GECs
Star Plus bags ‘Main Hoon Na’ telecast rights
MUMBAI: Star Plus has acquired the worldwide telecast rights for blockbuster movie Main Hoon Na, even as Sony has run away with the two biggest hits of the year, Kal Ho Na Ho and Koi Mil Gaya.
Zee, which had bagged the hit movie Munnabhai MBBS was tipped to bag Shahrukh Khan’s big budget Main Hoon Na. Incidentally, Zee has rights to the other movies from Khan’s production house like Chalte Chalte and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.
Although the channel officials are tight-lipped, industry sources say Star bagged the movie rights for a sum of Rs 60-70 million.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Star India vice president content and communications Deepak Segal confirmed the rights were with Star, but refrained from specifying how much was paid for it.
Star Plus will slot the movie as part of its new year bonanza, a company source said. The movie, however, will be premiering in the UK as a part of the channel’s Christmas special.
Star Plus’ has never been looked at as ‘blockbuster channel’ but the channel has sporadically premiered movies that have worked well for the channel. The channel is also known to weave unique promotion campaigns and contest.
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.
