Zee5 revamps streaming platform with AI-led discovery, expands free and premium content
Zee5 has launched a revamped streaming experience with AI-led discovery. The platform now organizes content into five distinct sections for easier navigation. Personalization plays a central role, surfacing relevant content based on audience preferences. Zee5 also secured rights to the FIFA World Cup and expanded its English entertainment slate. The revamped free service, Free 5, will offer diverse content without a subscription.
Orenda Group announces Rs 100 crore Media Growth Fund with a slate of three international films
Orenda Group has joined Manasi Parekh, Parthiv Gohil and Rashaana Shah to announce a 100-crore Alternative Investment Fund focused on Indias media and entertainment sector. The four-year Orenda Media Growth Fund plans to invest across films, media start-ups, original IP and media-tech ventures.
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, along with PM Modi and other celebrities, have joined the viral ChatGPT '80s photo trend. The AI trend lets users transform their pictures into retro 80s, 90s and early-2000s-inspired looks using simple prompts.
The revised draft rules for television, radio and associated services address some industry concerns but leave questions over OTT, FAST and open-internet services unresolved, media executives said. Broadcasters are also examining penalties, authorisation renewal provisions and requirements for temporary live sports uplinking. The ministry has invited comments by October 2.
An alleged photo of Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji from the sets of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer King went viral on Reddit, with netizens divided over whether it was a genuine leaked image or AI-generated. The post was later deleted.
Shiv Sagar has expressed reservations about Ranbir Kapoor playing Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. While calling Ranbir a very good actor, Shiv said he would have preferred a fresh face, citing the actor's role in Animal. He also praised Yash and Sai Pallavi's casting
Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away
Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath, celebrated for his distinctive contributions to cinema including the award-winning Sayahnam, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.
'Bigg Boss 20 is divorcee special': Mahhi Vij calls it her, Isha Rikhi and Mary Kom's second innings
Mahhi Vij, Isha Rikhi and Mary Kom found common ground as they discussed their personal lives and divorces, with Isha also asserting her desire to be known for her own identity. Meanwhile, Mary Kom opened up about her emotional connection to Manipur and expressed her helplessness over the ongoing conflict in
'Cannot Accept Ranbir Kapoor As Ram'
'After Ramayan, will Ranbir Kapoor be accepted again in a film like Animal?'
'Manoj Bajpayee is my enabler. Till Taandav nobody knew me, and for 10 years I was trying to make films. Manoj enters my life and suddenly, one after the other, I start getting opportunities.'
Nagarjuna On Bigg Boss: 'Thought I'd Get Bored'
'Now, here I am, doing my 10th season, and loving yet another opportunity to reach out to audienceS at home.'
BCCL partners with OpenAI to enhance journalism discovery for readers globally
Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd has partnered with OpenAI to improve content discovery. ChatGPT will now attribute BCCL journalism with direct links to original articles. This collaboration aims to connect users with reliable information from BCCL publications. Both companies will explore AI applications for new products and services. Editorial independence remains a core principle for BCCL's journalism.
PVR Inox says senior executive Pramod Arora was not asked to quit
PVR Inox said its promoters received anonymous communications in April alleging impropriety by certain employees, but a preliminary examination found no evidence of kickbacks. The multiplex operator also denied that senior executive Pramod Arora was asked to leave, saying he resigned for personal reasons after the allegations surfaced.
PVR INOX on Monday said a preliminary assessment into anonymous allegations of employee impropriety found no evidence of kickbacks, countering reports of an alleged 200-crore scandal. The company also clarified that former senior executive Pramod Arora resigned for personal reasons on May 4 and was not asked to leave.
Box Office: Mirzapur: The Movie Is A Blockbuster
Mirzapur: The Movie has achieved a superhit opening weekend, demonstrating potential to join the Rs 200 crore club, despite being an experimental film adapted from an OTT series without conventional star power.
YouTube pushes Indias content industry towards owning IP
Indian content creators are building and monetizing their own intellectual property. YouTube is emerging as a key destination for premium, long-form original shows. Balaji Telefilms partnered with YouTube for five fiction shows, retaining IP ownership. This shift addresses a gap between linear television and premium subscription platforms. Connected TV viewing is creating new opportunities for diverse content across verticals.
PVR INOX executive shown door in April after probe into alleged developer kickbacks
A senior PVR INOX executive was asked to leave in April after an internal probe. Allegations suggest kickbacks from developers involved in building cinema properties. These alleged payments reportedly occurred over several years and could total 200 crore. The investigation also aims to determine the full extent of the wrongdoing. The company's board has discussed these serious matters in recent meetings.
Stars display their non-fiction side as streamers turn celebrity personas into show IPs
The Indian entertainment industry is witnessing a surge in celebrities curating non-fiction series that revolve around their public identities. This trend smartly tackles the challenge of fleeting audience attention and the saturation of content. By teaming up with creators, these stars develop compelling intellectual properties that attract advertisers looking for budget-friendly brand partnerships.
Hanuman Ansh creates ripples as its records its biggest fourth week
The devotional film Hanuman Ansh is experiencing sustained audience interest in its fourth week. PVR INOX is increasing showtimes across its network due to strong word-of-mouth. The film attracts a wider demographic, including younger audiences and senior citizens. Its momentum is driven by viewer recommendations and social media conversations. This sustained response highlights cinemas' role in organic film discovery.
JioStar vice chairman Uday Shankar said sports, particularly cricket, has been a major investment for the company, helping it build a digital audience of 600 million monthly active users. However, he said soaring cricket media rights costs have made the business increasingly difficult.
