News Broadcasting
Mukta Arts looking at 3 TV shows by year-end
MUMBAI: Times are busy for film production house Mukta Arts. Recently it made its foray into television by announcing the reality show Disco Star in association with Channel [V].
It is also nursing ambitious plans for the television software sector. It is looking to have at least three shows on air by the end of this year.
indiantelevision.com spoke to Mukta Arts CEO Ravi Gupta today who informs that the company has initiated dialogue with four channels in this regard. Gupta however, declined to name the parties stating that the deals would go through within a couple of months.
“The key for us is creating new niches which need to be filled. If I target the mass audience in the form of soaps then my products will not be different from what is already on air. Our aim is to target different audience segments.”
“The challenge we will face is that when you segment the audience the market economics becomes more difficult. The task lies in enhancing the channel’s portfolio in particular time slots which could even be in the daytime. This is an ongoing process which is very dynamic.”
As far as the investment into television software is concerned, Gupta noted that there would be no significant outlays as the monies are rolling in. Mukta Arts has targeted revenues of Rs 700-800 million for the year.
In terms of writing, which has been a problem for television shows in the past, Gupta states that thanks to heavy investments in the past, a strong story workshop is already in place.
Another problem for television producers is that of channel interference. It is here that Gupta’s prior experience in television as B4U Worldwide CEO will come in handy. Gupta makes the point though, that channels had the right to take part in the creative process. ” What is looked upon as client interference in my opinion is the client’s point of view. After all they are clients and we as producers should not forget that. So it is only fair that they are involved.”
“There is a cost factor involved for them as well and therefore, the most important thing is that the relationship should be mutually beneficial. What channels say should be viewed as a valuable contribution and constructive criticism should a show’s TRPs not do as well as had been expected. It is to be expected that there will be disagreements and points of difference between the parties like what happens when storylines suddenly change track.”
On the cinema side, Gupta states that there were two major upcoming releases. The first, Itraaz by Abbas Mastan, is scheduled for a December release. The second, Kisna by Mukta Arts chairman and MD Subhash Ghai, will be released either in December or early next year.
Gupta went on to stress that the company was constantly on the lookout for ideas that are fresh in nature like what had been seen in Joggers Park. There are three to four films like this in development. for which Gupta expects the greenlight to be given shortly.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
