iWorld
ZEE5 adds Marathi original web series ‘Liftman’
MUMBAI: ZEE5 keeps expanding its regional content library with the launch of Liftman, a Marathi situational comedy web series. The newly launched web series of 10 episodes is running in a short duration of 8-10 minutes.
It features Bhalchandra (Bhau) Kadam of Chala Hawa Yeu Dya fame in the titular role. Along the line of the theme, it has been shot almost entirely in the lift. The series introduces a range of different personalities who encounter Bhau on their ‘journey’ up and down. Bhau Kadam is widely lauded for the comic roles played by him.
“The Marathi-speaking audience has an evolved sense of entertainment as may be evident from our rich heritage of theatre and cinema. With humour on the go, rich concept, relatable characters, and well-known artists from the space – Liftman has it all. Bhau Kadam in many ways is synonymous with comedy today in the Marathi industry, and I am glad that he chose to play the liftman in our short 8-10 minute snackable comedy web series,” ZEE5 India business head Manish Aggarwal said.
“The concept of Liftman is such a phenomenal one and I am thrilled about the new avenues of media such as ZEE5 that naturally render themselves to such innovative formats. This series marks my web debut in a titular role, and I couldn’t have chosen a better concept for the same. With smartphones becoming such a common feature, entertainment options with the audience is gradually changing. Today, literally everything is at one’s fingertips – and in such cases how can one be left behind?” Bhalchandra (Bhau) Kadam commented on the show launch.
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
