iWorld
OTTplay Premium adds more regional flavor with aha Telugu & Tamil
Mumbai: India’s first AI-powered streaming, recommendation, and content discovery platform, is thrilled to announce the strategic on-boarding of aha, a dynamic addition to its premium content lineup “aha”, renowned for its high-quality Telugu and Tamil-language content, brings a unique flavor to OTTplay Premium’s platform. This collaboration enhances the diversity of available content while also playing a crucial role in strengthening OTTplay Premium’s presence in the regional market.
With an extensive array of exclusive Telugu & Tamil movies, original series, and engaging shows spanning various genres, aha Telugu & aha Tamil with OTT play Premium is set to captivate the audience with its diverse and culturally rich content. This partnership is a testament to OTTplay Premium’s commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences to its subscribers and strategically aligns with aha’s expertise in providing top-notch Telugu and Tamil-language content.
“We are pleased to announce the addition of aha Telugu & aha Tamil to the OTTplay Premium portfolio. This collaboration extends beyond content expansion; it represents a transformative shift in the essence of entertainment. This partnership transcends boundaries; it’s a fusion of quality, cultural resonance, and the sheer joy of storytelling. We are confident that this collaboration will not only redefine streaming experiences but also establish a lasting connection with our esteemed regional audience” said OTT play CEO & co-founder Avinash Mudaliar.
aha CEO Ravikanth Sabnavis said, “We are delighted to announce this strategic partnership with OTT Play, a pivotal step in our ongoing mission to become an integral part of every Telugu and Tamil household. In the dynamic landscape of digital entertainment, aha envisions itself not just as a leading Telugu and Tamil OTT App but as a cultural companion for families across regions. With OTT Play, we are excited to amplify our efforts and reach an even wider audience. OTT Play’s reputation as a key player in the digital streaming realm aligns seamlessly with aha’s vision, making them an invaluable strategic partner on our journey. Together, we aim to redefine the entertainment experience, ensuring our exclusive content resonates with viewers on a profound level. As we forge ahead, we are eager to share the excitement and joy that our content brings to the OTT Play family.”
OTTplay Premium subscribers can now enjoy a seamless transition to aha’s Telugu & Tamil content, exploring a wide range of options from blockbuster movies to critically acclaimed original series, all while tapping into aha’s expertise in delivering exceptional Telugu and Tamil-language entertainment.
The expansion of the content horizon ensures that OTTplay Premium continues to be a go-to destination for entertainment enthusiasts seeking variety, quality, and innovation. This exciting collaboration reflects OTTplay Premium’s dynamic approach to staying ahead in the competitive streaming landscape, fostering creativity and audience engagement.
iWorld
Anirudh Ravichander and Universal Music India join forces to take South India’s sound to the world
The composer behind 13 billion streams launches Albuquerque Records with UMI as its exclusive global partner
MUMBAI: Universal Music India has struck an exclusive partnership with Albuquerque Records, the freshly minted independent label of singer-composer Anirudh Ravichander, in a deal that bets big on South India’s booming pop and hip-hop scene going global.
The arrangement, announced on 17 March, will see Universal Music India handle future pop and hip-hop releases by Anirudh himself, as well as artists signed to the new label. A first release is already in the pipeline for April, featuring Anirudh.
The numbers behind the man are hard to ignore. Debuting in 2012 with the viral sensation “Why This Kolaveri Di”, Anirudh has since clocked over 13 billion audio streams across more than 770 tracks, cementing his position as the No.1 South Indian artist on Spotify by total streams. His fingerprints are all over some of the Tamil film industry’s biggest musical moments, from Hukum and Vaathi Coming to Arabic Kuthu and the A23 Theme.
But Albuquerque Records is a different beast. Built for the non-film space, it is designed to nurture independent talent and champion the next wave of Indian pop voices. “Universal Music India’s leadership in pop and hip-hop made them the natural partner,” said Anirudh. “I’m excited to take independent voices to audiences around the world.”
Universal Music India’s chairman and CEO Devraj Sanyal was equally effusive. “Anirudh represents the future of Indian music, bold, original, and with enormous potential,” he said. “Identifying transformative talent is our superpower, and this partnership reflects that belief.”
Sanujeet Bhujabal, managing director of Universal Music India, framed the deal as more than a distribution play. “Albuquerque Records represents Anirudh’s bold artistic vision in the world of pop and hip-hop,” he said. “True to his legacy of innovation, this partnership is set to establish yet another landmark creative space, this time for the emerging world of iPop and beyond.”
For Universal Music India, the deal deepens a long-running push into South India’s four key language markets: Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu. The label already has regional imprints, film partnerships with Maddock Films and Excel Entertainment, and a growing non-film roster. Landing Anirudh, arguably the south’s most bankable music brand, is a statement of intent. South Indian music has the streams. Now it is coming for the world.
