iWorld
Tentkotta launches linear OTT channel with Amagi
MUMBAI: Amagi plans to launch south-Indian linear OTT channel Tentkotta to international markets and expand its SVOD offerings by leveraging Amagi’s Cloudport managed services.
The new Tentkotta TV is a subscription-based, ad-supported 24/7 linear OTT channel bringing premier South-Indian language content to a global audience. Amagi led the service provider’s transition to a cloud-based broadcast infrastructure in accordance with Tentkotta’s vision to grow its global audience through high-quality content delivered by an unmatched OTT viewing experience.
“Launching a full-fledged linear OTT channel and expanding our viewer base was a natural progression for us,” said Tentkotta co-founder Varun Kumar. “After evaluating multiple options, we found Amagi Cloudport to be unique in terms of its advanced capabilities, automation, transparency, and control for managing a new channel. Coupled with its 24/7 fully managed service, Cloudport allows us to scale quickly and reliably.”
Amagi Cloudport is a one-stop managed service that is ideal for launching a pure-play OTT platform such as Tentkotta TV. Amagi set up the entire broadcast workflow — from content preparation to HLS stream generation, playlist management and scheduling, graphics insertion, cloud playout, and delivery to Akamai CDN.
“As the world’s first cloud-based managed services platform, Cloudport offers unparalleled simplicity, advanced automation, and built-in transparency for TV networks and content owners. The result has been transforming: TV networks can now run and control their broadcast operations, from any remote location,” said Amagi co-founder K.A Srinivasan.
“Partnering with Tentkotta, we are able to provide their viewers with a world-class content experience that features the highest quality content streamed 24 hours every day.”
Hosted on a secure Amazon AWS cloud infrastructure, the service caters to both OTT and traditional TV platforms, integrating with third-party partners to stitch a seamless workflow that can be managed through a simple Web-based user interface.
iWorld
MS Dhoni invests in Kuku, joins Kuku TV as brand ambassador
Cricket icon backs AI storytelling platform, fronts Kuku TV campaign
MUMBAI: MS Dhoni has invested in Kuku and joined its short-form drama app Kuku TV as brand ambassador, signalling a high-profile bet on India’s fast-growing AI-led content space.
Kuku, a mobile-first storytelling platform, operates across formats with apps such as Kuku TV for micro-dramas, Kuku FM for audio content and Guru for learning-led entertainment. Founded in 2018, the company has scaled rapidly, crossing 350 million installs and building a catalogue of over 20,000 titles across multiple Indian languages.
Dhoni said his decision to invest and partner with the platform was driven by its distinct approach to storytelling and its strong growth trajectory. MS Dhoni said, “I chose to invest in Kuku, and also come on board as the ambassador for Kuku TV, because the platform really stood out to me. It has built a differentiated entertainment experience for audiences across India, spanning multiple languages and formats. The growth has been impressive, and I connect strongly with the founders, who come from small towns like mine and have built something of this scale. I believe in their vision of building an AI-driven storytelling platform from Bharat, for Bharat, and for the world.”
Founded by Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena and Vikas Goyal, the platform positions itself at the intersection of technology and storytelling, using AI to create and distribute bite-sized content tailored to mobile audiences.
Sharing his perspective, Kuku co-founder and CEO Lal Chand Bisu said, “MS Dhoni is known for backing bold decisions that others might hesitate to take. At Kuku, we are also taking bold bets. That spirit of unconventional thinking resonates deeply with us.”
Adding to this, Kuku co-founder and COO Vinod Kumar Meena said, “Our beloved Thala is one of the rare personalities with truly nationwide appeal. As we build Kuku for all of India, that connection makes him a natural fit for us.”
Further, Kuku co-founder and CTO Vikas Goyal said, “MSD has a unique understanding of people. As we build for both creators and consumers, that perspective will be incredibly valuable, especially as we continue strengthening our AI-driven storytelling stack.”
Backing the momentum, Panthera Peak Capital managing director Nikhil Bhandarkar said, “Kuku’s vision, execution, and clarity of thought are exceptional, qualities that closely mirror MS Dhoni’s approach. We are excited to partner with the team as they build Kuku into a global entertainment platform.”
To mark the association, Kuku TV has rolled out the campaign Dhoni Watches Kuku TV, anchored by a brand film that plays on Dhoni’s instinctive decision-making. Built around short, engaging stories delivered in minutes, the campaign highlights the platform’s promise of quick, compelling entertainment.
With Dhoni stepping in as both investor and face of the brand, Kuku appears to be doubling down on its ambition to take AI-driven storytelling from India to a global audience, one short story at a time.
