iWorld
Planet Marathi OTT brings standup special ‘Ubhya Ubhya’
Mumbai: Planet Marathi OTT, the pioneer in Marathi digital content, is all set to tickle your funny bone with its latest offering, “Ubhya Ubhya,” a celebrity-packed standup comedy show that promises to be a riot of laughter and entertainment. The series is all set to stream on Planet Marathi OTT, starting 1 March 2024.
With the introduction of the series, Planet Marathi OTT is strengthening its non-fiction AVOD slate. Along with ‘Ubhya Ubhya’, the platform’s non-fiction AVOD slate has original not fiction programming like Maitribodh, Patla Tar Ghya With Jayanti, Ek Kavita Down, NCPA Pratibimb, Colorful Kokan and Sonalee Kunal (Sonalee Kulkarni’s wedding). This content can be watched for free. Also, Planet Marathi OTT emerges first among Marathi content players offering non-fiction content through AVOD.
Featuring a stellar lineup of 12 diverse artists, including renowned actors, digital sensations, and standup maestros, this show is gearing up to be a laughter-packed ride that will leave audiences in splits. The star-studded cast of “Ubhya Ubhya” includes Mahesh Manjrekar, Viju Mane, Sidhant Sarfare, Kranti Redkar, Ankita Prabhu Walawalkar (Kokanhearted girl), Ashay Kulkarni, RJ Pranit, Anish Goregaonkar, Parth Bhalerao, Ninad Gore, and Shrutik Kolambekar. With such an eclectic mix of talent, viewers can expect a rollercoaster of emotions, from hearty laughs to heartwarming moments.
“Ubhya Ubhya” is a unique blend of humour, wit, and charisma brought to life by some of the most talented personalities in the Marathi entertainment industry. Each episode promises to deliver a fresh dose of laughter, making it a delightful viewing experience for audiences of all ages. What sets “Ubhya Ubhya” apart is its live audience setup, creating an energetic, lively atmosphere. The laughter, applause, and reactions from the audience add an authentic touch, making viewers feel like they are part of the comedic celebration.
Planet Marathi OTT founder Akshay Bardapurkar expressed “Comedy is a challenging non-fiction genre, but when executed with finesse, it becomes a source of pure joy. We have curated a lineup of personalities that is bound to captivate audiences and hold them spellbound in their seats. “Ubhya Ubhya” is bringing a special kind of comedy that will be enjoyed by both live and streaming audiences. To ensure it reaches more audiences we have added it to our non-fiction AVOD slate”
The 12-episode series will be released every week exclusively on Planet Marathi OTT. This will ensure that viewers can savour the comedic brilliance of “Ubhya Ubhya” without missing out on the excitement that builds up with each episode. Presented by Akshay Bardapurkar and Planet Marathi, the series is produced by Zen Entertainment and directed by Shravan Ajay Bane.
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
