iWorld
Google, Tiger Telly unveil IPL-set micro-drama A Perfect Match
Six-part series blends romance and search tech amid cricket frenzy
MUMBAI: Google has extended its collaboration with Tiger Telly to launch A Perfect Match, a six-part micro-drama rolling out through the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
The campaign unfolded with a breadcrumb trail of intrigue, starting from a cryptic manuscript tease by Zoya Akhtar, followed by behind-the-scenes glimpses featuring Ishaan Khatter and Sara Arjun. The first chapter dropped over the weekend, introducing Kabir and Navya, whose first date takes an unexpected turn with a timely assist from Google Search.
Set against India’s enduring love affair with cricket, the series blends a light romantic narrative with everyday technology use. Five more episodes will roll out during the IPL season, building a story that is equal parts flirtation and functionality.
Written by Zoya Akhtar and directed by Arjun Varain Singh, the project continues the creative partnership within Tiger Baby. Singh, who previously directed Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan, returns to helm a story that leans into intimacy and relatability while quietly showcasing Google’s search capabilities.
The performances by Khatter and Arjun anchor the narrative in authenticity, making the tech integration feel less like a feature and more like a natural part of modern relationships.
Speaking about the collaboration, Tiger Telly writer & executive producer Zoya Akhtar said, “At Tiger Telly, we have always chased stories that live in the quiet, real moments, and A Perfect Match does exactly that. Two people, the excitement of the IPL, and Ishaan and Sara bringing something so genuine to it that it surprises you. It’s been great to collaborate with Google again as their allies in brand storytelling.”
Director Arjun Varain Singh added, “Delighted to have been a part of this project with Tiger Telly and Google. I have long admired Zoya and Reema and the stories they’ve consistently empowered. Working with Sara was a total joy and we had a blast shooting for the films.”
Positioned as an end-to-end creative studio, Tiger Telly continues to expand its footprint across branded storytelling, from commercials to long-form content, working with brands including Google, Vivo and Nykaa.
With A Perfect Match, the collaboration strikes a neat balance between romance and relevance, proving that even in the middle of cricket mania, there is room for a little love story powered by search.
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.
