GECs
Colosceum and Ormax to launch consumer-created fiction shows
MUMBAI: There is no dearth of creativity in the country and to give a new meaning to how content is generated, Colosceum Media and Ormax Media, have come together to introduce consumer-created fiction shows for the Indian television industry.
Consumer research was conducted over the last six months across more than 15 cities in India to generate original stories and then tested using Ormax True Value, an industry standard that has been used on more than 250 television shows across more than 20 channels since 2008. Together, the two companies will approach leading broadcasters with shows that have tested exceptionally well, with more than 85 per cent probability of success.
Speaking about the deal, Colosceum Media CEO Lalit Sharma said, “Ormax has used very advanced consumer research techniques to generate original stories for daily fiction shows for Hindi GECs. These concepts are stories that have been both created and validated with the consumers. A story may have originated in Indore, developed in Jalandhar and then fine-tuned by another set of consumers in Amravati. Currently, production houses make large investments in getting concept developed in-house. The broadcasters then make investments to judge their viability. By creating concepts that are sourced from consumers, we are creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders.”
Ormax Media founder and CEO Shailesh Kapoor said, “It’s been a long but fulfilling process of engaging with the actual consumers in story generation. Having produced shows like Roadies, Splitsvilla and MasterChef India, Colosceum are an established leader in the non-fiction space. We’re excited to partner them in their plans to establish a strong presence in the fiction space.”
Sharma added, “Having produced shows like Jai Shree Krishna, Bandhan, Shakuntala and Bani Ishq Da Kalma in partnership with boutique creative outfits, we were keen on identifying a differentiated proposition for our next fiction offering. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Ormax, who are a leader in providing the industry with market insights for seven years now.”
“When we meet the broadcasters, we are not just going with a concept but a complete consumer package that has a potent combination of consumer insights, fine storytelling and a very capable creative and producing team.” Kapoor stated.
Tulsea Pictures conceived this partnership and brought both Colosceum and Ormax together.
“We believe this partnership will be disruptive and will bring the much need diversification in the themes of shows running on prime time. The business model created by this partnership is very unique and there is no global precedence that we are aware of. It’s content of the consumer, by the consumer, for the consumer,” said Tulsea Datta Dave. “It’s very exciting to bring Colosceum and Ormax together. They are leaders in their respective fields and this innovative partnership has potential implications for the global entertainment industry.”
GECs
Sebi sends show-cause notice to Zee over fund diversion, company responds
Regulator questions 2018 letter of comfort and governance lapses; company vows robust legal response
MUMBAI: India’s markets watchdog has reignited its long-running scrutiny of Zee Entertainment Enterprises, issuing a sweeping show-cause notice that drags the broadcaster and 84 others into a widening governance storm.
The notice, dated February 12, has been served by the Securities and Exchange Board of India to Zee, chairman emeritus Subhash Chandra and managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka, among others. At its heart: allegations that company funds were indirectly routed to settle liabilities of entities linked to the Essel Group.
The regulator’s probe traces its roots to November 2019, when two independent directors resigned from Zee’s board, flagging concerns over the alleged appropriation of fixed deposits by Yes Bank. The deposits were reportedly adjusted against loans extended to Essel Group entities, triggering questions about related-party dealings and board oversight.
A key flashpoint is a letter of comfort dated September 4, 2018, issued by Subhash Chandra in his dual capacity as chairman of Zee and the Essel Group. The document, linked to credit facilities availed by certain group companies from Yes Bank, was allegedly known only to select members of management and not disclosed to the full board—an omission SEBI believes raises red flags over transparency and governance controls.
Zee has pushed back hard. In a statement, the company said it “strongly refutes” the allegations against it and its board members and will file a detailed response. It expressed confidence that SEBI would conduct a fair review and signalled readiness to pursue all legal remedies to protect shareholder interests.
The notice marks the latest twist in a saga that has shadowed the broadcaster since 2019. What began as boardroom unease has morphed into a full-blown regulatory confrontation. The final reckoning now rests with SEBI—but the reputational stakes for Zee, and the message for India Inc on governance discipline, could scarcely be higher.
