iWorld
Amitabh Bachchan turns narrator for Warner Bros Discovery’s new series
Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery, the leading global media and entertainment company, is in celebratory mode with India’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” on its 75th year of Independence and is all set to unveil its new series, The Journey of India, on October 10. Narrated by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who is also the face of Incredible India, the series is ready to memorialise the country’s rich tapestry of heritage, innovation and contemporary marvels that have paved the way for the country’s cutting-edge advancement.
The six-part special series premieres globally on the streaming platform, discovery+, in India, the US, the UK, and the Philippines. It will be broadcast in more than 140 countries, including India, Japan, Singapore, France, Switzerland, UAE, Egypt, Brazil, Iran, and Kenya, among others, on the Discovery network of channels.
The series weaves a tale of India’s legacy with contributions from a range of esteemed personalities and leaders. Spanning a wide range of subjects, this one-of-a-kind series provides an in-depth look at the nation’s progress, influences and accomplishments during the past 75 years; from advancements in science and technology and our ambitious and successful space missions to the world of cinema that not only entertains but also inspires.
From fascinating stories of faith found across the length and breadth of the country to a diverse food culture that is adored around the world, India in the last 75 years has slowly but steadily made its presence felt on the global stage. Featuring an extensive collection of historical footage, it also hears from a stellar line-up of respected personalities and subject matter experts.
Warner Bros. Discovery general manager South Asia Arjun Nohwar said, “As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, this commemorative new series reflects Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to bringing to life unique stories that inspire. We are proud to work with the iconic Amitabh Bachchan to take the audience on a vibrant journey through India, capturing the ethos of the nation, its diverse culture, and the spirit of its people.”
The Journey of India will premiere in India on Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and DTamil. More details on the series will be announced in the coming weeks.
iWorld
Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
