Prasar Bharati Launches Streaming Platform Waves

Prasar Bharati, the prominent public broadcaster in India, introduced its streaming service, Waves, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa, marking its entry into the competitive streaming market of the country.

Content and Features of Waves

The platform launches with a diverse array of content, covering over 12 languages and more than 10 genres. It includes video-on-demand options, free gaming, radio streaming, and 65 live channels. To set itself apart from existing streaming services, Waves incorporates e-commerce features through a collaboration with ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce).

Significance of the Launch

“This is a significant milestone for the Indian entertainment sector with the introduction of Waves OTT,” remarked Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the launch. “I am thrilled to see the platform’s wide variety of content, which includes films and offerings in various languages, including Konkani.” In India and many Asian nations, streaming is commonly referred to as OTT (Over The Top).

Initial Content Offerings

The initial content lineup features the fantasy action film “Monkey King the Hero is Back,” the national award-winning movie “Fouja,” and the thriller series “Bhed Bharam” by Vipul Shah. Additionally, it includes “Fauji 2.0,” a contemporary adaptation of the 1980s Shah Rukh Khan movie, starring Gauhar Khan and directed by Sandeep Singh. Other notable offerings comprise the family drama “Thode Door Thode Paas,” featuring Pankaj Kapoor, Kailash Kher’s music reality show “Bharat ka Amrit Kalash,” and Oscar-winning filmmaker Guneet Monga Kapoor’s social impact film “Kicking Balls.”

Content for Younger Audiences

For younger viewers, Waves provides animated programming such as “Doggy Adventure,” “Chota Bheem,” “Tenaliram,” and “Akbar Birbal,” along with games like “Krishna Jump,” “Fruit Chef,” “Ram the Yodha,” and the U.S. Cricket Premier League tournament.

Focus on Family Viewing

Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi highlighted the platform’s commitment to family-friendly content: “Waves offers a broad spectrum of content suitable for family viewing, allowing every Indian household to watch, listen, read, play, and shop in a curated environment.”

Partnerships and Collaborations

The platform has formed partnerships with various content providers, including Lionsgate for video content and several gaming companies such as Mud Games and Tag Labs. Educational content providers like PACE have also joined to deliver test preparation tutorials.

Alignment with Digital Strategy

Information & Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju positioned the launch as part of India’s larger digital strategy: “Waves OTT represents a crucial advancement in the Indian government’s Digital India initiative. This comprehensive, inclusive, and diverse OTT platform will help close the digital media and entertainment gap, supported by its collaboration with BharatNet for last-mile connectivity to rural audiences.”

Live Streaming Events

The service will also provide live streaming of events, including the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly “Mann ki Baat” address.

Unique Positioning of Waves

Prasar Bharati chair Navneet Kumar Sehgal emphasized that Waves is “one of the few OTT networks that serves as your gateway not only to wholesome family entertainment but also to shopping, games, and news and current affairs for children and youth.”

Content Acquisition Strategy

The platform’s content acquisition strategy, as detailed in its 2024 policy, aims to attract urban, metropolitan, middle India, and non-resident Indian audiences. Various government ministries, including External Affairs, Finance, and Culture, have contributed programming to the platform. Additionally, it will feature content from film schools like FTII and partnerships with National Creator awardees such as Kamiya Jani and Gaurav Chaudhary.

Person

Pramod Sawant, Gaurav Dwivedi, Sanjay Jaju, Narendra Modi, Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Kamiya Jani, Gaurav Chaudhary

Company Names

Prasar Bharati, ONDC, Lionsgate, Mud Games, Tag Labs, PACE, BharatNet

Titles

Waves, Monkey King the Hero is Back, Fouja, Bhed Bharam, Fauji 2.0, Thode Door Thode Paas, Bharat ka Amrit Kalash, Kicking Balls, Doggy Adventure, Chota Bheem, Tenaliram, Akbar Birbal, Krishna Jump, Fruit Chef, Ram the Yodha, Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti, Mann ki Baat

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.