Doordarshan, India’s iconic public broadcaster, has ventured into the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform space to cater to the growing demand for digital streaming services. The platform aims to revive nostalgia while embracing modern digital trends by offering a rich mix of classic content and contemporary programming. With a library featuring timeless shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log, the platform appeals to audiences looking for cultural and emotional connections with India’s past. Additionally, it offers news, documentaries, and regional content, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. By leveraging its decades-long legacy and national trust, Doordarshan’s OTT platform bridges the gap between traditional television and modern streaming, reaching tech-savvy youth and older generations alike.

‘WAVES’ makes its entry as a large aggregator OTT with Inclusive India stories embracing Indian culture with an international outlook, in 12+ Languages – Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, Assamese. It will be spread across 10+ Genres of Infotainment. It will provide Video on demand, free-to-play gaming, Radio streaming, Live TV streaming, 65 live Channels, several App in App integrations for video and gaming content, and online shopping through Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) supported e-commerce platform. 

As a conscious step to unlock the potential of young creators in the creative economy, WAVES also offers its platform to content creators including National Creator Awardees like Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, Shraddha Sharma and others. WAVES has opened its portal to student graduation films of film and media colleges like FTII, Annapurna, and AAFT.

New Films and shows on WAVE to be screened at IFFI

Aligning with the focus of 55^th IFFI on young filmmakers, WAVES will screen ‘Roll No.52,’ a student grad film from Annapurna Film and Media Studio by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni.

‘Fauji 2.0,’ a modern adaptation of the iconic 1980s Shahrukh Khan show Fauji, ‘Kicking Balls’ by oscar winning Guneet Monga Kapoor, ‘Jackson Halt’ a crime thriller, and ‘Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge’ themed on mobile toilets will be screened on WAVES

WAVES includes LIVE events like the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti LIVE from Ayodhya and the monthly Mann ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The upcoming US Premier League Cricket Tournament will be carried LIVE on WAVES from 22^nd November, 2024. WAVES will also launch a Cyber Security awareness campaign with Daily Video messages in partnership with CDAC, MeitY. This campaign is backed by programmes such as Cyber Crime ki Duniya (a fictionalized series) and Cyber Alert (by DD News features).

Other films and shows on WAVES include fantasy action super hero ‘Monkey King: The Hero is Back,’ the national award winning Fouja, Armaan, Vipul Shah’s thriller show Bhed Bharam, family drama Thode Door Thode Paas featuring Pankaj Kapoor, Kailash Kher’s music reality show Bharat ka Amrit Kalash, Sarpanch, BeCubed by Hotmail Founder Sabeer Bhatia, women centric shows and films such as Corporate Sarpanch, Dashmi, and Kariathi, Jaanki. WAVES also carries a selection of popular animation programs including Doggy Adventure, Chota Bheem, Tenaliram, Akbar Birbal, and games like Krishna Jump, Fruit Chef, Ram the Yodha, Cricket Premier League tournament.

Expanding the repertoire of content formats, language, genre and reach on WAVES are Live channels including Doordarshan, Akashvani, and private channels across multiple categories such as news, general entertainment, music, devotional, sports.

Central Government Ministries and states are also joining hands with Prasar Bharati to co-develop and contribute varied content such as docudramas, dramatized or fictionalized shows, reality shows with entertainment value, as an effective vehicle for meaningful messages. Some content includes a documentary on the 75^th anniversary of the Supreme Court of India, the NFDC archives titled Cinemas of India, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s rare archival content like historical photos, journals and publications. The Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, IGNCA, Ministry of Culture and India Post have also contributed informative and entertaining programming to WAVES.

The Digital Experience of WAVES fuses Indian ethos with modern look and feel, friendly user interface, cross-Platform compatibility, personalized profiles and curated playlists add value to the streaming experience.

This launch signifies a major leap forward not only for Prasar Bharati but the digital media and OTT audiences, as it offers a complete infotainment ecosystem.

The post Prasar Bharati makes WAVES in OTT segment first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

OTTplay Premium, India’s OTT Super App and leading AI-based recommendation engine announces its partnership with JioCinema, further strengthening its content portfolio, and enhancing the streaming experience for its users.

OTTplay Premium subscribers will have complete access to JioCinema’s entire content library with immediate effect, including popular shows, movies, sports, and exclusive originals. Subscribers will also benefit from critically acclaimed premium titles sourced from NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, and including popular shows such as Bigg Boss, Game of Thrones, movies which also include regional superhits like Unaad and Rathnam along with exclusive Jio Originals like Khalbali Records, PILL, Gaanth and live TV channels like Colors, Comedy Central and MTV Beats. In addition to all the new exciting content, subscribers will also benefit from premium titles sourced from HBO and Peacock, renowned for their critically acclaimed shows and films, like The Penguin, Chicago P.D, Succession, Suits, The Fall Guy, and The Office, among others.

JioCinema’s library will be initially available through OTTplay’s Android and iOS apps, followed by a phased rollout on desktop and smart TVs in the coming weeks, ensuring a smooth and comprehensive user experience across multiple platforms.

With this collaboration, OTTplay Premium subscribers and new users will enjoy JioCinema content at no extra cost. Commenting on the partnership, Avinash Mudaliar, CEO of OTTplay said, “This partnership with JioCinema marks a significant milestone in OTTplay’s journey to become the ultimate destination for content discovery and streaming. By offering access to JioCinema’s rich catalogue, including sports and exclusive originals, we are broadening our content library to meet the diverse preferences of our users. With this integration, we are confident that OTTplay Premium will continue to lead the market in providing personalized, high-quality content across all regions of India.”

With its expanded content offerings, OTTplay now provides users access to vast array of JioCinema’s localized and international programming. The addition of sports, along with originals from HBO, NBCUniversal, and others, is set to enhance user engagement and satisfaction. OTTplay Premium now offers access to over 38+ OTT services across 10+ languages and 18+ genres, solidifying its status as India’s largest OTT aggregator and making content discovery easier and more enjoyable for users nationwide.

About OTTplay

OTTplay is India’s pioneering OTT aggregator that uses AI-based recommendations to revolutionize content discovery and consumption. With the introduction of OTTplay Premium, the platform now offers a curated selection of content from 40 premier OTT platforms which are personalized based on each user’s unique preferences.

The post India Ka Super OTT App, OTTplay Premium Partners with JioCinema first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Citing data, Hyderabad has recorded the highest audience base for 4K streaming in India in 2024. ZEE5 reports a 278% surge in 4K viewership in South India and a 310% increase in North India, with Uttar Pradesh and Delhi leading the race. Additionally, ZEE5’s content viewership shows that 40% of audiences are from tier 2 and 3 cities, while Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi lead the charts for content consumption in metro cities. Additionally, ZEE5 has recorded a 25% annual growth in time spent per user, and non-Hindi languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada contribute to 50% of the total consumption.

Here are the key highlights of the data from July 2023 – July 2024:

• ZEE5 Streaming on Connected Devices Soars in Indian Metros with 65% of users watching movies on connected devices
• 2024 sees significant rise in 4k streaming; ZEE5 reports 278% surge in South India and 310% in North India, with Uttar Pradesh and Delhi leading the race
• ZEE5 recorded a 25% annual growth in time spent per user 
• Drama and Romance lead with 105M Watch-Time Hours, followed by Action and Thriller’s 32M Watch-Time Hours 
• Tier 2 cities prefer a mix of Romance and Drama, while 6 Out of 9 Indian Metros cited Dramas as their preferred genre
• South Indian viewers contribute most significantly to Drama’s popularity: Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada Viewers see exponential watch-time increase for the genre on ZEE5

Commenting on the trends observed, Manish Kalra, Chief Business Officer at ZEE5 stated, “In the last one year, we have released several titles within our post-theatrical and original content library. The audience has spent a total of 85 billion minutes from July 2023 – July 2024 on the platform, with viewership coming in from multiple audience cohorts and geographies. With the vision of being the portal of choice for billions of viewers, we will continue to bring diverse and engaging content, with a prime focus on quality storytelling. It has been a good year for us. Our titles have received great reception from audiences not just in India but also from the global diaspora. Staying true to our commitment to bring best-in-class entertainment to our viewers, ZEE5 will continue to partner with the best talents in the creative ecosystem, enhance viewing experience further, and bring forth stories that delight, engage, and entertain.”

The ZEE5 report also revealed the chart toppers from the last one year. According to the data, Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai received the highest watch time in direct-to-digital movies while Taj is the most-watched original series for the year.

The post ZEE5 unveils Hyderabad as 4K streaming hub in India in 2024 first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Cloud TV users can now enjoy Zee5’s content library enriched with features like assistant support in multiple Indian languages and universal search capabilities allowing content discovery across various apps. The interface allows direct access to the platform’s content spanning films, TV shows and originals .

Manish Kalra, chief business officer Zee5 India stated, “Ze5’s partnership with Cloud TV reflects our dedication to offering a seamless and enjoyable entertainment experience to our audiences at their convenience. This integration gives viewers the flexibility to enjoy their favourite content directly on television, leading to an on-demand, high-quality viewing experience at the click of a button, extending our reach making cutting edge content more accessible than before.”

Abhijeet Rajpurohit, COO, co-founder Cloud TV said,“We’re excited to welcome ZEE5 to the Cloud TV ecosystem. This allows for easy access to Zee5’s fresh and exciting content library being directly available on Cloud TV devices and a seamless viewing experience for our mutual customers. With such partnerships, we aim to make entertainment seamless and diverse to our audience using smart TVs.”

Cloud TV is a smart TV operating system that delivers solutions for modern TV devices. Its ecosystem features a built-in app store, content recommendations, live TV channels, voice assistance, a mobile remote app, easy content search and more. It added that it has partnerships across 200+ smart TV brands.

The post Zee5 partners with Cloud TV OS to grow reach, ease of access first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Engaging Performances and Direction
Karthi and Arvind Swamy deliver riveting performances, adding depth and intensity to their characters. Director C. Prem Kumar has skillfully woven a story that touches on themes of truth and integrity, aligning with the name Meiyazhagan, meaning “Man with truth as beauty.” The film’s authenticity is further enhanced by the grounded direction and emotional clarity, making it a compelling watch.

Why Meiyazhagan is Worth Watching
For a viewer like Sonu Tyagi, who appreciates well-crafted storytelling in Hindi classics, Hollywood films, and international cinema, Meiyazhagan offers an unexpected yet rewarding cinematic experience. It stands out for its brilliance in minimalism, showing that a film doesn’t need a large budget to resonate deeply with audiences. The direction and screenplay keep viewers engaged till the end, making it one of those rare gems that leave you satisfied and reflective.

Recommendation
If you’re in the mood for something unique that feels real and meaningful, Meiyazhagan is an excellent choice. It shows how regional cinema, especially Tamil, can deliver impactful narratives that cross language barriers, much like the international cinema you enjoy. So, Meiyazhagan is a must-watch, not only for its storytelling but for the sense of joy and fulfillment it leaves you with.

Sonu Tyagi is an accomplished writer, director, and producer with a dynamic career spanning advertising, media, and entertainment. As the founder of Approach Entertainment, he has built an award-winning company specializing in celebrity management, film production, and PR. With a background in psychology, advertising management, journalism, and filmmaking, Sonu Tyagi has brought a unique perspective to his projects, producing a range of films, advertising campaigns, music videos, and, recently, a spiritual web series titled Two Great Masters. His work reflects a passion for storytelling and an understanding of audience engagement across multiple platforms.

The post Film Review and Recommendation for Meiyazhagan first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The twisted tale unfolds in the fictional hilly town of Devipur, where police inspector Vidya Jyothi (Kajol) finds herself drawn to a series of unsettling events involving Saumya (Kriti Sanon) and her husband, Dhruv Sood (Shaheer Sheikh). When Saumya’s twin sister, Shailee, suddenly arrives at the hill station, her intrigue deepens, leaving Vidya to question whether anything is truly as it seems within this web of half-truths and half-lies.  

Expressing her excitement, Kriti Sanon shares, “Do Patti is incredibly special to me, not just because it’s my first film as a producer, but also because it allowed me to explore my own duality on-screen. This film has been like my baby; Kanika and I have nurtured it from the start, especially in our capacity as producers and it’s truly fulfilling to see this journey through with Netflix. Do Patti also has a poignant message woven in which is the reason why I chose to produce this film as my first, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.” 

Reflecting on her role as Vidya Jyothi, Kajol shares, “As an actor, I have always looked forward to roles that allow me to connect with my audience. This being the first time I play a police officer, I can’t wait for my fans to see me in this new avatar. Bringing this powerful story to life has been rewarding.” 

The high-stakes drama reunites powerhouse talents Kriti Sanon and Kajol after Dilwale (2015) in an edge-of-the-seat story of betrayal, and the complexities of human nature in a dangerous game of one-upmanship.

Speaking about the film, Kanika Dhillon, writer and producer with her banner Kathha Pictures, says, “Do Patti is very close to my heart. Collaborating with two powerhouse performers, Kriti and Kajol was an absolute delight. I am glad that this powerful tale of sibling rivalry, and redemption with a gut-wrenching message can be enjoyed by audiences across the world thanks to Netflix and their global viewership.”    

Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, says, “Do Patti brings together the powerhouse talents of the iconic Kajol, the charismatic Kriti Sanon, and the brilliant storyteller Kanika Dhillon, each known for their remarkable strength and range. This film takes audiences on an investigative journey that doubles as an emotional rollercoaster, filled with unexpected twists and culminating in a surprising end. Watch out for this complete entertainer.”

Releasing on October 25, Do Patti promises a cinematic experience that will linger long after the credits roll.

Director Shashanka Chaturvedi Writer Kanika Dhillon Producers Kanika Dhillon and Kriti Sanon Produced by Kathha Pictures and Blue Butterfly Films Cast Kajol, Kriti Sanon, Shaheer Sheikh, Tanvi Azmi and Brijendra Kala

The post Twisted Twins and a Fierce Cop — Netflix Drops ‘Do Patti’ Trailer first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

In his new role, Ishan will oversee the overall monetisation strategy for JioCinema, focusing on revenue generation from sports and driving growth in small and medium-sized business (SMB) revenues across both sports and entertainment sectors.

Ishan joins JioCinema from YouTube India, where he served as Managing Director and was instrumental in shaping the platform’s strategic direction and growth in the country. With over two decades of diverse experience, including 13 years at Google, he has also held significant roles at McKinsey and Hindustan Unilever. Ishan is an alumnus of The Wharton School and St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.

As a key member of JioCinema’s leadership team, Ishan will collaborate closely with Kiran Mani to further the platform’s ambitious goals in the dynamic digital entertainment landscape.

The post JioCinema names Ishan Chatterjee as Chief Business Officer first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

PILL introduces you to Prakash Chauhan, played by Riteish Deshmukh, who digs through the deep-set rot in the Indian pharmaceutical world. The series showcases the process through which a pill reaches an individual, through diverse characters – from powerful pharma industrialists, corrupt doctors, to medical representatives, compromised drug regulators, politicians, journalists, and whistleblowers. Through the course of the show, tension unfolds as Prakash faces-off the manipulative CEO of Pharma company, portrayed by Pavan Malhotra and takes on an honest fight to find out the truth behind the powerful nexus that puts profits before patients. In this compelling clash of good vs. evil, Prakash’s quest to truth raises hope for the common man to be more aware and vigilant in a world where everyone is at the mercy of medicines and vaccines.

Talking about his debut series, Riteish Deshmukh said, “It’s exciting to venture into the world of digital streaming. When you’re entrusted with a compelling story like Pill, there’s a huge responsibility to do justice to it. It’s intriguing to learn about the complexities behind something as seemingly simple as a pill that impacts our daily lives and well-being. Being a part of this journey has been incredibly enlightening. Working alongside visionaries like Raj Kumar Gupta and Ronnie Screwvala, who have poured their hearts into this project, is a true honour. Prakash Chauhan is a character of both simplicity and strength, and I am confident that his fight against the corrupt pharma players will resonate with the audience.”

Ronnie Screwvala, also shared, “We’ve worked hard to bring an original and thought-provoking concept and story like PILL that explores untold landscapes and asks crucial questions. With PILL, we aim to entertain as well as increase awareness amongst people. Riteish brings his unparalleled acting prowess to the series, making his digital debut even more exciting. And as always, it is a pleasure working with Raj who has helmed this one with his thrilling expertise. Lastly the show’s release on JioCinema allows us the widest audience reach and together we look forward to bringing this powerful series to screens far and wide.”

Raj Kumar Gupta commented, “Celluloid has always been my medium of expression as I’ve made films across genres to bring different stories to my audiences. And now, I am looking forward to experimenting with the long format on OTT. A story like ‘Pill’ needed to be told through a longer format and I am glad to be collaborating with JioCinema to tell this story. It has been a great experience working with Riteish, Ronnie, and the entire team on this one. We all are looking forward to bringing this story to audiences.”

The post JioCinema Premium unveils the trailer of ‘PILL’, showcases the dark underbelly of the Pharma Industry first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

Approach Bollywood : Can you tell us about the inspiration behind writing the book ‘Two Great Masters’ and the journey of bringing it to life as a web series?

Amrit Gupta: My inspiration to write ‘Two Great Masters’ stemmed from a deep love for humanity and a desire to share the profound teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda. After decades of study and practice of their teachings, I felt compelled to bring their wisdom to a wider audience. The transition to a web series was a natural progression, driven by the vision to reach a broader digital audience. Collaborating with Anurag Sharma and the team at Juni Films & Approach Entertainment was pivotal in bringing this vision to fruition.

Approach Bollywood : What aspects of the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda do you believe are most relevant in today’s world?

Amrit Gupta: Their teachings transcend barriers of religion, caste, and creed, offering practical wisdom for leading purposeful and fulfilling lives. The science of yoga and spirituality they advocated provides timeless solutions to modern-day challenges, guiding individuals towards inner transformation and happiness.

Approach Bollywood : Could you share your experience with the research process for writing the book, and any challenges you faced along the way?

Approach Bollywood : Despite challenges in publishing and distribution, fueled by publishers’ reluctance and financial constraints, the journey of writing ‘Two Great Masters’ was immensely rewarding. My background in reading, writing, and drafting during my official career proved invaluable in navigating these challenges.

Approach Bollywood : ‘Two Great Masters’ has now been adapted into a web series. How do you feel about seeing your work come to life on screen?

Amrit Gupta: Witnessing ‘Two Great Masters’ transform from a book to a web series has brought immense pleasure, devoid of any desire for personal acclaim. My hope is that the series reaches a wide audience, enriching lives and inspiring positive change.

Approach Bollywood : How closely does the web series follow the narrative and themes of your book?

Amrit Gupta : The web series closely aligns with the narrative and themes of the book, maintaining fidelity to the teachings of Vivekananda and Yogananda. Any creative liberties taken during the adaptation process were minimal and aimed at enhancing the viewer’s experience.

Approach Bollywood : What message or insights do you hope viewers will take away from watching the ‘Two Great Masters’ web series?

Amrit Gupta: I hope viewers are introduced not only to the remarkable lives of Vivekananda and Yogananda but also to the profound science of spirituality. Through an engaging narrative and digital medium, the series offers lasting solutions to life’s questions and inspires contemplation on true and lasting happiness.

Approach Bollywood : Did you collaborate closely with the production team, and were there any specific challenges or highlights during production?

Amrit Gupta: Despite not being physically present, I collaborated closely with the production team. Challenges, such as completing shootouts within budget constraints, were overcome through teamwork and dedication to the project’s vision.

Approach Bollywood : How do you envision the impact of ‘Two Great Masters’ on viewers, particularly in terms of sparking interest in spirituality and the teachings of Vivekananda and Yogananda?

Amrit Gupta : I believe ‘Two Great Masters’ will serve as a gateway to spirituality for many viewers, igniting interest in the teachings of Vivekananda and Yogananda. By offering practical solutions and insights, the series has the potential to profoundly impact lives and foster spiritual growth.

Approach Bollywood : Do you have any upcoming projects or plans related to spiritual literature or media that you can share with us?

Amrit Gupta : Currently, I am considering delving into topics such as the “Chemistry of Life” or exploring the true structure of creation. These endeavors aim to further illuminate the interconnectedness of all existence and deepen our understanding of the universe.

The post Approach Bollywood Exclusive Interview with Amrit Gupta, Writer of ‘Two Great Masters,’ Produced by Juni Films & Approach Entertainment, Explores the Spiritual Journey Depicted in the Series first appeared on Approach Bollywood.

The report highlights the substantial growth in digital media revenue, totaling Rs. 63,200 crores in 2023. OTT video platforms contribute a hefty Rs. 31,800 crores to this figure, with advertising-based video on demand (AVoD) accounting for Rs. 21,900 crores and subscription-based video on demand (SVoD) making up the rest. Meta alone generates Rs. 16,500 crores in revenue.

In January 2024, AVoD attracted 133 million unique viewers, projected to grow to 205 million by January 2025. SVoD, with 88 million unique viewers, is expected to reach 110 million in the same period.

JioCinema leads the OTT revenue share with 29.6%, followed by Prime Video and Mini TV at 18.9%. Disney+ Hotstar holds a 12.8% share, while Netflix has 6.5%. In terms of unique viewers, Disney+ Hotstar tops the list with 135 million, followed by JioCinema with 125 million. Zee5, Prime Video, and Mini TV each have 52 million and 51 million unique viewers respectively. Notably, more than half of Netflix users access the platform through connected TVs (CTVs), a trend also significant for Prime Video and, to a lesser extent, Disney+ Hotstar.

The total number of yearly OTT viewers rose to 504 million in January 2024 from 496 million in January 2023 and 460 million in January 2022. In 2023, Disney+ Hotstar led in weekly watchtime with 171 minutes, followed by Netflix (149 minutes), JioCinema (142 minutes), SonyLIV (139 minutes), and Prime Video (125 minutes).

The report also reveals demographic insights: males dominated OTT consumption in 2023, and Prime Video’s viewership largely came from the 2-24 age group (31.9%). However, for Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema, the 25-34 age group was most significant, contributing 40.1% and 39.8% of their viewership, respectively.

With the rapid growth of OTT platforms, the entertainment landscape in India is evolving, promising more diverse and accessible content for viewers nationwide.

The post OTT Viewers in India to Surpass 300 Million in Two Years: Chrome OTT Report first appeared on Approach Bollywood.