News for 'sony-pictures'

ICC Scrambles As JioStar Seeks Exit

ICC Scrambles As JioStar Seeks Exit

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

A key blow for JioStar came from an unlikely source: The Indian government's ban on real-money gaming, the sector that had become cricket's biggest advertiser.

Critics Choice Awards: The BIG Winners

Critics Choice Awards: The BIG Winners

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Critics Choice Awards was held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and saw Hollywood's A-listers get honoured at the first awards ceremony of the year.

AI Films Are Coming: India Must Adapt

AI Films Are Coming: India Must Adapt

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

'If we don't become part of this, if we don't embrace this particular technology, millionaire brands might go down, which we cannot allow.'

Sony Picture discloses its India plans

Sony Picture discloses its India plans

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

Sony Picture Network India (SPNI) management is committed to long-term growth in India and the company will actively explore new organic and inorganic possibilities to strengthen its presence in the country, company managing director and CEO, NP Singh told employees. In a letter, two-days after the calling off of the $10 billion merger deal with Zee Entertainment, he asked employees to focus on current projects, with an immediate goal to unleash the company's full potential, continuing to craft content that not only engages audiences but also boosts subscriber growth and revenues. "As we close the chapter on our proposed merger with ZEEL (Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd), I want to take a moment to talk to you - not just as your CEO but as someone who has been on this journey with you.

'Face of Operation Sindoor now used as entertainment'

'Face of Operation Sindoor now used as entertainment'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Wednesday alluded to private companies promoting patriotism on one side while profiting off the India-Pakistan cricket matches, as the Army's Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Air Force's Wing Commander Vyomika Singh are set to appear on an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).

What will happen if Pakistan pulls out of Asia Cup?

What will happen if Pakistan pulls out of Asia Cup?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Pakistan's reported threat to pull out from the ongoing Asia Cup after demanding ICC match referee Andy Pycroft's removal won't be particularly easy

BCCI Plays Down Report of India Boycotting Asia Cup

BCCI Plays Down Report of India Boycotting Asia Cup

Rediff.com19 May 2025

'The Asia Cup matter or any other ACC event issue has not come up for discussion at any level, hence any news or report on that is purely speculative and imaginary.'

Zee, Sony amicably settle disputes over their failed merger, to withdraw claims

Zee, Sony amicably settle disputes over their failed merger, to withdraw claims

Rediff.com27 Aug 2024

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Networks India on Tuesday said they have settled their six-month-long dispute related to the failed $10-billion merger and have agreed to withdraw all claims against each other. As part of the "comprehensive non-cash settlement" between ZEEL and Culver Max Entertainment Pvt Ltd (CMEPL), both "have mutually agreed to withdraw all respective claims against each other, in the ongoing arbitration at the SIAC and all related legal proceedings initiated in the NCLT and other forums," said a joint statement.

Best time to be in TV biz: Sony Pictures

Best time to be in TV biz: Sony Pictures

Rediff.com14 Mar 2013

Today, Sony has 124 channel feeds in 160 countries.

Sony Pictures to buy out Indian promoters in MSM for Rs 1,500 cr

Sony Pictures to buy out Indian promoters in MSM for Rs 1,500 cr

Rediff.com15 Jun 2012

Sony Pictures Television, a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based Sony Pictures Entertainment, has inked a deal with these shareholders to acquire 32 per cent stake for $271 million (about Rs 1,512 crore).

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Events that shaped Indian businesses in 2024

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Unprecedented bribery charges, farewells, separation, failed union, monumental mergers and record-breaking IPOs, along with a healthy dose of online happenings in the form of spat and lessons in customer care, corporate India saw it all in 2024.

Fate of $10 billion Zee, Sony merger in limbo

Fate of $10 billion Zee, Sony merger in limbo

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

The fate of the $10 billion merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Culver Max Entertainment, formerly Sony Pictures Networks India, is hanging by a thread, with the two parties unable to finalise an agreement as the end of the one-month grace period looms. The two parties are yet to come to an agreement over Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) MD and CEO Punit Goenka leading the merged entity after Sony expressed concerns after market regulator Sebi barred him from holding managerial posts in Zee and any of the entities in a fund-diversion case.

An Intimate Video Is All Set To Release In Theatres!

An Intimate Video Is All Set To Release In Theatres!

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

Bollywood seems to have ignored the month of September, with only two Hindi releases coming up in theatres. But cine-goers need not worry, as Hollywood and south cinema makes up for it.

Sony agrees to discuss extending Dec 21 deadline for merger, says ZEEL

Sony agrees to discuss extending Dec 21 deadline for merger, says ZEEL

Rediff.com20 Dec 2023

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd on Wednesday said Culver Max Entertainment, formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India, has agreed to discuss extending the date required to make their merger scheme effective, a day ahead of the deadline. A day after Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) stated that it has not yet agreed to a deadline extension requested by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) for their proposed $10-billion merger, the Subhash Chandra family-promoted media firm said it has received a communication from Sony group for discussing an extension of the deal which was announced almost two years ago.

Internet joke backfires miserably on Yuvraj and Co.

Internet joke backfires miserably on Yuvraj and Co.

Rediff.com15 Jul 2024

A video showing Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Raina mimicking physical discomfort by limping and holding their backs has resulted in a police complaint

Sony gets 3 weeks to respond to Zee shareholder's petition

Sony gets 3 weeks to respond to Zee shareholder's petition

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday admitted a fresh petition filed by a Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd shareholder seeking enforcement of the now-cancelled merger deal between ZEEL and Sony. The Mumbai bench of NCLT also directed Sony Pictures Network India, now known as Culver Max, to file a reply within three weeks and fixed the next date of hearing on March 12. On January 21, Sony Group Corp (SGC), the Japanese parent company of Sony Picture Network India (SPNI) and BEPL, announced the termination of the $10 billion merger agreement with ZEEL, while seeking $90 million for breach of conditions besides initiating arbitration.

Zee seeks $90 million from Sony for calling off merger

Zee seeks $90 million from Sony for calling off merger

Rediff.com24 May 2024

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has sought a termination fee of $90 million (around Rs 748.7 crore) from the Sony Group for calling off the $10 billion merger deal in January this year. It has sought termination fees from two Sony Group entities -- Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), now known as Culver Max Entertainment, and Bangla Entertainment (BEPL), according to a regulatory filing from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) on Thursday.

Zee plans to raise funds via issue of shares, QIPs

Zee plans to raise funds via issue of shares, QIPs

Rediff.com3 Jun 2024

Leading broadcaster Zee Entertainment on Monday said it is planning to raise funds from the market through various routes, including issuing of equity of shares, and qualified institutions placements (QIPs). Though the company has not specified the amount it plans to raise, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (ZEEL) in a regulatory filing said its board is meeting on June 6 to consider the proposal for this.

Zee moves NCLT against Sony; to contest $90 mn claim

Zee moves NCLT against Sony; to contest $90 mn claim

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

Two days after the termination of the merger agreement by Sony Group, Zee Entertainment on Wednesday hit back by filing a petition before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), seeking a direction to implement the merger scheme. Besides, it has also initiated appropriate legal actions to contest the claims of $90 million (Rs 748.5 crore) filed by Sony Group before the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), according to a regulatory update by Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (ZEEL).

Zee reaches out to Sony to revive $10 billion merger talks

Zee reaches out to Sony to revive $10 billion merger talks

Rediff.com20 Feb 2024

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) is seeking rapprochement with Sony Group as it makes a last-ditch effort to resurrect a $10 billion merger, according to industry sources. After the Japanese multinational firm pulled the plug on its $10 billion merger deal in January, the Indian company reached out again to Sony to reconsider the termination and offered for talks this month, a source said. On the other hand, Sony is understood to be evaluating the proposal from Zee.

Did Sebi 'scuttle' Sony-Zee merger deal?

Did Sebi 'scuttle' Sony-Zee merger deal?

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

Days before Sony Group pulled the plug on the $10 billion deal, Zee group founder Subhash Chandra had written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, blaming Sebi for trying to "scuttle" the merger of its flagship media firm Zee Entertainment Enterprise with the Japanese firm and subsequent investment in the merged entity. Alleging market regulator Sebi is "acting with a predetermined mind", the Zee group patriarch requested the finance minister to take the necessary steps "to safeguard the interest of the minority shareholders of Zee". Chandra in his letter dated January 16, seen by PTI, said Zee and all other people have been cooperating in the investigation related to the alleged fund diversion by promoters and expressed concern over a new notice issued by the market regulator to former directors of Zee.

Zee shares tumble 12%; hit lower circuit limit

Zee shares tumble 12%; hit lower circuit limit

Rediff.com21 Feb 2024

Shares of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) tumbled 12 per cent in the mid-session trade on Wednesday amid reports of capital market regulator Sebi has unearthed a financial discrepancy exceeding USD 241 million (nearly Rs 2,000 crore) in the accounts of the company. The stock of the company nosedived 11.58 per cent to Rs 170.65 apiece on the BSE. ZEEL shares plunged 11.39 per cent to Rs 170.70 per piece on the NSE.

India's biggest media company is born. $10 bn Zee-Sony merger gets NCLT nod

India's biggest media company is born. $10 bn Zee-Sony merger gets NCLT nod

Rediff.com10 Aug 2023

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Thursday allowed the merger of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd and Culver Max Entertainment (earlier known as Sony Pictures Networks India). This order by the Mumbai bench, headed by H V Subba Rao and Madhu Sinha, will pave the way for the creation of a $10-billion media company, the biggest in the country. The tribunal also dismissed all objections regarding the merger.

End of a dream! Sony-Zee's $10 billion mega deal called off

End of a dream! Sony-Zee's $10 billion mega deal called off

Rediff.com22 Jan 2024

Culver Max Entertainment, formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has terminated merger agreements with Zee Entertainment, which could have otherwise created a USD 10 billion media enterprise in the country.

Zee sacks 50% staff at its Bengaluru-based tech centre

Zee sacks 50% staff at its Bengaluru-based tech centre

Rediff.com29 Mar 2024

Zee Entertainment on Friday said it has "pruned" its Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) by about 50 per cent following the guidance of a special committee, which had conducted a critical assessment of its several business verticals. The MD & CEO has pruned TIC staff strength by 50 per cent to achieve a cost-effective structure, a Bengaluru-based business vertical of the company that offers technology solutions, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) said in an official statement.

Zee-Sony merger: India's largest media company is all set to be born

Zee-Sony merger: India's largest media company is all set to be born

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Friday issued notices to Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (ZEEL) over the petitions filed by IDBI Bank and AXIS Finance against an NCLT order that approved the media company's merger with Culver Max Entertainment. However, a two-member NCLAT bench comprising chairman Justice Ashok Bhushan and Member Arun Baroka declined to grant any stay over the merger process during the pendency of the hearing. The appellate tribunal (NCLAT) has directed to list both petitions on January 8 for hearing, directing Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd to file a reply.

Shubman is now Spider-Man!

Shubman is now Spider-Man!

Rediff.com8 May 2023

Shubman Gill will lend his voice to Indian Spider-Man in the upcoming animated movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.

Tribunal reserves order on Zee, Sony merger

Tribunal reserves order on Zee, Sony merger

Rediff.com11 Jul 2023

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has reserved its order on the merger of Zee Entertainment Enterprises and with Culver Max Entertainment (earlier known as Sony Pictures Networks India). The Mumbai bench of NCLT, comprising H V Subba Rao and Madhu Sinha, reserved the order on Monday, after hearing arguments from creditors who objected to the scheme including Axis Finance, JC Flower Asset Reconstruction Co, IDBI Bank, Imax Corp and IDBI Trusteeship. In December 2021, Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures had agreed to merge their businesses.

'We Are Building Products For The World'

'We Are Building Products For The World'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2024

'We want to prove to the world that they will get the best code written from a small place like Wayanad.'

Sebi ban not a problem: Zee's Goenka to staff

Sebi ban not a problem: Zee's Goenka to staff

Rediff.com17 Jul 2023

The merger of ZEE Entertainment and Sony has reached an advanced stage of completion, and the issues faced by promoters with Sebi should not become a problem for the company, debarred ZEEL MD Punit Goenka has said in a letter to employees, according to sources. Goenka, who along with his father Subhas Chandra, was denied any interim relief against a Sebi order that barred them from holding the position of director or key managerial post in any listed company, in the letter ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) staff asserted that the merger of Culver Max (earlier known as Sony Pictures Networks India) is at a very important juncture. With the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) restricting him from holding a directorial or key managerial position in a listed company, Goenka told the employees that the ZEEL board has constituted an interim committee of senior executives to ensure smooth operations and day-to-day functioning.

'Govt wants to take away women's fundamental right'

'Govt wants to take away women's fundamental right'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2024

'The government wants to ban surrogacy and take away women's fundamental right to do what she wants with her body.'

The Mystery of ZEE and DIIs

The Mystery of ZEE and DIIs

Rediff.com6 Feb 2024

Why are DIIs holding such a high stake in Zee, which is beset with alleged governance issues? Perhaps they think Zee is a deep-value stock, observes Debashis Basu.

Super Dancer 3 In Trouble For 'Sexually Explicit' Talk

Super Dancer 3 In Trouble For 'Sexually Explicit' Talk

Rediff.com26 Jul 2023

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights demanded Sony Pictures Networks take down an episode of the dance reality show Super Dancer Chapter 3 where judges were allegedly seen asking a minor 'vulgar and sexually explicit' questions regarding his parents on stage.

Tribunal's order on Zee-Sony merger set aside

Tribunal's order on Zee-Sony merger set aside

Rediff.com26 May 2023

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has set aside the order of NCLT directing bourses NSE and BSE to reconsider their approval for the Zee-Sony merger. A two-member NCLAT bench has asked NCLT to consider the merger of Zee Entertainment with Culver Max Entertainment (earlier known as Sony Pictures Networks India) afresh, after hearing all the parties. The appellate tribunal order came on hearing the appeal filed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) against the order passed by the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on May 11, 2023.

CCI gives conditional nod to Sony-Zee merger deal

CCI gives conditional nod to Sony-Zee merger deal

Rediff.com4 Oct 2022

The Competition Commission of India on Tuesday approved with certain conditions the mega-merger deal between media groups Sony and Zee. In a tweet, the watchdog said it has cleared the deal with certain modifications. The proposed merger was announced in September last year. CCI said it has approved the "amalgamation of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and Bangla Entertainment Private Limited (BEPL) with Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited (CME), with certain modifications".

Spider-Man Shubman Gill Spins A Web

Spider-Man Shubman Gill Spins A Web

Rediff.com18 May 2023

'I already feel superhuman.'

SAT slams Sebi over delay in probing Zee matter

SAT slams Sebi over delay in probing Zee matter

Rediff.com14 Sep 2023

The Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) on Thursday questioned market regulator Sebi's credibility on completing its investigation within a stipulated time in the Zee Entertainment Enterprises' (ZEEL) matter. SAT was hearing Zee's plea against Sebi's order baring Zee Entertainment Enterprises' Punit Goenka and Subhash Chandra from holding any key managerial positions in the company and other organisations for allegedly siphoning off funds of the media firm. "There is no certainty that these eight months won't be extended. ...past record of Sebi is that they have always extended it (investigation).

Will Disney Exit India?

Will Disney Exit India?

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

Disney Star India, bought at a valuation of $15 billion, could be on the block for roughly one-third that amount.

Sebi justifies 'urgent action' against Zee Entertainment in 197-page reply

Sebi justifies 'urgent action' against Zee Entertainment in 197-page reply

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

In its reply to the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said urgent action was warranted against the promoters of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) in the alleged fund diversion case to safeguard the management and protect investors and other stakeholders. It termed the applications made by Essel Group Chairman Subhash Chandra and ZEEL managing director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Punit Goenka as "completely false and misleading" in its response submitted to SAT on June 17. "We have a situation before us where the chairman emeritus and the MD and CEO of this large listed company are involved in a myriad of different schemes and transactions through which vast amounts of public money belonging to listed companies are diverted to private entities owned and controlled by these persons.

Invesco agrees to Zee-Sony deal; not to seek Goenka's ouster

Invesco agrees to Zee-Sony deal; not to seek Goenka's ouster

Rediff.com24 Mar 2022

Investment firm Invesco Developing Markets Fund, the largest shareholder in Zee Entertainment Enterprises, on Thursday said it will support the Zee-Sony merger deal and has decided not to pursue the call for ZEEL EGM to remove managing director and CEO Punit Goenka and two independent directors. The company said it will support the merger of Zee and Sony, contending the "deal in its current form has great potential for Zee shareholders" but added if it is not completed as currently proposed, Invesco retains the right to requisition a fresh EGM. Two days after the Bombay high court ruled that Invesco's call for EGM was legally valid, the investment firm in a statement said, "Since we announced our intention to requisition an EGM and add six independent directors to Zee's Board of Directors, Zee has entered into a merger agreement with Sony.