Singapore based vistas media capital (vmc) invests in planet marathi for an exclusive marathi ott platform

Jyothi Venkatesh

VISTAS MEDIA CAPITAL (VMC), a Singapore based media focused investment entity, partners with PLANET MARATHI SELLER SERVICES PVT LTD (PLANET MARATHI) to introduce an OTT platform focussing on Marathi content. The soon to be launched OTT platform aims to cater to a TG of 100 million globally with a number of genres.

While the world overcomes a pandemic, the lockdown has brought about newer ways and genres in which the entertainment sector can maximise its audiences pan India with the internet playing a key role. As per KPMG’s India Media and Entertainment Report 2020, “robust growth in digital infrastructure and content supply allowed the digital segment to post a 26% growth in FY20 despite a slowing economy, with digital and OTT advertising growing by 24%.” PLANET MARATHI plans to deliver rich, contemporary and diversified content through advanced technology for consistent streaming across devices. VMC will be investing upto USD 5 million into PLANET MARATHI for a strategic equity in the venture.

Abhayanand Singh, Group CEO, Vistas Media Capital PTE Limited said, “The Indian OTT space has grown significantly over the last few years but there is still an opportunity to capitalise on in the regional segment. The Marathi audience across the globe is a large one which for many years has patronised good content important for the digital space. We are thrilled to partner with Planet Marathi to launch this platform and fill a need-gap.”

VMC is a Singapore based Media Investment Holding entity that owns and invests in multiple media related businesses, companies and assets in Capital Markets and Private Equity. Golden Ratio Films, a subsidiary of VMC has had a strong focus on content creation, marketing and distribution across feature films, web series and short films across budgets in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and English in India & Hollywood.

Vistas Media Capital has also sponsored and listed a $100 million Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) IPO on Nasdaq in August 2020 to strengthen their hold on the global media and entertainment sector.

Akshay Bardapurkar, Head & Founder, Planet Marathi said, “Marathi viewers today are devoid of digital entertainment in their native language barring a few shows or movies on television or other platforms. With this insight, introducing an exclusive Marathi OTT shall fill a void that the Marathi entertainment industry has been facing. We also plan to expand our reach globally and VMC is the perfect partner to take the first step with us in this journey. We look forward to this long term association with VMC”.

PLANET MARATHI, the game changer of Marathi digital world, as termed by Forbes India in 2017, is an established brand in Marathi Media & Entertainment. The brand has played pivotal role in initiating and setting trends in the Marathi film industry, be it a tie up with multi social media giants , branding and promotions of Marathi cinemas or even image building for celebrities through Planet Talent.

Golden Ratio Films (GRF) has previously partnered with Planet Marathi for Amitabh Bachchan and Vikram Gokhale starrer AB Aani CD in 2019 followed by Goshta Eka Paithanichi and now the much awaited Chandramukhi. GRF’s recent releases include the web series JL50 and Bhonsle with Abhay Deol and Manoj Bajpayee respectively.