Latest news with #MadlabAlpha
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
India Orders Immediate Ban on Pakistani Content Across Platforms Amid Escalating Cross-Border Tensions
Amidst mounting diplomatic and military tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian government has issued a formal advisory ordering all over-the-top (OTT) platforms and digital streaming services to take down content originating from Pakistan with immediate effect. The directive follows the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of several Indian civilians and a Nepali national, and comes on the heels of strikes against Pakistan by Indian forces under Operation Sindoor. More from Variety Indian Producers' Associations Warn of Box Office Bloodbath After Donald Trump's 100% Tariff Bombshell India's Godrej Fund Management Signs $236 Million Studio Deal With Maharashtra Government at WAVES Summit Indian Content Veterans Unite to Form Madlab Alpha, Target 'Bold' Storytelling (EXCLUSIVE) The advisory – issued under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 – applies to web series, films, music videos, songs, podcasts, and any other form of digital content produced in Pakistan. It extends to both subscription-based and free platforms, covering any material that may be deemed to threaten India's sovereignty, integrity, security, public order, or relations with foreign states. 'Publishers of online curated content and significant social media intermediaries are advised to refrain from hosting Pakistani content that is against the sovereignty and integrity of India,' the advisory said. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that the move was made with the approval of the 'competent authority.' Copies of the directive have been sent to the self-regulatory bodies of Indian streamers and Indian streamers' associations. This development adds to a growing digital standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. In recent weeks, India has blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, including major networks such as Geo News, ARY, Bol, and Samaa TV, accusing them of spreading 'misleading and provocative' content about the Indian armed forces and stoking tensions over Kashmir. Pakistan responded in kind. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced it had blocked 16 Indian YouTube channels and 32 websites, citing concerns over the spread of 'anti-state propaganda' and what it described as disinformation surrounding Indian airstrikes that allegedly killed 31 Pakistani civilians. The latest advisory marks a formal escalation in the cultural boycott that has periodically emerged between the two countries, often mirroring broader geopolitical frictions. Indian broadcasters and the Central Board of Film Certification have previously restricted Pakistani artists and content in the wake of terror attacks or cross-border hostilities. While the advisory is non-binding, platforms that fail to comply risk being penalized under the IT Rules, potentially affecting their operational licenses and liability protections. Several Indian platforms are reported to have already begun compliance processes. The ban arrives at a time when digital content consumption in India is at an all-time high, and Pakistani dramas, in particular, had found a niche audience among Indian viewers on select streaming platforms. That window, for now, appears shut. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Content studios launch Madlab Alpha with Rs 250 crore investment plan
As content spending slows down in India due to budget cuts by broadcasters and OTT platforms, three leading players—Bodhitree Multimedia, Madlab Films , and Universe of Ideas—have come together to launch Madlab Alpha , a new content studio focused on bold and original storytelling. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack The groundwork before India mounts a strike at Pakistan India considers closing airspace to Pakistani carriers amid rising tensions Cold Start: India's answer to Pakistan's nuclear threats Madlab Alpha has earmarked a Rs 250 crore investment to create high-concept, disruptive content for both cinema and premium streaming platforms. This investment will be spread over 24 to 28 months and will be used to produce a mix of films and series that break away from traditional formats. The company aims to replicate the success of American independent film production and distribution companies A24 and Neon. "We want to replicate that model—consistently releasing disruptive, high-concept content with the potential to appeal internationally," said Mautik Tolia, MD, Bodhitree Multimedia . The studio plans to focus on original stories in Hindi and regional languages such as Malayalam. It is also working on global projects aimed at international audiences. Additionally, it will use AI and emerging technologies to enhance storytelling and improve the viewing experience. Madlab Alpha will distinguish itself from traditional production houses by owning its intellectual property. The studio also aims to distribute its content globally and maintain flexibility in how it allocates capital, enabling it to respond quickly to new opportunities. Darshana Bhalla, Founder and CEO of D'Artist Talent Ventures and Universe of Ideas , said that in any industry, factors such as market size and the addressable audience are crucial for attracting serious investment. "India's massive consumer ecosystem—spanning entertainment, sports, and digital content—offers tremendous potential, especially with its young demographic driving demand. As the industry reinvents itself, this large, engaged market presents a compelling opportunity. Getting our strategy right could attract not only domestic investors but also global partners who recognise India's unique demographic advantage and are eager to collaborate in this evolving landscape," she noted. While some content firms are struggling to secure funding, the key lies in presenting logical business models to investors, said Tolia, adding that while market potential exists, investors remain selective. "The real opportunity lies in innovative models that focus on fresh content and IP creation. Investors are still interested but cautious with their investments. They prefer mid-range investments (Rs 10–100 crore) with clear recovery paths and margin potential, rather than large-scale commitments. Capital is available—but only for forward-thinking, compelling propositions," he said. Leading the creative vision of the content studio are Gaurav Shukla, creator and producer of Asur, and Director, Screenwriter, Producer Abhijeet Khuman, also known for Asur besides Singham Again (2024), and The Girl on the Train (2021). Shukla said the current market slowdown signals a need to rethink content strategies, as audiences—exposed to global content over the past four to five years—are rejecting formulaic offerings. "Their evolving preferences call for disruptive and innovative storytelling. This shift supports the need to create original content that breaks away from convention," he added. Khuman noted that modern audiences, particularly younger generations, have shorter attention spans and often scroll on their phones even in cinemas. This global challenge demands content that captivates without dilution—by increasing quality, intensity, and innovation. "Look at Adolescence right now—it's become a global phenomenon. You don't just watch it casually while scrolling through your phone; you're hooked because the quality and intensity are there. In our view, the driving forces for future trends will be innovation, intensity, and AI. These three elements will shape what comes next. As for a cultural shift, only time will tell," he said. Khuman said that while Korean culture is gaining global popularity, India, with its vast population, is also poised to make a global cultural impact—as it's just a matter of time. "We're still waiting for our first global hit series or film. Every other country has delivered—Spain has delivered, France has delivered—almost everyone has. So where is India's breakout moment?" Bhalla said India has exceptional creative talent among writers and directors, but the challenge lies in unlocking their full potential. "The issue isn't the quality of talent, but the lack of structured ecosystems to support original ideas and turn them into market-ready content. By building platforms that connect creators with market needs and audience preferences, we can unleash this untapped potential," she said. According to her, when talent is properly recognised and economically supported, it creates a virtuous cycle that benefits the entire industry. The solution lies in building professional frameworks that nurture and deploy India's world-class creative minds.
