India’s public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, has made a significant leap into the digital entertainment space by launching its new over-the-top (OTT) platform, Waves. Announced on November 20, 2024, during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, the platform has been described as a game-changer for Indian entertainment, combining innovation with cultural preservation under the tagline “Waves – Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar.”
The event saw Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, unveiling the app, which he lauded for including regional and multilingual content, particularly Konkani programming, and its efforts to serve diverse audiences across India.
Waves: OTT Platform By Prasar Bharati
Waves has been configured to meet the varied demands of the masses by incorporating its offerings in 12 languages, including Hindi and English, Tamil, Marathi, and Assamese. From live TV channels to video-on-demand and even educational content, the site aspires to reach a user base across cities and villages.
Key features include:
- 65 live TV channels, offering uninterrupted access to news, entertainment, and cultural programs.
- Video-on-demand, with exclusive films and shows.
- Free-to-play games add a layer of interactivity for users of all ages.
- Online shopping, in partnership with ONDC, enables users to access e-commerce services.
Additionally, Waves offers exclusive programming for IFFI 2024, including:
- ‘Roll No. 52’, starring Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni.
- ‘Fauji 2.0’, featuring Gauhar Khan.
- ‘Kicking Balls’, produced by Guneet Monga Kapoor.
For younger audiences, the app includes popular animated shows like Chhota Bheem and educational films created in collaboration with institutions like FTII and Annapurna Film School.
Waves Subscription Plans
Waves provides a variety of subscription options to suit different preferences:
- Platinum Plan: Rs 999/year for Ultra HD streaming, unlimited access to all content, and support for streaming on up to 4 devices.
- Diamond Plan: Rs 350/year for HD content, live TV, movies, and radio, available on up to 2 devices.
- Gold Plan: Rs 30/month for Standard Definition content, live TV, and radio access, available on a single device.
Driving Inclusivity And Accessibility
Another area in which Waves keeps up with the Digital India mission is bridging the digital divide. From distant rural corners, BharatNet, the government’s rural broadband initiative, has connected them and given them access to the Waves.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, underlined how the app makes content more democratized. He remarked, “Waves is a milestone that reflects our commitment to inclusivity, education, and cultural preservation.”
Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, called the platform a “one-stop hub” for family-friendly entertainment, education, and cultural enrichment.
Empowering Young Creators
A unique move by Waves would be to support young and emerging talent and collaborate with young content creators and National Creator Awardees, such as Kamiya Jani or RJ Raunac, while offering a platform for showcasing student films and creative works and building a bridge between creators and the audience, further enriching its diverse offerings.
The platform also integrates social awareness campaigns, such as a cybersecurity initiative in collaboration with CDAC, making Waves more than just an entertainment app.
How To Access Waves
Downloading the Waves OTT app is simple:
- Apple users can download it from the App Store.
A Step Toward Modern Entertainment Trends
The Waves OTT app by Prasar Bharati is a bold step forward for India in its entertainment landscape. Multilingual content, modern technology, and cultural heritage appeal to the widest spectrum of audiences, including urban tech-savvy users as well as rural communities.
It promises engaging content while making the app create opportunities for inclusiveness, education, and creativity. With Waves, Prasar Bharati proves that the future of Indian entertainment lies in bridging tradition with innovation.
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