GECs
Optimystix out of Sony’s ‘Fame Gurukul’
MUMBAI: Sony is looking for new producers to take on part of their dream project, “reality based soap opera” Fame Gurukul, which was being touted as the next big thing after Indian Idol.
When contacted, SET EVP and business head Tarun Katial quipped, “I have nothing to say on this.”
Optimystix Entertainment director Sanjeev Sharma did, however, admit that his production house would no more be a part of the the Indian adaptation of the Spanish reality show Operacion Triunfo. “We are not doing Fame Gurukul. The decision was reached some time last week. After that we were travelling a bit, We have returned just today,” Sharma says.
According to the the industry grapevine, differences cropped up between the two parties when Sony thought that Optimystix had gone over-budget on Indian Idol.
Says Sharma, “We were not working on any specific budget in Indian Idol. That was a reimbursable budget. There is no question of going overboard in terms of money.”
It may be recalled that as in the case of Indian Idol, production work for Fame Gurukul was to be shared between Optimystix and Miditech. The on-ground activities of Fame Gurukul were assigned to Miditech while “in-studio” work was to be handled by Optimystix.
The 64-million dollar question now is of course: Will Optimystix be doing Indian Idol 2?
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
