MS Dhoni Joins AI-Led Storytelling Platform Kuku as Investor & Brand Ambassador

Indian cricketer MS Dhoni has invested in Kuku, a mobile-first platform, and joined its short-form video app, Kuku TV, as a brand ambassador.

The move came at a time when AI-powered content platforms are gaining traction, particularly in short-form and regional storytelling formats.

Founded in 2018 by Lal Chand Bisu, Vinod Kumar Meena and Vikas Goyal, the company operates multiple apps, including Kuku TV for video content, Kuku FM for audio storytelling and Guru for edutainment. Its platforms have collectively crossed over 350 million installs with content available across multiple Indian languages.

“I chose to invest in Kuku because it has built a differentiated entertainment experience across formats and languages,” Dhoni said, adding that he relates to the founders’ journey of building from smaller towns and scaling nationally. He also pointed to the company’s vision of creating an AI-driven storytelling platform “from Bharat, for Bharat, and for the world”.

The company has been expanding beyond traditional formats into AI-led storytelling. It is experimenting with AI-generated microdramas across genres such as mythology, futuristic fiction and superhero narratives, aiming to increase both the speed and scale of content production.

“MS Dhoni is known for backing bold decisions. At Kuku, we are also taking bold bets,” said Lal Chand Bisu, Co-Founder and CEO of Kuku.

Kuku TV has emerged as a key growth driver, crossing 180 million downloads and offering a large library of short-format episodes. The platform releases hundreds of microdramas each month, reflecting rising demand for fast-paced, mobile-first content.

Vinod Kumar Meena, Co-Founder and COO of Kuku, said Dhoni’s nationwide appeal aligns with Kuku’s ambition to build for a wide Indian audience. CTO of Kuku, Vikas Goyal, noted that Dhoni’s understanding of audiences could be valuable as the company continues building for both creators and consumers.

Investor interest in the space is also growing. Backed by firms like Krafton and Vertex Ventures, Kuku is positioning itself as an AI-native entertainment platform.