Free-to-Air (FTA) television in India is set for continued growth due to affordable TV sets, improving content quality, and increasing electrification. Market experts foresee an increase in viewership, especially with the relaunch of FTA channels on DD Free Dish. However, FTA channels face challenges due to lower advertising rates and a focus on urban markets by advertisers.

Salman Khan's Sikandar, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and directed by A R Murugadoss, achieved a global box office collection of Rs 105.89 crore in just two days. Released on March 30, the film grossed Rs 54.72 crore domestically on its opening day, followed by Rs 51.17 crore on the second day. The ensemble cast includes Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, and others.

Cineline India Ltd plans to expand its film exhibition business as it achieves a net debt-free status following the sale of its Goa hotel for Rs 270 crore. The funds will be used to repay the company's entire debt, facilitating growth and enabling the addition of new screens.

Local cable operators in India have experienced a 31% drop in employment since 2018 due to industry reforms and changing consumer behaviour towards over-the-top platforms and DD Free Dish. This shift has led to significant subscriber loss and reduced incomes for operators. Premium content migration to paid services aims to curb this decline in cable TV subscriptions.

In 2024, India's sports sponsorship industry grew by 6% to '16,633 crore. Cricket led with an 85% market share, despite a slight decline. Digital media spending surged by 25%, while ground sponsorship dipped. The IPL's media rights and franchise valuations saw significant growth. The Olympic buzz and non-cricket sports are contributing to a dynamic shift in the industry.

Sikandar Box Office Collection: Salman Khans latest film, Sikandar, opened to an impressive 54 crore worldwide on its first day. Despite securing the eighth-highest opening for a Salman Khan starrer, the film's first-day figures slightly underperformed expectations. The release was also marred by instant online piracy, posing a challenge to its box office success.

Indian films have seen a significant 30% increase in overseas box-office collections between 2022 and 2024, compared to a modest 7.2% growth domestically. Universal themes, high-quality filmmaking, and global streaming platforms have helped Indian movies attract a wider international audience.

Planetcast partners with beIN Asia Pacific to enhance management and delivery of 14 HD sports channels using its cloud-first NexC platform. This collaboration features Cloud.X Turbo for multiplatform distribution and Recaster for IP delivery, enabling beIN to optimize content operations and expand across Southeast Asia and Australia, maintaining exceptional viewing experiences.

Reliance-backed GTPL Hathway has signed an agreement with the information and broadcasting ministry to establish and operate a HITS broadcasting platform in Ahmedabad for 10 years. The company plans to invest Rs 100 crore in the project, aiming to target cable-dark areas and support up to 900 TV channels with the service launching in April-June quarter.