OTT Best Hindi Web Series on Hotstar or ‘Over the Top’ platforms are the recent invention in technology that has transformed the way entertainment is available to people. Essentially, it refers to accessing movies and TV content through the internet rather than through cable or satellite. Some such platforms are in high use worldwide, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Hotstar, etc. The growing number of platforms is a testament to the popularity and success of this new way of broadcasting content and media. The coronavirus pandemic has further helped, in adding to their growth by virtue of providing movies online, as access to the theatres has become more restricted.
India joined in on the trend in 2008 when Reliance Entertainment released Big Flix, becoming the first OTT provider in India. Consequently, the OTT platforms have now grown in number throughout the country, with people using both global and nation-specific OTT platforms to gain access to entertainment, based on their personal choices.
Here are a few favorites:
1. Disney Hotstar
The Star India-owned Disney + Hotstar offers streaming video in India. It belongs to the Walt Disney Company, India as a subsidiary. With two paid membership plans, “Super,” which concentrates on domestic programming and sports material, and “Premium,” which features foreign films and TV shows, it consistently ranks at the top of lists of the best OTT platforms in India with the most subscribed users, i.e., 43 million subscribers, is in India itself! Want to indulge in sports and watch IPL or the best Hindi web series on Hotstar? Or are you in the mood for some typical Indian household drama? Or maybe you’re a Game of Thrones or Marvel fan? Disney Hotstar easily meets all such needs at once. Making up 29% of all viewership, it is safe to say that Hotstar has succeeded in successfully conquering the OTT market in India.
2. Netflix
Do we even need to introduce this platform? If there is a need to credit any one platform for the rise in OTT platforms worldwide, it has to be Netflix undeniably. This is an American-owned OTT, founded in 1997. In 2016, it launched in America and provides subscription-based streaming services. It came to India in 2018 and its success can be owed to the fact, that it provides exceptional quality media content. For instance, it has some of the best originals (popularly known as Netflix Originals) in movies and series such as Stranger Things, Sacred Games, and Orange is the New Black.
3. Amazon Prime
It is once again an American OTT platform, and a close competitor to Netflix, having 10 million subscribers in India. That was launched in 2016 and since then has taken the market by storm. It is especially known for its prime originals, such as Palatal Lok, Made in Heaven, Goliath, and other comedy shows. Apart from this, users can enjoy both Hollywood and Bollywood movies produced by Amazon Studios. What makes it special is that it has a cool interface, and not only shows subtitles. But also has a screen character guide. Furthermore, Prime is now available in six Indian languages, expanding its reach to a wide variety of audiences. With the e-commerce platform’s Prime membership, which also grants access to e-books, unlimited free and rapid delivery, special offers and discounts, and Amazon Prime Music, the subscription to Prime Video is free.
4. Zee 5
It is a streaming platform owned by Zee Network and was established in 2018. it’s available in 12 Indian languages. Subscribers can enjoy a diverse range of content from Zee Network as well as shows, news, and movies. It even has originals including the likes of popular shows such as Kumkum Bhagya, Kundali Bhagya, and much more. Zee5 makes use of its collaboration with ALTBalaji, whose unique content (movies, TV series, and specials) is made available to ZEE5 subscribers for free. Due to its TV content from the past, Zee 5, one of the fastest-growing OTT services, has a devoted following. There is also a tonne of local television programs and films.
5. Sony Liv
Founded in 2013 and based in Mumbai, it is an Indian OTT owned by Sony Pictures Networks India Pvt. Ltd. What makes it special is that 18 years’ worth of programming from the Sony Entertainment Network channels in India, including Sony TV, Sony SAB, Sony Ten, Sony Max, Sony MAX 2, Sony PIX, and Sony Six, are included in Sony Liv’s Library. Their most popular shows include Kaun Banega Crorepati, Indian Idol, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and Crime Patrol, to name a few. We can not only live stream sports events but it also has Animax!
Fun fact: The Hindi version of the popular movie Passengers, starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, features music composed by Sony Liv, the first OTT media service platform in India to do so.
6. Voot
A platform for watching TV shows and movies online through video-on-demand. Viacom is 18’s digital platform and hosts all shows aired on Viacom 18 television channels. It consists of shows aired on Colors, MTV, and VH1 across varied languages. To access the OTT platform, a subscription plan of Rs. 299 is required, which was initially free. The best part is that it has movies and kids exclusives too! Not only can we watch all Colors TV serial episodes live. In addition, users are able to access unseen footage from popular shows like Biggboss and cartoons. ‘Asur’ is the most viewed and popular original TV series in Voot Select.
7. ALTBalaji
OTT is owned by Balaji Telefilms. It has 34 million users and claims to have one of the media libraries in country. They offer original content (mostly 18+) in a variety of Indian languages, including drama, romance, criminal, thriller, and much more. Karle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, Dil Hi To Hai, It Happened In Calcutta, etc are a few popular ones. What’s more, a few select movies and shows are available cost-free!
There is a show for everyone on ALTBalaji, from college students to professionals with families, with stories from different worlds. Genres include thrillers, mysteries, crime, drama, comedy, and romance.
