Movie Channels
Viacom18’s Rishtey Cineplex now in Europe, N America
MUMBAI: Viacom18 has announced its plans to launch its Hindi movie channel, Rishtey Cineplex’ in the international markets.
Kicking off with high-impact launches in Europe and North America (US and Canada), the channel is an extension of the well-established Rishtey brand, and will be targeted at global film enthusiasts.
To be launched in Europe on 29 September and in North America in October, Rishtey Cineplex will appeal to the sensibilities of global film enthusiasts with its blockbuster content.
The channel will showcase the best from Viacom18’s wide library of films as well as newly acquired movies from across genres. The channel will air audience favourites like, Bajirao Mastani, Airlift, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Kapoor and Sons, Ki & Ka and upcoming films like, Force 2, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil amongst others.
Viacom18 group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “The Indian film industry has grown in terms of both reach and revenue and is now the largest producer of movies in the world. Our cinema, led by Bollywood movies, continues to increase its pull with the overseas Indian diaspora. Rishtey Cineplex, Viacom18’s first premium Hindi movie channel, has curated an impressive repertoire of Indian titles. It is our endeavour, to take Indian cinema, as a holistic entertainment package, to our loyal viewers in Europe and North America; allowing us to further strengthen our presence in these regions.”
Viacom18 Hindi mass entertainment, CEO Raj Nayak said, “Rishtey Cineplex has every ingredient that a movie buff would want to be engaged with. Global audiences today celebrate Indian films, and with the channel’s launch in Europe and North America, we are bringing this celebration to their living rooms. Indian films now have a universal appeal, as a result of which they taste tremendous success in International markets. The trend in consumption has been extremely encouraging and we are certain that the viewers will lap-up our content offering with great zeal.”
Along with films, the channel will showcase many interesting concepts including vignettes from various Film Festivals, behind-the-scenes trivia and coverage of exclusive Red Carpet extravaganzas amongst others.
IndiaCast gorup CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “After Colors and Rishtey, we now introduce our brand new offering, Rishtey Cineplex for the viewers in Europe and North America. The Indian and the South Asian expatriate population is growing across the world, and so is their love for Indian films. Our offerings have always resonated with such audiences catering to their intrinsic viewing needs. With Rishtey Cineplex we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with our partners along with our audiences.”
Viacom18 has planned an extensive marketing blitzkrieg with a high-decibel launch for Rishtey Cineplex in these markets. A focused 360-degree marketing plan is being orchestrated tapping mediums such as print, radio, outdoor, cinema, digital, cross-channel promotions,and on-ground activations in select locations.
Movie Channels
Zee5 launches five free FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus India
New genre-led channels bring comedy, drama, horror, classics and South films to Smart TVs.
MUMBAI: Zee5 just turned Samsung Smart TVs into a free entertainment buffet because when premium content costs nothing, even the remote control starts smiling. Zee5 has launched five curated free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels on Samsung TV Plus India, making high-quality, genre-specific entertainment available subscription-free to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners across the country.
The five channels now live are:
Zee Comedy Nation – Popular comedy shows and movies
Zee Dil Se – Compelling drama series
ZEE Horror Nights – Horror and supernatural content
ZEE Cine Classic – Timeless Indian films
ZEE South Flix – High-energy South Indian films dubbed in Hindi
All content is drawn from Zee5’s extensive library and programmed in a lean-back, always-on format ideal for large-screen viewing. This launch strengthens Zee5’s Connected TV strategy at a time when 64 per cent of its premium content watch time already comes from connected devices.
Zee5 chief business officer Siju Prabhakaran said, “At Zee5, we believe accessibility and scale will define the next phase of digital entertainment growth in India. Our presence on Samsung TV Plus strengthens our Connected TV strategy, enabling viewers to discover curated, genre-led content in a seamless, free, and premium environment.”
Samsung TV Plus India head of partnerships Kunal Mehta added, “Local partnerships are at the heart of how we grow Samsung TV Plus in India. Zee Entertainment is one of India’s most iconic media brands, and bringing their channels to our service means millions more Samsung Smart TV owners can enjoy premium local content, subscription-free.”
The channels are available directly through the pre-installed Samsung TV Plus app with no login or subscription required. This marks another milestone in Zee5’s CTV expansion and builds on its growing international presence, with Zee channels already available on Samsung TV Plus across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
In a streaming world where paywalls often block the fun, Zee5 and Samsung have quietly opened the gates, proving that sometimes the best things in life (and on your TV) really are free especially when they come with a side of comedy, drama, horror, classics and South Indian blockbuster energy.
