From Adult Content To Mythology & Bhajans: Ullu Founder To Launch New OTT Platform 'Hari Om'
IPO-bound Ullu Digital has received immense pushback from Google and National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights for its adult content. Now, taking a complete three-sixty degree turn, founder and CEO Vibhu Agarwal is all set to launch a mythological OTT platform called Hari Om
If you aren¡¯t aware of the controversies that OTT app Ullu has generated over the past few years, then you are definitely living under the rock!
IPO-bound Ullu Digital has received immense pushback from Google and National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights for its adult content. Now, taking a complete three-sixty degree turn, founder and CEO Vibhu Agarwal is all set to launch a mythological OTT platform called Hari Om
Mythological OTT Platform Hari Om Is Set To Launch In June, 2024
According to a report by Mint, the new platform will exclusively feature content rated 'U' or suitable for all age groups. Hari Om is reported to include 20 mythological shows focusing on themes related to Indian heritage, culture, and spirituality, appealing to younger audiences globally.
Additionally, the platform will offer both short and long-form 'U' rated content tailored to resonate with viewers of all ages, including children, teenagers, and senior citizens. It will also provide bhajans in both video and audio formats, along with animated content centered around mythology for younger audiences.
¡°As Indians, it is essential for us to know our roots, culture, tradition, and heritage to develop a sense of pride and respect for it. This app will feature only mythological and religious content which can be consumed by the entire family together. Recognizing the demand among the senior citizens and younger audiences to explore our Indian mythology, we are delighted to announce Hari Om,¡± the report quoted Agarwal as saying.
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Some Of The Shows That Will Release On Hari Om Are ¡®Shri Tirupati Balaji¡¯, ¡®Mata Saraswati¡¯ And ¡®Maa Lakshmi¡¯ Among Others
Hari Om presents a diverse range of titles for its audience, including 'Shri Tirupati Balaji', 'Mata Saraswati', 'Chaya Grah Rahu Ketu', 'Jai Jagannath', 'Kaikeyi Ke Ram', 'Maa Lakshmi', and 'Navgrah'. These shows feature performances from acclaimed actors such as Sharad Malhotra, Rati Pandey, Yuktii Kapoor, Mrunal Jain, Vishal Karwal, and others.
Agarwal's shift towards a mythological OTT platform coincides with Ullu facing scrutiny from various government bodies for reportedly distributing pornographic material involving school children.
In March, the streaming platform found itself embroiled in controversy when the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) urged the government to intervene, citing "extremely obscene and objectionable" content on Ullu that was accessible to children.
Following this, tech giant Google allegedly removed a significant portion of adult content from the Android version of the app. This development is noteworthy considering Ullu's OTT platform was primarily focused on adult-oriented content.
These actions occurred at a critical juncture for Ullu, as the company is on the verge of an initial public offering (IPO). In February, Ullu filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise INR 135-150 Crores through the IPO.
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