Entertainment
NCLAT declines to stay CCI order against UFO Moviez, Qube Cinema
The NCLAT has upheld a CCI order penalizing UFO Moviez India and Qube Cinema Technologies for anti-competitive practices related to digital cinema equipment supply. The tribunal dismissed their plea for a stay, citing the CCI's findings and directing them to deposit 25% of the penalty.
Appetite for global cinema growing in India, want to bring every genre: PVR Inox's Aamer Bijli
PVR Inox is strategically expanding its reach into international cinema, aiming to cater to India's diverse film tastes. Starting with "Ballerina," the company plans to distribute major Hollywood titles and indie films from studios like Lionsgate and A24.
ZEE5 aims to slash operating losses by up to 60% in FY26
ZEE5, aiming for profitability, plans to slash operating losses by 50-60% in FY26, according to Amit Goenka. After reducing losses significantly in FY25, ZEE5 will focus on cost control and quality content, launching 100 titles with regional language focus. Despite competition from streaming giants, ZEE5's revenue grew by 6% in FY25.
Sony Pictures Networks India moves Bombay HC to challenge appellate tribunal stay on Tata Play disconnection
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has challenged a TDSAT order in the Bombay High Court, which restrained SPNI from disconnecting Tata Play over a subscription fee dispute. The court has issued notices to TDSAT and Tata Play, scheduling further hearings. SPNI seeks a fee hike, while Tata Play resists, citing declining viewership and already substantial payments made.
Former JioStar executive Ferzad Palia joins upGrad as CEO-D2C business
upGrad has appointed media and tech veteran Ferzad Palia to lead its newly launched Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business, marking a strategic expansion into mass-market, on-demand digital learning. Palia, formerly of JioCinema and Viacom18, will focus on building a scalable, AI-powered micro-learning ecosystem to cater to India’s next-gen learners.
Sharp decline in pay-TV subscriptions leads to 577,000 job losses: Study
India's cable television industry is facing a significant downturn, with an estimated 577,000 job losses projected between 2018 and 2025. This decline is attributed to a shrinking pay-TV subscriber base, dropping from 151 million in 2018 to a projected 71-81 million by 2030, fueled by rising channel costs, OTT competition, and free services.
Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas appoints former Disney executive Mihir Rale as Partner, Co-Head of Digital/ TMT
Mihir Rale, former Disney and Star India General Counsel, has joined Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas as a Partner and Co-Head of the Digital | TMT practice. Based in Mumbai, he brings over two decades of expertise in technology, data, and media.
Southern films struggle in Hindi: Poor marketing, weak stories to blame
Hindi dubbed southern films are not performing well. 'Thug Life' and other films failed to impress Hindi audiences. Experts cite poor marketing and short theatrical windows. They also mention a lack of universal stories. 'Pushpa 2' is an exception due to its entertainment value. The earlier euphoria around southern cinema has waned. Only Malayalam cinema remains relatively stable.
Sony Music India, The Hello Group form JV to expand global touring for Indian artists
Sony Music India and The Hello Group (THG) have partnered to launch THG India, aiming to elevate Indian artists in the global live music arena. This joint venture combines Sony Music India's local expertise with THG's international network, offering comprehensive services like artist management, event booking, and publishing support.
Netflix, Balaji Telefilms ink multi-year content deal
Netflix and Balaji Telefilms are joining forces. They will develop diverse projects across various formats. This collaboration includes an untitled series already in progress. Balaji Telefilms will handle the production. They have previously collaborated on titles like Kathal and Jaane Jaan. This partnership aims to deliver unique, culturally rich stories to a global audience.
Must Watch
Hurun India list: This 26-year-old with 5.5 million followers is India’s most followed woman influencer-founder
Mrunal Panchal is the top woman influencer-founder in India. The 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List reveals this. Diipa Khosla is second, followed by Diksha Arora and Dolly Jain. Neha Nagar, Richa Gangani, and Ishita Saluja also feature. Masoom Minawala, Rachana Ranade, and Himani Chowdhary are also on the list. The list celebrates Indian women transforming industries.
Zakir Khan’s 60-city comedy tour sets new benchmark for live entertainment in India
Comedian Zakir Khan is set to launch India’s largest-ever stand-up comedy tour, covering over 60 cities and reaching more than 160,000 fans, in partnership with TribeVibe Entertainment (a BookMyShow company) and Only Much Louder (OML).
FDI tunes into media: Q4 funding doubles with big bets on news, OTT, and football flair
The Information and Broadcasting sector in India saw fluctuating Foreign Direct Investment. It almost doubled in the fourth quarter of fiscal year twenty-five. However, overall FDI decreased by fourteen percent for the entire year. Inshorts India Advertising received a significant fund infusion. Balaji Telefilms also got FDI from various investors. Mumbai City FC received investment from City Football Group.
‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ crosses ₹54 crore at box office, gains momentum in second week
Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf has quietly become a box office success, crossing ₹54 crore nett in India. The romantic time-loop drama, set in Banaras, has gained strong word-of-mouth after an initially modest start. Directed by Karan Sharma and produced by Maddock Films, the film earned praise for its unique storyline and engaging second half. With growing occupancy and a sharp rise in collections over the second weekend, the film's theatrical gamble after an OTT plan has clearly paid off.
Music royalty kitty crosses Rs 700 crore in 2024 on boost from streaming
India's music royalty collections surged to over ₹700 crore in 2024, marking a 42% year-on-year increase and a fourfold growth in five years, primarily fueled by streaming revenue. This growth elevated India's global ranking in creators' collections to 23rd in 2023.
SC verdict may hike tax burden on OTT platforms, gaming apps
A Supreme Court ruling on dual taxation for TV broadcasters may extend to OTT platforms and gaming apps, potentially increasing their tax burden. The judgment allows both the Centre and states to tax different aspects of broadcasting, creating uncertainty and potentially decentralizing tax collection. Experts fear this could lead to states reintroducing entertainment taxes, challenging the GST framework.
