iWorld
Santa’s picks: Seven shows to make your holidays merry & bright!
Mumbai: As the winter chill embraces our homes and the scent of joy fills the air, it’s time to cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate and dive right into the festive season. What better way to celebrate than embarking on a marathon of festive shows that promise laughter, love, and a sprinkle of the holiday cheer? From thrillers to amusing comedies, we have curated a list that will capture the essence of Christmas for you. May your days be merry, your binge sessions be jolly, and your heart be light with the magic of the season!
Platform: Audible
Excited to experience a Christmas that isn’t just about jingle bells and mistletoe but a thrilling escapade filled with mystery, romance, and laughter? This audiobook is the right pick for you. Join Emily Lane, the owner of ‘Under the Mistletoe,’ in a quaint town where her Christmas-themed store becomes the backdrop for not-so-quaint local murders. Tune into this Audible mystery where Emily’s charming exterior conceals a secret past, and Detective-Constable Sam Wilner wonders if there’s more to her than meets the eye. This audiobook promises a holiday-themed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Platform: Audible
Experience the enchanting Cotswolds manor house through the eyes of Ashley Smith, a lonely American studying in London, invited to spend Christmas at the manor. Documented in her diary, Ashley’s idyllic holiday takes a mysterious turn with the Chapman family and the secrets that lurk within the old manor. Is there something strange about the old house? What could the motives of the mysterious Chapman family be? And what holiday horrors might be lying in wait? This audiobook promises a perfect blend of romance, suspense, and holiday magic that will keep you hooked from the first chapter to the last.
Platform: Audible
For those yearning to hear a feel-good Christmas story, ‘Bright Lights, Big Christmas’ on Audible offers a delightful mix of country charm and city magic. Follow Kerry Tolliver as she trades the mountains of North Carolina for the bustling streets of New York City during the Christmas season, ready to try to carve out a new corner for herself. With family ties, quirky neighbours, and unexpected romance, Kerry’s adventure is a delightful mix of country charm and urban romance. This audiobook is a perfect choice for those seeking a Christmas story with a touch of humour and romance!
Platform: Amazon Prime
There is no stop to browsing what you can watch this Christmas. Get ready for a laugh-out-loud comedy with ’Elf Me’! In this film, you will meet Trip, an unconventional elf, on a hilarious journey as Santa Claus’ not-so-traditional helper. Teaming up with Elia, a shy and unconventional boy, Trip discovers the true meaning of friendship. It is a heartwarming tale filled with humour, magic, and the spirit of Christmas, which makes for a must-watch this holiday season.
Platform: Amazon Prime
The holiday hurley-burly continues with Hayley Taylor and Hubert James Hughes in this uproarious Amazon Prime sequel. Join them for another uproarious family Christmas filled with laughter and chaos. This much-anticipated sequel promises to deliver the perfect blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, making it a perfect watch for those looking to continue the festive fun.
Platform: Netflix
In time for the holiday season—a cultural clash wrapped in festive cheer, ‘Christmas as Usual’ on Netflix unfolds the chaos when Indian roots meet Norwegian traditions. In this film, you can join Thea, portrayed by Ida Ursin-Holm, and Jashan, played by stand-up comic Kanan Gill, as they navigate the mayhem that ensues when Indian roots meet Norwegian traditions during Christmas. This romantic comedy, straight from the Nordic region, promises laughs, love, and a celebration of diverse holiday customs.
Platform: Netflix
In this chaotic Christmas comedy, the Walker family experiences a pre-holiday upheaval when a cosmic event swaps parents with their teenage kids. The film is a comedic rollercoaster headlined by Jennifer Garner and Brady Noon, adding a festive twist to the body-swap genre. Jennifer portrays Jess Walker, the meticulous and organized mother who discovers that her way isn’t always the best for everyone. Get ready for laughs and moments of plunging into pandemonium in this Netflix holiday special.
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.
