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
Hari Om OTT bets on AI-first filmmaking after Bharat Next Gen takeover
Platform plans six devotional series yearly, with Dronacharya set for June 2026 release.
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… algorithm. In a move that blends mythology with machine learning, devotional streaming platform Hari Om OTT is placing artificial intelligence at the heart of its filmmaking playbook. Founded by media entrepreneur Vibhu Agarwal and recently acquired by Bharat Next Gen Digital Pvt Ltd, the platform has announced a full scale AI first content strategy that positions artificial intelligence as the backbone of its film production model. The company plans to launch six original devotional series annually, beginning in the upcoming financial year.
Rather than treating AI as a post production shortcut, Hari Om OTT says it has spent the past 14 months building a full 360 degree in house AI ecosystem designed to power the entire creative pipeline. The platform has assembled a specialised internal team that includes AI Creative Directors, devotional content researchers and dedicated scriptwriters, bringing everything from concept development to execution under one roof.
The studio already has multiple films in production and is targeting at least three theatrical releases in the coming financial year. Leading the slate is Dronacharya, scheduled for release in June 2026, followed by Khatushyam Ji, Salasar Balaji and Rani Dadi Sati. Additional projects in development include stories centred on Agrasen Maharaj Ji and Chatthi Maiya.
Beyond feature films and series, Hari Om OTT is also expanding into a documentary vertical that explores the cultural heritage and temples of different Indian states. Designed as a state wise tourism promotional series, the project will use AI driven visual tools to offer immersive glimpses into India’s spiritual and architectural legacy, aiming to connect devotional storytelling with heritage tourism for global audiences.
Bharat Next Gen director Kanhiya Mittal described the upcoming slate as the start of what he calls a new cinematic movement powered by artificial intelligence.
“With Dronacharya, we are initiating a new cinematic movement powered by AI. This technology allows us to present India’s sacred history and cultural legacy with greater scale and authenticity. Our vision aligns with the prime minister’s emphasis on AI first innovation for India’s growth. We believe storytelling rooted in tradition, enhanced by technology, can position India as a global leader in human centric AI creativity,” he said.
Backed by Bharat Next Gen, Hari Om OTT is now positioning itself as a technology forward devotional content studio operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence and culturally rooted storytelling, where epics from the past may soon be shaped as much by code as by creativity.
