iWorld
Bigger, darker and stronger – Aashram Chapter 2 breaks records with 500% higher streams on Day 1 when compared to its first outing
Mumbai: 12 November, 2020: Having clocked ~ 450Mn streams in the 2.5 months since its release and becoming one of the biggest web shows in the Indian OTT ecosystem, Aashram has returned amidst heightened anticipation with Aashram Chapter 2 – The Dark Side that launched on MX Player yesterday. This second edition has broken records from the word go and has emerged as a runaway hit for the free to use platform. When compared to its first outing, Chapter 2 has witnessed a massive 500% higher streams on Day 1 and is performing exceedingly well on the platform – on every metric.
Speaking about the first day reaction, Prakash Jha said, “It seems like the characters and the events fictionalised in the story resonates the experience of people in real life. They definitely have connected to the emotions of the story and that has translated into this massive viewership. Working with MX Player and its team has been a wonderful experience and I look forward to continuing it.”
Bobby Deol added saying, “After Part 1, we were all excited yet nervous about the launch of Chapter 2. We’ve all put in great efforts and I am overwhelmed by the response. My character has really been greatly appreciated by the audiences and this is a huge encouragement for me.”
“It is always great to see a content piece you have created to be so widely appreciated. Aashram Part 1 had gone on to break all records and now with Chapter 2 opening with such great numbers, we believe it is set on a similar path of success”, concludes Gautam Talwar, Chief Content Officer, MX Player.
Coupled with an intriguing narrative, the well-rounded marketing campaign for this crime drama, including impactful print ads, OOH, social & digital experiences, PR and performance marketing has driven the show to achieve such great numbers on Day 1.
Watch the series NOW, exclusively on MX Player: https://bit.ly/AashramChapter2
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
