iWorld
From novels to personal screen – these book adaptations on Hotstar Premium are a must watch
MUMBAI: While some people find joy in turning pages and letting imagination take over, others simply prefer enjoying the celluloid version of the same story. As the constants debate of ‘which is better’ continues, here’s a look at some TV shows based on books that you can enjoy right away on Hotstar Premium.
SHOWS:
Killing Eve
Based on a series of novellas by British author Luke Jennings entitled Codename Villanelle, the globally acclaimed spy-thriller series ‘Killing Eve’ is the story Eve and Villanelle who are bound by a mutual obsession that is as fascinating as it is psychotic. Featuring Sandra Oh and Jodie Corner as the leads, other cast members include Fiona Shaw, David Haig, Kim Bodnia, Darren Boyd and Sean Delaney.
Big Little Lies
Based on author Liane Moriarty’s book of the same name, Big Little Lies tells the tale of three mothers whose seemingly perfect lives unravel to the point of murder. Featuring a renowned star cast – Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley and Zoë Kravitz in pivotal roles, the second season of the show dropped last month with Meryl Streep and Poorna Jagannathan joining the cast.
Sharp Objects
With a total of eight Emmy award nominations, the psychological thriller mini-series is based on author Gillian Flynn's debut novel ‘Sharp Objects’. After treating her mental illness, crime reporter Camille Preaker returns to her hometown to solve the murder of two young girls. The show features Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson in lead roles.
Game of Thrones
A show that needs no introduction, Game of Thrones is based on the hugely popular book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin. Game of Thrones depicts nine noble families wage war against each other to gain control over the mythical land of Westeros. Meanwhile, a force is rising after millenniums and threatens the existence of living men.
The Loudest Voice
Based on a book by Gabriel Sherman, ‘The Loudest Voice’ is a seven-part limited series that brings forth events around the life of Roger Ailes, the former CEO of Fox News. Focusing primarily on the past decade, the series touches on defining moments in Ailes' life, including his experiences with world leaders that gave birth to his political career; and the sexual harassment accusations and settlements that brought his reign to an end.
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.
