iWorld
Telugu OTT platform Aha announces content slate for 2021
KOLKATA: After a grand Diwali event with Allu Arjun in November, Telugu OTT platform Aha continues with its orange wave of entertainment by bringing forth its 2021 programming line-up featuring 52 originals.
Helmed by the finest filmmakers from the Telugu industry, the content slate will range from blockbuster movies, original web shows, talk shows, and docudramas across multiple genres, targeting global Telugu-speaking from various demographics. Through this, Aha, currently with 7 million app downloads, will serve its strong user base of over 20 million with one of the most innovative and diverse Telugu content libraries in the country.
Previosuly, Aha brought in superstar Allu Arjun on board as its brand ambassador, along with esteemed directors Sukumar, Harish Shankar, Surender Reddy, Vamshi Paidipally, Nandini Reddy, Praveen Sattaru, Dr Sailesh, Pawan Kumar,VenuUdugula, Sudheer Varma, Sagar Chandra, Ranga Yali, Vidya Sagar, Uday Gurrala, Pranav Pingle Reddy and Pallavi Gangireddy amongst others, to team up with eminent actors from the industry. Furthermore, the platform also recently launched the massive talk show Sam Jam hosted by star actor Samantha Akkineni, The Viral Fever (TVF)'s original web series Permanent Roommates’ Telugu remake CommitMental, Maa Vintha Gaadha Vinuma, Anaganaga O Athidhi as its festive offering this Diwali, which opened to a huge response from audience and critics alike.
Coming soon are some of the most-awaited projects like 11th Hour which features actress Tamannaah Bhatia making her debut in the OTT space; well-known producer Swapna Dutt’s Kambalapalli Kathalu, Baahubali producers Arka Media’s Anya’s Tutorial, Sooper Over, Maidanam, Maze, Beyond Textbook, Kudi Yedamaithe, In the Name of God, Thodelu, Rudraveena and Qubool Hai, amongst others.
Aha promoter Ramu Rao Jupally said, “In a short span of time, aha has grown to be recognised as a gamechanger in the Telugu entertainment industry. Today, the OTT industry is one of the fastest-growing markets which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 28.6 percent for the next four years as per the PwC report. With over 50 million Telugu content consumers across both Telugu states, we believe the market potential is huge. We are confident that the line-up featuring the biggest names in the industry will offer our audiences to enjoy through relatable and entertaining content.”
Going from strength to strength, Aha is counted amongst the fastest-growing OTT platforms in India. On the back of offerings that can be enjoyed by one and all, Aha will ensure that its content in the coming year keeps viewers entertained.
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
