iWorld
Sony LIV to stream the Australian Open
Mumbai: Sony LIV has always been the one-stop destination for Tennis in India, the home for the major grand slams, and the place where lovers of the game unite. Tennis has been steadily gaining traction in the country, evolving into a hotspot for ardent admirers. Sony LIV once again is all set to bring excitement to the Indian Tennis community with the Grand Slam extravaganza – the Australian Open, fondly known as the ‘happy slam’, promising an exhilarating start to the year for fans.
The platform has partnered with Hyundai Motor India as the co-presenting and highlights sponsor, while Tourism Australia and ACKO joined as the co-presenting and partner sponsor respectively. Hyundai Motor India traditionally focused on TV advertising, has made its first foray into the digital arena, marking a notable shift towards the digital space for premium properties. The immense enthusiasm for the Australian Open in India has propelled Sony LIV to secure impactful partnerships with leading brands, resulting in these productive deals.
Being home to numerous international tournaments, Sony LIV has been instrumental in fostering a significant surge in viewership by providing fans access to the game on the go. 24 grand slam winner Novak Djokovic has now become a household name in the nation as he is set to illuminate the Melbourne Park. Nevertheless, he will encounter fierce competition from the rapidly emerging 20-year-old sensation, Carlos Alcaraz, who is swiftly making his mark in the world of tennis. This is not all, after a long three-year wait, India’s top-ranked Sumit Nagal’s notable inclusion in the Australian Open will promise more action and thrill to the Indian Audiences.
Will Coco Gauff script another fairy tale run to a major final? Could Iga Swiatek kickstart 2024 with a bang? Or will Aryna Sabalenka successfully defend her title? Sony LIV promises to bring you all breathtaking and edge-of-the-seat competition for a span of two weeks. With Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sabalenka, Swiatek, Sumit Nagal and numerous other players gracing the court, the platform invites fans across the country to hop in and indulge in their passion for the sport they love.
Sony LIV head ad revenue Ranjana Mangla:
We are excited to present the inaugural Grand Slam event of the year, the Australian Open, on Sony LIV, setting the stage for a year filled with enthusiasm. Our commitment is unwavering as we strive to engage with the Indian Tennis community, streaming a bouquet of prestigious tournaments, including the Australian Open, Roland Garros, US Open, Davis Cup, Laver Cup, and more. We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of our sponsors—some renewing their partnerships, while others join us for the first time. Each sponsor shares our passion for sports and is eager to connect with our affluent subscriber base, solidifying us as a strategic choice for their communications.
Hyundai Motor India AVP & vertical head, marketing Virat Khullar:
This collaboration between Sony LIV & Hyundai states a joint dedication to excellence and performance, reaching out to affluent audiences. Hyundai recognizes the potency of the digital realm and has seen a significant shift among consumers towards digital content consumption. Hyundai has been actively engaging with premium sports content on digital, acknowledging the influence of such content in capturing the right TG. The inclusion of Australian Open in Hyundai’s scheme of things is to convey powerful brand story to cord-cutters who are interested in premium sport like tennis.
Catch the Australian Open streaming live only on Sony LIV!
iWorld
Subedaar puts Indian original cinema on the global map with record-breaking Prime Video debut
MUMBAI: Prime Video has a runaway hit on its hands. Subedaar, the gritty action drama starring Anil Kapoor, has stormed to become the most-watched Indian original movie on the platform in its opening weekend, cracking the Top 10 across 31 countries and landing in 91 per cent of India’s pin codes within days of its March 5 premiere.
The film, a visceral, emotionally-charged story of a retired soldier, Subedaar Arjun Maurya, wrestling with civilian life amid crime and corruption, has struck a nerve. Directed by Suresh Triveni and co-starring Radhikka Madan, Mona Singh, Saurabh Shukla, Aditya Rawal, Faisal Malik, and Khushboo Sundar, the film is already being hailed as a showcase for what Indian original storytelling can achieve on the world stage.
“Subedaar’s success is a reflection of the growing scale and global resonance of Indian storytelling,” said Nikhil Madhok, director and head of originals at Prime Video India. “The film’s emotional narrative, its rooted portrayal of a soldier confronting his toughest battles beyond the battlefield, has struck a chord. Anil Kapoor delivers an acting masterclass, while Suresh Triveni’s solid direction and great performances from the ensemble cast have resulted in love and appreciation from customers across the world.”
Kapoor, 62, has been here before, but rarely at this altitude. Written by Triveni and Prajwal Chandrashekar, with dialogues by Triveni, Saurabh Dwivedi, and Chandrashekar, the film is a production by Opening Image Films in association with Anil Kapoor Film & Communication Network (AKFCN), produced by Vikram Malhotra, Kapoor, and Triveni.
Subedaar streams exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu across India, and in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
For Prime Video, the numbers tell the real story: one weekend, one film, a global footprint, and a very loud signal that Indian original cinema is no longer just travelling well. It’s arriving.
