iWorld
Jio Studios & Reliance Entertainment brings epic web series ‘Paan Parda Zarda’
Mumbai: Jio Studios unites exceptional creative minds with the launch of their high-octane gangster drama Paan Parda Zarda which went on the floor on 27 September. Conceptualised and produced in association with Reliance Entertainment and Dreamer and Doers Co, the web series will see a powerhouse of creative forces coming together including ace directors Gurmmeet Singh (Mirzapur and Inside Edge) & Shilpi Dasgupta along with Mrighdeep Singh Lamba (Fukrey franchise), Suparn S Varma (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hain, Family Man and Rana Naidu) and talented writer duo Hussain Dalal & Abbas Dalal (Bambai Meri Jaan, Farzi, Brahmastra), Radhika Anand & Vibha Singh.
The ensemble for Paan Panda Zarda boasts an impressive lineup of talent featuring Mona Singh, Tanvi Azmi, Tanya Maniktala, Priyanshu Painyuli, Sushant Singh, Rajesh Tailang and Manu Rishi. The grand-scale series will unfold against the backdrop of illustrious locations in Central India.
Showrunner and co-director of the series Gurmmeet Singh said “We are excited about starting a brand-new journey with Paan Parda Zarda in collaboration with Jio Studios. The series has a unique colour and texture, it is page-turning entertainment with elements of love story, action, and family drama set against the backdrop of illegal opium smuggling in Central India. Developed from an original story created by Showrunner and Co-Director Shilpi Dasgupta, the interwoven relationships are the key to this series, nuanced by a fantastic writing room. We cannot wait to start filming with our phenomenally talented cast and crew”
Showrunner Mrighdeep Singh Lamba said, “Paan Parda Zarda is a labour of love that has been created after years of research and writing prep. The audience will relish watching the story unfold in a previously unexplored milieu. This is a beautiful moment for Gurmmeet Singh, Shilpi Dasgupta and myself as it has been a long-standing dream to take this story to the audience”
Writer, Suparn S Varma said, “Creating the romantic and violent world of Paan Parda Zarda was liberating. Our imagination gave wings to characters and situations which break the usual cinematic norm. The series also gave me the opportunity to collaborate with old friends and new which was an added advantage, making the process deeply satisfying.”
Paan Parda Zarda is a thrilling gangster drama series set against the backdrop of illegal opium smuggling in Central India. A compelling story where battle lines are drawn between family and loved ones and allegiances are switched, the series promises to be a powerful entertainer.
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.
