Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has invested in Kuku, an AI-driven, mobile-first storytelling platform, the company announced on March 30, without revealing financial details. Dhoni will also serve as the brand ambassador for Kuku’s microdrama app, Kuku TV.
Founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vikas Goyal, and Vinod Kumar Meena, Kuku operates multiple storytelling apps including Kuku TV (microdramas), Kuku FM (audio content), and Guru (edutainment). The company recently expanded into theatrical releases with its first Hindi feature film, Indian Institute of Zombies (IIZ).
Dhoni said he is drawn to Kuku’s founders, who come from small towns like his, and supports their vision of building an AI-powered storytelling platform “from Bharat, for Bharat, and for the world.”
Dhoni’s investment comes as microdramas gain popularity in India. The country’s micro-drama market surpassed $300 million in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.5 billion by the end of 2026, according to Lumikai, a venture capital firm focused on interactive media and gaming.
Kuku claims over 350 million app installs and a library of more than 20,000 titles in over seven languages, with several shows exceeding 100 million views. The Bengaluru-based startup raised $85 million in funding led by Granite Asia (formerly GGV Capital) in October 2025, with participation from Vertex Growth Fund, Krafton, IFC, Paramark, Tribe Capital India, and Bitkraft.
Bisu said Dhoni’s willingness to back bold decisions aligns with Kuku’s approach to innovation. Meena highlighted Dhoni’s nationwide appeal as a perfect match for Kuku’s vision of reaching all of India. Goyal added that Dhoni’s understanding of audiences will be valuable as the platform strengthens its AI-driven storytelling capabilities.
In February, Kuku launched its first AI-powered original microdramas spanning genres such as mytho-fantasy, futuristic fiction, and superhero narratives. Panthera Peak Capital’s Managing Director Nikhil Bhandarkar, also a senior adviser to Dhoni’s family office, praised the alignment between Dhoni’s approach and Kuku’s vision for building a global entertainment platform.
Kuku competes with platforms like Eloelo, Pocket Entertainment, Dashverse, and Indian social media unicorn ShareChat.
