ArdorComm Media Group

Contact Us
Monday, November 17, 2025 12:55 AM
logo
Menu
logo

Media Entertainment & Art Community

Reliance Industries Nearing Multi-Billion Dollar Deal to Acquire Disney’s India Operations

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community
News on MEA

Reliance Industries Ltd., led by Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s wealthiest tycoon, is reportedly nearing a significant deal involving cash and stock to acquire Walt Disney Co.’s operations in India. This deal revolves around Disney’s controlling stake in the Disney Star business, valued at approximately $10 billion, offering an alternative to the previously considered piecemeal transactions. Reliance assesses the assets at around $7 billion to $8 billion. The formal announcement of this acquisition is expected as early as next month, and it may include the integration of some of Reliance’s media units into Disney Star, although specifics remain undisclosed. According to insiders, Disney is likely to retain a minority stake in the Indian company following the completion of the cash and stock exchange. It’s important to note that no final decision has been reached regarding the deal or its valuation. Disney might still choose to retain ownership of the assets for a bit longer. Both Disney and Reliance declined to comment on the ongoing discussions. This potential deal underscores Mukesh Ambani’s growing influence in India’s entertainment industry. In 2022, he secured the streaming rights for the Indian Premier League for $2.7 billion and subsequently offered free broadcasts of the popular domestic cricket tournament on the JioCinema platform. Furthermore, Reliance obtained a significant contract to broadcast HBO shows from Warner Bros Discovery Inc. in India, content that was previously held by Disney. Despite Disney Star’s challenges with declining subscriber numbers, the media group has been actively investing in the market. In the past, they explored various options for the business, including an outright sale or forming a joint venture. Interestingly, Disney’s Indian streaming platform recently achieved a milestone by attracting a record 43 million viewers for the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup match between India and New Zealand, surpassing the viewership of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match earlier this month, which had 35 million viewers.

Reliance Industries Nearing Multi-Billion Dollar Deal to Acquire Disney’s India Operations Read More »

Box Office Set to Break Records in 2023, Aiming to Cross ₹12,000 Crore Mark

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Box-office collections in 2023 are on track to exceed ₹12,000 crore, according to the latest report from Ormax Media. The total box-office earnings for the first nine months of this year have reached ₹8,798 crore, marking a 6% increase over the same period in 2022. This year is anticipated to become the highest-grossing ever, with the potential to cross the ₹12,000-crore milestone, primarily due to the upcoming releases of movies like Tiger 3, Salaar, and Dunki. In 2022, the gross box-office collection amounted to ₹10,637 crore, as reported in a previous joint study by GroupM-Ormax Media. Shah Rukh Khan’s film “Jawan” emerged as the most successful movie of the year, raking in ₹733 crore, followed by “Pathaan” with ₹646 crore. “Gadar 2” was the only other film to surpass ₹500 crore, with earnings of ₹614 crore. Additionally, “Jailer” and “Adipurush” managed to collect ₹397 crore and ₹331 crore, respectively. Box office success continued in 2023, with movies released in September generating ₹13.53 crore, marking the fourth month this year to surpass the ₹1,000-crore mark. The month of August witnessed the highest box office collections, with earnings totalling ₹1,610 crore. Notably, gross box-office collections for January and June reached ₹1,388 crore and ₹1,073 crore, respectively.

Box Office Set to Break Records in 2023, Aiming to Cross ₹12,000 Crore Mark Read More »

Disney+ Hotstar’s Parent Company Novi Digital to Merge with Star India for Streamlined Operations

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Novi Digital Entertainment, the company behind Disney+ Hotstar, is in the process of merging with its parent company, Star India, owned by The Walt Disney Company, as reported by the Economic Times. The formal merger proposal has been submitted to the Mumbai branch of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). This strategic move aims to streamline their activities in streaming, broadcasting, and distribution. In their merger application, Star and Novi emphasized that the merger would bring about cost-saving benefits by leveraging economies of scale, fostering synergies, improving operational efficiency, focusing on growth, optimizing resource utilization, and reducing expenses. This development aligns with Walt Disney’s efforts to explore potential investors for Star India. Disney has been in talks with companies like RIL and Blackstone regarding a potential sale, either in part or in full, of Star India, a major player in both traditional television and the streaming industry.

Disney+ Hotstar’s Parent Company Novi Digital to Merge with Star India for Streamlined Operations Read More »

India’s Phenomenal Triumph: 107 Medals at Hangzhou Asian Games, Fearlessly Facing Asian Giants

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

India achieved a significant milestone at the Hangzhou Asian Games by securing a total of 107 medals, marking the first time the country has entered the exclusive club of nations with a three-digit medal tally. This accomplishment places India alongside sporting giants like China, Japan, and Korea, although China’s dominance with 200 gold medals remains unparalleled. Nevertheless, India has successfully overcome a psychological barrier with this achievement. PM Modi congratulated the Indian athletes upon achieving the remarkable milestone of 100 medals, through his tweet. A momentous achievement for India at the Asian Games! The people of India are thrilled that we have reached a remarkable milestone of 100 medals. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our phenomenal athletes whose efforts have led to this historic milestone for India.… pic.twitter.com/CucQ41gYnA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 7, 2023 The medals earned in traditional strongholds such as shooting, hockey, wrestling, and kabaddi played a pivotal role in breaking this barrier. Shooting, in particular, made a remarkable resurgence with 22 medals, including 7 golds, the highest by any participating nation. India’s shooters exhibited exceptional talent and competitiveness, often rivalling China. Athletics also stood out with 29 medals, with javelin star Neeraj Chopra’s consistent performances instilling hope of future Olympic success. However, the ultimate evaluation of these medals is viewed through the lens of the Olympics. Compound archery, despite its dominance, is not yet an Olympic sport, prompting China to pay less attention to it. Sports like rowing and boxing contributed five medals each, but the quest for gold medals in these disciplines, along with wrestling, is an area that requires improvement leading up to the Paris Games. In wrestling, changes were made to enhance safety for women wrestlers, and the absence of gold medals for athletes like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia calls for introspection on the challenges within the system. Boxer Nikhat Zareen’s missed gold serves as a reminder not to become complacent. A gold opportunity was also missed in golf and badminton. However, India made history with Satwiksairaj Ranki Reddy and Chirag Shetty’s gold in men’s doubles badminton and HS Prannoy’s hard-fought bronze. One poignant moment was Wushu athlete Roshibina Devi’s silver medal, which raised questions about the ongoing issues in Manipur and China’s visa policy affecting Arunachal’s Wushu players. Cricket’s two gold medals sparked controversy due to rain interruptions, casting doubts on the sport’s suitability in multi-sport Games. Notably, Ayhika and Sutirtha Mukherjee’s bronze medal in table tennis doubles, defeating China, and India’s success in table tennis and badminton against strong competition signify substantial progress. India has fearlessly won medals against the might of Asian superpowers, reaffirming its growing presence in the world of sports.

India’s Phenomenal Triumph: 107 Medals at Hangzhou Asian Games, Fearlessly Facing Asian Giants Read More »

Cricket World Cup 2023 Begins Today: No Opening Ceremony, But Anticipation High for England vs. New Zealand Opener

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The 2023 Cricket World Cup is commencing today, featuring a showdown between defending champions England and last edition’s runners-up New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While there were some initial reports suggesting the possibility of an opening ceremony preceding the tournament’s kickoff, neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India nor the International Cricket Council have confirmed any such event. As things currently stand, it appears that there won’t be an opening ceremony for the Cricket World Cup. According to a report in the Times of India, an opening ceremony was never part of the plan for this World Cup. “There was never an opening ceremony planned for the World Cup. I can confirm that,” said an unnamed source. “In the case of the IPL, you can have a short opening ceremony since the matches start in the evening. However, in this World Cup, matches commence in the afternoon,” the source explained. While an official opening ceremony is not on the agenda, the BCCI did organize the Captains’ Day on the eve of the England vs. New Zealand opener. During this event, all ten team captains underwent questioning by former India head coach Ravi Shastri and ex-England captain Eoin Morgan. When asked about the trend where the hosting nations won the last three World Cups, India captain Rohit Sharma downplayed its significance. “I’m not dwelling too much on that, but yes, in the last three editions, hosting teams have emerged as World Cup winners, and we will give our all in this World Cup and savor the tournament,” Rohit stated during the World Cup 2023 Captain’s Day event. He also expressed optimism about the tournament’s reception, saying, “People are going to love this tournament. The stadiums will be packed. Indians adore their cricket. It’s going to be a fantastic tournament.” The opening match of the Cricket World Cup is scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM IST, with the toss taking place at 1:30 PM IST.

Cricket World Cup 2023 Begins Today: No Opening Ceremony, But Anticipation High for England vs. New Zealand Opener Read More »

Netflix Mulls Tax Evasion Case Appeal to Tribunal

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix is reportedly considering taking its case to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal concerning the alleged tax evasion of Rs 196 crore, as stated in a media report. The international tax division of the Income Tax department has accused the streaming giant of evading income tax in this substantial amount. Netflix’s decision to approach the tribunal follows a ruling earlier this year by the Dispute Resolution Panel that favoured the tax department. According to the Income Tax department, Netflix earned Rs 503 crore from its Indian operations between April 2020 and December 2020. Although Netflix has offered to pay Rs 13.36 crore, the department has calculated the tax liability to be Rs 490 crore, contending that the operations conducted in India through a Permanent Establishment (PE) arrangement are subject to taxation, resulting in a tax liability of Rs 196 crore. A spokesperson for Netflix is quoted as stating, “We are committed to fully complying with tax laws and their global requirements.”

Netflix Mulls Tax Evasion Case Appeal to Tribunal Read More »

TRAI Launches Consultation Paper on 5G Ecosystem’s Role in India’s Digital Transformation

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper titled “Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem.” The primary aim of this paper is to address policy challenges and propose an appropriate policy framework to expedite the adoption and effective use of new technologies within the 5G ecosystem, contributing to the comprehensive and sustainable development of India’s economy. The Ministry of Communications has emphasized that India is currently undergoing a rapid digital transformation, significantly impacting its economy and society. Reliable mobile communication technologies play a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Digital India program. These technologies are bolstering the economy and empowering citizens by enabling services like the unified payment interface (UPI) and various innovative government-to-business (G2B) and government-to-citizen (G2C) applications. With the emergence of technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and the Metaverse, India stands on the cusp of unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. India initiated its 5G services on October 1, 2022, with telecom service providers actively expanding the 5G network across the entire nation. The government has launched multiple initiatives to develop 5G infrastructure and promote research and development in this domain. TRAI has also issued recommendations to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks and services in the country. Collaborative efforts spanning various sectors have been undertaken to expedite the rollout of 5G. Beyond just infrastructure deployment, it is crucial to develop and deploy new use cases for both consumers and enterprises to realize the full potential of 5G technology. When 5G is combined with AI, extended reality (XR), and IoT, it will enable businesses and society to fully harness the benefits of these technological advancements. However, achieving this vision necessitates effective collaboration across the ecosystem, involving Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), infrastructure providers, and the government. Adequate infrastructure upgrades, fiberization for 5G deployment, and network densification are essential elements to fully reap the benefits of this technology across various industries. The adoption of 5G will depend on factors like dedicated research and development investments to create India-specific use cases, increased enterprise involvement, affordable devices, and consumer adoption. To accomplish these goals, TRAI has proactively released this consultation paper to identify policy challenges and propose a suitable policy framework. The objective is to expedite the adoption and effective utilization of new technologies, ultimately contributing to the holistic and sustainable development of India’s economy through the 5G ecosystem. The consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website, www.trai.gov.in, for input from stakeholders. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the issues under consideration by October 30, 2023, and counter-comments, if any, by November 13, 2023. Comments and counter-comments should preferably be submitted electronically via email to advadmn@trai.gov.in, with a copy to vibhatomar@trai.gov.in. For further clarification or information, stakeholders may reach out to Vandana Sethi, Advisor (Admin & IR), at 11-23221509.

TRAI Launches Consultation Paper on 5G Ecosystem’s Role in India’s Digital Transformation Read More »

Tata Play Expands Globally with Innovative Solution for International OTT Providers

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

In a groundbreaking move, Tata Play has extended its presence beyond India by offering a white-label solution tailored for global OTT aggregators. This initiative commences with a collaborative project involving the leading Pay-TV provider in the Philippines, Cignal TV. Tata Play, a prominent content distribution platform in India, has introduced the Tata Play Binge PaaS (Platform as a Service) for OTT aggregators worldwide, providing comprehensive development and deployment opportunities. Harit Nagpal, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Play, highlighted the advantages for partner companies, including access to Tata Play’s extensive experience in areas such as commercial partnerships, recommendation engines, subscription management, analytics, and more. This enterprise solution marks the creation of a distinctive OTT content aggregation and distribution ecosystem. Tata Play Binge, a service under the Tata Group conglomerate, consolidates content from over 26 apps into a single platform. The company’s primary focus is to collaborate with various OTT partners and acquire subscribers in global markets. Tata Play will oversee the complete technology platform, which operates in the cloud. While the initial partnership began with Philippines’ Cignal TV, Nagpal confirmed ongoing discussions with numerous international players interested in utilizing Tata Play’s technology solution to evolve into OTT aggregators. Nagpal emphasized the global scalability of the cloud-based solution, making it applicable to regions worldwide, including Africa, South America, South Asia, and Europe. Tata Play Binge presently boasts nearly a million subscribers, resulting in significant insights into technology, user interfaces, and overall user experience. Many global players have been grappling with the challenge of finding such a solution, which Tata Play is now offering. Nagpal explained the rationale behind this initiative, stating that since Tata Play has already invested resources in developing the solution, they can become the backend support for entities looking to aggregate content worldwide. While it may take some time for this approach to gain widespread acceptance, it offers economies of scale to all participating OTT players and is mutually beneficial, with Tata Play charging a fee for its tech solution. This strategic move by Tata Play aligns with the evolving OTT market, which is experiencing substantial growth in user numbers. Entering the global market with a Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution is well-timed, potentially yielding incremental revenues and a first-mover advantage. Moreover, if content aggregation becomes a global trend, Tata Play stands to benefit by capturing a larger market share.

Tata Play Expands Globally with Innovative Solution for International OTT Providers Read More »

PVR Inox Forecasts Strong Q2 for Cinema Exhibitors Amid Blockbuster Releases

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

PVR Inox is anticipating a robust second quarter for cinema exhibitors, driven by a series of blockbuster releases in the film industry. Alok Tandon, co-CEO of PVR Inox, expressed optimism about the July-September period potentially becoming the best quarter for the cinema exhibition sector. He highlighted that recent weeks have witnessed a remarkable surge in cinema attendance, and the upcoming film lineup holds great promise. Films like “Jawan,” “Oh My God 2,” “Gadar 2,” “Jailer,” “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” have been attracting record audiences to theatres. Tandon also expressed hope that the cinema exhibition industry would soon return to pre-pandemic levels in terms of attendance. He emphasized the return of crowded lobbies and the positive response from audiences to the movies released thus far.

PVR Inox Forecasts Strong Q2 for Cinema Exhibitors Amid Blockbuster Releases Read More »

Netflix Inks Multi-Year Content Partnership with Yash Raj Films Amid Streaming Competition

Leave a Comment / / Media Entertainment & Art Community

Amidst the escalating competition in the streaming industry, Netflix has inked a multi-year creative partnership agreement with the renowned movie production company, Yash Raj Films (YRF). This collaboration will encompass the joint development of both movies and series. The maiden project emerging from this partnership is “The Railway Men,” a four-part thriller series starring R. Madhavan, Kay Kay Menon, Divyendu Sharma, and Babil Khan. Additionally, the second project in the works is a film titled “Maharaj,” as stated in an official announcement. Monika Shergill, the VP of Content at Netflix India, expressed their enthusiasm for catering to diverse audiences by delivering relatable and beloved series and films. Yash Raj Films, being eminent creators in Indian cinema, have left an indelible mark with iconic works like “Kabhi Kabhie” and “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” to more recent titles like “War” and “Pathaan.” Shergill emphasized the potential of this collaboration to captivate global audiences with top-notch content. This announcement coincides with reports suggesting that Netflix is contemplating a shift in its content strategy, leaning towards blockbuster films to allure new subscribers and retain its existing user base. Notably, Indian films such as “RRR” and “Gangubai Kathiawadi” have garnered significant attention on the platform, underscoring their popularity among viewers. Indian films also frequently secure spots on Netflix’s global top 10 weekly lists for non-English content. In the competitive Indian OTT market, where it contends with rivals like JioCinema, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+Hotstar, Netflix is striving to establish a prominent presence. Recently, Netflix formed a strategic partnership with Jio, bundling prepaid tariff plans with subscriptions to the US-based streaming service, marking a unique venture in India. Furthermore, Netflix has taken measures to curb password sharing in India as part of its efforts to boost revenue in the latter half of 2023. In a letter addressed to shareholders earlier this year, the company announced its intention to extend the password sharing ban to nearly all remaining countries. In a separate communication to Indian subscribers, Netflix clarified that a single account would be restricted to a single household.

Netflix Inks Multi-Year Content Partnership with Yash Raj Films Amid Streaming Competition Read More »