iWorld
Netflix aims at 50% original programming
MUMBAI: Challenge for few, exhilaration for many. Netflix CFO David Wells has shown a keen interest in expanding its library of original content. The streaming service is driving towards having half the content to be original production over the next five years. The rest will represent licensed TV shows and movies.
Wells said that they had been on a multiyear transition and evolution toward more of their owned content. Marking a shift in the balance between licensed and commissioned content, the service is already one-third to halfway towards reaching this target.
According to Wells, the goal for Netflix was to release something that appeals to each individual subscriber. On that front, they had got ways to go across different genres and formats. The nice thing about the platform was that it allows a lot of creative freedom, allowing for episodes of varying lengths.
It’s been three years since Netflix started making original programming with House of Cards, Daredevil and more recently Stranger Things. In the movie space, the service has Adam Sandler’s The Ridiculous 6.
Internationally, Netflix aims for about 80 per cent Hollywood content and 20 per cent local programming. Wells said that the exception was Japan, where Netflix bent more toward 50 per cent local content. About having an ad-supported model, Wells said that there was no such immediate plan.
iWorld
Imdb launches Dekh Bhais to simplify entertainment discovery
New creator-led series hosted by Rohan Joshi and Aaditya Kulshreshth turns scrolling dilemmas into lively conversations.
MUMBAI: Imdb has decided to end the endless “what to watch” scroll with a double tap of desi banter and smart recommendations. The world’s most popular source for movie, TV, and celebrity information has launched Dekh Bhais, a fresh digital series designed to make entertainment discovery fun, relatable, and effortless. Hosted by popular comedians and content creators Rohan Joshi and Aaditya Kulshreshth (better known as Kullu), the show streams across Imdb’s social channels and transforms everyday viewing confusion into candid, opinion-filled conversations.
Produced by Only Much Louder (OML) in collaboration with Imdb, Dekh Bhais cleverly showcases Imdb’s powerful discovery tools including Advanced Search, Interest pages, trending widgets, curated lists, and personalised recommendations through sharp, culturally resonant discussions.
Each episode features the hosts and a guest diving into personal favourites, pop culture references, genre preferences, and unexpected picks. The conversation culminates in a custom Imdb watchlist tailored to the chat, giving viewers a ready-to-binge lineup of recommendations.
Yaminie Patodia, Head of Imdb India, said, “Choosing what to watch today is more complex than ever. With Dekh Bhais, we explore the powerful intersection of personality-led recommendations and the rich insights available on Imdb. It creates a dynamic and entertaining way to navigate an overwhelming range of choices.”
Rohan Joshi shared: “We’ve all had that moment when we want to watch something but end up spending 20 minutes scrolling and second-guessing. Dekh Bhais is basically that scrolling session brought to life, but louder, more opinionated, and hopefully more useful.”
Kullu added: “IMDb has been a big part of my life since childhood. Our show mirrors how we actually discover films and shows in real life through jokes, debates, nostalgia, and strong opinions but it also shows how Imdb can help you cut through the noise.”
The opening slate explores different viewing moods and genres, with more episodes rolling out in the coming weeks. The series is now streaming on IMDb’s Youtube and Instagram channels, and is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
In a world drowning in content choices, Dekh Bhais arrives as the perfect desi shortcut turning “too many options” into “here’s exactly what you’ll enjoy tonight.” With two sharp comedians at the helm and IMDb’s trusted data in the backseat, finding your next favourite watch has never been this entertaining.
