India's Public Broadcaster Launches Own OTT Platform 'Waves' to Revolutionize Family Entertainment

In an effort to revitalize India's entertainment industry, Prasar Bharati, the country's public broadcaster, has successfully launched its own OTT platform, "Waves," on Wednesday. The app, available on Android and iOS devices, aims to deliver diverse content under the tagline "Waves - Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar".

With a significant presence across 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Assamese, "Waves" offers an array of content genres, such as infotainment, gaming, education, and shopping. The platform features a total of 65 live TV channels, video-on-demand services, free-to-play games, and online shopping.

At the launch ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goan Chief Minister Pramod Sawant expressed his excitement over the diverse range of content offered by "Waves", highlighting the platform's significance for rural audiences. The state-of-the-art OTT platform aims to bridge the digital media and entertainment divide by providing access to a vast content library via BharatNet.

According to Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, "Waves" is designed as a 'one-stop hub' for family-friendly entertainment, education, and shopping. The OTT platform has been developed with clean content in mind, catering to families, kids, and youth alike while showcasing India's rich cultural heritage.

CEO Gaurav Dwivedi announced that the platform aims to support young creators by providing them an opportunity to showcase their work. "We've partnered with film schools like FTII and Annapurna for student films," he added.

The first phase of offerings includes prominent films like 'Roll No.52' starring Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, 'Fauji 2.0' starring Gauhar Khan. Wave will also screen new movies, music shows, animations like "Chota Bheem", crime thrillers, live TV channels, video-on-demand services, free-to-play games, and online shopping.

The platform has partnered with CDAC for a cyber-security awareness campaign and aims to make its audience aware about the importance of digital media in building a secure online world.