Category Entertainment

India, June 25^th, 2024: Nick India continues to solidify its position as the premier kids’ entertainment brand with the launch of the innovative ‘Stick with Nick‘ campaign. This latest campaign underscores Nick‘s commitment to seamlessly integrate into the lives of its young audience, providing a rich, multi-platform entertainment experience.

For over a decade, Nick has been the go-to brand for kids’ entertainment in India, with beloved shows like Motu Patlu, Chickoo Aur Bunty, and Rudra creating a unique space for kids to call their own. Beyond television, Nick offers a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem, integrating television, digital platforms, and on-ground experiences. The brand’s embrace of new technologies has solidified its relevance in the kids’ entertainment sector.

At Nick, our commitment to innovation and engaging content remains unwavering. Anu Sikka, Business Head – Kids TV Network Viacom18, states, “Nick is dedicated to creativity and great content, making it the top choice for millions of kids and families. Our brand’s wide reach and appeal make it a favourite not only among kids but also for partners looking to connect with young audiences. This new campaign aims to give kids an amazing experience with their favourite Nick toons in unique ways. It’s a clear example of our commitment to bringing joy and excitement to kids’ lives while offering a valuable platform for brands.”

The ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign is live on-air with a watch and win contest, where kids will get a chance to win exciting specially curated gifts that ‘money can’t buy’. Furthermore, Nick enhances its television content with a strong digital presence through its OTT platform JioCinema. With Centerfruit as presenting partner, the campaign is set to create a whole lot of fun, along with powered by partner Camel and associate partners Catch and MamyPoko Pants. 

Commenting on the association, Gunjan Khetan, Marketing Director, Perfetti Van Melle India, says, “Centerfruit is excited to partner with Nick for the ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign. Nick’s extensive reach and universal appeal align wonderfully with Centerfruit’s vibrant and playful brand ethos. This collaboration contributes to our pursuit of bringing joy and excitement to our consumers. Together, we aim to create memorable moments for children across India.”

Talking about the collaboration, Mr. Rishi Kakar, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Kokuyo Camlin Limited, says, “Camel is excited to join forces with Nick for the Stick with Nick campaign. We look forward to a successful collaboration that enriches the lives of kids and families alike.”

Strategic partnerships to give kids an on-ground experience include an association with MyFroyoLand, where Nick has curated an exclusive “Nick Specials” menu featuring flavors like Nick Chikoo Bunty Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Nick Motu Patlu Cotton Candy. Additionally, a collaboration with Birdy’s introduces limited edition cake flavors such as Nick Chikoo Bunty New York Cake and Nick Motu Patlu Dutch Truffle Cake, available across food delivery platforms and Mumbai stores.

The brand has activated a robust social media strategy that includes integrated posts and campaigns across all major platforms and features over 120 influencers maintaining a strong connection with its audience. Moreover, recognizing the importance of physical interactions, Nick executes extensive mall branding and takeovers in key urban markets that allow kids to experience the magic of their favourite Nick Toons in real life. Moreover, innovative digital strategies include hyper-realistic CGI ads and interactive experiences, such as AR filters on Instagram and a hyper-casual game on the Nick website, engaging the digital-native generation.

Nick’s ‘Stick with Nick’ campaign exemplifies the brand’s role as the ultimate destination for kids. By creating a multifaceted entertainment ecosystem that spans television, digital platforms, social media, gaming, and on-ground activations, Nick ensures it remains an integral part of kids’ lives. As Nick continues to innovate and engage, it reaffirms its dedication to bringing joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments to young audiences everywhere. Stay tuned and join the adventure as Nick continues to build a vibrant and inclusive universe for kids.

MUMBAI, India—20th June 2024– Following its worldwide premiere on May 28th, Panchayat Season 3, has set records by ranking among the top three most-watched Indian Originals on Prime Video, in just 14 days. The new season has been streamed by viewers in over 167 countries and territories and has been viewed across 99% of India’s pin codes in the first two weeks. Panchayat Season 3 also reached a global milestone, trending at number one in 26 countries and territories, on launch day. Panchayat has been a fan favorite since it launched on Prime Video in 2018. Season 2 received the maiden Best Web Series (OTT) Award at the 54th International Film Festival of India in 2023. Panchayat Season 3 continues to win hearts in India and around the world, achieving the biggest opening in the service. With an impressive IMDb rating of 9.0 across all three seasons, the series has been lauded by critics and audiences worldwide for its simple storytelling, comedic yet heart-warming moments, and stellar performances.

“Panchayat Season 3 has set a new benchmark in the streaming landscape,” said Manish Menghani, Director – Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “The series has received immense love from audiences worldwide for its unique blend of authentic rural charm and universal themes of community dynamics, resilience and friendship. These elements have made the latest season an irresistibly -binge-worthy mass-entertainer for viewers across the globe. It has been delightful to collaborate with TVF on this journey. Our shared aspiration for the show has been not only to entertain but also to spotlight the nuanced dynamics of the hinterlands in our diverse country. We are absolutely thrilled with the fantastic response, which solidifies the series’ resonance and is a testament to the growing global popularity of Indian content. At Prime Video, we are proud to have put Panchayat on the world map.”

“It has been absolutely wonderful to partner with Prime Video and script the success story of Panchayat together. Panchayat holds a special place in our hearts as it beautifully captures the essence of rural India with authenticity and humour. The series exemplifies TVF and Prime Video’s shared commitment to storytelling that deeply resonates with audiences, showcasing the richness of human connections amidst simplicity. We are thrilled by the overwhelming love and appreciation, Season 3 has received, not just in India, but across the globe on Prime Video. My heartfelt gratitude to the cast and crew whose dedication made Panchayat’s success possible, and to the fans of the series for their love and support,” said Vijay Koshy, President, The Viral Fever (TVF).

Created by The Viral Fever, directed by Deepak Kumar Mishra, and written by Chandan Kumar, the new season of Panchayat deep dives into the antics of Phulera-dwellers as politics and rivalry reigns supreme, leading to humorous trials and tribulations. Launched on May 28, Panchayat Season 3 is streaming in Hindi, exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Mumbai, India 12th June 2024 – Today, ASICS SportStyle announces the launch of the GEL-QUANTUM 360™ VIII sneaker. This shoe’s design is meant to help support advanced comfort for active lifestyles and exploring urban environments. The design inspiration for this project stems from supernatural forms and interlocking structures.

For the upper construction, the shoe features 5D print details that resemble ergonomic shapes from elements found in nature. These details add a greater amount of depth to give the design a more layered aesthetic.

The sneaker’s midsole structure was formed with new technologies, like DIVISION SPACE™ cushioning. This cushioning technology is meant to lighten the shoe’s overall weight while providing more impact absorption underfoot. This feature is also met with FF BLAST™ BIO cushioning, which includes at least 20% biomass to help reduce waste and promote better durability.

The GEL-QUANTUM 360™ VIII sneaker launches today Tuesday, June 11th on ASICS SportStyle online and in select stores for ₹13,999.

To understand the nerve of the audience and strategies your programming isn’t just a one-time effort that streaming platforms have to make to get the ball rolling. It is a task they are assigned daily, where they need to re-invent, re-analyze, take risks, make mistakes, and try again.

However, in a market out there where there is a pool of content that continues to brim beyond consuming capacities, Amazon probably made a then-bold call to branch out their platform, Prime Video into another avenue in the form of miniTV – which was and continues to be free viewing for everyone. Three years later, miniTV has not only managed to boast its loaded library of content but has received several accolades for its understanding of the audience and staying true to its content presentation. Here’s where we try to understand the logistics and decipher its market positioning

In an already cutthroat market of streaming wars where India, while a huge market to cater to – also comes with the struggle of pricing and subscription slabs that make or break their positioning ahead. Someone like Netflix had enough capital and global stature to make their trials and errors but never quite branched out themselves continuing to be a subscription-based system.

Then, when Amazon, who was already offering a much cheaper subscription fee for their original content presented miniTV, which did not compromise on its production value or scale while still offering ‘Free’ viewing. The word ‘free’ always attracts a consumer and when that is coupled with entertainment, it only gets better. What worked wonders for miniTV was that ethics and aesthetics never took a backseat where ‘free’ just became an eyeball-grabbing tool but never misled into watching something that deterred your expectations.

The Pulse of The Country & The Youth

As mentioned above, it is one thing to just navigate through possible ideas and trials with expansion of content but it is another to specifically target a particular demographic that is untapped and still. not limited. With miniTV, the branching out was never limited to just more of the same – if they just made more drama originals, international shows, films, and so on available on miniTV with the only added advantage of being ‘free’, it defeats the purpose of having another facet to explore. Instead, their vision seemed clear from Day 1 that we needed to get to the pulse of the country and mostly. the youth.

The Youth & The Results

The bigger challenge comes with understanding the youth – because let’s admit it, none of us do! And with the attention span and retainment experience of the young ones out there getting lesser and lesser, it becomes an uphill task. However, miniTV seems to have struck the right balance with this where they manage to cast faces that resonate with the younger people out there – who are spread across social media and the numbers are in millions. For the past year and more, we have seen social media influencers cast in fictional roles, stand-up comedians have their own fictional shows, and already-popular teenage actors have popular shows to themselves, spawning returning seasons.

The list is long to name a few. shows like I am sharing with you, Dillogical, Udan Patolas, Adulting, Official CEOgiri, and Yeh Meri Family among others; the more recent arrivals like Jamnapaar, Dehate Ladke Season 2, Chacha Vidhayak Hai Hamare Season 3, Crushed Season 4, Campus Beats, Half CA, Constable Giprade and even a reality show like Hip Hop India – accentuate miniTV’c clear understanding of their viewership and constant need to stay up-top.

The Future

This crystal clarity on their content placement with local and even imported content (which also boasts of Korean, Taiwanese, Mandarin, Turkish, and many other language shows and films) has only furthered what and how miniTV looks ahead. The subtle rise in their production values, having the more conventionally popular faces be a part of their content and gradually increasing share in the market are indicators of how the future looks brighter for them. Indeed not so ‘mini’ anymore. With MX Player content also coming into its bouquet, it’s going to get only bigger and better from here.

Guwahati;7th June 2024: Subir Rajib Productions, in association with Rat Race Frames, proudly unveiled the poster of their upcoming Hindi children’s film, ‘You Are Mine’, on 6th June 2024 in Guwahati. The event was met with enthusiastic applause from an eager crowd of film enthusiasts, media personnel, and the film’s cast and crew.

Directed by Suman Adhikary and produced by Subir Dutta, ‘You Are Mine’ is a heartwarming tale set in the picturesque landscapes of Majuli, Assam. The story promises to captivate audiences with its touching narrative and endearing characters, revolving around Mishmi, a spirited 12-year-old girl adored by her village. Orphaned at a young age, Mishmi lives with her loving maternal grandmother and nurtures a deep connection to nature and her vivid dreams. Her life, filled with innocence and fantasy, takes a poignant turn as she navigates her dreams and the realities of her world.

The poster unveiling event showcased the film’s beautiful artwork, generating excitement and anticipation among the attendees. The cast and crew, including the accomplished Sushmita Mukherjee and the talented Florina Gogoi of Super Dancer fame, in the lead role of Mishmi, along with Atharva Vishwakarma, Sankalita Roy, Siddhartha Mukherjee, and Parth Dutta, graced the event with their presence.

‘You Are Mine’ delves into Mishmi’s whimsical dreams of a charming prince, her joy in simple pleasures, and the deep bond she shares with her grandmother. However, her dream world is shattered when she encounters her dream prince in reality, leading to a profound and heartbreaking revelation about life and loss.

With Suman Adhikary’s direction, and written by Sankalitaa Roy, the film is set to be a visual and emotional treat. The musical score, composed by Suman Adhikary, Rajib Roychowdhury, and Dudul Saikia, complements the film’s emotional depth, while Suman Adhikary’s lyrics beautifully capture the essence of Mishmi’s dreams and aspirations. Production manager Azibul Ali ensured the smooth execution of this ambitious project.

The poster unveiling event was a grand success, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating cinematic experience. Attendees expressed their excitement and anticipation for the film’s release, eagerly looking forward to witnessing Mishmi’s journey on the big screen.

In response to the rising stress and fast-paced lifestyle that has made smoking a common habit for many, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, brought back the second season of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ on World No Tobacco Day, May 31st. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the risks and hazards of smoking and tobacco use. Over four weeks, the campaign featured a multifaceted approach encompassing radio broadcasts, celebrity endorsements, expert insights, and digital engagement to effectively encourage positive behavior change. It also featured the quirky reality show called ‘QUITSVILLA’, inspiring participants to quit smoking.

Tobacco kills over 8 million people annually, with 7 million from direct use and 1.2 million from second-hand smoke. Building on last season’s success, BIG FM launched the second season of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ with new engaging elements. The activities kicked off with a strong drive across radio and digital platforms, effectively reaching a targeted audience and securing 11 committed participants. Led by Mumbai RJs- RJ Vrajesh, RJ Rani, RJ Abhilash, and RJ Dilip, the campaign’s first week focused on awareness and registrations. The second week highlighted inspiring stories from listeners and celebrities like Yuvraj Singh, Vikrant Massey and Manoj Bajpayee, adding authenticity and motivation to the initiative. Health experts and quit-smoking specialists provided valuable insights during the third week.

The last week of the campaign featured live updates from “QUITSVILLA,” a 48-hour immersive monitoring session at Della Resorts in Lonavala. Participants shared their stories while enjoying performances by rapper Akhil Dighe aka Hellac, comedians Vanshika and Jay Verma, yoga sessions by Shruti Kukreti, sound healing by Mariko, habit coaching by Ashdin Doctor, reverse singing by Madhu Lakhotia and Zumba dancing by Micky. Celebrities like Sanvikaa and Saad Bilgrami from Panchayat season 3 added excitement, making the campaign a supportive journey for those determined to quit smoking.

Sharing his thoughts, Sunil Kumaran, COO, BIG FM, said, “Despite health hazards, smoking is prevalent amidst people due to cultural acceptance. With its normalization, the increased health risks highlight the need for change. The first season of ‘Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar’ successfully educated the masses and ensured the message resonated with them. Building on BIG FM’s commitment to promoting impactful initiatives, this year we aimed to elevate the awareness wave. Through our engaging activities and focused communication, we have effectively inspired our listeners to embrace a healthier, smoke-free future. “

Sutta Chhod De Na Yaar Season 2 was sponsored by the Life Insurance Corporation of India and Zuno General Insurance Limited. The campaign successfully achieved its goals by not only raising awareness but also starting discussion about tobacco-related illnesses and fatalities, encouraging a shift towards healthier lifestyle choices and highlighting the urgent need for change.

Gaming has evolved beyond mere entertainment; it is a vibrant community. BGMI offers an immersive experience as Ranveer Singh returns to the Battlegrounds with style and swag! Prepare to elevate your game as the powerhouse takes center stage in BGMI. It is time to play pure!

Every gamer needs the right look for the lobby in BGMI, and the ‘Ranveer Swag Crate’ has you covered! Enhance your experience with exclusive gear designed to make you stand out in the Battlegrounds. Unlock the all-new Ranveer Singh special skins and finish your enemies with style!

Unleash your inner IGL with the RS special voice pack, featuring Ranveer Singh’s dialogues! Rank push with your squad, have fun with friends, and rush for that chicken dinner! Bring on the swag with the RS helmet, backpack, and parachute, and stun your enemies with the grenade skin.

Use UCs to open the crate & get epic rewards at milestone spins. Do not miss this final opportunity to bring the charisma and style of the powerhouse to your BGMI gameplay. Grab the Crate today and dominate the battlegrounds.

Ek khatarnak villain, ek janbaaz cop aur bahut twists? Disney+ Hotstar announces their upcoming action-drama series ‘Bad Cop’, a classic cop vs villain story with a lot of twists and turns. Karan, a fierce cop, tries to chase down Kazbe, a villain more powerful and deadly than him and simultaneously manages his relationships. The show marks Fremantle India’s first fictional series production in India Hotstar Specials’ Bad Cop will be released soon exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar.

Hotstar Specials’ Bad Cop is directed by Aditya Datt and adapted by Rensil D’Silva, introduces Anurag Kashyap as the quirky, charming, and deadly villain, Kazbe and Gulshan Devaiah as Karan a daunting and daring cop, the series also stars Harleen Sethi, Saurabh Sachdeva and Aishwarya Sushmita in pivotal roles.

Working on a project becomes easier when two actors have known each other for a longer time and are comfortable in each other’s company. Director of Bad Cop, Aditya Datt shares talks about how Gulshan Devaiah and Anurag Kashyap’s offscreen camaraderie made shooting with them an effortless process.

Talking about the same, director Aditya Datt said, “I actually didn’t think too much about Gulshan Devaiah and Anurag Kashyap’s personal equation off screen. From my lens, when I was casting them, I was looking for the perfect fit for my characters. They both are sharing screen for the first time and technically, they only shot for a total of eight days together during the whole shoot. During their shoots together, they were extremely comfortable onscreen and offscreen as they have known each other for a long time now. Their offscreen bond made the shooting process smoother than we had thought. I am sure they enjoyed shooting with each other and it will reflect in their onscreen roles as well”

Mumbai, 4th June 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, recently released Namacool, an engrossing tale of bromance laced with comedy and a tinge of mystery. Produced by Reliance Studios – Namit Sharma and directed by Ritam Shrivastava, the series features a stellar ensemble cast, including Hina Khan (Rubiya), Abhinav Sharma (Mayank), Aaron Kaul (Piyush), Anushka Kaushik (Minty) and Abhishek Bajaj (Chakku) in pivotal roles. The story follows the journey of two best friends, Mayank and Piyush, as they embark on their college life to uncover the true essence of manhood. In their quest, they come across Chakku Bhaiyya, a senior admired by all as the epitome of an Alpha Male. Mayank and Piyush aspire to join him as they yearn for popularity and romance, but little do they know that all that glitters is not always gold.

Abhishek Bajaj, who portrays the role of Chakku Bhaiyya, shared insights about his character in the series, saying, “I believe Chakku is a great guy with the kind of imperfections everyone has. To those who admire him and aspire to join his group, he is no less than a superhero. He excels in both action and romance and interestingly, he’s the only one in college with a girlfriend. In addition to his alpha male qualities, this guy is incredibly loving but struggles to express his emotions. He deeply cares for his friends and treasures his girlfriend, Minty. Chakku represents this bravery by wholeheartedly committing himself to those he cares about, standing up for them without hesitation. As I read through the script and witnessed the development of his character in the series, I was genuinely excited. However, as the story unfolds, we see a different side of him emerge when he experiences heartbreak after being betrayed by his girlfriend. ”

Additionally, Abhishek also speaks about portraying an alpha male, sharing, “I feel he represents what most alpha guys are like. People assume they don’t have emotions but they do. He goes through emotional abuse in the show, and it’s something we don’t really discuss enough. Physical wounds can heal relatively quickly but emotional scars take longer to heal. This deep dive into that world was truly fascinating, and I’d commend our writer for it. For the first time, I played a UP guy with a Lucknawi accent, and I was thrilled to take on this challenge. Playing a new role with a fresh set of challenges has always been a source of excitement for me.”

Namacool is now streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV for free within Amazon’s shopping app, on Prime Video, Fire TV, and Smart TVs, or download the app from the Play Store.