GECs
Akash Chawla heads to Essel Vision as business head
MUMBAI: To enhance Essel Vision Productions (EVPL) from its current size into a business, which is larger in terms of reach to multiple channels and languages, Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Zeel) has appointed Akash Chawla, who has successfully been heading the marketing function for national channels at Zeel, to now take charge as the EVPL business head.
Chawla has been given the mandate to head the TV production (all languages), movie production (all languages except Marathi), studio production business, digital and online production, events and IP creation. He will drive the organisational aspiration of EVPL and contribute in multiplying its business from its current business levels. For this role, Chawla will report to EVPL CEO Nittin Keni.
“Essel Vision is very focused in the film and television production, digital, events and the IP creation business. Having spearheaded marketing for Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Classic and Zee Cine Awards, Akash has worked successfully towards the launch of three of ZEEL’s new brands in the last one year – &pictures, Zee Anmol and Zindagi. He will work towards strengthening our presence in Hindi and other languages movie production & marketing and the digital business to catapult the organization’s ambitions to the next level,” said Keni.
Keni added, “We will produce content not just for the Indian audiences but also for companies and audiences the world over. While IP rights provide the foundation upon which innovation is shared and creativity is encouraged, the digital age provides many opportunities within the entertainment media industry to improve efficiency, costs and viewer experiences. Everything we do is driven by an unyielding passion for excellence-and an unfaltering commitment to develop the best products. We are in talks with various leading collaborators for the same and will soon announce new initiatives.”
Essel Vision’s consistency and success are built on its unwavering dedication to setting benchmarks and excellence. It has already made a mark on the map of Television and Feature Films – both in the Hindi and Marathi space.
With blockbuster films like ‘D-Day’, ‘Gulaal’, ‘Natrang’, ‘Kaaksparsh’, Essel Vision has taken its first steps to another high with its ventures like “Time Pass”, ‘Lai Bhari’ and ‘Duniyadaari’ which have been the highest grossers in the Marathi film space. Its other creation ‘The Lunchbox’ has already received accolades around the world.
In the television space, the company has been successful with qualitative programs like ‘Fear Files’, ‘Dance India Dance’ and ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’, ‘Saregama’, ‘DID L’il Masters’, ‘DID Super Moms’, on Hindi TV, and ‘Eka Peksha Ek’ and ‘Fu Bai Fu’ amongst others on Marathi TV. The upcoming feature films include ‘Mad About Dance’ which is promoted by Shah Rukh Khan himself and another film called ‘3AM’ (horror film) is on the anvil.
Just as ZEE is an innovative leader in developing new business models for the evolving television and film landscape, Essel Vision’s objective is to be a one-stop shop for all film, television, digital, events & IP creation related services where it will produce, co-produce, market and distribute.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
