Viu to focus on Telugu originals

Vuclip, a PCCW media company announced that its premium OTT service Viu will launch the production of originals in regional languages this year, beginning with Telugu. In this regard, Viu is partnering with Annapurna Studios to co-produce youthful urban entertainer titled ‘PillA’ in association with Tamada Media. The project will be directed by Pavan Sadineni of “Prema Ishq Kadal” and “Savitri” fame.

This show is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2017. The partnership will also see the co-production of a wedding comedy set in rustic Amalapuram with a working title ‘Pelli Gola’, which will be directed by Mallik Ram. Additionally, Vuclip will launch two original shows titled ‘Munching with Mahathalli’ and ‘Cinema Pichollo’ on February 18 that celebrate the ‘fandom’ of Tollywood cinema.

“We know the kind of fervour Telugu films evoke. We are a celebration of this fandom and are proud to partner with Annapurna Studios,” said Vishal Maheshwari, Country Head, Vuclip India. For the short form original shows, Vuclip has roped in ‘Mahathalli’ Jahnavi Dasetty and ‘Viva’ Harsha Chemmudu who have a large following on social platforms, with the latter acting in Tollywood films.

‘Munching with Mahathalli’ is a 26-episode series in which Tollywood’s Superwoman Jahnavi conducts satirical interviews with stereotypical characters of the Telugu film industry, which will be played by her. The show will have special guests from the film industry as well. Viu’s Telugu Originals can be viewed on www.viu.com or by downloading its app from Google Play or Apple App Store.