GECs
UTV to distribute Miramax movies
MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications has signed a deal with Miramax International Film Corporation to distribute 130 titles for a period of ten years.
UTV has been given the rights for theatrical, television and home video rights, subject to timely payment consideration. However, the television and pay-per-view exhibition will be restricted to the Indian subcontinent. “We have paid $800,000 for these movies,” says promoter Ronnie Screwvala.
UTV has also recently entered into an agreement with Fox Searchlight Pictures and Japan-based Entertainment Farm to jointly participate in production and distribution of an English movie. Directed by Mira Nair, the movie is based on the novel Namesake written by Jhumpa Lahiri. The film would attract an investment of $9.6 million, to be shared equally by the three partners. Fox will license to UTV Motion Picture the rights of theatrical, home video and free television distribution and exhibition for India.
As already reported on Indiantelevision.com, UTV is entering the capital market on 21 February with a public issue of 6,999,950 equity shares of Rs 10 each through a 100 per cent book building process to part finance its expansion plans. The company has fixed a price band of Rs 115-130 for the issue.
“The size of the issue will be Rs 910 million at the upper end of the price band and Rs 805 million at the lower end,” said Screwvala, while addressing a press conference on Monday.
The issue comprises fresh equity of 4,500,000 shares of Rs 10 each and offer for sale by CDPQ, a Canadian private equity investor, of 2,499,950 equity shares of Rs 10 each for cash.
The proceeds from the issue will be used for enhancement of production facility and office infrastructure, investment in the kids channel Hungama TV, post-production expansion, working capital requirements for movie production and distribution initiatives and general corporate purpose
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.
