Rusk Media signs Performax and DaMENSCH for Battleground S2 ahead of April return
CE DESK 
Rusk Media is building stronger commercial momentum around Battleground Season 2 by onboarding Performax and DaMENSCH as special partners, while Pratikar has joined the show as an associate partner. The move underlines how the series is evolving beyond a content property into a brand-led entertainment platform aimed at India’s young, fitness-driven audience.
The second season is set to stream on Amazon MX Player from April 2026, with the makers promising a bigger format, tougher challenges and higher audience engagement than the debut run. Rusk Media has already started revealing key parts of the new season, including the return of creator Abhishek Malhan, also known as Fukra Insaan, as mentor of Delhi Dominators, the winning team from Season 1.
That returning competitive edge makes the show a natural fit for brands such as Performax and DaMENSCH, both of which speak to consumers interested in performance, confidence, self-expression and active lifestyles. For advertisers, Battleground offers more than logo visibility, because the format is designed for immersive and integrated content opportunities rather than traditional sponsorship placements alone.
Mayank Yadav, co-founder & CEO, Rusk Media, said: “Battleground has quickly evolved into a high-impact IP that brings together competition, storytelling, and community at scale. As we build Season 2, the focus is on expanding that universe, with stronger teams, deeper engagement, and more opportunities for both audiences and brand partners. Abhishek’s return is a big moment for the show, and we’re excited to reveal what’s coming next.”
Aruna Daryanani, director, Amazon MX Player, said: “Battleground Season 1 resonated strongly with audiences across the country, scaling rapidly on viewership and building a passionate fan base for the format. The combination of competitive intensity and compelling personalities drove high engagement, making it one of the standout reality shows on the service. With Season 2, we’re expanding the canvas with fresh teams, bigger rivalries, and more immersive brand integrations. Our focus remains on delivering premium, accessible entertainment to viewers across India, completely free, while continuing to evolve formats that deeply connect with today’s audiences”
Sharing his excitement for returning as mentor this season, Abhishek Malhan aka Fukra Insaan said: “Winning Battleground Season 1 with Delhi Dominators was an incredible experience and coming back as a mentor to defend that title makes it even more exciting. The competition this time is going to be tougher, the teams are stronger, and the energy is on another level. I’m looking forward to pushing my team harder and making this season even bigger.”
Anurag Saboo, co-founder, DaMENSCH, added, “Battleground offers a fresh and engaging way to connect with today’s young audiences who value performance, confidence, and self-expression. The show’s high-energy format and strong cultural relevance make it an exciting platform for us to showcase the brand in a more integrated and meaningful way. We’re looking forward to being part of this journey and engaging with consumers through content that feels authentic and impactful.”
The brand signings also reflect the growing value of fitness entertainment in India’s ad market. Season 1 established Battleground as a high-energy mix of sport, strategy and reality storytelling, helping it build a passionate fan base and strong viewership on the platform. With new partners entering early and the platform expanding its integration strategy, Season 2 looks positioned to become a bigger property for both audience engagement and brand collaboration.
