News Broadcasting
Walt Disney acquires rights to air Sahara’s ‘Hanuman’
MUMBAI: Adding another leg to their localisation drive, The Walt Disney Company (India) has acquired the rights from Sahara One Motion Pictures through their assignee Percept Picture Company (PPC) to showcase Hanuman.
The exact amount paid for the movie could not be ascertained. However, according to industry sources, the rights were bought by Walt Disney for “something in the region of Rs 5 – Rs 10 million.”
The movie, which released late last year, will be shown on the Disney Channel in eight episodes. The deal is for a period of three years and is not for a single airing. Hence the channel will be having multiple airings through the three year time span.
This tie-up marks the first-ever mini-series presentation of this trend-setting local animation feature on any TV channel.
Walt Disney Television-International India director programming and production Nachiket Pantvaidya said, “Showcasing great local content is an important pillar of our localisation strategy. Hanuman boasts of a truly superlative story with splendid animation featuring an Indian superhero from mythological tales that every Indian kid has been brought up on. The title showcases values like friendship, family, fun and righteousness, demonstrating a perfect match with Disney brand values. We are extremely excited to bring Hanuman as a mini-series for the first time ever on Indian television screens exclusively for Disney Channel viewers.”
“The title is an inspirational yet action packed treat that contemporary Indian kids can enjoy with their parents. Showcasing the title as episodes on Disney Channel will propel our strong local content offerings to the next level,” he added.
Pantvaidya also informed that in the future, Disney was looking at acquiring at least a couple of local blockbusters every year.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
