ITV News
Crunchyroll releases second ‘Ready to Anime?’ ad starring Rashmika Mandanna and Shubman Gill
New spot captures the heartbreak of an anime ending and the joy of the next one beginning.
MUMBAI: Crunchyroll just served up the perfect cure for post-anime depression because when one story ends, another binge is only a click away. Crunchyroll has released the second advertisement from its India brand campaign ‘Ready to Anime?’, featuring popular actors Rashmika Mandanna and Shubman Gill. Building on the success of the first film that premiered during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the new spot taps into a universal anime fan emotion: the heartbreak when a beloved series comes to an end.
In the light-hearted film, Shubman calls Rashmika late at night in distress after finishing an anime, only to be reassured that on Crunchyroll, one story’s ending simply means another adventure is ready to begin. The ad highlights the platform’s extensive catalogue, including global hits such as Black Clover, Blue Lock, and One Piece.
Crunchyroll director of marketing for India Ekta Gulechha said, “Following the strong fan engagement with our first ad film, we’re excited to launch the next chapter of the ‘Ready to Anime?’ campaign. The piece taps into a familiar anime fan emotion the feeling when a beloved series comes to an end while reminding viewers that with Crunchyroll’s ever-expanding library, there’s always another story waiting to be discovered.”
Conceptualised by Tilt Brand Solutions and produced by Studioq (both part of Quotient Ventures Pvt Ltd), the campaign will roll out nationally across CTV, digital and social platforms.
Crunchyroll currently offers a catalogue of over 900 anime titles in India, including more than 160 dubbed in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, with new episodes streaming the same day as Japan. Subscriptions start at Rs 99 per month.
In a world where finishing an anime can feel like saying goodbye to old friends, Crunchyroll is gently reminding fans that the heartbreak doesn’t last long because on this platform, the next obsession is always just one episode away.
ITV News
Amazon nears $9bn Globalstar deal to boost satellite push: Report
Talks signal push to rival Starlink as spectrum and scale come into play
NEW YORK: Amazon is in advanced talks to acquire satellite telecom firm Globalstar in a deal reportedly valued at around $9 billion, according to a report by Bloomberg, signalling a major push to strengthen its space-based connectivity ambitions.
If finalised, the deal would give Amazon immediate access to Globalstar’s satellite infrastructure, including dozens of low Earth orbit satellites and more than 20 ground stations worldwide. It would also bring valuable wireless spectrum, particularly the L-band and S-band frequencies, into Amazon’s fold, assets considered critical for enabling direct-to-device satellite communication.
The move is widely seen as a strategic shortcut for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which has faced delays due to limited rocket launch capacity. By acquiring an operational network, Amazon could effectively bridge the gap between development and deployment, accelerating its entry into the fast-growing satellite connectivity market.
The acquisition would also sharpen Amazon’s competitive edge against SpaceX and its Starlink service, which currently dominates the low Earth orbit satellite internet space. With Globalstar’s reported base of over 800,000 subscribers, Amazon could quickly scale its presence and move closer to offering seamless connectivity, even in remote or underserved regions.
However, the deal is not without complications. Apple, which holds an estimated 20 per cent stake in Globalstar, could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. The iPhone maker currently relies on Globalstar’s satellites for its Emergency SOS via satellite feature, raising questions about how existing partnerships would be managed in the event of a takeover.
Beyond the immediate deal, the potential acquisition underscores a broader shift in the space economy. What was once an experimental frontier is rapidly consolidating, with tech giants racing to build integrated ecosystems that combine satellites, spectrum and services.
For consumers, the implications could be significant. Increased competition may accelerate the rollout of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity, bringing the promise of always-on coverage closer to reality.
For Amazon, the message is clear. The race to connect the planet is heating up, and it is looking to move from playing catch-up to setting the pace.
