iWorld
“This is just the start”: Anshuman Misraa on Reelies’ explosive growth
MUMBAI: Reelies isn’t just dipping its toes into the entertainment scene—it’s doing a full cannonball. On 17 February, Anshuman Misraa dropped a LinkedIn update that made waves, revealing that Reelies has skyrocketed to 120K customer sign-ups, launched six binge-worthy series, and gained a fiercely loyal Instagram following of 24.4K. If that wasn’t impressive enough, Contract Marriage has racked up a jaw-dropping 3.5 million views, while Reelies’ Instagram page has amassed a staggering 37 million impressions in just 90 days. Talk about a vertical takeoff!
“This is just the start”, Misraa declared. And if these numbers are any indication, he’s absolutely right.
Reelies is not just another streaming app; it’s the snackable content revolution your scrolling thumb deserves. Offering short drama videos and vertical web series, Reelies ensures you get gripping entertainment without the hassle of flipping your phone sideways. Whether you’re into heart-fluttering romances, nail-biting thrillers, or laugh-out-loud comedies, it’s all served up in bite-sized portions. Available on Android and Ios, the app delivers on-demand streaming with a lightning-fast, user-friendly interface and unlimited original content—because why settle for long and boring when you can have short and addictive content?
“In an exclusive phone interview with Indiantelevision.com, Misraa shared insights on Reelies’ rapid growth, future innovations, and the impact of his viral LinkedIn update.”
Edited excerpts from the call
Misraa shared that on average, viewers spend about nine minutes a day watching Reelies’ short dramas. “It’s quick, impactful, and keeps them hooked before their next scroll”, he said. While Reelies enjoys a global presence, India remains its stronghold, accounting for nearly 95 per cent of its audience. “We’ve tapped into a format that resonates deeply with Indian audiences, and it’s paying off,” he added.
When it comes to influencer power, Reelies isn’t playing small. The platform has already launched eight series featuring a roster of influencers with a combined Instagram following of 150 million. “We’re bringing back Riyaz Ali, who has 27.7 million followers, for another show”, Misraa revealed. Jaswant Bopanna is also set to return, while new faces Akriti Negi, Ratan from Chandigarh, and Shagun Sharma are joining the lineup. “We’re constantly scouting for fresh talent who bring new energy to our platform”, he added.
Reelies is a full-fledged creative powerhouse, handling all production in-house. With a dedicated team of writers, directors, producers, and crew, every project is crafted with complete creative control. “Everything is done internally to ensure the highest quality and consistency,” Misraa noted.
And if you’re wondering where the money is coming from—no, there are no big investors pulling the strings. Reelies is entirely self-funded, with Misraa personally backing the venture. “We are completely bootstrapped, with all investments coming from my personal funds,” he confirmed.
Unlike traditional platforms, Reelies isn’t looking to integrate with other players. The vertical storytelling format is a unique space, and Misraa believes Reelies is pioneering Indian short-form drama in this space. “This is a separate category; vertical storytelling operates differently from traditional horizontal video platforms,” he explained.
As for competition, Misraa isn’t worried. “In India, we are the first to launch a dedicated vertical short-drama platform. Others may be planning similar concepts, but we have already established our presence and are moving forward. Internationally, competition exists, but we are pioneering Indian short-form drama production.”
Road ahead
Reelies has ambitious expansion plans, with a goal of producing 50 series within the first year—all in-house. Currently, the Reelies app is the sole distribution platform, with no plans for syndication. Growth has been driven by organic strategies and a lean marketing budget. “Our focus is on leveraging social media to expand our reach. We are targeting over one million downloads within the next six months while keeping customer acquisition costs low,” Misraa concluded.
Looking back on the early days, Misraa highlighted the rigorous efforts to fine-tune Reelies’ storytelling format. “We have even developed our own ‘Bible’ to train writers on how to create & produce content in this unique format,” he said. He credited his seasoned production team for smooth execution but stressed the critical role of writing. “Writing is the foundation of everything. It’s the key to making this format work.”
Misraa isn’t pulling off this entertainment coup alone. Backing him are co-founders Anshumaali Jha and Mridul Toolsidass. Toolsidass, a writer-director and National Award winner for Toolsidass Jr. in 2022, injects serious creative firepower into Reelies. With a dream team like this, Reelies isn’t just redefining short-form entertainment in India—it’s flipping the script entirely. And if the last 90 days are anything to go by, this rollercoaster is just picking up speed.
(Story updated at 8pm)
iWorld
JioStar revenue hits Rs 9,784 crore as cricket fuels 22 per cent growth
A surge in digital viewership and sports dominance fuels a blockbuster quarter for the media giant
MUMBAI: JioStar is batting on a flat pitch. The media titan’s fourth-quarter results for the financial year 2026 reveal a business scaling new heights, propelled by an unprecedented appetite for premium sports and digital-first storytelling.
Gross revenue for the quarter soared by 22.15 per cent to Rs 9,784 crore, up from Rs 8,010 crore in the third quarter. Operationally, the momentum was equally strong; revenue from operations climbed 21 per cent to Rs 8,372 crore. These figures underscore the firm’s successful integration following the Reliance and Disney merger, creating a dominant force in the Indian market.
The annual performance has been nothing short of a spectacle. Full-year gross revenue reached a massive Rs 36,248 crore, while annual profit after tax hit Rs 3,210 crore. This rapid expansion reflects JioStar’s ability to capture and monetise the massive growth in India’s media consumption.
Cricket proved to be the ultimate growth engine. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and TATA IPL 2026 delivered “record-breaking viewership” across both television and digital screens. The World Cup final alone drew a global peak concurrency of 72.5 million on JioHotstar, cementing its status as the nation’s premier streaming destination. On television, JioStar maintained a commanding 34.2 per cent viewership share, reaching a staggering 810 million viewers nationwide.
The digital numbers were just as impressive. JioHotstar averaged 500 million monthly active users, driven by consistent subscriber growth and innovative AI-led content discovery tools. These advancements are ensuring that JioStar remains at the cutting edge of the global “Race for Attention.”
With a firm grip on the country’s most valuable sporting rights and a rapidly growing digital footprint, JioStar is perfectly positioned for the future. It has built the ultimate content powerhouse—one that is ready to dominate the Indian living room for years to come.
