iWorld
Numero uno YouTuber takes a dig at Motu Patlu
MUMBAI: You know who Motu Patlu are but many around the world don’t. Well, large parts of the world just got to know them thanks to the antics of the world’s number one YouTuber PewDiePie (Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg). He recently uploaded a video on his YouTube channel (also called PewDiePie) calling Motu Patlu, with sarcasm, ‘a fantasticanime’, ‘one of the greatest creations of Nickelodeon since the 90s’, ‘to its very core, just a fine animation’, and ‘the greatest thing that has ever happened’ among other things.
He starts with saying that his life “changed for the better in every single way” since he discovered Motu Patlu. He then goes on to explain the character of Motu and his addiction to the Indian fast food item samosa, which he pronounces “samocha.”
The video has received 1.24 million (about 12 lakhs) views in just 15 hours. With 57 million subscribers to the channel, the numbers are only going to increase. Any publicity, however, is seen as good publicity. Due this flippant attempt to review Motu Patlu’s antics, people may start exploring Indian animated shows, which will only serve to benefit the cartoon show and movie franchise.
For the full story, visit: http://www.animationxpress.com/index.php/latest-news/no-1-youtuber-pewdiepie-takes-a-jibe-at-motu-patlu
iWorld
Rusk Media announces Battleground Season 2 on Amazon MX Player
Fitness reality show returns in April 2026 with bigger challenges and mentors.
MUMBAI: The arena is reopening and this time the competition promises even more sweat, strategy and spectacle. Rusk Media has confirmed the return of its fitness reality format Battleground for a second season, set to stream on Amazon MX Player from April 2026. The announcement follows the breakout success of the show’s debut season, which positioned itself as a high energy blend of sport, strategy and reality television. Season 1 brought together 16 contestants for a 28 day test of endurance and discipline, as aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts competed in physically demanding challenges and team based battles.
Divided into four teams, the participants trained under a panel of mentors drawn from the fitness and lifestyle space, with former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan serving as the show’s Super Mentor.
The format quickly found an audience among digital viewers and was listed among the most binged titles on Amazon MX Player. The show also picked up industry recognition, winning the “Most Popular Non Fiction Show” honour at the IWMBuzz Digital Awards 2025.
The first season also drew a slate of brand partnerships, including Honda Bigwing, Charged, American Pistachio Growers, Bigmuscles Nutrition, Ritebite Max Protein, Plix and Sparsh CCTV, highlighting the show’s appeal to brands targeting India’s rapidly growing youth and fitness audience.
For Season 2, the producers say the format will evolve with tougher physical challenges, a sharper competitive structure and deeper mentor involvement while continuing to focus on discovering the next generation of Indian fitness personalities.
Rusk Media, chief executive officer and co founder Mayank Yadav said the first season proved the appetite for competitive fitness storytelling. “Battleground was always envisioned as more than a show. Season 1 demonstrated that there is a massive audience for aspirational fitness competition at scale. With Season 2 we are going even bigger in ambition, intensity and opportunities for contestants and partners,” he said.
Rusk Ads lead Rahul Arora added that the series has also evolved into a strong platform for brand integration and advertiser engagement. “Season 1 showed that Battleground is not just compelling content but a powerful brand ecosystem. As we move into Season 2, we are looking to deepen brand collaborations and build more integrated partnerships,” he said.
With a larger format, an expanding fan base and a new season set to arrive in April 2026, Battleground is positioning itself as one of India’s emerging fitness reality franchises in the digital entertainment space.
