iWorld
Fast platform RunnTV attracts investment from South Africa’s media conglomerate eMedia
MUMBAI: In the fast evolving world of television today, partnering is the way to go. That’s the belief of the Runn Media Lab-owned free ad-supported television (Fast)-based content streaming platform RunnTV. Founded by Manish Sinha, the company announced a strategic partnership with south African media group and broadcaster eMedia Investments on 29 November As part of this partnership, eMedia has also made a strategic investment in RunnTV. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
The partnership and investment will enable both companies to combine expertise and resources across media and technology, catalysing their growth across the digital streaming landscape both in India and in the overseas markets.
RunnTV is a new-age streaming platform offering its users free, entertainment across genres while providing advertisers a premium, brand-safe space to effectively reach their target audiences. Launched in November 2023, it is targeting the emerging and high growth Fast market in India and beyond through mobile and connected devices.
“eMedia joining us as a partner and a strategic investor presents exciting new opportunities for RunnTV.The partnership will fuel a robust and sustainable growth, technology and product innovation, expanded content offerings, and expansion to new markets,” says RunnTV founder & CEO Manish Sinha. “We look forward to this partnership to reshape digital entertainment, not only in India but across the globe.”
eMedia is a Rand 3.1 billion (Rs 1,450-odd crore) turnover media conglomerate in South Africa having businesses in television and radio broadcasting, OTT streaming, content production, and properties and facilities. eMedia holds owns multiple marquee media brands including eTV, eNCA, eVOD, Openview, Cape Town Film Studios and YFM.
Through this collaboration, eMedia will not only further strengthen its already strong digital portfolio but will also leverage Runn Media Labs’ media technology and RunnTV platform to expand its digital business to other international markets including India.
“We are very excited to invest in and partner with RunnTV and join forces on this exciting journey,” says Khalik Sherrif, CEO at eMedia. “RunnTV team has built a strong technology that powers its Fast platform and has an exciting and promising roadmap. We look forward to working closely with the talented team at RunnTV to shape the future of media and entertainment together.”
Shall we raise a toast to the new beginnings?
iWorld
Prime Video unveils biggest India originals slate yet
Nearly 55 titles across languages signal deeper push into films, series
MUMBAI: Prime Video is turning up the volume on Indian storytelling, unveiling its largest-ever Originals slate at the ‘Prime Video Presents’ showcase, with close to 55 series and films spanning languages, genres and formats.
The new lineup, which stretches across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, signals a clear intent: go bigger, go wider, and meet audiences wherever they are watching, whether on streaming screens or in cinemas. Alongside Originals, the platform also announced a fresh theatrical slate under Amazon MGM Studios, marking a deeper step into the big-screen business.
Among the headline acts is The Revolutionaries, a large-scale drama from Nikkhil Advani starring Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Saraf. The slate also features Matka King with Vijay Varma, Raakh starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, and Lukkhe, which marks rapper King’s acting debut. Adding a genre twist is Vansh – The Kalyug Warriors, positioned as India’s first homegrown Hindi superhero series for streaming.
Familiar favourites are also making a return, with new seasons of Farzi, Panchayat, Call Me Bae, Dupahiya, Dahaad and The Traitors in the pipeline, reinforcing the platform’s bet on established franchises.
Regional storytelling gets a notable push. Highlights include a Telugu adaptation of The Traitors hosted by Teja Sajja, the drama Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat, and Tamil titles such as Exam and returning seasons of Vadhandhi and Inspector Rishi.
The slate also opens new creative partnerships. Hrithik Roshan’s HRX Films steps into streaming with Storm and Mess, while Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions backs Don’t Be Shy. Production houses including Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby Films and The Viral Fever further deepen the creative bench.
On the theatrical front, the platform is lining up five films, including Raftaar starring Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh, VIBE directed by Kunal Kemmu, Dilkashi with music by A. R. Rahman, Nayyi Navelli featuring Yami Gautam, and Kuku Ki Kundli starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
According to Prime Video India director and head of Svod business Shilangi Mukherji, India remains central to the platform’s global growth, ranking among its top markets for new subscribers. She noted that nearly two-thirds of users watch content in more than four languages, underlining a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the new slate reflects a continued push towards bold, culturally rooted narratives with global appeal.
In short, Prime Video is not just adding titles, it is widening the lens. From small-town dramas to superhero sagas and cinema-ready spectacles, the message is simple: more stories, more voices, and far more ways to watch them.
