In a major move to tap into the growing digital streaming landscape, Prasar Bharati, India’s national public broadcaster, unveiled its new OTT platform ‘WAVES’ at the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on Wednesday. The launch marks a significant step forward in making culturally rich, inclusive content accessible to a global audience.
Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, officially launched the platform, alongside other notable dignitaries, including Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. WAVES is set to cater to the diverse tastes of Indian audiences and the global diaspora, offering content in over 12 languages including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, Assamese, and more.
As a large aggregator OTT service, ‘WAVES’ presents a broad spectrum of content that reflects India’s cultural heritage while embracing contemporary trends. The platform will showcase a wide array of genres including infotainment, news, documentaries, regional programming, and more, with offerings aimed at both nostalgic viewers and younger, tech-savvy audiences.
A Rich Cultural Library & Interactive Features The platform’s content library features iconic Indian shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log, providing viewers with an emotional connection to India’s cultural legacy. Along with these classics, WAVES will also feature live TV streaming, 65 live channels, and a variety of on-demand content, including modern dramas, films, and news programs.
A distinctive feature of WAVES is its integration of video on demand, radio streaming, and live TV, which includes live events like the monthly broadcast of Mann Ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and live coverage of the US Premier League Cricket Tournament from November 22, 2024. Additionally, the platform will stream live cultural events, such as the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya.
Empowering Young Creators WAVES also highlights its commitment to supporting the creative economy by providing a platform for young creators. The service is collaborating with rising stars in the Indian content creation space, such as Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, and Shraddha Sharma, as well as showcasing student graduation films from prestigious film schools like FTII and Annapurna.
In line with IFFI’s focus on young filmmakers, WAVES will feature the student film Roll No. 52, from Annapurna Film and Media Studio, and other notable content like Fauji 2.0, a modern remake of the iconic 1980s show Fauji, and Kicking Balls, a film by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor.
A Future-Focused OTT Experience The digital experience of WAVES is designed to blend India’s traditional values with modern functionality. The platform features an intuitive user interface, cross-platform compatibility, and personalized profiles. WAVES also promises a unique interactive experience, including free-to-play gaming, e-commerce integration, and video and gaming content through its partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
A Collaborative Effort for National Content WAVES is not only a platform for entertainment but also a space for informative programming. Various government ministries and state agencies are contributing to the content pool, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Finance, IGNCA, and India Post. Upcoming documentaries and historical content, such as the 75th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of India and Cinemas of India from the NFDC archives, will further enrich the platform’s diverse offerings.
The Future of OTT in India With WAVES, Prasar Bharati has expanded its reach beyond traditional television, entering the OTT domain to offer a complete infotainment ecosystem. The launch signifies a monumental leap not only for Prasar Bharati but for India’s growing digital media landscape, providing a comprehensive platform for both entertainment and information with a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and cultural preservation.
WAVES’ expansive content lineup, interactive features, and commitment to supporting young talent position it as a strong player in the increasingly competitive OTT market.
