iWorld
Dice Media forays into regional content with the launch of Telugu show
Mumbai: Pocket Aces’ long-form storytelling channel Dice Media is set to bring in the festivities a little early as it announces its foray into regional content with the launch of its first Telugu series “Alludu Garu.” The five-episodic series will be a weekly release starting 29 October on the Telugu streaming platform aha.
“Alludu Garu” is a remake of Dice Media’s super hit family drama “What The Folks!” that has seen three successful seasons. It is a coming-of-age story that revolves around the struggles of a newly married son-in-law Ajay (Abhijeeth Poondla) who is forced to stay alone with his over-caring in-laws in a conservative household for a few weeks.
“We are extremely excited to foray into regional content and expand our reach even deeper with the country. Telugu was a good first language to begin with since the audience is larger and there is a definite content and talent gap,” stated Pocket Aces co-founder and CEO Aditi Shrivastava. “Recreating one of the successful titles with regional talent not only demonstrates the extended value of our IP, but also the relevance of the content throughout India. You will soon see more Telugu as well as Tamil originals from Dice Media.”
The series also stars veteran actor and director Y Kasi Vishwanath and popular Telugu film actress Dhanya Balakrishna. It is directed by Jayanth Gali, best known for his film “Love Life Pakodi” and co-produced by popular regional digital company Tamada Media. Well-known creators ChaiBisket have written the show.
“What The Folks! is one of our most loved series franchises and we are happy to be able to recreate its magic for our Telugu audiences. The story’s universal appeal made for a very seamless adaptation and talented creators such as our co-producers Tamada Media, ChaiBisket have helped ensure we capture all the regional flavours and nuances in our storytelling,” said Pocket Aces showrunner Sarjita Jain.
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Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
