Bhubaneswar: Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant today unveiled ‘WAVES,’ the highly anticipated OTT platform from Prasar Bharati, during the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Marking its entry into the digital streaming arena, Doordarshan’s ‘WAVES’ seeks to blend nostalgia with innovation, offering a treasure trove of classic shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log alongside contemporary content. The platform’s expansive library caters to diverse tastes, providing news, documentaries, and regional programming in over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Innovative Features and Broad Appeal
The OTT platform sets itself apart with an array of features, including video-on-demand, live TV streaming of 65 channels, free-to-play gaming, radio streaming, and even online shopping through the ONDC-supported e-commerce integration. With content spanning more than 10 genres, WAVES positions itself as a comprehensive infotainment ecosystem.
The platform also champions young talent by showcasing graduation films from leading institutions like FTII and Annapurna Film and Media Studio. Aligning with IFFI’s emphasis on emerging filmmakers, WAVES will screen ‘Roll No. 52,’ a student film by Annapurna Film School alumni Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni.
Exclusive Content on WAVES
The platform boasts a stellar lineup, including ‘Fauji 2.0,’ a modern adaptation of Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic series, and ‘Kicking Balls,’ a sports drama produced by Oscar-winner Guneet Monga Kapoor. Other notable releases include the crime thriller ‘Jackson Halt’ and ‘Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge,’ a film themed on mobile sanitation.
Adding to its appeal, WAVES offers live-streaming events such as the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya and the Prime Minister’s monthly Mann Ki Baat. Starting November 22, it will broadcast the U.S. Premier League Cricket Tournament live.
Focus on Inclusivity and Innovation
The platform’s offerings include a variety of women-centric shows like Corporate Sarpanch and Dashmi, along with family dramas, thrillers, and animated programs such as Chhota Bheem and Akbar Birbal. A cybersecurity awareness campaign, launched in collaboration with CDAC and MeitY, is also part of its programming, featuring daily video messages and series like Cyber Crime ki Duniya.
Collaborations and Legacy Content
Government ministries and state departments have partnered with Prasar Bharati to co-develop impactful content. Highlights include a documentary on the 75th anniversary of the Supreme Court of India and rare archival content from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
A Leap into Digital Transformation
Designed with a user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility, WAVES marries Indian cultural ethos with modern digital aesthetics. By bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and modern streaming, the platform aims to engage both tech-savvy youth and older generations.
The launch of ‘WAVES’ signals a new chapter for Prasar Bharati, affirming its commitment to delivering a rich, inclusive, and technologically advanced viewing experience to audiences worldwide.