iWorld
Disney+ Hotstar announces three Indian shows for Disney fan event-D23 Expo
Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar today announced three Indian titles at the global Disney fan event D23 Expo. The new lineup includes the talk show Koffee with Karan (Season 8), along with Showtime and Mahabharata. On September 9-11, D23 Expo will be held at the Anaheim Convention Centre in Anaheim, California.
This announcement further strengthens the platform’s collaboration with ace Bollywood producer, director, actor, and host Karan Johar (Koffee with Karan and Showtime), and mints a new association with maverick producer Madhu Mantena, Mythoversestudios, and Allu Entertainment (Mahabharata).
Koffee with Karan (Season 8) is produced by Karan Johar, Apporva Mehta and Aneesha Baig, Dharmatic Entertainment Production and Showtime is produced by Karan Johar, Apporva Mehta and Somen Mishra, A Dharmatic Entertainment Production.
Disney Star head – content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network Gaurav Banerjee joined a panel on international content along with The Walt Disney Company chairman-international content and operations Rebecca Campbell, LATAM SVP, media distribution & production Fernando Barbosa, APAC head of content & development Jessica Kam-Engle, and EMEA director of scripted content Lee Mason. The discussion focused on eclectic global content trends, particularly highlighting Disney+ Hotstar’s role in shaping content in India and beyond.
Sharing his views on the upcoming Indian lineup, Banerjee said, “Over the last several years, India has emerged as a content powerhouse, pushing the envelope with stories that transcend language and cultural boundaries. For a nation at the centre of the OTT revolution, Disney+ Hotstar’s pioneering stories have been dominating viewers’ preferred content library. We couldn’t have asked for a more profound curtain raiser on our upcoming lineup at a globally coveted platform such as D23 Expo 2022, where we have an opportunity to share a glimpse of soon to be launched shows Showtime, Mahabharata, and Koffee with Karan Season 8.”
Producer, director, and host Karan Johar added, “I am excited to associate with Disney+ Hotstar for our new collaboration, announced at the prestigious D23 Expo. In addition to yet another exciting season of my beloved show, Koffee With Karan (Season 8), I am happy to announce an all-new Dharma Production series, Showtime, which will lift the curtain on India’s entertainment industry’s biggest trade secrets.”
Producer Madhu Mantena said, “For centuries, Indian epics have captured the imagination of billions around the world. These epics are deeply woven into the very fabric of our nation. The Mahabharata is one of the oldest epics in India and, despite being as old as time, is still relevant today for the many lessons and words of wisdom hidden within its ancient verses. It is said that every known emotional conflict experienced by mankind finds form in the Mahabharata through its complex characters and storylines. We at Mythoverse are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity provided by Disney+ Hotstar to bring out a rendition of this great Indian epic, Mahabharata, and to announce this news on a prestigious global platform at the D23 Expo.”
iWorld
JioHotstar enters micro-drama space with 100 shows under Tadka banner
Short-form push targets 300M users as content meets commerce in new format
MUMBAI: JioStar has made a bold play in India’s fast-growing micro-drama space, rolling out over 100 short-form shows under its new Tadka banner on JioHotstar, timed with the massive viewership surge of the Indian Premier League 2026.
The scale of the launch signals clear intent. Rather than testing the waters, the company has dived in headfirst, releasing a wide slate of content on day one. Each show is designed for quick consumption, with episodes running 60 to 90 seconds in a vertical format tailored for mobile-first audiences.
The move comes as India’s micro-drama market, currently valued at around $300 million, is projected to grow tenfold to over $3 billion by 2030. Globally, the format has already proven its mettle, with China’s micro-drama sector recording explosive growth in recent years.
What sets this rollout apart is its built-in monetisation strategy. The shows are free to watch and ad-supported, with brand integrations woven directly into storylines from the outset. It reflects a broader shift where content and commerce are increasingly intertwined, rather than operating in silos.
The timing is equally strategic. With more than 300 million users already tuning in for IPL action, JioHotstar is effectively turning cricket’s biggest stage into a discovery engine for its new format.
The company is not entering an empty arena. Early movers like Kuku TV, MX Player and platforms backed by Zee Entertainment Enterprises have already laid the groundwork, building audiences and validating demand for snackable storytelling.
Now, with scale, distribution and advertiser interest aligning, the big players are stepping in. For JioStar, Tadka may well serve as a proving ground for the next evolution of digital entertainment, where every minute counts and every second sells.
If the bet pays off, India’s next big content wave might just arrive in under 90 seconds.
