iWorld
nexGTv adds more ‘flavour’ to its global content catalogue with Chardikala TV
MUMBAI: nexGTv, the subscription-driven video entertainment app from Digivive Services, which recently announced its expansion in more than 140 countries, has further strengthened its global entertainment catalogue with the entire bouquet of channels from the Chardikala TV Network on its entertainment platform. With the partnership in place, nexGTv users across the globe can access these channels as part of their regular subscription, available across platforms including web and mobile.
As a part of the move, channels of the Chardikala Network including its musical hits such as Desi Beats and PBN Music, Devotional offering – Gurbaani TV, as well as Lifestyle and GEC channels such as Desi Channel, Shangh TV, Aone Punjabi and Hamdard TV will be available to subscribers of nexGTv globally.
The ‘pure-play’ mobile TV/ OTT video streaming player says that this latest initiative not only complements its already strong ‘Punjabi’ entertainment content on its app but also boosts its credentials as a global player of repute, vying for appeal and increasing adoption from the growing tribe of ethnic Indian and South Asian communities, who’re increasingly connecting with everything ‘Indian’. nexGTv recently enabled its Live TV content offering of more than 150 plus channels along with 1000 plus movies as well as a huge inventory of VoD and television show for viewers around the world.
Speaking on the association, nexGTv COO Abhesh Verma said, “The time when geographical boundaries prevented viewers from accessing their favorite entertainment content is now passé! It’s exactly with that thought that we’ve made available more than 11500 hours of India-centric programming from our extensive catalogue to our Indian-origin and global subscribers. Our partnership with Chardikala TV Network and worldwide rights of their most renowned and well-known TV properties across multiple genres will undoubtedly bolster our content offering. We are confident that the enhanced variety and diversified offerings on nexGTv will serve as a strong pull for our international viewers.”
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.
