GECs
Ultra Video invests Rs 200 million in distribution & production
MUMBAI: Home video major Ultra Pvt. Ltd, which recently branched out into film production and distribution, is investing Rs 200 million this year.
The company is producing six low-budget Hindi movies. As part of the investment, Ultra has also acquired a host of kids movies from the Canada-based International Keystone Entertainment Inc for distribution in India.
Two movie projects are nearing competition. Chor Mandli, directed by Sanjay Khanna, is slated for release in August. The film is currently in the post-production stage. Chandar Behal-directed Ek Hi Rasta has a tentative release schedule in September.
Ultra will distribute its Hindi film projects in some territories. “We will distribute both the movies in some areas. The distribution deals in other territories are yet to be finalised,” says Ultra managing director Sushilkumar Agrawal.
Ultra is targeting the niche kids segment in India by acquiring almost 10 kids movies for distribution. Among the movies acquired for distribution from International Keystone Entertainment are Airbud, Most Valuable Primate (MVP), Most Extreme Primate (MXP), The Duke, Chestnut and Spymate. “We will be distributing Spymate, distributed by Miramax worldwide, in India and SAARC countries. Spymate and Chestnut are targeting a Christmas release,” says Agrawal.
Ultra was presently in talks with more international banners for simlar deals, he adds.
Ultra has plans of expanding its television content production business, but it is some time away. “We have plans to get into TV production. Before approaching any channel, we want to make sure that we have enough bank of episodes. But this will take some time,” says Agrawal. The only television serial venture Ultra has to its name is Inspector, a 108-episode show telecast in DD Sahyadri during 2003-1004.
On the animation front, Ultra has produced 300 hours of programming. It is also targeting the regional networks by dubbing this content to almost 10 Indian languages. “We have already roped in broadcasters including Star and ETV,” he says.
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.
