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Akshay Kumar unveils ‘2.0’ filter on Facebook. Try it now!

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On the sidelines of the release of his forthcoming film “2.0”, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar treated his fans by launching the film’s special filter on Facebook.

Through the filter, one can try out Akshay’s wrathful avatar look from the film. Check it out here:


“The new face of evil will unveil in three days, experience it yourself with the ‘2.0’ Filter! Try now,” the actor tweeted along with a video in which he can be seen using the filter before the release of the film.

Akshay essays the prime antagonist as an eccentric scientist named Richard in “2.0”.

The film will mark the Tamil debut of Akshay and is his first film with megastar Rajinikanth. 2.0, the sequel to 2010 blockbuster Enthiran, has Rajinikanth reprising his roles of doctor Vaseegaran and Chitti, the robot.

The Hindi version of the Shankar directorial, starring Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson in the lead roles, earned Rs 20.25 crore on opening day.

The movie hit theatres on November 29.

Viaan Industries to launch a new mobile game ‘Adventures of Ali Baba’

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Viaan Industries announced the launch of their new mobile game- “Adventures of Ali Baba”.

The company has a strong and growing presence in the gaming sector and now boasts of an interesting new animation series – Adventures of Ali Baba which has its own game to its name.

The company launched the animation series in an exclusive partnership with the TV channel Rishtey, in the second week of November.

Commenting on the development, Raj Kundra, Chairman & Managing Director, said, “I am excited to announce the launch of Adventures of Ali Baba. It’s by far one of the best quality Animations ever made in India and the whole focus has been around engaging children without being preachy yet teaching great values subconsciously. The concept is universal and targets kids between the ages of 5 – 12 years old.”

Adventures of Ali Baba game is an exciting addition to their vast gaming enterprise and is available for users on the Android Play Store and iOS App Store.

While the animation series is aimed at engaging and educating kids, the game adds value by allowing kids and users to play using their favourite heroes or characters from the animation series.

The channel has already aired 6 episodes and the series can be seen on every Saturday and Sunday morning at 10 am.

Viaan Industries is a popular licensing, entertainment, and gaming company promoted by leading entrepreneur, Raj Kundra, and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra.

ChuChu TV, Skoolbo launch ‘ChuChu School Kindergarten’ app

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ChuChu TV, one of the world’s most popular YouTube channel for kids announced the launch of its new app, ChuChu School Kindergarten.

With over 20 billion views and over 32 million subscribers, ChuChu TV’s channels garner around 20 million views and add close to 50,000 subscribers a day.

The ChuChu School Apps will offer curriculum-based learning modules from pre-school to Grade 2 and the first app off the block is created for kindergarten.  The ChuChu School Kindergarten App offers over 500 books, songs, and lessons which covers reading, numbers, basic geography, science, brain games, puzzles, stories, and songs. The app features 150 audio story books and 50 learning songs as well.

“We are very excited to enter the world of education and learning with ChuChu School Apps.  Parents all across the world have always trusted us for our edutainment content and now we take this a further step into the world of learning with our ChuChu School learning apps. We are sure both toddlers and caregivers will find our ChuChu School apps engaging and useful,” said Vinoth Chandar, Founder, CEO and Creative Director of ChuChu TV.

ChuChu School is ChuChu TV’s partnership with Skoolbo, an award-winning media learning company. Skoolbo’s highly popular learning product is used in over 56,000 schools worldwide, including the United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

ChuChu School was launched in 2018 and is currently available as a YouTube channel with more than 25,000 subscribers. ChuChu School won the 2018 Mom’s Choice Gold Award honoring excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services.

“Working in partnership with the ChuChu TV team has been a rare pleasure. Skoolbo prides itself on creating immersive learning experience which are valued by students, schools, and families all over the world but this experience has allowed us to perform at a whole new level. We can’t wait to see the impact of the first app on the community and releasing more and more for such an engaged audience” said Shane Hill, Founder, and CEO of Skoolbo.

The ChuChu School Apps is the third offering from ChuChu TV. The ChuChu TV Pro and ChuChu TV lite Apps are extremely popular around the world and offer ChuChu TV content and games for toddlers and preschoolers.

The ChuChu School App is priced at USD 3.99 per month. The Grade 1 and Grade 2 apps will launch in the coming months.

Good Arrows! Bulldog Licensing bags a Bullseye double

Bulldog Licensing has added new partners for top gameshow brand ‘Bullseye’, after signing deals with Crackerjack and Sporting Profiles.

The new deals will see Crackerjack produce a gifting range that includes alcohol gift sets, money tins, tankards, and glassware, whilst Sporting Profiles is set to launch a Bullseye fan website. The new deals add to an existing programme that includes Bullseye-branded biltong, a Bullseye quiz book – complete with magnetic dartboard and toy darts – nightwear, socks, apparel, mugs, and prints.

“Bullseye is a brand that has transcended its original format to become a much-loved part of British culture, so even people who weren’t born in its heyday know the name and the catchphrases,” said Bulldog MD Rob Corney.

“This massive brand recognition is translating into a big and growing licensing programme that shows no sign of stopping,” Rob further added.

Bullseye is one of Britain’s most popular ever gameshows. Presented by comedian Jim Bowen, it drew in massive audiences through an irresistible mixture of darts and general knowledge questions. Catchphrases such as ‘You can’t beat a bit of Bully’ and ‘Super, smashing, great!’ are now part of the national lexicon. The show ran over the entire ITV network from 1981 to 1995 and regularly pulled in 13 million viewers per episode, with a peak audience of 19.8 million on Boxing Day 1989.

ITV has since featured the show in two high rating one-off specials and the show is still on air through digital channel Challenge, which broadcasts Bullseye every single evening, often pulling in audiences over 200,000.

Spotify to launch in India within 6 months with extended free trial: Report

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Sweden-based music streaming service Spotify will make its India debut in the next six months, according to a report in Variety.

Spotify has already secured deals with some of the popular music companies. According to several media reports, Indian music record label, T-series has also made a deal with the company.

The platform will offer an extended free trial period after its launch in India. Spotify currently offers a 30-day trial to all its new customers across the world.

Under the free trial, Indian users will get full access to Spotify Premium which the Swedish streaming giant offered in Vietnam and South Africa when it launched earlier this year.

The development comes after the Swedish company entered 13 Arab markets, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt earlier this month.

The Stockholm-based company is currently available in 78 markets across the world and has 83 million paying subscribers as of June this year.

Spotify had also disclosed in its public offering filing that it has leased office space in Mumbai last year and has 308 employees in aggregate in India and 20 other countries.

Former OLX India CEO Amarjit Singh Batra had joined as the Spotify’s India country head earlier this year.

Several media reports suggest that prominent US labels such as Universal, Sony, and Warner had held up Spotify’s India launch by not providing music licenses for the market. This was after Spotify had started bypassing the labels by directly licensing music from artists.

Spotify was launched in 2006 by Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon.

With its India launch, Spotify will face stiff competition from several companies such as Gaana, Amazon Prime Music, Saavn, Apple Music, Google Play Music, and Hungama have already entered the online music streaming sector in the country.

Recently, US-based entertainment platform Gracenote also launched its global music metadata service in India.

We can’t keep calm! James Bond trading cards released

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Upper Deck, the leading sports and entertainment company, announced that it will produce trading cards and trading card games for the highly coveted ‘James Bond’ property.

As per the new association, Upper Deck will develop products pulling from a rich collection of films that form the backbone of this uniquely British franchise. These films have defined the spy genre and have served as a cultural touchpoint in a legacy that maintains popularity into the modern era of cinema.

“James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of entertainment,” said Jason Masherah, president of Upper Deck.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide a new and unique line of James Bond trading cards and trading card games to fans around the world.”

Upper Deck will provide new ways for fans to enjoy their favorite secret agent. The first James Bond trading card set will hit hobby stores shelves and 007Store.com in early 2019, followed by a release on Upper Deck e-Pack, the company’s patent-pending trading card platform.

James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of entertainment.

The Upper Deck Company, headquartered in Carlsbad is a worldwide sports and entertainment company built on the pillars of quality craftsmanship, authenticity and innovation with a dedication to creating products that turn memorable moments into collectibles.

Record-breaker Mary Kom extends management deal with IOS Sports

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Queen of Indian boxing, MC Mary Kom has extended her 10-year-old commercial relationship with IOS Sports and Entertainment. The sports management firm has been representing Mary Kom exclusively since 2009.

During this period, IOS has been responsible in partnering with more than 25 brands such as Herbalife, Emami, Dalmia Cement, Bridgestone Tyres, Tata Salt, P&G, GSK, NECC, Lakshmi Tea, Monnet, Piramal, Artemis Hospital, Manpasand Beverages, Vodafone, ITC, Tourism Thailand Authority, Star India etc.

Commenting on the association, Mary Kom said “In the last 10 years I have only focused on my game and entire commercial work was perfectly managed by my team IOS. Looking at smooth working with them, I have decided to extend this relationship with them. I would like to continue working hard on my game and want IOS to manage commercial aspect exclusively”.

IOS has also facilitated a licensing deal with the Priyanka Chopra-starrer Mary Kom, which was produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Viacom 18 Motion Pictures. The company has also been the marketing agency for the biopic. IOS also licensed Harper Collins for publishing one of the top sports selling book “An Autobiography Unbreakable MC Mary Kom” on the struggle and success of Mary Kom.

Neerav Tomar, MD & CEO of IOS Sports & Entertainment said “I would like to congratulate Mary on winning her sixth historic world title. We look forward to this extended relationship and hope to establish a stronger brand Mary in the days to come”.

IOS exclusively represents India’s top sportspersons such as Vijender Singh, Hima Das, Manika Batra, Mirabai Chanu, Manpreet Singh, and Jinson Johnson.

Recently, MC Mary Kom won a historic sixth gold in the World Championship, after beating Ukraine’s Hanna Okhota in a unanimous 5-0 verdict in the 48kg category summit bout.

Genius Brands secures four new licensing partners for ‘Rainbow Rangers’

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Rainbow Rangers, the new animated adventure series for girls, which premiered on Nick Jr. on November 5, continues to attract new licensing partners in Genius Brands.

Genius Brands’ SVP of Global Licensing Lloyd Mintz announced that the company has signed four new licensing partners, including Cra-Z-Art for crafts and activities, Esquire Footwear for shoes and footwear, Integrity Vitamins for developing a line of chewable, all natural, vegan, gummy vitamins for kids based on the colorful Rainbow Rangers characters, and Townley Girl for a line of age-appropriate cosmetics and a variety of health and beauty products.

“We are thrilled with the response from licensees who are clamoring to be associated with this fresh, colorful and exciting new preschool brand,” explained Mintz.

“There is already an amazing consumer awareness for the brand, heightened by the premiere on Nick Jr., of course.  And once the licensing program launches at retail outlets throughout the country–starting in back-to-school 2019 with over 300 product SKU’s coming to the marketplace–we fully anticipate Rainbow Rangers will be among the top ‘must have’ consumer products for children of all ages throughout next year,” Mintz further added.

Genius Brands has partnered with over 25 blue-chip industry-leading licensing partners for the retail launch of Rainbow Rangers, including Mattel Inc. (master toy), MacMillan Publishing (master publishing), Bentex (master apparel), A.M.E. (sleepwear), Berkshire Fashions (cold weather accessories), BioWorld (bags, backpacks), Ceaco (puzzles), Disguise (Halloween costumes), Handcraft Manufacturing (packaged underwear), H.E.R. Accessories (jewelry and hair accessories), Jay Franco (bedding and bath), Dynacraft (bicycles), Kid Galaxy (bubble toys), Kiddieland (foot-to-floor ride-ons), Planet Sox (hosiery), Spirit Halloween (direct-to-retail program), KIDdesigns (youth electronics line), and Basic Fun! (novelty toy line).

The Rainbow Rangers series follows the thrilling rescue-based adventures of seven 9-year-old girls who are Earth’s first responders, protecting people, animals, resources, and the natural beauty of our world. The Rainbow Rangers, who live in the magical land of Kaleidoscopia at the other side of the rainbow, have their own distinctive personalities and superpowers. Whenever there’s trouble for the people or animals of Earth, our seven heroines zoom into action and ride their Spectra Scooters across the rainbow to save the day.

Boasting a unique and highly-accomplished team of creators from the animated motion picture world, Rainbow Rangers’ creative development and production team includes Rob Minkoff (Disney’s The Lion King director), Shane Morris (Disney’s Frozen co-writer), Tim Mansfield, and New York Times Bestselling author and Emmy-nominated writer Elise Allen (Dinosaur Train, Lion Guard, Barbie specials) who is serving as head writer and co-creator.

Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO and multiple Emmy Award-winning producer of more than 5,000 episodes of children’s programming, Andy Heyward, serves as executive producer, with legendary Disney alum Ruben Aquino creating key designs. Aquino is responsible for the design and animation of many of Disney’s most iconic characters from award-winning films including The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan and Frozen.

Headquartered in Beverly Hills, Genius Brands is a leading global kids’ media company developing, producing, marketing and licensing branded children’s entertainment properties and consumer products for media and retail distribution.

JHS to produce Yellow Submarine instruments for budding Beatles

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JHS – one of the largest independent trade distributors of musical instruments and accessories, instrument amplification and pro audio equipment is all set to launch a range of ‘Yellow Submarine’ instruments and accessories for young children. The deal was inked by Caroline Mickler on behalf of Apple Corps.

The range, for children from three years up, includes a ukulele and a junior half-size guitar outfit (including nylon strung guitar, carry bag, guitar strap, pitch pipe, spare set of strings and plectrum), along with two-inch-wide polyester webbing straps from 39″ to 58″ and a variety of picks.

Caroline Mickler said, “These delightful instruments and accessories are not just the right size for young musicians, but they are also very high quality and look fantastic. I’m certain they will be a marvelous inspiration for any young kids who love music and want to play on their very own instruments.”

The guitars are available in two designs, the ukulele in four, and the straps in three. All are illustrated with colourful scenes from the film. There will be no fewer than 18 picks, each featuring a different character, logo or scene from the film set against a yellow, white or multi-colored background.

The instruments will be launched this month, with an eye to the Christmas market. All the items in the range will be available at music shops and toy shops.

Yellow Submarine is a much-loved and fun property that is also rich in extraordinary imagery, which, like the classic film that inspired it, still resonates powerfully 50 years after the release of the film. More recent licenses have included t-shirts and gifts from Truffle Shuffle, a graphic novel from Titan books, a picture book and panorama pop-up book from Walker Books, an apparel collection from Pretty Green, tents and camping accessories from Field Candy, board games from Winning Moves and of course, kids’ musical instruments from JHS.

Ben Chapman, JHS Media and Artist Coordinator, said, “The fantastic Yellow Submarine designs, the wonderful songs and the positive message the film sends out about music make it an ideal inspiration for a range of colorful, fun and totally fab instruments. We’re delighted to be working with Apple Corps to help budding Beatles to learn, play and make happy music on instruments specially designed for them.”

Yellow Submarine returned to cinemas across the UK and Ireland for a special fiftieth anniversary showing in July.

PlayStation and PG are back again with a new association!

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Sony’s PlayStation and Nike have teamed up to launch a new sneaker inspired by the original PS gaming system, under the label of basketball player Paul George.

It’s called PG 2.5 and it comes in an exclusive PlayStation colorway.  Here is the announcement video:

“For those who know me, gaming is a big part of who I am – I love the fans and I love this community, so it was amazing to see the gaming and sneaker worlds collide with the original PG2 collaboration,” said George.

Here are a few elements about this new colorway:

  • The tongues of the shoe still have the PG and PlayStation logos that light up and pulsate blue
  • The shoe has original four-color PlayStation logo that lights up on the other side of the tongue.
  • The strap across the top front of each shoe provides stability to really lock you in
  • The iconic PlayStation symbols are embossed in patent leather on each shoe, just like on the original PG2 x PlayStation colorway.

The company has not divulged any details on the pricing.

The Nike PG 2.5 x PlayStation debuted at the November 21 game against the Golden State Warriors and will be released on the “SNKRS” app and at major retail outlets on December 1.