Latest news with #ZEE5
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Zee Entertainment's spending on ZEE5 reaches Rs 6,000 crore
Zee Entertainment Enterprises has invested over Rs 6,000 crore in its over-the-top (OTT) platform, ZEE5 , since its launch in February 2018, according to a senior company executive. The company is now focused on reducing ZEE5's losses and guiding the platform toward breakeven, with a target to achieve this in FY26. In FY25, ZEE5 reduced its EBITDA loss to Rs 548 crore from Rs 1,105 crore a year earlier, while revenue grew 6% to Rs 976 crore. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Others Design Thinking MBA CXO Cybersecurity Operations Management Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing Management Data Science MCA Technology healthcare Healthcare Data Analytics others Product Management Data Science Public Policy Degree Project Management Leadership PGDM Finance Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT-ISB Transforming HR with Analytics & AI India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 months IIM Lucknow SEPO - IIML CHRO India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 28 Weeks MICA CERT-MICA SBMPR Async India Starts on undefined Get Details 'The reality is that there has been a lot of investment in the company in the past, but mostly in ZEE5. About Rs 6,000 crore plus cash has been invested or gone towards ZEE5,' said Vikas Somani, Head – Strategy & Investor Relations at Zee, during the "Ask Me Anything" conference call on July 3. Reflecting on past strategy, Somani acknowledged that ZEE5 had once relied too heavily on content spending in hopes of rapid subscriber growth. 'Unlike in the past, where Zee followed the herd mentality and believed that heavy investment in content would automatically bring in subscribers — that's not the trick anymore. We've now devised our own strategy, and that's how we are approaching it. It's still early days since the launch of our multi-language packs, but the results have been promising, and that gives us confidence for the future,' he said. Deputy CEO and CFO Mukund Galgali said the company is not just looking to break even, but to establish a clear path to profitability. 'A lot of investments have gone into this business, and we don't want to talk about breakeven alone. It is actually about achieving profitability,' Galgali noted. The company has set FY26 as the target year for break-even in its digital segment and is taking steps to support that objective. 'We have recently launched seven language-specific content packs on ZEE5 in seven Indian languages. This will be our differentiator and USP. I believe we are in a sweet spot to cater to mass audiences in India — something no other OTT platform has provided so far,' Galgali said. The company also plans to triple the volume of content on ZEE5 compared to last year, expanding its multilingual catalog to increase reach and relevance. However, the company does not expect a significant increase in content spending, anticipating only moderate growth. 'We have enhanced our content library by expanding into multiple languages, and this will only increase. That clearly remains a focus area for us. Sports, of course, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis,' Galgali said. Zee Entertainment Chief Content Officer Raghavendra Hunsur said that over the next two months, the company plans to launch around 30 shows on its linear TV platforms and more than 10 on ZEE5. 'So we have lots of mini-series happening — which doesn't mean small in size. It means deep in stories and authenticity, but the stories are told not with mindless extravaganza, but with a deeper understanding of culture and the needs of the market. And that's on ZEE5,' he added. Zee has also invested in a new short-form content platform called Bullet, which will be available in multiple Indian languages. 'This is a new concept. Even in the beta testing phase, we are among the top 15 entertainment apps. So, we look forward to building this as one of our key products,' Galgali said. Hunsur said the platform will be offering 161 micro-dramas through Bullet. 'It's 161 micro-dramas — 60 seconds, 60 episodes kind of content,' he explained. Somani said the company is developing Bullet as a short-form content platform and sees it as a future growth driver.
Indian Express
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Sridevi signed a rom-com with Kaalidhar Laapata director Madhumita before her demise, Boney Kapoor gave suggestions for Hindi adaptation: ‘I went to her house and she said…'
Late actor Sridevi's final film was MOM, which released in 2017. However, it has now been revealed that she had agreed to do another film but passed away before filming could begin. In an interview with SCREEN, director Madhumita, whose film Kaalidhar Laapata recently premiered on ZEE5, shared that Sridevi had given the green light to one of her rom-com scripts, but tragically died before the project could take off. Recalling her first meeting with the veteran actor, Madhumita shared, 'I had written a story for Sridevi ma'am. I had gone and pitched it, and she loved it. She said yes. It was the sweetest thing ever. This was right after English Vinglish had come out. I went to her house. It was a fun rom-com story. I narrated the story to her and she really liked it. I still remember she made green tea for me herself. She said, 'I love it, let's do it.' We were going to make it in three languages – Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.' The writer-director also met Sridevi's husband, Boney Kapoor, for inputs on the Hindi adaptation. 'I met Mr. Boney Kapoor as well. There were some suggestions he had on how to make it best for the Hindi audience. But unfortunately, we lost her. And now, the script is remaining in the cupboard. I can't imagine another actress doing it. It's very hard for me to think of anybody else but her in that film. I had her in my mind while writing every scene. When she is not around anymore, casting anyone else just seems like a compromise. That's why that script is shelved forever as a homage to her,' she added. ALSO READ | Sridevi didn't let anyone come too close to her, says Khuda Gawah co-star Kiran Kumar: 'She could do a Sadma as well as a Chaalbaaz' Talking about her first Hindi feature film Kaalidhar Laapata, starring Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role, Madhumita said that the digital release didn't matter to her. 'There is an opinion that one medium of distribution is lesser than another. With amount of time that people have today, we have to realise that there are certain categories of films that the audience wants to go watch at the theatres. We have to be mindful of that. If it's a big scale spectacle, I would not opt for OTT. But with this one, it's a very personal film. You can watch it with your family at home while relaxing. The kind of film decides the medium,' she stated. When asked about Abhishek's reaction to the movie's script, she shared, 'After hearing the story for 30-40 minutes, he said, 'When are we starting the shoot?' He was ready to go. It was very respectful. AB sir was so attentive, listening and asking questions. I wanted to show a side that no one has seen yet and they couldn't have possibly imagined him doing.' Besides Abhishek Bachchan, the film also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub and child actor Daivik Bhagela in pivotal roles. Backed by Zee Studios and Emmay Entertainment, it is the Hindi remake of Madhumita's 2019 Tamil film K.D.
Deccan Herald
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
New on OTT this week: Best movies & top shows on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar, Zee5 & More
Get ready for a fresh lineup of OTT releases that'll add the perfect dose of drama, action, and laughter to your week. With new movies and web series streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, ZEE5, JioCinema, Hotstar, and more, now's the ideal time to grab your favorite snacks, call your friends and dive into a binge-worthy watch party. Amy Bradley is Missing Untamed The Bhootnii Almost Family Vir Das: Fool Volume Bhairavam
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Old Indian films find revival on OTT platforms, thanks to social media, nostalgia cravings
A craving for nostalgia and the clout of social media have combined to give new life to old films. Viewership for old films on streaming platforms is surging, driven by re-releases in theatres and the emergence of content around movies and music from yesteryear on social media. This has benefitted hit Bollywood titles such as Sholay, Mughal-e-Azam, Jab We Met, Raja Hindustani and Amar Akbar Anthony. Executives said this is a mix of evolving audience behaviour, fan-led digital chatter and marketing strategies, coupled with the return of some of these films to the cinemas. Even some films that hadn't worked on their initial run have found a cult following over the years. 'A renewed interest in classic titles has definitely been observed, often sparked by what's trending online or the chatter on social media platforms," said Mohan Gopinath, head - Bollywood business, Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, which owns a YouTube channel and streaming platform ShemarooMe. 'Fan edits, nostalgia reels, or even simple film appreciation threads have brought films from decades ago back into the conversation." Evergreen hits like Amar Akbar Anthony, Jab We Met, Dhol, Dil, and Raja Hindustani have garnered significant views month-on-month while titles like Benaam and Manzil have become audience favourites, as indicated by search trends and YouTube suggestions, Gopinath said. Some films may not have resonated with audiences at the time of their theatrical release, but with a fresher perspective and search-enabling platforms like YouTube, titles like Mann, Dil Kya Kare, Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, Tango Charlie, Rishtey and Dhamaal have found a second life on digital platforms, Gopinath added. Experts emphasized that the appeal of older catalogue films lies in simpler storytelling, a gentler portrayal of life, and timeless music that continues to resonate long after a film's release. Many find this familiarity and comfort refreshing compared to the over-stimulated content landscape today. Universal appeal Films with universal appeal find new audiences across generations, attracting not just nostalgic viewers but also youngsters discovering them afresh. Referring to nostalgia as not just a mood but a movement, producer and director Hemal A Thakkar said streaming platforms also tailor algorithms and throw up recommendations depending on audience sentiment. For instance, viewers received suggestions of older patriotic films during Operation Sindoor, India's cross-border counterstrike following the Pahalgam terror attack. 'What we're observing today is a reaffirmation of the belief that audiences, especially from younger and regional cohorts, actively seek out older films and classics that resonate with their cultural memories and personal nostalgia. This resurgence isn't accidental – it's a mix of evolving audience behaviour, the influence of fan-led digital chatter, and our agile marketing strategy," a ZEE5 spokesperson said. The platform saw renewed interest in titles like Posham Pain October and December 2024 through influencer-led lists of must-watch psychological thrillers. Another film, Barot House, also trended alongside, sustaining gains through early 2025. 'We've also activated this strategy around actor birthdays, film anniversaries and theatrical re-releases, opportunities that consistently boost search, discovery and incremental subscription metrics. Such titles not only deliver on the nostalgia factor but continue to perform exceptionally well across both metro and regional markets," the spokesperson added. Different era The overall appeal of older Indian films compared to newly released films and shows on Indian OTT platforms can be attributed to several factors. Older films often evoke a sense of nostalgia, offering viewers comfort and familiarity. Rajat Agrawal, chief operating officer and director of Ultra Media & Entertainment Group, said many classic Indian films explore universal themes such as love, family and social issues, which remain relevant despite changing times. Older films offer a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage, showcasing traditional values, customs, and historical events. Additionally, they feature legendary actors and actresses, boast memorable soundtracks and cinematography, which have stood the test of time. Older films provide a means of escapism, allowing viewers to temporarily forget their current challenges and immerse themselves in a different era, Agarwal added. Classic Indian films that have drawn viewers on OTT platforms include Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Nayakan and Chembaruthi in Tamil, Sagar in Kannada, Meghe Dhaka Tara in Bengali and Chemmeen in Malayalam, according to Agrawal, who runs YouTube channels and an OTT platform Ultra Jhakaas. 'Marquee nostalgia titles are comfort watches that people keep turning to every now and then. They usually have very high repetition rates. Adding more and more new titles is crucial for a platform's growth but at the same time, it sometimes leads to confusion. These are times when people choose an older tested title and binge on it," said Ujjwal Mahajan, co-founder of Chaupal, a platform specializing in Punjabi, Haryanvi and Bhojpuri content.
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
The Bhootnii OTT Release: When and where to watch Sanjay Dutt, Mouni Roy's horror-comedy
After a lukewarm run in theatres, Sanjay Dutt and Mouni Roy's horror-comedy The Bhootnii is all set for its digital premiere. The film, which hit cinemas on May 1, will now begin streaming on ZEE5 from July 18 at 8 PM, the platform confirmed in a recent announcement on social media. Sharing a fresh poster, ZEE5 captioned the release update with, 'Meet Baba — Jiski history hai mystery aur bhoot bhagaane mein 10/10 victory. #TheBhootnii premieres on 18th July, 8 PM, on #ZEE5 & #ZEECinema.' Directed and written by Sidhaant Sachdev, The Bhootnii features an ensemble cast including Sunny Singh, Mouni Roy, Palak Tiwari, Aasif Khan, and YouTuber Nick, with Sanjay Dutt playing a key role. The film has been backed by Sanjay Dutt, Maanayata Dutt, Deepak Mukut, and Hunar Mukut under the Soham Rockstar Entertainment banner. Despite its star power and a mix of comedy and supernatural elements, The Bhootnii struggled at the box office. The film collected ₹ 12.52 crore net and ₹ 14.77 crore gross in India, against a reported budget of ₹ 30 crore, resulting in a recovery of just 42%, classifying it as a box office flop. Set in the fictional St. Vincent's College, the story revolves around a haunted campus plagued each year by the ghost of a mysterious 'virgin tree.' To reclaim their college's reputation, students seek help from Baba (played by Sanjay Dutt), an eccentric former student turned ghostbuster. As the film heads to OTT, audiences who missed it in theatres now have a chance to catch the horror-comedy from the comfort of their homes.
