iWorld
Prime Video adds south cinema blockbuster hub
MUMBAI: The streaming giant has launched AP International South Cinema as its newest add-on subscription, giving fans a dedicated space to enjoy some of Tamil and Malayalam cinema’s most celebrated films, from blockbusters to cult favourites, for just Rs 399 a year.
The new add-on brings together an impressive library of acclaimed titles, including Tamil gems like Sivakasi, 7/G Rainbow Colony, Pudhupettai, and Ghilli, alongside Malayalam hits such as King Liar, Puthiya Niyamam, and Annayum Rasoolum. The collection spans genres and generations, offering viewers a rich taste of South India’s storytelling brilliance.
Announcing the launch, Prime Video Ads India head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals) Gaurav Bhasin said, “We’re delighted to bring AP International South Cinema to Prime Video’s growing local language line-up. This collaboration celebrates India’s diverse filmmaking heritage and strengthens our mission to make Prime Video a one-stop destination for entertainment.”
AP International managing director Sanjay Wadhwa added, “True cinema transcends language and time. Through this partnership, we’re proud to share the soul of Tamil and Malayalam storytelling with audiences everywhere, celebrating the past while shaping the future.”
With this addition, Prime Video continues to expand its video entertainment marketplace, offering seamless access to premium content across multiple OTT services. Subscribers can enjoy easy billing, unified search, personalised recommendations, and offline viewing, all within the familiar Prime Video experience.
For fans of South Indian cinema, it’s a blockbuster upgrade, no language barriers, no extra apps, just great films at the click of a button.
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.
