iWorld
Jasprit Bumrah and Kapil Dev turn teammates for TATA IPL 2024 on JioCinema
Mumbai: Shortly after bringing MS Dhoni in a double role for their inaugural TATA IPL 2024 campaign, JioCinema has now presented Kapil Dev and Jasprit Bumrah in two films as part of their new campaign, titled TV Dekho Toh Aise. The latest set of films from JioCinema focuses specifically on the Connected TV proposition for viewers that prefer watching TATA IPL on digital as well as a big screen. They also bring out the manifold features of the platform that take fans from a ‘lean-back’ to a ‘lean-forward’ viewing experience with an unprecedented degree of autonomy.
TATA IPL 2024 will commence on JioCinema with the southern derby as MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings face off with Royal Challengers Bangalore on 22 March 2024.
The treatment of the films, produced by Chrome Pictures, is banter-filled, as conversations between the two ace cricketers get dotted with tongue-in-cheek remarks at each other, all in good jest. The first film has Bumrah engrossed in watching the TATA IPL on his mobile phone, while Kapil Dev enters the scene and engages him in conversation. Bumrah is seen staking superiority for the way his generation consumes the TATA IPL, until Kapil challenges him, turning on a Connected TV, streaming the same content Bumrah was watching. The second film with the duo takes it a step forward in the same vein, as they discuss the capability of watching the TATA IPL in 4K, with one’s choice of camera angle and key moments.
The latest set of films from JioCinema are guided by India’s clear preference of watching their favourite sports content on Connected TV. All TV sets sold in the country over the past four quarters have been Connected TV’s. Last season, over 125 million people watched the TATA IPL on CTV and this year, about 200 million are expected to do so.
“While there is no doubt that India has gone digital in the way it watches the TATA IPL or any other live sport, Connected TV viewers are a rapidly growing subset within the digital universe,” said a Viacom18 Spokesperson. “Our films with Kapil Dev and Jasprit Bumrah drive home the message that the TATA IPL can not only be enjoyed at convenience with flexibility on a mobile phone but also with high-end features for free on Connected TV. It is the same thrill of the high-octane tournament but on a big screen with the viewer having complete control over the premium viewing experience. It is our submission to cricket fans to get a first-hand experience of how JioCinema is redefining the TV experience and hence the line, ‘TV Dekho Toh Aise’ in the campaign.”
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
