iWorld
Social Media to set a red carpet for sports and entertainment
MUMBAI: IMC FUSION 2014, a conference presented by Indian Merchant’s Chamber (IMC), was followed up with a series of panel discussions on the major roles played by the social media in today’s three most dynamic sectors – Entertainment, Media and Sports industry. Ramesh Sippy and Subhash Ghai were most honourable guests inaugurated this third edition of IMC Fusion 2014. This conference was divided into six sessions which focused on several trending social media topics in this generation. It also witnessed the launch of a Knowledge Paper on Multi Screen Behavior: A Study on Emerging Consumer Dynamics.
The IMC FUSION 2014 Conference was organized under the auspices of IMC’s Entertainment, Media & Sports Committee chaired by Mr. Manmohan Shetty and co-chaired by Ms. Bharathi Pradhan, Mr. Sanjoy Chakrabarty and Mr. Mir Ranjan Negi. As in the first two editions, Mr. Kabir Bedi was the Host of IMC FUSION 2014.
The first session included an in-depth discussion on the urgency of software for today’s media content. ‘What prevents Indian media content to extend globally?’ This question received several views from the panelists. Indian media needs to bring in more variety of local and adventurous content at the same time. Gajendra Singh, Founder of Saai Baba Telefilms Pvt Ltd. said, “In order to make the Indian content globally known, the Indian media needs to pay attention toward showcasing an interesting content, helping the marketing team, co-producers to make the Broadcasters buy it and promote it eventually.”
The Broadcasters go forward with a long term investment into a show only if it creates TRP’S but instead it should also turn its attention to a simple and multi-lingual content at the same time. Anupam Mandoloi, Managing Director of Freemantle India, added, “The fact is that India does not have a distribution network and sufficient bandwidth to tap content across the world.” Siddharth Basu, Managing Director, Big Synergy Media Ltd, highlighted further, “Media Partnership between the Government and the Broadcasters can increase the scope of Indian content worldwide.”
‘Does social media affect Traditional Journalism?’ To this, Suchitra Iyer, Editor of Society Magazine, said, “It has in a way challenged the print media, as celebrities leak out their latest happenings using social media platforms.” Harshil Karia, Co-founder Foxymoron, said, “The mobile device reaches out faster than any other media device.” It in fact helps print media to reinvent news, which proves that social media and print media are the two important wheels of mainstream media.”
‘Major role of social media for sports’, the most trending topic for new generation media was also analysed. Digital platforms, especially ‘Twitter’ has proven to be a branded content mechanism in giving out a wider media coverage to sports. Vinod Bhanushali, President, Marketing, T-Series said, “Social media not only adds a spice to sports but also helps the music industry which includes Youtube and Twitter.”
New Delhi Television (NDTV), a pioneer leading in India’s news television, was presented with the Excellence Award in Media. Mr. Sreenivasan Jain, Managing Editor, NDTV was present to receive the award and thanked the IMC Fusion Jury. While accepting the award Mr. Sreenivasan Jain added, “Receiving a prestigious award actually creates a standard and encourages us to even improve and set new standards for the content of news overall.”
The different business aspects of the Indian cinema were also highlighted by Komal Nahta, Editor, Film information, Mukesh Bhatt, Producer / Director, Ramesh S Taurani, Producer, Tips Industries Limited. The availability of multi-screen theatres has led to the change in the normal mindset of Indians who prefer to experience the movie first in the theatres
iWorld
Prime Video unveils biggest India originals slate yet
Nearly 55 titles across languages signal deeper push into films, series
MUMBAI: Prime Video is turning up the volume on Indian storytelling, unveiling its largest-ever Originals slate at the ‘Prime Video Presents’ showcase, with close to 55 series and films spanning languages, genres and formats.
The new lineup, which stretches across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, signals a clear intent: go bigger, go wider, and meet audiences wherever they are watching, whether on streaming screens or in cinemas. Alongside Originals, the platform also announced a fresh theatrical slate under Amazon MGM Studios, marking a deeper step into the big-screen business.
Among the headline acts is The Revolutionaries, a large-scale drama from Nikkhil Advani starring Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Saraf. The slate also features Matka King with Vijay Varma, Raakh starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, and Lukkhe, which marks rapper King’s acting debut. Adding a genre twist is Vansh – The Kalyug Warriors, positioned as India’s first homegrown Hindi superhero series for streaming.
Familiar favourites are also making a return, with new seasons of Farzi, Panchayat, Call Me Bae, Dupahiya, Dahaad and The Traitors in the pipeline, reinforcing the platform’s bet on established franchises.
Regional storytelling gets a notable push. Highlights include a Telugu adaptation of The Traitors hosted by Teja Sajja, the drama Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat, and Tamil titles such as Exam and returning seasons of Vadhandhi and Inspector Rishi.
The slate also opens new creative partnerships. Hrithik Roshan’s HRX Films steps into streaming with Storm and Mess, while Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions backs Don’t Be Shy. Production houses including Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby Films and The Viral Fever further deepen the creative bench.
On the theatrical front, the platform is lining up five films, including Raftaar starring Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh, VIBE directed by Kunal Kemmu, Dilkashi with music by A. R. Rahman, Nayyi Navelli featuring Yami Gautam, and Kuku Ki Kundli starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
According to Prime Video India director and head of Svod business Shilangi Mukherji, India remains central to the platform’s global growth, ranking among its top markets for new subscribers. She noted that nearly two-thirds of users watch content in more than four languages, underlining a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the new slate reflects a continued push towards bold, culturally rooted narratives with global appeal.
In short, Prime Video is not just adding titles, it is widening the lens. From small-town dramas to superhero sagas and cinema-ready spectacles, the message is simple: more stories, more voices, and far more ways to watch them.
