Pasar Bharati Launches India's First Public OTT Platform 'Waves', Offers Family Entertainment

Goa, December 6: Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster, has officially launched its own Over-the-Top (OTT) platform, Waves, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), marking a significant milestone in the Indian entertainment industry. Available on both Android and iOS platforms, Waves aims to bring diverse content under one roof for family-friendly entertainment.

The app is set to disrupt the OTT market with its unique tagline "Waves - Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar," offering an extensive range of content in over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Assamese. The platform features live TV channels, video-on-demand services, free-to-play games, shopping features, and educational content.

Speaking at the launch event, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called Waves a "significant step" in the Indian entertainment industry, highlighting its diverse range of content. Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, described Waves as a "one-stop hub" for family-friendly entertainment, education, and shopping.

The platform aims to support young creators by partnering with film schools like FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) and offering exclusive content opportunities. Currently, Waves is screening new films and shows during IFFI 2024, including 'Roll No.52', 'Fauji 2.0', and 'Kicking Balls'.

CEO Gaurav Dwivedi mentioned that Waves will provide clean content for families, kids, and youth while showcasing India's rich cultural heritage. Live content includes 'Mann Ki Baat', Ayodhya's Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti, and international events like the US Premier League Cricket Tournament.

As a step towards digital inclusivity, Waves has partnered with CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) to launch a cyber-security awareness campaign.