Cricket icon MS Dhoni is making a move into the digital entertainment world. He’s just announced his investment in Kuku TV, a platform that’s quickly gaining traction with its short-form videos and dramas.
Alongside the investment, Dhoni will also serve as the brand ambassador for the company.
Speaking of the core cognition behind his new investment, Dhoni said,
“I chose to invest in Kuku and also come on board as the ambassador for Kuku TV, because the platform really stood out to me. It has built a differentiated entertainment experience for audiences across India, spanning multiple languages and formats. The growth has been impressive, and I connect strongly with the founders, who come from small towns like mine and have built something of this scale. I believe in their vision of building an AI-driven storytelling platform from Bharat, for Bharat, and for the world.” he said
Kuku TV has gained traction for its mix of regional content, original dramas, and bite-sized video storytelling. The startup now plans to expand its use of AI technology to scale content creation and user personalization.
“MS Dhoni is known for backing bold decisions that others might hesitate to take. At Kuku, we are also taking bold bets. That spirit of unconventional thinking resonates deeply with us.” said, Lal Chand Bisu, Co-founder and CEO of Kuku
“Our beloved Thala is one of the rare personalities with truly nationwide appeal. As we build Kuku for all of India, that connection makes him a natural fit for us,” added Vinod Kumar Meena, Co-founder and COO of Kuku
“MSD has a unique understanding of people. As we build for both creators and consumers, that perspective will be incredibly valuable, especially as we continue strengthening our AI-driven storytelling stack,” said Vikas Goyal, Co-founder and CTO
Echoing his excitement on the partnership, Nikhil Bhandarkar, the Managing Director of Panthera Peak Capital, an existing investor of Kuku, said, “Kuku’s vision, execution, and clarity of thought are exceptional — qualities that closely mirror MS Dhoni’s approach. We are excited to partner with the team as they build Kuku into a global entertainment platform.”
With Dhoni’s involvement, Kuku TV is expected to receive a major boost in visibility as it looks to expand its presence across regional markets and strengthen its AI-led creative backbone. The partnership underlines a growing crossover between sports icons and India’s thriving digital entertainment ecosystem — where storytelling, technology, and star power now move hand in hand.
Besides Kuku, MS Dhoni is known for his diversified portfolio of startup investments, which includes Garuda Aerospace, EMotorad, BluSmartCARS24, KhataBook, HomeLane, Tagda Raho, and 7Ink Brews, among others.
