Indian cricketer MS Dhoni has invested in Kuku, an AI-driven mobile-first storytelling platform, and has joined its microdrama app Kuku TV as brand ambassador.
The company has operated a portfolio of apps including Kuku TV for microdramas, Kuku FM for audio storytelling, and Guru for edutainment, as per media reports. It has also expanded into theatrical releases.
Founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena, and Vikas Goyal, Kuku has scaled to over 350 million installs across its platforms. The company has hosted more than 20,000 titles across seven languages, with several shows crossing 100 million views.
Kuku TV alone has crossed 180 million downloads and has offered over 150,000 episodes, with hundreds of microdramas released monthly across genres. The platform has also introduced AI-powered microdrama formats spanning mytho-fantasy, futuristic fiction, and superhero narratives.
As part of the association, Kuku TV has launched a campaign titled #DhoniWatchesKukuTV, built around a brand film highlighting short-format storytelling.
The company has been backed by investors including Fundamentum, Krafton, Vertex Ventures, Granite Asia, and IFC, and has continued to position itself as an AI-led storytelling platform targeting both Indian and global audiences.
“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.”- MS Dhoni
“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.”- Lal Chand Bisu, Co-founder and CEO, 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.”- Vinod Kumar Meena, Co-founder and COO, 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.”- Vikas Goyal, Co-founder and CTO, Kuku
“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.”- Nikhil Bhandarkar, Managing Director, Panthera Peak Capital
