iWorld
Shivani Thussu joins JioHotstar as VP, creative & content for digital and streaming Hindi specials
MUMBAI: JioHotstar has strengthened its creative lineup with the appointment of Shivani Thussu as vice president – creative & content for digital and streaming Hindi specials. In her new role, Thussu will shape the creative vision for the platform’s Hindi Originals, specials, new formats, and talent partnerships.
Sharing her excitement, Thussu said, “A new episode begins. I’m thrilled to move from a consulting role into a full-time position, and I look forward to creating ambitious, meaningful stories with incredible people.”
With over two decades of experience in Indian television and digital content, Thussu has played a key role in some of the country’s most successful projects. Before joining JioHotstar, she led original content strategy at Viacom18 Digital Ventures, overseeing hits like Candy, which won Best Web Series at the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival. She also drove record viewership for Bigg Boss OTT and steered multiple long-form series and originals across Svod and Avod platforms.
Thussu’s earlier stints include shaping Indian adaptations of The Office and Criminal Justice for BBC Studios, and delivering iconic shows for Colors TV including India’s Got Talent, 24, and Khatron Ke Khiladi. Her career spans creative leadership, content strategy, and nurturing talent across TV and digital.
At JioHotstar, she is set to combine her knack for storytelling with audience insights, bringing fresh, high-impact Hindi content to the streaming stage. Fans of bold, original programming can expect some exciting chapters ahead.
iWorld
Prime Video unveils biggest India originals slate yet
Nearly 55 titles across languages signal deeper push into films, series
MUMBAI: Prime Video is turning up the volume on Indian storytelling, unveiling its largest-ever Originals slate at the ‘Prime Video Presents’ showcase, with close to 55 series and films spanning languages, genres and formats.
The new lineup, which stretches across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, signals a clear intent: go bigger, go wider, and meet audiences wherever they are watching, whether on streaming screens or in cinemas. Alongside Originals, the platform also announced a fresh theatrical slate under Amazon MGM Studios, marking a deeper step into the big-screen business.
Among the headline acts is The Revolutionaries, a large-scale drama from Nikkhil Advani starring Bhuvan Bam and Rohit Saraf. The slate also features Matka King with Vijay Varma, Raakh starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, and Lukkhe, which marks rapper King’s acting debut. Adding a genre twist is Vansh – The Kalyug Warriors, positioned as India’s first homegrown Hindi superhero series for streaming.
Familiar favourites are also making a return, with new seasons of Farzi, Panchayat, Call Me Bae, Dupahiya, Dahaad and The Traitors in the pipeline, reinforcing the platform’s bet on established franchises.
Regional storytelling gets a notable push. Highlights include a Telugu adaptation of The Traitors hosted by Teja Sajja, the drama Guvvala Cheruvu Ghat, and Tamil titles such as Exam and returning seasons of Vadhandhi and Inspector Rishi.
The slate also opens new creative partnerships. Hrithik Roshan’s HRX Films steps into streaming with Storm and Mess, while Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions backs Don’t Be Shy. Production houses including Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby Films and The Viral Fever further deepen the creative bench.
On the theatrical front, the platform is lining up five films, including Raftaar starring Rajkummar Rao and Keerthy Suresh, VIBE directed by Kunal Kemmu, Dilkashi with music by A. R. Rahman, Nayyi Navelli featuring Yami Gautam, and Kuku Ki Kundli starring Wamiqa Gabbi.
According to Prime Video India director and head of Svod business Shilangi Mukherji, India remains central to the platform’s global growth, ranking among its top markets for new subscribers. She noted that nearly two-thirds of users watch content in more than four languages, underlining a growing appetite for diverse storytelling.
Prime Video India director and head of originals Nikhil Madhok, said the new slate reflects a continued push towards bold, culturally rooted narratives with global appeal.
In short, Prime Video is not just adding titles, it is widening the lens. From small-town dramas to superhero sagas and cinema-ready spectacles, the message is simple: more stories, more voices, and far more ways to watch them.
