iWorld
Sony LIV premieres ‘Suryaputra Karn’
MUMBAI: Sony LIV, Multi Screen Media (MSM’s) digital video entertainment brand, as part of strengthening the platform premiered the mythological show, Suryaputra Karn on its web and app platforms.
Fulfilling its promise of a digital-first approach, MSM screened the pilot episode of this big-ticket primetime show exclusively on its digital entertainment brand on 29 June, 2015 at 4 pm while the on-air premiere will follow at 8:30 pm.
Catering to the demand of its viewers for entertainment on their preferred digital devices anytime anywhere, Sony LIV has launched a series of digital premieres of extremely popular entertainment properties from around the world.
From the highest grossing Indian film of all time, PK to the world premiere of television’s most engaging thriller, Hannibal, Sony LIV continues bringing the best of content to its viewers before it is seen on any other platform.
Fearless, witty, steadfast and charitable are just a few qualities which best describe Karn. The show will take viewers through his less-discovered journey, from ‘being called the ‘soot-putra’ to becoming a warrior’ in the most captivating way.
Moreover, the show will highlight different facets of his life, like his relationship with his birth-mother Kunti and his foster mother Radha, his animosity for the Pandavas and his unconditional loyalty towards his friends. With breath-taking locales, stellar performances, never-seen-before action and advanced VFX effects, Suryaputra Karn promises to be a visual delight seldom seen on television!
While Aditya Redij will be seen playing the elder Karn, the fearless and talented Vishesh Bansal will play the younger one and Mouli Ganguly will mesmerize the audience as Radha. And the stunts have been orchestrated by ace Bollywood action director, Tinu Verma.
Speaking on the digital premiere of the show, Sony Entertainment EVP and digital head Uday Sodhi commented, “After the success of Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan, we realized the kind of enthusiasm that exists amongst netizens for period dramas with elaborate visuals, mythical narratives and state-of-the-art special effects. To cater to the viewers’ preferences, we decided to offer them a digital-first premiere of a show that offers this entire package and also turns the spotlight on one of the most revered Indian mythological characters in a whole new way.”
Sony Entertainment Television senior EVP and business head Nachiket Pantvaidya added, “Karn has always been one of the most intriguing characters of Mahabharata and his story deserves to be told in the most magnificent manner. The powerhouse performances coupled with the mind blowing visuals and interesting storyline will set the show apart from other mythological shows that we have seen till date. The show also helps us in further strengthening our programming line-up. We are thrilled to collaborate with Swastik Production for the launch of Suryaputra Karn.”
Swastik Production producer Siddharth Kumar Tiwary opined, “Taking ahead our legacy of creating biggest of mythologies on TV, this show will depict every aspect of Karn’s life – the journey of the making of a legend. This is a premium series and will have gone all out in presenting the series in a grand scale. It’s great to partner with Sony Entertainment Television as we share a common vision of giving high quality content for the viewers.”
Besides the first episode, Sony LIV will also offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content and moments to fans. They can also get a sneak peek into the making of the highly immersive and technologically astounding show.
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.
