Latest news with #Hungama
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Hungama Digital Media announces new slate of shows, bets on gaming to lure consumers
Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt Ltd, which owns the Hungama OTT app, may have been lying low for a while but is now coming out with a slate of 24 shows for 2025, more than double its previous best of 10 originals annually. These will be targeted at middle-India consumers, a senior executive said, referring to viewers in metros who hail from tier-two and tier-three towns. The company's library includes over 5,000 films in English, Hindi and other Indian languages, besides a catalogue of more than 1,500 short films. It is also betting on games inspired by popular movies and songs to create an ecosystem where gaming and entertainment come together. The 2025 slate introduces fresh originals such as Mona Ki Monohar Kahaniyaan, Judwa Jaal, Rose Garden, Chakravyuh, Badass Begum, Blind Game, Balance Show, Hungama Hone Do, Shaadi Ki Uss Raat, Takshika, Girl Scams, Room Service, Bollywood Murder, Hasratein Season 3, and Ratri Ke Yatri Season 3, spanning genres such as thrillers, dramas, romances, and experimental formats. With the growth of connected TVs, Hungama is launching an app that can be downloaded on smart TVs. Also Read | JOJO, Chull among new OTT platforms serving culturally rooted content to niche, regional audiences 'This is going to be our biggest year in terms of originals released annually," Neeraj Roy, founder and managing director, Hungama Digital Media, said in an interview. 'Also, we were licensing a lot of shows earlier. But we are now gearing up for originals. These are IPs which we own and stories which our team has worked upon with different production companies." Adding that the same number of shows will be released next year, Roy said paid subscriptions are the path to a sustainable business. The Hungama app is priced at ₹499 per year. Right costing 'The desire is to now start getting consumers to opt for longer-term plans as well. We believe that this pricing is something that resonates, at least with our core audience," Roy said, referring to its target viewers. Disagreeing that the OTT space in India is cluttered, Roy said most media companies started creating content for the OTT business, where the revenue model was in the early stages of development, with each web show costing 10 to 15 times the cost of a television show a few years ago. 'The economic model did not catch up. But we believe in doing things and costing in the right way," he emphasised. Also Read | ZEE5 sees traction from tier-two, three markets as regional content soars A recent show that required the team to travel was completed with virtual production, he said. The other thing the company is excited about is what's happening within the gaming ecosystem, Roy said. 'We shall put out a bunch of games which are at the intersection of entertainment and gaming. We're in the process of building communities, as far as those are concerned at this point in time," Roy said, referring to plans to launch movie and music-based games. To be sure, the challenges for Hindi-focused platforms like Hungama are many. As global streaming giants tighten their grip on India's OTT market, experts said smaller platforms are struggling to stay afloat. With rising production costs, shrinking marketing budgets, and the dominance of Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar, many fringe players with lower budgets and scale may fade from the spotlight. While regional platforms carve out their own niches, those stuck in the middle find themselves with dwindling content and fewer options to compete. Also Read | Why aggregation could be a game changer for niche OTTs 'The entire monetisation game on digital has been a challenge. These are fringe platforms that are now struggling because the business is all about scale and user experience and global media giants are becoming larger in terms of variety of content," Karan Taurani, senior vice-president at Elara Capital Ltd, said in a recent interview. "Advertising dollars are moving to e-commerce and there isn't much left for video anyway. Plus, despite attractive pricing, none of them has managed paid subscriptions."
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rajpal Yadav says there is no nepotism in Bollywood: Agar hota toh Shah Rukh Khan, Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar kaise hote
Nepotism in Bollywood has long been a topic of heated debate. Actor Rajpal Yadav recently addressed the issue and said that the success of actors depends on their talent. In an interview with ANI, Rajpal said it may be possible to get an initial break in Bollywood because of connections, but success depends on inherent talent and the response of the audience. (Also Read | Rajpal Yadav bashes Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Rania amid India's Got Latent row, says he cries 'watching such people') "There is no nepotism. I want to speak very honestly. Nepotism agar hota to Shah Rukh Khan sahab kaise hote, Rajpal Yadav kaise hote, Paresh Rawal kaise hote, Anupam Kher sahab kaise hote, Akshay Kumar sahab kaise hote, Johny Lever sahab kaise hote, Sanjeev Kumar sahab kaise hote, Rajesh Khanna sahab kaise hote, Dharmendra sahab kaise hote (If there was nepotism, how would there be Shah Rukh Khan, Rajpal Yadav, Paresh Rawal, Anupam Kher, Akshay Kumar, Johny Lever, Sanjeev Kumar, Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra)?" "In my family nobody asked me to join Bollywood or khud mere mann mein aaya and I told my kids koi bhi khel mein aur cinema mein koi kisi ka jeewan nahi bana sakta (In film and sports nobody can make your life)....to usme aapke andar ka jo baitha hua ek sacha aur acha insaan hai agar vo aapko bolta hai you are capable to do this to fir aap karo nahi to mai dhakka de sakta hu par dhakke ke baad jo patkhani khaoge usko mai bhi nahi bacha sakta..(if the good person sitting within you tells you can do it, then do it. I can give a push, but the reversal you will face later, I can't prevent that)," he added. The actor said that it is possible to get an opportunity initially because of one's parents, but that is no guarantee of success. "If you are a player, your kid will get a chance to play. Similarly, if a person who has been doing film or television for 30 years, his child... He must know what my father does. So, he will learn filmmaking lekin vo chalega ki nahi chalega kar paayega ki nahi kar paayega vo urza hai ya nahi hai vo decide karta hai ya to uparvala ya audience.. nepotism nahi hai.. (but whether he will taste success or not, has that energy or is decided by the Almighty or the audience, there is no nepostism)," shared the actor known for his films including Partner, Garam Masala, Hungama among others. "I have been acting for 38 years now. And I have at least 200 relatives. Mai to ek ko bhi nahi karva blessings apni apni.. mehnat apni hai (I haven't been able to get them work here. It is blessings, hard work) and finally it is the audience who decides." Rajpal's breakthrough performance was in Ram Gopal Varma's Jungle, which was released in 2000. He later gained popularity for his slapstick comic performances and received several accolades. He worked in movies such as Ek Aur Ek Gyarah, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Bhagam Bhag.
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
"Because of Modi sahab....": Rajpal Yadav on why he quit politics
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Almost a decade ago, actor Rajpal Yadav, who is best known for his comic roles in films such as 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', 'Dhol', and 'Hungama', tried his hand at politics with the launch of his party 'Sarva Sambhav Party(SSP)'. However, he left politics later as films are his first love and he wanted to focus on them. In an interview with ANI, Rajpal looked back at his political career, indicating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives towards environment preservation and fighting global warming played a role in his decision to take a step back from electoral politics. 'In 2019, because of Modi sahab I said goodbye to politics jungle,zameen, paryavaran, pahad mera in 4-5 cheezo mein bhaut shauk tha. (water, forest, land, environment, mountains, in these four-five things, I had a lot of interest, I realised whatever changes I wanted to bring, have been made by Modiji. Especially with the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', he brought all the citizens together to fight against all the odds' Despite an interest in politics, Yadav distanced himself to focus more on his acting career. ' It's difficult to do both jobs (acting and politics) together. Both require proper time and 'Kala' mera pehla pyaar hai (Art is my first love). I feel more comfortable there,' he shared. Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Urmila Matondkar also tested political waters but later decided to move away. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
I try to avoid characters of same mentality: Rajpal Yadav on being typecast for comedy roles in Bollywood
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Actor Rajpal Yadav, who is known for his comedy roles in films like 'Hungama', 'Chup Chup Ke' and Bhool Bhulaiyaa', opened up about being typecast for his comic roles in his over two-decades-long acting career in Bollywood. In a conversation with ANI, the actor admitted that he tends to avoid scripts that offer him a role with the same 'mentality' as his previous characters, which he has already portrayed in his past films. 'Mujhe nhi pata mai tragedy karta hoo, comedy ya serious. Mai saubhagyashaali hoo ki mai ek baar ye character jee loo, toh, dossri baar uss character ko choone ki ikcha nhi karti, pyaar bhut karta hoo, lekin mujhe koi agar same mansikta ka character suna de to mai koshish karta hoo ki ya toh usse mai bach jaau ya usse koi idea suna doo jisse uski mentality change ho jaae. (I don't know if I do tragedy or comedy, or serious. I am fortunate that I am able to live as a character, but then I don't want to touch that character again. I love it a lot. But if someone pitches me a character with the same mentality, then I try to escape it. Otherwise, I tell them the idea and change their mentality),' said Rajpal Yadav. However, throughout much of his career, the actor has frequently appeared in comedy films, which has led to a common perception in the Bollywood industry that Rajpal Yadav is primarily a comedic actor. When asked whether he ever felt typecast for his roles in the Bollywood industry, the 'Hungama' actor clarified that he never felt restricted by such labels. According to him, his versatile body of work has enabled him to explore a wide range of characters throughout his acting career. 'Nahi, uljhe kabhi nhi rhe. Kyoki jab hum log NSD (National School of Drama) me the, hum baat krte the ki voh typecast ho gya, ye typecast ho gya. Toh aap sochiye, 1999 me mujhe pehli baar fimlm me entry krne ka saubhagya mila. 2024 me 25 saal poore hue. Usme leads, supporting leads, comic lead, guest appearances, ek scene se lekar 100 scene me kaam karne ka mauka mila. (No, I was never involved because when we were in NSD, we used to talk about typecasting, this was typecast, that was typecast, that was typecast. In 1999, my first chance to enter the film. In 2024, I completed 25 years. So, almost leads, supporting leads, comic lead, guest appearances, from one scene to 100 scenes),' said Rajpal Yadav. The 'Hungama' actor further added that he loves the 'strength of entertainment' which helped him to perform over 500 characters. 'Mujhe entertainment ki strength se pyaar hah. Mujhe lagbhag 500 charitra jeene ka saubhagya mil gya. Agar aap small plays se lekar 70mm jode toh. (I love the strength of entertainment. I got the chance to live 500 characters. If you add all of them, from a small play to 70 mm),' said Rajpal Yadav. Rajpal Yadav was recently seen in a Zee5 film 'Interrogation'. It was directed by Ajoy Varma Raja. (ANI)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Comedian Rajpal Yadav says PM Modi behind his reason to leave politics; Check details
Nearly a decade ago, actor Rajpal Yadav , known for his iconic comic roles in films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhol, and Hungama, ventured into politics by launching his own party, the Sarva Sambhav Party (SSP). However, he eventually stepped away from the political arena to refocus on his true passion—films. In an interview with ANI, Rajpal reflected on his brief political journey, revealing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives on environmental conservation and tackling global warming influenced his decision to withdraw from active politics. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "In 2019, because of Modi sahab I said goodbye to politics jungle,zameen, paryavaran, pahad mera in 4-5 cheezo mein bhaut shauk tha. (water, forest, land, environment, mountains, in these four-five things, I had a lot of interest, I realised whatever changes I wanted to bring, have been made by Modiji. Especially with the theme of 'One Earth, One Family, One Future', he brought all the citizens together to fight against all the odds," Yadav told ANI. Despite an interest in politics, Yadav distanced himself to focus more on his acting career. Live Events " It's difficult to do both jobs (acting and politics) together. Both require proper time and 'Kala' mera pehla pyaar hai (Art is my first love). I feel more comfortable there," he shared. Celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, and Urmila Matondkar also tested political waters but later decided to move away. Nepotism in Bollywood has long been a topic of heated debate. Actor Rajpal Yadav recently addressed the issue and said that the success of actors depends on their talent. In an interview with ANI, Rajpal Yadav said it may be possible to get an initial break in Bollywood because of connections, but success depends on inherent talent and the response of the audience. "There is no nepotism. I want to speak very honestly. Nepotism agar hota to Shah Rukh Khan sahab kaise hote, Rajpal Yadav kaise hote, Paresh Rawal kaise hote, Anupam Kher sahab kaise hote, Akshay Kumar sahab kaise hote, Johny Lever sahab kaise hote, Sanjeev Kumar sahab kaise hote, Rajesh Khanna sahab kaise hote, Dharmendra sahab kaise hote. (If there was nepotism, how would there be Shah Rukh Khan? How would there be Rajpal Yadav be? How would there be Paresh Rawal? How would there be Anupam Kher? How would there be Akshay Kumar? How would there be Johny Lever? How would there be Sanjeev Kumar? How would there be Rajesh Khanna? How would there be Dharmendra?)"
