iWorld
Cape May Studios inks deal with Indie Rights for global streaming venture
MUMBAI: Independent film distributor Indie Rights has struck a landmark content licensing agreement with Cape May Studios, the fledgling streaming venture founded by former Zee Entertainment executive Sachin Gokhale.
The partnership will see a curated selection of critically acclaimed indie films appear on Cape May’s upcoming free ad-supported streaming television (Fast) and advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) channels, set to launch next month.
Gokhale, who established Cape May Studios in August 2024 after serving as executive vice president and territory head for the Americas at Zee Entertainment, is building a network of genre-focused channels targeting global “fandom” audiences.
“This collaboration is a key milestone as we prepare to launch our channels,” said Cape May Studios. founder & CEO Gokhale. “With access to Indie Rights’ compelling films, we’re excited to deliver content that challenges, inspires, and resonates with a global audience.”
The content deal focuses heavily on horror, thriller, sci-fi and mystery genres – with titles including I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse and Shadows of Bigfoot set to terrify viewers in English, Hindi and Spanish initially, with plans for further language expansions.
Indie Rights chief executive Linda Nelson noted: “This is an exciting moment as we expand our global reach with Cape May Studios. Their innovative streaming platforms will provide our filmmakers with new opportunities to connect with audiences who crave original, meaningful stories.”
The agreement represents Cape May’s first major content acquisition since Gokhale launched the venture after an extensive career spanning major media companies including Viacom18, where he spent over 12 years in senior leadership roles across multiple territories.
Industry observers note the partnership shrewdly targets millennial and Gen Z viewers between 18-40 years old, a demographic increasingly abandoning traditional subscription services in favour of free, ad-supported alternatives.
As one streaming analyst quipped: “In the bloodbath of global streaming wars, this horror-focused partnership might just give audiences something to actually scream about – in a good way.”
iWorld
Shemaroome acquires complete OHO Gujarati content library
Platform adds over 30 original web series, starting with Pratik Gandhi’s Vitthal Teedi.
MUMBAI: Shemaroome has just hit the jackpot in the Gujarati entertainment space and this time, it’s a full house of regional stories. Shemaroo Entertainment has announced the acquisition of the entire content library of OHO Gujarati for its OTT platform ShemarooMe. This first-of-its-kind consolidation significantly strengthens the platform’s position in Gujarati digital content.
The deal brings more than 30 original Gujarati web series to ShemarooMe, featuring work from over 450 local actors. It builds on the platform’s growing focus on high-quality, culturally rooted regional storytelling.
Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd., chief operating officer for Digital Business Saurabh Srivastava said the acquisition will make compelling Gujarati stories more accessible to viewers across India and the world. “With our strong connection to Gujarati audiences, we believe these stories can travel far and create an exciting entertainment offering,” he noted.
The first title from the acquired library will stream on Shemaroome from 10 April. It is the acclaimed series Vitthal Teedi, starring Pratik Gandhi in his first and only Gujarati web series role to date. Set in 1980s Saurashtra, the character-driven drama follows a small-time gambler navigating personal ideals against harsh realities. The soundtrack features contributions from Aditya Gadhvi, Jigardan Gadhavi and Geeta Rabari.
This strategic acquisition aligns with Shemaroo’s broader digital growth approach focusing on sustainable expansion and deeper engagement with regional languages through a mix of originals and curated content.
For Gujarati entertainment lovers, Shemaroome has just rolled out the red carpet or should we say, the traditional dhabli for a rich new wave of authentic stories. The platform is clearly betting big that when it comes to regional content, more is indeed merrier.
