iWorld
ZEE5 Global sees 46 per cent surge in original content watch time in US
Mumbai: ZEE5 Global, the world’s largest streaming platform for South Asian content, has registered significant growth in engagement and viewership in the United States, driven by strong original content launches in the market. The platform has reported an impressive 46 per cent increase in watch time for original content over the last year and a 40 per cent jump in viewer growth across original movies and web series. The business also recently reported a 35 per cent YoY increase in viewership over the year in the market.
This surge in audience engagement underscores the appeal of ZEE5 Global’s exclusive content offerings across multiple languages. After Hindi, the top two languages that grabbed eyeballs within original content were Telugu and Tamil. Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai and Maya Bazaar – For Sale respectively emerged as the most-watch movies and series in the last year, closely followed by widely consumed titles like Tarla, Pitchers, The Kashmir Files: Unreported, Aha Naa Pellanta, Mrs. Undercover, Lost, Vyavastha, United Kachche, Duranga, Rangbaaz: Darr Ki Rajneeti, and Ayali among others.
Interestingly the platform has also seen a huge response for its Bangla originals in the US in 2023. Recently released thriller drama Abar Proloy not only became the most-watched Bengali Original in 2023 but also witnessed a 25 per cent jump in consumption post its first week of release.
ZEE5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand said, ” We’re constantly looking to bring our viewers stories that highlight the best of South Asia, stories that not only entertain but also spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change. From Docu-series and biopics to thrillers and titles with strong social and cultural messages, we have been innovating to enhance our Original content library with newer formats and themes across languages. We’re thrilled to see how well this content is resonating across the linguistically diverse diaspora in the U.S.”
Viewers can catch ZEE5 Global’s upcoming original movie Haddi and more, and stock up on their yearlong entertainment by availing of the limited period Annual pack offer.
iWorld
Prime Video unveils biggest India originals slate yet
Nearly 55 titles across languages signal deeper push into films, series
MUMBAI: Prime Video is turning up the volume on Indian storytelling, unveiling its largest-ever Originals slate at the ‘Prime Video Presents’ showcase, with close to 55 series and films spanning languages, genres and formats.
The new lineup, which stretches across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, signals a clear intent: go bigger, go wider, and meet audiences wherever they are watching, whether on streaming screens or in cinemas. Alongside Originals, the platform also announced a fresh theatrical slate under Amazon MGM Studios, marking a deeper step into the big-screen business.
Among the headline acts is The Revolutionaries, a large-scale drama from Nikkhil Advani starring Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Saraf. The slate also features Matka King with Vijay Varma, Raakh starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, and Lukkhe, which marks rapper King’s acting debut. Adding a genre twist is Vansh – The Kalyug Warriors, positioned as India’s first homegrown Hindi superhero series for streaming.
Familiar favourites are also making a return, with new seasons of Farzi, Panchayat, Call Me Bae, Dupahiya, Dahaad and The Traitors in the pipeline, reinforcing the platform’s bet on established franchises.
Regional storytelling gets a notable push. Highlights include a Telugu adaptation of The Traitors hosted by Teja Sajja, the drama Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat, and Tamil titles such as Exam and returning seasons of Vadhandhi and Inspector Rishi.
The slate also opens new creative partnerships. Hrithik Roshan’s HRX Films steps into streaming with Storm and Mess, while Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions backs Don’t Be Shy. Production houses including Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby Films and The Viral Fever further deepen the creative bench.
On the theatrical front, the platform is lining up five films, including Raftaar starring Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh, VIBE directed by Kunal Kemmu, Dilkashi with music by A. R. Rahman, Nayyi Navelli featuring Yami Gautam, and Kuku Ki Kundli starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
According to Prime Video India director and head of Svod business Shilangi Mukherji, India remains central to the platform’s global growth, ranking among its top markets for new subscribers. She noted that nearly two-thirds of users watch content in more than four languages, underlining a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the new slate reflects a continued push towards bold, culturally rooted narratives with global appeal.
In short, Prime Video is not just adding titles, it is widening the lens. From small-town dramas to superhero sagas and cinema-ready spectacles, the message is simple: more stories, more voices, and far more ways to watch them.
