MANJA takes responsibility for Kapil Dev's 'abduction'

A picture of cricket great Kapil Dev has been doing rounds on the internet, showing a bound and gagged Dev being led away. Many on the internet, including Gautam Gambir, raised concerns about Dev's safety after the out-of-context picture was widely circulated on Twitter and other platforms. 

Anyone else received this clip, too? Hope it’s not actually @therealkapildev ?and that Kapil Paaji is fine! pic.twitter.com/KsIV33Dbmp

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 25, 2023

The mystery has been solved after integrated creative agency MANJA took "responsibility" for the so called abduction. 

To take Disney + Hotstar to the mobile screens in small town India, the agency developed a campaign to announce the free streaming of the ICC mens Cricket World Cup 2023.

With the villagers taking Kapil hostage, this Western style drama plays out to bring to light the free streaming option on Disney + Hotstar, with a data saver mode as well to make sure that that viewers get the best quality whilst consuming less data.

Campaign is live on TV and Digital in the build up to the upcoming World Cup.

Talking about the collaboration, Sidharth Shakdher, Head – Marketing, Disney+ Hotstar India said, "Cricket serves as a unifying force that brings our nation together. By offering free mobile streaming of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on Disney+ Hotstar, our goal is to make cricket more accessible to all, and who better to collaborate with for this endeavor than the iconic Kapil Dev. Through this campaign, our aim is to harness the deep-rooted passion for cricket that resonates across the nation, reaching every nook and corner.”

Commenting on his collaboration with the streaming platform, KapilDevsaid,“I am thrilled to be associated with Disney+ Hotstar, for bringing its first-class entertainment to every corner of the country and especially with the free on mobile offering for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023! Playing in the World Cup is an incredible experience, the atmosphere is electric, the competition is fierce and the passion is unparalleled. The current Indian team consists of an exceptional group of men and seeing them play is heartwarming. With the game evolving, the players are too and they have reached new heights of skill and athleticism. However, what makes cricket so special is the passion for the game both among the team and among the fans and with sports streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, the game can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime, without missing a beat!”