iWorld
MTV Original Primetime with the Murthys launches on JioCinema Premium
Mumbai: ‘Primetime with the Murthys – ~Not~ Your Average Family’, a groundbreaking exploration of contemporary themes resonating with today’s youth, is all set to delve into the complexities of the Gen Z life. An MTV Original Series production, the slice-of-life show tackles critical dialogues that make it an essential, first-of-its-kind co-viewing experience for Gen Z and their families. The show presents a relatable narrative that navigates the complexities of modern urban family life. It offers viewers a chance to pause their material chase and reflect on the wear and fear of their urban life. The show premieres on 3 July on JioCinema Premium, in English, Hindi and Tamil.
Speaking on the launch, Viacom18 business head, Youth, Music, and english entertainment cluster Anshul Ailawadi said, “We are thrilled to announce our maiden exclusive offering for Jio Cinema Premium subscribers – ‘Primetime with the Murthys’. We are hopeful that this endearing MTV Original Series production will make it easy for Gen Zs and their families to have difficult conversations as they enjoy it together on India’s leading OTT destination.”
‘Primetime with the Murthys’ introduces the Murthy family – Sushma Murthy played by Sukhita Aiyar (Mom), Manohar Murthy played by Preetam Koilpillai (Dad), Nisha Murthy played by Sanjana Doss (Daughter) and Shiv Murthy played by Amrith Jayan (Son). The show offers a fresh perspective on the trials faced by today’s youth, against the backdrop of their families and the evolving digital world. Through the 06 episodes, the show will traverse various themes such as online bullying, social media addiction, peer pressure, influencer culture, loneliness, drugs, suicide, the exploration of bicurious identities, and more.
Catch the premiere of Primetime with the Murthys, an MTV Original Series production, on JioCinema Premium from 3rd July 2024.
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.
