iWorld
Biggest Indian storytellers keen to make their digital debut on Hotstar Specials
MUMBAI: Hotstar Specials, the new label launched by India’s biggest OTT player – Hotstar- will bring big, bold, authentic stories to crores of consumers across India, in 7 languages. What has attracted 15 of India’s diverse and impeccable storytellers to tie-up with Hotstar Specials for their big digital debut?
Speaking about why he chose Hotstar Specials, Shekhar Kapur said, “India is the new platform for global entertainment. I have passionately wanted to create content for India that can go global. Not just for 8000 cinema screens in India, but I wanted to reach out to India’s heartland, to every Indian home within Hotstar’s reach, and with their global ambitions, it is the perfect fit for me.”
Highlighting the reasons behind his association with Hotstar Specials, Kabir Khan said, “My venture on Hotstar specials is a documentary drama around one of the most loved teams in the country with crazy fan following. Hotstar is the leading brand in both entertainment and sports in this country and I believe that there is no other platform that complements the story as much as Hotstar Specials. The show will be available in 7 languages, directly connecting with viewers from across India, which makes the endeavour even more special.”
Neeraj Pandey also said, “This story has been in my head for a while, but I knew I wouldn't be able to do justice to it in a feature length. It’s a massively mounted narrative that merits the longer series format. A formidable cast and crew are coming together on this one. We look forward to bringing a unique viewing experience and Hotstar’s ability to magnify digital content makes it our preferred and obvious partner.”
On his connection with Hotstar Specials Venkat Prabhu said, “The scope of genres on Hotstar Specials will be too immense and allure all age groups. I have always had distinct perspective on content. It should be enjoyable and at the same time quirkily engrossing. Hotstar Specials has given me an exemplary spot to put that in action and reach across audiences in my very own language.”
Besides these big filmmakers, even Salman Khan and his Production House (SKF Films) are expected to make their debut on Hotstar Specials with a Sports Biopic.
Hotstar Specials will feature an extensive variety of Indian stories, mounted on a big scale, unconstrained by format. It will enable makers to showcase never seen before stories for a diverse audience set and every show will be available in seven languages i.e. Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, for viewers to enjoy them in a language of their choice.
Hotstar Specials has released the teaser of their first big show starring the most popular cricketer in the country, M.S Dhoni. While speculations are rife about what this is all about, it sure looks like something that cannot be missed!
iWorld
Late Bloomer to stream on Lionsgate Play from March 27
Jus Reign comedy explores identity, ambition and life off schedule
MUMBAI: Late Bloomer is set to arrive on Lionsgate Play on March 27, offering a humorous yet heartfelt take on finding one’s path, even if it comes a little later than expected.
Fronted by Jus Reign, the series follows Jasmeet Dutta, a Punjabi Sikh millennial and aspiring content creator trying to balance viral ambition with family expectations and cultural identity. The result is a coming-of-age story that is less about ticking boxes and more about missing them, and learning along the way.
Set against a backdrop of chaotic nights, family pressures and digital-age dilemmas, the show leans into everyday messiness. From a misplaced laptop spiralling into unexpected trouble to generational clashes at home, Jasmeet’s world is anything but predictable. Yet, it is precisely this unpredictability that gives the series its charm.
The narrative is anchored by a close-knit ensemble, including his cousin Neal, best friend Chippy and his parents Gurdeep and Supinder, who together create a lively mix of humour, tension and warmth.
Adding weight behind the scenes is Russell Peters, who serves as executive producer, lending his signature cultural sharpness to the storytelling.
At its core, Late Bloomer is a gentle reminder that life rarely follows a neat timeline. Sometimes, the detours make for the better story.
