iWorld
Sports platform Rooter raises funds from Kwan Entertainment, Prantik Dasgupta & Boman Irani
MUMBAI: Rooter, a sports social platform that connects sports fans and engages them during live sporting events, has announced the successful completion of a part of its angel investment round. Enabled by Kwan Entertainment, the round was led by Bollywood star Boman Irani and saw participation from Kwan Entertainment partner Dhruv Chitgopekar and corporate professional and avid sports enthusiast Prantik Dasgupta.
The funds secured will be used to strengthen the technology team at Rooter as well as to create strategic partnerships with various sports platforms, teams, fan clubs and associations.
“Rooter is based on the inherent need of sports fans to connect and interact with one another across the real and the digital worlds. The idea behind Rooter was unique and interesting, which is why we have been able to raise funds from investors such as Boman, Dhruv and Prantik. This comes as a major shot in the arm for us, and encourages us to push on and use technology to make the sports consumption experience even better and more enjoyable,” said Rooter founder and CEO Piyush.
Offering a chance for sports fans to connect with one another across real and virtual worlds, the mobile-based platform helps users engage with others sharing their passion. With its focus on smart technology, Rooter takes sporting interactions beyond generic social media platforms by allowing fans to connect through pre-match quizzes and chat forums, unique live match prediction games and post-match interactions in order to share their insights, predictions, analysis and opinions of the game.
The involvement of Kwan Entertainment underlines the potential of Rooter in the Indian as well as the global sports market. The investment also marks the Irani’s investment in the growing start-up landscape.
Irani added, “I am proud to be part of the world’s first platform that connects sports fans and engages them to discuss, predict, quiz and even meet offline during the world’s most exciting sporting events. With Rooter’s unique approach, likeminded sporting buddies around the world are now one.”
Initially focussing on the Indian market, Rooter’s primary emphasis will be on football events such as European club football seasons and Indian Super League (ISL). The platform will also be offering engagement opportunities to cricket fans across India ahead of the ongoing cricket season. Other niche sports, such as F1 and NBA, will also be covered, providing Indian sports enthusiasts a chance to interact with their peers and revel in their passion for their preferred sports.
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
