APAC video revenues to cross $165 bn by 2028; India amongst top 5 mkts

A new set of data released yesterday by Media Partners Asia (MPA) projects that total APAC video industry revenues will grow at a CAGR of 2.6 percent between 2023-28 to reach US$165 billion by 2028 or at a CAGR of 3.3 percent ex-China to US$95 billion.

News9 mediaverse redefines news realm with ‘Heralding 2024’

As the new year kicks off, TV9 Network’s latest venture, News9 Mediaverse, is set to redefine news consumption with its ground-breaking series, ‘Heralding 2024’. This ambitious initiative spans three cutting-edge platforms: News9 Plus, a news OTT platform; News9 Live, India’s foremost 24×7 digital streaming service and news9live.com, catering to avid readers.

‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ racks up 6.3 mn view hours on Netflix

‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’, a coming-of-digital-age drama, has amassed 6.3 million view hours in the first week of its release on Netflix, the streamer said on Thursday. According to PTI, the movie — starring Ananya Panday, Adarsh Gourav, and Siddhant Chaturvedi — has also made it to the top 10 non-English films section on its platform.

Universal Studios surpasses Disney in 2023 box office showdown

Universal Pictures has ranked as the highest-grossing studio at the 2023 box office after the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Oppenheimer and M3GAN. According to reports, Universal’s 24 films collected $4.907 billion in worldwide ticket sales. Universal’s victory is notable because it marks the first time since 2015 that Disney was not the global box office leader.

Musk’s SpaceX to launch India’s comms satellite

India will launch a communications satellite using SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket this year, its first partnership with a venture led by billionaire Elon Musk who also wants to expand his other businesses in the country. The high-capacity satellite aims to boost India’s broadband communication, especially in remote and unconnected regions of the country, state-run NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL)

Apple TV+ okays Gary Oldman-helmed ‘Slow Horses’ S5

Oscar-winner Gary Oldman espionage series ‘Slow Horses’ has been renewed for a fifth season, streamer Apple TV+ has announced. Oldman will return as the irascible spy Jackson Lamb in the darkly comedic series, based on the ‘Slough House’ novels by author Mick Herron. It is adapted for television by Will Smith, PTI reported from Los Angeles.

Telegram introduces colorful calls in biggest bot update yet

Encrypted messaging platform Telegram on Tuesday unveiled new updates, featuring a range of exciting enhancements aimed at elevating user experience. The update introduces colourful calls, a visually stunning Thanos Snap Effect for deleted messages, and the largest Bot update for over 800 million monthly active users.

Jio Studios’ ‘Mrs’ and ‘Sumo Didi’ set for premiere at 35th Palm Springs Film Festival

‘Mrs’ and ‘Sumo Didi’, two films from Jio Studios, are set to be screened at the 35th Palm Springs International Film Festival. The festival will begin in California, US, on January 4 and will conclude on January 15.

Amazon miniTV unveils ‘Mera Bhai’ trailer

Amazon miniTV is set to debut an emotional rollercoaster with its upcoming comedy-drama series, ‘Mera Bhai,’ offering viewers a poignant narrative of sibling love. The streaming service launched the series by unveiling a heartfelt trailer, teasing an emotionally charged journey centered around the profound bond between two vastly different brothers.

Saif, Kareena become owners of ISPL’s Kolkata team

Actor couple Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan have joined the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) as the owners of team Kolkata. The ISPL is India’s first tennis ball T10 cricket tournament that will be played inside a stadium. It is scheduled to be held from March 2 to March 9, PTI has reported.