GECs
Balaji Telefilms’ ‘Naagin,’ a slithering success for Colors
MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms’ fiction show Naagin has swiftly slithered above competition with its special effects, storyline and star cast. Just 30 episodes old, Naagin has left behind all the saas-bahu dramas and has been the number one show with maximum ratings proving to be a game changer for Colors.
In the first week of launch itself, the weekend fiction show Naagin overtook the top five programmes on Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs). Additionally, Naagin also became one of the first weekend shows, which totted more ratings than top rated weekdays shows.
A source close to the development informs Indiantelevision.com that the per episode expenditure of the show is between Rs 20 – 25 lakh. On the ad rates front, Naagin commands Rs 1.5 lakh for a 10 second slot.
Colors has roped in Chutki as the presenting sponsor for the show.
A media planning expert on condition of anonymity said, “Fifty per cent of the ad inventory must have been allotted to the sponsors and the remaining 50 per cent is what Colors is selling at around Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 second. My assessment suggests that from the 50 per cent, Colors could easily be raking in around Rs 50 lakh, which is a great number and that is why we are seeing multiple channels bringing in the same concept in different ways.”
Though the concept is not new to the audience, Balaji Telefilms’ portrayal of the story is commendable, which is what sets it apart from the others. The show is loaded with outstanding VFX effects, offering an authentic film-like experience, which only means more cost.
Another senior media planner opined, “Just because one show is working, we cannot generalise. Different genres are working so the content has to be strong, interesting and has to be told in a different manner. That said, if Naagin is working, it doesn’t mean that the supernatural trend is working on Indian television. It has a supernatural element but it’s all about the presentation and storyline, hence everything has to work together.”
As was earlier reported by Indiantelevision.com, Naagin glided to the numero uno position in the Top 5 programs on Hindi GECs with 15676 (‘000s) in its launch (week 44 of 2015) beating Star Plus’ prime time show Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya, Colors’ weekday prime time show Sasural Simar Ka and Zee Anmol’s Ek Se Bhale Do. Naagin show saw a rise in ratings in its first day telecast in its second week (week 45) with 16,741 (‘000s) while on the second day telecast, the ratings fell to 12,761 (‘00os).
That said, according to the latest week BARC India ratings data (week 6 of 2016), Naagin is still comfortably coiled on top of the chart with 20680 (‘000s).
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.
