iWorld
Here’s how ALTBalaji disrupted AVOD world with new show ‘Lock Upp’
Mumbai: Streaming platform ALTBalaji recently launched its first reality show “Lock Upp” through an advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) model. The AVOD system allows viewers to access the free original content. This strategic move by ALTBalaji is on its way to set a new benchmark in the Indian entertainment industry.
The Kangana Ranaut-fronted show turned out to be a great success for the streaming service platform. On the subscription video-on-demand side (SVOD), ALTBalaji has witnessed 36 per cent quarter-on-quarter growth in FY21. In addition, the platform saw a 75 per cent increase in active subscriber base to 2.1 million from 1.2 million last year, compared to the same period the previous quarter in 2020. As a result, the platform has more than 35 million subscribers with nine million monthly active users, according to the streaming service.
With over 80 per cent of ALTBalaji’s audience under 35 years of age; an exciting library boasting 91+ original shows and many in the pipeline; a flourishing SVOD business; AVOD is the next step in building the business further.
For the first time, a platform with no network support has attempted to build an AVOD business, as it garners a record number of views based on the strength of the path-breaking content that it delivers regularly. According to the platform, the goal is to reach out to an even wider audience base, penetrating further into the hinterlands.
Speaking on this success, ALTBalaji spokesperson said the introduction of AVOD will not only be an added layer of advertising revenue to existing revenue streams but will also help them drive further subscriber base via cross-sell and up-sell. “We are excited about providing a further simplified and seamless experience with thousands of hours of free content for mass India,” added the spokesperson.
ALTBalaji has a history of creating ventures and opportunities that are very well received by the audience. Currently catering to an MAU base of 10+million, it has sold 2.9 million subscriptions in H1 alone. The platform sees an audience engagement metric of 83 minutes per day, with different genres catering to varied audiences. According to a recent report by global technology research powerhouse Omdia, AVOD streamers will flourish over the next three years and will hit revenues of almost $260 billion by 2025.
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Gaming
Formula 1 and Mumbai Falcons launch India’s first official F1 sim racing championship
Nationwide competition creates pathway from virtual racing to pro motorsport
MUMBAI: Formula 1 has teamed up with Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited to launch India’s first officially sanctioned F1 sim racing competition, marking a new step in the country’s growing motorsport ecosystem.
The championship, titled F1 Sim Racing India Open 2026, will offer a structured national platform for sim racers, with participants competing on the official F1 25 across multiple stages. The competition will begin with online qualifiers, followed by city-based simulator rounds, before culminating in a national final in Mumbai this November.
Open to players across PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox, registrations for the event will begin on 30 April via the Mumbai Falcons app. The format mirrors real-world racing, featuring official circuits, team liveries and competitive structures aligned with the global series.
Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan said the initiative arrives at a time when interest in the sport is surging in India, adding that a structured sim racing platform could help identify and nurture the next generation of talent.
Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited managing director Ameet Gadhoke noted that the championship aligns with the team’s long-term goal of building a strong motorsport pipeline in the country and placing Indian talent on the global stage.
The launch also reflects broader momentum in esports, especially after its recognition under India’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. By bridging gaming and real-world racing, the initiative aims to offer aspiring drivers a credible entry point into professional motorsport.
With interest in Formula 1 steadily rising and conversations around its return to India gaining pace, the new championship could become a proving ground for future racing stars.
