iWorld
NexGTv ties- up with SAB Group on regional content
MUMBAI: In a major move, nexGTv has announced its partnership with SAB Group. As a part of the alliance, nexGTv has acquired the worldwide digital rights to broadcast the group’s most sought-after regional channels such as Masti, Dabang, Dhamaal, Maiboli and Dillagi for its users across the globe.
Started by brothers Gautam Adhikari and Markand Adhikari in 1985, SAB Group has gone on to establish its brand proposition as a pioneer in the field of Indian Media, pushing through various stages of growth over the last 25 years from a production house to a broadcaster. SAB Group has successfully identified the gap in the regional market and has emerged as a leader in the space by delivering highly relevant localized content.
Speaking on the announcement, nexGTv COO Abhesh Verma said, “Since its inception, nexGTv has endeavoured to deliver the most tailored entertainment solutions to the rich and diverse consumer base it enjoys across the country. The partnership with SAB will allow us to curate and deliver popular regional entertainment solutions on-the-go to our viewers. We are confident that the latest addition will enhance our regional offering and add greater value to the mobile viewing experience of our users by providing them with seamless access to locally relevant video-based entertainment content.”
NexGTv’s latest association will no doubt delight the country’s digital viewership, who will now be able to view their preferred regional entertainment content at their convenience anytime, anywhere. All the channels from SAB Group are a part of the paid category at nexGTv, and can be accessed either through www.nexGTv.com or through the nexGTv mobile app for Android and iOS.
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.
