iWorld
Warner Bros Discovery puts HBO Max launch in India on hold
Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery has put the launch of HBO Max in India on hold. According to a major business publication, the company is considering cost-cutting measures around the world and is working on integrating discovery+ and HBO Max in existing markets.
The company announced plans to launch a combined streaming service with discovery+ and HBO Max.
In an official statement from Warner Bros. Discovery Company, the company said, “The intent is to launch a combined streaming service, including in key Asia-Pacific territories in 2024.”
It further added, “The existing licensing agreement with Disney+ Hotstar includes a selection of HBO Originals and other content from Warner Bros. Discovery.”
Also read: HBO Max and Discovery+ to merge into single streaming platform by 2023
The company also confirmed the news of HBO Max India head of content Saugata Mukherjee’s departure. The statement said, “Saugata Mukherjee decided to leave the company. He is an incredibly talented leader, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
The company further informed Indiantelevision.com that Arjun Nohwar has been appointed as general manager, Warner Bros. Discovery for South Asia and Jason Monteiro is heading streaming for the APAC region, in addition to leading integrated marketing for the India, South East Asia, and Korea markets.
Earlier, Warner Bros. Discovery had planned to launch American subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service HBO Max in India, and Saugata Mukherjee was appointed as head of content for HBO Max India. After news of Saugata quitting, speculation was made that Warner Bros. Discovery had delayed HBO Max’s launch in India. Mukherjee is expected to go back to SonyLIV.
iWorld
Epic Company launches unified Epic Studio for films and OTT
Vivek Krishnani to head films business; Samar Khan leads OTT & Television.
MUMBAI: Epic just merged its creative superheroes under one cape because when films and OTT need to fight for attention together, you don’t keep them in separate universes. The Epic Company has launched Epic Studio, a next-generation creative and production powerhouse that unites Juggernaut Productions and Movieverse Studio under a single banner. The move creates a streamlined, scalable platform for premium storytelling across theatrical films, OTT originals, television, digital-first formats and branded content.
Vivek Krishnani has been appointed chief executive officer, Epic Studio (Films), overseeing the theatrical and film business with a focus on culturally resonant narratives across Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati and Malayalam cinema. Samar Khan continues as chief executive officer, Epic Studio (OTT & Television) and retains his role as chief content officer for Docubay and Epic On.
The Epic Company managing director Aditya Pittie said, “Epic Studio brings together our entire creative ecosystem under one unified studio vision. This is not just an integration of verticals, but the creation of a collaborative environment where writers, filmmakers, creators, and brand partners can seamlessly develop and scale stories across formats and screens.”
Vivek Krishnani added, “We are building an audience-focused mainstream film studio committed to delivering fresh, engaging, and innovative stories for both theatrical and streaming platforms.”
Samar Khan commented, “This alignment allows us to approach storytelling with a unified studio mindset. We are building IP under one creative umbrella, with scale and longevity in mind from inception.”
The unified structure eliminates silos, enabling ideas to flow fluidly from concept to screen while adapting to evolving audience behaviour. Epic Studio positions itself as a creator-led ecosystem championing purposeful, resonant storytelling with commercial strength.
In an entertainment landscape where stories now leap between screens faster than plot twists, Epic isn’t just building a studio, it’s crafting a single launchpad where every tale gets the best shot at soaring across every platform.
