iWorld
Balaji’s new app reads the stars with a modern twist in Astrovani launch
MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms, best known for shaping Indian television and digital entertainment, is turning its gaze skyward quite literally. With Astrovani by Balaji, the studio enters the astrology-tech universe, launching what it calls India’s first premium astrology app that promises to make stargazing personal, practical and trustworthy.
Astrovani is designed for today’s always-on generation blending age-old wisdom with digital ease. The app offers everything from daily horoscopes and life guidance to live consultations with verified astrologers, numerologists and palmists. Whether the stars hold clues about love, career, or family, AstroVani connects users directly to seasoned experts who offer clarity with credibility.
The app’s clean, ad-free interface and privacy-first approach reflect Balaji’s intent to make astrology accessible without the clutter or clichés. It reimagines an ancient tradition for the modern scroll-happy user, infusing it with Balaji’s storytelling finesse and India’s spiritual heritage.
Balaji Telefilms founder and joint managing director Ektaa R Kapoor said the idea came from a deeply personal place. “I’ve always believed in the power of astrology as a guiding force in my life. Astrovani by Balaji is something I’ve envisioned for years, a heartfelt initiative to help people find perspective and direction through trusted experts,” she said. “My hope is that it becomes a companion for anyone seeking clarity in their journey.”
Balaji Telefilms Group CEO Sanjay Dwivedi described the app as part of Balaji’s broader digital transformation. “With AstroVani, we’re entering a high-engagement space that combines India’s cultural depth with technology’s convenience. It reflects our commitment to building scalable digital products that go beyond entertainment into daily relevance,” he explained.
Adding to that, Dhaval Sheth, Chief Strategy Officer at Balaji, said the company’s aim was to marry authenticity with accessibility. “Our vision was to tap into one of India’s most trusted cultural pillars astrology and present it through a credible, tech-driven experience. Every element, from design to expert onboarding, was built to ensure trust, ease and relevance.”
Available now on Android (with an iOS launch to follow), Astrovani by Balaji invites users to look within and above to chart their own journey of self-discovery. With its seamless interface and spiritual spark, Balaji’s latest venture proves that even in the digital age, a little divine guidance never goes out of style.
iWorld
Prime Video drops trailer for Lukkhe, a rap crime drama starring KING in his acting debut
Eight episodes of revenge, redemption and hard-hitting rap arrive on the streaming platform on 8th May
MUMBAI: Prime Video has unveiled the trailer for Lukkhe, an eight-episode musical action drama built around the world of rap, crime and bruised relationships — and it has done so in suitably loud fashion, launching it at a live concert in Mumbai featuring electrifying performances by KING, Amira Gill, Akshath, Raashii Khanna, Ruaa Kayy and RUTVXK. As if that were not enough, the show’s music album was also dropped at the event, in collaboration with exclusive music streaming partner Amazon Music and music label Warner Music India.
The series is directed by Himank Gaur and produced by Vipul D. Shah and Rajesh Bahl under the banners of Optimystix Entertainment and White Guerrilla LLP. It is created and executive produced by Agrim Joshi and Debojit Das Purkayastha.
The cast is the talking point. KING, the acclaimed Indian rapper and songwriter, makes his acting debut as MC Badnaam, a performer consumed by rivalry and hunger for recognition. Raashii Khanna, returning to Prime Video after Farzi, plays Gurbani. Palak Tiwari, making her streaming debut, plays Sanober. Lakshvir Singh Saran plays Lucky. The ensemble also includes Nakul Roshan Sahdev, Kritika Bharadwaj, Shivankit Parihar, Yograj Singh and Ayesha Raza Mishra in pivotal roles.
The trailer plants its flag squarely in the tension between MC Badnaam and his rival MC OG, played by Parihar, while threading in the love story between Lucky and Sanober. The soundtrack, which spans hard-hitting rap anthems to emotionally charged melodies, is as much a character in the show as any of its leads.
Gaur was candid about what drew him to the project. “Lukkhe gave me a chance to dive into a world that’s loud, emotional, and constantly on edge,” he said. “What stayed with me was how every character is chasing something personal, and music becomes their way of expressing it. Working with this cast, especially KING in his debut, along with Raashii, Lakshvir, and Palak, was incredibly rewarding because they brought honesty that elevated every moment.”
Khanna reflected on her character with evident relish. “Playing Gurbani in Lukkhe was a really intense and fulfilling experience,” she said. “What I found most interesting was how her strength comes from something deeply personal, which shapes every decision she makes. It was about finding that balance between vulnerability and grit.”
KING, stepping in front of the camera for the first time, was characteristically direct. “Stepping into Lukkhe as MC Badnaam has been a defining moment for me,” he said. “What drew me in was how real his hunger and need to be heard felt. It’s something I connect with as an artist. Bringing music into his journey made the experience even more personal.”
Tiwari described the role as a first on multiple fronts. “It was my first time working with Prime Video, and the whole experience felt new and creatively satisfying,” she said. “Being part of a story that has both intense and heartfelt moments, along with a team that brought so much honesty to it, made this journey truly memorable.”
Saran, for his part, zeroed in on what made Lucky tick. “Lucky is someone who’s trying to move forward while still carrying the weight of his past, and that push-pull made him really interesting to explore,” he said. “There’s a sincerity to his journey that I hope people connect with.”
Lukkhe premieres on Prime Video in Hindi on 8th May, across India and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. In a streaming landscape drowning in crime dramas, this one is betting that putting a rapper at its centre – and meaning it – is enough to cut through the noise. On the evidence of the trailer, it might just be right.
