iWorld
Excitel and OTTplay launch southern OTT pack at affordable price
Mumbai: Excitel home internet startup has introduced the ‘Southern OTT Pack’ for modern entertainment enthusiasts in key southern cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Guntur, Vijayawada, etc. In response to the surging global demand for high-speed internet coupled with diverse entertainment choices, this plan offers speeds up to 400 Mbps, 17 premium OTT, and a variety of more than 300 live TV channels, including Aha, SunNXT, RAJ Digital TV, ETV, NammaFlix in partnership with OTTplay.
At an affordable price starting at just Rs 599/month for a 12-month subscription. This is an internet plan featuring content from major southern cities and languages, including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Guntur, Vijayawada, and more.
On the launch of this plan, Varun Pasricha COO Excitel commented, “At Excitel, we’ve been at the forefront of redefining home entertainment. Today, we are thrilled to present India’s first South Plan, tailored for the rich tapestry of languages and cultures in regions like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and more. In response to the evolving landscape of home broadband and Cable TV, we’re putting an end to the era of restrictive DTH subscriptions and costly add-ons.
Our new OTT Pack, starting at an affordable Rs 599/month for 12 months, not only offers affordable, high-quality viewing but also revolutionises user experience. By integrating over 17 OTT platforms into one seamless OTTplay app, we eliminate the hassle of multiple subscriptions and interfaces. Users can now enjoy a library of over more than 50,000 titles and shows with a single sign-on.
Further, OTTplay’s cutting-edge AI technology enhances the viewing experience by analysing user preferences and viewing history. This results in personalised, cross-platform content recommendations, transforming the way our users discover and enjoy entertainment.
Excitel and OTTplay Premium, AI-powered streaming platforms have joined forces with a shared vision to revolutionise home entertainment. This partnership aims to upgrade the experience as you navigate through your preferred shows, movies, and live TV—all consolidated into one dynamic and comprehensive package.
OTTplay CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar expressed his excitement about this partnership, saying, “This partnership is a watershed moment for Indian entertainment. With Excitel’s lightning-fast internet and OTTplay’s AI-powered recommendations, we’re creating a personalised content universe that redefines how viewers experience entertainment.”
Excitel is actively collaborating on an exciting initiative to introduce a comprehensive north Plan, aiming to broaden its services. This expansion goes beyond just incorporating OTT apps, as Excitel plans to include a variety of regional northern apps. This strategic step reflects Excitel’s commitment to delivering diverse and region-specific content, ensuring that subscribers nationwide can enjoy a rich selection of entertainment.
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
