On November 21, 2024, Prasar Bharati, India’s state-owned public broadcaster, made a significant leap into the digital era with the launch of its Over-The-Top (OTT) platform, WAVES. Coinciding with World Television Day, the launch was announced at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, symbolizing a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

The platform was inaugurated by Goa’s Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside notable dignitaries such as Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of Information & Broadcasting, and Shri Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati.

What WAVES Brings to the Table

WAVES aims to redefine digital entertainment in India, combining nostalgic favorites with modern content across diverse genres and languages. The platform caters to an extensive audience with over 12 regional languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Assamese, offering content in more than 10 infotainment categories.

🔸Key Features:

- Video On Demand (VOD): Watch your favorite shows, movies, and series anytime.

- Free-to-Play Gaming: Integrated gaming options for interactive entertainment.

- Live TV Streaming: Access to 65 live TV channels, including Doordarshan and Akashvani.

- Radio Streaming: Tune into a variety of radio stations.

- E-commerce Integration: Shop online through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC).

- Support for Emerging Talent: WAVES showcases content from National Creator Awardees and student films from top institutions like FTII and Annapurna Film and Media Studio.

Exclusive Content and Events

WAVES features a mix of classic and modern programming to captivate a wide audience. Its library includes:

🔸Student Projects and Adaptations:

- Roll No. 52 – A student project from Annapurna Film and Media Studio.

- Fauji 2.0 – A modern retelling of the iconic 1980s Shah Rukh Khan series.

🔸Feature Films and Shows:

- Kicking Balls – Produced by Oscar-winner Guneet Monga Kapoor.

- Jackson Halt – A gripping crime thriller.

- Bharat Ka Amrit Kalash – A music reality show hosted by Kailash Kher.

🔸Live Events and Specials:

- Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya.

- Mann Ki Baat by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

- US Premier League Cricket Tournament live coverage.

🔸Regional and Animation Highlights:

- Women-centric films like Corporate Sarpanch and Dashmi.

- Popular animated series like Chhota Bheem and Doggy Adventure.

Government Collaborations and Special Programming:

WAVES leverages its connection with government ministries to offer meaningful and culturally rich programming, including:

- A documentary commemorating 75 years of the Supreme Court of India.

- Cinemas of India, an initiative by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC).

- Archival content curated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

The WAVES app is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. While a majority of the content is free, premium plans are available for those seeking an enhanced experience:

🔸Platinum Plan

Price: ₹999/year

Features: 1080p streaming, access on 4 devices, downloads, and live TV.

🔸Diamond Plan

Price: ₹350/year, ₹85 for 3 months, ₹30/month

Features: 720p streaming, access on 2 devices.

🔸Gold Plan:

Price: ₹350/year, ₹85 for 3 months, ₹30/month

Features: 480p streaming, access on 1 device.

Subscriptions can be purchased directly through the WAVES website (wavespb.com) as in-app payments are not yet supported.

A Revolution in Digital Streaming:

With its diverse offerings, WAVES is more than just a streaming platform—it’s a cultural phenomenon that bridges India’s rich legacy with cutting-edge digital trends. From empowering young creators to delivering a wide range of entertainment options, WAVES is poised to become a household name in the Indian OTT landscape.

Whether you’re in the mood for nostalgia or exploring fresh narratives, WAV

ES promises to deliver an unmatched streaming experience.