Banijay Entertainment takes over the Indian fitness format ‘Battleground’
Banijay Entertainment has acquired the global rights to ‘Battleground’, a fitness-based competition format originated by Mumbai-based Rusk Media.
The format combines athletic competition, reality-style drama and audience interactivity, following fitness creators through a three-stage competition with a signature Fight Club segment. The contestants are split into four teams, each led by a mentor who has the power to bid and trade athletes through strategic power plays, while 24-hour cameras provide the reality engine at the heart of the show. Participants are tested in a wide range of physical disciplines, from pure strength and speed to agility and endurance.
The series’ debut season in India racked up over 20 million views and 2.5 billion views on social media, lending credence to the format as it enters the global market.
“The large-scale athletic battles provide real spectacle; while evolving alliances, rivalries and gameplay bring new competitive energy,” said Helen Greatorex, head of format acquisitions at Banijay Entertainment. “This is a format with truly global potential, tapping directly into the creator-driven landscape that is driving viewership today.”
“By combining competitive intensity with real, relatable stories, the show creates an immersive viewing experience while offering brands the opportunity to organically integrate and connect with audiences in a more meaningful way,” said Mayank Yadav, CEO and co-founder of Rusk Media.
“Battleground” joins Banijay Entertainment’s third party, alongside formats such as “Ninja Warrior” – licensed from Tokyo Broadcasting System – strategic reality title “Werewolves” from Studiocanal and Dreamspark, and comedy format “You Laugh, You Lose” from Yoshimoto, the producers behind “Last One Laughing.”
Marco Bassetti, CEO of Banijay Entertainment, has overseen the company’s growth to €3.3 billion ($3.85 billion) in revenues and €544 million ($635 million) in EBITDA from 2025. Founded in 2019, Rusk Media focuses on serialized fiction, unscripted formats and live entertainment, built primarily for younger audiences, and distributed via third-party streaming platforms and its own service, Alright TV.
