iWorld
Tata Play Binge adds Lionsgate Play to strengthen its OTT partnership portfolio
Mumbai: Tata Play Binge, a streaming service that offers one-stop convenience and simplifies content discovery in a single user interface, onboarded Lionsgate Play, a global content platform, as its 19th app to broaden its OTT partnership portfolio.
As part of the collaboration, Tata Play Binge will give viewers access to Lionsgate Play’s titles, which include critically acclaimed and enormous content libraries consisting of Indian originals, along with celebrated movies and shows across the world, such as John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum, Angel Has Fallen, Gaslit, Feels Like Home, Knives Out, Tokyo Vice, Jungle Cry, Hiccups & Hookups, and many more.
Commenting on the integration of Lionsgate Play, Tata Play chief commercial and content officer Pallavi Puri said, “Every new addition makes Tata Play Binge more dynamic and places it well within the consideration set of the OTT content consumers. With Lionsgate Play, users will have access to a broader range of premium and high-quality content, especially from Hollywood. With the benefit of a unified front end and a single bill, the best of OTT entertainment is just one click away on Tata Play Binge.”
Lionsgate Play EVP Amit Dhanuka said, “We at Lionsgate Play are excited to partner with Tata Play Binge. OTT space in India is ever-evolving, and we believe it’s the future. This service aids easy access and content discovery in a cluttered industry, helping both brands reach a wider consumer base. With this partnership, we will offer the best premium content at an affordable price point with an enhanced viewing experience.”
Lionsgate Play will join the band of the 14+ most popular OTT platforms on Binge like Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, MX Player, SonyLIV, ReelDrama, Voot Select, hoichoi, Planet Marathi, NammaFlix, Chaupal, SunNxt, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, Voot Kids, CuriosityStream, EPIC ON, and DocuBay. Content from all these platforms is available to the viewers of Tata Play Binge through a single subscription and a single user interface. Free gaming is also available on Tata Play Binge as another point of engagement. Netflix and Amazon Prime Video plans are available for Tata Play DTH subscribers.
iWorld
Warner Chappell Music launches India ops, Jay Mehta to lead unit
WMG shifts to direct model, unifying publishing and recorded music
MUMBAI: Warner Chappell Music has officially launched direct operations in India, marking a strategic shift by parent Warner Music Group to deepen its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets.
The move replaces the company’s earlier sub-publishing model with a full-fledged, on-ground operation, aimed at giving Indian songwriters stronger access to global networks, rights management tools, and creative infrastructure.
To lead the push, Jay Mehta has been handed an expanded mandate. Already serving as managing director of Warner Music India, Mehta will now oversee both recorded music and publishing across India and neighbouring South Asian markets, effectively bringing the two sides of the business under one roof.
The unified structure is designed to streamline how artists and songwriters work with the company, offering a more integrated ecosystem that spans compositions, recordings, and global distribution.
Warner Music Group managing director, recorded music and publishing, India and SAARC Jay Mehta said, “India’s songwriters are world-class, constantly redefining genres and pushing creative boundaries. By establishing a direct footprint for Warner Chappell, we’re bridging the gap between local brilliance and global opportunity.”
The timing is no coincidence. According to CISAC, creator collections in India jumped 42 per cent year-on-year to Rs 7 billion in 2024, while IFPI ranks India as the 15th largest recorded music market globally. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a structural shift, with independent and non-film music gaining ground over traditional Bollywood soundtracks.
Warner’s bet is that a direct presence will help it capture this changing dynamic. The company is also offering India-based creators access to its proprietary tools, including AI-powered royalty matching systems and real-time analytics platforms, aimed at improving transparency and earnings visibility.
Warner Chappell Music co-chair and CEO Guy Moot said the move is about shaping a publishing ecosystem that “works for creators and ensures their music is heard, protected, and rewarded everywhere.”
Meanwhile, Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl underlined India’s importance to the company’s global strategy, noting that the new structure creates a “unified powerhouse” for both creators and audiences.
With local studios, global reach, and tighter integration across its business lines, Warner is clearly doubling down on India. And as streaming habits evolve and independent music rises, the company is positioning itself to be not just a participant, but a key architect of the country’s next music chapter.
