iWorld
Amazon miniTV’s ‘Dehati Ladke’ nostalgically revisits college life
Mumbai: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, is all set to bring a smile to its viewers, with this coming-of-age story Dehati Ladke. Based on a best-selling Hindi novel, Dehati Ladke explores the universal themes of friendship, first love, and the hardships of life, all shown through the lens of Rajat starring Shine Pandey, Raghav Sharma, Tanish Neeraj, Saamya Jainn, Aasif Khan, and Kusha Kapila in pivotal roles, the series is slated to stream exclusively from 15 December on Amazon miniTV for free.
The engrossing trailer launched today takes us through Rajat’s story of self-discovery as he moves from a village to a big city to pursue his dream of clearing the UPSC exams. It chronicles Rajat’s journey of exploring his freedom and following his heart as he makes new friends, experiences first love, and wants to live his life to the fullest, while navigating pressure from his family and staying true to his goal. With the many challenges that life throws at him, Dehati Ladke will showcase how Rajat’s modest life shapes up amidst the glare of city lights.
Amogh Dusad content head at Amazon miniTV Amogh Dusad said, “College friendships are always special and very near to every individual’s heart. Dehati Ladke series talks about the unique yet universal journey one takes when one starts college life away from home in a new city among new people.”
Talking about the series Kusha Kapila shared, “A journey from home to hostel always brings thousands of stories and memories. Dehati Ladke is one such special story that will surely resonate with the viewers. The first year of college life is full of many emotions, from curiosity and budding love to the stress of exams and a fun night with friends. Rajat’s journey is also the same experiencing new and undiscovered emotions while focusing on his goal. My character, Chaya, is a modern and liberal woman who brings out the undiscovered side of Rajat.”
Sharing his excitement about being part of the show, Shine Pandey said, “Dehati Ladke is dedicated to everyone who comes from a small town in the pursuit to find their identity in a new city. Rajat is a simple and innocent boy who is sharp-minded but lacks the many experiences of a big-city life.His friends, who are his strength and also his confidantes, help him navigate through life in Lucknow and transform him into a confident young boy. I am hoping that the audience will enjoy the show and I am sure it will take them back to all the fun they had in their college days”
Dehati Ladke will be available for streaming exclusively for free on Amazon miniTV from 15 December. You can watch it on the Amazon shopping app, Fire TV or download the Amazon miniTV app on Playstore.
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
