Disney and Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Edge Closer to Massive India TV Deal, Say Reports

Sony Group Corporation has initiated a Singapore arbitration case against Indian TV giant Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), alleging breaches of their failed merger agreement, Variety has confirmed. The $10 billion merger, which would have seen the two entities merge their TV and streaming businesses in India, was terminated on Monday by Sony after a two-year process. Sony is seeking a $90 million termination fee from ZEEL.

Naman Ramachandran “Emergency,” written, directed and produced by Bollywood star Kangana Ranaut, has set a release date. The film focuses on one of the most controversial periods of post-Independence Indian history from 1975 to 1977 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a nationwide state of emergency. During that time civil liberties and press freedom were curtailed and elections were canceled.

A Scots cyclist who went missing overseas after eating wild mushrooms has been found dead in Italy.

The upcoming Gandhi streaming series has gone into production in Gujarat, India.

Naman Ramachandran Warner Bros. Discovery, the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Pitch International have signed a package of rights that will see them broadcast live international cricket hosted in India on its linear and digital platforms, TNT Sports and Discovery+, for the next five years.

EXCLUSIVE: Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan and his Bosque Ranch have optioned the S.C. Gwynne book Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History.

With its streaming operations facing scrutiny as 2024 gets under way, Paramount Global continues to pursue a diversified approach to distributing its flagship, Paramount+.

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles and The India Center Foundation, two non-profit organizations working with South Asian film in the U.S., have agreed to merge. Already long-time collaborators, IFFLA and ICF will, among other things, work closely to incubate and launch an industry development program to showcase the next generation of South Asian talent to studios, funders and media executives. “We saw an opportunity to scale our work nationally as one of the leading supporters of emerging creative talent in the diaspora.

Naman Ramachandran Telugu-language Indian superhero film “Hanu Man” has emerged as a hit and is adding screens in North America. The film is set in the fictional village of Anjanadri and follows Hanumanthu, who miraculously awakens Hindu god Lord Hanuman’s power after being involved in an accident near the sea.

Jenelle Riley Deputy Awards and Features Editor It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since the original “Mean Girls” movie tried to make fetch happen. Tina Fey’s adaptation of Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book “Queen Bees and Wannabe” became an instant classic and boosted the rising stars of Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams and Amanda Seyfried. It was then adapted into a stage musical that premiered on Broadway in 2018 with a script by Fey, music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Neil Benjamin.

Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth continue to prove they’re as strong a couple as ever. Following various trips apart that created rumors of a strife, the pair showed the world they’re as strong as ever by stepping out for lunch with some friends and showing off their love in a relaxed and confident manner. Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth share photos of family ChristmasElsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth kick off the new year in the snowPataky and Hemsworth were photographed in their home of Byron Bay, Australia as they stepped out for lunch with their close friends Mike and Zara Tindall.

EXCLUSIVE: Ruchi Narain was obsessed with ABC‘s early 2010s drama Revenge — so much so that she spent years trying to land the rights to remake the Mike Kelley show in India.

Cynthia Littleton Business Editor LAS VEGAS – The Walt Disney Co. showcased its investments in cutting-edge advertising technology on Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show, with top executives talking up the company’s enhanced ablity to serve marketers across linear and streaming platforms around the world. “2023 was Disney’s biggest year in our history for investments in ad technology, including theglobal expansion of Disney+ with ads,” said Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of global advertising, told the crowd at the Cosmpolitan hotel.

Naman Ramachandran Viacom18, a TV and streaming group backed by billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani, has secured Indian media rights for field hockey from the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The agreement runs for a four-year cycle (2023-2027) and includes all FIH events, except the FIH Nations Cup.

Kevin Negandhi will continue to be a presence on ESPN. The anchor and studio host has signed a new multi-year contract with the network in which he’ll continue to host weekday SportsCenter, as well as Special Olympics and ABC’s coverage of college football and the NBA draft.

Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth welcomed in the new year while doing what they love: spending some time in the snow with their families. The couple were joined by their children and some of their closest friends and family on a ski trip, packed with snow sports, snuggling, fire works, and hot drinks.

Naman Ramachandran Banijay Productions France is reviving hit reality format “Temptation Island” for French network W9, marking its return to the country after five years. “Temptation Island” sees couples at a crossroads in their relationship embark on a journey to test their commitment. Separated in two different beach resorts, the couples interact with a group of singles to determine if their love is strong enough to withstand the challenges they will encounter on the island.

Naman Ramachandran India’s Yoodlee Films has unveiled a star-studded 2024 release slate across languages. Malayalam-language cinema superstar Mammootty, who had a phenomenal 2023 with critical and commercial hits “Kannur Squad” and “Kaathal – The Core,” headlines “Bazooka.” Directed by debutant Deeno Dennis, the film is a game thriller, a category not often explored in Indian cinema. The cast also includes actor-directors Gautham Vasudev Menon and V.K.

Naman Ramachandran Indian streamer SonyLIV has unveiled a slate of more than 20 new and returning shows for 2024 and is expanding its content focus. 2023 saw several hits bow on the service including “Scam 2003,” “Chamak,” Agatha Christie adaptation “Charlie Chopra & The Mystery Of Solang Valley” and “Fauda” remake “Tanaav,” which has been renewed for a second season, besides Season 2 of Emmy-nominated series “Rocket Boys.” 2024 will see shows in the Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Punjabi and Marathi languages, in addition to Hindi.

Naman Ramachandran Bollywood A-list actor Ayushmann Khurrana scored another major hit in 2023 with comedy sequel “Dream Girl 2.” But he is still happy to have achieved what he describes as “validation.” The film was one of several medium budget Hindi-language films that became box office successes, including “OMG 2,” “Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway,” “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke,” “Satyaprem Ki Katha” and “12th Fail.” These effectively debunked the notion that only big budget spectacles like “Pathaan” or “Jawan” would work at the post-pandemic Bollywood box office, which had a poor 2022. “There was a conspiracy theory, maybe a year back, that Indian audiences [were] only looking for spectacles or larger-than-life films, but this year, a lot of films, which not really big budget but mid budget, did really well,” Khurrana told Variety.