iWorld
Varun Dhawan unveils Prime Video’s December 2023 lineup!
Mumbai: Brace yourselves for a taste of the extraordinary as Varun Dhwan spills the beans on the sensational December 2023 lineup from Prime Video. He not only gets the inside news on all things Prime Video but also makes sure to share the excitement with millions of fans across the nation.
In this latest update, Dhawan graciously invites viewers into his abode, proudly unveiling the home modifications he’s made – no surprises here, all geared towards optimizing the experience of immersing himself into the remarkable lineup of 15 new shows and movies hitting Prime Video in December.
Participating in the shoot for a program, The House Tour, Dhawan kicks things off with a practical joke on the host of the show. He moves on, in his inimitable style, radiating eagerness and excitement, as he drags the confounded host, played by Viraj Ghelani, and all the viewers from room to room, or more accurately, wall to wall, to show which titles he plans to watch on which screen, dropping hints and sneak peeks into what viewers can expect from Prime Video this December. From comedy to romance to action to movies and the best of international content… Varun has them all covered!
Prime Video fever reaches a new high at Dhawan’s place as he impresses his friend and the host of the House Tour show with a plethora of viewing options, not only in the living room but also extending to the kitchen (complete with a tablet in the oven) and the bedroom. Prepare yourself for a surprise twist: Varun’s friend ends up dialling his mother to declare he’s found his December dwelling – none other than Varun’s pad! Just as Varun settles in for the December Prime Video lineup, the tables turn when he unexpectedly inherits the role of host, tasked with the crucial responsibility of supplying snacks!
The film closes with Dhawan reiterating the unbeatable value offered by Prime Video, with 15 new shows and movies to indulge in this December, available as part of a single Prime membership for just ₹1499/ year.
“December is festive time, as the world winds down, many of us choose to spend quality time with friends and family, watching our favourite shows and movies. Prime Video makes this December special, with an unbelievably diverse line-up – from young adult rom-com in Flames, to a new title with entertainment legends – Neena Gupta, and Jackie Shroff, to poet and ace comedian Zakir Khan’s latest stand-up special, and the ultimate action thriller – Reacher S2, the slate has it all,” said Dhawan. “Who hasn’t found themselves grappling to keep pace with the incredible content at our fingertips every day on Prime Video? This film cranks up that conflict a notch higher – imagine having to keep up with a multitude of incredible stories all at once – enter multiple screens! As Prime Bae, I am thrilled to ring in this blockbuster bonanza. Grab your popcorn, coz it is showtime!”
Here is a list of what is in store for you:
Indian Content:
1. Dhootha – Dhootha follows journalist Sagar, whose life takes unexpected dark and dangerous twists and turns, as clips of newspapers start predicting tragedies. Starring Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Prachi Desai, and Priya Bhavani Shankar in pivotal roles, the supernatural thriller will premiere on Prime Video in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada from December 1
2. Garudan – Garudan is a gripping investigative crime thriller, Suresh Gopi takes on the role of the unwavering police officer Harish Madhav, guiding viewers through a high-stakes narrative. Produced by Listin Stephen, directed by Arun Varma, with music composed by Jakes Bejoy, Garudan features Suresh Gopi and Biju Menon in lead roles, with Abhirami in a pivotal and compelling role.
3. Mast Mein Rehne Ka (Original Movie) Mast Mein Rehne Ka is a heartwarming narrative delving into the parallel universes of two distinct generations, each navigating its unique reservations and confronting the adversities of life. It is a beautifully crafted story based on universal themes of second chances in love and life, forgiveness, and redemption. Written and directed by Vijay Maurya, the movie has been produced by Payal Arora and Maurya under their banner Made in Maurya. The film features a talented ensemble cast featuring veteran Bollywood actors Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta, alongside Abhishek Chauhan, Monika Panwar, Rakhi Sawant and Faisal Malik in pivotal roles.
4. Zakir – Mann Pasand (Standup special)
5. ImMATURE S3 (Series)
6. Mission Start Ab (Original Series)
7. Flames S4 (Series)
8. Dry Day (Original Movie)
9. Wedding.con (Docuseries)
International Content:
10. Candy Cane Lane (English) – In Candy Cane Lane, a man makes a deal with a mischievous elf who casts a magic spell that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life. Starring Eddi Murphy and Tracy Ellis Ross in pivotal roles, the Christmas comedy will premiere on Prime Video from December 1.
11. Merry Little Batman (English) – Directed by Mike Roth, Merry Little Batman is an animated family action comedy destined to join the rogue’s gallery of classic holiday movies. When young Damian Wayne finds himself alone in Wayne Manor on Christmas Eve, he must transform into “Little Batman” in order to defend his home and Gotham City from the crooks and supervillains intent on destroying the holidays.
12. Reacher S2 (English) – Based on the 11th book in Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novel series titled “Bad Luck and Trouble”. Reacher (played by Alan Ritchson) is contacted by a woman from Reacher’s disbanded military investigative unit, using a signal only Reacher would understand. She informs him about the brutal murder of a man with whom they both served. Soon Reacher is reuniting with the survivors of his old team, scrambling to raise the living, bury the dead, and connect the dots in a mystery that is growing darker by the day. The deeper they dig, the more they don’t know – about two other comrades who have suddenly gone missing, and a trail that leads into the neon of Atlantic City and the darkness of international terrorism.
13. My Man is Cupid (Korean) – My Man is Cupid revolves around the blossoming love between a fallen fairy and a young woman working at an animal shelter. While the woman has had several love interests, every relationship she’s entered always leads to her partner’s near-death experience. The Korean drama will premiere with two episodes on Prime Video from December 1.
14. Silver and the book of dreams (German) – Directed by Helena Hufnagel, Silver and the book of dreams stars Jana McKinnon, Rhys Mannion, and Chaneil Kular. The film revolves around Liv who moves to London, she meets a mysterious group of boys who pull her into the world of dream travel. She and her band of dream-wanderers conduct a ritual to make their biggest dream come true, but it demands the gravest sacrifice. The film will premiere on Prime Video from December 15.
15. Death Game Part 1 (Korean) – Death’s Game, based on a popular webtoon of the same name, is led by Seo In-guk and Park So-dam. The fantasy-drama series centers on Choi Yee-jae (Seo In-guk), who is down on his luck in every facet of his life. Overwhelmed with all of his failures, Yee-jae decides to take his own life and “control death.” Death (Park So-dam) then decides to punish Yee-jae and he is reincarnated 12 different times, living 12 different lives. As a part of his punishment, Yee-jae must stop their imminent deaths. Death Game Part 1 will premiere on Prime Video from December 15.
iWorld
Netflix cuts jobs in product division amid restructuring
Layoffs hit creative studio unit as leadership and strategy shifts unfold.
MUMBAI: The streaming wars may be fought on screen, but the latest plot twist is unfolding behind the scenes. Netflix has reportedly begun laying off several dozen employees from its product division as part of an internal reorganisation, according to a report by Variety. The cuts are believed to have primarily affected the company’s creative studio unit, which works on marketing assets such as in app trailers, promotional visuals and live experience content for the streaming platform.
The company has not disclosed the exact number of employees impacted.
According to the report, the layoffs were not tied to employee performance. Instead, the restructuring eliminated certain roles while other employees were reassigned to different teams within the organisation.
The roles affected are understood to include designers, producers and creative specialists responsible for marketing and brand experience initiatives.
The job cuts come as Netflix adjusts its leadership structure and reshapes its product and creative teams. Last month, Elizabeth Stone was promoted from chief technology officer to chief product and technology officer, giving her oversight of product, engineering and data operations across the company.
Earlier, in December 2025, Netflix also appointed Martin Rose as head of creative for global brand and partnerships, a move seen as part of a broader restructuring of the company’s brand and product functions.
Despite the layoffs, Netflix remains one of the largest employers in the streaming sector. The company is estimated to employ around 16,000 people globally, with roughly 70 percent of its workforce based in the United States and Canada. In 2023, the company reported approximately 13,000 employees, indicating that its headcount had grown significantly before the latest restructuring.
The workforce changes arrive at a time when Netflix is navigating a shifting financial and strategic landscape in the global entertainment industry.
The streaming giant recently secured $2.8 billion in additional cash after receiving a breakup fee from Paramount Skydance following its withdrawal from a deal involving Warner Bros. Discovery.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Netflix co chief executive Ted Sarandos explained that the company had evaluated multiple scenarios during the negotiations but chose not to match the competing offer once it learned that a higher bid had been submitted.
Netflix had capped its offer at $27.75 per share and ultimately stepped back rather than pursue Paramount’s $111 billion acquisition deal, which included a personal guarantee.
Sarandos also cautioned that the financing structure behind the Paramount Skydance transaction could have ripple effects across the entertainment industry.
According to him, the debt heavy deal could trigger significant cost cutting, with David Ellison, chief executive of Paramount Skydance, expected to eliminate about $16 billion in costs and potentially cut thousands of jobs as part of the integration process.
For Netflix, the current restructuring appears to be part of a broader attempt to streamline operations while continuing to invest in product, technology and global content even as the streaming industry enters a new phase of consolidation and financial discipline.
