub-domains,” reveals a technical hand from JioCinema. The question now is: What does the merger imply for the multiple channels under the two networks? While Disney Star brings with it over 20 channels across general entertainment, sports and movies, Viacom18 has its own bouquet that includes Colors and regional channels. A production source from Star says, “Both Star and Colors have multiple regional channels targeting Bengali, Punjabi, Odia, Kannada audiences and more. So, instead of the two channels vying for the same viewers, the content of the weaker channel will be merged into the more popular counterpart. For instance, Star Marathi is doing considerably better than Colors Marathi; so, the latter will dissolve into the former. If there is a stand-out show that brings in high TRPs or pulls in a new audience, it will be retained. An example of this is Anupamaa, which is originally a Star offering. But largely, the idea is to stop replication of channels. In addition, there are many Hindi general entertainment channels, including Star Bharat, Star Plus, Star Utsav, and so on. These could be in direct competition to Colors TV. So, the channels will merge in the near future after a final programming has been locked. The final branding of these channels will be determined in the months to come.” The medical drama Grey’s Anatomy was being aired on Disney+ Hotstar On the streaming front, the overlapping of international content is far less. While Disney+ Hotstar houses popular content from ABC and Showtime, such as Grey’s Anatomy and Modern Family, JioCinema has the HBO and Paramount slates. The source adds, “JioStar, in that regard, will boast a diverse and enviable library. From old offerings like Game of Thrones to the more current winners like The Bear, it will have something for everyone.” The popular homegrown titles of Disney+ Hotstar remain untouched. A hand from Disney+ Hotstar informs, “If there is a big title well in its third or fourth season, it will continue. For instance, we will soon release the fourth season of Criminal Justice. Other franchise shows such as Aarya and The Trial remain, while new series will be picked up January onwards. The operations will require synergy and will be worked out by December-end.” Naturally, with the two networks’ workforce being consolidated, it will result in multiple people in the same roles. A trimming of head count is likely to take place. The biggest highlight of the merger, however, is the idea of taking OTT to the last-mile consumer. It is heard that Uday Shankar, who is serving as the vice-chairman of the merged entity and will establish its strategic direction, wants to emphasise on Advertising Video on Demand (AVOD) and Transactional Video on Demand (TVOD) to lure a wider demographic. Another source from the Jio team says, “This merger will redefine how TV and streaming will be integrated, and thus change the content landscape. We are looking at reaching every Indian, which will be possible only when you stop making it premium. That’s why we’re taking the three-pronged approach with JioStar: there will be AVOD for the widest base. Then comes SVOD at an affordable price; we noticed that the R29 per month model worked for JioCinema. The third will be TVOD, wherein you can rent certain digital content for a price. JioStar will make room for every viewer, as per how much they can afford.” mid-day reached out to the communication teams of Viacom, Jio and Hotstar, who did not respond till press time.
13 November,2024 07:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
