GECs
Enjoy the ultimate musical experience at home with &PrivéHD
Mumbai: &PrivéHD is the home to nuanced cinema, bringing critically acclaimed films to Indian audiences. To take its offerings a notch higher, the channel had previously introduced Privé Theatre; a creative collaboration with Zee Theatre which has been mainstreaming premium theatrical content and teleplays to a worldwide audience since 2018. The synergistic aim was to keep the love for theatre alive amongst audiences, and now continuing the same legacy, the channel has announced Privé Musicals, another collaboration with Zee Theatre. Through the new property, the channel and Zee Theatre will co-present musical plays that are timeless classics and some even have been inspirations for blockbuster Hollywood films.
Privé Musicals offer a form of entertainment that appeals to those seeking high-quality performances, refined storytelling, and a sophisticated theatre experience. It creates its relevance in the present time by incorporating contemporary themes, modern music styles, and relevant storylines. Musicals are a treat for those who enjoy music in all its forms. These include classics like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’.
Speaking about this new initiative, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief channel officer – English cluster Rishi Parekh shared, “Since its inception, we at &PrivéHD, have been committed to delivering differentiated and niche content to the TV-viewing audience and after introducing World Box Office and Privé Theatre, our next step in this direction is Privé Musicals. This new IP will host some of the most renowned musical plays on the channel, which must be on the bucket list of both music and theatre lovers. Musicals like ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Peter Pan Live!’, ‘Billy Elliot: The Musical’ and ‘Hairspray Live!’ are some evergreen classics that will be a part of our programming and our aim is to give viewers a chance to witness these masterpieces from the comfort of their homes.”
‘The Sound of Music’ is based on an original 1959 Broadway production which was inspired by Maria von Trapp’s, ‘The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.’ In 1965, came the iconic film starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. This version stars Grammy winner Carrie Underwood as Maria.
‘Peter Pan Live!’ is based on Scottish novelist and playwright J. M. Barrie’s story about a boy with a never-ending childhood. Academy award winner Christopher Walke plays Captain Hook while Critics’ Choice Award nominee Allison Williams stars as Peter Pan.
‘Hairspray Live’ was watched by over nine million viewers and went on to win three Emmy awards in 2016 and revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a small-town girl who becomes an overnight success after appearing on a TV dance show. The musical boasts a dream cast including marquee names like Ariana Grande and EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson.
‘Billy Elliot: The Musical,’ is an aspirational story set to Sir Elton John’s tunes. Set in a dreary English mining town, it traces the journey of a young boy who chooses ballet shoes over boxing gloves. It stars Elliot Hanna, Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley.
Privé Musicals resonate with the interests and sensibilities of all generations including the modern GenZs. This is a golden chance for all to enjoy the brilliance of world-renowned presentations, from the comfort of their homes, musicals that are certainly on every theatre lover’s bucket list.
Stay tuned for more information on Privé Musicals.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
