MS Dhoni invests in Kuku FM; says, ‘I connect strongly with founders who come from small towns like mine’

Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni has invested in AI-driven storytelling platform Kuku FM and joined its microdrama app, Kuku TV, as a brand ambassador.

The company, which was founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena and Vikas Goyal, operates multiple content platforms including Kuku TV for short-format video, Kuku FM for audio storytelling, and Guru for edutainment. It has also recently expanded into theatrical productions.

Kuku claims its apps have recorded more than 350 million installs, with a content library of over 20,000 titles in more than seven languages. Several of its shows have surpassed 100 million views.

Explaining his decision to invest, 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.”

Kuku TV, the company’s microdrama platform, has crossed 180 million downloads and offers more than 150,000 episodes. It releases hundreds of short-format dramas each month and has introduced AI-powered formats across genres such as mythological fantasy, futuristic fiction and superhero narratives.

As part of the partnership, the company has launched a promotional campaign titled #DhoniWatchesKukuTV, aimed at highlighting its short-form storytelling content.

Lal Chand Bisu, Co-founder and CEO of Kuku, said, “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.”

Vinod Kumar Meena, Co-founder and COO of Kuku, added, “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.”