Event Coverage
Republic to debut VR content from August for viewers
MUMBAI: English news channel Republic TV will introduce its first set of 10-series VR (virtual reality) news stories for viewers on its digital platform Republic World next month in a move that could probably be a first for an Indian news channel.
“The future of digital is going to be (dominated by) the three areas of vertical videos, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Over 37 per cent of the content on Republic TV is being streamed live,” Republic TV founder Arnab Goswami told the audience at the Indiantelevision-organised Vidnet 2017 here on Thursday while dwelling on the type of video content that will drive digital and connect and engage with the new-age viewer. He was in conversation with Indiantelevision.com Group founder, CEO and chief editor Anil Wanvari.
VR is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds
Explaining the rationale behind betting big on digital and things like VR, Goswami said that Republic TV has 10 content partners in different languages in various states and the company was not “looking at digital as a source of income, but as a brand extension” initiative. Republic TV will have a separate VR feed on Republic World, the digital platform.
Holding forth on content, technology and bigger competitors (David vs. Goliath is his oft-repeated expression), Goswami said he sees his company more “as a content creator not a content distributor”, adding, “The future of digital will be (dependent) on the engagement levels of the content, not just the scale that you (have) built up. In a fully digitised market, we are the content creators and are at absolutely even play (compared to incumbents). It no longer depends on money. We are spending our resources on content, reporter and talent”.
Republic is offering its wide range of content with the help of media partners including Sambad, BusinessWorld, News Live, Niyomiya Barta, North East Live, Punjab Kesari, Aajkaal, S Newz, Dainik Bhaskar, Nirmana News, Kashmir Monitor and Lokmat. Community partners include tripoto.com, RSJ, LBB.in, yourstory.com, digit.in and AutoX.
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Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
