MS Dhoni joins Kuku as investor and brand ambassador of microdrama app
Cricket legend MS Dhoni has invested in the AI-driven storytelling platform Kuku. He will also serve as the brand ambassador of Kuku TV to promote high-quality microdramas across India and global markets.
Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni has invested in Kuku, an AI-driven storytelling platform. In addition to his financial backing, Dhoni has also taken on the role of brand ambassador for Kuku TV, an app designed for microdramas.
The partnership comes as the company seeks to expand its footprint both locally and internationally. Kuku operates a diverse ecosystem of apps, including Kuku FM for audiobooks and Guru for edutainment, which is educational content presented in an entertaining format.
Dhoni noted that the platform stood out for its unique entertainment experience for audiences across India while using 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,” the former Indian cricketer said.
The company was established in 2018 by three IIT alumni, Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena, and Vikas Goyal. Since its inception, the platform claims to have grown to achieve over 350 million installs across its various applications, hosting a library of more than 20,000 titles. The platform is integrating AI to strengthen its storytelling capabilities.
Kuku CEO Bisu, 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.”
The company says Kuku TV offers over 150,000 episodes across at least seven languages and has reached 180 million downloads and.
“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,” said Vinod Kumar Meena, COO of Kuku.
CTO Goyal said, “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."
Financial support for the venture comes from several global firms, including Krafton and Vertex Ventures.
(Feature image: MS Dhoni flanked by Kuku’s co-founders (L to R) Vikas Goyal, Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena)
Edited by Swetha Kannan