iWorld
Small screen, big feels Filtercopy scripts India’s microdrama moment
MUMBAI: Blink and you might miss it but that’s precisely the point. Microdramas, those bite-sized, vertically shot stories running a minute or two per episode, are fast becoming the new binge on Indian mobile screens, and Filtercopy is writing itself a starring role.
Pocket Aces’ flagship short-form fiction channel has moved swiftly from snackable sketches to structured storytelling, turning the scroll into a serial experience. Its latest experiment, Two Much Love, stretches across 20 episodes and streams on Myntra Glamstream, where viewers can shop outfits straight from the narrative, a neat fusion of fiction, fashion and frictionless commerce.
The format is gathering pace. In recent months, Filtercopy has rolled out branded microdramas native to Instagram, including Two of Us with iPill and Love IRL with Hyundai, leaning into cinematic emotion while staying resolutely vertical. Music-led storytelling also found a home in Ishq at Campus, a microdrama across Instagram and Youtube Shorts that promoted singer Maahi’s EP Talab.
The leap from social feeds to OTT has already happened. Teen Yaar Twisted Pyaar, a 55-episode microdrama, is streaming on Zee5’s Bullet, signalling that ultra-short storytelling is no longer confined to reels and shorts but is finding space within platform ecosystems.
The creator economy is pushing the format further. Influencers managed by Clout, Pocket Aces’ creator arm, are using microdramas to tackle everything from satire to social commentary. RJ Karishma’s Bright Bhavishya Loading gained traction on Instagram and Youtube Shorts, while Arjun Pandey’s viral titles Mard Bacho and NEETly Scammed showed how sharp, topical themes can thrive in under two minutes. Regional voices are adding range too, with Anusmita Dutta’s Mecho and Preeti Sarkar’s Bhul Theke Shuru and Bari Phera expanding the canvas.
“Filtercopy has always been at the forefront of short-form storytelling, and microdramas are the next evolution,” said Filtercopy business leads Vishwanath Shetty. From Clout’s side, Clout business head Ankit Panicker noted that creators are already fluent in vertical formats microdramas simply give them room to think in chapters rather than clips.
As attention spans shrink and screens tilt upright, microdramas are quietly redrawing the rules of digital storytelling. With experiments spanning 60-second episodes, 20-part shoppable series and 55-episode OTT runs, Filtercopy’s bet is clear: the future of drama may be short but it won’t be small.
iWorld
Samay Raina confirms return of India’s Got Latent after controversy
Still Alive mixes humour and reflection as comedian revisits 2025 row
MUMBAI: Samay Raina has signalled a possible return of his controversial show India’s Got Latent, using his latest stand-up special Still Alive to address the past and hint at what lies ahead.
Released on YouTube, the special marks Raina’s most candid take yet on the backlash that forced the show off air in 2025. While much of the performance leans on humour, it also dips into more reflective territory, offering a glimpse into the emotional toll of the controversy.
Recounting the fallout, YouTube comedian samay raina said, “We were both extremely unsettled. How would we navigate this? It was terrifying. We were lost as to what was happening.” He also spoke about a moment involving fellow comedian Balraj Ghai’s family, describing it as overwhelming and difficult to process.
The personal impact of the episode came through most strongly when Raina spoke about his family. He admitted he struggled to even answer a call from his mother during the crisis. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I hesitated to answer her call and show my tear-streaked face. How would she react? My mom is unaware of anything except how to love.”
Amid the introspection, Raina also dropped a clear hint about the future of his show. While he believes the first season ended on a high note, he confirmed that he intends to revive it. YouTube comedian samay raina said, “I will bring back the show because it used to be fun making it.”
The original run of India’s Got Latent had been pulled down following widespread criticism and legal scrutiny over controversial remarks that went viral, prompting debates around content boundaries in India’s digital entertainment space. Raina later removed episodes and issued an apology, stepping back from major releases for a period.
His return now appears more measured, blending humour with reflection and signalling a creative reset. He also hinted that the next iteration of the show could be more raw and unfiltered, though details remain under wraps.
For fans, the takeaway is simple. The show that sparked both laughter and debate may be gearing up for a second act, with Raina ready to test the limits once again, this time with a sharper sense of where the lines lie.
