iWorld
Starz streamer Lionsgate Play launched in Malaysia
Mumbai: In continuation of its expansion in Asia, Lionsgate-owned Starz on Friday announced the launch of its independent direct-to-consumer OTT app Lionsgate Play in Malaysia. The service is being introduced in association with Telekom Malaysia (Unifi TV).
“We are thrilled to launch the eagerly-anticipated Lionsgate Play app in Malaysia, delivering the finest global entertainment to captivate our audiences with bespoke content encompassing current releases and our vast premium library, all at an affordable price and at consumers’ convenience,” said Lionsgate Play MD of South Asia and networks – emerging markets Asia Rohit Jain.
“We are also pleased to launch with a great partner in Telekom Malaysia, who will give us a strong head start in the territory with their broadband reach and deep streaming offering,” Jain added.
Lionsgate Play debuted in India in 2019 and the subsequent expansion took it into Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and, most recently, the Philippines.
“This partnership will solidify our strong consumer offering with an extensive premium library. Lionsgate Play boasts iconic, bold and edgy content that is gripping and will be loved by our subscribers,” said Telekom’s content head for Unifi TV Ho Hock Doong.
Lionsgate Play Malaysia will bring blockbuster film franchises such as “The Hunger Games”, “The Twilight Saga” and “Now You See Me” as well as popular and critically acclaimed TV series “Weeds,” “Power,” “Mad Men” and “The Spanish Princess” among others, to Malaysian audiences.
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
