iWorld
Flipkart Video launches ‘Crime Stories’ season 2 offering interactive experience
Mumbai: Should inspector Vikrant check the victim’s phone logs? Or should he check the surveillance footage to find the killer? Which lead should inspector Vikrant follow? The power to decide now rests in the hands of the viewer! Flipkart Video has announced the second season of its investigative drama series, Crime Stories by giving it a new avatar.
Launching 27 July (Tuesday) on the Flipkart app, the show has introduced ‘branching video’ technology, a feature that draws audiences to become a part of the narrative by letting them choose between different, compelling storylines.
Each episode, released daily, will be a stand-alone case, revolving around the interrogation of multiple suspects while also engaging viewers through one branching question per episode that lets them explore the story in the direction they want to, and win exciting prizes, said the platform in a statement.
Talking about the launch, Flipkart Video senior director & head of content, Aloka Guha said, “With the launch of the second season of Crime Stories, we continue to be at the forefront of innovation by launching interactive content that delivers a unique experience. By introducing the branching video technology, we are giving viewers a more immersive entertainment experience that is different from anything we have done before. This introduction is built on our deep consumer understanding, which has revealed a growing fascination in taking more ‘control’ of the content they consume. We are excited for audiences to watch this new season and determine for themselves, how the story moves forward.”
Commenting on his association with Flipkart Video, actor KC Shankar said, “Inspector Vikrant is one of the most interesting characters that I’ve ever played, and the experience of working on this show only got better with the new season. With the introduction of the ‘branching video’ feature, we had to shoot an alternate storyline which was thrilling and challenging at the same time. Audiences are looking to do more than just watch the show. They want to be involved, everyone loves having control and this new season gives them an opportunity to do just that. I can’t wait for everyone to tune in to the Flipkart app and catch the criminal along with me while winning exciting prizes.”
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.
