iWorld
Netflix snaps up global rights to India’s ‘Brahman Naman’
MUMBAI: Netflix has acquired the exclusive global rights of the hilarious coming-of-age comedy Brahman Naman,from Indian indie director Q.
The film will be available exclusively for Netflix members around the world later this year.
Set in Bangalore in the 1980s, Brahman Naman follows the exploits of Naman, a quick witted, high school quiz champ who leads his hopelessly nerdy friends on a trip to Calcutta to win a major college prize. Young, smart and full of heart, the trio are determined to win the quiz – and to lose their virginity along the way.
Revered internationally as one of India’s most vital and provocative indie filmmakers, Q’s latest cinematic cocktail takes the classic American teen comedy, sharpens it with bawdy British word play, and hurls it in the face of the establishment with a fresh Indian cast. The film premiered last week at the prestigious World Drama Competition at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
“Brahman Naman is Indian cinema at its boldest; fast, furious and raucously funny. It’s a movie that will delight adolescents of all ages, and we’re excited to bring this hilarious tale to our members around the world,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.
Written by Naman Ramachandran and produced by Steve Barron and Celine Loop, Brahman Naman is Q’s latest film, following Gandu, Tasher Desh and Ludo. Brahman Naman stars Shashank Arora as Naman, Tanmany Dhanania and Chaitanya Varad as his sidekicks, and features Vaiswath Shankar, Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy and Sid Mallya.
iWorld
Cineflicks set to enter India’s OTT market with community-first focus
New platform aims to blend streaming content with interactive viewing experiences
MUMBAI: A new player is gearing up to join India’s crowded streaming arena, with Cineflicks preparing to launch as a community-driven OTT platform aimed at redefining how audiences engage with digital entertainment.
The platform plans to offer a mix of movies, series and digital content, while placing equal emphasis on building an interactive ecosystem where viewers can connect, share and participate beyond passive viewing.
India’s OTT market has seen explosive growth over the past decade, fuelled by rising smartphone penetration and affordable internet access. As streaming becomes the default mode of content consumption, new entrants are increasingly looking to differentiate themselves not just through content libraries but through user experience.
Cineflicks appears to be positioning itself within this next phase of evolution. Instead of focusing solely on scale, the platform is aiming to create a space where audiences can engage more deeply with the content they watch, turning entertainment into a shared experience rather than a solo activity.
While details around its content slate remain under wraps, people familiar with the development say the platform is currently building out features and partnerships ahead of a phased rollout. The broader strategy suggests a blend of content discovery, community interaction and digital participation.
The timing is notable. With global and regional streaming platforms competing intensely for attention, the emphasis is slowly shifting towards engagement and retention rather than just acquisition. Platforms that can foster stronger audience connections may have an edge in this evolving landscape.
Cineflicks’ entry reflects the continued expansion of India’s digital entertainment ecosystem, where innovation is increasingly being driven by how content is experienced, not just what is offered.
As the platform moves closer to launch, the real test will be whether it can translate its community-first pitch into a compelling, everyday habit for viewers.
