Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant officially launched ‘WAVES,’ the Over-The-Top (OTT) platform of Prasar Bharati, at the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The event also witnessed the presence of Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, alongside other distinguished dignitaries.
Marking a significant step in its digital evolution, Doordarshan, India’s iconic public broadcaster, introduced WAVES to meet the growing demand for streaming services. This platform combines the nostalgia of classic programming, such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log, with modern infotainment. Alongside its extensive library of timeless content, WAVES features news, documentaries, and regional programming, appealing to a diverse audience base across generations.
WAVES positions itself as a bridge between traditional television and contemporary digital trends, leveraging Doordarshan’s trusted legacy to cater to tech-savvy youth and nostalgic older viewers.
WAVES aims to showcase “Inclusive India” stories with an international perspective. It supports over 12 languages, including Hindi, English, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and Punjabi, while spanning 10+ genres of infotainment. Features include video-on-demand, live TV streaming, radio services, and free-to-play gaming. The platform also integrates e-commerce through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).
To encourage innovation among young creators, WAVES has partnered with National Creator Awardees like Kamiya Jani, RJ Raunac, and Shraddha Sharma. Additionally, it provides a platform for graduation films from film institutes such as FTII and Annapurna College of Film and Media.
Several exclusive shows and films will be screened on WAVES during IFFI, including Roll No. 52, a student film from Annapurna Film and Media Studio; Fauji 2.0, a modern adaptation of the iconic 1980s series starring Shah Rukh Khan; and Kicking Balls, directed by Oscar-winner Guneet Monga Kapoor.
The platform includes live broadcasts of major events, such as the Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya and Mann Ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. WAVES is also set to stream the upcoming US Premier League Cricket Tournament live starting November 22, 2024.
In a unique initiative, WAVES will launch a cybersecurity awareness campaign with daily videos created in collaboration with CDAC, MeitY. Fictionalized programs like Cyber Crime Ki Duniya and Cyber Alert are also part of the lineup.
WAVES boasts a rich collection of family dramas, thrillers, and animation, including Thode Door Thode Paas, Monkey King: The Hero is Back, Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash, and popular children’s shows like Chhota Bheem and Tenaliram. Live channels such as Doordarshan, Akashvani, and private networks across genres ensure an expansive range of programming.
In partnership with various ministries, WAVES hosts exclusive content such as the 75th-anniversary documentary of the Supreme Court of India and rare archival footage provided by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of External Affairs, and others.
With its intuitive user interface, cross-platform compatibility, and curated playlists, WAVES combines modern aesthetics with Indian cultural ethos. The platform is set to redefine digital entertainment by blending tradition with innovation.
Dr. Sawant’s launch of WAVES signifies a major milestone for Prasar Bharati, offering a comprehensive infotainment ecosystem to meet the evolving demands of India’s digital audience.(PR)