iWorld
Zee5 Global unveils new content line-up for January
KOLKATA: Leading OTT Zee5 Global has unveiled a line-up of fresh content to kickstart the new year with a bang.
Raising the curtains on 2021 on 1 January, the much-anticipated Zee5 Original Nail Polish takes viewers on a hypnotic journey of the uncertainties of the human mind. Nail Polish features an ensemble cast including Arjun Rampal, Manav Kaul, Ranjit Kapoor, and Anand Tiwari.
On 7 January, a satirical comedy Kaagaz will narrate the story of a man who fought for his life for 19 years after being declared dead by a group of people keen to take over his assets. Starring the epitome of versatility, Pankaj Tripathi in the lead role, Zee5 original Kaagaz is directed by Satish Kaushik and is one of the most anticipated releases of 2021.
Zee5 second Bangladeshi original What The Fry is set to premiere on 9 January. Directed by National Award-winning director Anam Biswas, What The Fry is a heart-warming tale of a suicidal film star who meets a simple guy and finds a deeper meaning to life. The show is free to watch for viewers in Bangladesh.
Under its pay-per-view vertical Plex, Zee5 Global is set to release two digital-first blockbuster films. Premiering on 13 January, the comedy-drama Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari will take viewers back to the 90’s, before the social media era, where a wedding detective performs background checks on prospective grooms. The movie features some of the most acclaimed actors of the industry including Manoj Bajpayee, Diljit Dosanj and Fatima Sana Shaikh.
On 14 January, another comedy-drama Biskoth will drop, with two prolific stars of the Tamil film industry – Santhanam and Tara Alisha.
On 22 January, the platform will release a gripping original Jeet Ki Zid. An Amit Sadh starrer, the series is based on a true story of grit, determination and the military. It’s the tale of a soldier whose never give-up attitude helps him overcome tough challenges and turn the impossible into possible.
Yet another action-packed Original, this time from Zee5-Alt Balaji combine, Bang Bang will premiere on 26 January. Shot in the picturesque landscape of Maharashtra, it is a high-octane thriller starring Ruhi Singh, Faisal Sheikh amongst others.
Popular Tamil serial Singa Penne will return to Zee5, continuing the story of a girl who falls in love with a boy in the armed forces and decides to cross every hurdle to join the army herself. The second part of Singa Penne season one premieres on India’s Republic Day – 26 January.
Lastly, on 27 January, Zee5 Global will stream its new TV show, Teri Meri Ek Jindri, encompassing the lives of two young lovers against the backdrop of Punjab. The new Zee TV romantic show is based on the evergreen mantra that opposites attract.
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
