MUMBAI: Time spent in lockdown would have a whole lot worse if it weren’t for the countless streaming platforms that we had at our disposal. They made us laugh, they made us cry and made us go through every possible emotion under the sun. From being one of the many mediums that we chose to consume content, OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ALTBalaji, etc became the de-facto place where audiences spanning across the length and breadth of the country binge-watched like there is no tomorrow. With just a few days left for the year, we look back and list down the top 5 streaming platforms of the year who stole the show with their Indian/Hindi offerings.
Netflix
While the platform gave the world a host of international blockbuster shows this year, their Indian originals didn’t feature too far behind. Each one of them shed light on an interesting concept that was brought out via an engaging storytelling style. As always, Netflix focused on what the narrative has to offer audiences and gave audiences a host of diverse shows like Jamtara, She, Taj Mahal 1989, Bad Boy Billionaires, Bhaag Beanie Bhaag. And yes, who can forget Indian Matchmaking, which puts Seema Taparia on the world map and Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives that gave us a taste of the glitz and glamour of B-town. With such fun—tastic shows on offer, Netflix and Chill will be a perennial mood.
Amazon Prime Video
Inarguably, the trendsetters of the year as they became the very first streaming platform to commence the direct-to-digital release trend with Gulaabo Sitaabo. Add to that, each one of their Originals garnered a never-seen-before frenzy amongst netizens who waited for these shows for months. While Paatal Lok shook one to their very core, one couldn’t help but smile and as they watched Panchayat and the second season of Pushpavalli. No prizes for guessing that Mirzapur 2 was the most-awaited sequel of the year and very much lived up to the hype. All in all, a fantastic year for APV.
ALTBalaji
Known for its unique shows and storytelling, ALTBalaji, the king of Hindi originals, kick started the year on a major tempo with one of its most spoken about shows Mentalhood that saw Karisma Kapoor debut OTT and steal the limelight. A story that was different, yet as real as ever, Mentalhood spoke about Moms of various personalities and won the hearts of millions around the globe. The other noteworthy show was the action thriller Code M based on army, starring Jennifer Winget that had the viewers cracking the code with the leads making the show win viewers and critics awards. The platform also engaged audiences with Baarish Season 2, Bebaakee Season 1, Mum Bhai and Dark 7 White. Such was the fandom around Bicchoo Ka Khel, one of ALTBalaji’s top shows, that the book went into reprint pist show launch and Divyendu go applauded as OTT superstar, giving us entertainment worth its money. Interesting anecdote, ALTBalaji also launched some great soundtracks like 'Bichhua', 'Laal peeli ankhiyaan', 'Galliyaan' 'Intehaan' to name a few this year. Overall 2020 proved ALTBalaji as the one stop destination for mainstream Hindi originals.
ZEE5
With more than 60 Originals to their name, it was raining content at ZEE5. The best part is that it wasn’t just the quantity that did the talking, but the quality of their shows as well. The one’s that you simply can’t afford to miss out on are Churails, Taish, Abhay 2 and Never Kiss Your Bestfriend. 2020 was just the beginning and we’re much more than sure that ZEE5 is all set to make 2021 bigger and better with their array of diverse Originals. Considering what we’ve seen this year, the best is yet to come.
Disney+Hotstar
While they have each one of us hooked to our screens when it comes to sports and Disney +, their Indian Originals this year made sure that we clicked the play button. The standout shows amongst them being the Sushmita Sen-starrer Aarya, Hostages 2 and Special Ops. With their library of content set to increase next year, we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. Rest assured, it’ll be nothing but the best.
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