Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, unveiled its OTT platform ‘Waves’ on Wednesday.
The app, accessible on both Android and iOS, promises a variety of content with the tagline "Waves - Family Entertainment Ki Nayi Lehar."
The platform was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the opening ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), marking a pivotal milestone for the Indian entertainment industry.
According to a press release from Waves, the Chief Minister said, "I am very happy to see the diverse range of content on the platform, including films and content across languages, especially Konkani."
'Waves' provides a diverse range of content in more than 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, and Assamese, spanning genres like infotainment, gaming, education, and shopping. The platform includes 65 live TV channels, video-on-demand services, free-to-play games, and online shopping integrated with ONDC.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, the Ministry of I&B, said, "Waves OTT is a significant step in the government's Digital India vision. It bridges the digital media and entertainment divide by providing rural audiences access to content via BharatNet."
CEO Gaurav Dwivedi highlighted that the OTT platform is dedicated to nurturing emerging talent. "It opens its platform to content creators like National Creator Awardees Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, and others. We've also partnered with film schools like FTII and Annapurna for student films,"he said.
During IFFI 2024, 'Waves' will premiere new films and shows such as Roll No. 52 by Nagarjuna and Amala Akkineni, Fauji 2.0 featuring Gauhar Khan, and Guneet Monga Kapoor's Kicking Balls. The platform’s diverse lineup also includes music programs, animated series like Chhota Bheem, and gripping crime thrillers.
Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, stated that 'Waves' has been created to serve as a comprehensive destination for family-focused entertainment, learning, and shopping. He said that,"It provides clean content for families, kids, and youth while showcasing India's rich cultural heritage."
